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.  

Cooking Experiments on A Sunday

Sunday is when I usually would want to be adventurous when it comes to cooking, because I have more preparation time, compared when it's a week day.  I honestly just discovered I loved cooking when we moved here to Cebu.  Back home I would watch Mama cook but I never tried cooking something fancy.  I was more of an eater than a cook,

For today, I wanted to prepare a beef recipe a friend gave me.  It was quite simple, but I guess the challenge would be making sure the beef was tender and getting the right amount of creaminess into it.  I also came up with my own dessert, and named it too!

I first marinated the beef and spiced it up before having it boil until it was tender.  Afterwards, I added the sliced mushroom, the cream and simmered it. 

Here's what we had for lunch, Creamy Beef and Mushroom, and Sweet Corn Sago surprise for dessert.  

Till next week.  Happy Sunday :)

My Period Tracker

I visit  Google Play every now and then to check on android applications that I could download for my phone.  Aside from a few games and some social media apps, one of my favorite is my "Period Tracker".  I find it very useful because it allows me to document when my period started, as well as when the next projected date for my period would be.  It also marks off days on your calender when you are fertile, and flowers would start growing on the branches of the tree, which I find really cute by the way :)

For those mommies with a regular monthly period, this would be very useful because then you would know when you are safe or not, I think you know what I mean.  You can also add notes or any symptoms you are feeling, and it comes with really cute icons.  

So try checking out the period tracker, you just might find it useful.  I know I did! :)

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.

My Greatest Blessings

"My Greatest Blessings Call Me Mom."  This is a quote I read uploaded on Pinterest by a user.  I could not agree more.  My kids are my greatest blessings because not all women are given the chance to be mothers or to experience motherhood.  That is why I am always grateful that God has blessed me with Andre and Micah.  

As I always say, Motherhood is not an easy journey, but it is a choice that I would love to make each and everyday.  Being a mother makes me always want to do what is right, even if at times I am not sure what the right thing is.  It made me accept that sometimes I need to fail or make mistakes, but that I could always get up and try again.  Being a mother made me realize that I am capable of loving and putting others happiness ahead of my own.  

So I want to thank my kids for teaching me that I don't need to have a reason to be happy, that I could find joy in the simple things... pillow fights, bubble baths, running in the park, fixing up Barbie dolls and learning how to transform robots to cars and vice versa.  Thank you for the endless laughter and giggles, for our weekend ice cream dates that I always look forward to.., soon you would both grow up and might not need me anymore, but as long as I can still cuddle you both in my arms, please let me call you my babies because in my heart you both will always be...

Of Babies and Being a Mom...

There must be a baby boom this year.  I have an unusual number of friends who are either pregnant or has just given birth.  My sister in law is pregnant, and surprise, even my kids "yaya" is 4 months on the family way! 

Friends often ask me if I have plans of having another baby, and my answer as of the moment is a big NO.  Don't get me wrong, I totally adore babies, and honestly I miss having a baby in the house, but my 2 kids take up most of my time right now.  I think they are at a stage when they need me the most, and I just want to be there for them.  I am sure the time would come when they would spread their wings and explore the world on their own and won't be needing me that much.  Maybe then, if God permits I would love to have another baby...

Being a mother has been my greatest blessing.  It has made me a better person.  Motherhood has changed me in so many ways.  When you are a mom, your mind always drifts to your kids when you're not with them.  No matter how you want to enjoy when you're out with friends, you can never take your minds away from them.  I learned that as a mom, there are times when I need to say NO and really mean it, and not be swayed by pouting faces and pretty please.  

Once you're a mom, there is this bond between you and your child that one can never explain.  It's the feeling of always wanting to protect them and keep them safe.  To be a mom is to love unconditionally, even during those times when your kids may seem to hate you for being strict.  To be a mom, is to know that it's OK to fail sometimes, and that it's OK to not be perfect.  Motherhood is tough, but the rewards of being loved by your kids is something that can never be compensated by any high paying job in the world.

Being More Organized

This year, I promised myself that I would be more organized when it comes to handling our monthly expenses, and that would include our groceries, the kids allowance, bills to pay, personal expenses, and other areas where it entails shelling out money from our pockets.  


Aside from carrying my planner with me where I am able to make notes and write down my daily expenses, I came across websites that provide "free printable planners", which includes grocery list, meal planners, to-do-lists, monthly and weekly calendars. 


It has been just a week since I started on my "being more organized"  self, and it does have its advantage.  Before going to the grocery I check whatever it is we need at home and by doing so, I am able to control myself from throwing in unnecessary items in my shopping cart, thus sticking to my budget.  I have also started out a meal plan for our meals, mostly focused on lunch and dinner.  I was not used to eating breakfasts, which I know is a bad habit. My husband too seldom eats breakfast, he only needs his coffee to jump start his day.    The kids prefer their milk and cereal for breakfast, and I make pan cakes during weekends. But we always have bread or "pan de sal" in the morning.


For now, I am actually making it a habit to always write down our daily expenses, bring my checklist with me whenever I go to the grocery, and planning out our meals so I would always know what it is I need to prepare for lunch or dinner and not just rely on canned goods and take outs.  I believe it pays to be more organized because you would be able to budget your money properly, that way there would be some extra money you can set aside for the rainy days.

These are the free printables I am using as of now.  You can  click here to get your own printable and it's absolutely free.

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