Inspite of

... Life might get you. everything falls apart; family, health, career, friends and even when the simplest things in life is blown out of proportion--- when the rain is unstoppable and the sun is buried deep in the dark clouds-- when friends are nowhere in sight, when nothing seems to align, when whatever you say is wrong and when whenever you look harder there seems to be nothing. You get that? That feeling? I do. A whole lot. Lots of times.

But I don't cry- okay maybe I do-- a little. I may look messed up and unable to project a brave face but I always keep silent. It may seem unimaginable for me to keep silent but that's what I do. For in silence I know myself more. In silence, I can listen. Listen to my God and listen to my inner self.

In silence, I pray. A lot. Troubled hearts are always in prayer but even in times of joy, I pray.

Why am I telling you all this? Because if you are a long time reader of my blog, you know I seldom get emotional in this blog. But, I have been in pain. I have been praying too. I can't tell you why but i can tell you my heart needs to heal- to forgive. I was hurt so deep it's hard to forgive. There's just a few things that make me like this. I can't fathom in my heart to forgive just yet. I try to say I have, but in reality, I examine my soul and I have not. I trick myself too, making it believe it's no big deal blah blah blah, but who am I kidding?

In order to heal, you need to pass the stage of Hurting. In order to do that, you have to admit you are hurt. That's where my inner self is confused. I try to belittle my feelings telling me that I am a happy jovial person and not someone who can be hurt by anyone.

Needless to say, I have a journey to finish. A long one.

Update

much ado about nothing. It's official.... I hate my JOB!

can't blog
can't FB
can't tweet
can't can't can't can't!
See? I hate my job.

Being sarcastic here folks. Because I can't FB on my breaktime. Oh, wait. I don't have breaktime. I hate my job.

Please don't tell my boss. I love him. Indeed. When I grow up, I want to be like him. Patient, understanding and utterly stressed.

Just kidding. I am describing my imaginary job. You, know, full tiem blogger. When? Please. I need sponsors.

B

Call Me Maybe (crazy) part 2--USA SWIM TEAM

To continue our Olympic theme, remember that post  regarding the Harvard Baseball Team doing a cover of Call Me Maybe? Well, I thought that would be my favorite, but here yah go! Tell me which one you like better... Harvard Baseball Team or USA Swim Team? Do tell.

If you were wondering who I mam rooting for, it's Team Philippines! As I said, with our non-existent funding and  lack of formal sports program, I am so proud of these 11 althletes. Sana lang 'wag na sumama ang mga bwusit na 134 "officials". Hmmp! But yeah, here's USA Swim Team!

Philippine Contingent at the London Olympiad

Well, hello sports fans! That "mob" of press people focusing on the USA Men's basketball Team is crazy, huh? Oh well, it's the Dream Team of my generation, hahahhahah. 

Don't you just love their outfit? The "salakot" makes it! Designed by Rajo Laurel---made in the Philippines not CHINA!


Anyway, the Philippine contingent is the smallest since we started participaitng in 1932. Yes, only 11 athletes in 8 sports. In case you were curious, here are my "local" heroes. Everyone is rooting for Mark Barriga to give my beloved home country it's taste of the elusive Olympic gold. But you know what? I am still very proud. Considering our measly economy, non-existent sports funding---we are good! Go Philippines!

1. Mark Javier – Archery – Men’s individual


2. Rachel Cabral - Archery – Women’s individual

3. Rene Herrrera - Athletics (Men) – 3000 m steeplechase

4. Marestella Torres – Athletics (Women) – Long jump

5. Mark Barriga – Boxing – Light flyweight

6. Daniel Caluag - Cycling – Men’s BMX

7. Tomohiko Hoshina – Judo – Men’s +100 kg

8. Brian Rosario - Shooting – Skeet

9. Jessie Khing Lacuna – Swimming (Men) – 200 m freestyle

10. Jasmine Alkhaldi – Swimming (Women) – 100 m freestyle

11. Hidilyn Diaz - Weightlifting – Women’s -58 kg

Wishing at 0500H

Dear Pits,

I want these... I know. Nope, I love these. Nope. I need these. Like I need water and air.

