Offline For A Week

It has been a while since I got the chance to post something here. Why? Well, aside from the lack of time, the big time reason is that we don't have any internet connection for almost 7 days now. What a waste of time, right? I am currently using a Globe Tattoo USB stick and my SIM card to connect to the net. Thanks to a dear friend for lending this to me. I missed a lot of opportunities in blogging and in ODesk. I can't go and rent a computer everyday when I have a toddler in tow. I tried it for 2 hours but realized it's totally difficult. This week has been so stressful. Doubts, fear, anger, irritation, pain, happiness and a lot more type of emotion consisted this week.
I can no longer count as to how many times I have called the technical support department of Globe Broadband to follow up on our connection issues. Now, I think the stress this week has brought me has added colds and a possible UTI..ouch! I'm gonna have to do a water and Buko juice therapy to self heal. I really don't want to rely on taking medicines at once unless necessary. And while we didn't have any internet access, I took time to read, watch, play and do the laundry.

Still I have tons of clothes to iron and fold. Plus, I got the chance to check on my active contracts and tons of tasks awaits me! Haha! Spell good luck to me!

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PF: Barney Everyday

Both my girls grew up watching Barney and they both liked Blue and Hi5 too. But, Roey here is quite different from her big sister. She's become so fond of Barney that no one's allowed to use the portable DVD player other than her. So addicted to Barney that no other movie can be played. Well, she agreed to watch Blue's Clues a while ago but did not ask to have it repeated unlike the "Barney Goes To School" which she watched for about 4x yesterday. I actually don't have anything against Barney, it's just that Ate K is already complaining she can't watch Barbie, SSC and Hannah Montana anymore especially when the toddler is awake. Just so you'd know, the portable DVD player was our birthday gift to Ate K last year, so it's hers. The fact gives her the right to complain but as I always tell her, sharing is FUN! And that's what they learned from Barney too. Ha! Ha!

We got a package today containing 3 VCDs, Hi5, Barney & Angelina Ballerina. It was a present from my boss based in UK, John. He's so nice to have Christine of Arteta Online to buy and have these sent to us. Roey got sick if you would remember which somehow made me skip work. My boss understood the situation being a parent himself and insisted to have something for my little girl. It's really nice that we are surrounded by people with good hearts. Thank you John & Christine. Oh! Did you know that Christine makes pretty pettiskirts? Check out her website, The Pettiskirt.

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MM: Mommy's Hobby

I have several things to consider as my hobby. For now, I can still name a few like making hair bows, reading, watching TV series, playing online games and with kids, make chocolate lollipops, cook and go out.

I'd like to take photography as a hobby too but for now, it's just too expensive of a hobby for me. I click a lot though and do some editing using Photoshop too. Oh! Digital scrap booking is also a hobby of mine.

My Hair bows are great as gifts.

These choco lollies are nice for party giveaways too.

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Losing Weight and Gaining It Back

I indeed lost weight. That's what I told myself after looking at these photos. Both these photos were taken maybe 4 years ago. The first one at the PBCom Towers office of Convergys and the other at my parents in law's home.

Weight loss, why am I little alarmed? Well first, I didn't really intend to lose weight. I didn't enroll in a weight loss program at all. I have not really grown big but I would like to maintain or be at the 50 kilos level. I'm below it as of this day. It was just recently when I realized that I've lost almost 22lbs. That's quite a lot. That's an achievement to those who are in a weight loss program or using weight loss systems. I have been made aware of this by friends and my cousins. That's what made me decide to do something to gain it back. Extra rice please!

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Mosquito Patch

Can you see that cute pup in front of her Pink tee? It's actually not an imprint but a patch. A mosquito patch to be exact. A mom here is in a bit of paranoia due to the obnoxiously spread of Dengue. I have already tried a different brand of patches before as I've posted in my previous blog. But this one's better in my opinion since it has a much subtle scent, it also comes in kid-friendly designs. Aside from the usual anti mosquito lotion, I put on a patch or two in my kids' clothing for protection of course. These patches come in cute animal designs and assorted colors. A box of 24 patches is reasonably priced at Php149.00 which is available at SM supermarkets. That's where I got it that is! 


Thank you to my friend Vangie for this photo. Happy 22nd month to our Roey as well. 

