Spelling Bee (part 4)

November 12,2015 was the day for the spelling finals where all the top 10 spellers per grade will compete, for shobe it was schedule at 8:15am-9am and for achi 9:15am-10am, yes, the nervous I felt that day was superb, you see I had this thing that every time I get nervous I always go to bathroom in short I'm having LBM, I can't even sleep well for the nervous I felt, so while on our way to the school I reviewed achi all the word, we reached school, a little bit early so while we parked we still reviewed them and when it's time to go to school already Ronald, said a prayer where he asked for wisdom and protection for our girls, I was so touched and almost cry, so we bring our girls to their respective class and we went to the media center where the competition will take place, when we reached their I saw some of the parents and was surprised to see us hahaha, Ronald and I we always sit at the back and the competition start for shobe, I was shaking and my hands get cold, until 3 kids where left and shobe was one of them, so shobe ended up second place, we are so happy for her.

For achi when they came to the media center, the vice principal saw her and told her that her little sister won and she asked what place and she said second, so imagine my nervous again, but seeing achi she was very calm and the words get harder and harder, until yes she won the first place, she was happy so we are. 

So I asked permission to achi's teacher if I can borrow my child for a moment for I want to take picture of my 2 girls together and a family picture as well, and the teacher allowed it.

I always thanked God for giving me achi and shobe to us, we are not perfect, we do argue, have our own opinion but at the end of the day we love each other for we are family.

Spelling Bee ( Part 3)

October 19, 2015 when achi gave me her list of words to study, almost 17 days for them to study and November 5,2015 is their elimination round and yes before her birthday, okay this year was really hard for me, you see when I asked her to study she does not want too, she always want to play and telling me that she knew already, we argue almost everyday until I was so tired and told her its up to her already if she wants to in the top 5, you see this year in her classroom all her classmate are all smart, and I would say in my own opinion that her classroom is a very competitive surroundings, all the kids are really studying very hard. So it was Ronald who really make time to review with her (thanks dada), so that day November 5 while in the house inside me is very nervous and waiting for the email of the teacher, then by 11am my phone beep and when I check the email I saw it was from the teacher saying that she was one of the top 5, I jumped for joy and immediately called Ronald and told the news, so when I pick them up from school I asked her who are the other kids who got in, and she happily told me everything, but this year was different they just gave us a week to study the 450 words. November 12,2015 is the final for the spelling bee.

(to be continued)

Spelling Bee (Part 2)

October 19,2015, when the homeroom teacher give all the students the 100 words for them to study and review, they gave us 2 weeks to review before the elimination round, this year both my girls need to study for achi is 3rd grade while shobe is 1st grade, so this time is asked Ronald for help, yes previous years I was the only one who really review achi, you see my girls, they might look like twins but they had different personality and even how they study, so Ronald handle achi while I handle shobe, to be honest for shobe at first its really hard, for the 100 words we need to do 15 words per day and we need to study it again and again and again, for sometimes she mess the letter especially the hard word, November 2,2015 is the day where the teacher sent us an email telling us that was the elimination day, I was so nervous, because in my experience with achi, before lunch time the teacher will email already but in shobe's case its different, I've been waiting and waiting, texting Ronald saying that I felt bad that shobe did not got in but he said she will for he saw how focus shobe reviewed, then come 3:08pm when I'm waiting for my girls to pick them up from school, achi got into the car first and asked me if her shobe got into the top 5 and I said no because I didn't received any email from her teacher, then I saw shobe coming out and holding a paper in her hand, that's where I knew she did it, so when she went up the car she was happy telling me she got in, and she called her daddy and her granny orchid and told them she was one of the top 5 spellers, dinner time that's when I received an email from her teacher saying that my child was one of the top speller. I was so happy for her. November 12,2015 was the day of the competition.....

(to be continued)

Spelling Bee (part 1)

Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven."


Year 2013 when the school start to do the spelling bee competition per grade level, each classroom need to get the top 5 spellers and will compete in the final round, then they will give you 2 weeks and 100 words to review, the homeroom teacher will notify the parents through email once the child got into the top 5, and when your in the top 5 they will give you 450 words and another 2 weeks to review and be ready for the final round. November 6,2013 was the day for elimination round for Elle, she was first grade that year at the same it was her birthday, I remembered we were allowed to have a lunch together with our child, lunch time Elle was so happy telling us that she was one of the top 5 spellers in her classroom. so she studied 325 words, yes that's many words she did and for all her hard work she won the first place, we are so proud of her.

Year 2014 the second year of the spelling bee, same thing, this time its kinda hard for us, for we or Elle went through something, its hard for us as parents too and we are so hurt for the situation, but still Elle did her best and won the first place again for the second time, that was my happiest moment for I really cry, my tears just fall constantly and she saw me crying and asked me why I'm crying, I just told her that I'm really happy for her.

2.5 age difference of Elle and shobe, so when shobe saw the medal of her sister that we display inside Ronald's office, she's been telling me that she want one of the medal, so I told her that when she turn first grade she need to study to be able to had that medal, need hard work and focus really for that what Elle did for 2 years.


(to be continued)

Changed

Ronald is the typical Chinese man, every time we go out he won't hold my hand, he won't text me too when we go travel, that is why there is one time when we went out just the two of us  (the girls are in school that time),I get pissed off, then inside the car I told him about my feelings I almost cried out sa sobrang inis, I told him that why he is like that like he is ashamed nor embrassed to have me in his side, so I said also it's fine with me if he wants it that way as long as he is happy. Then about another time we went out again, I just let him walked while I walked slowly then suddenly I noticed he is not walking and told me that why I'm not walking that fast, he is waiting for me, and just hold my hand, I was so happy that he did that, then yesterday when we went out to buy our food for lunch, inside the car, I told him, you know what your not texting me when you arrive your destination or whatsoever, I read an article saying that husband should do that to show how much you love your wife, so that afternoon as soon as he reached his destination he texted me, and one thing that really makes me happy is that before he went to sleep he text me goodnight and I LOVE YOU. yes he seldom sent message to me like that, so yesterday was a different one.

