Cousins' Before and After Christmas Picture

My kids and my niece's kids are very close. FYI, my niece is married to my husband's nephew, so being close to each other is easy! They hang out together all the time--- movies, library, parks, museums, beaches and even movie marathons!

Here is a picture of them when Jem was not even a year old. It was Christmas 2009 after hearing mass on Christmas Day. 

Here is the 2014 version! Crazy how time flies! 

I can't believe how our little angels are grown so fast! Hanging out with them is the highlight of my holiday season. 

How about you? What is the highlight of your Christmas?

Christmas 2014

It's been a wonderful time! I am surrounded by my loves! 

The following photos were taken before taking off to a Christmas lunch hosted by my niece Fridah!

But my favorite is...

Confession: I messed up! We were supposed to attend the 9pm mass on Christmas Eve but my brothers-in-law came and they played tong-it's with Mr.Hubbs and my closest friends came over for dinner!  Missing in the picture: Dikong Ric--photographer!

Anyway, that changed the plans. So then, I decided to do the 9am mass. Unfortunately I realized later on that Mr.Hubbs would not be home by then. Ok, let's do 6pm. Ha! We drove there and the church was closed! Hahahahah! Senior moment--- that mass was for the 24th! We hurried home and we read the gospel and readings of the day with our Advent candles lit. Also, the kids and I took turns to read. Afterwards, I asked each one to share what they love best about Christmas and we shared. Pherry said he likes that everyone in general is just happy and nice. KC said she likes gifts and Josh shared he likes reunions of family, the parties! I asked Chris and it broke my heart when he said " nothing, I just miss Nanay." 

Being home for the last few days, off this Christmas week just reiterates that I made the right decision. Yes, I don't make as much money as before but I do have lots of priviledges like taking time off when I need to. Family time is priceless! 

Soon the kids will have their own lives and all I have to hold on to are memories of this time of the year. I treasure these time with them. 

Merry Christmas my dear loves!

Brag Day

Last Wednesday, Josh asked to look over his recipe --- porkolt pot pie, apparently a Hungarian staple. It's part of their geography class. 

Thursday, I came home and I was asked to close my eyes! OPEN! 

TOP CHEF! My baby is the top chef. Is this a sign? He has been telling us he wants to go to culinary school and I have been a little reluctant. 

Yesterday, KC got her report card too and it's all As and no, that is not the brag! It is the fact that Math was A+! Unbelievable! Way to go my darlings!

Happy Saturday. #lovelovelove

So, to celebrate, we went on a date! Just the three of us! Dad is sleeping and Kuya is at a robotics competition, of which I had to drop him off at 6:30am! 

My Boys

You know how when you're young, you always fight with your siblings. Certainly, my kids are the same. But, more often than not, I see how they admire each other. 

I came home last week and Josh was like, " Mom, Wentwort sent a letter to Kuya." We've been receiving so many letters from different colleges but for some reason Chris is focused on this one school--- Wentworth Institute of Technology. I don't know if it's rebellion against my pushing him towards the well-known schools in Boston. When I gave him the look, Josh was like " Mom, don't worry, I didn't open it, I just texted him so he gets to open it himself."

Here's the text message;

Aren't they cute? 

This is my Kind of Sunday

I decided today is the day to start my holiday decorations. Remember that--- start. I never promised finished! 

Here's my mess.

 

But that's not the important part. Let's focus on the good times, shall we?

... my loves playing around!

http://youtu.be/yCTOw2tritk

My Road to American Naturalization

Most times I decide intellectually---I decide base on what's right, correct and easy. My naturalization is one thing I know I need to decide emotionally. Most people I know decide on it based on convenience-- they need it for work, easier travel or economic reasons. All those, I respect.

 For me, I need to be ready, I need to do it because I can say I can give the same dedication as I have given my mother country. I have been eligible to apply since 2004, as a wife of an American citizen. But life got to me. With 3 children, a career to start and a new world altogether at 26, I was thrust into uncharted territory for someone who has always been surrounded by loved ones-- never once have to decide life's major decisions without family. Needless to say, feeling that connection took a backseat. Besides, I was enjoying my American life and all the beauty and benefit of this great country without being a citizen. I have always been a good citizen--- someone who involves my life in the community that gives my family so much! 

What was the defining moment then, you ask. When Osama Bin Laden was killed, I was at my evening shift job. It wasn't about the killing. It was about the respect they did inspite of the fact that they could have done so much more damage-- our soldiers need not respect the Muslim tradition of the dead at that point, but they did. That, started my desire, I knew then I am in the right country. If I was to give up my allegiance to my beautiful and beloved Philippines, this was it! 

The United States of America is no doubt without its fault but the beauty of it all is that each one of us has a voice into all that flows in this land. It isn't perfect and yet as I looked around the hall today, there were so many different "kind" of people still clamoring to be part of it. The enigma and welcoming warmth is strong. 

