Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Mommy Jo's Wish List

My first post for December.

Enough na muna for the emo post, I had too much of it last week and December is a merry month. I still have a lot of reasons to be happy,sabi nga ni hubby.Anyway,since it is officially the month of gift buying and gift giving, I was inspired by Sis Em's Christmas list so here's my own wish list (gaya-gaya mode lang for today) teehee!

1. Nikon D90 DSLR Camera

My sister is using this brand for her DSLR and I love the quality of the photos plus I also used her camera for a couple of times already that's why having the same brand (if ever) will not be difficult for me. Besides, I've been using my ever-reliable digicam for 3 years already which is one of hubby's gift and I think kelangan na ni digicam mag-retire,kawawa na eh.hehe.

2.  Baking Tools


Since I have sweet tooth, I want to learn how to bake and whip up yummy goodies for me and my loved ones.I'll ask sisses Anney and Krissy for some baking tips :)

3. A new sofa set


I want a sofa set like this, I love the cheerful vibes. Parang ako lang.chos!  But since we only have a limited space in our living room right now,this will take a while to accomplish.For now,papa-upholster ko na lang yung luma namin.hehe!

4. SM Gift Card


I love going to SM, it's one of my stress relievers. At dahil stress ako lately, a giftcard will be highly appreciated.hehe.


5. Tory Burch Metallic Straw Reva Ballet Flat



Ever since,I'm a big fan of flat shoes. You'll seldom see me in high heels.(Feeling katangkaran eh no?) They composed majority of my shoes. I would love to have a pair of this ballet flat, named after Tory's stylish mother.simply timeless and classic.

6. Chocolates. Lots and lots of them!


to make my sweet tooth happy this holiday season,stock good for 1 year sana.lol.


6. McQueen stuffs.


Not for me but for the little man syempre. Since his happiness is my happiness,any McQueen stuffs for him this Christmas, over sa happy na si bagets. The McQueen bed is so cute!

7. Rest and Relaxation
oh di ba,nothing can beat some good old R & R. I want lots of time to spend with my family,no work and all play.

7. Hubby Dear.

Yes,I want him underneath my Christmas tree, but according to Santa next year na lang daw! :)

There goes my  simple Christmas wish list.  


 

Monday, November 28, 2011

This Is It.

Few more days left.

I don’t know how to start this without being too emotional. This has been stagnant in my draft for a couple of weeks already. But I need to vent out. Remember my previous post the last time?  

Allan will be leaving in a few days bound to an African country with Arab culture and European charm for an out of the country job.  After 2 years and 4 months from the last time he came home from his work abroad, he will be back to his old work environment set up once again. The sad part is, this will be our little family’s first Christmas that we're not complete physically.

For the previous month, a lot happened in Allan’s career; all came in during the month of October providing him with three options which later on became two!  First, he received an overseas job offer that I don’t want to elaborate anymore, I have to thank Sis Krissy for helping me in my queries that time, but eventually the first plan did not materialized because of some reasons but in God’s grace, I believe that all of them are for the better because there is something coming a lot better than that.

Second, surprisingly is another overseas job offer. His previous Japanese project manager when he’s still in Oman called him asking if he’s willing to join the team again in their Algeria project. The job offer landed on his lap since this is also his beloved company plus he’s already inclined to that kind of work, not to mention that they’re the same people he’s going to work with so there will only be a few adjustments on his part. Practical-wise, the perks and benefits are really awesome and will be really helpful for his career advancement and for our financial stability. 

And third, to make things even harder for him to decide, he just got promoted from his current work, a flattering inducement for him to change his mind.  That time, our options are already down to second and third. How tough is that?

God is really good to us for these blessings and it’s really up to us on what we think is the best opportunities for us. Making decision is really hard; we really have to weigh the pros and cons for a lot of times and think of all the possibilities. Kung pwede lang sanang best of both worlds kaso hindi naman pwede. 

Our constant prayer at night is for God to lead us to the best decision, that whatever his plan for our family, we will embrace it because we lift up everything to him.