For years that I've been with Ronald, I  knew he loved me, he's the man who don't use words but instead use action to express his love for me,  like when we are looking for a house he will asked my opinion about the house, when we do renovation, he will still consider my opinion of the floors and colors, when he will come home late, he will tell me who and where he is going, things like these are some of his qualities that I appreciate, and every night I will asked him to stay beside me and he will be there even he wants to watch tv, we will just talked and talked about anything and before we go to sleep he will make me laugh so hard with all his funny jokes. I just love how he is right now, that I can see he listen to what I want to tell him, make effort to show me how important I am to him.

I just love him all the more as days pass by, the more we are so open with one another, being honest of our feelings, and accepting our differences, with that I really thank God for giving Ronald to me as my husband and my lifetime best friend.

Happy Birthday Ma

Proverbs 31:28  "Her children arise up and called her blessed."

Mother strengthens you with HOPE encourages you with PRAYER blesses you with LOVE.

I'm sorry this is a very late post for my mom's birthday, she turned another year older last sept 18. it's been 8 years since I moved here that I wasn't able to celebrate her birthday with her. My mom is a super mom, she do all the things for us, washing the clothes, ironing, cleaning the house, cooking etc..

Hello Ma, I hope that someday that you can read this, thank you for all the things you've done for all of us, I know it's not easy, we went through tough times before and we don't see you complain. I know that even when your body is too tired already from all the chores but you still make it, now that I'm a mom myself, I know how hard life is without a helper, doing everything for our family, I may not be the perfect daughter, I may hurt your feelings before and even to the point of not listening to you, I'm so sorry for that. I may not be there for years but I always make sure that I talk to you thru facetime. I also know that there are things deep inside you is hurting, just let it out for I will always be here to just listen, I may not be there to be able to wipe your tears when you cry, but know that seeing you cry makes me cry too, when I see you laugh or happy, know that I'm more happy. I thank you also for being there for me, for the times that when I just want to cry, you just let me and after told me what to do, things like these are so precious to me, for I longed to be with you and the rest of the families.

As you turned another year older, I just wish and pray that God will continue to guide and keep you healthy always, I maybe on the other side of the world, but I will never ever stop calling you everyday even it's time for your teleserye :)

Ma, Happy happy birthday, I love and miss you so much.

Eye Care

Philippians 2:2 - "complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."

Last month I make an appointment for my eyes, for lately I've been experiencing a headache which I never experienced before. since I can't drive because the doctor will put an eye drop in my eyes to make it blurred, I called Ronald and asked him when he is available for I need him to be my driver, he just told me that I just set an appointment and let him know when and what time, so I did and the only available slot is September 14,2015 at 9:15am, I told him and he said he was ok with it.

Yesterday, after we dropped our girls off to school, we went somewhere since it's still early, we bought some snack for the girls and then we went to the clinic, you see even you have an appointment time, the waiting is still long which I don't know why, anyway, while waiting for my turn, I looked at some of the eye glasses, and then sit beside Ronald, there I told him its ok for him to wait there while I'm doing my check, you see most of my check up he's not there for me for he needs to looked after the girls, it's sad for course, I wish that he can be there for me right, so my name was called and I stood up and went to the room and then I just noticed he was following me, oh boy deep inside me I was just super happy it's the first time ever that Ronald was beside me for a check up, word can't express how happy I am that very moment, so the doctor asked me to read the letters and numbers, after put an eye drop on my both eyes, my eyes can not shine in the sun so since I don't had any sun glasses, the doctor gave me a black thing to just put it inside my eyeglass for protection, so Ronald asked you don't have sunglasses I said none, but I think I need one hahaha, after that I need to wait for few minutes so the doctor can check the inside of my eyes, I know its very high tech, so my name was called again, and asked me to put my chin on that thing, after he showed us in the computer the inside of my eyes, thank God that my eyes are healthy.

I know it's hard without any family member beside us, sometime I wish we are on the other side of the world where all my families are there, where I can asked them to go with me if I need to go check up, accompany me or be just there for me. It's hard also to depend to Ronald always for he needs to work but I can see and felt  that he make sure he's there for me, he will make time to be with me and that's what all matters.

Precious Watch

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - "Be thankful in all circumstances."

Last night while Ronald and I were in bed, I suddenly remember something and stood up went to my closet and reach for a bag, inside I looked for that thing and saw it. What is that thing that I suddenly remembered? It's a watch, yes a watch that is so precious to me until now, why? Year 2003 I forgot the day and month but one time when Ronald and I are just boyfriend-girlfriend, he went to our house, and when I open the gate, he was holding a box and gave it to me, I was surprised that very moment, when I opened it, I saw a watch. That time both of us are just working, his salary was only P12k, he was the kind of man that is not very generous, not sweet, he also told me that I won't be receiving any flowers from him, that's how he is, so receiving something from him is like WOW REALLY 😂😂 when I asked him what's the occasion he just said nothing I just want to give you, I was really super happy that very moment in my life. So last night I showed it to him the watch and he still remember it, I told him how PRECIOUS it was to me, and he asked me why, I said because you gave me a gift that I did not asked for, you just gave it, the thought of it, imagine that time our salary was just how much so it's really a big deal for me, and he said but I still give you, I said yes you still give me things that I asked for, that's different. That's why before I go to sleep I asked him when will he give me something like that again? Don't get me wrong, I'm not into material things, I'm very contented with my life right now, God already gave us 2 wonderful girls, I got a very supportive family in the Philippines and friends. So I went to sleep with a BIG smile in my face because I'm so thankful that I got Ronald in my life.

The watch Ronald gave to me year 2003

Pretty

1 Samuel 16:7 - "For the Lord see not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

This morning, as I'm preparing Erin for her school she just told me, mommy you look pretty but even prettier when you put lipsticks, and I replied to her and said thank you and explain to her that God made everybody pretty, but God really look what kind of heart we got.

Before I used to envy people who are so pretty, that a lot of boys are courting them, but now as I grow older and more mature, I realized that our outward appearance is not really important, for one day when we get old our skin will change, but our heart, our attitude and character that will never change even when we get old. Right now what is important to me is I want to look pretty in the eyes of God.