I know my children will not be shielded from poverty, war and inequality. But I also know, they will be resilient Americans who are champions of liberty, freedom and justice. For that is what America is--- a cradle for all, by all! 

So today, I gave up all allegiance to any nation, including my beloved Philippines. I will always be a Filipina but today, I choose to be American--- all mind, body and soul. I decided because I love this country with all it's fault but most importantly with all its greatness. Because it is that--- America the great! 

It is a well-thought of decision made by the heart and mind. Most American-born do not appreciate what they have. We are too critical of our leaders, too lenient to those who destroy what it stands for and too arrogant to accept that this country is  great because of its people. Look around and realize that inspite of the supposed hatred of the world against it, there are people willing to die just to breath the freedom we so casually shrug. If only each one of you go through the same application process I did, maybe- just maybe, the prize of being Anerican is more valued, therefore we will treasure it much more.

Thank you to everyone I've met who in one way or another, contributed to my decision. My American experience has been great! My journey is a long one in this land but I know, being American, it will be worth it! 

My certificate.

During my interview appointment, Nov. 8th 2014.

How happy you say, THIS happy!

Ok, here it is! The cheesy shot! 

Where to now? With the blue passport, I can go anywhere, baby!

My Journey

Today is another step towards my US journey. A few months ago, I filed for my US naturalization. I have been eligible since June 2013 but for so many reasons - personal and financial, I never got to it. 

Well, today is my interview. Super duper early 0815 on a Saturday morning but I was psyched so much I was up by 2am. 

Lucky to be dropped off by my niece Fridah. My kids all came in It was at the federal building in Boston. I arrived just in time to have enough time to check-in and settle down a little bit. 

Our Local Fall Outdoor Shop

Let's get this out--- I love Fall! 😘😘😘

Anyway, after our own version of photoshoot last Sunday, I was thinking of going thrifting. I haven't been for a very long time. I've forgotten that besides my fave thrift shop is the garden center. It was such a beautiful set-up I can't resist going instead.

First, my thrifted brand new shoes. Don't you love finding pretty stuff for cheap?

The whole place was so beautif I felt like there's no need to go leaves peeping!

 

I was with KC only coz the boys decided to stay in the car. She was sneaking some pictures while I was picking what mums and pumpkins to buy.

I love the colors of spring but the Fall colors is just more vibrant. 

What about them big pumpkins?

I forgot what this is called but it looked like bulate. Hahahahah. Or snake ready to bite. 

These I know--- they're ghost pumpkins! 

I'll share some colorful pictures!

When I was younger my sister Joy had a friend who owns cornfields and I don't quite remember seeing these colorful corns.

I can't get enough of my princess and the colors of Fall! Tomorrow, we are going to the Berkshires! Woohoo!

How about you? What's your fave season? How do you spend weekends with your family?

* all pics taken using iPhone 5 only.

39 Random Thoughts Today

Hey hey hey! Another year since my last random thoughts post. But yeah, here we are again!

1. iPhone 6 is the new craze. Why?

2. There are idiots on the train everyday but the worst kind are the

the ones drunk at 9am. Seriously?

3. I would like to be in Ibiza this moment.

4. I watch too much detective/police shows! Too much NCIS, SUV, Point of Interest and the likes.

5. Why are people so scared of Ebola? It is dangerous and deadly but there are more dangerous and deadly ones. 

6. Kids are always a wonder! 

7. My life will not be complete without NCIS' Gibbs. I know I know, so shallow of me.

8. I still want to visit Spain, Thailand and SanFran.

9. I should invest more. You know, into my 401k account.

10. Why are there so many inconsiderate able-bodied people at the train/bus? Get the hell out of the "priority seats!" It's reserved for a reason! Why, you can't read? Or the signs don't speak to you? 

11. Everyone hates Wal-Mart, I love it!

12. Pho seems to be the new "try it" foodie thing. At least to me. But, that's old peeps!

13. Why is it that when it rains, there's heavy traffic? 

14. You know what they say, " sometimes it's better to be with non-Filipino?" Never believed it, till I met this old, gossipmonger no brains Filipina. Oh God, forgive me but she's someone I'd avoid like a plague if given a chance again. Karma will soon come to you!

15. KC is blossoming so much! She's so pretty! 

16. I love that my kids aren't very picky.

17. I just paid for 2 tickets for One Direction for about $600. What happened to the world?

18. Already thinking on what to decorate with this Christmas. If you know me, either I overdo it or not at all.

19. Maybe early this year I started receiving communion again. I still have to do confession before though. It feels good.

20. I am grateful to have Grace and Marisol in my life. They always make time for me and my kids.

21. My kids are making me extremely proud. I really don't care if they go to Harvard or MIT or what-not, I just want them to be happy.

