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.

My share on Mommy Moments :-); join us!

Mommy Moments: Sports

It's been awhile since I last joined this meme; and I just realized now how I missed it! Now, I decided to join again and hope to not miss it again. Anyway, here is my share for this week. Sport is the theme and I am posting Jacob photos playing his fave sport next to swimming....baseball!

These pictures are taken during one of those weekends with our family friends, the Friers. We went to the park and the boys had so much fun playing baseball.

Will Always Be Here For Our Son

I remember asking my son what he wanted to be when he grows up, he said that he wants to be a policeman. I am happy and amazed at the fact that he already knows what he wants to be in the future. In his very young mind, he knows that a policeman’s job is to protect and serve the people, guard them from those with bad intentions. To be a policeman is his dream and as a way to achieving his dream and making it into reality, Jake became so interested in taekwondo. So we thought of getting him into taekwondo lessons. He knows that the policemen had to protect themselves too all the time so they won’t get hurt. Learning taekwondo as a means of self-defense really taught him a lot and had enlightened my son to the realities of the harsh world, outside his little world.

As his parents, we are here to guide him and support him all the way. Achieving his little and yet big dreams will never be materialized if he will do it alone, without any moral support from us, without our love and God’s teachings to guide his way through success. In the coming years his desire to be a policeman might and will change but we know that whatever he may choose to be, we will always be here for him.

Visiting His Sister's Grave

Last memorial day, we did visit our daughter's grave with our son. Jacob has asked us many questions about his sister because even though we talked to him many things about Ruth, he still couldn't remember them for he was very young when we visited his sister. Now that he is 7 year old....he know his sister better now. As you can see on the picture...Jacob is happy to be next to his sister's grave. He loves her and couldn't wait to see her again someday in God kingdom....yea we all are anxious!

There he is with a pretty flowers for his beloved sister, Ruth. We love and miss you so much my dear daughter :-)!

Gone Fishing

Last month, a friend of ours from Mesquite invited us over to go fish at the park. We weren't sure if we could come or not because hubby has changed his work schedule. His new schedule forced him to work on Saturdays, thus leaving Sunday to spend at church and home. Saturdays are gone...no more family time, time with friends and etc....We were sad, but what else can we do? Anyhow, we were supposed to meet them at the fishing place, but they weren't there. They left even before we got there thinking we weren't coming. Oh well, they should have phoned us first before leaving the place. Their absence didn't stop us from enjoying the fishing especially my son.

At Mesquite Park, TX... 10 minutes drive from our house to the park!

Here is my son having fun fishing, he didn't catch any, but he had fun! And that is what matters the most!

So thankful for my Dear Husband who took us there and dropped us back home before going to work that day. He was an hour late; thank to his colleague who understand his excused.

MM: Mother's Day

Mother's Day is over, but to me....it is an everyday celebration in my house. Hubby and son don't cease to amaze me how much they love me. And I feel very important and loved all the time! Everyday seems like a lucky day for me! Here are the cards my men gave me...and I so love them :-)!

At church the children sang songs for us while the young men handed us a bar of chocolate :-)!

MM: Here Comes the Baby!

I gave birth to Jacob two months early. Both of us stayed at the hospital for a month. During those times, I tried to give Jacob breast milk while he was at NICU. Unfortunately, I didn't get much milk from me no matter how much I pump milk out of me. So, we decided to give him formula milk.

Our first meeting after three days. I was recuperating from C-Section while he was at NIU and I couldn't go there till I am able to walk.

During one of my visit with him at NICU where he smiled at me when I called his name :-).

He was at the incubator for three weeks because he needs to gain weight.

Now, my preemie is a healthy 6 year old who hadn't have any serious illnesses at all. God has blessed us with a beautiful baby whom we are and will always be proud of!

Mama Moments #1 Eating with Hand

They say that the best place for a child to learn is within our own homes. Our kids learn from us..by the way or how we act, talk and sometimes even think. That is that reason why we (parents) need to be very careful in our words and deed. Small children especially.... follows our lead....be it good or bad. My son is very observant; he sees everything I do and say and follows them. Lately, he has been using his hands when we eat....because sometimes...I use my hands when we eat fish. Now, he uses his hands, too! Using hands at home when eating is fine with me....but not in public places like restaurants, Fast foods, and parties.

Join us by clicking this link :-); thank you!

