Nerbyosa

Bukas ang interview ng anak ko sa science high school na gusto niyang pasukan. As usual, ako na naman ang mas nate-tense. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying really hard na makapasa siya sa interview at makapasok sa school na 'yun.

Please, Lord!

Birthday Greetings

Let me tell you a secret. I am very easy to please. I am a very appreciative person that’s why I can be happy and thankful at even the littlest of things other people do for me. Yesterday, I was very happy to see that a lot of my friends took the time to post birthday greetings on my Facebook wall.

Simpleng birthday greetings pa lang ‘yun ha. Imagine how I felt when I saw hubby’s birthday message for me:

I was teary-eyed because I was so touched. I felt very loved and appreciated. Thank you, hubby. Sabi ko nga sa reply ko, “I was born for you. I love you, baby. I always will. I look forward to many more birthdays to spend with you and our kids.”

34 on 23

Yes, I turned 34 last Sunday. There are times when I still can’t believe I am on my 30s already. Parang kelan lang, college student lang ako. Parang kelan lang, kapag may mga gatherings, ako lagi ang youngest or isa sa mga bata sa batch. Ngayon, isa na ako sa mga ina-ate. Kaloka!

Anyway, my birthday celebration was very simple but because I spent it with my boys, I was very happy and felt loved. We heard mass at Sto. Domingo Church (11am). I thanked the Lord for all the blessings He has given me, especially for the gift of a happy marriage. I prayed for good health so I can continue to take care of my hubby and our kids. After the mass, we had lunch at Gerry’s Grill. We had sisig, grilled tuna belly, chicken skin, and pork bbq (as requested by the little guy). The kuyas had mais con yielo while I ordered leche flan for dessert. We enjoyed our lunch so much we forgot to take pictures. Simot na simot din ang mga plates. Haha! J

We then went to SM Centris because I wanted to check out the tiangge. As you know by now, hindi ako mahilig bumili ng mamahaling bagay.  Low-maintenance, ‘ika nga.  Masaya na ako sa mga bagay-bagay na nabibili sa tiangge. J  Unfortunately, I didn’t find anything I liked so we transferred to SM North EDSA because the kuyas wanted to buy shirts. Hubby let me buy perfumes because (1) paubos na ang pabango ko, (2) ‘ yun na ang kanyang birthday gift, and (3) sayang ang 35% discount!  I was very happy.  We bought a mango roll from Red Ribbon before going home. We also bought lechon manok from Baliwag. Simpleng buhay pero masaya.

When we got home, it was plantsa time for me. Hubby naman had our car washed. The Kuyas studied and prepared their things for school. Si bunso, happy nang makipaglaro with his cousins.

My birthday dinner at home was spaghetti, the chicken that we bought from Baliwag and the mango roll from Red Ribbon. We gave half of it to my in-laws (katabi lang namin ang bahay).  After dinner, I had some time to check my Facebook account and thank my family and friends who posted birthday greetings on my wall.

I know it was nothing grand. No big party. No expensive gift. But I feel loved and blessed. I am happy and thankful. I have gifts that money can’t buy. I have a wonderful husband. I have beautiful and intelligent kids. I have supportive friend and relatives.

The only thing I pray for every night is to always be blessed with good health. I want to live long because I want to be always there for my husband and our children. Not for myself, oh Lord, but for my family. Always for my family.

Hubby

I love these pictures of me and the love of my life...

Hubby and me, one fine day!

14 years of marriage and this man still makes me feel like a high school girl being courted by her crushie! :)

He takes me out on Friday nights.
He makes sure we have hubby-and-wife time despite the many things we have to attend to as mom and dad of our three boys.
He drives me to and from work every single day.
He gives me flowers... delivered to my office with handwritten love notes. He writes well, by the way, so these notes may be short but they can really elicit "kilig!"
He never forgets to say I love you every single day.
He kisses me a lot. No, we kiss each other a lot. Haha!

I thank God for this gift of a happy marriage and I pray (every night) that we remain strong, happy and in love with each other.