Happy Birthday Dada

Ronald, I used to call him dada, he looks very serious and quiet but when he start to crack a joke oh my it's really funny, before I get pikon for all the things that he used to said to me, until one day I talked to him and cried, telling him that it hurt my feelings especially coming from someone that I loved, the next day he never teases or said hurtful things to me anymore, then late last year when we encounter something, I would say that it make us stronger as a couple, we do argue over little things but he is the type of husband who mastered the art of deadma haha, but when he know that it his fault he will be the one who will do the first move.

To my one and only dada, I really thanked God that he gave you to me as my husband, the father of my children, you've given us a great life, bringing us to places, you always make sure that we are okay and safe, you always worry for us when you travel, you've wanted to stay home and be with us instead of going out with friends or colleagues (unless you really need to attend ) you always makes me laugh before we go to sleep, hold my hand even when we're sleeping, sometimes when you see that I don't had my blanket you would put it on me (how do I know? For when I woke up in the middle of the night may blanket na ako hahaha), I loved how warm your back is, I loved everytime you hug means kiss, as you get older today I wish and pray for good health, more success, you know how much I love you and I really thank God that he gave you to me, your such a wonderful husband and father, looking forward to spend more time with you and our girls. We love you dada and again happy birthday ❤️

Birthday cards from the girls and cake

Team work

When we move to our new house, all the bedrooms had their own closet, but not like the built in closet, so before I bought plastic cabinet to put all the clothes of my girls, everytime when Erin need to get something she always asked help from her daddy cause the plastic falls down, that's where Ronald decided to buy a real drawer for our girls, Saturday we went to Ikea, we already knew what design and color to buy, so we just got the cart and got it by ourselves, Sunday, we start assembling all the part, at first I'm just watching Ronald do it, I don't want to help, why because it was too hot in the garage, but afterwards I decided to helped him, after watching Ronald do one I make do my own, then he feels tired and asked me to rest also, but I hesitate I told him if I stop now I will not be able to continue to help for I will feel lazy already, so instead of resting, I went outside and start doing it, after 2 minutes Ronald went out and starting helping, it was hard, it took us 2.5 hrs just to build the cabinet, but I loved it, making things together with him makes me realized how hard for a man to do those kind of works alone, helped us also to be very patience with each other, and to give ourselves a task like he said I need to hand him the screw so it's easier for him, things like these are rare but very memorable and fun too, for he makes a lot of jokes, lastly being able to work with Ronald as a team really helped us to become more strong, more patience and let me appreciate him more.

Plastic cabinet before

The cabinet we did

I'm Sorry

Today, after we DIY a drawer for the girls ( I will blog about that), we went to target, for we need to buy some food, underwear and snack. So Ronald was with the girls in the book section while I take my time to get all the things that I need, a soon as I'm done, I went to Ronald and told him that I'm ok already, so we went to the cashier, when Ronald was about to get the target card, he forgot that we left it home. (What really happened, last week Ronald went out of the country, then before he leave, he gave me some credit card to keep so that his wallet won't be so bulky, so when he came home I forgot to return all the cards to him). So Ronald asked the guy if I can apply for the card and he said yes, now when we are filling up the form, they are asking for my SSN (social security number), the problem is I only know the last four digit, I don't know the first five digit of it, and Ronald said I can't apply because I need to fill the SSN, I feel so bad, because if you had a target card, you can get a 5% off from your entire purchase, and then I asked Ronald :are you mad? And he said No,so as soon as we push the cart out going to the car, I was silent, inside the car, I told Ronald I'm so sorry that I wasn't able to help him, for I didn't know my number, and he just said it ok, we can only save $13 from the purchase but I said still that's a saving, and he just asked me where I want to eat dinner for its almost 7pm, so we went to a Chinese restaurant, while waiting for the food I just told him I will try to memorize my number.

I felt bad but at the same time happy for Ronald gave and let me feel that it's ok, there's nothing to feel bad about. I really thank God that my relationship with Ronald became so strong after what happened last year.

Happy birthday Irene

Yes, it's my sister birthday today, she's the fourth one, she is the sister whom I always asked favor to, the one who keeps all my money. I remember back in 2006 when I was pregnant with, she will come with me for check up aside from my syoti, will sometime asked me what I want to eat, she got a very longgggg patience, as much as possible hindi magagalit yan, the person who I shared all my problems, sometime cried to her too, she loves to sleep, that's why I called her sleeping beauty.

To my sister/shobe, today as you get another year older, I want to say thank you for all the favors that you did for me/us, I know your always busy but you still find time to buy all my pabili's, we may not talk that always but I really am thankful that God gave you to us as our sister, you know how much I love you, I maybe so makulit sometimes, but know that you had DICHI here that you can count on anytime (wag Lang Sa pera hahaha), always know also that my girls loves you so much that is why you have a giraffe from them (yes, shobe is still thinking of a name). Enjoy your special day, take care always.

Happy birthday to ME

Yes, today is my birthday also, Achi and I had the same birthday but different year, we're not twins hahaha, I will share to you what happened the whole day, ok before my birthday I asked Ronald is I just want him to greet me on my birthday, it's like as soon as the clock went 12am aug 2, I went to sleep early, while he still ate his snack and watch movie, then suddenly he woke me up and greet me happy birthday, gave me a tight hug and a kiss and just whisper to me just to go back to sleep, I felt so happy that very moment, morning the girls woke up very early, and as soon as they saw me they greeted me too, we plan to eat out, even if it's raining, yes it's been raining non stop for 2 days, so we asked the girls what food they want and said Thai food, we went to Thai Thani, the food there is great, so as soon as we enter, the girls told the server that it was my birthday, you see the server even the two owner of the resto knew us, everytime we go there the owner will give chocolate or kitkat to our girls, so we ordered and finished eating, our server told me they got a little surprise for me, I said no more, but it's already there, they bring out a plate of ice cream and turon with one small candle in it, the other stuff was holding some instrument like drum and I forgot what it called haha, as they start singing the happy birthday song,mall the people inside the restaurant started to sing as well, that very moment I felt so shy really hahaha but happy at the same time, after the song I thanked them, and Elle finished the ice cream and turon 😊 then we went to mall for Ronald need to had a haircut, so I bring the kids to different stores inside the mall while waiting for Ronald to finish. After that we went for Ronald need to finish something inside the house since the rain had already stopped, then said to go out eat dinner so I won't cook anymore,me ended up eating in chili's then went to grab some yogurt ice cream for the girls as their dessert, then back home.

