January

January is the first month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendar.  

It has 31 days and the 1st day is known as New Year's Day.

It is named after the roman god, JANUS, the god of beginnings and transitions, of gates and doorways, thus,

January is the door to the year.

Janus is known to have two face, looking to the future and to the past.

January's birthstone is GARNET.  

It means purity, truth, faithfulness and friendship, constancy and loyalty.

It is also known that garnet is a stone for successful business by putting 3 or more garnet on your desk.

They say it can also cure depression by putting a stone under your pillow. 

Wearing garnet as jewelry can make a person popular and have self-esteem.

(I haven't tried these yet, though...) 

January's birth flower is CARNATION.

It represent pride, beauty, admiration and gratitude, fascination, distinction, 

divine love and woman.

It is also a symbol of a mother's undying love.

Personality traits of person born in January:

Ambitious and serious

Love to teach and be taught

Always looking at people's flaws and weaknesses

Likes to criticize

Hardworking and productive

Smart, neat and organized

Sensitive and has deep thoughts

Knows how to make others happy

Quiet unless excited or tensed

Rather reserved

Highly attentive

Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds

Romantic but has difficulties expressing love

Loves children

Homely person

Loyal

Needs to improve social abilities

Easily jealous

Very stubborn.

I think this is all about it for January. 

For me, January is the month where I  have high hopes.  It's where I start to plan to better my life.  That its still never too late to change for the better. 

Welcoming the new year with new hopes, new smiles, new life!

God bless us all!!!

A Gift With Missing Parts!

Christmas Season...

A time for giving and receiving gifts!

Not only kids are excited to receive gifts! Frankly speaking, I also am excited to received one (whatever it is, it's the thought that counts, really)!

Even more so when we received a gift from my brother(who never fails)! He knows I love to drink coffee so he gave us this coffee-maker. The one that makes you an instant cappuccino or espresso. I was so excited to use it but found out the its missing some parts!

After a thorough check-up, we confirmed that its really missing the grill where you put your cup to catch the flowing coffee. Its good that it came from a family member that we can tell him our concern and ask if he still got the receipt without having to embarrassed him. What if not???

Its like ordering from a drive-thru or take-out counter and upon reaching your destination, you found out there's NO straw, or spoon, or fork, or sauce, or rice, etc. Its just good if you can come back for it but more often that not -- you CAN'T!!!

Anyway, I just hope the one in-charge of packaging would be more careful and cautious and ensure that everything is in order before handing the items to the customers.

Note: We will still schedule our visit to the store from where he bought the coffee-maker and we'll be crossing our finger for a good result.

WHAT ABOUT YOU???

What would you do if you received a gift that has some missing parts?

WELCOME 2013!

Happy New Year!

I've never been more excited to welcome the coming year than this 2013. Maybe because I FEEL there's a lot more in store for me this year. Or maybe because I FEEL that time is flying so fast and there's a lot I need to do with so little time...

I got hold of a pen and notebook and started writing some of the things I wanted for the coming year.

Here's some of them;

1. EAT WELL. Since I'm in charge of taking care of what my family eats, I plan to add more veggies in our meal. I also plan to focus on fruits because my kids eats little of them. In short, I plan to start (hope its not yet late) a healthy lifestyle.

2. EXERCISE. I wish to add a little movement in my life: Walking, jogging, swimming, play some sports and GARDENING! I already feel little aches here and there so I need to move, move, move.

3. SCHEDULE. As a stay at home mom (with no maid), I do what I want, when I want, and how I want things to be done. But most of the time, they're left undone. I really need to STRICTLY follow the schedule I made...

4. BUSINESS. Yes! I wanted a business. I already started a small one and I plan to work more on it this year. Slowly but surely, I hope!

Details of my plans/resolutions are jotted down on my notebook (for my eyes only). Of course, I also included that I be more active in blogging.

So, welcome 2013! I'm looking forward to the promises you have for me!

Good luck to me and to everyone!

Have a blessed prosperous new year!!!

When I hear you call

This video was shown to us parents during our recollection day as a requirement before our children take their FIRST COMMUNION.

Our priest facilitator tried to made us understand our roll as parents for the development of our children.

