Day 19: A Picture of a Happy Memory

I took these photos of my kids last week when we attended the summer outing of CCMC's Tumor club.  I was sitting under the shade watching them in the pool, and just took these random photos of them playing, Andre carrying Micah on his back pretending to be a dolphin and later on Micah sharing her cookies with her brother.

Looking at them made me so happy.   I must have done something good in the past to be blessed with my kids. It makes me proud whenever I see how they take care of each other.  

I am just glad I brought the camera that day and was able to capture those special moments that are now part of all my happy memories.

Insta-Friday: Siblings

It is a blessing to grow up with a sibling,  You would always have a play mate you can never get rid of, someone to talk to, to lean on, to laugh with over silly things.  You may get into fights once in a while, but you know that you would always have someone to watch your back.

My kids may have their share of sibling rivalry.  They may have their fights and arguments over little things, they don't always share common interests and are exact opposites, Andre being a home buddy and Micah always wanting to go outside and play, but they have always looked out for each other even at a young age.

I am proud of how Andre would always hold Micah's hand whenever they are in the play ground, helping her up the slide, or how Micah would always look for her Kuya Andre first thing when she wakes up.

To have a sibling, is to have a friend given by God.  To know that whatever happens, you would always have someone to be there and share life's ups and downs.  Andre and Micah may still be young, but I  think they know how blessed they are to have each other.

Blessed to have grown up with 3 brothers,

Being Realistic...

Today, I had lunch with my kids at school.  It's something I look forward to every now and then.  I find time to do it because it's what I would have wanted to do if circumstances were different.  I can't be in school on a regular basis so it's also the only time I could follow up with their teachers  on how my kids are doing in school, especially with Andre.  

I feel guilty sometimes, because I want to be  the  mom who stays in school for lunch.  I would want to be the mom who's always around during PTA meetings or the mom who hangs out with other moms everyday waiting for the kids to be dismissed.  It's what I think is ideal, but not realistic for moms who work like me....

So I would just be the realistic mom, who would devote as much quality time with my kids as possible, the mom who would never get tired of explaining to my kids why I need to work, the mom who would talk about my kids with pride, the mom who would always look forward to going home after a days work to bear hugs and kisses and never ending questions from two little kids who gives me enough reason to believe that my life has a purpose.

The Comforts of Childhood Memories

I have not been myself lately.  Sometimes thinking about all the bills to pay, running a household, keeping up with everything going on at school with the kids, and all the other responsibilities that I have can be overwhelming.  

When I am troubled, I would always find myself going back and thinking about how life was for me when I was a kid.  It brings back happy memories of my childhood.  I did not have to worry about anything because as a kid, I always knew that my parents were there to take care of me. We were not rich, but my parents made sure I had everything I needed and even more,  I feel blessed because growing up, we were well provided for

That exact same thought would give me the courage to pull myself together because I am now a parent myself, with two kids depending on me.  I owe it to my children to make sure they would also have a happy childhood to look back to.

I may run into rough spots and trials now, but I would always think that despite everything I am still blessed.  Memories of my happy childhood would always bring me comfort and teaches me to live each day as it comes.

No-Cook Pastillas

 The big jar with filled with milk candies wrapped in bright yellow plastic caught my kids attention while we were lining up at the cashier in a convenience store.  Andre was the first to ask me if I could buy one for him.  He specifically said, "Mommy, just one for me and one for Micah too." But I bought 5 pastillas just in case they wanted more, and I was surprised that each costs 5 pesos.  A bit expensive considering that they were shaped into tiny balls, the size of those colored bubble gums you see in sari-sari stores.

So I decided to make my own no-cook pastillas.  It is simple and the recipes you would find in your own kitchen.  All you need are the following:

- 2 cups powdered milk (I used Nido for this recipe)
- 1 small can condensed milk
- Sugar for coating

How to make your own pastillas:

- Blend the first two ingredients (powdered milk and condensed milk).  Mix them well until smooth.
- Set aside for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Shape them into balls or logs and coat with sugar.
- You may wrap them in plastic cellophane if you like. 

If you have kids, you can ask them to help you coat the pastillas in sugar or they can do the wrapping, it would be a good bonding activity.  The mixing part would be reserved for adults  because once you combine the ingredients, it becomes too sticky and hard to mix.  A good upper arm work out though! 

My kids were excited to share the pastillas, Andre even told his playmates that his mommy was making candies!  Try  out this simple recipe and enjoy a yummy milky treat!