Of course this is not an overnight decision. we talked about it a lot of times, his point of view, my point of view. We also asked for some signs. Then finally after a lot of evaluation and assessment of the last two options, Allan chose Option #2 and I agree and support his reasons. So when November came no matter how tempting and ego-gratifying Option #3 is, he finally tender his resignation since he’ll still have 1 month transition period while they're looking for his replacement although initially the bosses are trying their best to make him stay. With this, my heart swells with pride for my husband because his immediate superior,his British boss even said that Allan is one of his team’s asset and it’s not easy for them to let him go knowing that they also have bigger plans for him and they’re eyeing on him to handle their other projects in the future because they believe so much in his capabilities. (One proud wife talking here) But we’re aware that along the perks of Option #3 also entails a lot of responsibilities and if ever he grabs the opportunity, para na din syang nag-abroad since magiging mas busy pa sya lalo and our precious weekend will  always be at stake because of his additional workloads and location assignments.  I know how dedicated Allan is to his job, that even though it’s not his cup of tea sometimes if the situation calls for it, he’s willing to learn and improve himself and he easily adapts to change and probably those are the qualities that his British boss saw in him. When it comes to work, he’s really at his best all the time. Kaya lang this time around according to the husband, he needs to do what he think is best for his family.

The reasons for his decision why he chose Option #2, we need to be financially stable especially Xian will start schooling soon, we still have our pending plan which is to build our dream house, and how about our other future plans that we want to accomplish on our given time frame and that would be more possible if he decided to work abroad again compare to Option #3. He needs to sacrifice to secure a better future like any other OFW’s main reason.

So yeah, we’ll be geographically-challenged once again and I hate the feeling.

Just the thought of being away from him makes me feel sad. Di na ako sanay. Although I’m not a newbie when it comes to long distance relationship.  Hubby’s first out of the country experience to work was last 2006 during our bf-gf days and he went to KSA, after a year he came home then a couple of months later, we got married.

 Then the second time was after we got married last 2008 and I was already pregnant with Xian, he left again to work in Oman and came home when Xian is 3 months old already. 

And now, he’s soon to embark on another OOTC job leaving me and Xian who’ll start schooling next year. Parang bawat alis nya may family milestone kami no? My sister even said that my tolerance now is different than before. It’s because yun yung pinapakita ko sa kanila. I have to support my husband, but deep inside talaga,naiiyak na ko. 

I’m not just thinking about myself anymore, but more of Xian. He’s a certified daddy’s boy, tandem sila eh. Allan saw his milestones, from being a helpless baby to the little man that he is now. And now in an instant, the little man will adjust to some unfamiliar set up. Although we try to explain to him in a way that he will understand why daddy needs to work “dun sa malayo” and told him that they will still see each other pa din naman everyday “sa laptop” at magpe-play pa din sila at mag-uusap sa phone anytime na gusto nya because daddy loves him so much even he’s far away.

Good thing communication has changed drastically in a way that makes the world seem smaller to bring back my sanity.

Now we’re officially down to our one week countdown. Haaay! :'(

 I know it will still be a Merry Christmas for us.



Friday, November 25, 2011

Breakfast @ McDonald's

I came early for work today because of our scheduled school activity and since I have not had any breakfast, I just headed to McDonald's near our workplace since I'm still 20 minutes early. Since I'm very much in the mood for pancakes today, I order their 2-piece pancake meal (or hotcake as they usually call it,although mas gusto ko pa din tawagin na pancake.pancake.pancake!) along with coffee. It's been a long  time since I last had their pancakes since I always resort to their Sausage McMuffin with Egg most of the time.

 Namiss ko 'to!

soft,fluffy pancakes!

The taste is still satisfying although I think we wouldn't see each other again anytime soon since it's so easy to make pancake at home which is a great alternative for breakfast at the fast food chain,mas masarap pa.hehe!

Happy Weekend everyone! :)





Thursday, November 24, 2011

25th of November

Today is Nanay Anda's 4th Death Anniversary. There are times when I still wish granny is here. There are still moments when I cry because I remember her. Our only consolation is that she and Lolo Anastacio are now together in heaven.