 ...and just maybe, this lacey version of MAC, I truly need. Like I need love.

I know you understand my feelings.

Sincerely,
Your bag addicted Tita.

Disclosure: pics from Keiko Lynn.

Call Me Maybe crazy

I am a proud Bostonian!!! Sports? Check. Schools? Are you kidding? We have MIT and Harvard here. I can go on and on... but this is not what this post is about. It's about your overly-played-too-much-can-you-stop-playing-that-song Mr-DJ? Call Me Maybe.

It has sprouted so many parodies, some funny, some completely blaaah.....but here's my pe-bo-rit. AND no, it's not because I am from Boston but because they are completely hunks with oozing brain cells AND they are baseball players.Beat that! Ha?  Yeeh baby!



Not to be outdone, this ladies rowing team makes a good one too, in response to the Harvard Brainies. I think these 2 parodies are the best out there for Call Me Maybe. Not that I know. I don't stay on the internet you know. Right? Hahahhaha.



Whatyahdoing? Go make your own video. Pronto!

Happy Saturday ppeps. Keep smiling, the world is beautiful inspite of...

First Blog Award

How are you? Rainy and gloomy here in Boston MA----home of Harvard, MIT and the Celtics! Hahhahah. Just rubbing it in!

Anyway highway, I have been blogging since ... forever? Blogging was not even popular to regular people. I love writing and reading so, I just write things, as mundane as my great hatred for people with dandruff  to my great passion towards loyalty.

I never participated in blog exchange and awards but this blogging award I am willing to take!
One Lovely Blog Award!

I was nominated by my university instructor Miss Nova Aida Cajucom  at littleprince68 who blogs about her passion in DIY, her beautiful family and very inspiring home tips. So go ahead and visit her lovely blog and you will see why she is one (if not THE) of the favorite teachers in my school.


So when one gets these awards, first you have to mention who nominated you and link back. Also, you have to say 7 things about yourself and finally, you get to nominate 15 bloggers to receive these wonderful awards. So, I’ve done the first one so we proceed to the second one:



7 Things about myself:

1. I talk a lot. A whole lot. I love to explain things in detail.

2. I have good memory of events, that is. Bad memory in names.


3. I hate dandruff. Nuff said.

4. I am a trying hard, desperate ever so bad singer and dancer. But I try. Sorry.

5. I can be fully made up today and super dressed down tomorrow. So what? I am a wife, a mother of 3 and full time career woman.

6. I am not good at any sports but I am a HUGE sports fan. You can have me on your team and all you need is ME to cheer for you.


7. My bag collection is ridiculous. No Hermes though.
My nominees are:

1. Doc Vel at http://buhayatbahay.blogspot.com/

2. Daphne Osena Paez at http://daphne.ph/

3. Noemi at http://aboutmyrecovery.com/
I cant think of more.

Thank you Miss Nova and go chekc my nominated blogs peeps! Happy Saturday to all.

Monday Brag Day

Just like KC, Joshua is chosen as one of the Peer Leaders in his school for the coming school year. Guess who's so proud in the Fall? Me!

I can not be any more proud! Mr. Hubs and I have been so proud every time parents or teachers tell us how good mannered and academically inclined our kids are.

I live for these days! I love you Josh!

Care to share a "brag" for Monday?

All worth it

Night shift, double shift? Whatever shi*t life brings, at the end of the day, it's all worth it! The aching back, the sore feet, the shaky legs and sucky headaches--- gone!

Happy Sunday everyone!

Memorial Day Weekend 2012-Dance Rehearsal and Thereafter

Let me get this out of the way. This year's show is not as spectacular as the past years we have been with Gold's. It is still great but lacking, something.