This One's For Daddy

Dear Daddy,

I'm sorry we weren't able to stay longer when we visited you last week. Manoy Joji and I wanted to but we really had to go back to Manila because of our work and our family. Thank you for understanding.

When I saw you at the hospital bed last week looking very weak, I felt like crying. Hindi ako sanay, Dad. I have always remembered you as someone very fit, healthy, and strong. Maybe you really didn't want us to see you sick and weak kaya you kept on insisting that you were okay (even if you weren't) and that we didn't need to fly home (when we really needed to). But it's okay to be weak, every now and then, Dad. I have come to realize that now, after 33 years of my existence. You don't have to be Superman all the time for us, Dad.

I will always be here for you. Alam ko Manoy Joji feels the same way. Please don't ever think na makakaistorbo ka sa amin and that you would be a burden to us. You have raised us well. We will take care of you and Mommy. We will always be here for you.

Thank you, Dad, for everything. You have taught me so many things. They weren't really "fun" then but now I am grateful that you have been very patient with me because now I understand and appreciate all the words of wisdom and discipline you have imparted to me.

I will always be your little girl and you will always have a special place in my heart.

I love you, Dad.

Maan

Why I Have Been MIA

                                                                                   My Daddy and my baby Mako

I know it has been awhile since my last post. I have lots of things on my mind to write about but I haven't had the chance to these past few days. Here's why...

Sunday (Apr 15) - My cousin sent me a message through Facebook informing me that my Dad was rushed to the hopital because he collapsed. I also got an early morning text message from my older brother telling me the same thing. I immediately called home to ask how Dad was doing. The information I got were: very high fever (40C above) with chills, high blood pressure, and severe UTI.

My brother and I agreed that since Dad was already in the hospital, the infection would be taken cared of via antibiotics. So I just checked on Dad from time to time thinking that he'll be okay. By the way, my Daddy is based in Roxas City (Region VI), our hometown. To get there, one has to either ride a plane or a ship.

For the nth time, I wished limang kendeng lang Roxas City na.

Monday (Apr 16) - Dad was still having high fever with chills. Hindi daw siya makakilala ng tao kapag mataas na mataas ang lagnat niya. Another additional diagnosis was pneumonia.

Side story: My Dad is an accountant... a very smart and hardworking one. Workaholic talaga si Dad. One important rule he always taught me even when I was in school was to always make sure that deadlines are met. At kailangan, maganda/maayos ang gawa mo...something you can be proud of. 'Yung hindi mo ikakahiya.

Anyway, back to what happened last April 16... I found out that Dad has been working really hard these past few weeks because of the tax season. So hard that he didn't get enough rest despite having fever. Ganyan ka-workaholic ang tatay ko. Because of this, fatigue and stress were also considered culprits for Dad's condition.

I was getting worried about Dad but I kept reminding myself that it has only been one day since his confinement and perhaps the medicines haven't kicked in yet that's why he was still having fever and high blood pressure.

Tuesday (Apr 17) - I called home again and found out that they still did not see any improvement. Dad was still having high-grade fever (40C above) with chills. Nagdedeliryo pa rin everytime he has fever. His blood pressure was still high. I was also informed that his doctor asked for kidney ultrasound to check Dad's kidneys because he was complaining of sharp lower back pain.

I was getting very worried and wanted to fly home to Roxas but my brother and I agreed to wait for the results of the ultrasound before deciding if we need to fly home. Mahal kasi ang airfare kapag malapit na ang travel date plus we both have very busy schedules at work and it was the baptism of my brother's daughter that coming Sunday (Apr 22).

I asked my cousin in Roxas to check on my Dad and get all information she can get from the nurses and the doctors. We have been asking for the doctor's number so we can call him and talk to him directly about my Dad's condition but somehow, we couldn't reach the doctor.

Later, my cousin texted me the information she got from the nurses looking after my Dad - high-grade fever with chills, pneumonia, severe UTI, high pus cells, left kidney has stone, right kidney okay, prostate glands inflamed, high blood pressure, and high fbs. She also felt that we perhaps we need to talk personally to the doctor about my Dad's condition because he didn't look well when she visited.

