New Year Reunion 2009

As traditionally practiced every year, we attended the Sison's family Reunion at Paco, Manila on January 1. All members of each family were present except of course those in the province and the States. My husband Robz whose busy being the "nanny" and "tourist guide" of his balikbayan relatives from Japan was unable to attend it too, the reason he's so regretful of missing the sumptuous Caldereta recipe of my Aunt Minda . Our ever sweetest and yet cool nun Aunt Sr. Fely was of course present and even posed for a picture in her most daring ways.lol... I just hope it will pass the MTRCB review. lol.

Anyways, here is the list of the attendees, Sison - Maravilla Couple (Ellen and Wayne) who both seemed to be feeling it's just their pre-nup days, so sweet like candies and cupcakes while holding each other hands and couldn't separate them even by an ant bite. :)

Next in line, Aunt Minda (she mustn't be absent or else we won't have tasted her great known recipes and baked goodies) and Uncle Mong; also present are Aunt Sally (a.k.a Anita Linda in the flesh), Mama Gene, My parents of course, Jojo and Ed ( the cowboy, check it out why ), the newlywed Mayos and Jude, and lastly, the team they call themselves Singles, John and Joey, Jommel, Ej, Chie and Fatima.
Ooppss, I almost forgot, I should have include myself and my kids in the list, heheheh...

To sum it up, the day was spent with fun and laughter, filling stomach with delicious recipes from every family, picture taking, gift giving and other surprises.

The day ends with so many memories; Timeless memories that each and every family will cherish.

Happy New Year to all!!!!

LOVE on Christmas Day

Our Christmas this year was something to be remembered for sure. Last 24th of December, my little sister just got married in very simple civil wedding rites at our home. She's also 3 months pregnant and soon we'll have an addition to the family aside from my two little rascals. Though it was really a surprise for all of us, nevertheless, the momentous occasion has brought so much jubilation and closeness to the family.

To my new brother-in-law, Jude, I hope you will truly love and take care of my sister and be a good husband and father to her and the baby. I know you're a good son and a brother. I do hope it'll be the same with your own family. Starting a family is no easy task. It requires so much patience and hardships as well. Be strong and be faithful always to the ONE who showers blessings and greatness to this world. I and Robert will always be here to lend a hand until you get it through.
Indeed welcome to the family!!!

To my little sister, Mayos, you are always so precious and love by me. Being the youngest sibling, you are like my little baby though years have passed and things have changed. Now, you are already a wife too..And soon a mother to your own angel.. I love you sister.. I'm proud of you and always will... Take care of yourself. Remember, it's not just you anymore but the two of you. Love and take care of your husband as well. Be a good wife and pamper him with love and affection. Support him in all his endeavors and always be faithful to him. Nine months of carrying the baby is really hard as it is your first time to experience it, but as soon as you give birth and see the little bundle of joy, you will realize then that every hardship worth it.

To the unborn angel, provide your mom and dad with joy and laughter. Give your mom no headaches while you’re still in her womb. A bounty of love and affection will soon be your home. Welcome to the Family as well!!

It's Been A While...

It is such a good feeling to be back !!! We have "balikbayans" (relatives from abroad) vacationing here and spending the yuletide season with us that's why I could hardly find time to drop by and update my blog. Anyway, I'll try to post once in a while until the end of the month then share to you guys how our family spend the entire holiday season.

By the way, I'm glad too that Uncle Bob in MyLot shared how he was done with all the Christmas decorations from putting up the tree to gift wrapping for loved ones. I responded to his discussion and shared about my dismay that I haven't started anything yet to spark up my home for the coming holidays as I am still not in the mood to do it. But after the response I then realized how important it is for my family most especially for my kids to feel the spirit of Christmas in our home. So that motivated me to start my own decorations for our Christmas Tree and its lightings, do some wrappings of gifts for my loved ones and prepare other needs and menu for the upcoming holidays.
Now, my children enjoys watching the Christmas lights wrapped around the old but sturdy Christmas tree and were all excited and enthusiastic about their presents.

