Happy New Year

Have a blessed, fruitful, gracefilled and prosperous 2008 everyone!

Our Christmas

Since it's our first time to spend Christmas without our daddy, Jaden and I were not that happy. I for one, was not that inspired to cook for our noche buena. I just contributed cash for the whole family's dinner, which my mother and sister are the assigned cooks. We spent our Christmas with my parents and my brothers and sisters.

Ten minutes before Christmas, hubby called to greet us all. He asked me to lead the prayer and worship before dinner. It was his usual task every year, and since he's not here, it was passed on to me :).

Before dinner, we first had our gift giving and simple program for the kids. Nakakatuwa during the gift giving because the kids are really so excited to received plenty. May mga nagtampo pa nga kasi hindi pa natatawag ang name nila when almost everybody is already opening their presents. After opening the gifts, which is the most exciting and enjoying one, we had our dinner. I led the exhortation. I led them to the passage from Isiah 9:6 and the nativity story as narrated by Luke. It was a time when we got a bit emotional as we remember the reason why we celebrate Christmas. I'm just glad that everyone understand it. Di rin ako masyado makapag invite to go and get crazy or get overly excited since our yaya was mourning. Her grandmother died morning of December 24th. But I'm glad that she's okay and still joined the fun.

After dinner we already went home since Jaden was already sleepy. When we got home, she was still able to opened her gifts..after she opened the last box, nakatulog na rin agad.

The next day, we just stayed again to my parents house. No where to go since I know the malls are jampacked. I just bonded with my daughter instead.

Yesterday, our yaya left for La Union to visit her parents and her grandmother. She'll be back on January 2 pa.

So like Toni, we're yaya less. :D I was on leave din yesterday because Jaden got colds and fever, good thing, she's ok now.

The Link Train

Nice was asking everyone on her blogroll to ride on the link train...and like her, I'm also inviting everyone on my blogroll to hop in ;)

The rule: When you get tagged, you have to add your name below the person who tagged you and by doing so you are letting the list grow.

Limadang.com
RamblingMoo.com
blogginginmypyjamas
Chinneeq
Dora-zooropazoo
Babyshern
HiPnCooLMoMMa
Rachel’s Soulful Thoughts
When Silence Speaks
Dancing in Midlife Tune
Underneath it All
I am Dzoi
Hobbies and Such
moms…..check nyo
Choc Mint Girl
Amel’s Realm
My Thoughts
Rusin Roundup
Juliana’s Site
Max
Rooms of My Heart
Mariuca
A Great Pleasure
MondayMorningPower
LadyJava’s Lounge
Colin aka Cotojo
NafaSG
Hanna
My Life My World
Mommy’s Gibble Gabbles
Author’s Sweet Life
A Window To Our World
Jenny’s Wandering Thoughts
We are Family
Momma Stuff

Married and Happy About It

First Communion

I didn’t know that it’s customary now to give out first communion invitations. I just saw them online and got curious. I remember the time I had my first communion. It was in grade school. My mother was with me during that time. (We were still catholic then). Honestly, I had no idea why the school was obliging us students to have it. Just looking back to the process all of us went through, I believe some students didn’t understand what they were doing that time. Some of my classmates even revealed to each other the things they confessed to the priest! Hehehe. Haaay…just reminiscing.

Bush?

I was just browsing the net looking for some things that I can grab out of my blog funds when I accidentally saw beautiful furniture labeled as Bush furniture. Honestly, I didn’t know that the president already had his own furniture business, or haven’t he??? Hehehe, I’m just kidding. Honestly, I wasn’t able to browsed through the details of the company but I’ll check on it next time to know if it really is president Bush’s products..mwehehehe!!! kidding....;)d

It's the thought...

I do not have any idea if it’s in the law to give 13th month bonuses for maids..is it? But anyway, this Christmas, I’ll be giving my helper / nanny cash gift and a watch, it can't be compared to a Hublot watch, but I know she’ll love it. I haven’t seen her wearing wrist watch since she came to work with us. I was thinking of replacing her phone but she already bought her self a new one... she was able to buy it by scrimping lately, she haven’t availed her day off for two months. Which I think was good for both for us anyway. :)

We’ll I hope she’ll have a wonderful Christmas with us even if she’s far from her relatives.

Gifts

I already opened some of the gifts I received. Here are some of them:

two perfumes
a notepad
a nice sunflower lamp
a trinket
bathroom vanities
bag tag and bag

There are still more to open…I love surprises so I’ll open them on Christmas eve. I still have gifts yet to received. Hmmmm….exciting!

But I wish somebody will also think of giving me a comfortable sleep wear and a planner / organizer also just like Nice.