I realized that one day my children will not need me anymore. They will be on their own to create a journey of their own. I just wish I had equipped them with most if not all they need in their journey. Come what may, we will still be here if they need us. And all they have to do is call...

Morning Walk

I noticed that past months that I'm gaining weights! Not only that, since I experience the vertigo attack, I do not do any exercise anymore for fear I might get dizzy again.

But when I started to feel my body is aching everywhere and getting comments that I'm getting bigger, I decided to at least have a morning walk 20-30 minutes everyday!
Glad that my husband also accompanies me to this walk (for our own bonding time).

I also do a little stretching, sit-ups and aerobics.

All of these I hope I can do until I see results because I decided to leave and stay healthy for my family.

Goodluck to me...

They're Growing Up!

We were strolling in a mall one Sunday afternoon when I noticed my sons as they walked ahead of me. They have grown up and I didn't even noticed it.



My eldest son's already responsible to take care of his siblings.

There are times when they wanted to go out with their friends. (without me tagging along). At first I have hesitations, because for me, they will always be my babies. And babies need their mothers. But, in the end, I still gave them my permission.


I know there are a lot of things they should learn especially now that they're growing up. But, as their mother, I still want to hold-on to them. I wanted to be with them in every step of the way. I wanted to know what they're doing in every minute, second of their lives. Reality is...... I can't be!

Experience is still the best teacher. I only pray and hope that the values they've learned and continue learning from us, as parents and as friends, will guide them through.

Hope and pray that they'll grow up to be GOOD men.

My Choices

I got hooked up with my new-found site, Family Friend Poems, where I can showcase my hidden desire to write poems.

I cannot resist sharing with you a poem of a 17-year old girl which hit me straight in my heart. It goes this way...

I am

Let me make a few things absolutely, perfectly, crystal clear.
I am not a writer.
I am not a poet.
I am not a singer.
I am not a musician.
I am not a sister.
I am not a daughter.
I am not a friend.
I am not an outsider.
I am not a stranger.
I am not a reader.
I am not a sinner.
I am not a teacher.
I am not a student.

I am not all of these things either collectively, or separately.
But what I am, what I know for sure I am, is alive
I am human, and I am alive.
I am wrong at times
I am failure itself
I am determination itself
I am the apple that fell from the tree
I am the drop that fell from the cloud
I am the thought you let slip away.
I am human, and I am alive.
I am everything I need to be, but not everything I want

I am a woman.
I am a girl.
And I am, and will be, whatever I choose.

This poem made me think back of the choices I made with my life and why I made those choices ... Why did I choose to be a wife? Why did I choose to be a mother? Why did I choose to quit my job and be a full-time mom? Why? Because I am human and a woman who choose to be alive. And all these choices keeps me alive! With God's grace, I'm alive! And happy!

I thank the author of this poem, Nicole, for lending me her poem. For making me understand that I made the right choice - "I am everything I need to be, but not everything I want"!

God bless our choices.

And His Name Was Peter...

February 11, 2002 was the day Papa left us.

It was the day we thought and pray would not happen. But it did, so sudden yet peaceful, no hint whatsoever. He was just there lying on the couch, taking his afternoon nap after telling his dentist that he will visit her the following day. Then late that afternoon, while sleeping, our good Lord took him to his side to rest, to finally rest!

In commemoration of Papa's 9th year death anniversary, I will share with you again this poem we made for him (I have posted it before but I want to share it again)

AND HIS NAME WAS PETER
I knew a man
Who was not a fisherman
Neither was he a spokesman
But for me he was a great man.

He's not known to Never Land
Though he's been to many lands
It is to his homeland
Where he wants to be grand.

He was not a great ruler.
Nor was he a great teacher.
But, for me, he was the greatest of all fathers.
And his name was Peter!

Remebering Papa will not be complete without looking at his pictures with us.


This is our way of thanking you, Papa, for a job well done!

Parenting Our Teen

I received a book from my sister on my birthday entitled "The Big Black Book for Parents (helping your teen navigate through life's challenges)". Since I'll be having teenage boys very soon, I'd like to share with you some things that I've read from this book.

