First Snowstorm 2014

Let me tell you this, I never realized how bad it was until I woke up to go to work at 6am and there was no electric power. No electric power means no heating, no hot water. I WAS NOT GOONG TO TAKE A SHOWER ON SUB ZERO TEMPERATURE. No!

Anyway, I went back to sleep and hopefully call work to check on the lab. I have such a dedicated team, 3 of the staff members volunteered to stay Thursday night just in case no one can come in on Friday morning.

I called Mr.Hubbs immediately upon waking up reporting the kids are off from school again and there is no power. He told me he can drop me off after he gets home. I look down the window and the pile up is about a foot of snow! Really pretty white fluffy snow, but how can I drive out when the roads are not plowed yet?

Stayed in bed after a confirmation that all is well in the lab. It brings me joy to see the kids in bed with me. Priceless! I went down when the power was back up to prep for breakfast. While having a Filipino breakfast I was telling the kids how we had power outage and we did not notice it. HERE IS THE REAL REASON FOR THIS POST! Josh blurted out - " oh no, we would not have rice." 

See, snowstorm, power outage and all that matters is NO RICE! Oh so Filipino! This is what I usually call FIL-Am problems.

Anyway, just sharing some pictures. It's not in any way worse than last year's but  bad nonetheless.

Mr.Hubbs plows the snow after his night shift! 

Pherry looks like a real Bostonian. It's not cold 'Ma!

.....and of course the kids would not miss this as opportunity to have fun in the snow!

Yesterday I brought them sledding at a nearby school. The wind is crazy but they had so much fun. What about you, what do you do with the kids on snow days? Were you affected by the storm?

Have a great weekend everyone!

Mommy Thoughts for the New Year

You know how I write random stuff on random days? Here I am lying awake because school just got cancelled! Dang it! No, I really love the fact that I get one more day with them before we all go to crazyland after holiday break. So as you can imagine, I am staring at my beautiful daughter who's deep sleep beside me with her big eyes half open. Yes, my girl sleeps with those eyes which triggers me to write a few random thoughts. You know the drill--- random thoughts to write in 30 minutes.

1. How hard is it to wake up teenagers? Everyday, I threaten and promise them I will not wake them up anymore and that they will regret it. The next morning? I'm still there in the kitchen prepping breakfast and they are fast asleep. Like I did not yell, did not beg nor explained to them why they need to  haul their Asian bums outta bed. Oh, I even threaten to take away their cellphones which have alarm settings by the way! No! They.are.not.listening. And no, I lose. All.the.time. I wake them up!

2. I had one wish last Christmas. That they be toddlers again. That I get to have another chance with them. Because the way they behave, I think I freaking messed up! They are so " quiet." I grew up in a fun family setting. Wanting and not a lot of abundance but so much fun. We laughed all the time, we fought but we made-up! Also, I would have wanted them to grow up running the neighborhood streets, knowing every single person in the community. I need them to lighten up and take life seriously but live it fully!

3. Whoever said it gets better is absolutely wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. My toddlers do not yell at me. My babies did not look at me with the sharpest dagger look. Nor did they say they don't like the food. Or do they have earplugs. Those damn earplugs, real or imagined! They tend to hear only what they wanna hear. Can you clean up your room? Silence. Did you throw away the thrash? Silence. Please bring down the laundry. Silence. Is Stanley coming over? 2:00 o'clock mom and can you get us food? Really?

4. You know those damn report cards? The ones that have As or 96, 98 last year? They still have As alright but the 98s come back with 78s and a side note of " in danger of failing." And you scream at the top of your lungs but all comes out is a muffled, " kid, look at this, your average is dragged down because of this!" Then it suddenly comes like a movie scene where the camera swirled to  Kid1 looking at you with the best dialogues written, only it was meant for Robert Di Nero's mob movies. " it's JUST Mandarin Mom." Oh, I edited that, please insert some obscene language wherever you want, coz it's probably all over the place. Then camera pans to you and you try to up the ante of this drama. " which is still needed to graduate and be an honor student," you say  with gusto as if you need an Oscar award. He them snaps back " I am an honor student, high honors." You smile a little making sure it is not seen lest the co-actor thinks you're giving up. Instead, you say " but you were distinction last year!" I can go on and on and tell you stories such as this but lets make it short coz it always ends the same--- someone storming upstairs and you hear the door banging as an anchor to the performance. Bravo report card! Bravo!

5. Why is it that underwear is so darn expensive?  I dunno what they do with theirs but I kid you not. I have to buy so often!

6. Whenever I go with them to the bookstore, they think we have endless pit of money. Btw, Josh used to think that every time I use the ATM, they just give us free money! Oh, endless pit! Although I appreciate the fact they love books and reading but those darn books are expensive. If only John Greene and all their fave authors at least give me a shout-out, I'd be very happy. Hahahahh.

7. I wish I listened to Mr. Arago and Mr. Barangan, my math teachers. My math level compared to my kids is dismal and embarrassing to say the least. I dunno what I did that God Almighty from the heavens above gifted me with boys who are exceptional in math. Even if I know I am right, I don't know why I am right and making Josh understand he needs to listen to me is like screaming by the Niagara Falls--- useless for no one hears you. In the meantime, I think God Almighty was joking me when He gifted me with my only daughter! But I disagrees, I know she gets As because she studies really hard and pours a lot of time into it.  That's how you get successful, knowing your strengths and weaknesses and proving on them.

30 minutes up!

For good measure, here's my family New Year's Eve!

Sunday Brag Day

It's been long! I haven't posted something "braggy" and not because there is nothing to brag but just been so busy--- and it's not because I am decorating either! 

Anyway, I am so happy to announce that all Three little monkeys are high honors! It's a demotion for Pherry coz he was distinction last year but it's ok.

As a prize, the younger two were given 2 Celtics tickets! Ha!

We're not done folks! When I went to Parent Teacher conference, I was so honored again to hear nothing but great praises for my kids' behavior. 

I am so happy and honored that everything I have been teaching my kids is coming to fruition! 

To God be the glory! Happy Sunday! Stay safe and smile.

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!