It was truly a happy day for me, I felt so contented already with all the things I've had, our love grew more closer, and I thanked God for giving me Ronald, Elle and Erin to me, they are my life and joy, they are not perfect but I love them just who they are, so right now I'm counting down to my next birthday where I will spend it with my whole family in the Philippines and I can't wait for it.

Happy birthday Achi

Today is the birthday of our Achi, she's is very smart and very good in English, she seldom got mad at us unless sumosobra na kami. When you talk to her she really explain all the pros and cons of the situation, just in my case, she really take the time to explain to me, she is my constant chatmate in viber, the only person who really never got tired of all my messages, answering all my questions, telling me her opinion about the bag that I liked, very generous too, she will buy some small stuff for all of us when she's out of the country. A very good listener also, I'm just so thankful that God gave her to us as our Achi, she knows how to protect us.

Achi, happy happy birthday, I may not always say it but I really do love you and appreciate all the time and effort that you've shown to me, I maybe so makulit in my own way but you still make sure to answer all my messages, and I'm sorry if there are time that I've hurt your feelings, now that I'm more mature, I regret all the time/chance/opportunities before when we were still young to spend with you, (ika nga nasa huli na ang pagsisisi). I wish you all the happiness, good health and love in this world, rest assure that I'm just a viber away if you need someone to talk too. Enjoy your day, I miss you and see you soon. Take care Ats.

Happy Birthday Syot

He's our one and only syoti/ahya, he's really good in driving and in direction parang GPS lang ang peg, back in 2006 when I was pregnant with Elle, Ronald was not with me all through my pregnancies, so my syoti is the only one who would drive and go with me to check up, I will remind him my schedule since he got some business to do also for himself. I was really thankful for all the time and effort he gave to me and Elle, he will always said yes or he's available even I know he had something else to do, he will also buy food for me. Now, if I had problems he will just listen and tell me that things will be fine later ( hay I cried everytime I write my blog, tears will just fall down), words can't express how much I'm touched and thankful for just being there when Ronald is not with me.

To my syoti, thank you so much for EVERYTHING, if you only knew how much I love you, I may not say it to you, but I will be here for you, 24/7 if you need me, and i thank God for giving me a syoti like you, and I won't trade you with anybody else.

Again syot, happy happy birthday, I love you to the moon and back, enjoy your special day ❤️

Prayer answered

1 John 5:14 "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."

It's raining seasons already here, mostly in the morning it's hot and come afternoon the rain will start to pour down, you see Ronald is very OC with the house, he will check the house every now and then and see some minor things to be fix, then one day it rained whole day so Ronald just went to the 2nd floor and felt that the wall near the window is soft, that means there's a leak inside the window, so he search for a person who can do the job, fast forward, the guy came and make a hole beside the window, and yes it wet and it almost starting to had molds, he told Ronald that luckily he was able to found that out, so the guy schedule his next visit so he can close the hole on July 11, ok here's the thing, every Saturday we bring our kids to a place, that place is a lot bit far from our house, and the Parking is hard too, so when Ronald told me that I will bring the girls, imagine my reaction and worried, and quickly asked Ronald if he can drive us there no he just come back and he said it's impossible, that's where I became worried and started to pray, I prayed to God that if its ok to not let it rain until Saturday,(because if it's doesn't rain until Saturday, we need to reschedule the guy to fix). For a week I've been praying not to rain and yes my prayer was answered, it never rain for that week till Saturday, so Friday Ronald text the guy and told him to reschedule, then come July 11 Saturday the morning was so sunny, after my girls finished their camp, we went to eat lunch and went grocery, by the time we are bout to go home, it rained heavily with loud thunderstorm and lightnings, that very day I thanked the Lord for hearing and answering my prayer.

Love language

I've heard the love language before but never give the attention to it, until recently I want to know what is my love language, all along I thought mine is receiving gifts ( who does not like to receive gifts anyway hahaha), you see I'm happy when Ronald or my family give me gifts, but I'm so curious that I took the test of the love language, lo and behold I was surprise that mine is words of affirmations, now I know why, you see I'm shy even now I'm a mom, my self esteem is very very low, I always thought of myself not the pretty and smart one, but when my family member said something it give me boost to believed myself all the more, my next is quality time, I know that before I took for granted the time that we all live together before when we still are singles but now as I'm so far away from them I always longed to be with them all the more, if only I could go back to that time I would really want to spend my time with them. 

Next I asked Elle and she took the test, her love language is quality time, I'm not surprised anymore, for she always want us to play, read book, do anything as long as we are there,and also I asked Ronald to do the same, you see he's don't want to answer things like this but still I asked him and while he's cooking the fish he just answered without really put into heart so he got receiving gifts, I do disagree with it for 12 years for being together I knew him so well that he's not like type of person hahaha, I would say his love language would be act of service.

As for Erin, since she is still too young to take the test, Her love language is physical touch, she's the girl who is happy everytime you hug and Kiss her, her next would be words of affirmation, she wants to hear something when she did something good.

How about you what's your love language?

