The Joy Of Having All The Space

Aside from getting another desktop last Friday, my husband added a 500gb portable hard drive for my pictures and blogging needs. From documents, music, and most especially photos both original and edited copies.

Exact brand I bought

It's really a great help to separate my files for blogging. It does not only save time, but space as well. And knowing that you have all the space you need, you can actually take all the photos you want, file more articles without having second thoughts.

Boo!!!

Meet BOO. A Belgian Malinois.

The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) (pronounced /ˈmælɪnwɑː/) is a breed of dog, sometimes classified as a variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog rather than as a separate breed. The Malinois is recognized in the United States under the name Belgian Malinois.

A 4 month old Malinois. We always make it a point to buy pets (most of the time dogs and fishes) while they're still young.

For the dog, we will be able to train it accordingly and we also learn the right process of growing a pet. Complete with papers and vaccination.

A Belgian Malinois is known for a lot of things.

As a working dog for personal protection, security work, search and rescue, and sport work.

-source-

It is a very active dog. I remember posting some years back in my first Multiply blog that I wanted a Black Labrador as pet. Same reasons, so we can train it and still work as man's best friend. I appreciate having a pet that's active, that grows really big and at the same time gives the love and tenderness we want from them.

Over the weekend, we enjoyed a long walk with Boo. We plan to bring him with us on Saturday for Franky's sports fest which is going to be held in one of the parks here in Quezon City. He's very friendly by the way. He loves to jump, run, and jump again and play fetch.

Our Kind Of Adventure

One of the family activities we have planned for this year is to go Camping. It's been a long time, we had this on plan since last year, but it was very difficult for us to find the right location that is safe. We found 2 camping grounds. One in Tagaytay and another in Subic. Camping Equipments are one of the things that we have already settled.

Tents, sleeping bags, camping tools, camping table and chairs are all ready. It took us months looking for a sturdy tent and other reliable equipments. Outdoor Clothing, the only item we have on our list. Once were able to sort on the clothes we need, we will be out camping soon!

Mommy Moments--- New Favorites

If there's going to be a #1 favorite on the list, that would always be my son's CITY. He mixes some of his toys in order to build.From his crayons that works as chimneys, his Thomas train tracks, his Road Builders, his Ferrari toy cars, blocks and Lego pieces. This is a good sign that his imagination is working and it is truly giving productive results.#2 would be his bicycle. Even inside our unit, he bikes, and I let him play, I let him bike around and have fun. Every time we go out, we would take his bike along, put it inside the trunk of the car, just in case we pass by a park, an open space. Anywhere we know that will be a good place to enjoy with his bike.

#3 He loves ice cream! and me too!

#4 He likes sharing with my Frappuccino like all the time! I know he is just after the whipped cream.Join Us Moms @ Mommy Moments

Lucky Chinese Tag - First Tag For 2010

Would like to thank Willa of A Life That Is Less Ordinary and Jona of A time to weep and A time to laugh for sharing this tag with me. First tag for 2010.

8 TV Shows I like to watch:

1. The Office
2. Spongebob Squarepants
3. Late Night News
4. Rachael Ray
5. Ellen DeGeneres Show
6. Family Guy
7. A.S.A.P (noontime show every Sunday)
8. America's Next Top Model (kaya laging late dito)

8 Favorite Place to Dine-out:

1. Pepper Lunch

2. David's Tea House
3. Something Fishy
4. Heaven n Eggs


5. Teriyaki Boy

6. Trattoria Uno Cubao (but it closed down, I hope they open up again) This is where I had my first dinner date with my husband, after we met.