I'm a lola's girl and forever will be. They say I am her favorite great grandchild. And when we lost her I was the one who was most affected by it. I remember the last time I said goodbye to her in her deathbed, I've been crying so hard but I know I must let go. That was the saddest moment of my life, watching her and closely holding her hand as the inevitable thing happen right before my eyes. Saying "I love You" to her for the last time and voicing out what my heart wanted to tell her and then she looked at me and smiled; and after a moment, she's gone. Many have happened in those four years, we have grieved, mourned and moved on. For those 4 years, she's always in our prayers.

Parang kelan lang.. Nanay Anda,thank you for being with me for 24 years of my life. For giving me as much love as you can muster. We may no longer see you but we'll always have these special moments we shared with you and you will always have a special place in our hearts.I know that you are watching over us everyday. 

We love you so much granny and we miss you dearly. 

photo source: image from Google

 

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

What's Supposed To Be Bread Painting

As a working mom, when time permits Xian and I have fun with things we can easily find in our house.So one weekend, we were supposed to try Bread Painting for our weekend activity which I got here BUT I found out we don't have any stock na pala of food coloring in our house since hubby accidentally threw them away few days ago thinking they're already expired. How uncool is that?

 Photo Source: Image from www.busybeekidscrafts.com

So instead of spoiling the little man's happy vibes about our craft, we still managed to turn the toasted bread into our own masterpiece with the help of Nutella and Xian's Nips chocolate stored in our ref.Yey,happiness pa din!

 Instant chocolatey snack for the little man! :)

By the way, Xian's the one who put the Nips chocolate toppings, that clearly explains the color arrangement and spacing.hehe!

Anyway, we can do the craft some other time.I'll make sure we have  stock of food coloring na that time.




Another Kulilit Story Part 5!

One of Allan and me's view point for having another baby is Xian's readiness.

So one night during one of our family's laid back kwentuhan which is also very similar to this scenario few months ago,the husband brought up the topic again.

Hubby: Xian gusto mo na ng kapatid para may kalaro ka na?

*deadma ang Xian*

Hubby: do you want a baby sister,ha Xian? (ayan,inenglish na)

Me: o nga baby para itatawag nya sayo "kuya Xian". You like?

Xian: no like!

*after a few second of thinking..*

Xian: *happy face* ang like ko baby keng-gwin (penguin)! 

O-o

lagot tayo dyan!

==================================================================


Tatay at 75 years old being a certified and true blooded Batanggenyo is sometimes high-pitched when talking with a heavy accent of his Batangan diction. Take note,hindi sya galit ha.  Ganun lang talaga sya minsan. So while explaining something, Xian heard him. The little man went to Tatay and naively said:


"Tatay,wag ka gagalit.iiyak Papa Jesus" 


All along he thought Tatay is mad because of his voice.haha!


Ayan napagsabihan tuloy ni bagets ang lolo. Tatay can't help but smile and explained that he's not mad,papaliwanag lang.LOL.

 Kulilit Xian at 31 months



Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Sapphire Mommy Turns 1

Always appreciate the little things in life... Otherwise you won't appreciate the bigger blessings which will come your way.

We say we'll never forget the cute things that our kids say, or the funny little faces they make, but memories fade with time. Soooo true. that's why as much as possible I want to document everything, every milestone, every new antics of my little man in his journey. if only I have all the time in the world. But since I'm a working mom and I'm not with him every moment, I'm guilty sometimes that I allow them to slip away and it's not enough to commit everything to memory. Hence, why I came up with the blog thing a year ago. Simply to jot down everything about my Xian, because sooner or later he'll be able to read all of these and I want him to have a peek of his happy childhood. Xian's really growing up too fast! *sigh*  Although sometimes I blog just about anything but  all in all,this blog is still all about the two most important people in my life,my Hubby Love and Baby Love and our family life.

Ang haba ng intro no?

Guess what, yesterday was my blog's first birthday! Akalain mo yun one year na pala.While tinkering my blog this morning, I realized that I had my first ever blog entry last November 22, 2010.Time flies so fast. (oooops,eto na naman ako!)