My love language 

Elle love language 

Ronald love language 

Prayer

Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

As a Christian, my faith was put to test a lot of times, I can say that my spiritual relationship with God is not that strong like before, there are times I questioned Him which I know I should not, now that I had kids, I want them to know more about God, so we do had our quiet time everyday where I read 2 chapters a day to my girls, it's hard to explain to them that is why I'm so careful with the words I said, and sharing to them my own experience about how God works in my life. Then I shared to them a story of a child who prayed for months that she wants a dog, before her birthday, a friend of her parents gave them a puppy, the child was so happy. You see my girls want to visit our hometown, so we told them we will go next year, before that I've been asking Ronald if we could stay for a month, you see everytime we go to Philippines we only stayed there for 3 weeks, so I said if he could consider my request and give it as a gift to me since I'm turning 40 ( hahaha). Just recently while having dinner, our girls opened that topic again, so we tried to convince Ronald and he just gave us an answer that he will think about it, that's where Elle said to Erin if she still remembered the story I told them about the answered prayer, and Elle said that we should start praying and she knew that God will hear our prayers.

Ever since I taught them that when they pray they should pray with a sincere heart, that first they should give thanks for all the blessing they had, next ask for forgiveness for all the bad things they've done third to pray for all the families health and safety and pray for the whole world, I pray that as they grow that God will lead their hearts and they will have a strong Faith in him and had a strong relationship with our Lord Savior.

Choices

It was the topic yesterday while we're having dinner, when Ronald came home, Elle was complaining that I did not give her IPad. Ok there's a rule for it, I only give 30minutes iPad to them (yes 30 minutes for the whole day) if they are nice, so when I asked them to study shobe immediately sit and answer while Elle start whining, I told her she answer or not it's fine with me but she still can't get the iPad for I want to see she is nice, so Elle told her story after I told my story that's where Ronald told our girls about choices in life, he said when you were born you are nice, but as you get older you see people around you there are nice and not so nice, it's your choice which one you want to pick being nice or being the bad one, I also told her that in every action she make there's always a consequence that she need to face in due time, especially when God come, we also told her that we as her parents are only here to guide and correct her but it's still her choice what she want, and she said she got it. Today when I asked them to answer she didn't whine instead follow what I asked and I told her Thank you and she just smiled.

Being a parents is not an easy task, especially to discipline your children, it takes a lot courage, firm rules and we need to work together, what we're doing is for the best of our girls, I always pray that may God help me and Ronald to guide our girls the way he wants, my only prayer is that they grow up to be good, kind, respectful and be full of love. 

Treasures

I'm a person that when I learned that one of my family member will go abroad, I will asked them to buy something for me, of course I will, pay them back (but they don't let me pay it, thank you for that), that is why they called me Ms. Pabili, for I know I won't be able to travel to places where they went), last April my parents and sisters went to China to visit our families there, and when they came back, I asked my mom did she bought the things I asked for and she did, when I asked her how was their trip she told me everything about it, then she told me that my dad bought a jade bracelet for my sister in law, then I joked and said I need to talk to my dad and asked why we don't have, but of course I didn't do it, I just learned that my parents bought us also, I was super happy really, you know why, it's my wish, a wish that I'm longing before, you see my dad never gave us anything when we were young, he's the typical Chinese dad, so when he (and my mom) bought us the bracelet, I felt so happy, I used to dream that my dad will give us all something to remember him, I don't know why but it's so different to received something from our dad, so the bracelet I'm wearing it now and everytime I looked at it you can see the smile in my face, for I felt that I'm with my dad everyday, that they personally choose the design for us (sorry if you guys feel I'm so material girl but I'm not), then my achi went to hong kong with her whole family, when came home she bought us a little carebear keychain for each of us ( different color for each) , i just loved the thought of it, that she really think of something to give us as a souvenir, I know it's just material things, but the thought itself are very precious to me, and I will TREASURE all of it for the rest of my life.

Jade bracelet my parents gave to me.

The sibling carebear my achi gave each one of us.

Missing HOME

I never thought in my wildest dream that I would be living my life at the other side of the world, I used to envy some people before when I heard that they went to US, I thought it's fun, they said living the American Dream, but for me it's not, when I learned that I'll be leaving my family, i became so sad, I know that I will missed all the events like birthdays, Christmas, outing etc..the first few years of my stay here was really hard, I do cried for some nights missing my family, even now I still have that moment when I will just sit and then remembered all the things in the past. But as I missed them I felt some pain too, you see I always call them but they don't even bother to talk to me, a hi and hello is hard for them to do, sometimes when I'm talking to my mom she will asked me to call again because she will watch her show first, when I will call my sister she will not even looked at the phone, I tried to sent message first through viber (group chat) like how are you stuff,  but it seems they are all busy, yes I tried to understand them maybe they are really busy with their errand, so sometimes I just shut myself up from them for a few days then go back to what I used to do to them like nothing, everytime when we chat together it makes me happy, really happy, but life is life, right? Reality check that we had our own family to looked after and care for, and I should not expect a lot from them, maybe I just missed them that's why I had my moments again.

Gifts to remember

March 2007 when I moved to the other side of the world, it's hard for me to leave my family behind, I cried for days, that time calling home international would cost a lot, I still remembered every time I want to call my parents, I would used Ronald's cellphone to call, but very limited time, that's why when Apple release iPod touch, it gave me the idea to give them iPod as a gift, that's where I start to talked to my sister Irene and asked her the favor to asked how much is the iPod touch there in the Philippines, due to my budget, I can only afford the 16gb, I also asked her to ask the rest of my sibling on what color they prefer, white or black, since majority want white I said white, 2010-2011 I started saving money and sending it to my sister so she can buy the iPod, my plan was to give it before Christmas of 2011, so when Irene told me she already bought 6 iPods I was so happy, I still remembered when Irene gave the iPod to my brother ken, his reaction was priceless 😊, the reason why I gave them the iPod is because I can talked and text them anytime of the day for free, it will lessen my homesickness too.

Year 2013 when I started to think of something to give to them again but this time I told myself I want something that will last forever, something that they will remember me even when I'm gone, something that is precious, and one thing came to my mind it's jewelry. That's where I asked my mom about the price of necklace alone and with pendant, but again due to my budget I said for now just necklace,so my mom purchased it (thanks mom), then while cleaning and packing things I happened to saw a 7 charms of slippers, and 2014 when I visit them, my plan was to write a letter to them attaching the necklace and charm in it, but as I'm starting to write my tears began to fall, and I just told my SIL if she can hand it to them when I leave.

