Spring break begins

Patriots' Day signals Spring break for Massachusetts public schools--- it's also the Boston Marathon-- the most prestigious marathon in the whole wide world. Oh yeah, oh yeah-- I live in the best state. Only Bay Staters have Patriots' Day and Boston Marathon. Yeebah!

Last year, I promised the kids I would be taking a break, so Mr. Hubbs and I took the week off from work. I have been working a whole lot recently so I was basically conked out last weekend. After working 2 shifts ( 3pm-7am) last Friday and working Saturday night, I made a hearty breakfast Sunday and we all headed to Palm Sunday service, after which we went to the mall to meet up with family friends. Do I need to tell you we were with Presidential Estate Llaga and Avalon Surwez? Ahhahhah. Yeah, I love some family and friends on Sundays. Makes for wonderful time.

Today, Patriots' Day, we decided to go to Arnold Arboretum. This is the first public arboretum of the USA. Side story---  KC asked me what is an arboretum and I said "Arnold Arboretum is kinda Central Park in NY--- Pherry ( my eldest)--the grumpy geek said-- NO, arboretum is NOT like Central Park, Arboretum is yadah yadah yadah and went on and gave a lecture why it is and is not like Central Park. We all just waited for him to FINISH. Yeah, that's what we do. Anyway, it's such a good feeling to walk in this place knowing that just outside the fence is a busy Boston parkway yet you are surrounded with beautiful flowers, trees and birds. On our way, I saw this beautiful tree.



One day, I'd like to just take a walk and see the beauty of New England--- picket fences and English tudor architecture, and of course well kept yard.

Too many peechurs, too many stories to tell.

Today is one of those days where we:

Run as we see Mama taking pictures. Nooo, we run to show Mama the lovely flowers we found.

One of those days where we turn our backs as soon as Mama attempts to take a picture. No... we don't.

Today is one of those where we can just stare at the pond and skip stones.  What water? It's cold Mom!

Today is a day to let Mama know it's time to stop being paparazzi for ONE minute. MOM!!

Today is the day to stay as far away as can be from Mama so she can't take a nice picture. SCORE!

Today is one of those where we go up the hill not to see what's on the other side ( squirrels) but to stay away from Mamarazzi.  

Today is one of those days we'd rather roll down the hills than see Mama on the way down with her camera pointed right ON your face. Na-ah.

Today is the day we'd rather carry our sweet but seldom annoying brother than have my face on Mama's camera. Yeah, we prefer that Mama. Ooops.

Today is the day we'd rather hand the flowers to Mama to hide our faces. It works. Aha!

Today is the day we pretend to appreciate the flowers while maintaining some distance towards the annoying sibling of the moment than have Mama's camera right on our FACES. Puh-leeze Mama.

Today is the day we pretend to read information than have Mama's information regarding how to look good on pictures. Sorry Mom.

Today is the day we actually love jumping on branches--- makes for a good reason not to stay put and pose for Mama.

Today is the day to let Mama appreciate the beautiful flowers and not just "my beautiful children". Yeah, Mom we know.

Todais one of those where we pretend to fix our shoe straps than follow Mama down the pond because it really looks good for photograph background. Everything is a nice background for you Mom.

Oh yes peeps. That's how I feel when I take photos of these wonderful kids. It is exhausting! But yeah I do love sneaking pictures here and there. They are so full of energy and creativity. So, eventhough I have those photos, I also have these....

Today is the day to give Mama those wonderful flowers as beautiful as her---JOSH.

Thanks for those Magnolias Josh.

Today is the day to stay put and give Mama that nice shot, so she can frame it or show it off to her FB friends--- Pherry.

Don't you look adorable?

Today is the day to play nice so Mama can let us play until we want to stop. Nice=let her take pics.

Oh... my boys can actually play together? Love!

Today is the day we flash our most wonderful smiles to Mama, after all she pays so much for those darn dentists.

There you go. Little darlings aren't they? If only you know how much bribing I need to do. Ha! You know, I love taking nature walks especially with the kids. I love seeing these--- well, aside from seeing my besautiful kids--- kids would be embarrased if they hear me talking like this. Actually, they ask me first, FB or blog pic? Ahahahha.

Lest you forget, Boston is old money--- like this.

Mink anf fur for dog walking, anyone?