Rushing...

Two days before Christmas and guess what??? I’m still not yet finished wrapping my gifts! Hmm…talking about cramming here??….hehehe.

Well, I’m already done wrapping my gifts for the kids, my nieces and nephew, my sisters and my mom and dad and of course gifts for my friends and officemates. I still need to shop tomorrow for gifts to my church friends.

Whew! Tired! I don’t even had time to peek on the mirror to see how I look! Good thing I have with me my makeup mirrors :D Practically what I have when on the go :)

I’ll be doing some more shopping tomorrow and after that, I’ll be done!

Rush! Rush! Rush! ….

Merry Christmas

Have a meaningful Christmas everyone!

Success!

I AM SO HAPPY!!!!!

I ALREADY RECEIVED MY PAYPAL
FUND...

CONVERTED TO PESOS....

AND READY TO BE WITHDRAWN
ANYTIME..YIPEEE!!!!

I transfered it last monday morning and recieved it today, that fast! :)

Coffee on Christmas morn

I always wanted to receive good items during Christmas Party Raffle but alas, this time, I’m not that blessed.

My sister is lucky this year. She received a coffee maker. It’s not a Jura capresso type but still good enough to make brewed coffee. And since we’ll spend the Christmas with them, we’ll be having a nice Christmas morning with fine brewed coffee served with love. :D

The First Christmas

Five days before Christmas. People are busier, merrier, and toxic.

I wonder if all of us know what it’s like during the First Christmas, because as far as I know, the first Christmas was not a festive celebration like what we do now.

It was a time of denial and disappointment-- When the angel of the Lord told Mary that she’ll give birth to child and they’ll call him Emmanuel, Mary was troubled. Being a virgin and engaged to marry Joseph, it was hard for her. Joseph wanted to divorce her secretly. But the angel of the Lord encouraged Mary and assured Joseph that it was God’s plan.

It was a time of danger and despair--The life of Jesus was in danger. Herod wanted him killed.

It was a time of detour and difficulties -- The maggis had difficulty finding the child. It took them two years to see Him. They detoured in order to save the life of the child from Herod’s hands.

Joseph and his family traveled riding a donkey. They can't find a decent room for Mary's giving birth. They moved from place to place as God commanded them. The baby was born not in a palace, but in a manger.

And most of all the first Christmas was a time of death…hundreds of mothers mourned because Herod ordered all children age two and below to be killed.

Can you imagine that? I just hope that people will realize that the real meaning of Christmas is not about gifts, bonuses, splendid dinner, or parties. It’s not about the things we will receive. It’s not about the celebration but the Celebrant.

This Christmas, let’s be reminded of the purpose of His birth. To save the world that was lost. As we celebrate his birth, let us devote a time to pray and thank God for His great sacrifice.

Have a wonderful and meaningful Christmas!

Worried

I was worried the other day. I didn’t receive any text messages from hubby the whole day. Not even an email or any response from my messages. I don’t want to act paranoid but I was worried sick that something happened. I was thinking of contacting his co-workers already. It was only yesterday midnight when I received a call from him. I was relieved. He told me that he wasn’t able to call or send text messages because he got migraine attacks and just rested the whole day. But he told me not to worry since he’s okay.

Thank God.

The Pen

My pen is my constant companion
I always have it with me wherever I go
Together with his cousin...notebook

My pen is witness to all my emotions
When I feel confused, happy or alone,
I pick up my pen and write.

When I’m bored or doing nothing
Or even when just thinking blankly,
I used my pen and just doodle around

I don’t know the story behind its invention
But I thank the person
Who thought of the pen…

Just thinking

I’m thinking of buying a new bed for our nanny. The foldable mattress that she’s sleeping on is already worn-out. It’s been over-used :D. I think we'll consider adjustable beds this time. It's the best to purchase since her room isn’t that big. Maybe we can look for a good one next month. It’s hard to buy now since the malls are always jam packed.

Hide and Seek

We're playing hide and seek last night..and look where she hid herself....?

gotcha!...She's enjoying it under the dresser... hehehe...(Seductive..eh?)

In "Other" Words

"Don't blame suffering in the world on the anger of God. He's not mad; he didn't mess up. Follow our troubles to their headwaters, and you won't find any angry or befuddled God. But you will find a sovereign God. Your pain has a purpose. Your problems, struggles, heartaches, and hassles cooperate
toward one end -- the glory of God."
~Max Lucado, It's Not About Me~

I remember when I was there…in a situation that I thought God had left me. But I thanked God that he made me realized that all the pains that I gone through, in the end, served its purpose. And with that I could not but thank him because the pains have made me even a better person. It is during those times that I realized I couldn’t overcome without Him.