7. Bellini’s Cubao8 Things I look forward to:

1. My husband's birthday celebration next week
2. - 2
3. - trips
4. Basic and Advanced Photography Lessons this summer
5. Franky in preschool
6. Our 6th Wedding Anniversary
7. Franky's 6th Birthday
8. Celebrating the holiday season in our new place

8 Things that happened yesterday:

1. Dreamt about my late father -in -law. Prayed the Rosary and Offered Mass in memory of his 2nd Death Anniversary.
2. Transferred money to my bank account from my Paypal.
3. Took care of Franky who's sick with colds and slight fever.
4. Finished the DVD of Boys Over Flowers hehehe!
5. Laundry.
6. Cleared our shoe cabinet, got rid of the old pairs of shoes and placed the nice ones in order.

7. Cleaned my Havaianas and place it in individual plastic containers.
8. Cooked Spaghetti

8 Things I love About Winter:

We don't have Winter here in the Philippines and I haven't been to any country where I can experience this season. But personally, I do have my ideas and dreams about Winter. Looking at pictures and reading stories from other bloggers, I would probably:

1. Enjoy making a Snowman and a Snow Angel.
2. Picture Galore.
3. Treasure A White Christmas.
4. Shop for new set of clothes.
5. Cherish drinking Hot Choco by the fireplace listening to some old Jazz music.
6. Go to a place where we can learn Skiing or Snowboarding.
7. Love to watch the snow fall at night.
8. Just loving the thought that we're able to experience Winter. I hope that it will happen soon.

8 Things I’m Passionate About:

in random order

1. Love for Family
2. Our Faith that binds us.
3. Working around My Kitchen
4. Blogging, sharing some bits and pieces about Life and Family.
5. Our small ways of spending quality time together.
6. Taking Snapshots.
7. Living Life to the Fullest
8. Just being Myself.

8 Word/Phrases I often Use:

1. What!?
2. Hey Franky! How are you?
3. Give Momma a kiss and a hug...
4. How's work baby?
5. What's new? (pertaining to the events outside, since I stay at home everyday).
6. Ang sarap naman ng amoy ng niluluto nila... (pertaining to our neighbor's cooking)
7. Hmmm...
8. "Parang gusto ko ng __________. "

8 Things I learned from the past:

1. See the good side of everything.
2. Be sensitive not only within your 4 walls, but towards the whole community and society.
3. "to each his own" (this is all about respect)
4. Take every opportunity as a blessing in disguise.
5. Life is what you make it.
6. A Mother's Love is always unconditional.
7. Treasure the Past, Cherish and Live in the Present.
8. Life is full of Ups and Downs. Problems will always be part of it and the solutions within our reach.

8 Blog Friends I want to tag:

1. Mom’s Special Diary
2. Seikos Diary
3. Bitz ‘N Pieces
4. Thoughts and Obsessions
5. Just About Anything
6. Rose’s Obstacles and Glories
7. A Time To Weep and A Time To Laugh
8. Me, Myself and Darly

Circle Of Fun

Last Saturday the family went out to have lunch with a friend and our Ninang whom we also consider as family. She was my best buddy in college and she was also my maid of honor. We had lunch at Serye Quezon City Circle. It was a peaceful Saturday. People were out jogging, playing ball, strolling and enjoying a relaxing day. After parting ways with our friend, we took Franky's bike out of the car, so he can bike around. We planned ahead, QC Circle is a nice place to go biking without any hassles.

My boys--- my husband helping Franky off the sidewalk and on to the main road for bicycles. We walked around and discovered Circle of Fun. Right now, I am telling you guys that Quezon City Circle is indeed a Fun Circle. It is the only park I've seen that is safe, clean, covered with trees, with big grounds covered with grass, that also has a playground, a bicycle area, food area, an amusement park and have clean bathrooms.

Imagine Circle of Fun as the mini Star City or Enchanted Kingdom. Most of the rides are for kids. The fun part, the adults can ride it too.

I was totally into Waterball.

I rode Leap Frog with Franky.

Entrance Fee: Php20

Rides costs Php30-50 per head

It was an awesome day! We loved it! There were no boundaries, we rode almost everything with Franky. Something we can't do in the usual, big amusement parks.