That was it. I knew I had to go home to see my Dad. You see, my Mom and my younger brother are now living in the US. My kuya and I are here in Manila. Noone is there to look after my Dad. I just had to come home.

I composed myself and talked to my boss about my Dad's condition and my need to file for emergency leave for the rest of the week so I can fly home and take care of my Dad. I was very thankful when my request was granted.

My kuya also decided to go with me. That night, he got us tickets to Roxas City.

I flew to Roxas City last Wednesday (Apr 18) and stayed there until Saturday (Apr 21). I have nothing much to talk about the trip because we mostly stayed in the hospital looking after Daddy.

The following day (Apr 22 - Sun), we attended the christening of my very cute niece, Maya Andrea.

Then Monday came and I became doubly busy because I had a lot of catching up to do at work.

So now you know why I have been missing-in-action (MIA).

As of this writing, my Dad is already recovering at home. I think he just waited for me and my kuya to go back to Manila before insisting to go home. Last time we talked, he admitted that the doctor only agreed to let him go home provided that a nurse will check on him from time to time and inject his medicines. Haynaku, Daddy.

I continue to pray for Dad's recovery. I still wish na sana limang kendeng lang, Roxas City na.

Mako's Favorite Pose

This is Mako's current favorite pose. Hubby and I do not know who taught him that basta everytime we take pictures of the lil guy, automatic ang kamay niyang naggaganyan. Haha! :)

Back to Reality

5:51am - I clocked in for work today after the five-day long weekend. Where did the weekend go? *sigh*

I miss my little boy already. How can I not miss my cutiepie? Look at how adorable he is! #no1fansimommy

The weekend is never long enough. Sometimes I wish I didn't have to go to work so I can spend the whole day at home looking after my kids and our home. However, I also want to help Hubby naman sa finances ng family. Haaay, I tell myself a few years to go na lang... we'll get there. Slowly but surely.

Dear Miko, Maki and Mako,

Konting tiis pa... ma-a-achieve din ni Mommy ang goal niya for the family and she will always be at home waiting for you when you come home from school. She'll learn how to cook and prepare delicious meals for you and Daddy.

Promise ko 'yan, mga anak. Just a few more years, my boys. :)

Love,
Mommy

Maundy Thursday 2012

Warning: Photo heavy post

While most people go on vacation or out-of-town (I have nothing against them), hubby and I prefer to take things easy and just spend time with the family at home (well, at least during Good Friday and Black Saturday) during the Holy Week. We both want our kids to grow up associating the Holy Week with religious activities rather than vacation (beach, resort, etc). Again, I have nothing against people who go on vacation during the Holy Week. Ito lang ang choice namin ng asawa ko.

Maundy Thursday was Visita Iglesia time for us (me, hubby, our kids and my in-laws). We did the Stations of the Cross and visited 7 different churches from Valenzuela to Bulacan (2 stations per church). Here are some of the photos taken by my dear hubby.

Our bunso was so affected by the dramatization of the Stations of the Cross. He kept asking why Jesus had so many wounds and why Mama Mary was crying. He was asking us who inflicted Jesus Christ's wounds and why they did that to Him.

Later in the evening, on our way home, first time naman mnkakita ng mga kuya ng nagpepenitensiya (nagbubuhat ng krus at hampas-dugo).

Looking back, I think it was a good way to spend Maundy Thursday. We spent time together and prayed as a family. At the same time, the kids were able to reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.

As for me, I would like to say sorry for all the things I did that I shouldn't have and for all the things I did not do that I should have.

Our Little Helper

I wrote about how our little boy enjoys helping his Mom and Dad in his own little way here.

Here's another picture of our cutie patootsie:


Aaaawwww... His Daddy and I kept telling him Daddy can push the cart so he can walk and get items with Mommy but our little helper insisted. I just had to take this picture.

