Independence Day Celebration 2012

On Independence Day, my family and I decided to go to the Kaufman's 4th of July parade and family fun instead of going to church ward breakfast and children's parade. We chose to attend the first one because of the time and the many things we would enjoy as family. First of all the church thing was scheduled earlier than the city parade. And the city offered more than parade, it also offers bouncy houses, pony rides, rock climbing, games, and being able to go picnicking.

We had so much fun as family, and individual as well. After Jacob rock climbing, he jumped on the obstacles course bouncy houses and played some games where he won a prize. I got a free fan, and free watermelons and cold water bottles :-). Before we left the park, my boys got to read their favorite books while I sat and relax watching them and other people who still enjoy the activities at the park. It was a nice celebration of Independence Day!

Like Father, Like Son!

My son's first hero is indeed his father. As you an see in these photos, he likes to do what his Dad is doing. He follows him wherever he goes, whatever he does. He looks forward when Daddy gets home from work. When Daddy is our of his sight, he would go looking for him (in the garage, yard, even in the bathroom, lol.

Shooting BB gun.

Reading fave books.

Swimming together.

He even watches Dad's fave tv shows ( Star Trek Enterprise and The Andy Griffith show). He is indeed his father's son :-).

Jacob's Notice for Mom and Dad

Every time my son did something he knew he wasn't supposed to do, one of his privileges will be taken away from him unless he proved himself that he is worthy to get it back. He knew better but sometimes he kept doing the same mistake over and over again. And so, when I get fed up, this is what happens. He thought he would get what he wants by writing a letter or notice for us. Nope, he was wrong, lol.

Anyway, this was the letter I've found on his bedroom door. It made me and my husband laugh silently. He did a pretty good job writing this note if you may say, except for one misspelled word 'privilege.'

My Little Spider Man

Last month if I am not mistaken, one of my son's classmate named Layla knocked on our door. Jacob and I were surprised to see her in front of our door. This girl was really mean to my son. She plays with him and then punches him afterward. She calls my son shorty. For a little while there, I would talk to her and ask her to stop bullying my son. Thank goodness, she stopped. Anyway, she asked whether Jacob can come to her house because her mother was doing some face painting with the girls. I asked Jacob if he wants to, and he said; 'yes.' And so away he went with her.

Few minutes later, he came back with the SpiderMan painted on his face. Kind of cool, don't you think?

Bike Riding Safety

Saturday last week, I took my son to the park where the Crandall Fire Department conducted a safety bike ride for the kids ages 12 and under. Jacob learned to ride his bike with obstacles like the cones and dropping something on the trash can while riding the bike. He had fun, and I had fun watching him, too.

Anyway, when it was about to rain, we decided to walk back home. I was just disappointed that they didn't teach them about safety, like stopping and looking both ways before crossing the road, not riding the bike but pushing it to get to the other side of the road. Husband and I decided that we would continue to remind Jacob of safe bike riding to school and hopefully he would apply them when we let him ride his bike to school.

Our Raised Bed Garden

A couple of weeks ago, hubby and I started our vegetables garden in the backyard. He made two raised bed garden and here is the first one. We planted tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, jalapeno, red and green peppers, okra, eggplant, and yellow squash. Oh, I couldn't wait to see some harvest soon.

Below is the garden after two weeks. Can you see the difference? They are all grew a little bit. Husband sprinkled some iron granules on it since the plants need it because the leaves are tuning into yellow. Anyway, the other bed will be planted with Asian veggies such as bitter gourd, jute, papaya, long/string beans, and calamansi. By the way, my son helps with the watering the plants and planting some seedlings.

A Day at the Dallas World Aquarium

This Monday there was a Staff Training at my son's school, and so there was no school. As family, we decided to make this day a fruitful and fun day for each of us. In the morning, we went to the Dallas World Aquarium. This place is in the middle of the big city. It is more like a rainforest with bit of everything like a mini zoo with small animals, and a mini sea with interesting fish. The most popular part of this place is the 22,000-gallon tunnel with a panoramic view of underwater reef life. It is amazing! From the top you think you are just looking into a large pool of water, on the lower floor, you are seeing under the water and looking up towards the people looking down. I loved the walk thru enclosed waterway where the sharks are swimming above your walking path.

Mommy Moments: J's Valentines Day Arts and Crafts

Every year for the past two years now, Jacob and I made Valentines cards for his class. He brings them to their Valentines Day party and gives them to his classmates, and in return he gets cards from them, too! I really enjoyed doing arts and crafts with Jacob every time; he loves to help, too! In fact, he looks forward to this moment every year. I am glad because he shows his interests in arts and also learning something he can be proud of.

Butterfly Lollipop card

The Finished products.

The making of them.

Thank you so much, son (Anak) for helping Mommy, and for showing your interests on doing other things than playing video games and watching TV. Keep it up my dear! I love you and we are so proud of your accomplishments.

