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.

Super Bowl 2012 at Children's Hospital Boston

Aside from the $1,000.00 retirement contribution they just recently awarded to each employee , here is one reason I love Children's Hospital Boston---the best free- standing pediatrics hospital in North AMerica! Woohoo! We do what we do best while having FUN.

It's more FUN in the Philippines

In solidarity of Philippine Tourism Authority's "It's More Fun in the Philippines" campaign, here's mine:

Updates---so far away, yet so close

Trivia: For a blogger to update you on what's going on? It means the blogger sucks! And that's ME.

Sorry folks. But as yet again, let me update you and hopefully from here we can blog as usual, AGAIN?

1. I have a new job. Sorta new job. I kinda veered away from being a lab rat to do some management stuff of some lab rats. Teehee!!!

• I pray,  not to be a management person whom I hated for so many reasons.
• You know. Insensitive ones, inconsiderate and most of all---ego-centric!
• I can't tell you how I am doing, i'd be biased but I think I am better than I thought I would be. Tolerant. Me? Yup!
• My old colleagues always ask me how's the new job, I always answer---challenging but rewarding.
• I have met so many good people---so far, I have yet to find a " work friend". Because aside from someone from way back, I have not hung out with anyone yet. So now, I gotta admit, "I miss you Zonette." Mwaaaah!
• That's gotta change.
• My new boss is so totally cool. Hard act to follow. Way tolerant. Than me.
• I have been missing my social life because of this new job.
• I am not complaining BTW.
• My friend HG told me " sis, you don't have a balance life anymore." Sad.
• Very sad.
• I went thrift shopping for " business casual" outfits because all I have is not management level on a day to day basis. And I was not gonna spend for a new job, I needed the job---meaning --no money, so why go spend?
• I try to rationalize my inexpensive clothes with my expensive bags. So far, no one noticed. My bags. Hahahhaha. I purchased so many new bags. But that's not in  this part of the blog.
• For the holiday season, I've seen my new colleagues in a different light and I love it! Obviously, they are hard working professionals but they are funny too.
• Dontcha worry, I behaved. Really, I did. Promise. No karaoke and no pole dancing. Not that I do. Huh? Who does?
• My new job requires me to go to different sites ---in the campus. No offense, but can I travel OUTSIDE?  Like even outside Boston? Hahahahhaha. Just saying. Jealousy strikes me again with your travels HG.
• With all the walking I do, I have yet to lose a single pound. Nada, zilch, none---WALA!

2. The holiday season passed like whoops.. gone?

• I did manage to decorate the house. RN Eric, said I must have a secret decorator-on-site.
• Proud to say, I don't. Teehee!!!
• I bought so many BAGS.
• My first Valentino Garavani bag---the Rock Stud in Pony hair. Get Out. Yup, I did. Pony hair people! Happy dancing here.
• Some buttery leather Burberry bag. Not counting the other 3 for the summer sale. So 4. Hmmm. Bad.
• 3 Rebecca Minkoff bags. Was it 3? Maybe four. Alright 4.
• Some "I can't count" Marc Jacobs bagssss. Clue, it's in the bagssss.
• My first Ferragamo wallet. (slaps face) Ferragamo, what the heck? And tell me, why are they expensive again? No clue. I used it for the first time tonite. I call it the brag nite. Marc Jacobs Large Single in classic black and the Ferragamo wallet. D-light!
• Lotsa Juicy Couture accesories. Why no? yeah, why not?
• Saw the Rockettes for the first time. Kinda cool. I went with Josh, Preshie Boo and my favorite person in the whole wide world.... Pits!
• I had to say that. She bought my ticket. See, she is my fave!
• Parties, but I loved singing "go tell it in the mountains, Jesus Christ is born."
• Sweet and nice to see families in the church ringing Christmas bells as we sing our hearts out.
• It seems I have become the official " prayer person" before the meal. I love.
• I missed the ice sculptures this year.
• I do not have new year's resolution. I should not anymore.
• I do have 2012 goals. In another blogpost.
• I realized after looking at holiday fotos, I keep wearing the same red dress from Express (gasp!) every year. Two things. Good and bad. Good--- I still fit--snuggly, that is. Bad----- the pictures prove I keep wearing them. Is that bad at all?
• I loved seeing friends who I rarely see. Yup, that' you Ann, PJ, Diane and Iris. I miss you Dom!
• I have never been more stressed than this year's holiday. Wham! The holidays are here?
• The promised gifts for the kids are still that. Promises. I promised to get them each the iPod Touch with the Target promo, costing me only about  $134.00. BY  THE TIME i WOKE UP FROM MY HOLIDAY SLUMBER, ALL THEY HAD WAS  A RAIN CHECK.
• Ooops, my bad.
• Funny story. HG bought SisSol and me the Michael Kors/Estee Lauder collaboration make-up set. What's funny? I bough HG and SisSol the same. Lame.
• I got great gifts because I got good friends. Thanks.
• I volunteered to help Josh' class to make Ginger bread house.