Lucky or Not- Solar Eclipse January 15, 2010

I got really disappointed I thought I missed it. Well, I over slept this afternoon. When I went online, some friends Plurked that it was still ongoing. So I immediately went to our condo's rooftop hoping to capture this wonderful event. It was very cloudy and the wind was very cool.

I do consider myself lucky and blessed. I was able to experience 3 Celestial Events for the past 6 months.
1. Solar Eclipse July 22, 2009

2. Just recently, I was able to capture the rare "Blue Moon"- A Lunar Wonder January 1 & 2, 2010

And as we begin 2010, I was able to witness a new one. To my surprise, today's eclipse was also the longest Annular Solar Eclipse for the millennium. I was able to view it wearing my sunglasses and through my camera's lens. But it didn't manifest on my shots. I used an improvised filter, but it didn't work.

I may not be successful taking the picture of today's Solar Eclipse, but I am grateful to witness it with my own eyes, and was still able to take a spectacular image of the sun.

"Photographing an eclipse is possible with fairly common camera equipment. In order for the disk of the sun/moon to be easily visible, a fairly high magnification telephoto lens is needed (70–200 mm for a 35 mm camera), and for the disk to fill most of the frame, a longer lens is needed (over 500 mm). As with viewing the sun directly, looking at it through the viewfinder of a camera can produce damage to the retina, so care is advised." -source-

The next total event is the solar eclipse of July 11, 2010.

Mommy Moments--- Newborn Days* Our Firsts As Family

Giving birth was one of the most treasured moments of my life. I had a normal delivery, it was painless, my doctor took good care of me, I was very comfortable in the hands of the best nurses.

Looking at our little angel made me realize one thing. Life changes. It is a change that I know will mold me into a better person and a loving Mother. I stayed in the hospital for 2 days. My husband was beside me all the time. He took the graveyard shift while I rest, as I became the mom for the rest of the day and night.
We didn't have a hard time during the first 3 months of Franky. There were times when he's awake from 3am-5am in the morning. Sometimes, if my husband is too tired, I take over so he can rest too. We help each other. It was very fulfilling and inspiring.
It melted my heart when I saw my boys bonding together for the very first time. My husband bloomed into an amazing person. If he was the ultimate husband, he's the best being a Dad. He was very attentive while my mom, my son's pedia doctor and the nurses were teaching him the firsts on taking care of an infant.

If there's something great to be thankful for... that's God giving me the privilege to become a Mother and showering me and my husband the blessing of having a happy family.

Share your treasured moments with us, go to: Mommy Moments

In His Shoes

It's one of the things I enjoy as a wife--- dressing up my husband and obviously, he is loving it too. If there's a thing to improve when it comes to my husband's wardrobe, that's adding a good pair of new shoes. The one that he will really love. He is very particular about the color, the style and quality when it comes to footwear.

He has a lot of shoes, but I noticed he doesn't wear them all. Men, they have their favorites too. He loves wearing his leather shoes for work, like all the time. He said that it is very comfortable, but then, if it's the only pair he'll wear, it will get worn out easily. I was asking him if he will consider buying a new one, but he's too busy with video torrents. Looking for the flick where he saw the shoes that he like. From some of the blogging money I earned, I said, "okay let's just go out, and I'll buy you a nice pair of shoes". It was an opportunity for me to proceed with my plan while his mind is somewhere.Still from Lacoste. We like this brand very reliable. But this time, I made him choose over a more casual selection. This was his first choice, but he thought it's too brown. Good thing that they have this in different colors. So he got a black- medblue pair. It was a good- looking pair. Not too casual, it has that funky look but not too much, perfect for casual shorts, jeans and pants.

Finally, I've accomplished my great fashion mission. Wooh! So what's next, of course I got something for myself too. The highlight--- I found the cutest MNG purse in deep red!