My Little Best Friend

This photo makes me smile, because it reminds me of that rainy afternoon when Micah and I were playing around with the app I downloaded and we were trying out different hairstyles that would match our photos.  It was actually her idea that we have matching curly hair I must admit, my daughter looked better than me!

Micah and I are best friends, that by the way is according to her!  We talk about anything under the sun, she asks me endless questions and whenever she comes home from school, she has stories about her classmates and teachers and narrates everything she did that day. 

My daughter has been my constant date because she always tags around whenever I go out to shop for stuff and groceries.  We still have our ice cream dates together.  I love the way that she makes me laugh when she tries to be funny with her antics!  I just hope that when she gets older, she would still consider me her best friend and never keep secrets from me.

While I was making this post, she again saw this photo and burst into giggles.  I could not help but laugh with her as well.  I love you Micah.  Thank you for making mommy feel that I have someone who would always be on my side no matter what.  

Sharing is Caring

Sharing is something that I always teach my kids at a young age.  As much as I always remind them to share, there are instances when they get into that "I don't want to share" attitude with each other, but only when it comes to toys.  Andre does not want to see Micah playing with swords and guns because he would say that "it's for boys only".  But I am happy that they both get along well most of the time.

The reason why I am writing this post about sharing is because of one incident that happened last Monday while we were on our way to the airport to fetch Mama and Miko.  We stopped by the 7-11 store at a Caltex Station in Manduae to buy some Slurpee, because on normal hours the line would be so long that when your turn comes, the slurpee machine would stop working.  Anyway, the kids both got small cups each, and my husband got the tall cup.  I decided to pass since the flavor I wanted was not available.  The kids were both excited filling up their cups with the frozen flavored drink.  

On the way to the car, we saw three kids sitting on the pavement, I guess I made a remark about how sad that those kids were sleeping on the streets and had no home.  I was surprised when Andre offered to give his slurpee to the boy.  It was a kind gesture especially since we did not need to remind him to share, he just did it on his own.  Andre may not be good in school like kids his age, he may have difficulty with his Math and Filipino subjects, he may have his tantrums sometimes, but I am proud of him because he is a boy with a kind heart.

When we learn to share, we are teaching the othe person the value of caring   It's a simple act of kindness that when passed on from one person to another, could help change lives. 

PhotoMemories

Yesterday I decided to clean up my PC and delete some old files that were stored to free some memory space.  I stumbled on a folder with some of our old photos, and remembered that this was where I saved the photo collage that I intended to post here in my blog, which unfortunately I was not able to.  

Anyway, before I totally forget about it again, I am posting these photos here.  Although these were taken months back, they are still worth sharing.

I took pictures of Micah while Daddy was busy trying on some polo shirts.  Too bad, I should have taken his picture too, lol!

After running around IT park, we decided to grab something to eat, and headed for Krispy Kreme which was right across where we parked.

During our weekend outing in Moalboal.  

Looking at each of them brings back happy memories which is a really good way to start my day.  

Happy Monday everyone!

All Will Be Well

Today I woke up feeling grateful that at last Andre is well and back to his old self.  He has been sick for almost a week, and I am not used to seeing him just sitting around or lying in bed.  The only time he ever gets up is when he needs to go to the bathroom.  

Our trips to the hospital has also been stressful.  I was just silent the whole time he was crying after a blood extraction,  and telling me he was mad at me for lying at him.  He made me promise they would not stick any needles at him at the hospital, but I broke that promise.  I told him I was sorry and just hugged him until he feel asleep, tired from crying.

What got me through each day is thinking that "all will be well".  These are little bumps in the road of life an d no matter how stressful it can be, we should never allow it to dampen ours spirits.  I do get scared when my kids get sick, but I don't allow them to see me in a panicky mode.  I would always put on a happy face and tell them that Jesus will take away whatever is making them sick and that everything will be okay.  

I have always been the optimistic type, and I have this belief that when you tell yourself that things are going to be okay, you will yourself to believe that "all will be well", and in the end somehow things do turn out to be okay... and if you're lucky they turn out to be even better.  So today and everyday, trust that all will be well.

The Challenges of Being a Mom

Being a mother is the best thing that has ever happened to me. But I must admit it's not a walk in the park as most people would imagine. As the kids grow older, I am faced with different challenges, especially since they both have different personalities, each special in his or her own way.  