3. The 3 Little Monkeys are growing so fast.

• So fast, I can't keep up.
• They have inside jokes I can't seem to understand, only to register in a few minutes then I laugh and they each look at me and sheepishly smile.
• Like they have a crazy mom. They probably do, don't you think?
• They are still as sweet as before. Especially Josh.
• KC is an Honor student. Should have been a High Honor student ( all A's) except for that stupid Math. Hmmp! I wonder where she got that? Not me for sure. HAhahahahha.
• KC is participating in a lot of school programs---drama, swimming, Glee, school government and DARE dance.
• She will be joining a fundraising for projects of Filipino nurses here in the Boston area for the Philippines.
• 'Nuff said.
• Christopher, shall we say, is 13. So yeah. 13.Anyway, he is the technical/curtain raiser for a Spanish fashion show in their school. Cool, if you ask me.
• They all want to go to Thayer Academy. Uhmmm...where will I get 43,000 US dollars? Yup, try 43,000 times 3 and some curricular fees? No. Not in my life. Unless I win the lottery or some guy dropped dead and he happens to carry a million dollars while I was walking and no one is there..... errrrr, nope.
• I am enjoying my kids more now more than ever. Except the annoying sarcasm they seem to hit each other all the time. But then, they alright after. Ahhhh, maybe I am just getting old. Not able to decipher jokes.
• Josh is as usual, the perfect student. Unbelievably great!

3. Family and friends are all great except for a minor family thing-y. But as I say, God knows what is best for us, He delivers us from a life of doom. Whether we like it or not, He straightens our paths long before we see it. So, to my dear beloved, chin up for you are loved!

So there.. that's all fo now. Gotta work, you know!

Between Loss and Forever

I am friends on FB with Miss Noemi Lardizabal-Dado, a prominent blogger in the Phlippines. I do not remember why and how we met (FB meeting) but I am so glad I am friends with her. She inspires me to be a strong woman, a flexible mother and a passionate one. I may not be as good a writer she is, but I am passionate about writing. I like to write---not in any literary way but a conversational one. Anyway, I know she is part of a book project about mothers who lost their children---to sickness, murder or accidents. I would love to have this book ( I now have a Kindle---thanks Mr. Hubbs), but I know it will drain me so much! I can only imagine the pain of the loss of a child. Nope! I am such a cry baby, you might see the China Sea spill over the Atlantic Ocean. The book is "Between Loss and Forever". If I am to lose a child, I am lost---lost forever. My mother lost 2 of her sons in a senseless way. I know she was so much in pain but she coped really well. I do not know if I could be that great. I just can't be the person that I am, for sure. I had my eldest when I was 21 and he is 13 now ( spilling my secrest, huh?), so basically I entered adulthood via having a child. You know how you imagine how you want to be remebered, or how people would describe you to others? I haven't thought much about that, but I think I know now. It occured to me while I was ( FBing and typing?---no) going back and forth if I should get the book or not.  I want to be defined by who my children would be, I want them to be good human beings and good Christians. Although, being succesful dcotors would be great too. Shhh, don't tell them I told you that. They would say I want them to be doctors because I never was.  Seriuosly, I can not be the same person... would you? After losing a child? I guess some peopl cope better than me. God bless all the mothers in the world!



Heartbreaking!!!

Well, if you still think you want the book, read the blog first and see for yourself. Either way, I know I want this in my Kindle. Happy Saturday!

Thank you Vets!

