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?

Happy birthday KC

Today, you are 14, yet still so simple and non-frizzy--- never too girly! And I love it that way.

Remember I love you so much! You're growing up to be more like me ever.single.day! My goodness! 

Continue your love of books and reading. It will pave the way to a wonderful world out there waiting for you.

Do not let the "noise" of the world bother you nor the "push" of teenage life. Just be steadfast in your faith and family. We are always here for you and truly believe you are a strong girl who can surpass life's challenges.

I love you princess! Dad loves you and your brothers may not show much, but I know they deeply care. Remember this morning, with Kuya? Hahah! 

Everyone, here's my beautiful daughter at 14!

Our gift?!

A $25 gift card and we are going to see Rick Riordan on October 7th and pre-ordered his latest book--- he will sign it for her!

"For everything I've done, He gave you to me, you are my redemption."--Mom

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!