If only people all over the world would realized the same thing. Because as I have observed, people who are in pain, suffering or in great poverty. People who have lost their love ones, those who are battling from diseases, those who suffer from sickness, people who do not know the real God are most likely the same people who would immediately blame, murmur or charge God for what they’re going through. It’s easy to blame God when someone is lost, confused or in turbulent situations.

But my prayer is that people would realize that sufferings are not from God. That people will have a bigger picture of their situations. That instead of blaming God…thanked Him. And pray that amidst every hardship, they will still feel the comfort and security in God’s sweet embrace.

Parties

Just want to post some pictures here of the parties we attended last Friday. In the morning was our company Christmas party. It was supposed to be an 80's themed party but sudden changes turned it to a children's / family gathering. It was still fun although stressful on the part of the committee members which I and Toni are into :D. (Talking about the WORKS. :D)

games..games..games... Magic Show

The kids having fun... giving of gifts...

bungisngis..before the party

After that we went to the 1st bday party of my officemate's daughter at KFC. Jaden still enjoyed it kahit na hindi siya nakatulog ng maayos the whole day. I knew she was sooo tired when we got home...kasi nakatulog agad :D.

with the bday girl, Maxene

curious with Chuckie

Gifts

I asked my husband last night what he wanted to receive for Christmas. I told him I want to give him something which I’ll send thru his friend who’ll be leaving on January 7th. I wanted to give him something that he wants or need but I told him that I cannot out give his gift, hehehe…but if I could, I’ll give him a Technomarine watch . But I know he wouldn’t want me to spend too much on gifts. I know him, he’s simplicity and practicality always stands out. I guess, I’ll need to look for anything that he’ll like. He’s so easy to please so it’s not going to be hard on my part. Thank goodness.

Christmas rush

What’s good during Christmas season is the Christmas Sale here and there which is good because some people only got to buy what they want or spend a lot during this season because of their bonuses.

And speaking of Christmas sale, I’m on my Christmas rush.. Yes…because until now I haven’t completed my list yet..(a lot of activites last week which needed most of my time) I still need to go shopping for gifts to give. Good thing there are still gift items that are on sale. Yesterday I was able to buy gifts for the kids and a cool comforter which I got at 70% off. It’s my gift to our bed…I could have gotten a memory foam mattress also but the comforter will do for now. I’ll get the mattress next time.

This afternoon I’ll consume my lunch break on buying the rest of the items on my list. I just wish that I’ll found everything in one place. I only got an hour for this. :)

Two awards

I've got two awards!



this is one is from Eds:

Which I'll pass on to Nice, Mai and Jane

This award naman was sweetly given by Milette,

which I'll give back to her and will also pass on to Kitts.

The Rose

Got a tag from chelle

Your Love Is Represented By a Red Rose

You love passionately and fully, without any reservations. And while romantic love comes easily for you, you also love many people platonically. You are a true romantic, and you always can see the best in people.

What Rose Represents Your Love?

I'm tagging Milette, Kitts, Toni, and Peachy

Please help..

I don’t know what to do now to gain higher PR. I’m sad..I don’t get as much opps and assignment as before *sigh*. What should I do???

For this week, the sheriff gave me the stair lifts assignment. As of now, I’ve only gotten two but at least I have two, I'm still thankful ..... sigh...sigh…sigh…tsk..tsk…tsk....my..oh..my!

Anyway, I’m now considering the idea of transferring this blog to its own domain. Will that help? Please share your ideas, please???

Am I a good cook?

I chanced upon blogthings and tried some quizes that's interesting to me:

This test was my fave..

You Are an Excellent Cook

You're a top cook, but you weren't born that way. It's taken a lot of practice, a lot of experimenting, and a lot of learning. It's likely that you have what it takes to be a top chef, should you have the desire...

Are You A Good Cook?

I know I can cook ..I love cooking, but I never imagined my self to be a top chef. hehehe! But it's really a rewarding feeling when people praises my cooked meal. Specially when the praise comes from hubby (when he was still here). Awww....I missed cooking for him :(.

Jaden's Car

This is Jaden's car which we bought at the Richwell Sale. It's a Chicco Ride and Play car. Bought it at P1800. Sobrang mura talaga compare sa mall. The car was a gift from her super generous tita-ninang.

My daughter loved it. I couldn't forget how her eyes twinkled when we started opening the box. And when we took it out, she was ecstatic.

Busy weekend

My weekend was tiring but fun.

Last Saturday, we attended the wedding of my officemate. The whole day was spent on the preparation. I went home late and Jaden’s already dozing off.