Please tell your children why you are off or why they are not in school on holidays--- be it Labor Day, Thanksgiving or Fourth of July. I always try to. I really do.

The party you are tring to reach is BUST/ BUSY

Well, well, what do you know? I will spill out stuff I have not posted as yet... and if you know me... it may not be posted at all. Oooops. Sorry.

1. Bdays---

1.  RN Eric and Ben had a joint celebration at the Sabijon Heights last September.
2. KC turned 11 last September 16th. We had a party. Yellow and blue. I have pictures. I have no time.
3. Josh turned 9 last October 8. He is a happy baby. That Minado treat is expensive, Josh. Never again.
4. Mr. Hubbs and my niece Fridah ( uber model) surprised me last week---for my bday!!!! Fantabulous. It would have been more fantabulous if it was FantabuLOUIS. Yah know--- saome kind of rhyme Lu-wew Button. Aha!

2. Fall is here. Almost over if you ask me and I have not been to the apple farms. BUT-- I have been to 2 small Fall festivals---one at BeechwoodKnoll in Wollaston Quincy and at Wollaston School. I liked BWK better. More organized and more stuff to do. What did we do? Face painting, carnival rides, cotton candy, decorate pumpkins and pony rides. Wheeew. We did go to the Wareham Cranberry Festival which was awesome! I love love it!. This is definitely worth blogging.

3. The block rosary is doing really well. I am so loving it. I am a Paulinian after all. ;  ).

4. HG moved to Quincy already. Exciting. My sisters are so close by. Easier to plan stuff. Massage, threading, facials and DINNER!!!! Woohoo!

5. I have not been to the movies for.so.long.

6. Mr. Hubbs and I have not gone out on a proper date for.so.long. Yah knowww--that date where you dress up. Ah, forget it. Hihihihiih.

7. KC is back to dance school. The boys refuse to do so after their classes are split up. BTW, that guy Kenny Wormald of Footloose movie is a graduate of KC's dance school. Name dropping much?

8. I have a surprise for all of you....

and because I feel good

... I post pictures in my blog!

I told Josh I bought him I underwear, real big boy underwear and he smiled--- like these smiles.

My heart melts.

 

Then, the moment KC came out of her dance class, she says; " hi Mother.."

Only because my iPhone is straight up to her and she hates me for it.

Look at these pictures and tell me if you would not be taking pics of this kyooti patootie princess?

 See, see! Happy Wednesday friends. Keep smiling.

A special visit

Yup, my family have a special visior this week. She came last Saturday and we have been blessed! Our Lady of Fatima is in the Llaga home. Woohoo! Wouldn't you feel blessed? Our family and friends came to welcome our special guest in our humble home. We all prayed together and it was a very solemn and peaceful hour for all of us. My good friend Sol and I prayed for special intentions knowing we have our prayer brigade with us--- God would listen to us specially if His Mother is heeding for us too, right? Yup, I believe so. My heart proclaims it. I claim the gifts of Heaven through the intercession of Mother Mary.

I used my Ball small bottles and put little Fall candles ( yummy vanilla with orange scent) for a beautiful flickering light effect. I put it right on my  Fall charger bought on clearance at Wal-Mart last year. I got many compliments--- all for recycleables and clearance merchandise. Woohoo.

Although I was thinking of picking flowers from our yard, I used my birthday flowers for the altar I prepared. Thanks Ann Marie! Aren't they beautiufl? I love it.

We took turns to lead and pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. I must admit, I never knew we now have 4--Joyful, Glorious, Luminous and Sorrowful mysteries. I know, I am bad, huh? Paulinian at that! Sorry. Anyway, for the 2nd, 3rd and 5th mysteries, Sol and I had special prayer intentions. On the last mystery, aside from my special intercession, I prayed that each of us present will have our heart's desires and silent intentions all be heard by our Mother.

After the prayers, we lingered a little to share pastry and dessert with special coffee from Australia. Thank you Ayi! I got the cake at Fratelli's in Quincy--it is a rum and almond cake. Yummy!

Over all, it was a wonderful time with family and friends with such great blessings. I really loved it and I am already looking forward to next year's block rosary. I just wish everyone will experience the same.

Whether you get your inner peace and blessing from any other religion, I honestly think that praying with your community is so much more powerful in the midst of all chaos in this world we live in.