22. Between Shades of Gray is so far the best book I've read this year.

23. There are still rude people out there commenting on my weight. So recently, I jut plaster my face all over. No one says anything bad. Wait, except that one who commented on this blog that I put way too much make-up. "Honey, that's not make-up, that's me!" 

24. I dance to It's all About the Bass every time I hear it. Even in the car so much so that one guy was cracking up when he saw me doing my thing! Hahahahah.

25. My niece AJ had her 16th bday party and it's sincerely the most fun party ever. Not boring!

26. I pretty much gave up on my Balik Alindog Project. I fail. Failed. Will fail.

27. The sun is the best  photo filter. Try it!

28. People you see at parties and other social functions are not your friends. They are your acquaintances. 

29. I wish I still have more time for thrift shopping. I haven't been. I miss my couture outfits without the tag price. 

30. When I'm training a new staff, I am reminded of my great teachers. Thanks!

31. I think Coco Martin is my new crushie. 

32. Someone deactivated their FB account and never bothered to add me again with the new one. I asked why. Why not? Could have been a mistake (which was) or they don't really want you. Either way, you get to know the truth. Lesson? Ask and do not second guess yourself. There are those who deleted me/ blocked me, I never bothered! Good riddance. 

33. I want REbecca Minkoff's Love swing bag. It's kinda the Chanel BOY, only much cheaper. But then again, I need a new bag like I need a hole in my head! Bang!

34. If you want to ask forgiveness from me. Ask me. I may or may not but then, refer to 32.

35. There are people you know who are so pasosyal as if! Sistah, your degree or marrying your husband does not negate your insecurities! Hello!

36. If we all recycle, this world would be a better place. 

37. Skinny does not mean healthy nor does it give you license to insult my weight. Rude and skinny is useless.

38. Grace, Marisol and I are funny crazies! I love these ladies. Both of them are very accomplished in their field yet so humble. We laugh like crazies and we can outdo the best actress if we want to!

39. The best vacations are the ones spent with family. Yup, I love my summer time with the Montreal peeps.

Again, this is just a random rambling post. There's no need to tell me of my sentence construction or grammar or how shallow or angry my post is. 

If you got to this part, congrats, it's my 39th bday! 

Top and skirt- Altuzarra for Target

Shoes and bag-Gucci

Monday Brag Day

Well well well! Didn't expect anything less!  Good job Pherry, so proud of you!

Praise God!

Fall 2014 Photo Shoot

You know you can only apple pick too much! My kids do not want to go this year coz " we always go, why?" Hahahah. 

Usually, I take the opportunity to take Fall pics during apple picking but since we are not going, here we are!

After church today, I told them we are going to the Pageant Field to take pics but there was a "family fun day" there so I decided to go to another fave spot. When I said we were going to the Black Creek Estuary, KC immediately got excited and exclaimed, " where we used to go see horseshoe crabs!" We always loved this place. I used to bring them here a lot when they were little. It has beautiful water views, a small park and great access to Wollaston Beach.

As you probably know, my kids think I'm over the top with my pictures but by now they are used to me. Multiple side comments of " this looks so unnatural" " why so many takes" and whispers of " I bet she's going to ask us to take photos --just the two of you, Ate and Josh only." Hahahahah, my kids.

Be warned! Photo overload!

By the tiny bridge.

It was windy and a little chilly but sunny. In my book, that's perfect!

Look at my boys! Totally grown. Up but still proudly mama's boys!

My pretty princess who "ridicules" all my photo ideas. I have to give it  her though, she's got keen eyes.

My teenagers are so cute. They are mature but not like overly mature where they are so demanding with clothes or tech stuff nor are they overly self-conscious. I like that. 

This is Pherry. He is now 16 yet, you need t force him to get out of the house. I like that too. Isn't he so handsome though? Indulge with me, will yah?

Shy and aloof with people but extremely conversant with techies and science geeks. Yup, that's him. This photo I took coz he walked away when the 2 younger ones were cracking up poses like supermodels. He ain't having that. His words. Hahahahah.

I took so many photos but these are my absolute favorites! I am a proud mom and these moments will never be forgotten!

First, me and bunso, Josh!

Princess KC and me! Absolutely beautiful, my only princess!

Kuya Pherry is so shy. You can barely get him to smile! But here's the best shot.

Just typing this up makes me cry. I am so lucky to have these kids in my life. Our family may not have much but we make everything fun. Which brings me to these next set of photos. Many think Josh is the funniest but KC is a loose ball. She is crazy when we are all together and she cracks up jokes like there's no tomorrow.

Here are the photo outtakes. When you see perfect pictures of families, believe me there's more beyond that final 1000 shots. Here's ours!

Look at Josh!

KC: "Mom I think I peed"

Josh: "mom, mom, the sun!"

I'll leave you with these shots of me and the kids after I said I was done with them.

My lovely kids, my treasure!

After this we went mums picking but it was darn expensive I said NO! I ended up thrifting.

See yah folks, how about you, how's your weekend?