Andre is a sweet kid, but can be stubborn sometimes especially when it comes to school related stuff. He could not understand the local dialect and I suppose it is one of the reaons why he's not exactly thrilled to be going to school.  He would tell me "Mommy, my head is about to explode because I can't understand a thing they're saying."  It broke my heart hearing him say that, and I felt so frustrated and helpless.  I would just talk to him and tell him that he needs to go to school so he could work when he grows up.  Andre and I always end up arguing whenever it's time to study or make his assignments.  But I need to be more patient with him because I know he is still adjusting.

But with Micah, it's the opposite,  I never have to remind her to study because she's the one telling me if she has homework.  I would tell myself at least I have one of my kids eager to go to school. Micah has a strong personality, she's very frank and straightforward that sometimes I'm afraid it would get her in trouble when she's older.  The only time we end up arguing is during meal times, she's a picky eater and would take forever to finish her food.

Gone are the days when things were less complicated, when all they ever did was eat, sleep and play.  When they were babies they would cry whenever they're hungry, now it's the opposite, they would cry when you want them to eat.  As much as I want to give them everything, I need to be firm and not give in to all their demands.  It breaks my heart when they see me as the enemy, but at a young age I want them to realize that we can't have everything in life.  I know I'm not a perfect mother, but I try my best to be a good mom to my kids.  If I need to be the bad guy, then so be it, as long as I know that what I am doing is for their best interest. There are occasions when I'm being pushed to the edge but I try my best not to loose my temper.  

Motherhood I guess is a lifetime career, because at one time your kids would be totally dependent and would want you with them 24/7, the next time you know it they're all grown up and eager to spread their wings.  But what's important is that your kids know that whatever happens you will always be around.  My own kids are just starting to explore the world, and as for me I know that there would be more challenges up ahead, it has been tough and I know it will be but I would not trade it for anything in the world.

Daily Affirmation Cards

There was a time when all the pressures and stress at my previous workplace was stirring up negative thoughts and feelings inside of me, and I knew that I needed to do something about it.  So I started to read inspirational quotes, Bible verses (thanks to the application I downloaded from the Android market) as well as daily affirmations to myself.  I got the "daily affirmation cards" idea from Kind Over Matter, a very inspiring blog which also feature tons of freebies and printables.  

The Daily Affirmation cards gift set comes from 4 different authors and you need to download each from their own blogs.  I also decided to give out some to my friends who I hope would be inspired by these positive statements.  

Let me walk you through how you can make your own "Daily Affirmation Cards".

- First you need to have a print out of all the daily affirmations and cut them one by one.

- For the box where you would be placing your cards, you need to download a pattern,  just search for it on any search engine and print it out, and gift wrapper or any cute printed paper to cover the box.

- I personally added these cute little flower pot holders to go with the affirmation cards, so you can place it on your desk at work or at home, and continue to be inspired  every day.

A Letter for Mama

Happy Mother's Day Mama!  I wish you love and laughter, happiness and good health.  I thank God everyday because He has blessed me with a mother like you.  You may not be a perfect mother, but you always find ways to be a good one, and that alone makes you "perfect" in my eyes.

Mama's Weekend Visit

I haven't been able to write the past couple of days.  Things have been so busy at work and as soon as I get home  I need to attend to "mommy chores" which leaves me just enough time to catch on sleep.

But I have so many thoughts I wanted to share, good thing I always bring my journal with me and whenever something comes up I would write them down before it slips my mind.   

One particular story I wanted to share was the weekend that my mother and youngest brother came over to visit us.  They arrived on a Saturday and the kids were excited that they woke up early just so they could tag along when my husband and I fetched Mama and Miko at the airport.  We were a bit late so they were already waiting outside the arrival area, and as soon as Andre saw mama he was really happy he opened the window and was shouting  for them to get inside the car!

We first had breakfast and planned out how we would spend the day.  First on the list was to go shop for groceries, then in the afternoon after getting a few hours of sleep, we headed for the mall and mama bought t-shirts for my brothers, the kids each had a toy and a polo shirt for Ross.  By the end of the day, my stomach was full after having eaten at 2 different restaurants, feet started to hurt from walking around the mall, arms feeling numb from carrying the shopping bags, but so much happier at being able to spend time with the people I love.

The next day  we brought Miko to Crocolandia to see crocodiles and some other animals. He also wanted to visit some other places but since they were supposed to leave in the afternoon, I asked him to come back and visit before school starts in June.