Sunday, after attending the church, we went to Richwell Trading to buy gifts for the kids. My sister bought Jaden’s car.

After that, I helped my younger brother on their website project. Their class is competing against other schools in setting up a site that talks everything about the youth. He asked me to write an article about juvenile delinquency, drug and drug treatment centers . Its good that nowadays teachers assign their students meaningful projects huh…I just hope that they win.

Well, I think I’m going to have a busier days ahead….

Five Reasons

1. My EON account's already activated and accepted by paypal. Will just wait for the EXPUSE number.
2. My sister was "acquitted". Upon investigation of her case she was found "not guilty!"
3. My sister gave Jaden her gift..a Chicco ride and play car..We bought it at Richwell sale.
4. Hubby's gifts already arrived! :D
5. It's a wonderful day..tiring but wonderful!!

Blog Buddies

Been very busy since last week. December is a very busy month talaga. There are a lot of activities which I'm involved in right now kaya medyo pasilip silip lang ako dito :D

Anyways, I've got an award!!! Yipeee!!! Thank you so much Kitts for this award! You are indeed a blog buddy :)

I'm passing this to Nice, Toni, Kathy, and Nette.

Our Weekend at Tumble Tots and Megamall

As promised...here are some pictures of Jaden's trial session at Tumble Tots last Saturday.. She really had fun! I, on the other hand ang sobrang napagod kakahabol sa kanya..hehehe!

We arrived at Tumble Tots at 10am. Since it's her nap time, nakatulog si Jaden sa taxi. Tulog siya until makarating kami sa place. 10:30 ang start ng class so I was forced to wake her up ng 10:20...Nasurprised siguro siya when she woke up and saw a lot of kids. The teachers were all kind and accommodating naman. They never treated us as just sit in. At first kasi parang na shy ang daughter ko. Di talaga siya umaalis sa place and was just observing but eventually when she saw the colorful slides and toys, hala ayun at nagtatakbo na :D I told hubby that her daughter enjoyed it at Tumble Tots. He said we'll enroll her pero next year na..buti na lang pumayag siya. He knows din siguro na this is good for our daughter.

My little shy girl...turned makulit!

trying out the slides

Jaden meets Anevay....

Sun Catcher project with mommy

The day before that naman we went to megamall. It's a holiday and my sister was kinda bored sa house kaya we took our kids out.

Nagsawa sila sa rides sa WoF. Jaden enjoyed the rides with her cousin. The first picture below shows Jaden playing independent as she wants to drive this big dog by herself..kaya kung saan-saang direction kami napupunta...lol! Sa second pic naman, she's doing the "papaya" dance.

Kami ulit ang pagod but it's a good feeling when you see your child enjoying naman di ba? It was indeed a great day for all of us.

Be the Blog

Got this award from Mai..(thank you so much :))

The award says... “this is the Be The Blog award, which is presented to a successful blogger, one who can “be the blog” - making it their own, staying with it, interacting with the readers, and just plain having fun.”

I'm now presenting this to Nice, Kathy, Milette, Jane, and Kitts

Link Tag

Pam tagged me with this:

The rule: When you get tagged, you have to add your name next to the person who tagged you and by doing so you are letting the list grow.

Limadang.com
RamblingMoo.com
blogginginmypyjamas
StylewithPassion
Chinneeq
Dora-zooropazoo
Babyshern
HiPnCooLMoMMa
Rachel’s Soulful Thoughts
When Silence Speaks
My Love. My life. My everything.
Our Journey as a Family
Married and Happy About It

I'm now passing this to Toni, Heidi, Joey, Nette and Mai

House of our own

My friend and I went to Pag-Ibig Office two weeks ago to attend a seminar about their housing loan program. We’re serious about getting our own house so we need to follow their requirements and one of these is to attend that seminar.

It lasted an hour. It basically discussed all information about their program and answer to possible questions of the borrower. After the discussion, we’re given forms that we’ll have to fill up and give to our real estate developer if we already got one. But since as of the moment, I’m still looking for a good location and developer, I just kept the form. I got a copy of their list of developers and properties for sale. It’s an advantage that there are places on their list that’s near are present home.

I just hope that we’ll be approved for the loan and of course acquire the house that’s best for us.

Some Fun

We had a great day yesterday and today. I'm still tired to do a long post so I'll just summarize it and will try to write the details soon.

We went to megamall yesterday with my sister's family. We took the kids out since it's a holiday. The kids enjoyed the rides at World of Fun.

Today, Jaden had the chance to play at Tumble Tots. We joined the trial session and she sure had fun! And finaly, I was able to meet Milette and Anevay. She's adorable :D. Will post pictures soon.