Every year, KC's dance school hold their recital on Memorial Weekend. Don't know why but I feel it ruins the long weekend for families. You see Memorial weekend is the unofficial start of summer. AND if you are New England-er---these days are rare and precious.

Anyway, I requested days off at my part-time job because I know it will be very hectic. Saturday is dress rehearsal day and you-can-take-pictures-now-because-you-can't-by showtime day. Which means, I need to be really be fast, which also means---it makes for a whole day of fussing and forced smiles.

I was unable to take lots of pictures like last years, but it is still fun. Again, KC did 3 dances--tap, jazz and ballet. Enjoy the photos.

The costumes are wicked expensive but all worth it! I just hope there is a way for her to wear it again. This jazz outfit is so beautiful.


Jazz costume

  I know my daughter loves dance. She may not be a natural dancer, but she does love it. That's what's important. Loving life!

all pretty girls

 She is a natural showgirl. Always smiling.


She always enjoys it

  My heart melts.... i know these girls will soon be beautiful ladies. If only I could keep her this way.


loving their dance and their last day in school

  They dance to the tune of Rihanna's umbrella for their tap dance.


Tap costume

 Their ballet dance number is absolutely beautiful. She loves her costume too. I am so tempted to buy the DVD, but for 32.00 buckaroos? So expensive!

Ballet

As you probably already know, we are always with the Llaga PE---my fave people in the world. Aside from my beautiful family, of course. Here are Preshie-Boo's photos. I can tell you, this girl is amazing! She will truly be a star. Cue....awwwww.

Can you say cute? She is the star of the show! In fact she can be the teacher.

 A true show performer. Her hat fell off and she went on to dance. That's our baby!

Rock it girl!

 Here she is in her ballet costume. I remember, my fave costumes of KC are always the ballet ones. Don't we all wish out little girls are ballerinas?


I love little ballerinas

 What did I tell you? STAR! Joshua and Precious loves each other. They may fight but they get along so well. I am just so happy my kids have cousins who are close by. I just hope AJ and Joie are so much closer in Boston so KC and them can bond. AJ is in Montreal and Joie is in Edmonton---both in Canada. Sigh. Please sister Babes and Ban, let us stay closer?

I'm a STAR!

Of course, we take this opportunity to spend time together. Dance rehearsal is a family thing-y for us. My 2 boys did not want to attend dance school this year so I did not force them. During rehearsals, Fridah commented that the hip-hop class is not as good as before, Josh said " Because, I am not dancing this year." Oh ha? Braggart much? As you can see Pherry is on his iPad. I don't care if he is really not paying attention as much as long as he spends time with us. Don't they look like Korean boy band members? The hair! Mr. Hubbs hate it!

Here is Preashie-Boo with my niece Fridah. Hmmm, I wonder what she is asking mommy? I betcha a book? NOT!

As you probably guessed, I took lots of pictures after the rehearsal. It was a photo-op for me because they have their cousin Lovely ( yup, that's her name) and Preshie-Boo. Lotsa prodding and lotsa bribing. Yes, they may be looking good on pics in this blog, but believe me---it's hard work! Hahahhahah.

KC was so tired, she does not want to smile --AT ALL. Nope.

But she smiles once they are outside, together. Cousins!

 I asked he if I can take a "few" pictures and she reluctantly said "ok, ok...mom, you are so embarrassing." Me? Embarrassing? When did that happen? I thought I was cool? Oh boy.

After I begged.... here they are. Can you tell they are excited? NOT!

 Ok, this is much better because I said it was the last one. NOW, they are happy.

Afterwards, we headed to Hingham, a charming upscale seaside community----- to Wahlburgers! We love this place. Cool music, chic interior, outdoor seating and yummy juicy burgers.... what's not to love? Did I tell you this is by the Walberg brothers? MArk Wahlberg, Donnie Wahlberg, anyone? WHat about NKOTB? You got it!


With cousin Lovely

  Uber chic with the hat, ha?

Just to show you how much we love this place... here...

Check out this charming fisherman's lantern lighting, couple that with smooth  music... yumm! I am not paid to endorse I swear.