Mom Hopes To Fulfill A Grand Dream Vacation

I'm not really in a hurry to go to Boracay. Peak or Low, my family has always love the beach. It just so happen that I was looking for another getaway location for my family. I asked my husband to scout on Boracay packages, hoping we might nail a good deal. I for one, has never been to Boracay. It would really be an awesome experience to finally go and check- out the famous island with my family.

Since my husband was all ready for work, I did the surfing myself.

I've been told that Boracay also holds a great list of the cheapest accommodations you can ever imagine. But then, you're going to lose the whole essence of you're main purpose. To relax, to get pampered, to have a good time, to eat good food, to enjoy nature and sports. Then, at the end of the day, all you'll want is to go to a room that will make you comfortable and dream for another good day in Boracay. Of course it will depend on how you view things, how you'll picture your vacation.

As for me, I want it just right. An unforgettable stay in a clean resort near the beach, tasting authentic Boracay food while watching the Boracay sunset. But too bad I can't afford it yet... as you can see, I am just a stay at home mom. And here I am blogging and hoping to win the greatest Boracay Package for my family.

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is celebrating it's 5th year business anniversary during July of 2010, and we would like you to have a chance to celebrate with us, so we have decided to give-away a FREE Boracay Package complete with 5 Star accommodations at the luxurious Le Soleil de Boracay Beach Resort on Boracay Island.

0o0o

Win a Free Boracay Vacation Package by WOW Philippines Travel Agency

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is celebrating it's 5th year in business during July of 2010, and we would like you to have a chance to celebrate with us, so we have decided to give-away a FREE Boracay Package complete with 5 Star accommodations at the luxurious Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel on Boracay Island. The lucky winner will win the following Boracay vacation package.

Vacation Package Inclusions:
- 5 Days / 4 Nights Luxury 5 Star Accommodations at the Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel
- Flights to Boracay from Manila to Caticlan Airport on Philippine Airlines
- Island Transfers - Door-to-Door from Manila to the resort and back to Manila
- Three (3) Meals each day, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Boracay Activities - Horseback Riding, Island Hopping, Glass Bottom Boat
- PLUS - 5,000 peso Spending Cash

Read More Information: http://www.boracay-packages.com

0o0o

I'm very hopeful to win. I really want it. With God's Grace I will be able to take my family to a grand vacation (for the first time). A new experience to remember and will be filled with moments that we will cherish and treasure forever.

Blogging On A New Phase

Hey guys! it's been awhile since my last post. I'm trying this new thing--- making my weekend "blogfree". Things has gotten more serious for us since the first day of 2010. Serious in a way, that my husband and I wanted to make our goals for the future to be clear as crystal water. You know, putting our words into action. Sometimes, if we share too much, something prevents it from pushing through.

My family is going to move to a new place some time soon. Anyway, packing and moving may take away some of my own time blogging. As much as I want to share, I can't tell where were moving... Part of bringing things to action is not putting things into details. And this is one goal already happening. So yehey! it's working!

Since it is going to be a new beginning for us (again), a new year, a new place, it is a perfect chance to make some changes online too.

I've decided to be more choosy of the stuff that I will share over the internet. Mostly for personal reasons. As in personal, just me. Family will always be the subject of my blogs, and as always, FOOD!

If you might ask, why? Over-all, this is to prevent unwanted visitors from getting ideas about me, prevention from making comparisons and stealing information. I just want to play it safe.

It's a thought that came to me one night while I was having coffee with some friends. I saw the excitement of keeping some pieces of my life private online. I looked at our friends and asked myself, "should I blog about this wonderful night?" Usually, as soon as I get home, I'll upload the pictures and start blogging. The feeling was different this time.

It's "that" part of my life I haven't fully opened yet. Well, I'm trying to keep Photography on a different level too. For now, the camera will just be a camera. I am keeping these (friends and portraiture) as it is, leaving them half-open just to be more on the private side. I want to keep this special people to remain a mystery, my photos in a simple story, the very same people and interest that's been completing me as a person aside from my family. These 2 go well together...

