First SnowFall in Quincy 2013

There have been light dustings in few parts of Massachusetts but not in Quincy.  I know a couple of years ago, we had snow Halloween night and last year we had that massive snowstorm where the governor declared only essential employees report to work!

Here's Josh! Hope you are having a wonderful time with your families my dear readers!

Books

While rearranging the house to create yet another school/study area, KC asked if she can bring down some of her books because " it's starting to take over my room." Her words, not mine. I said yes. Boy, do I regret saying that.  

.... And that's just the beginning!

What was really sweet was when she saw this book! She went on to say how "my Kuya brought home this book and he told me about it and it was the very first book I really liked." Looking over to her Kuya, she went on to say ," then Kuya, you introduced me to the Percy Jackson series."

 

It warms my heart that my kids bond over books! And that love of books I can truly say they got from ME! 

Happy Saturday! Such a fruitful day! 

My Very Short Thanksgiving Post

Thank you! There is only one measure of happiness for me! My children! Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving! Hold on to what's most important and do not focus on shallow things.

Just Like Gibbs

Its no secret how much we love NCIS or any cop drama shows but NCIS hold a special spot up there.

Anyway, early Sunday, we were watching a documentary that featured Cher and it said how Cher's mom was married 8 times and out of nowhere, Josh goes, " hahahahaha, Ate, Mom! Just like Gibbs!" 

Oh, I love my kids! Sorry, I influenced them too much. Blame my Nancy Drew and Hardy Boy's years! Hahahahaha.

Sweet Alone-Time with my Princess

Last Sunday after church, KC and I went out to do a little shopping. I've been really good about spending lately due to so many reasons.

Anyway, we had so much fun just shopping around. One funny moment is " wow, I get it now why you don't like to shop at Macy's mom, it's a mess!" Hahahaha. Nordstrom rocks!

But the reason for this post is to tell you what I discovered about my baby! That- she is still a baby! Inspite of the hair coloring phase, the I-only-wear-jeans time or the don't-tell-me I-know-it all screaming fest with me, she is a child at heart!

Lookie!

Getting all excited with this sword!

And she can't remember we've passed/posed by this a million times! Maybe because those times, I asked them. They didn't see why. Now they do.

But finally, her "shhhh, don't talk to me mom" moment came when we got to her paradise also known as Barnes and Noble!

My baby is still a baby but slowly being a lady! 

Happy Friday folks!

Conversations With A 15 -Year Old

You already know we are crazy.

You know I talk to the kids about everything. Everything. Seriously.

Anyway, here is a text convo I had with Pherry today. Back story--- he did not want to go to the school dance tonite and I told him I'd pay if he did. Sure enough he wants to go. So I had to drop off the payment at the school.

My Baby Boy is No More

Aaaaw! Look at him!

I am not really very keen to school pictures much. They are expensive and getting really ridiculous! But this year, he requested it because it is his first year in "middle school." He is only in 5th grade!

I miss my baby! But,wow!

Happy Monday!

Monday Brag Day

Amidst the pain and horror of a tragic weekend in my home country, I find joy in the very little things in my life.

I believe that's what's important anyway. Finding joy in little things!

So proud of my baby boy! Josh is such a responsible student and I am immensely proud!

What about you? What makes you happy? Whatever makes you happy, even the little ones, makes sure you share it--- you never know who you inspire! Happy Monday and God bless us all!

Monday Brag Day

Well hello Monday! What's a better stress reliever than coming home to....

 Straight A's!!! 

Oh, the joy of Motherhood. There are those who smile in triumph, some run in tears, others jump for joy... Me? I come home to A's! 

KC's

Josh' 

 Good evening! Let me go grab some cheap marshmallow chocolate!

38 Random Things I Need to Tell You in 38 Minutes

Stupid is stupid gets.

When I am reading a book, I don't wanna talk to you. The train is not for talking with strangers. Just saying.

I know I am overweight. Don't stare at me like I would melt if you did.

I am loving the chatter I hear on the T. They are 2 Filipinas who talk badly abou their boss. You should hear them.

I know it says Michael Kors on the label but read up, it says Michael by Michael Kors. It's called a diffusion line. You're not getting a bargain.

If Australia isn't too far, I'd go. That's not the actual problem. The problem is, it's too far therefore airfare is expensive.

I have not gone to San Francisco nor Spain or Thailand as I told you on my 35th bday.

Only funny people or my real friends can take this list with a smile. The others will be annoyed. So?

Finally, I know what I really want to do if money was not an issue. I'd be a store manager at Pottery Barn.

I'm Filipino, not Illiterate. You don't have to repeat what you said, only this time slower. Duh! 

I actually like Fall better than summer.

Matt Siegel of Matty in the Morning Kiss 108 is actually funny but I like Billy Costa better.

I know and I am sure there's tons of people who don't like me. But I realized, they're all losers. They just have not admitted it yet. Or may be not. Maybe I am a loser, but what's to gain hating a loser? So maybe they are. And I still like them, just not friends with them.

Bayabas was my apple growing up. Now I have 2 apple trees in my yard and I don't even pick the fruits. Must be the effect of " don't eat that yet, Christmas is not over, let it stay on the tree." Yes folks, we hang apples as Christmas tree ornaments. Now I want my Bayabas.