My family likes going to Hingham Shipyard. It is very metropolitan chic but with cool breeze and clean open space. And the ships and the boats. You can just sit and daydream. Like we do. Sit. Daydream. Go home.

Here is the view from Wahlburgers overlooking a portion of the marina. The unmistakably New England building is Alma Nove, a fine dining option here at The Shipyard--again owned by the Wahlbergs, named after their mom Alma. If you have the dough, head to Alma Nove, if you want to be in and out with great food, head to Wahlburgers. Deal! Guess where we are at? Wahlburgers!

Can't resist going to their quaint little shops. I love this kind of shops. Not your big box type ones.

After the burgers, we headed to Red MAngo. Our new guilty pleasure! They separate themselves from me and Mr. Hubbs. hmmp. I love their cousin bonding time!

Afterwards, og course they need to burn all that sugar---we headed to the kiddie park acroos from red mango. There is also a mini golf here but you ahve to pay. If you know me... that is a STOP sign. Hahahhahha. We had so much fun though. At this point, Mr. Hubbs was so tired, all he wanted to do was sleep so headed out to the car. Take a looksie how foolish we can be and what fun we had!

PreshieBoo showing off her strong legs. The girls were like, " oh, no... stop, that just doesn't look good neneng." They crack me up!

 Then they say, " come her na lang, we take pictures" and then start to giggle again.

 We had a lot of these moments. Poor Lovely carrying Karmina.  How I wish my friends and sisters are with me. I did not have cousins my age while I was growing -up that's why this is so precious to me.

 ...and these are the Llaga geeks. No girl or boy talks. They rather talk about Princeton and some nerdy stuff. Wait, they talk about some cartoon show and some Korean MTV. Not so geeky. Hahahhahah.

 Here is KC asking her "ah-tey" to massage her because she was tired dancing. And "ah-tey" Lovely oblige. Sweet. On a completely out of topic matter... can I have one of these adirondack chairs? My Gucci Sukey is centerpiece. Woohoo!

 The beautiful cousins.

 Can I make a confession? Me and KC watch Fashion Star. We think is dead (no pun intended) but we like watching stressed out people. Then I would chide her and ask her if she wants to be a model and she says, " designer, mom, I want to be THE designer. Look at those models." Snob? I think she will be a good designer if ever.

 "what you watching KC?" Here, One Direction. She is so in love with One Direction. I might just have to buy tickets if they have a concert here in Boston.

 Me and the pretty girls. She is only 11 but she is inching up on me already. Wow!

 Now, for the parting shot.... the Llaga cousins.

After the park, we dropped off Mr. Hubbs and headed to the mall so the girls can window shop. The boys went to Apple Store and poor me got stuck with Precious at Lego! Nope... I love being with Precious. She is a sweetheart. For real! Then we headed to Target where Precious goes, " Mamu, so you can save, you can buy me this book and not give me flowers after my recital." And who said I was going to give her flowers? Hahahhhaha. I was dead tired but still need to go to brockton to get sleepwear for Lovely so she can sleep over! Woohoo!

Then I was really tired. From 12pm-10pm with these kids and their energy? Even Hulk would give up!

Part 2 coming up!

Monday Brag Day

I decided to make a series. Every Monday, I will post bragging rights as a mom. I encourage you to add your brags for the day. As a mom, I always have something beautiful to share or simply something I am truly proud of. You see, it may seem trivial to a lot of people but as moms, we love to know our children's achievement, talk about it endlessly. As I blog along, I realize it is not only a place to ramble or release tension or for me to keep my love for writing alive but more importantly, it is my online journal and oftentimes, I go back to it and it brings back good memories.

Today, while driving home from work, Josh said; "mom, everytime Miss Roybal asks a question, she says, can anyone answer this question besides Josh?" Get it, get it? Little Josh is the best in class since kindergarten and I am proud to say that. Not that you haven't heard me say it... I am sure you are tired of it. Right? But, just indulge me, will you? My Josh is number one in class since kindergarten!

