Refresh, Renew, Restore and Relax

I finally got to hang my thrifted frames that were intended for the half- bath down the main floor of the house but, as usual and because I am ME--- it never happened.

So for a whole year it sat sadly waiting to be hanged--- no pun intended. But alas, yesterday I had the willpower to do so but in the main bathroom upstairs. First, because I am not ready to peel the stickies I used at the other bathroom and second because I have nothing else to hang in this so empty space. In short--- for a short time. But then again, it's ME so you might see this for a very long time. Lol

AND if you notice a frame out of line, please do not leave a comment or shoot me an email. That's the way I roll--- I just eyeball , no tape measure or linear bar. Who needs those when you are in a rush or if you are the best? I am such a good home maker, ha? Insert sarcasm here. 😂

Josh And Pictures

I always remind the kids to smile when I am taking pictures. These kids, they run as fast as they can whenever they see me pointing the camera to them. That was then, this is now. Lol. They are well trained.

Josh always willingly pose for me. He flashes the most beautiful smile every time. I picked him up from school today and since he will be leaving this school soon, I asked if I can take iPhone photos and he obliged.
Enjoy!

Today with my Bunso- Josh

I love this little boy so much. He is now 10 but still so cuddly and clingy to me--- which I love. I fear the day when he stops kissing me and sleeping with me. Oh boy!

Marisol's Baby Shower

Alright, happy spring everyone! I'm not gonna lie, we did not plan a cool " spring showers, baby showers" kind of thing. It just happened. The baby shower has been postponed for so many times I can't believe it was still a success. Friends we expected to share with the new parents' joy were still able to make it and we made some new friends.

As you all know, I have 2 great girlfriends here in Boston. What makes them any different than all my other friends? Well, we have that special bond and connection where it seems impossible to have in this busy world considering how busy we all are. Our " geng" have beautiful and successful women and I love them all so dearly. Shout out to all of you my " geng". Marisol and Girlie are my best friends here, we don't compete, we encourage each other. We make each other laugh yet we can talk for hours for absolutely nothing! Like, NOTHING. Yet, nothing seems impossible when we start planning!

Enough with my misdirected mushy-ness? Is that a word? Today in this blog it is. Anyway, Sol and her equally lovable and trusted dear husband Eric have been trying to conceive for the longest time. The many years of enduring pain- emotionally and physically were both painful to see as it is disheartening to talk about. So imagine our joy when once again we found out they are expecting! It was a "controlled" joy because we know how they have been through that, only to be disappointed. I know we all prayed. Really hard. I was both happy and hopeful. I know how much both wanted this baby but I also know the pain they both had to go through. So, each day I prayed. I prayed for both their safety and strength. I just know that this baby would be so much loved! The waiting is killing all of us but finally, the time came to rejoice because the " frightful" stage is over.

Anyways, for the baby shower, I wanted to make it special and overly girly! I planned a pink and purple motif and I loved how it turned out--- if I may say so myself.  Girlie ( that's Helen Grace to you, non-regular readers of the blog), was in-charge of food and I was in charge of the decors. Ooooh, I so loved it.

Since it was already Spring ( if you are in doubt, check the snow pile outside, ha!), I changed the curtains also and kinda went from there.

Here's the rest of the decor details and as I said, I felt really happy. The colors were great, the fun of putting it all together and the kids involvement---priceless. I'll show you a lot of photos but believe me, there were more cameras as giggles and hugs the whole time.

First off, aren't  these hanging pompoms so adorable in all shades of pink? I love it!

 I also added paper fans as you can see from the picture below but notice the amazing cake me and Josh baked---topped with the daintiest decors---- fairy ballerinas! What's prettier than fairies and ballerinas? Fairy ballerinas, of course!

 But i think the best seller of the day were these pretty tutus I bought for the baby when she grows up but I incorporated it to the decor because 1. they  were so darn pretty and 2. I always want things with some meaning--not random. I am sure Sol can easily buy these in the future but it makes for better storytelling and nostalgia if it was part of the baby's life from the beginning, right? How's that for mushy-ness, ha?