Mommy Moments: Girls/Mommys Day Out

Not very often I get the chance to spend time alone. I am always busy taking care of my son and husband's need at home. As a Mom, I also want to contribute with our finances, and so during my spare time, I work on the computer blogging and doing some paid posts to earn some money. On top of that, I also go to church regularly magnifying my calling as a teacher for 7-8 year old children. My life can be boring at times. Good thing I have few friends whom I can spend my 'me' time with. As always, every time we go out eat, shop, or just visit a botanical garden, I always have so much fun! Last week, we went shopping a little at the mall, had lunch and some chatting :-) which was the highlights of our girls day out. Someday, I would like to have a night out, too with them. Anyway, here are few photos taken when we went to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical garden.

Lyn and Me

Just me...

Analyn and Emely

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Allowance for Jacob

This morning while we were eating our breakfast, Jacob was talking about the things he wants for his birthday. I can not help but smile hearing him say the lists. These are on his list: an iPhone, a pet (puppy or fish), Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, and his own set of scriptures. Who knows what else he would add to the lists before his birthday comes in July, lol. Anyway, I was thinking that it is time for him to understand money or its concept. He needs to understand that he can not get whatever he wants without working to get it. He is old enough to help in he house, and so I was thinking of giving him a job or tell him to help in the house for that is how he earns the money or allowance.


Suze Orman had great advice. She said give the child 1o cents per minute for the time he/she takes to do a task.Jacob is already 7 year old and I have decided to give him $1 a day. I will also make him a chart. If he does everything on the chart he gets paid the fully $1. For everything he doesn't do, I will deduct 10 cents. Whining and throwing temper tantrums are also deductions. I will have him do things that really help me around the house (sorting his toys, cleaning his room, emptying the dishwasher, sweeping the floor). He also put his dirty clothes on the laundry basket and sort them out according to colors. Anything that will really help me can be a chore.

What do you guys think? Do you have any suggestions? Please share them with us; thank you!

Busy, Fun and Productive Day!

Yesterday was a 'parent/teacher conference' at my son's school. We were scheduled for the 8:40am session and were able to talk with my son's teacher for at least 20 minutes. It was great to find out that J is doing pretty well in school we just need to help him with reading comprehension and managing his time wisely which is normal to kid his age. Anyway, after the conference, we headed to Tanger Outlet mall in Terrell to shop at Old Navy then headed for Rockwall to play bowling. Yes. we had a great day since there was no school yesterday. It was an enjoyable and tiring day, but we all had all fun! Before finally going home, we did a short visit with the Reamy's in their home at Scurry. After the visit, we finally went home with some firewood with us for our fireplace. By the time we got home, it's already dinner time. After unloading the firewood, we went out to eat dinner at a Chinese buffet restaurant. We ended the day doing Family Home Evening and a family prayer at 8:30 and in bed by 9:00...yeah I know it was that early to go to bed, but we were all tired.

I Need to Get Slim, Fast!

Just like most people who made New Years resolution to lose weight and didn't succeed, I am not losing my hope that I would be able to keep my resolution this coming 2012 which is to be physically active, eat healthy and lose weight. I know I have been trying to lose weight ever since I gained weight, and this time I intend to work on my goal just because I am scared of losing my transplanted kidney. I am diabetic and have an elevated blood pressure and losing extra pounds would really give great help in managing this two life threatening diseases.

I have done many things to lose weight including no white rice, white bread on my diet, and less sugar on top of daily exercise and it helped a lot, but then again I started doing the things I wasn't supposed to do. I stopped exercising due to spending a lot of time in front of the computer, watching TV and eating more. I can't blame anybody but me. I need to take control of my life, and take responsibility of my actions. I really need to have the self discipline and self-control when it comes to food otherwise I will regret not taking care of my health for the rest of my life. It isn't too late and I know I can do it!

I am glad to know that there is still product out there like Slim-Fast that could help me get slim fast! I like the slim fast method which is called Slim Fast 3*2*1* where I get to eat 3 snacks composed of 100-calorie snack bars, nuts, fruits and/or vegetables, 2 shakes or meal bars and 1 500-calorie balanced meal everyday. They taste good for I have tried them before. My favorite are the French vanilla, and the creamy milk chocolate.

A Hoilday Well Spent with Friends

Our Christmas was spent at friends house this year.And we had so much fun! I like that we don't get to cook, clean up. I just brought a dish to share. After eating, we did talk, sang karaoke, and watched the kids play and sing as well. On New year's eve, we have the same just because January first is my friend's birthday. It would be celebrated together with hubby's and Earnest birthday as well which fall on January. Anyway, we are all excited for it and for our trip to Branson this week. With all these special occasions, there would be plenty of foods.

And diet is a must if we are to keep our weight :-); one more week and it would be my hubby's birthday, Marivic's and Earnest birthday, we couldn't wait!

PackIt! Keeps Your Food Fresh!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PackIt. All opinions are 100% mine.