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Patience Test

They say that everything you say to your child is absorbed, cataloged and remembered. I think so too if I base it on my experience as a child. As an only child, to be exact. I just can't help but wonder why my 9 year old daughter is at a stage where she acts and talks as if she's absorbed and remembered nothing. I frequently find myself giving out a deep big sigh just so I'd let go of the eagerness to give her a slap..err, i mean tap...no, i mean pinch! I really don't want us to come to that point. I think every parent passes through a moment like this. She is definitely very sweet and she knows what's right, she's been well-taught by my (late) mom. I just heard myself last night and this morning asked her - "Do I always have to remind you that?" "Do you not get tired that you have to hear the same reminders everyday?" "Where is that smart Keanna I used to know?"... I am hurt throwing those questions to her but I just have to. I even told her that she will understand my point by the time she become a parent herself, or when I am no longer around. My patience is put into a test, really. Glad that I was trained and gifted with a lot of it.

I guess this is a phase we really have to go through as a parent that no early childhood education degree could help us avoid. Maybe, I will have to look up for a Guide to Online Schools

and see if they have any "later" child education classes. It must be true that kids do pass by a attitudinal change inevitably. They tend to be influenced by a lot of people and things. That is where communication is very crucial and important. I just pray for me to be guided as well because soon, I have to face adolescence and answer questions that may rise about puberty. Waaah! I miss my baby Keanna!

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Girls' Stuff

There are 2 princesses in the house and what do you expect? Lots of Pink stuff, right? And here are just some...

The Nokia 6610i was originally mine. I gave it to Keanna but she's no longer using it since it started acting up. The battery can no longer last for a day. It is now used by little Roey as a toy cellphone. =)

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Get To Know My Toddler

This photo was taken when Roey was just 11 months. When all she can do to communicate was smile and cry. The lovely dress was a gift from my friend Gizelle (Thursday Brownies host).

Now, Roey is at 21mos- she can already talk and shout too! LoL! There are times that her words though different in meaning, sounds almost the same. She calls her sister Keanna, "Tate" (minus the T, it's Ate). She calls her father "Dadee" and that's always clear, while she calls me "Mhey" which obviously is shortcut for Mommy. Sweet, right?

This little miss surprises us with her wit and talkativeness. There are several TVCs she would imitate and certain kiddie product jingles she can sing along with. She moves like crazy when she feels like dancing. She know the songs "Price Tag", "Just The Way You Are", and "Fireworks" - can hum and say the words "uhh and yeah". But, her lyrics are most of the time in her dinosaur language. LOL!

Here are other things she can:

- She keeps her pillow and folds the blanket imperfectly as soon as she wake up in the morning.

- Always eager to personally hand the helmet to her Daddy.

- Eats on her own (using a spoon or just her hand - that's how "cowboy" she is).

- Eats freshly sliced tomatoes, garlic and onions.

- Can count from 1 to 10.

- Sings "Blues Clues"song, "Mr. Sun", "I Have 2 Hands" and "Our Father"

- Already started doing the "sign of the Cross" and "Amen".

- Can draw a smile and sun rays on an unfinished sun drawing.

- Volunteers to remove Ate Keanna's socks as soon as the latter arrives from school (eww!)

- Can already say names: "Papa Jesus" (may sound Jeswu sometimes), Sponge Bob ( Spangsbav), Popo and Jollibee (Jaaamibee)

- Recognizes fruits like Apple, Banana (with matching Uh-uh-Ahh-a sound effect), and Grapes

- Recognizes shapes: Circle, Stars, Moon

drawings: shoes, flower, Hello Kitty, heart, umbrella, dog, pig, cat, bag and more

- Knows how to use the cellphone and can say "Hello, musta?" (Hello, how are you?)

- She already know when to say "No" and "Oh no!"

- Can already appreciate things by saying "Wow!"

- Says "Hi!" and "Bye!" and do the "bless" act (Mano)

- Can manage to strike a pose in front of the camera (as long as Mommy's behind it)

These are just few of the many things our Roey can already say and do. Of course, along with the list is her unique tantrums. Unique because if it strikes, it is a combination of cry, shout, whips, kicks and body bending techniques. Something we would like to avoid of course.

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My 9 year old

My favorite stores are Shakey's, McDonald's, and Booksale, just like most of us. Shakey's is where we celebrated Keanna's 7th birthday and Roey's 1st. It is also where we normally held account activities when I was still with Convergys, just like in this photo.

Sylvia & Me

McDonald's is what we most of the time visit if we want fast food. I can name few things I love about it. From the ketchup to it's sundae. LoL! This is where we celebrated Keanna's 1st and 4th birthday which you'll see in the video clip I made for here, that is if you scroll down a bit.

Booksale on the other hand, is where you can go through hundreds of books for all ages at a very nice deal. My daughter Keanna loves Powerbooks too. Just like in this photo.