Our ride going to the airport was different from when Mama and Miko just arrived.  The kids were awfully quite and both were clinging to Mama, Andre even said he wanted to go with them to see Papa.  But Mama kept telling them they would be going home to see papa as soon as summer school ends.  I also felt sad seeing them leave so soon, but I understand that Mama could not afford to be away from home for too long since she was the one running the house and making sure papa and my brothers were well fed and taken cared of.  When it was time to leave, I felt I was going to cry so I ended u just hugging Mama, I guess that pretty much told her how grateful I was that she came over to visit us.

Thank you Mama for a wonderful weekend.  Thanks for filling up our cabinets with groceries and our ref with all the goodies that would last for at least 2 weeks.  I pretty much saved up on groceries.  

But most of all, thank you for taking time out to visit me and the kids, sorry we basically robbed you off as what you said your wallet was much thinner when you left, but seeing the kids and spending time with them made you much happier. 

 I know how much you don't like to travel so it means so much to me that you came over even for a day, it also made me and the kids  happier more than you'll ever know.

Our Easter Weekend Get-away

It was a last minute decision to head out somewhere for Easter Sunday.  Personally, It's no big deal whether we spend it at home, in the mall or go on a vacation.  What really matters to me is to spend the day with my family.  However my husband pretty much insisted that I look for a resort where we could spend the weekend and he had a budget set aside for that trip.  I knew I'd have a hard time looking since majority of the hotels and resorts were booked for Holy Week.  

Finally, after spending hours surfing the Internet and calling up every resort that was within the budget, I found one that still had a family suite available.  It was a water park resort in Danao City, about an hours drive from Cebu.  We initially wanted a resort that both had a pool and a beach, but I was not lucky enough to find one.  Most of the resorts were booked weeks before the Lenten season.

We arrived at the resort at about 2 in the afternoon.  I knew in an instant that the place was packed because we had a hard time looking for a parking space.  At the front desk, I had to wait for my turn because there were also other guests checking in.  After filling up the form, we were brought to our room which was spacious enough.  It had a queen size bed and 2 double beds, a small ref and a TV.  The bathroom was huge enough to fit a family of 4 in the shower all at the same time!  

The kids wanted to go to the kiddie pool which was at the Water park area, but knowing that the place was jam packed, we told them we'd go check it after dinner that evening when most of the guests not staying in the resort have left.  We settled for the pool outside our room, and I spent hours soaking in the sun watching my kids enjoy and making sure to apply sun block every now and then.  Dinner was fun, we set up a table near the pool and as promised we went to see the water park as soon as the kids finished eating.  We went straight to the kiddie pool and stayed there for about an hour before we decided to call it a night and head back to our room.

On Day 2, I rented a table inside the water park because it would be more convenient for us instead of going back to our room which was about 5 minutes walk from the main resort.  As early as 9 in the morning the kids were splashing away and enjoying the kiddie slide.  We also had fun going around their "lazy river" pool and I personally enjoyed the shooting waters coming out of the statues since the strong current had a massaging effect especially on my back.  Everyone had a good time, and the kids were heartbroken to find out we would be going home. Andre asked me if we would be coming back, and I told him there are other places that we have yet to discover.  Summer is just beginning and there would be more adventures waiting for us.  He smiled and said, "Okay let's go home na, and thank you Mommy, Andre was happy swimming in the pool, next time we'll go to the beach naman"...

How I'd Like My Mornings

Working on graveyard shift for 3 years now, I really miss waking up in the morning with hubby and the kids. That is why I always look forward to weekends where I get to wake up to bear hugs and kisses from my two little rascals.  I don't really have much to complain since I get to spend my weekends with them and have a pretty much flexible work schedule, but I just can't help to think sometimes how wonderful it would be to start your day waking up and the first thing you see are the people you love the most. ♥ 

A Letter to my Son on his 7th Birthday

My dearest Andre, 

     I always thank God everyday that He has 

blessed me with you and Micah, who brings so 

much love and joy into my life. You both remind 

me that no matter how difficult things may be, I 

can get through it... that despite the tears I 

always have a reason to smile, that despite 

being hurt, I could always choose to be happy.

Thank You Andre for always making me feel that 

I am loved, you never fail to tell me you love 

me, and at a young age you know when to say 

you're sorry and actually mean it. Today as you 

turn 7, I wish that you would always be in the best of health,  and that you 

continue to be as loving and as sweet as always. I want you to know that I 

will be here as long as you need me.  Happy Birthday Andre!

Love, 

Mommy