My family and I live really far away from our folks and siblings. When I say far, I mean at least 12 hours drive one way when we go visit them. My in-laws come visit us at least twice a year and vice-versa. And When we do, we pack a lot of stuff especially food to avoid stopping at the restaurant during lunch or dinner. For our food to stay fresh for at least 10 hours, we put plenty of ice cubes or ice packets. Ice cubes make our cooler heavy and it melts. Good thing we discovered Packit, an ice-pack that will make it easier for us to pack our food up lighter. Its size of 8"x10"x5" or smaller when folded, can easily fit in our freezer; we even take it on-the-go when traveling, picnicking or even camping! I like it so much because I can use it for my husband and son's lunches. And for those who play sports or have babies, Packit is just perfect! Packit, being a non-toxic, sweat proof, PVC and lead-free material, we don't have to worry about health hazards. Mind you, because it is very popular, it was even shown on the Martha Stewart show! Isn't it great?

I tell you, I've never seen a product or lunch bag/cooler that stays cold longer than PackIt lunch boxes. Sounds too good to be true? Check out their website where for a limited time only, you can buy a Packit and get one free for only $19.95. Please leave your comment on the comments section of my post and tell me why you would use Packit in your everyday busy life.

Looking at it online, I think it is pretty cool! Everyone for sure would love to have it in their house!

MM: J's Extra Curricular Activity

Two weeks ago, we registered J to a basketball practice. We were surprised how much he likes the game. He is now learning some of the important moves in playing basketball. We hope he would continue to play for fun and not just for winning. Hubby and I decided that it is time for him to participate in sports so he would have more fun that going to school and home every school days. Plus, he needs some exercise, too!

Now, here is the photo I took on the first day of their practice. Some of the moves are harder than it looks and so he complains every once in awhile :-); but we keep encouraging him to practice often so he would get a hang of it....then later on it will be easier for him to make those necessary movements.

MM: Fall festival and Halloween 2011

Since there will be any more themes on Mommy Moments from now on, I wouldn't have any problem posting something here. This week, I decided to focus on the Fall season. Fall festival, pumpkin patch and Halloween rolled into one. J decided to be a Mario this year. Here they are :-); seriously, I'll be missing fall pretty soon :-(. Oh well...winter is here and Christmas will be here before we know it. Anyway, hope you enjoy my entry this week.

Annual Fall festival at J's school

Trick or treat at J's friend church

With the Pinays kids :-)

At the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical garden.

The Apple Sider Side of Me

You Are Apple Cider

You are affirming and supporting. You accept people where they are, imperfections and all. You often give too much of yourself, and you rarely put your own needs first. You are tender and compassionate. You wear your heart on your sleeve. You are capable of great love, but it's hard for you to focus your love on one person or relationship.

What Apple Treat Are You?

MM: Nutrition Tips

Health is one of the most important thing I instill in my son's mind. Eating a healthy balanced diet is part of his every meal. But what is a healthy balanced-diet composed of? To me, it is a meal consists of starches, vegetables and meat (white and red). In my house we are used to eating meals with the three major food groups. Fruits serve as desserts. I am glad that at Jacob's young age, he loves to eat veggies, fish, and salads. We also thought him that whatever is on the table, that he will eat...no special meal prepared for him. The only tip I can share with you guys is this: as soon as you baby is ready to eat solid foods....try to give then puree' fruits and veggies. If you do that...you will never have problem feeding them fruits and veggies. As we all know, most of the kids these days don't eat veggies and if they do...they only eat the ones they want to. I also believe in the saying that "you are what you eat." Parents should start teaching their kids the importance of being healthy...and that begins at home where their first teachers are their Mom and Dad. It works for me.

My #1 Fan :-)

Salisbury Steak Over Egg Noodles

Fresh Salad

Mashed Sweet Potato

Please share us your tip by joining this meme :-)

Jacob's First Day of School

Today was my son's first day of school. He is a 2nd grader now; how time flies. I miss my baby so much. He is growing like a seed and before I know it he would be leaving us for college :-(. Anyway, he was very excited on going back to school. He woke up early and prepared himself well. He was even looking for food to eat for his breakfast when hubby and I woke up! I still couldn't believe how excited he was! It was like the opposite of his feelings last year. When he got home from school this afternoon, he told us how much fun he had meeting his new classmates and teacher. I am so proud of my son. O i love you, Anak for making us proud parents!

At home before leaving for school. See what I mean?

Outside while waiting for Daddy.With Daddy walking him off to school :-)!

Mommy Moments: Filipino Ako

The theme for this week on Mommy Moments is " Filipino Ako." Since my son was born here in United States and his Dad is a Caucasian, he doesn't have any picture wearing Filipino costume neither participated on Filipino week activity at school. But not having experienced those things, doesn't mean he can't be called a Filipino. He has a Filipino blood running in his veins and had come to love Filipino foods and little bit of mannerism like trying to eat using his own hands and sitting with one of his feet on the chair (just like some Filipino do particularly the seniors who lives in a province), lol. Yes, I do eat using my hands every once in awhile, but the thing about the foot...that I don't do and I think he got it from my Mom :-). He can say some Tagalog words like: kili-kili (underarm), ilong (nose), mata (eyes) and many more which is kind of funny to hear and makes me laugh. So, my son is a Filipino :-).

With his cousins ( Karla and Ara) during our visit this summer to the Philippines

After our trip to Dinggalan near the Pacific ocean in Aurora Province.

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