We often visit National Bookstore as well for school supplies of course and books too! Here's a photo of me and Keanna when I bought her that thin book entitled Camouflage.

Now, I'd like to share this to you even if this doesn't have to do anything with books.

I made this clip just today and I had to look for a music that will be long enough for the slides. I just wish my Ate K will appreciate this.

Happy 9th birth anniversary!

I love you so much!

Apologies my dear, there were part of the music that seemed to have skipped. Hehe!

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My Husband's Daughter is Turning 9

She's turning 9 in a few days from now. It wasn't too long ago when I still sing her lullabies to sleep. I would often be reminded by my Mama not to spoil her by letting her sleep in my chest. Though she look so much of her father, I am so happy to have Keanna as my daughter. She's just so sweet. And even if we fight over leftovers and tooth brushing, words aren't enough to express how overjoyed I am to hear I Love Yous from her.

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Not Just a Thirst Quencher

Mango is definitely Keanna's most favorite fruit. She totally loves to have a serving be it the fruit itself or juiced. I give in to her Mango requests most of the time since I know that a Mango fruit is rich in pre-biotic dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It has been said too that Mango fruit helps to protect against certain cancers like colon, prostate and breast cancer too. It is also an excellent source of Potassium and Vitamin A which is very essential for our vision. And, did you know that Mango is not just am awesome fruit and thirst quencher? It's peel can also be used? A lot of fruit peels actually, can be used in many other ways like insecticide.

Keanna's homework was to interview a nutritionist or a cook and gather all information in preparing foods. Good thing there's FB, I was able to chat with a friend who was a cook at Sbarro before.So, homework is done!

The photo above was taken at Pancake House, Glorietta in Makati City when Keanna was about 6yo. She will be turning 9 very soon.

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Rain = Cake

It's been reported that there are 2 Low Pressure Areas in the Phils. now that is why it has been raining on and off. In some other cities, there's flood and even landslides. Sad.

Photo credits to my friend Ched

I am not sure though why I am drooling for cakes when it rains. A slice of what's pictured above will definitely satisfy my taste buds! Good thing my aunts visited us yesterday and prepared Champorado for us. Good enough for me since I can only fulfill my eyes' satisfaction with this cake for now.

I am linking up to sis G's Thursday Brownies today. For more of the Filipino color, click on the meme page below.

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Messy Cutie Pie in Purple

I took this photo of Roey at the Aberdeen Court last June 15 during a cousin's wedding. Ate Keanna already blogged about little Roey's Blue mess (seen in her tongue here) last week. Check it HERE. She's wearing a floral Purple dress given by my friend Irish. It is a hand-me-down, yes! I liked it a lot that I was so excited to have Roey wear it that day I learned that we are to attend a wedding. You may be wondering why she's not wearing any shoes at all...haha! I had to remove her Pink Ipanema because it's a little loose. I didn't want to lose it since it was a gift from Roey's Ninong Ryan, one of my childhood friends.

I'm joining COPS and MGR today. Click on these badges to see more entries!

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20 Months

Monday of next week, I'll soon have a 20 months old toddler. Haley has become so active and has learned a lot already. Most often, I tell myself that time really pass by so fast. Not so long ago, she was still wearing this pair of White baptismal shoes.

Not so long ago, she would easily cry or smile for reasons she can't really tell yet. Now, she can already say words though most we cannot understand yet. But for me, her mother, I know when she's hurt, I know when she is hungry, I know when she's sleepy and even when she wants to go outside. I can understand her language and I am glad I do. I wouldn't have if I'm still working. I am honestly hesitant when I resigned from IBM, it was really a tough decision to make. With all the benefits we were all enjoying, I had to think about it hundreds of times. My daughters are the reason why I had to give up working. It is true that it's quite hard that I don't earn the salary I was receiving then but I can say that the hugs, kisses, smiles, thank yous and sweetness both my daughters are giving me are enough as salary for me.

This is Roey now. Playful, and sometimes really silly. I'm glad I decided to be with her and Ate K. Advance happy 20th month my sweetie pie.

Thank you Ninang Irish for the Berry cute tee and shorts. Mwah!

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Friends by the Sea

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Dadi

It's well known that men have trouble displaying their emotions, Dadi is not an exception.

He would even rarely pose for the camera so he really has very few photos with our daughters. I have a number of cards made by Keanna for her Dad but I don't have a photo of them so I'll just share some captured moments.

The first time dad way back 2002.

With then 3 yo Keanna Steffi at Baguio.

Silly moments with Keanna.

With 1 month old Haley Roneese, November 2009.

Dadi and Roey, May 2011.

My share for:

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