I love seeing this too. Makes me go get Mr. Hubbs who's sitting IN the CAR. Oh, yeah.

I know I'm a hopeless romantic. Whatchasaying? I'm dreaming? Well, a girl can dream to have a sweet and expressive husband, right?

What about this lovely scene?

We have yet to have a pet in the family but I AM NOT RUSHING. These pets are so expensive and besides we get to "borrow" from time to time anyway.

So there, the beginning of our Spring break. It's a whole week peeps, so we will see how it goes. If I can post another blogpost, that's a good sign.

Projects and kids

More often than not, you would find me working on activities with the Kiddos.  We are not the creative bunch, but we sure love to work with our hands and hearts. That's all what's important anyway--- and having fun while doing it.  I think aside from love of books and reading, we like painting--- especially KC and Josh.


Lemme share what we have done recently. This is sure not complete because you know me, I am a bad blogger. No peechurs? How bad can you be? I do need to buy a compact camera, one that I can always bring with me. So bear with me, AND Mr. Hubbs should be getting that damn (dumb?) camera soon!


A few weeks back,  I treated Josh, KC and Ice to Plaster Fun Time in Braintree. We used to go here a lot but you know, kids grow and focus on other things--- like those uber expensive-pesky-Nintendo games and what-not. But it was all good coming back again after so long. For those who would like to know more about his place, click on the link above but lemme explain the basics. You go in, and every wall is grouped such that,  for everything in that wall is a specific price. I think the cheapest one is $7.99 inclusive of paint and all the finishings ( glitters, gloss). They have an area where you go choose your colors and they are already portioned. You can get as much as you want. The brushes are there too and they have a variety of sizes. Anyways...peechurs... pick your plaster to paint. I suggest basic ones for beginners.

KC have these letter initials (KC) in her bedroom..

After making your choice, head on and pay. Or let Mama pay. As she always does.

 Then go crazy and paint away...



of course, we need to have nail polish, right?

 Here's our finished product. Lovely isn't it. The best thing is we got stories to tell. Like when one of the ladies who worked there ask if "maybe there was a special something" because Ice is wearing a tiara... like maybe a birthday... ummm... or just because."  Josh quickly replied, " just because, she just wears tiara all the time and she feels like a princess... yeah, just because." Surely you can buy these things, sometimes even cheaper, but nothing beats the bonding and the skills learned, skills? Yup, like being patient and wait for paint to dry or else, the horse will have a rainbow connection for a tail. Isn't patience a virtue? Yup, I know, but I call it skill too--- because it is LEARNED too.



Ice's pretty horse..er uhmm "mamu, it's a pony".



KC's bunny





Lest you forget, I have done , started a lot of projects too. But, again, bloggerfail! Bad blogger, no peechurs. But, here's one. If you come to my house, you would see I lurve glass hurricanes, those glass monsters are the easiest, most versatile for seasonal decors. You feel it up with your knick-knacks and presto! I filled them up this time with split peas, yup split peas for colorful and green decor---for Spring. I mixed green and yellow peas for better effect and added my pretty crosses for that  Holy Week touch.

This glass charms are meant for candle jars, but would look good with any glass decor

I found my glass charms (the letter L) at Christmas Tree Shop where they were less than a dollar---compared to Yankee Candle's version at -- brace yourselves---$6.99! Unbelievable.

Then, I made this...isn't it lovely?

For Chris' science week, he decided to present "How to make Halite Crystals". I will spare you the scientific jargon but here are the pics....

Basically, he wanted to see in what optimum temperature would table salt (halite) be produced. Needless to say, the higher the temp, the better and larger crystals were produced. Ahhh... the wonder of science. Ha!

I love making stuff and bonding with my kids. I encourage everyone to do the same thing. it's not the most sparkling clean house the kids would remember but the time spent and memories shared with them that would be most treasured. So, yeah, go ahead and get creative or just sit down with them and read a book or just indulge. You see, time flies. Soon, they won't be there anymore. I know we all get busy thinking we are all doing whatever we do for them, but when do we have that time then? When? I want my kids to remember the times we actually laughed together, snorted loud because of too much laughing, I want them to tell stories when we went to the beach one summer night just to stare at the sky, I prefer them to joke about the time I had my hair up playing "silly mommy" than being made up eating in fancy restaurants. Kids don't care if ypu made the fanciest cake, they remember when they made that "hard as stone" cookies. Yes, they do. But, what a great memory is it! Would you rather have that most delectable recipe most appreciated by all your friends than the dirty kitchen brought about by 3 little muchkins messing the whole shebang? I prefer the latter, yes please.