I think my nieces are absolutely gorgeous.

There's nothing more horrible than not knowing what to say when someone asks you if you are a nurse. Just coz I am Filipina I must be a nurse.

I would like to wear my hospital scrubs day in day out. Please!

If all TV shows are like the Blacklist and 24, I'd pay my cable bill on time.

Which brings me to, if I didn't need cellphone, I'd totally throw my phone at any ATT executive. Sir/Ma'am, your service is shitty, to say the least.

I think Obamacare is good. I think the Republicans are jealous of the Obamacare.

If keep this blog only until the kids get married, who will write my Grandma stories?

If I can pick my family, I'd pick mine all over again. Bet many can't say that!

Rolex is overrated and overpriced but I want one.

I want to go to SanFo, Thailand and Spain in no particular order. 

I think journalists are sexy. Both sexes. Don't you think?

I know someone named Winter and his kids' names are Sage and Ginger respectively. By the way, his siblings are Spring and Summer.

On that note, let me tell you about another one, Dulce (candy, sweet) has two sisters named Sweet and Hershey.

My brother is Bernabe, I am Bernadette, my sisters are Bernabeth and Bernanette. 

If I have another baby boy, i'd name him Jacob pronounced as Ha•Cob

My husband  has OCD. I always come home to a clean home but looking for stuff is a totally different story. He stores everything away like it was archival material.

If I have a business, it would be a three level beauty salon with daycare facilities and  super fabulous bathrooms! Everything on it would be from Pottery Barn!

If I get to choose my kind of heaven, it would be full of bags in a Pottery Barn.

I don't get why people like white noise, it's irritating. Click, clock, shh,shh!

 

I would like corsets and wide brimmed hats to get back in fashion.

I fought with 2 girls via Facebook this year. It was liberating. Got rid of ugly people in my FB and showed them how painful it is to be bullied like what they always do.

If I can have a pet, it would be a horse. Can I?

I can't decide which one is prettier, Sunrise or Sunset.

My family is the only thing that matters to me. My friends are my family too. I'd die for my family. I defend my friends even if we are not in good terms at the moment.

I lied. The post above? My bags matter too.

It's my birthday today and I am turning 38. It does not feel any different but I feel more secure.

👄😂. Me at Pottery Barn. Hahahahaha!

Apparently at 38, I can count. There's 39 random thoughts up there but I can't decide what to delete so everything's staying. Old age!

Today is Brag Day

Yay! We got it back! The MCAS score that is! 

I am sub a proud Mama!

And it was funny how he got 2 mistakes! Ha! 

Needless to say, we need to work harder because he did not get in the Advance Placement program in the city because when the screening was done, he was asked to step out and not finish the test because he was overly talkative. I wonder who he got that from? Hmmmm. Certainly not me! Hahahahaha! He was actually very scared because he knows how it's important for me that he gets in. Not for me but for him. He always wants to be like his brother or even surpass his achievements. 

We are working on asking for a reconsideration this January so I will let you know!

What's your blessing today? Please share!

My World, Today

The pictures will fade, the colors will be gone, the jokes will be repetitive and their antics childish--- one thing for sure:

They will remain to be my world! The only world I am certain. The only world I want to go back to, endlessly. AND everyday I thank God for my gifts, my world!

Happy Sunday, from the Llaga family!

My Boys

Although I am really grateful to have a beautiful daughter, my bond with my boys is totally different. I feel so special and I get that sense of security. Today I was looking at some old photos and I  literally ached! My heart ached, my mind hurt. Seriously, I feel my boys are growing too fast and that special mother and son bond will wither. 

Here are my cute boys. Shhhh, don't tell them I told you they are cute. 

Just for kicks, here's Josh with his rat tail! Ahahahahah!

Goodnight!

Just Like Gibbs

Its no secret how much we love NCIS or any cop drama shows but NCIS hold a special spot up there.

Anyway, early Sunday, we were watching a documentary that featured Cher and it said how Cher's mom was married 8 times and out of nowhere, Josh goes, " hahahahaha, Ate, Mom! Just like Gibbs!" 

Oh, I love my kids! Sorry, I influenced them too much. Blame my Nancy Drew and Hardy Brother's years! Hahahahaha.

KC's 13th Birthday

Oh yes! You read that right. My only daughter turned 13 September 16, Monday. I asked her what she wanted and she said I already got her  cellphone and that was enough! I was happy hearing that from her. 

Friday before, we spent bonding time at the spa! Priceless! I know she will remember these moments with me or any other time spent with her Dad who she loves very dearly.

So, since I did not really plan any party for her, I decided having a special lunch would do. We went to grab some lobsters on Saturday for a late lunch.

Tell you what, I always try to make my " car rides" with each kid as a bonding moment. On our back home after picking up lunch, I asked her to pose for me to take a picture and as she always does, scolds me and tells me to focus driving instead as she starts  lip synching a One Direction song--- if you don't already know by now, KC is obsessed with these Irish and British boys!