Why I give them gifts every time I visit them, before when I'm still single, I never give them anything, I had have this time/moment in my life when I shut myself to them, and I really really regret it til now, I want to make up for everything to them, it's not about the gift that I gave, it's the thought that I want them to remember, that even when I die that there is something that I left for them and that thing called LOVE.

2011-2012 gift

2014 gift

Happy Father's Day

He was quiet, when you see him he is serious, but no one would ever imagine that he is funny, full of jokes, a lot of humor, a family man, always want just to stay home and be with the kids, every time he come home, they will play tag inside the house, will watched movie with kids, eat out, grocery together,   No wonder the girls loved him so dearly, 3 weeks ago, when I talked with our girls on what plan we need to do for Father's Day, they said they will buy cards and gift, I said what gift?Elle said daddy's favorite car, all i thought it was just a toy car, but I'm wrong a real car, so I told Elle we don't had enough to money for that, so Elle said she will study hard and earn money and buy daddy the car and her own car and color it purple and I said that was so nice of her. So we ended up buying a Lego car, I bought 3, then we went to target, as soon as the girls saw the hallmark section, they started looking and reading cards to give to their dad, it took us 1 hr (no kidding), then they want to give cake too, asked them what kind they want Mario cake, so I did what the girls request. Ronald is a great husband but the best and greatest dad to our girls, thank you for loving us, protecting us, and just a BIG thank you for everything, you know how much we love you, you are our hero, fighter and shield.

Happy Father's Day dada, we love you so much.

The girls card for Ronald 

The cake and our gifts for him

All the picture that I took on every trip we went.

Happy Father's Day Pa

For 30 years I stayed with my parents until I get married, for that years, we been through tough times, imagine, raising 7children, all of us studying in private school. I'm not close to my dad, I was afraid of him instead, he was so strict especially when it come to study, he wants us to get good grades especially to my other sisters for he know that they can get or do better. Yes we do get a lot of spanked from him when we do something not nice, I still remember that his rule is no boyfriend until we finished college, no nail polish, from time to time he will checked our nails if we cut it or not, no make up, no to everything hahaha. He's the type of father na quiet but if someone did something to us, he will rush to school and protect us. But right now I do appreciate my dad so much for bringing all us up like this, kasi matitino lahat kami, we know how to respect people. I can see how people respect him it's so different, he is full of wisdom, now that I'm on the other side of world, it's hard sometime for me, but every time when I talked to him he will just listen and after will tell me what to do, I would say that my relationship with my father right now is more closer than before, he was cool, he will buy things for us (even we're old na) he will shop with us, eat with us like ice cream or drink coffee, I truly missed and love him so much, I may not say it to him but deep inside my heart he was a perfect dad, my protector and I will want him to be my dad again in my next life. 

To my dearest papa happy Father's Day, always stay healthy for I still want to do travel with you and mama, eat together and shop too. I love you Pa.

Say......Camera

I don't remember when I started to tell Ronald that I need to change my camera, but I've been telling him that my camera needs to change. Back 2007 when Ronald brought me my ever first camera (yes it's true) for I want to capture every moment of Elle ( she was 3-4 months old that time), we (Elle and I) was still in the Philippines that time while Ronald was in the U.S., so when Ronald came back he already bought me a Sony camera, I find it hard to use, then when we migrated here, he bought a canon camera, he needs it for his travel, that where I found that canon camera is very simple to use, on, point to where you want to capture and click, even to download it to laptop it was so easy, so I asked him if we could switched our camera, and he said yes.

For 8 years, I always bring the camera with me, wherever I go, it smell and handy, for I want to make sure that I can capture all the activities of my kids, I even used the video of it to record all the shows that my kids perform in their school, but as we all know that gadget doesn't last long, lately I've noticed that every time I press the click button, you need to hold it long and you will hear a click sound, so if I asked somebody to take picture of us, we've always told them to press it long, that's where we decided to look for a new one, when Ronald asked me what I'm looking for a camera, I told him that I want handy where I can put it inside my bag, that even your moving you still can capture a nice picture, he said DSLR camera are like that, but that's way too big for me.

So when we searched we saw from Sony it's a small version of DSLR, but when we saw the price we were surprised, it's way expensive, so I said maybe we could wait till the Black Friday sale (November thanksgiving) then just 2 weeks ago we purchased a TV, but when we start to do the settings we noticed something is wrong, and decided to return it and get a new one, that where T (Ronald ofcmate/friend) told him that he can get a great discount from sony. 

So Ronald emailed the person in Sony and he gave us a great discount, 25%off, I was so happy and thankful at the same time, for we saved some money, for I've been praying if we need to buy that camera, and here's my answered prayer.

My old canon camera (8yr old)

My new Sony alpha A6000

Craft

Back then when I'm studying, at school we used to have a home economic subject, where the teacher will teach us how to cook, do some crafts, and I really like it, it's one of my favorite subject. Doing craft you need patience, need to concentrate and to be focus, I like that it let you think of what ideas you want for your craft. Now that I'm a mother of two girls, I really wish to pass to them my loved for crafting, just like this morning, I taught them how to do the peler beads. I let them choose their design and colors and let them put it one by one in a square thing, after that I did the ironing so they would stick together, it's a fun thing and a bonding moment also for us as mother daughter thing.

Like Twins

When Ronald and I shop for our kids,me like to get them matching outfits, I felt it's cute. Then last year when we are in Philippines, my sisters told me that I should stop doing it so that they could have their identity. I began to wonder if I need to change or not.

So this morning, since my girls earned a free dress pass (for perfect attendance) I dress them up the same, same dress same hair style and same shoes, that's where I start to asked them their thoughts of wearing the same, I first asked Erin, and she said she was happy because she felt that she and her sister are like twins, (yes, many thought that my girls are twin, they looked so much alike) and that they are sisters for life then with Elle, she said the same thing and it's fine with her, it doesnt bother her either. 