Karmina is invited to Awards Night dinner on May 29th. I asked her jokingly if dinner is free so we can all go. She said, "mom, it's only for awardees." I asked her again ( I know, I annoy my kids a lot with my questions) if it was because of her swimming competition award. She looks at me with those big beautiful bright eyes( I warned you it is bragging day), " yes... AND for leadership AND for academics.." Is she upset or bragging? I think both. She is upset I do not expect her to get any other awards and bragging because she is again a leadership awardee and honor roll student aside from her sports achievement. I think KC is the most well rounded of all the Three Little Monkeys in Llagaland.

I am sure you know already but let me show you Pherry's score as a gifted child so you won't think I'm just bragging. At this point let me point out if it is not obvious yet that I am trying to be funny in writing this... here goes. I am trying to be funny. Nuff said.



Happy Brag day everyone!

What I Learned from Motherhood

Mother's Day 2011---Flashback. I promised last year that from this year's Mother's Day I will write a blog post about Mother's Day and have a picture taken of me and the Three Little Monkeys every.single.year.

Fast forward Mother's Day 2012. Sure is happening, but what to wear for the picture and more importantly, what to write?

I decided last night that I would write about what I learned from this big word,  Motherhood. I won't get overly sentimental because ;
1. I don't have a lot of time to write
2. I can not write sentimental--motherhood IS sentimental.

1. I learned that motherhood is OJT. On the job training. No amount of observing, learning  and reading can prepare you for it. AND it is OJT without pay. OJT with much blunders but a whole lot of happiness.

2. I learned that Motherhood is competitive. I think parents, especially mothers should  stop pushing their children too much. Dance lessons, piano, cheer leading, French class, public speaking and some other form of being competitive is a woos if you ask me. Sure, we need to prepare them and give them the advantage of better training, more exposure and make them well equipped to challenge the world but really... really? Let them be kids and let them show you the way to what they actually like. Stop being a stage mom. Yup, I am talking to myself.

3. I learned that I am patient. If you asked me before--- before these children came to my life, to describe myself--- patient would never come up. I am not patient. I am now-is-best personality. Although today, I still have my flare-ups, over all, I think I learned PATIENCE forcibly.

4. I learned that I can be a braggart. I brag about every single achievement of my children. 'Nuff said.

5. I learned to multi-task. Like-- big time multi-tasking. I have always been a multi-tasker but boy, this Motherhood thing puts you in a gear way beyond human comprehension. "Oh, there is dance lesson on Wednesday but make sure she goes to track and field first and I will call her cousin, maybe they can drop her off so that Josh will not wait for that long while working on his homework---wait, wait---- what about Kuya, aren't we suppose to pick him up before seven at the library? What, what check? You have not paid for the fee? Papa, Papa, turn off the stove will you?" Oh boy--- all these while looking for tht stupid work pager that keeps ringing and the landlord is calling the cellphone to let you know the rent is late--again. Wheew!

6.  I learned that schedule is overrated.  What schedule? it's more fun when we do random stuff especially on vacation week. Aside from established rules on the weekdays, I have no schedules to follow on weekends. I love it when we do NOTHING at all. I love it when we just watch NCIS reruns or How They Do It episodes. Yup, planning activities is a waste--and so I say. LOL.

7. I learned that the days are long but the years are short--and so is life. Soon, Pherry heads to high school. When did I become a high school momma? KC had her menstrual period last summer and Josh does not want me to help him shower anymore. Na-ah. The boys don't want me to bring them to the barber anymore nor do they ask for help in solving assignments, KC dresses herself up in "new fashion" and does not ask for my opinion, we go to the nail salon together and the boys wear boxers.  Briefs are for oldies, they say. Ha! Boxers!  My kids all use deodorant and the boys say.... "cologne Mom, not perfume" to me all the time. KC is not into pink anymore but into blues and some patterns. What's next?

