Eclipse 2017, not about the Eclipse

Please do not ask me where I have been. Also, I am not crazy with the eclipse. I just wanted to reactivate my blogging and the more i PROCRASTINATE coz I have a lot to catch on, the more I am buried, so i figured I can just start today hoping the eclipse would "energize" me.

Anyway, Pherry is going back to school soon and he will be a sophomore! Unbelievable. He picked up Fencing in college. Pherry started basketball, he didn't like it, partially coz of Chris. Chris is a little too pushy and hardcore when it comes to sports. Then he did chess, that he liked but he never really got to it. He also did table tennis, which he plays once in a while. Did you know he plays the ukelele?

KC and I are busy prepping for her debutante's ball. Actually, she is upstairs creating an iMovie for her "save the date". KC will be very busy this school year as she was elected Class President of the Juniors. I am so excited for her. She did all her campaigning on her own, not a single help from us---she made her own speech and all that. So proud of this young lady.

Josh? My baby Josh is going to be a freshman this Fall. How did this ever happen? How?  In fact, he just finished his 3-day intro to ROTC. In connection to that, he will not be going to Quincy Highschool like Pheery and KC. Instead, he is attending North Quincy High. Why, i don't know. i think he just wants to be different from the two.

Mr. Hubbs, aka Chris is doing really good.  He is crazy working night shift but it works for him, so i let him be. I prodded him many times over to go back to dayshift. We both go at the shooting range once in a while but we have not been, as we got so busy with family.

Me? I changed jobs. In fact, I'd be celebrating my one year anniversary this week at this new job. It's doing well---albeit a few hiccups, as any other job is. The good thing is, I REALLY LOVE WHAT I DO, so any shitty stuff, I can take. The great thing is --- my co-supervisors are awesome! My bag collection? I have not purchased any major stuff for 2 years now --- until we went to Montreal this month. I bough a crocodile!!!!! I now have a rabbit, a snake and a crocodile in my closet.

What else can I tell you? The restaurant scene in my city is booming. We have been busy exploring but it gets to be expensive. Oh, wait. I went to do a mystery shopping kind of thing and I got paid a whopping----$12.00. Hahahhaha. Hey, its lunch money.

I miss my friends. I visited family this month but my friends and I have not been together for weeks now.

I am helping plan a Filipino Food Fest. i'll let you know when that happens.

Now more than ever, I appreciate my parents for sending us to college on their own, without loans or dole outs. I only have Pherry and it has been extremely difficult with us financially. I can only imagine my parents who sent all of us ( 10), at times, three at a time! What makes it even more admirable is that my parents both do  not even have education whatsoever. If my dad is to be believed, he said he only reached 6th grade. But he was such a good businessman--- a humane businessman. MAybe, that's where Pherry and Josh got their math wizards? No? My mom was a great orator and for a very long time, a public servant. Yes, not a politician but a public servant. Maybe, that is why KC is good at campaigning? No?

It's been a wonderful summer here in Boston. We spent 2 weeks in Montreal. Oh, I have a lot of memories to share to you about that.

My health is not doing well. I have been gaining weight lately so I am working on making some changes. Today, I activated my activity and sleep tracker. I synced it with my iPhone  and set 8 hours sleep monitoring and 10,000 steps. Hopefully I can really be on top of this. Please let me know on your comments below, how you keep healthy.

We bought PCs for KC and one for Chris and me to use. Hoepfully that will help with my blogging. LOL.

I think that is all for now. Keep smiling and let your loved ones know you love them. Be affectionate.





Thanks for visiting my blog. Have a wonderful day and keep smiling!

Weekend Series

Alright, so Saturday, we stayed home mostly and just went to the bookstore later in the evening while my 2 brothers-in-law and Mr.Hubbs played card in the house. 

Precious and Jem slept over and so you know what that means--- staying up late and just being goofy!

Sunday, we all had a hearty breakfast. They had eggs and bacon and I had my bursawit- dried baby belt fish from the Philippines! Woohoo!

We then went to Copley Square in Boston and had fun at the library!

I just love doing simple things with the kids. The library is beautiful and such a historical place--- and free! Did I say free?  

If you're in town, be sure to drop by! Sit down by the garden and just relax or go to one of the reading rooms and soak in some knowledge. Being in Boston, you're most likely sitting beside some kid from MIT or Harvard! Ha!

Here's KC reading the new book she purchased yesterday. 

Oh, my expenses these days consist of books and tickets to meet authors. I guess it's not that bad. Did you know, we are going to see The Rick Riordan! Awesome-ness!

 

After they got tired reading or running around, we headed off to Acorn St.--- the most photographed street in Boston. It's a true cobblestone street with gas lamps. There's not much to see, btw, it's a private street-- but if you love history, you'll love it. It's a tiny street tucked away and easy to miss. If you head out, take pictures and do not wear freaky shoes! Be respectful as it is a residential area.

Headed to the mall for late lunch and dropped off the kids. Mr. Hubbs and I then went to Rodizio for much needed solo time and good food. Unfortunately, the service is good but the food is not. This is not the first time we've come here but I keep hoping it gets better but it does not. I still love their chicken heart and the grilled pineapple. I believe it's not worth the money- that's why we only go if there is a Groupon we can use.

How about you, how is your weekend? Hope all is well with you my loves! 

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!

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 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!

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! 

Cousins Part 3

You know how you feel safe and free at the same time? I get that feeling whenever I am with good friends, safe coz I know they would never put me in a bad light or would do anything that could potentially hurt me or my family. Free coz I can be me--- loud, happy, giggly and dressed down? No problem! 

If you have cousins who are your best friends too? Priceless! 

 

September is All About Jem

Happy birthday cutie Jem!

I can't seem to get over these kids!

... And catch these moments!

How about you? What do you love most when you see your family and friends? Personally, I love moments such as these. Nothing fancy schmancy. Just laughter, hugs, stories exchanged, funny jokes and friends cajoling each other!

Oh yeah, we had food too.

Happy birthday Jem, you know we love you but when you and your cousins get to read this lowly blog ( actually, much like Mamu's random thoughts), I want you to know I have the greatest pleasure when I am with you all. I may seem distracted and out of focus sometimes but let me tell you, I see every single thing! I notice all your mannerisms, your "not-so-gentle"  push on your sister, your Kuya Josh' forced smiled when I let him give you his toys and your Ate Precious' sweet smile when I praise her back flips! I love it when you sleep-over and you are scared when your Ate KC turn off the lights. Now I'm wondering if you are still the same when you are all sitting down reading this blog when you are all grown-ups!

Now I'm suddenly sad. I just hope you will all stay like this forever! Loving each other and always close to each other and depending on each other every step of the way. Sure, I expect you all to grow up and expand your wings but I also pray you will treasure these time with me and each other so that when the going gets tough, you will find refuge in each other no matter what life has thrown at you.

Mwaaah! I should stop now before I cry a river! I love you Jem and your cousins love you. God bless you my dear!