Six actions every parent should MODEL for their teen:

1. Be Polite. Teach others with respect. Say please or thank you. Also remember, dads: ladies first.

2. Smile. Show off those pearly whites. This small gesture will go a long way.

3. Share. This unselfish act is packed with power.

4. Listen. Give others your full attention. They will appreciate the investment.

5. Lend a hand. Mow the lawn for an elderly neighbor, or send a card to a relative you have been praying for.

6. Give a gift. There doesn't have to be a special reason, but the best reason of all is simply say, "I care about you."


Source: The big black book for parents
by Blaine Bartel

Our children are very observant. They watches us on everything that we do. They even imitate us and idolizes us. As parents, it is just right to set a good example for them to follow. As Ben Franklin said, "A good example is a good servmon."

Happy parenting!

For Joshua

It's October 11 and my son Joshua Miguel ("JM") is celebrating his 12th birthday. He wants to treat his classmates with some pizza.




While waiting for my orders, I created a poem for my son and it goes like this ...

On this special day
I sit back and recall
Your "coming-out-to-this-world" day
And the joy you've brought to all.

You are now twelve
The sensitive age "in-between"
Where you don't know what to believe
Are you still a child or now a "teen"?

No matter what you are
Whatever you may do
I'll be forever here
Your mother, your friend but never your foe!

As you celebrate your birthday
I wish you nothing but happiness
Enjoy this beautiful day
And remember that we love you and that you're the best!


At home, we celebrated his birthday with the whole family present. Though I was so tired with the preparations, I can see that he was happy! That made me even more happier!



Happy Birthday, JM!
WE LOVE YOU!!!

Friday's Fave Five #2

Friday once again, time to recap the whole week. And it is also the 1st of October! It is our favorite month because three of us in the family will be celebrating our birthdays this month.

1. I'M BACK! After almost 2 weeks of no internet connection due to the defective power supply of our broadband, I'm sooo glad I'm back! The side of the village where we transfered doesnt have telephone line connection yet so we rely soley on our broadband. It's more of a blessing when it broke down because a carpenter is schedule to do some work in the house and I got to watch over his work more. Now, the carpentry job was done, the internet connection was fixed and I'm back.

2. TUTOR. My two sons decided to attend a tutoring class! I'm proud of my "JM" (11 y.o.) and my "KEVIN" (10 y.o.) for deciding for themselves and attend a review class twice a week. JM's goal was to get an ACHIEVER AWARD at the end of the school year and requested that I send him to a tutor. Kevin, on the other hand, wants to get the highest Award - The GENERAL SCHOLASTIC AWARD! Its something I don't impose on my kids but I'm so proud of them to have a goal set on their own. I just love them so!

3. CABINETS. About the carpentry job I mentioned, it's the cabinets we ask the carpenter to build. The kitchen cabinets, the walk-in-closet, the kids' cabinet, our living room divider, the center table and our version of console table. Its already built but still need some painting and varnishing job. I'm excited about it because I design all of it! I'll post them as soon as it is finished. :>

4. NO CLASS FRIDAY. Its a "no class" day at my son's school today. It's Lacasa Teacher's Day that's why they don't have classes. I'm not sure what it means but what's important for me and my kids is that we have time to rest the whole day! Tomorrow, Oct. 2, is their schools' Family Fun Day. There will be a community breakfast, fun run, family games and more activities at the school tomorrow. Looking forward to it!

5. T-SHIRTS. Just this morning, my husband gave me these two t-shirts with the pink ribbon designs, as a support for breast cancer awareness.

Friday's Fave Five # 1

This is my very first entry on Friday's Fave Five.

1. Thanks to mommy Chris' Mommy Moments because I found mommy Hazel's entry on Friday's Fave Five and I got interested. What a better way to recap the happenings for the whole week than see them as blessings instead of trials. Many thanks!

2. Poem. I'm a trying hard poet. I try to write poems whenever I get inspired. Just lately, I started documenting the things that I've written. One of which is "I Love You" because I'm just happy...happy.

3. Flu! My sons, Kevin and Phoebo, catches flu this week. Both are now well and I'm just glad its just a Flu than the scary Dengue Fever! Thank God!