I also found these hangers which I thought were soooo cute! Those little gift tags were reused for guests to write messages for the baby.

 As they say---it's in the details. So to complete the look, I tied the curtains with this cutesy ribbons. Adorable, ha?

Here's what I did as a centerpiece. I incorporated all the fundamental designs I wanted---pink, purple, E for Erikka, those cutesy ribbons and of course that American girl picture frame. Instead of the baby pictures though, we inserted some pretty cardboard papers and Josh wrote messages for Erikka.

 

 Another corner of the house was also filled with these lemon filled cupcakes topped with creamy pink icing. Oh love!

 What's a girl's party without pink balloons? We got tons and then used them as our "popping" balloons  during game time.

Daddy-to-be is excited

 Alright, that's it for now folks. Next post will be the party and all the special people who came to celebrate. Don't miss out on that! Watch out for part 2!

Philippine Election 2013 at the Llaga Household

While watching TFC, I saw some partial and unofficial results and exclaimed a sigh of disbelief.

Josh: why, who would you like to vote?
Me: ( just noticed he was paying attention) uhhhm, just that number 4 is ridiculous!
Josh: who, Bee-Nehy?
Me: ( looks at him funny)
Josh: oh, I know, I know-- Bee-Naaay--- just like you call Lola Nah-Naaaay. Am I right?
Me:yes!

See, we are so socially responsible letting our children watch elections--- lol.

On a more serious note, we do drive around the city when there is local election here in Massachusetts so they know what's going on and quite often, we talk about politics and its effect in society. Even more, I let them know why there is no school during observed holidays such as Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Thanksgiving.

Back to Philippine election, I hope no life is wasted or the voice of the people prevails this time and not another frustrating one.

Brag Day

Hear ye! Hear ye!
Look! AND... He was surprised I opened the door when he came home from school. Life is sweet! Mr. Hubbs and I are truly blessed and proud. He is Citizen of the month for Responsibility! Ha! Beat that! Happy Friday everyone!

Brag Day

Oh yeah! High honors again! My little princess maintained it despite her struggling and giving me grieve!

Just so you know, Chris is still in Distinction.

More importantly, check out the teachers' comments!

Brag Day

It seems I can't really do a series. I started calling at Monday Brag Day but my "mommybragging" day is so inconsistent I decided (today, LOL) to just call it Brag Day. So when i write on any day of the week, it's ok. Please forgive me.

So, last Thursday, KC came home with this.

My KC is such a role model.

Ultimately, my goal is for my kids to be good citizens and good children of God.  It seems KC is heading to the right direction. Hope you all have a great day!

Happiness

Happiness is having these kids in my life. Happy Thursday.

About Time

Let's get this out of the way before anything: I am doing this to end it all, if this be my last piece, let it be.

Now, on with my response. There are so many ways to answer this but let me do the bullet point type because i do not want to deviate from the topic. I will only answer what is stated.

I'm not supposed to say anything about the posts concerning my mother and my aunt because I know that my mother would not approve of me joining something as controversial as this and I'm not ma I just want to clear things up because I don't care what they say about you and tita gina.I love you both no matter what mistakes you have made in the past that they seem to have gone out of their way to bring up again.

My dear, your mother and tita posted first. Truth. Ask everyone who will tell you the truth. Review the posts. My profile is in Public mode. Then honestly answer yourself. If after that you still feel the same way, it should. She is your mama after all. But, use your brains. 

But some of those posts made my sister cry, and NO ONE makes my sister cry(except me). 

This is sad. Kids should never cry because of their mother's wrongdoing. Or ill-manners for that matter. 'Nuff said. Console your sister and tell her that what transpired should make her a better woman and not put her down. After all, she has YOU to emulate. Unfortunately, your mother is so NOT  worth emulating. 

Now let me set your statements straight. I saw a post(yup I checked on the so-called negative posts but just out of curiosity) I couldn't care less about them saying negative things about my family because it's not important. I know my family is not perfect but I wouldn't trade them for any price. 