I don't know how long my girls will love having the same outfits. Maybe at some point they will change their styles based on their personalities. But in the meantime they will always look the same. It may not be the good way to dress them like that always but I'm happy that they don't care. What really matters to them is being associate with one another because they are sisters, partners and BFF (best friends forever).

Worldly Songs

In my younger times, I love listening to love songs and OPM songs, I bought a lot of them especially when I liked the singer and their songs, then when I was baptized to be born again Christian, at church they play all Christian music which is really good, so as I attend church every Sunday, we do had praise and worship where all the songs are really great, now with 2 kids, I'm kinda careful of the songs that i played inside the house or at the car, I just felt that with this generation their music or lyrics it's so different. So what I usually play or listen to is all Christian songs, then one day as I picked my kids from school they start telling me about a songs sang by Katy perry. Elle told me that all of her classmates knew the lyrics except her, so I asked her does he felt bad? And she said NO.  do I feel bad about it? At first yes but now not anymore, you see the songs/lyrics before are so different from today, I know I can't control them forever, there will come a time that they will hear all this wordly songs, at least right now I can see that they can differentiate a good songs from bad songs, and I will continue to play all the Christian songs for them.

Snow globe

I'm a huge fan of My Melody, but last April 2015, when we went to Colorado, heading back home, since we are arrived airport early, the girls asked Ronald if they can buy a souvenir, so he said yes. While the kids are busy looking what they want, I saw a small snow globe, it was cute and I thought maybe I can start collecting snow globe every time we went out of town. So I bought one, and then I remembered that last 2013 Christmas I bought one too, I just felt bad that for 2014 Christmas I forgot to buy one, abut this year I'll make sure I will for I told myself that I will collect all the snow globe as part of the memories when we travel as family. 

Dream House

September 8,2002 Ronald and I became girlfriend/boyfriend. Ronald is an architect, so he really is good in drawing houses, you see I'm so amazed to people who knew how to draw (houses, people, cartoons etc) I felt they are so gifted for not everybody can really draw well right! (Let's admit it). So there's one time I asked him if he can draw his DREAM HOUSE for me, I'm just curious what kind of house will he draw. so if I remembered right that weekend when we met he hand me a piece of paper, when I opened it was the drawing that I asked. I was so happy that time and told him that i will keep that for the rest of my life and yes until now I kept that drawing in a secret place and every time when I see that drawing it just makes me smile and thanking God for I married the man that I truly love and now we had our DREAM HOUSE.

Happy Birthday Let

She is one of my shobe, 2 years younger than me, she is the prettiest among all of us ( all of us are pretty), I remember way back when we were still young, since don't have the money to buy shoes for the 4 of us,we need to wear the old one, but she got a new shoes, so when I saw it, out of envy I cried, and then suddenly she gave her new shoes to me to wear and she got mine and wore it, until now that incident I would never ever forget for the rest of my life. She is the kind of person that when she mad, she's mad but after awhile, it seems nothing happened. You can also ask for help to her and with open hands help you no matter it is. As we grow, we do argue, have different opinion, outlook in life but at the end of the day, we are still sisters, I have told her this before, that when she need someone to talk to or just to listen I'm always here for her (for all of them) 24/7. I do love her so much and do miss her (them) a lot already, as she turn a year older May God protect her, guide her, keep her safe always. Do remember that your DICHI is here only if you need me. Again happy happy birthday to my shobe Jenet.

Flip flop

Year 2009 when I was pregnant with Erin, my mom and my sister Irene came here to help me, that time I have placenta previa, they came here when I was 36 weeks, after giving birth Irene stay just for a short time, that time she saw I don't had so much shoes (I don't like shoes anyway, I'm ok with one pair). So she gave her flip flop to me,I still remember she told that flip flop was a little bit expensive, I was hesitant that time to take it but she insist, so she left but the flip flop stays with me, I've been using the flip flop everyday of my life whether rain or shine, it's so comfy, so almost 6 years of using it, it get rugged and with some scratch already, I feel bad but it's time to say goodbye to that flip flop, and the hardest of all was it was given to me by my sister, I had this attitude that when somebody gave me something I treasure it and keep it especially people that really mean to me, people that I loved and care for, thank you Irene for that wonderful flip flop that you gave me, I really appreciate it until now.

The flip flop that my sister gave me.

Yesterday we went to the mall for we need to buy a white shoes for Elle for her to wear this coming Friday (may 15,2015) in school, then the kids requested if they can go to the playground and play for a little while, so we said yes, near the playground there was Clark store, then I remembered that I need to buy a pair of shoes, so I asked Ronald to looked after the kids while I look for a shoes, so I ended up buying a flip flop and a formal shoes.

This is the new flip flop that I bought.

Happy Mother's Day

To my mom, thank you for all the sacrifices, care, dedication and most esp the love that you gave to us, it's not easy to take care of 7 kids without a helper, you washed our clothes, bring our food to school and even carry all our heavy bags back home just riding kalesa or jeep. Now I'm as a mom, I may not experience those stuff but it make me appreciate you more for all the things you've done for us. Words can not express how much you mean to me and am grateful for having a mother like you. Thank you Ma, I love you to the moon and back.

To my sisters Viven and Jenet, we may sometime argue, disagree and had our own opinion but we still make sure we were there for each other when things get wrong. Thank you for all these times that when I'm really down, even your busy you make sure to listen to me tru viber. I appreciate it. I will still want you guys to be my sisters in my next life ( wala na kayo ng choice, hahaha).

To my Ronald, Elle and Erin, things change when God gave you Elle and Erin to us, everything change, I may not be a perfect mom, I may be strict, sometimes loose my temper easily, but one thing for sure, my love for the two of you is unconditional, even when you grow big, you two will always be my babies. How I wish I can protect you from situation that we can't control but I can't, because sometimes those are the things that will make you strong and wiser, I just so thankful that God gave the two of you and dada in my life, I will always and forever be here to love, care and protect the three of you. Thank you kids for the wonderful letters and card you gave to me this Mother's Day.

To all mothers out there, I salute and honor all the mothers who sacrificed and dedicated their lives for their children. A big THANK YOU.