Peace and love for all!

Fil Pride

Well, if you know me, you should know I am always proud of Filipinos/Philippines shining in the world stage. Lea Salonga ( i love, love her), Manny P ( where's my shirt MP), Charice ( she may very well be my child) and a whole lot more. I have seen so many and I am sure you have too... feel free to link up for FilPride.

So, here's two  more for you I caught up recently.

1.Nelson Aquino . He is the recipient of a humanitarian award for his great services and sacrifice in the Haiti earthquake disaster. He actually works in the same hospital as me ( Children's Hospital Boston) but I have not the great priviledge to meet this wonderful Filipino. He might get a surprise if I do congratulate him if I see him at the cafe or lobby. I get "huh, who is she" look all the time when I say "nice bag" or " I saw you were featured in the" chitchat. But I assure you, I will make it a life goal to meet him and I will take a photo of him AND me--yup peeps---together. Dare me? :   )

To Nelson, good job and congratulations. May you share your talent, intelligence and great heart to more people especially fellow Filipinos. Mabuhay!

2. Samantha Sotto. I love the excerpt of her book and I have yet to buy it--- because I am waiting for my Kindle--- Mr. Hubbs promised to buy me on my bday--- which was yesterday... what happened?
I am so proud of her and so many things have been said about her book, how her novel is so vivid and visual--my kind of love story. Amazingly, she wrote the book while on a coffee shop waiting for her kids'
activities to get done. How come I can not write a novel while I do the same thing?! Hmmmm. Maybe I need to stay in Starbucks more. You have to note that she also had to get her own novel around publishers by herself. She needed an agent and she has been rejected ( many times over, she said) but she persisted. As luck would have it-- and her great novel and her perseverance, Random House fuianlly published her book. Believe me, it has gotten such great reviews I am reserving my first ebook download to be Ever After--for sentimental reasons----the title Ever AFter is so romantic and I believe in Filipino talent so might as well be my first book in my Kindle library.

Please click on the links ( their names) to get their full story. Please spread the word and let's all be proud--it might just motivate every Filipino to shine and work hard. Little it may be, let us work hard to be shining example of great Filipino talent and perseverance. Our country is the most endowed Asian country but politics and whatchayoucallit make our country so poor it is disheartening---and very embarassing. I am a proud Filipino but we can do better than this. I know it. I just know it in my heart.

It's my birthday

Yup, it is my birthday.
I am 36 and loving it---embracing my journey to middle age.
I look at the mirror and I like what I see.
Honest. Promise, I really like who I am.
I really, really do.
I have goals still to fulfill but so far I am doing good with my goal list.

What's there to ask?
Great kids.
Good and meaningful job. Better paying, soon.
Mr. Hubbs is uber handsome.
My friends are the best.
I have surrounded myself with beautiful, intelligent and confident individuals.
Everyone's healthy.
I have an enviable bag collection. (So there, I confessed and now you can get envious, if you are that type.) My friends wouldn't be.

I look forward to so many wonderful things.
Second honeymoon--- Spain is calling, Mr. Hubbs.
Helicopter ride. Conquer my fear of heights.
Disneyworld with Mr. Hubbs only. Just me and my Mr. Hubbs. Ohh la la baby.
Napa Valley. Yes, Napa Valley. With my girlfriends and KC.
My Mulberry Alexa. In oak.
Trip to NY to see Nate Berkus.
Two piece bikini in Nantucket. Yes, please.
A milestone photoshoot. I had one on my 26th bday.
Cruisin' the Bahamas baby! With my 2 piece bikini.
Get drunk, for once in my life.
Go back to Nova Scotia with the kids.
.
More awards for kids. Josh' presidential academic award? Soon.
Attending college graduation of Pherry at MIT. Yup.
Attending KC's first fashion show--as a designer or a ramp model. Oh yeah!
Cutting the ribbon of Josh' first restaurant venture. Restaurant named after gorgeous Mama. I take that.
Going gaga preparing for my kids' wedding. Yes, I am already telling you, I will be in charge. Any reaction?
Doting on my beautiful and uber adorable grandkids. I am telling you I do look forward to this thing.

So, now that the cat is out, let me share my random thoughts this morning.