My dear, maybe you should not be on FB. Intelligent as you are, according to your mama, you know there are dangers lurking and as your Tita and mama said, " there will always be opinions and comments that you should readily take because you posted them online."Yup,  no one is perfect. Not my family, not yours. I would never say mine is, moreso with yours. I know some truths that would invalidate that if you were to state otherwise.

Nothing is more disturbing than waking up in the morning with your mom telling you that your sister cried herself to sleep because she could not bear people saying bad things about our mother.

There is something more disturbing. Wanna know? Having a mother like yours. A mother who likes to laugh at other people yet, when confronted, cowardly go under the " it was never  you, i never named you, mangan sili magasangan route." What a pity. Yes, what you described is disturbing, but it is your mother's doing. Want to see the "disturbing" side it created? Maybe not. But let me tell you a bit. It hurt me, my husband and family. Don't be silly, you know the truth. Seek answers elsewhere where no one will blindside you. Ask your other family members. The truth hurts. It hurts both ways.

 I am the "ate" i have to turn the other cheek.But I can't. I read a post where it said "kaasi kami kanu nga annak ni Carmelita Co" well let me just correct you right there you CANNOT SIMPLY DRAG THE CHILDREN OF SOMEONE YOU ARE ARGUING WITH INTO THE ARGUMENT. What Is up with that? Don't they have children themselves? 

This is where I started questioning your intelligence. Did you read my post? Or you passed judgement without analyzing? WHat I clearly said is, " Carmelita Co, stop posting those or else I will do something you will regret, kaasi dagita annak mo." Let me point it out to you if it is not clear, as we adults sometimes make it hard for you to understand. I meant to say that your mama has posted bad stuff online attacking me and I wanted her to top because if I retaliate, it will only affect you, the kids. Kaasi dagita annak mo. Hija, I can control myself but not for long, that is why I told her that. But if you want, I can show you matters I'd rather not. Just comment on this post or tell people to reach out to me. I am sure you can find a  way to reach me. Beware though. You may not like it and it may shatter your illusion of "family."

My mother fights with people a lot I can tell you that but she NEVER brings up the children of her enemies. 

Is this for real? Oh my God. Nuff said. Hahahha. But on a more serious note, let me tell you, this is VERY disturbing. AND it is alright? Maybe you find it amusing that your mother fights a lot as long as she does not bring up children? How about the people she fights with? Their family? Do you stop and pause and think about them? Does she? I think NOT. Not because something is OK with you it is acceptable for me. Listen dear, if your mother can't tell you, I will. Fighting is not good, whether you bring children to the fray or not. Tell your mama to stop fighting. Girl, her reputation precedes her already. Just so you know, I never brought you or your sister at all. The post you read was just that. Refer to my innuendo above.

She knows it is not right because she always told me it's okay for her to get struck by karma just as long as it doesn't affect me and my sister. 

Again, this is wrong. So let me tell you, is it ok for her to steal so long you don't because it is wrong? Karma? Talk about karma. It is coming to get her. Very soon, remember the pigs bring a whole lot of bad karma. Oh, by the way, she called me a pig. Please don't insult my intelligence by saying, " i never named you." The only honor left she has is standing by her word, so let her. Please.

Those children might be too young and too weak. Im not weak but my sister, my sister cried for those posts not because she thought they were true but because she did not like people saying bad things about our mother.We are not "kaasi". My mother is one of those "women" who did not get to finish college because she got pregnant with me. When I was young I used to think that it was my fault. She never made me feel this way though. Once she even said it was all her and my papa. She told me it wasn't even a mistake. Only strong women can do that. To stand by something that would cause them humiliation. Others get an abortion to recieve education. My mother didn't even think of discarding me from her womb. She stood by what she has done and never let me feel that I was a mistake nor a burden to her.

I dont know what to say about this abortion thing, this is out of the topic. But yes, she is strong for that. I never even knew she was unwed when she had you. Now I know. AND the whole world knows. Not that it would change anything. Her reputation is worst than that.

My mother gave birth and gained a wonderful family to add with her family from the side of her parents with new strings of friends and a beautiful marriage. If I ever get married I want a marriage like what my parents have.

Be careful what you wish for.