4. AWARDs. It's card-giving time in my sons' school. I'm so happy that all the three (3) boys got a "CONDUCT AWARD" each for showing good behavior in school. While Kevin and Phoebo got an "ACADEMIC AWARD" for their exemplary performance academically. Good work, guys! Mama is sooooo proud of you!!!(http://mommy-divine.blogspot.com/2010/09/card-giving-day.html)

5. Quote that caught my attention as I read the Daily Bible Reflection of The Kerygma Family: "One cannot give without loving, but one cannot love without giving."

I hope I did alright. Thanks for this site, Susanne! And I hope I can join again next week.

School Time-Second Quarter

Last week was the end of the first quarter in school. My kids had the usual first quarter exams. There were three of them (1-first year high school, 1-5th grader, and my 1st grader). It was so exhausting for me to prepare worksheets and review them for all the topics that have to be reviewed. My 1st grader is a first timer in a big school. First year high school is so different from grade school. And my 5th grader's goal is to achieve a "General Scholastic Awards". I just have to be on their every step!

Thanks to the internet, I got to get free worksheets to help them in their review. Some of them are:

http://www.tlsbooks.com
http://www.schoolexpress.com
http://www.ezschool.com
http://www.homeschoolmath.net
http://www.homeschoolingadventures.com
http://www.softschool.com
http://www.schoolkid.ph
http://www.abcteach.com


Now, second quarter is about to start and I'm helping my kids set up their goals for this quarter. I am also trying to arrange and schedule my activities so I can fully hand them more of my time. I cannot do it alone, I know, but with God's grace I know I can manage. As many of us mommies do!

Fixing our garden

My husband and I are in the process of fixing our garden. We decided to plant some flowers, herbs and spices, some fruit-bearing plants and vegetables around the area. In the process, we also taught it best to put some bricks as pathway. After purchasing almost 500pcs of bricks, here's how it looks...





We're going to put bermuda grass in the middle to make it looks larger and the plants will have to be on the side. We still need around 300pcs more of bricks before we can start planting. I just can't wait for us to finish it...I'm so excited on how its going to turn out!

My Sister's Wedding

It was my sister's wedding last July 16, 2010. She's the youngest in our family, though not that young anymore. It was a civil wedding and we wanted to make it a very special intimate wedding for the family. We did all the invitations, ordered the giveaways, the physical preparations in the restaurant (including the candy bar)in less than a month! Tiring but satisfying... take a peek...

My sister, Jovy and her husband, Smruti

The Guests registration table

The Reception Entrance

The wedding reception area

The giveaways

The Wedding Cake

The Candy or Sweets Bar

And our wacky family!

At the end of it all, my only wish is for the newly wed to live a beautiful life together as one... Love you two!!!

Reflections

I have log on Bo Sanchez' www.KerygmaFamily.com for a daily bible reflections.

Yesterday, I was reminded to "believe in the Lord Jesus, and you and your housedhold will be saved." (Acts 16:31) I was so much protective of my family that I was so concern of their safety, their health and well-being. Just like any other mother, it is my constant prayer to keep them safe from harm. Unnoticeably, I realized now that I hunger for God's words, the truth that will make me free. Free from any worries! I remember that believing alone is not all that matters for faith needs actions too. I needed God's words to keep me going!

I also got a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=WUQYJ77qa50) from a friend which says to "Give your life to God while there's still time."

Today's reflection reminded me that the Spirit of Jesus is within me so I need not worry! Isn't it great!

I was looking at the pile of boxes I needed to sort out because we have transferred to a new place of our own. I was already exhausted just by looking at it and I began to worry, to panic because school year is about to begin and here I am still got a lot of work to unload. When I read today's reflection, I began to calm down. I began to set my priority. And even while I'm writing this blog, I have unpacked two (2) boxes already! I don't know what you call it, but I call it MIRACLE.

Try also to go to www.BoSanchez.ph to get a free eBook from him. You'll get a soulfood letter each week. I did!

Gold or Diamonds

"HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!" to all the moms out there.



I received a message from a friend, and allow me to quote, "MOTHER symbolizes gold and children are diamonds. Diamonds are more precious than gold, but only a gold can hold a diamond! Just like a mother who holds her child so dearly."



I believe this is really how a mother treats her child - - preciously!