When you are ready to spend a wonderful time with your kids, call me and we can make sandcastles in the beach. May not be prizeworthy those sandcastles we make, but memory keepers they will be.

Good evening peeps.

What

 Today, I decided to ask myself WHAT questions, answerable by what I feel NOW.

1. What if you have $ 3 million?

I would not be writing blogs. I would be sipping champagne in the pink sands of Mauritius with Mr. Hubbs. And what with 3 million? What about 1 million?  Heck, I just need lifestyle money. I can provide my basic needs. But I take 3 million, yes please.

2. What is happiness to you?

Happiness is a hot bath. Without rushing. Without fear of kids running amok. Yeah. A hot bath uninterrupted for maybe a good 5 minutes. Thank you. If this is not a good answer, please refer to number 1. Thank you.

3. What is playing in your car stereo?

Am shy. Alright, alright. Charice.

4. What makes you smile?

A lot. A lot makes me smile. But mostly I laugh. Too vague? Ok, I smile when I finish one of my projects. I smile when the Dunkin Donuts barista actually is a barista. I smile when Joshua leaves me a nice drawing. Wait, i think this is the same as the happiness question. Or meeting people at Goodwill.

5. What is important to you?

My family. I always remind myself that no matter what happens, only your family is truly there for you.

6. What is your  favorite catchphrase?

Tell me more.

7. What is in your bag?

My bag is a black hole. You can find everything you see at 7 Eleven in my bag. No joke. But if I only need a bag to pretty me up, there is NOTHING in my bag. Promise. Oh wait. The tags and the receipt. Just in case.

8. What annoys you?

Heating oil delivery people. They are not doing anything wrong but I don't know they just annoy me. Maybe because I nedd to pay a lot of money everytime I see them.

9. What do you like  about facebook?

Looking at photos and witty status updates.

10. What motivates you?

I motivate myself. But believe me I have been very unsuccessful doing that.

Ok now, this is what I want you to do. Think about the things you want to ask yourself and honestly answer it. Nothing fancy, just straight and plain easy,  like a panini.  What do you get from this? It makes you realize that sometimes the best conversation is with yourself. Really, try it. I do this as many times as possible. I would say this keeps me going when the coffee is not working. Besides, what's better than knowing that what you say is the TRUTH or a fancy LIE? Now, GO.

In Goodwill, everything is available

Why, you even meet friends there? Goodwill, you are the best!

Yesterday, I was in need of a good book. I finished rereading ( yup, that's a word-- ray --ray -ding... at least in my book) for the 348th time The Nanny Diaries, which usually signals me to hook myself up with another love---finding new books. But, I have waaay too many books according to Mr.Hubbs, plus I have yet to replenish my imaginary savings account---so Goodwill is my BFF. For those not in the know--- oh, my if you are not into thrift shopping, you are losing out on a lot of things--- but that's good for me, I guess. Back to the topic---for you who are not into Goodwill (boo!!!), hardbound books are 1.99 and paperbacks are only .99 cents! Is that a deal or is that a deal?!! Is that a deal? Childrens' books are 99 cents and 59 cents respectively. Funny thing is, they price Harry Potter books and Pirates of the Carribean books as kids... good for me! My greatest find so far? My Nancy Drew series of 12---complete set! Oh love, love love!

So anyway, I went in on a snowy day of April. Yes peeps---April in Boston = SNOW. No April Fools joke here. Of course, I got more than books --- I met a new friend. Yes, in my all fleece blazing red jogging pants, white shirt and Hunter boots I-just-dropped-off-the-kids-to-school-after-I- rolled-out-of-bed look. La la la la--- I got me a brand new cool friend. Because I like telling people they got good deals, I told her she got good deal on a guitar. She turned around ,she asked me if I was Filipina, I did not know she was--- I swear! We chatted and we totally found out everything about us and our families in 2 seconds. She blogs too-- about food and photography. She is an interior designer by profession--- Booyah! I need a friend like that to help me with my DIY pa-ra-jects! I can totally imagine my projects getting done. The best part is that her kids are my kids age. Isn't that great? Awesome!