 They fight,sure. But they don't give up. When we are together and someone has to leave my parents kiss. A quick sweet smack. My dad kisses my mom before leaving for work everytime we are in manila. I mean those are the little things in life that makes it meaningful. The kind you think only happens in movies the things other people can't see. Those are the moments we should be proud of. I know my mom fights a lot. But this is really silly. People not included are actually joining in. Which to me is childish doing The last time I did that was when I was 14 years old, my second year of highschool.But go ahead do what you want I don't care. Give me some popcorn though because I am amused by how much people know about my family. I'm not joining in though I just wanted to let people know that my sister and I are not "kaasi" if anything we are lucky to have a mother like ours. Not everyone is strong enough to go through an unexpected pregnancy and be happy with it. To the women out there who were strong enough, I salute you. Your children are as lucky as we are. To my mom and tita gina just ignore them. No one you care about will change their views of you anyway.We will still love you. Your true friends will not join in nor defend you they will only laugh about this issue because if they are true to you then they won't care about your mistakes no matter what others say. You are not losing people you love with this if anything we will be here to support you. Now if I have offended anyone with this post though I can't seem to get why since it is all about my love and support for my family and nothing else, I don't care what you say about me. I will stand by my family with their mistakes and learn from them. If you get offended with my declaration of love then go ahead post about me too. You would just be helping me figure out who would stay by my side anyways. So thank you. I love you mama. I love you tita gina. I love my family AND their mistakes because I know I'm not perfect anyways. Let the judging begin from the perfect people around us who are waiting for and clinging on to our mistakes in their memories. I hope I get judged at a young age. I hope I can be as blessed as my mother right now because right now, she already knows who really cares about her. She already knows to whom she would give her love to and the people she should treasure. I hope I can distinguish people I should keep in my heart from people I should just ignore. Tonight I'm going to pray again like every night(another teaching of my mother) I'm going to pray to God and thank Him for the wonderful friends and family He has blessed me with. — with Gina Velasco Gatan and Carmelita

No my dear, you have not offended me at all, nor my family. What it did is give me an intelligent venue to answer where it seems impossible to have with your mother.

You don't want popcorn because if you do, this will go on and on. If no else told you yet, I never start a fight but I do not back off from it. Not even with your mother who you said fights a lot or even when people told me to ignore her. So, no popcorn for you.

Now to some salient points to ponder before you start your Journalism course, by the way, I heard you failed UST, maybe try FEU? I went there, I turned ok. Just ok. Better than your mother I suppose. Don't attack me please, that was a journalistic jab  ; ).

1. Seek the truth. The whole truth.
2. I never took your mama seriously until she posted about me and my sisters and our children. NOW that is worth researching, ha? Ask her. At one point before, she point blank ask me if I was pregnant because I looked big and I just said, no i' just fat. If I was ap-apera like your mom, i would have. But no, I am better than that. The problem with your mama is she is so laitera. I may be fat but she is  not skinny either. She looks like, never mind. Now, I am getting upset, ha?
3.If you go back to the posts, you will notice I even defended her to her supposed detractors saying she buys your medals in school. Truth.
4.I am not baboy. Her personality is.
5. My husband is not gurang. My husband has nothing to do with this. Please tell her that. The same way you don't want to be part of this ugly saga, my husband has nothing to do with this. Want me to include your dad here too? 
6. I am not a " greener pasture" girl. I hate to burst your bubble but I am a college graduate -- not like your mom. I was an honor student like you in the same school now, not like your mom. I had a beautiful wedding attended by many, unlike your mom. So i am SO unlike your mom. Yup, she said we are not on the same level. Truth. Why would I want to be on the same level as someone with a bad reputation? WHy? Why would I want someone who even her so called friends tell me to ignore her because she is just that? I can not publish the other terms they use on her. Bad, very bad.
7. Your lola was a katulong who got pregnant by her amo, your lolo. Truth. There is nothing wrong with that. NOTHINg! You know what's wrong and why I brought it up? Because I was putting emphasis on " tumingin ka sa pinanggalingan mo" We are fishermen and smell stinky ( may putok daw ako, sabi ng mama mo, siya naman ang may putok at super yellow ang ngipin, yuck!). Your titas and cousins or mama should never put people down. You learn that in school don't you?
8. Apologies should be sincere. 
9. When you do public apology, make it as it is. Do not add yabang or paawa effect. You lose credibility on it. Then people start PMing and texting how ridiculous it is.
10. You are an extremely intelligent girl. Keep it up. Stay on the Suguitan-Co side though. They will influence you better. 
11. It is not in my place to say so many things I want to tell you, but can I please say, I am not the one who started this.
12. I expect you to believe your mom, you will grow up though and you will see. I just hope that because of this, she will sincerely be changed. 
13. I am no saint either. Take it both ways.