Thanks Uncle Bob! You have uplifted the Christmas Spirit in me. Ho!Ho!Ho!

Enjoying MyLot

10 months ago I was just a plain net surfer who happened to browse some sites where I could earn some extra cash. Then I stumbled upon a forum where the moderator talked about a social network community where the only thing you need to do is share your own opinions, start posting good discussions about anything of your interests and that's it!! You earn!!

I was kind of curious about it at first, thought it might be a scam, so I tried to research , looked out for some views and opinions regarding the said site. After being comfortable of all the result, I joined MyLot.

Since then, I became an avid fan of it not merely because of the earning program (though it's just a small amount) but the fun and enjoyment I'm able to derived from the views and opinions of other people of different races is what matters the most.

MyLot is a very interesting community, a good venue for learning as one get to meet a lot of people from different places, learn from their experiences and perceptions aside from the fact that most of them are really nice and helpful. I can share my own concerns in regards with my children, or my present emotions as a mother or a daughter, truly it is a reliable source of different opinions and suggestions based fromown experiences.

I must say I'm indeed addicted to MyLot. I can't live a day without checking on it and start my own topic for the day or respond to other member's discussions. Honestly, I will never have my own blog right now if not because of the ideas I got from this community.

That's why joining this community is highly encouraged especially to those people who only stays at home and doing nothing aside from their daily routine, or if you are the type of person who enjoys talking to people, sharing own ideas and experiences, counseling others regarding their problems, this community is a MUST for you.

Likewise, for those who wants to join me and experience the same thing, here is my referral link. By the way, you can also check out my portfolio for my own Mylot activities.

http://www.mylot.com/?ref=yoj118

Living it up as a Homemaker

It was never in my dream to become a full time devoted wife and mom to my kids. I often see myself as a successful career woman who also has a happy and successful family of her own. But we never really know what fate holds for us right?.

So I got married, had 2 kids who are now both in preschool. My husband works full time as the financial provider of the family. I used to be working when my daughter was still 3 months old until I got fed up with my work and its environment, then opted to resign when my son was then 6 months . That was 3 years ago since I stopped working and now a full time devoted wife and mother. Something that was not in my plan but happened.

Many people especially those who knew me very well told me to pursue my career instead of wasting my time being a homemaker. They felt regretful for me that I graduated top of the class in college and hoped I would be one of the successful alumni in our field of expertise. I couldn't tell them that it was also my dream and what I wanted in my whole life but just didn't happen. Perhaps, success in career is not really meant for me. Things have changed and so is my fate. I admit it was not easy the first time I tried to do homemaking. I have little knowledge about cooking, less experienced with handling my kids because I used to rely to a nanny , not used to doing household stuffs, et al..

However, I was so thankful that I found a partner who is always supportive of me and whatever failures I may have made as a first time homemaker, he never refused to guide and teach me what to do. Though he still is a better cook than me, I can live with that.

All my priorities before have changed from SELF achievement now to Family achievement. I have come to realized that my life is not meant to be a successful Psychologist or a Well-known College Professor, but a Happy, Loving, Devoted WIFE and MOTHER.

Now I can easily understand my role as a HOMEMAKER. I've learned to love it and enjoy being one. I encourage other wives who may still feel hesitant and doubt about fulfilling this role. Live life according to your purpose. It may not be your dream or your plan, but this is what was made for you to become. Love it! Enjoy it! Only then you'll be able to see the beauty of its purpose. It's not just an achievement but also a career uncomparable to other profession of work.

I drafted some tips and ideas that may help you in the adjustment stage, it can be found on the link below and it's also listed in my portfolio of online work as Article for New Homemakers.

http://www.gomestic.com/Homemaking/Coping-Strategies-for-New-Homemaker.371407