8. I learned that no matter what I do, there will come a time they will hate me. Pherry hates me now when I say he needs to brush his teeth. Nope, he does not hate me because I tell him to brush his teeth but he hates me because he thinks I need not tell him. He just knows. Apparently. Sure, the kids will adore you so much and that you are the "bestest" mom in the whole wide universe and that you are never fat, you are always beautiful and you smell good all the time and they kiss you like there is no tomorrow--- but I can guarantee you, they will be at the age where everything you say is BAD. Or embarrassing. Or old fashioned. Or uninteresting. I don't know why. It just happens. Josh used to promise me that even if he gets accepted to a prestigious university but is far away, he will stay in Boston because he wants to be with me all the time. I cherish that. But I know it will change. You know why I know? Because Pherry said the same thing and now he wants to go to Cali for college or Europe. Why? To go as far away from me as possible. But I also know from my personal experience that this phase will soon give way to that strong emotion of longing to be with mom all over again. That comforting hug of Mom, the reassuring words she gives and the unconditional love ---- the warmth of a mother's love is everlasting.

9. I learned that I am fierce. Fiercer than I ever thought. No one can hurt my children. I can totally forget Fear if only to protect my children. Motherhood gives you that inner strenght you never thought you had. I will give every single ounce of strenght for my children. The bond between mothers and children is the strongest human bond they say. And I say, Amen.

10. I learned that I am learning. That I would never be perfect. That Motherhood is never meant to be practiced but rather, Motherhood is to be felt. I have had my share of mistakes and missteps and I learned from those harrowing nights. I am evolving as a person but I want to be a better person because I want Motherhood perfected in me. There is nothing more difficult than Motherhood. If there is one thing I would not like to fail--Motherhood it is. If being a mother is the only successful facet of my life, then I am successful. I need no other success.

My children are my treasures, you often hear people say. Indeed. The joys are immeasureable. The satisfaction you get from every 100% quiz is better than a 10% salary raise. My heart can not fathom the most wonderful feeling when I see my children tucked in safe at night. It is inevitable that someday they will spread their own wings that is why we should treasure them now. Not when they are all grown up, not when you have regrets. Now. Now when you are their champion.

Most of all, I learned that my heart can love so much. I never realized how much a human heart can love. One moment--Motherhood gives you that and all.

Mother---the most beautiful word in all languages. Happy Mother's Day everyone but most especially to my Inang who loves us unconditionally.

Dinner discussion

The Llagaland is always abuzz with conversation come dinner time. From jokes to trigonometry to Greek mythology or just movie scenes or sometimes TV shows. Yup, we cover all the bases. From nonsense tv shows to noble causes. Hahaha!

Wanna know my fave dinner time though? I love it when we discuss books we've read. The 3 Little Monkeys read tons of books, I can't even keep up. And if you know me- I read a lot.

Tonite, we were discussing the Ember books. The City of Ember, The People of Sparks, The Prophet of Yonwood and The Diamond of Dark Hole is a great series by Jeanne DuPrau. If you ask me, better than Percy Jackson series and Hunger Games-- waaay better than the Twilight series. Not even close. Sorry Twilight fans. It comes second to Harry Potter if I compare it to what they call adolescent series of late. I will tell you later what's my fave series of all time. I can't seem to make up my mind.

Oh, oh... Did I tell you Pherry read the Shopaholic series ( Confessions of a Shopaholic) because he wanted to know what KC and I discuss? Oh sure he did! It's funny to hear a boy's perspective on the subject matter! Now, it's more fun to talk about Becky being crazy and it's fun to laugh together when they see similarities of Rebecca and me and my friends. Oh, fun!

How about you? What is your fave family time? What books do you let your kids read? Do you try to read books so you can relate to your kids? Do tell!

When I screm, I scream, wouldn't you?

So, if you are my FB friend, you would know how  excited I was  a few weeks ago. Although we like hanging out in the water---we are all water babies---my kids never had a swimming lesson, nope! Not until the last summer I tell you.