As for your Tita Gina, it's all a different story.

History Bowl State Championship

Ok, ok! This is really exciting. Pherry joined History Club in the beginning of the school year. Remember he is on his 9th grade only.
Anyway, he joined the bee amongst peers and he qualified to be on the Team for History Bowl. He is Quincy Team A.
They are now here at Everett High and awaiting to compete.

I am just truly proud.
Pray for us please!

I Am Crazy For Tom Brady

So, i suppose there are more fanatic fans of the Patriots and Tom Brady out there... more.than.me. Seriuosly? I thought I was the MOST. FANATIC. PATRIOT. FAN EVER. Believe it or not, I can take the it when the Celtics lose, the Bruins don't get into Finals, heck, I can still smile even if the Red Sox lose---BUT if the Patriots lose? Dang, move out of the way! I cry, I don't listen to news, no TV, no radio, no news, ignore all conversations regarding the Pats for a very looooong time. Go ask my kids.

Anyway, here are 2nd graders who bested me out for Pats/Brday fan of the year. Enjoy.

Watch and Listen Ray Lewis!

Mommy Brag Day

I so love it when I see these! My treasure, my wealth.
😍

One More Try

What would you do if your child is dying? At what great lenghts you go to make him survive cancer? If you ask me, I know exactly what to do.
This movie tackles this, it's a little cheesy for my liking but I do love the lines, "mahal kita, pero mas mahal ko ang anak ko." And the scene where Angle Locsin ( the mother) kneeled for the favor... heartbreaking and what exactly I would do for my child. For the record, according to the MTRCB rating, it's worth watching. According to chuvaness of chuvaness.com, Teddy Locsin is watching, so go.

Brag Day

Hay naku, can't wait for Monday Brag Day. So here...
Pherry told us over dinner that he was in Distinction, you know, kinda higher than High Honors. Yeah, right... but whatever. I know him to be really smart but Distinction? Woaaah, wait a minute, that needs further investigation, LOL.

The following day, the proud parents that we are--- we proceeded to his school and this is what happened....
We looked in Honors column, NO LLAGA. Hmmmm.

... In High Honors
Shocks, so many names but no Llaga. Just Li, Lam, Le, Lei or any Asian variation. ;

Well, well don't take back your gifts yet aunts and uncles! Because he is ....
. .. here. Yup, seriously.

 

Ok, ok... just in case you did not see. Mr. Hubbs said--- take another picture because it might not be very clear. Ohhhh, stage daddy!!!

Hahahhaha. I thought I was crazy. Seriously, the last picture is not scripted. HE WANTS TO POINT IT OUT! YUP!

After that, the principal  saw us and kinda sheepishly said, "pictures, ha?" I said, " obvious first timers, ha?"
It was all fun. I love it. I love my crazy family. Happy Thursday my lovelies.

Brag Day

I'll say it with a picture ! Because a pictures says a thousand words.

Uh oh! Wish List Shows up

This is what I saw this morning! Waaah!
I am not worried it's a "wish" list after all, besides that's what titos and titas are for! ) ; evil grin!
Si Josh, maka wishlist , wagas! Mac? May want? Optional ba?

The start of my shopping season, I suppose. I bought nothing--- as in nothing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday so I guess I can spare some of whatever little money saved up for this wishlist --- hotwheels, maybe? Hihihi.

I guess now, I can greet you all Merry Christmas!

Quincy City Hall Holiday Lights are up

You all know I love Christmas-- happy season for me!