Our Little Helper

Here's a picture of our little boy helping Daddy put all the items in the counter. My heart is filled with pride and joy every time I see our little darling eager to help out in his own little way.

Mako and Haircuts

Ganyan kami noon...


Ganito na kami ngayon!


No more iyakan, he stayed put and behaved well the entire time. Yey! Congratulations, my darling Mako. Because of this recent achievement, you are now officially a member of the #gupit-sa-murang-halaga club! :)

Mga Likha ni Mako

At three years old, promising si Mako sa pagiging artist. Here are some of his works:

"Baboy Pig"


"Ephant" --> This is my personal favorite. May perspective o! Hindi ko maiisip ito. Pwedeng logo. #proudnanay


"Fahwer"

"Si Haring Araw at Ang Aming Tahanan"

Mana sa Daddy at mga Kuya. :)

Happy Monday

Yesterday, I practically dragged myself out of bed so I can prepare for work. We had a busy weekend so I still felt sleep-deprived. However, I knew I really had to go to work because our team is busiest on Mondays. As a consolation, I just promised myself eight hours of sleep in the evening (which I did not keep after hitting the sack at 11pm).


E bakit kamo Happy Monday ang title ng post ko? Kasi...

I thought it was my usual boring Monday until I checked Mommy Fleur's blog and found Mako in This Kid is It! Mommy Fleur is a popular mommy blog and is part of my daily read because her stories about her hubby, baby and helpers are so nakakaaliw. Seeing my baby Mako in her kiddie fashion section just put me on Cloud 9! :)

But wait... there's more...

When we got home, a Happy Gram from Kuya Maki's school was waiting for me and Hubby! Our boy ranked 3rd in class and will also receive the Best in Language award. Happiness overload! :)

And finally, a long weekend awaits the family because Hubby and I will be on leave this Friday to attend Kuya Maki's Recognition Day.

So there... my usual "Tinatamad-I-want-to-go-home-agad Monday" turned out to be great! :)

How Are You?

Hubby and I usually spend time with our bunso before going to bed. Mako knows that time with Daddy is play time. Time with Mommy, on the other hand, is usually study time.

Last night, we did a quick review of previous lessons.

Me: 'Ko, what's your name?
Mako: My name is Akel Ayus Vivas (Michael Ramius Vivas)!
Me: How old are you?
Mako: Twee (3)!
Me: How are you?

I expected him to answer, "I'm fine. Thank you." This is what Hubby and I taught him. Instead, our little darling answered, "I'm fine. Love you!"

My heart melted. My son is the sweetest... and I am the luckiest. the happiest. the proudest.

Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful gift of motherhood.

Ofc na. Lab u.

"Ofc. na. Lab u."

Every weekday morning, I wait for this text from my Hubby (of course!). The message may be short and simple but to a wife and a mommy like me, this means her hubby was able to drop off the Kuya safely to school and arrived for work safe and sound as well. I say a quick prayer of thanks to Him who watches over me and my family.

So this morning, the most-awaited text came and now I can start working on my deliverables for the day with a happy heart knowing that my loved ones are safe. :)

Son #3's Love-Hate Relationship with Jollibee

"Abeeee!"

Mako squeals with delight everytime he sees anything with Jollibee's face on it. He gets excited, flashes his uber cute smile, jumps up and down, and even makes silly faces just to show how happy he is to see Jollibee! Hubby and I love seeing our little guy this happy that we have started collecting Jollibee toys and stuff for our little boss via promos under these Jollibee clubs:



Recently, we got invited to a Jollibee kiddie party. Hubby and I looked forward to seeing how our little guy will react upon seeing his favorite character up close and personal. Here are some photos taken outside the Jollibee store while we were waiting for the party to start. Ayaw niya umalis sa tabi ni Jollibee!



Mako was well-behaved during the party. He's my little shy guy so most of the time, he was just beside his Daddy watching the other kids play. Finally, it was time to meet Jollibee!