Seriously, I never thought that I'll enjoy this hobby, I realized that it has been kind of therapeutic. This is where I can really be myself without worrying about what other people think. This is where I share snippets of my life being a working mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and as a simple girl. This is where I rave and rant.My life isn't exciting nor extraordinary but I'm loving it.


Now,allow me to have my thank you speech.hehe.

Thank you to my wonderful fellow SP Moms and mommy blogger friends: Michi, Nuna, France, Cha, Jenggai, Vanenie and Anne. Good to know that from SP to Blogger we still connect and share our thoughts from just about anything from parenting to mommy rated products just like in our e-group, it's good to know all of you a little bit more aside from  our SP community and FB (by the way sa twitter din pala!)  Sis Michi, your family trips are awesome.Sis Nuna,December na! tuloy na natin Batangas EB.France,I miss our Nanay Online.All of you fab ladies are the reason why I'm proud to be an SP Mom.


Thank you also to my equally fabulous mommy blogger friends Lanie, Em and Mamee Nani, I'm glad to meet you girls here in blogger. It's refreshing to get new insights and ideas with your entertaining posts about your family life and your equally adorable daughters which made me wish to have my own little girl too! I'm looking forward to meet you in the future,since we're all from the South naman.You bring your pretty daughters, I'll bring my poging Xian.hehe!


To the talented women Anney and Kristeta for all the wonderful ideas oozing with yummy baked goodies that every time I visit your sites, I can't help but drool and wish you're my neighbors.  lol. I wish I also got the talent and creativity of these two amazing ladies (uhmmm,kahit konti lang pwede na saken.haha!) Krissy, thank you for being nice and accommodating for my queries during those times,yah know.
 
Thank you also to Karla, The Average Jane and Kath. It's an honor for my humble mommy blog to be followed by people who's been respected in the blogging arena with their notable posts related to their crafts. You're my daily dose of information.

To all the wonderful bloggers who became my inspiration to have my own especially to Mommy Fleur, Mommy Frances and Mommy Jane.Thank you.


It's an overwhelming feeling to know all of you.


And to everyone in general who became a part of my blog, thank you for dropping by and sharing your time,  for reading my posts, for the sweet comments which always make me smile,for allowing me to go on and on about everything I want to just like this one (well you don't have a choice,do you? hehe!)


Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.Love y'all ♥

Happy 1st Birthday Sapphire Mommy, Here's to more years of happy thoughts and happy posts ahead!


photo source: image from Google





Where Can I Find You?

 Disney Pixar Cars Multi Bin Toy Box

Currently I'm looking for a toy organizer for Xian's toys and stuffs and I think the best way to encourage him more to unclutter and keep his space tidy is a Cars toy bin organizer!

The question is,san ba nakakabili neto since I find this stuff online? I once checked Toys R Us but they don't have anything like this and mostly their toy organizers are the usual plastic container (which is currently what we're using for Xian's toys) or probably sa iba nilang store kaya? or sa Toy Kingdom siguro. That I have yet to check.

Other cutie designs which I like:



Baul-inspired

 
toys and books organizer


 

pwede for boys and girls kaya lang baka di appealing kay bagets.


cutie Lolong look-alike bin.kyooot!


simple basket storage
12 bin toy storage organizer

 
hmmm pwede, pero parang ang complicated naman neto masyado.



 this toy box reminds me of our cooler.lol.
cool! kahit si Xian at playmate nya, kasya sa loob nyan.


But, the first picture above is still my choice of toy box. Does anyone knows a store here in the Philippines that sells McQueen toy organizer like that?


 
 

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Sunday Tummy Filler

Yesterday we woke up late than usual since hubby and I had a DVD marathon last Saturday night,and since we're off to the church the next day to attend the Sunday mass I just prepared my famous (only in our household) bacon and egg sandwich for breakfast which is as easy as 1,2,3! :) 

Did you know that the first time hubby tried it during our bf-gf days several years ago, he already loved it!  Well,wala syang choice na hindi i-love since that's the sandwich I can pull off with ease even with my eyes closed.chos!