So, a couple of weeks ago, the 2 Little Monkeys were qualified to participate in the intercity middle school swim meet! They have to beat their schoolmates and pass their  personal best to do that. Oh well... what personal best? They don't have record. But as i always tell them.... you wouldn't know if you don't try. So try, they did! Whooa! They went from no experience to super winners!

Oh boy. Should I tell you something? It's always been my kids' dilemma and I used to get annoyed with it---they totally get embarrased when I scream or I brag about  them. Example number one: In parties, when i introduce them or when some people ask about them--- they would "sarcastically" tell me after my long spiel about how great they are and blah blah--- "oh, I am surprised you did not tell them I have won the essay 2 times and that I am........"  Hmmmp! I'm just proud of them ...okaaaay? Example number two: When i start singing or dancing in parties, they be like.... "mom, please, please stop?" With matching, "spare us the embarrassment" kinda look. Whoooa, these kids. If I had a mom like me, I'd be so totally thrilled. NOT! I'd be embarrass of me. Hihihihiihi.

Anyway, hiway.... here is my ever beautiful daughter winning the 25 meters freestyle competing against 6-8th graders. Let me tell you... s-low-ly so you can appreciate it.... she is in 5th grade with no prior swimming experience evah! And hell yeah, I would scream my lungs out everytime. Who cares? Palengkera na kung palengkera.... sige nga, kayo na ang mayabang! Kc is on the outside lane peeps... she wins. I wonder if my screams help them.... hmmmm...



And here is my Intellihunk! I was so nervous after KC won because I am sure Pherry is going to be pressured. What pressure? See for yourself. And you ladies stop staring at my Intellihunk, okaaaay? EMbarrassing mama, embarrassing.... stop it!



Whoooaaa... that was crazy close! Pherry is second to the outermost lane. My kids are great they make me go cray-zee! And yeah, he wins it all too!

And folks, yup... that was me screaming to the world and Mr. Hubbs goes; " go Kuya"... like, hell...help me scream will you? Hahahahha. What "go Kuya"? Notice mine? "Gooooooo KuuuuuYAH" like my life depended on him winning it! Meanwhile, Josh was so embarrassed, he kept pushing me to the rails so i'd stop... like that would stop me, ha? Josh my little darling was looking around making sure none of his friends were there!

Of course, after that----- picture here, picture there! "Can I take a picture with you and Mr./Ms. So and So and what about you and your friend who was second?" Need I tell you how they stopped me? " How about you and Dad, then you and your brothers then just the boys?" Waaah! I am hopelessly untreatable. But it's all good. It's so much fun.

On a more serious note.... I am just glad my kids are healthy, they are active and we live a simple life as family. We never force the kids to do any activity they do not want. After all, it's for them and they should enjoy every single minute of their young life. I came straight from the night shift that day but all my sleepiness and tired feelings were gone... my kids make me feel so special. For me, what good it is that they speak French or play the violin or can rhumba or even sing like Pavarotti  or kick the ball like Beckham if they do not LOVE what they do? As long as my kids like to participate in anything I let them. Right now, KC is doing dance--jazz, tap and ballet and also doing track and field and the boys stopped dancing. They plan to do rowing and boating this summer and just completely abandon soccer and basketball. The only rule I have right now for them is to excel academically. They need not be bookish or overly studious, I just want them to realize that SCHOOL is priority. So this is what I ask them to do....
1. Listen to at least 1 newscast everyday.
2. Read at least one book a month.
3. Watch an episode of NCIS and Bones with Mama... hihihihiih.
What's important to me is being well rounded. Sports, academics, social and spiritual. We are working on all these aspects in life.
Want another scream.... yup, I give you ---not 1 but  2 reasons to scream... here you go.....

Wouldn't you scream? I do and then I bow my head and whisper a silent prayer of thanks to God Almighty!
Have a blessed Sabbath day everyone!

Smile!