I found another use for my SiPhone.
Pretend to have a phone call to excuse yourself out of the waiting bus to fart.
I did, this morning. At least I have manners and not just fart on the bus.
It's ok to use fur/snakeskin/feathers. PETA be damned.
I used my classic/ vintage snakeskin Oleg Cassini bag today. Because it's my birthday PETA!!!
It's ok to eat at the cafeteria/ restaurant alone.
It does not mean you don't have friends or no one likes you.
What is this, high school? It just means you are now wiser.
Red lipstick can be everyday lipstick. Now, you know. Bust that MAC Ruby Woo baby.
Mr. Hubbs is handsome--like Josh.
I need to call my Inang.
I don't need another bag.
I lie---sometimes. I don't need another bag.
Your co-workers are just that--co workers. Ignore their negativity.
Facebook birthday notifications are the best tool.
For someone like me who forgets even her own birthday.
You don't have to be perfect with everything. Me? I am near perfect. With everything.
You can joke--it's your own blog. So, yeah, I am near perfect.
I don't have to have perfect grammar/spelling when I write on my blog.
It's my blog Miss Prissy Pants, if you care so much, stop reading, better yet start your own blog.
I am a Democrat. Yay!
I am starting to get pissed off with the black sand mining in Punta. Maybe, I need to publish my blogpost about how I feel.
Nail polish is the new black. It goes with anything, anywhere, everytime.
I get irritated with people who pour perfume in their whole body. Syet ka, di ako makahinga.
I am starting to love gardening.
I am not as bothered with dandruff as before, but I still hate dog licking dog owners. Yuck.
Yup, I saw one dandruff laden lady? in the shuttle bus. Yuck yuck.
It's ok to speak Filipino in public places. Stop pretending you are not.
I love Anderson Cooper and Cash Cab.
I think the greatest people in the world are Ellen and Oprah.
Long straight hair is overrated. Kaya kulot na!

On a more serious but random thought--- if I died today, what would people remember of me? I hope they remember that I am a good person. Really, I want people to know I am a good person. Nothing fancy like I was the best friend one could ever have, the best mother in the world, the most beautiful and devoted wife, great worker, dedicated and loyal friend, best sister ever--- blah, blah, blah. Nope. But I can take the fancy one too. You know, to make me smile in heaven.

Have a good day and happy birthday to me.

Block rosary

Every October in the Philippines we celebrate the month of the Holy Rosary by having block rosary. To explain more if you are interested you can watch this video or read up on this. My family have been visited by Mama Mary a few times during my childhood during this time of year.This is one of the religious activity that I really love. I have not been to a block rosary since I got here in the US. We would have prayer meetings or rosary but not the essence of block rosary. You see, the strenght of block of rosary is the group of people. I believe it in my heart that prayer is powerful and there is power in prayer but moreso in a group---community prayer.In the Philippines everyday Mama Mary visits one home for the whole month of October. Since everyone is busy we are only doing it weekends this time. We do intend to do it everyday come next October when we are more organized and when a lot more people are informed.

So, I was so glad that my good friend Sol( you know her here as SisSol) initiated the block rosary among us friends. We do intend to invite everyone else interested. Anyway, we alternate hosting the Blessed Virgin in our homes. We started 2 Sundays ago at the Javier-Llaga residence ( Llaga of PE). We prayed for our various intentions and it was very liberating to have friends surrounding you listening to your heart's fervent prayer AND praying WITH you.

I picked the flowers at the roadside at Llaga's apartment complex

    

Last Sunday, the Blessed Mary visited the home of Venice ( Bamskie). I am sure the Balayo family and everyone who prayed the rosary with them were blessed and all their intentions were heard by Mama Mary.

The next 3 weekends of October will be sponsored by the Surwez couple and my family. I am so happy to accept Mama Mary in my humble abode and everyone who will come and pray with us.

For anyone interested to join us in the Boston area, please drop me an email and we will gladly give you details---we welcome everyone to adore and be blessed by the Virgin Mary.

Happy birthday Josh

Dear Josh,

You are absolutely the cutest kid in the whole wide universe.....

...the sweetest bro...

...the most caring cousin....

the most wonderful son....

...my pride and joy...

...Papa's great buddy

I love you more than anything in the world.

You are my great redemption.

Kisses,

Mama