To tell you we are both ka-ray-zee is an understatement. I brought her to my house to show her that awkward space in my living room and get her professional opinion on what to do with it--- (I am totally USING her)... and she brought me to her house too--on the SAME day. She introduced me to Babycakes in Wollaston and I can tell you those darn cupcakes are good. So good that I hate it. I might just break my promise to improve my blood work results. We chatted in her house until we both needed to pick up the kids. What kids? Oh, OUR kids.

 I thought I was back in college again, because it sure felt that way. You know that feeling of meeting new people who you feel you have a special bond? Yeah, kinda like that. If only I was college age again too.

So, to my new friend Ces, here's to more talks and projects together!

GoodBYE Carlo.

Remember that cute commercial by Purefoods in the '90s? I know, I know I am revealing my age here. Well, I remembered it today because I was trying to make a mental note of some salty and carbo laden food I need to avoid because of my recent lab works--- my blood tests is gone AWRY.---
like ka-ray-ZEE. Watch and then scroll down to read my version.


Dear Diary,

That dress waved at me today. ( Pan the camera towards me)
It was calling my name---  ( insert booming voice) "hello there pretty."
Pero ( but then ) I was FAT--- (ZOOM camera to ME...)
Kaya, from now on...
Goodbye steak, goodye burger, goodbye---(pan camera to--- PALABOK--with lots of eggs and chicharon and galuggong).
Hmmmp--- GOODBYE dress.
HAPPY MUSIC
END

Privacy please

If you're like me, basically a freak when it comes to the neighbors being able to see IN your house ---- well then, sorry to tell you, it's really a scary world. I am not scared-y type,  but I am ka-ray-Zee like that--- no neighbors please. Puh-leeze. In fact I like my curtains down, except when Mr. Hubbs is home. Maybe I should go live in Texas or Utah, where they sell houses that look like dollhouses in those huge land so my next door neighbor is a  whole 6 miles.  I am dreamin'. Dreaming of the suburbia life? Nah.

But lucky you! I have a cheap yet effective project to share so that you can still have a lot of daylight coming through but not those preying eyes... ***enter horror movies soundtrack****. All you need is a little creativity and time and a friend like ME. Kachaaa!! Here's what you need to cover  glass windows and doors.

1. Transparent/ clear Contact paper. Buy yours at Wal-Mart--it's cheaper. $5.74 ---can it be any cheaper? For your privacy?
2. Soapy water
3. Your trusty old credit card. At least those nasty plastics will have some use. Or if you are like me, in love with vinyl decors, then you have one of those flat cardboard ones.

You are ready to go baby. Get those booty working.

Step 1. Read the manufacturer's instructions. This is important. Why? So I can skip explaining this part. Ahahhahha.

Step 2. Measure the part you need to cover up. But if you're lazy like me, if the Contact paper is shorter, then consider it architectural design. Kinda like a beveled mirror. Let it stay up in the middle. The important thing is, you are not visible form the outside and that you get a sense of security that no one can see you, yet you can see shadows from the inside looking out.

Step 3. Then this is where it gets tricky and messy. You slather your soapy water all over your desired area. Basically, just wet the Contact paper and smooth it with your plastic. Squeeze out--- I suggest to the sides and down. Patience is a virtue, so werq it. Werq werq werq.

Step 4. Pick up your mess. Only if you are like me--- MESSY.

Step 5. Now, this is really important. Do not miss this part.  Sit back, have your TEA.



Step 6. Admire your masterpiece of the day.

Isn't it lovely? Uber love! See what I meant in the beginning where your Contact paper does not really fill up the whole window or door? Make it like la-a-zee me. Looks like you intentionally wanted it that way, ain't it?

Let's see some before and after shall we?
Now you see me.....

Before--- anyone casn see you in all your glory--- or gory.

 Now, you don't. All for $5.74.

Beautiful privacy fo cheap!



As Josh would say... "Mom, you know EVERYTHING- aev-ree-thang!!

That's it for today folks. Have a wonderful St. Patrick' Day!

PS. I do not know ev-ree-thang.

PPS. Don't tell Josh.