My Christmas trimmings are not up yet but hey, city hall is, so here you go. Sorry for the phone pics.

Notice Mr. John Adams is decked out too!

How about you, are your trimmings up? Share!

Monday Brag Day

Math, no.
Chemistry and Biology, yes.

Politicians and their Progress and Development Scheme

I used to hate politicians letting their family use publicly funded vehicles to drop off their children in my school. I still do, you know, I still hate that. But i have developed deeper anger with politicians destroying nature and camouflaging it as "progress and development". If you can't protect the very people you are suppose to protect, if you are unable to do your job, if you can not stand up for the land you swore to protect, what else are you good for?
Public service is for good men--good men willing to work not for their personal interest but for the good of the many.
I ask you, i ask for your decency---quit!

Filipino Translation

have you had that experience when you are watching movies with subtitles/translation and the message is lost or not completely conveyed because of the translation? or the deep emotions of a song is not really felt if translated? well, read on.

Precious, my sister's grandchild and my nephew's daughter sings--- she has the passion, so we have been "modestly" encouraging her. but that's another story. anyways, she was with us when Mr. Hubbs dropped me off to work last night. she was being funny and started singing Filipino iconic song Nandito Ako. as she was singing she complained that she does not know the meaning of the song. so, as she was singing i translated. needless to say, she was not very happy and commented that " it's weird'. so i told her i will translate per line so it has more meaning. she sarted singing again and for some reason i can not completely and wholeheartedly translate the intense emotions of that song without sounding "weird". Then she stopped and said, " wait, is that how Tagalog is,  like I can sing a whole 2 lines and no translation yet? uhmm, Mamu's just slow. Hahahhahha.
so, just for fun, here's my futile attempt to tranlate Nandito Ako.

Mayro'n akong nais malaman
I need to know something
Maaari bang magtanong?
Is it possible to ask you a question?
Alam mo bang matagal na kitang iniibig?
Do you know, I have been loving you for a long time/I have been in love with you for so long
Matagal na akong naghihintay
I have been waiting for so long
Ngunit mayro'n kang ibang minamahal
But you are in love with someone else/You are loving someone
Kung kaya't ako'y di o pinapansin
Thats why you do not notice me/That's why you ignore me
Ngunit ganon pa man nais kong malaman mo
Inspite of it, I still want you to know
Ang puso kong ito'y para lang sa 'yo
This heart of mine is yours alone
Nandito ako umiibig sa iyo
I am here, loving you
Kahit na nagdurugo ang puso
Even my heart bleeds
Kung sakaling iwanan ka niya
If ever he leaves you
Huwag kang mag-alala
Don't worry
May nagmamahal sa iyo,
There's someone loving you
Nandito ako
I am here
Kung ako ay iyong iibigin
If you love me back
Di kailangan ang mangamba
There is no need to worry
Pagkat ako ay para mong alipin
Because I am like your slave
Sa iyo lang wala ng iba
I am yours and no one else/I belong only to you
Ngunit mayro'n ka ng ibang minamahal
But you are in love with someone else/You are loving someone

Kung kaya't ako'y di o pinapansin
Ngunit ganon pa man nais kong malaman mo
Ang puso kong ito'y para lang sa 'yo
Nandito ako umiibig sa iyo
Kahit na nagdurugo ang puso
Kung sakaling iwanan ka niya
Huwag kang mag-alala
May nagmamahal sa iyo,
Nandito ako
Nandito ako umiibig sa iyo
Kahit na nagdurugo ang puso
Kung sakaling iwanan ka niya
Huwag kang mag-alala
May nagmamahal sa iyo,
Nandito ako
Nandito ako...
by now you probably figured i am not a songwriter nor a poet. i am a laboratory scientist. that i am. but i guess, more than my lack of skills, i really think that each language is so different and emotions are totally lost in each even if you try. darn kids, they do really say the darnest things.

but since music is universal, listen and be swayed with this beautiful love song. have a blessed Sunday my dear readers especially those from far away Middle East and my beloved Philippines. salamat po!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hhaiKGAZf8