"You just became a WAY cooler mom, Mom!"

Last Tuesday evening, while waiting for dinner being prepared by Mr. Hubbs, the 3 Little Monkeys and I were playing around and hanging out in the dining room---which is still decorated with our "very beautiful and year round" Christmas decor ; )! Hahhaah, yup, Christmas decors are still up in April at Llagaland!

Anyway, KC and Pherry were dancing to a song I hardly hear from the radio---and while Josh is doing homework with his back turned on us---he was singing the same song with them! So I asked them whose song it was....this is their reply; " oh, some K-Pop song Mom"--- entirely dismissing me,  like I would not know so why bother explaining it to her kinda look. "oh, you mean like the 21NE1?" was my answer. Intentionally pretending I knew way more than that----you know. Imagine their disbelief! Mom knows K-Pop? The world is great after all! Hhahahahha.

Pherry came so close to my face and asked what more do I know---of course I showed them--- Sandara Park and F4. Hahhahaha, lame, I know. Very lame. But hey, I gotta sound and look cool, right? Waaaah! Then I got re-educated by my kids. Oh Mom, those are old! Sandara Park and the F4 are old? Oh wow! I -MUST-be- OLD!

They showed me Shinee, UKISS and so much more. What is with these Korean bands? They look like dolls--and not in a good way. They look like punk '80 with classic hip-hop look combo. Can you see where I am going with this description? Put  Pink and Mr.T together. Hahhahah. Don't mind me K-Pop fans, i'm just old.

Anyway, before we get scolded by Mr. Hubbs because we are not doing homework, we had dinner. Before we started, Pherry said; i did not know you know them Mom, you just became a waaay cooler mom, Mom. Can't wait to call my friends."

See, I am waaaay cool! I am a cool mo.

I love it!

Typical Friday home dining at the Llaga's

Oh boy, the  2 older Little Monkeys ( who are not-so-little anymore) are going to be competing against each other tomorrow  at the interschool citywide swim meet and they are BOTH sick. Yup. Sick. My life for the last 2 months or so.

Anyhoo, inspite of that, they had good cheers while we were having dinner---white rice with salt and pepper shrimp.

KC: which state is the most religious?
Hmmmmmm
KC: anyone?
KC: ok ok..... Mass-achussetts. Get it? Get it? Mass...
Everyone laughs...
Josh: Oh yeah, oh yeah, how about this--- which states drink a wholata ( a whole lot) of soda?
Hmmmm
Josh: CAN-Sas... see, see... Kansas...
Bwahahhahahha.
KC: How about what state has a lot of internet and phones and stuff?
Me: ( guessing internet )----- I know, I know--- Hawaii-Fi... you know Ha-wifi!!!
Everyone laughs....
KC: That's good but not what I was thinking... your funny mom
Me: SO what is it? ....
KC: Connect-ticut... get it get it... Connecticut! Connect!
Chris: But---- there are no people in Connecticut...
Everyone laughs...
Chris: and Rhode Island and New Hampshire....no one there. It's just passageway from Boston to NY or Ny to Boston...
Bwahahahaha. We're MEAN, very mean Bostonians....

You do not want to know what we said about Mean-esotta and Feel-adelphia and much more.

..... and that was just the beginning my dear friends....
...... and I ahd to sleep because I needed to be at work by 9PM, after working for the whole Friday.
......my life....
-----IN JOKES.
Sabi nga ni Charice;
"I kent bilibit!"
You should have dinner with us some time. AND laugh.

B

Monday, Brag Day

If I ever complain again 'bout anything in this world, please slap me. I should not because I am so blessed!

Take a look!

beautiful children.....

Uber sweet boy---Josh

Pretty baby

Bookworm and hunk

See what I mean?

Unbreakable brotherly bond---fight then protect--whaaat?

healthy me ( literally and figuratively). But focus on that bombastic nasty pony hair Valentino Garavani bag! Whaaam!

Happy as we have ever been

So, smack me if I even start...complaining, that is.