Tips on How to Read with Your Child

ATMOSPHERE:
Find a quiet, comfortable place to read.
Keep reading time enjoyable and relaxed.
Choose a time when your child is not tired, hungry, or really eager to do something else.

RESPONDING TO ERRORS:

Give your child wait time of 5 to 10 seconds to see what he can do.

IF YOUR CHILD IS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE BOOK:

Read it to the child, and talk about it or leave it, and try another story.
Read every second page or chapter to the child then he/she reads a page or chapter to you, then you read one, and so on.

PROVIDE ENCOURAGEMENT:

Accept your child's efforts.
Avoid criticism, threats, and comparisons with other children

COMPREHENSION:

Talk about the story and pictures. This will help your child to gain interest and get more meaning from the story.
Have your child retell all or portions of the story.

Knowledge Put Into Good Use

A friend of mine has a small home business. She is into desktop publishing and printing. She is not a graduate of any drafting or computer course, but she is self taught. She used to work in a company where she was assigned to make flyers, brochures and invitations. Because she did not have any background in drafting or anything that’s related to graphics, visuals and the like, she just had to learn how to make those documents. A program was installed in her office-issued computer and I remember her telling me that she would spend countless hours learning to make flyers, brochures, and other stuff. Working in that company for two years taught her a lot and within those two short years, she was able to hone her skills in desktop publishing. So when she settled down, she brought everything that she has learned to her own household.

She started a small printing business. First she accepted offers from her neighbors, like orders for wedding and birthday invitations. Since she lives near a school, soon the students came to her to avail of her services. Soon it progressed to making flyers and brochures and even to postcard printing postcard printing. Her knowledge on desktop publishing was put into good use. Till now, her family is reaping the benefits of what she has learned. Although it’s only a home-based business, she is able to make meager ends meet. She is able to provide for her family’s needs and their wants. She never thought that something she had no idea on how to do before will bring good fortune to her and her kin.

MM: Preggy Tales

Hubby and I wanted to have at least 2 kids, but because of my difficult pregnancy every time, one of our first baby died when she (Ruth) was still inside my tummy (stillborn). I was about 7 months pregnant with her when we found out the she stopped breathing during one of my routine check ups with my OB-GYNE. The reason wasn't clear yet, so they did an autopsy...the result was inconclusive :-/. My OB said that lack of fluid...but not really sure about it. What about that? Don't blame me if I hated that doctor for awhile there. To this day, hubby and I are wondering whether my hypertension and spilling of protein in my urine have something to do with it. The caused of her death is still a big puzzle to us. Anyway, whatever the reason was, we know God only know why. The only thing that give us comfort is that someday' we will be 'reunited with her' again. I do have a picture when I was pregnant with Ruth, but couldn't find it....same thing with Jake. So I am re posting this photo of Jake when he was at NICU.

After we lost Ruth, my Nephrologist advised me to not get pregnant again because it will be very risky for me and the baby, not to mention that it would make my kidney disease worst. And he was right. We didn't listen...we got pregnant again....yeah we planned it for we felt that God is going to bless us because we were doing the right thing.

Jacob was born two months early; he was a preemie and needed to stay at NICU for a month just to gain weight. He didn't have any medical issues...just needed to gain weight because he only weighed 4.3 pounds. I delivered him through c-section because he was coming out breech. I stayed at the hospital for three days; then was discharged only to go back again after four days for I had an infection. They open my tummy again to find out what was going on. I was at the hospital for a month. The doctors tried to figure out what was the caused of infection; with all the antibiotic I was taking...my fever still wouldn't go away...so the surgeon told me that they needed to open it again too determine the caused, and I said "NO!" I said: "if you do that again, I might not survive it. I feel fine and I think I am going to be alright without another surgery." And I was right. I recovered from that infection and went home with my son after a month.

Okay, the side effect of that second pregnancy was my kidney disease has worsen, and my kidney eventually failed. I have gone to a dialysis for 8 months, then had a transplant. It's been five years since the transplant and I am doing fine. Thank God for His wondrous blessings. With that, I am forever grateful for HIM! If you would ask me if I'd do it again, my answer is "YES!" I would do it over and over again!

MM: Black and White

Oh well, for some reason I don't have pictures of Jacob with black and white toys and so I just want to share these photos of us wearing black and white :-). My share for Mommy Moments this week.

Back in VA when he tried his new Formal/Sundays best attire.
This is taken back to TX before church :-)
And of course, our wedding day :-); Matt and I are still both slim here.