Dolphins

Today is the last day of April, you all know that's Erin birthday month, so before the month end, I want to share our experience with the Dolphins. last year I told Ronald that I want to celebrate Elle's birthday with the dolphins. yes, like had picture with the dolphins and close encounter with them, but since Erin was 5 year old back then she can't go, she need to be 6 year old and he taught it was pretty expensive. so after our Colorado trip, Ronald was searching for something to do since it was spring break too, and he browse about the discovery cove, that's the place where you had a 30 minutes with the dolphins (includes picture and swim). so we went there and inquire, the lady told us that first we need to check the weather, and the prices include breakfast and lunch meal plus the snack in between, the wet suit, towels, sunscreen, snorkels,so as we check their website, the prices varies,since we are not in a hurry, we purchase the lowest price, and booked on Saturday april 18, 2015. I was so excited because dolphin is my favorite. We went there early like 7:30am and the line was long already. we waited until our turn, they gave us our ID with our pictures in it, schedule us on what time to meet with the dolphins, our time was 10:25am (need to be there 15 minutes before the set time) and as we enter somebody will tell you everything, after that we went to eat our breakfast first, then change to wet suit (you still need to wear your swimsuit inside). while waiting we went to swim with the stingray and fishes. then about time to the dolphins I was so happy and excited as well as my girls too. so in a group there are 9 people, one by one they will asked you to come near the dolphin with your two hand close, that's where you can kiss the dolphin. its an whole day event after the dolphin, you can swim, feed the birds or just relax. overall we are happy, its a once in a lifetime experience for us, at the same time its a family bonding too. these are the memories that I will treasure/cherish forever.
.

Happy birthday Kambal

I forgot to write yesterday, it was twin sisters birthday yesterday and yes they turn 26 already, whew time flies so fast really, since I came her for good, I never got to celebrate all the birthdays of my family members, i feel sad about it, anyway this should be a happy blog, to my sister Abie and Asing, I may not be there physically but always remember that whatever happens I'm always here 24/7, if you need to talk to someone I'm just here, anytime, my wish for the both of you is always stay happy and pretty, good health. Thank you for everything, I really thank God that He gave you two as my sisters and for my next life I still want you two to be part of my life. Happy happy birthday Kambal, I love and misses you so much.

Just Because......

Last March, elle had a sport activity, I did not sign up or volunteer, but I went there just to look after her for A volunteer, so the night before I asked Ronald if it's ok if I wear a pants with my polka dots sneaker, yes polka dots, (well Ronald bought that because it was on sale that time). Then he didn't said anything, so morning comes I wear my jogging pants and the rubber shoes, the activity start at 1pm, since our home was a little bit far from school and I drive slow, I left the house early,so I called Ronald and asked if he had any lunch meeting and Sadi none, so I asked him that we had lunch together. I said I will be in school at 11:30am, so come 12nn Ronald still not yet coming,(his office is very near the school) then my phone rang it was Ronald and he said he will be a little bit late because it was traffic and asked me to go to the restaurant and order the food, I didn't get it why, anyway I just said il just wait for you after a while I called him and said il go to the resto already for it might take time to serve the food. So 12:30pm Ronald came, after finished our lunch he told me that he bought me a new pair of sneaker and I was so surprise and said why there's no need, but he still insist, so inside the car he asked me to change. So I went to the school wearing a new pair of sneakers.thank you dada for the just because sneakers.

My old sneaker (polka dots) and new one.

Happy 6th

Today is the 6 th birthday of my bulitz, I can't believe how time flies, she was so happy that she's 6 already, so last month we've been asking her what she want a party or to go somewhere else, she choose to spend her birthday with us only, we asked her what gift she wants and she really like the American girl, ok this American girl toy is pretty expensive, just for a doll it cost more than a $100, so today we went to the store and let her pick the doll and dress she like. So Erin and Elle end up choosing the same toys but different kind of shirt for their dolls. Yes, Elle got one too. We don't want her to feel bad coz she's been wanting one also before.after buying it I asked what's the name of their dolls so the names are Sarah Pearl for Erin and Clara Pearl for Elle. I really pray that my kids will grow up looking and loving each other. May the lord guide them and protect them them as well. To my bulitz, mommy daddy and sissy love you so much. Thank you for bringing so much happiness to us, may you always be a good girl, happy happy birthday shobe, we love you ❤️❤️

Valentine's Day

Yesterday was Valentine's Day, I asked Ronald to buy roses for the kids and a body pillow as well as a valentine gifts for them, so the next day the girls saw the roses, it's 12 pcs, so each of us got 4pcs each hahaha. We just went out and had lunch at our favorite chinese restaurant, after lunch we went to watch spongebob the movie, then I saw a store that sells macaron, so I bought 6pcs, the first I ate macaroni was when I was in hongkong last June with my sibling, my sister ruby introduce and bought some for us (thanks ruby, I would never ever forget your gestures to buy that), I really taste so good,then we went home and do some home chores. My valentine is nothing special, it's like an ordinary day only, but as I grow old I realized that what important is I'm with the people that I loved, people who are so important to me, the time that we spend with each other, they are the ones that God gave to me to love, protect and cherish as long as I live.

Valentine gift

Love is in the air already, tomorrow is valentine day already, whew how time flies so fast really. Anyway, before I'm been looking at pandora charms, I felt its a little bit expensive, but just recently, my sister Ruby told me that she bought one when she was in Singapore last new year, and been telling me that pandora here is way way cheaper, so I asked Ronald if i could buy one charm, for I already knew the charm I like, so come weekend we went to the mall since Ronald need to buy some vitamins at GNC, after that we went to pandora and there I saw the charm l like, since the girls are there, they choose their own charms too (it's expensive to had daughters😊) so I told my girls that they need to asked their daddy if it's okay to him to buy charms for them, and since daddy loves them he said yes, so Ronald ended up buying 3 charms. Thank you daddy for loving us unconditionally ❤️ so here's our charm

This is mine, meaning of this charm is "forever in my heart".

This one is Elle's. She loves horses/ponies or unicorn.

This is Erin's. She just love the color of the seahorse.