Anak, anyare? Akala ko ba you like Jollibee? Nakakaloka, he cried when he saw the mascot and refused to have his picture taken with Jollibee! Look, we couldn't come near Jollibee because he was practically crying his lungs out!

Sa ngayon, he still likes his Jollibee toys and still gets excited everytime he sees Jollibee ads, stores, and pictures. Pero after what happened at the party, Hubby and I know na may hangganan ang pagkagusto niya kay Jollibee. Haha! =)

My July Wish List

If you happen to see my fairy godmother, please tell her that my heart wishes for...

... baby Keisha's speedy recovery. Please make her well again. We miss her already. She should be at home with us, her family.
... tinnitus to stop bugging me.
... carcinoma to stay away from me and my loved ones.

If she feels generous today, please tell her that these things will also make me happy:
(1) an unexpected bonus or raise
(2) more ads and readers for my blog, and
(3) high grades for the Kuyas

Thank you and good night!

Manic Mondays

Every Monday morning, as I drag myself out of bed at 4:15am, I always ask myself, "Where did the weekend go?" Then I start telling myself to get more hours of sleep during weekends so that waking up on Monday mornings won't be as hard. I go over these thoughts some more while in the shower.

5:15am - I prepare baons for the Kuyas and me. All three of us bring packed lunch and snacks because (1) there have been a lot of reports about food poisoning from cafeteria food, (2) the kids have super quick recess and lunch breaks making it more practical to bring their own food than waste time in the canteen line, and (3) it's budget-friendly. Son #1 and I also bring packed breakfast. He eats his breakfast while in the car on his way to school while I eat mine in the office. We prefer this over waking up super early (as if 4:15am is not super early) just to squeeze in breakfast.

5:30am - After making last minute bilins to our helper, we leave home. Son #1's classes and Daddy's office hours start at 7am.

6:00am - I clock in for work... 3 hours early. I don't mind. I have time to eat my breakfast, have coffee, do some reading (of blogs and news), and even write entries for my blog (Mommyholic and Our Little Family ). During days of heavy workload, I also get to have more time to work on my reports.

9am to 6pm - Work. Work. Work. 'Nuff said.

6pm - I leave the office. Everyday, I make sure I am done with my deliverables for the day before 6pm because I go home with Daddy and Son #1. We make quick trips to the supermarket if there are things that the Kuyas need to bring to school the next day or if Daddy wants to buy dessert for the family. Otherwise, we head straight home.

6:45pm - Home sweet home. Daddy usually plays with our 2-year old son # 3 while I check the Kuya's assignment notebooks.

7-7:30pm - Dinner time

7:30-8pm - I ask our helper how son # 3's day went (i.e., check if he was given his vitamins, what he ate, and how long his naps were today). I also give my little boy a quick bath. He sleeps better when clean and fresh. We all do, I guess!

8pm-9:30pm - Web time for me. I check my blogs and facebook account, help the Kuyas with their research works, and look for good running events to join. I stay up a little later if need be. Otherwise, I make sure I am done by 9:30pm so I can still have 7 hours of sleep.

9:30pm - I say my prayers (thank God because I have my Hubby and kids, ask Him to continue to watch over my loved ones, say sorry if I have been maldita today, etc), give quick kisses to my hubby and kids, and then sleep.

This is how I usually spend my Mondays. How about you? Do share! =)

Great Finds Over The Weekend

Hubby and I love to read and we would like our kids to develop the same love for reading. Pero kuripot din kami so we usually go to Book Sale for good books at more affordable prices. Today, we visited Book Sale at SM North EDSA and found these:

For Hubby: Ken Follett's Pillar of the Earth for only PhP97.00

For myself, I got: (1) Raising Self-Reliant Children In A Self-Indulgent World (Php25.00),

(2) The 30-Day Low-Carb Diet Solution (PhP 50.00), and

(3) The 90/10 Weight-Loss Plan(PhP 50.00)

For the little guy, we bought a look-and-find book, Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs (PhP 95.00)

We happily went home with five good books for only PhP317.00! Hooray for great finds! =)