 Here's my super duper simple direction:


Gardenia's white bread


 slice of bread with homemade egg and mayo spread

Add the crisp bacon on top

Cover with another slice of bread.

Voila!

This is our family's favorite sandwich, I sometimes add lettuce and tomato. Instant and easy tummy filler for early morning rush. Actually sa sobrang easy,konti na lang at kaya na ni Xian gumawa nyan! 



Friday, November 18, 2011

Sunday at Valentino Resort & Spa Part 1

My little family went to Valentino Resort and Spa (VRS) last Sunday for some relaxation together with Inay and my sister Sol while majority of the whole nation were glued on their seats watching Pacquiao's Fight. Prior to our out-of-town trip, I made an earlier reservations last Friday before going there. Armed with my printed direction which I got from their site, we went to VRS. We left our place at exactly 8:00 AM and we got there around 9:00 AM.

The Spot!

VRS is a perfect place for relaxation. Our timing was great because there were only a few others at the resort plus the weather is perfect too, so we were able to enjoy our stay the whole day. The little man is so excited because on our way there, he kept on saying "yehey,si-swimming! Mommy andun Nemo?" O di ba,excited masyado si bagets. Pero anak, sad to say walang Nemo dun eh.


The place is situated within the calm and picturesque town of San Jose, Batangas overlooking the panoramic view of Mt. Makulot.(which is also a favorite destination especially for campers and mountaineers) Although they're our neighboring town but we seldom go there unless we have some agenda on that town.

Welcome!

The resort has very decent facilities plus the staff there are very friendly and hospitable especially Kuya-Manong (I forgot to ask his name) who immediately assisted and loaded our baggage to the golf cart and brought us to our cabana after our transaction at the resort's receiving area.

By the way, we only paid 2K for that day; Php300/person for our entrance fee,Xian is already free of charge, Php500 for the cabana, Php 100 for our food's corkage fee and additional P200 for Xian's shirt at their souvenir shop)

While settling our payments at busy naman ang aming Xian.

family photo op at their Christmas tree :)

Inay Dear, Sis, Xian and Kuya-Manong


My boys enjoying the ride

Here are some snapshots of the place while we're on our way to the view deck.

Receiving Area / Souvenir Shop

serenity,check!

 sana ganito kalinis bakuran ko :)

Two of Their Five Themed Villas (Contemporary, Mediterranean, Filipiniana, Italian, Modern) ideal for overnight stay.

Picture taking of the place was cut short after a minute of riding the golf cart, since we're already at the view deck, that's why I don't have pictures of the other remaining villas, function hall, spa, gym,restaurant and others.

@ the view deck's hanging bridge overlooking the resort's lush garden and huge pools and jacuzzi while on our way to our cabana, kaso mahihiluhin ako kaya bilis-bilis kami dyan ni Xian (Inay and my sister is behind us while the husband was at the back and in-charged of our baggage and food helping Kuya-Manong)

 HAPPINESS!

Looking at our ultimate happiness! :)

The resort have three swimming pools and we chose one of their big cabana near the kiddie pool as our spot since some of the few guests that time take a dip at the biggest pool near the jacuzzi.So, most of the time solo namin ang place.hehe! There is also a charming waterfall which my boys enjoyed a lot. 

 Their mesmerizing iced-blue water.

The Three of Us.

More than the place, It's always the people we are with that makes every bonding memorable,ayt? :)


How to Get There (From Manila):

Take SLEX and go out through the last exit, Batangas Exit.
Drive straight along the highway until you see the sign for STAR Expressway. Turn right to STAR.
Take the Lipa Exit. Turn left.
Go straight until the road forks. Take the right side, going to Cuenca.
Just drive straight and you'll see the sign "Valentino Resort & Spa" on your left. Turn here and you'll find the resort.

Valentino Resort and Spa
Barangay Pinagtung-ulan, San Jose, Batangas
Telephone Number:(043) 783-0558
Mobile Number: 09175155936



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