My good friend and a regular here on the blog, Marisol brought a very special cake from Konditormeister. Oh yummy! Thanks Tita Sol!

Of course her Tita Glo was also there! We wish Jem and Precious were there though.

Sunday was, as always family day. We went to hear mass and it was just by chance we dressed alike. I swear we did not plan it! 

We all went to the mall after. With her gift-monies, she bought herself a cupcake--- all because we saw the company the night before on the TV show Shark Tank. 

We then left the boys at the cafe, KC and I went clothes shopping. She thought she was going to pay for it but I paid and curious she asked why. I told her dad instructed me to pay for whatever she wanted that day. She was so happy. After clothes, I brought her to Macy's to buy her first lipgloss/lipstick whatever she prefers. I wanted to do that because I want her to experiment WITH me. I know her friends are all experimenting and I have caught her sneaking on checking my make-up stash so I might as well let her enjoy this wonderful stage of her life. Besides, I figured, once her curiosity is piqued, that's it!  Rather than letting her learn from other kids and even to my horror, other people. 

For lunch/ dinner combo, we decided to go to Shake Shack. They have not been there cause we are always at Five Guys which we still love!

My family!

The birthday girl!

After Shake Shack, we were supposed to watch a movie but I realized the movie place there was the Luxe one which was $18.00 each. Pass! While we were waiting, we spent time at Pottery Barn which I could never afford so I can dream. It's calming with all the beautiful things! Oh, someday!

It's been a long day and we all decided to go home. But there's more to do! Of course she got BOOKs!

Once home, I observed the pictures hanging in the house were old pictures of the kids. I decided to let them pose like those pictures. 

See?

I so love my family! The kids are my strength!

My birthday girl! My princess, my redemption!

I stayed up late to actually wait for 1200! Here we are!

Me and the Princess!

With Dad.

Thank you Lord Almighty for giving a beautiful daughter who loves without expecting. Thank you KC for being such a wonderful daughter, for being a good example and for being a responsible girl. Not once have I been called to your school for any misbehavior. All I hear is how you are such a well-mannered girl who can balance school and friends. I pray for your continued good heath but most of all, I pray you stay true to one and one thing only --- that God is all powerful! If you let God be your master, nothing will go wrong.

I love you, Dad loves you and Josh looks up to you. Kuya may not be as expressive but I know he adores you and he is trying to protect you, believe me baby, your brothers will always be with you😝! 

Go and be strong! Soar high and I know you can achieve anything because you are a good girl. Let's keep praying baby! Together we can! 

Be Grateful

I saw this campaign over at BIDMC, a local Boston hospital. I love it! 

I hope all ads and campaigns are as positive as this!

Have a grateful day everyone! 

Senti

I am just being sentimental. Ill tell you why. 

Today, Josh asked me to sign his homework-- just sign and not look over. Pherry asked me to finish the note his Biology teacher asked parents to write about their kids. Over dinner, KC told us how her former principal who lived to her new school introduced her to the school guidance counsellor. " This is Karmina, she will be a phenomenal addition to our school." She said she was so embarrassed. I told her she was all that and more!

I don't know what to do now. The kids are growing so fast and its pretty sad. I feel they are overly independent now. I feel i am being set aside. Really?

I know this is bound to happen.

I know kids think this feeling is absurd.

I know every parents feel this way.

I know it's too early to feel the "empty nest" syndrome.

I know there are more important things than my silly feelings.

I know i'll always have them only not as my little angels.

I know they would still call me Mama no matter what age.

I know soon they will have their own lives. 

I know, i know. I know many things but when it comes to the kids, i know nothing. The more i know, the more i realize i know nothing.

Just when i thought i figured out adolescence angst, theres more coming.

Just when i thought i perfected scheduling there's more to add.

Just when i thought i gave all life's lectures, there's more to talk about.

Just when i thought i bought  everything needed and wanted , its out of fashion.

Just when i thought i am the coolest mom, they don't want to be friends with me.

Just when i thought i'm saying the correct teen lingo, there's something new.

Just when i thought i have taught them personal hygiene, it's forgotten.

Just when i thought my hugs and kisses cures them all, they push away.

Just when i thought I'm done cooking for them, they grow too fast the fridge is always empty.

Just when i thought i have indulged in their interests, they move on  to new ones.

Just when i thought i boosted their confidence someone puts them down.

Jut when i thought i make them real Catholics, i read notes about exploring atheism.

Jut when i thought they are independent, they recede back to mommy-do-this-and-that.

Just when i thought i got a balance between life and mommy duties, disaster strikes.

Just when i thought we have come to an agreement they make up a truce.

Yes, there's more. There's more i don't know. I know that. 

I guess that's why my home is full of out family pictures. That's intentional. I don't care about proper home decoration rules. All i know is i want my home to be a reflection of my family. I want to be reminded of what i have. My family! I Don't have much but i know i have  my family. That's all that matters! 

These are my fave spots in the house. You can tell these are corners with my kids' pictures. My fear is that these will be the only ones i have when they all have their own lives! Oh sigh!

 

My kiddos, when you read this in the future, just know i love you and i want you to be around me forever but i also know you will be great kids even without me! I trust you!

Mwaaah!