If we have the option to share everything, we also have the choice to blog without giving too much info, at the same time, we can still make it worth reading. Besides, all I mentioned was just being choosy on some stuff, not totally erasing everything, so expect for some surprises along the way.

Mommy Moments---Something New and Our New Year's List

I wanna start fresh with Mommy Moments. In fact, let this be one of my goals for this year- to be able to submit an entry. How often? Well, that will depend on the theme, if I have something to share or none. Anyway, since I'm off for a new beginning, let me share 2 MM entries for this week.

MM for January 1, 2010 SOMETHING NEW and
for this week January 8, 2010 NEW YEAR'S LIST.

SOMETHING NEW:

If I'm going to share new things about him, it will definitely has something to do with his likes and new interests.2009, my son bloomed into a kid.Being with him everyday, I witnessed everything. His transition from playing colorful blocks, to toy cars, to assembling train tracks, and now he loves art, colors and putting his imaginations to life. Last Christmas, as gift, his papa and I took him to Toy Kingdom and gave him the freedom to choose whatever toy he wants. He got my hand and took me to the Creative Area of Toy Kingdom and grabbed a box of Rainbow Brush. He hugged it and gave it to me.

http://www.rainbowbrush.com/

RainbowBrush® Books bring out the color and excitement of rainbow art with their charming character scenes and fun photos. Sturdy and colorful, each book comes with its own set of markers; while the easy to follow, step-by-step instructions keep readers entertained and interested as they learn and create. These specially developed books contain bright colorful illustrations and photographs to aid the learning process.

RainbowBrush® is the world's first patented true rainbow marker. RainbowBrush® Markers deliver vivid colors which blend seamlessly, every time, due to their ingenious design. Simply pop open the cap of your favorite colors, snap the pens together & apply the tips to paper for beautiful, bright colors that blend like magic. Discover how easy it is to have your child's imagination come alive in vibrant, rainbow color.

Everything you need to give children hands on learning experience to inspire and delight.
- Make drawing fun & easy for everyone to learn
- Become an instant artist
- Capture vibrant rainbow-color in your artwork

Here is a drawing which he copied and followed from the Instructional Dvd, that came with the box.

It's a sunset image.

Other reasons why RainbowBrush markers are great:

• The ink is non-toxic,
  
• water washable and

• long lasting.

He was very excited to open his gift. Yeah, he knows what's wrapped inside. Let the anticipation to open the gift make it more thrilling. Exactly like a marshmallow test. On Christmas Day, he got a new bike from his grandfather (my dad). My dad gave a away bikes for his grandsons and a violin, for the only granddaughter.

This was originally our gift, but we found out that his grandfather already has plans so we opted for another. And we don't want to ruin the moment for the both of them (Franky and his Grandfather). Thanks again Lolo!

NEW YEAR'S LIST:

Unlike before, I would usually consider posting about my interests too. But things have changed since Franky started going to school. All I keep for myself is Blogging. I had the chance to get a new lens and other accessories for my camera, but I chose not to anymore. I'd rather save it or use it for my family's sake than mine. To make things easier, I will just post our goals for our son this 2010.

• A fun summer activity for Franky. Both with us his family and summer school. We saw his eagerness to be in school, I know he'll enjoy summer this way.
• He will be in Pre-school this year. I pray that he will be able to cope well in preparation for the big school :)!
• Travel--- we plan to go out of town soon, as early as the first quarter of 2010. As much as possible we like to bring him around, not only once but as much as we can and as long as we can. Any place where he can enjoy nature and family time together.
• We surely like to see him get into sports.
• Celebration of his 6th birthday. For every birthday, I consider it as a milestone. It's just amazing and such a blessing to be able to follow your own child's growth and development. So far, these are the things that are very important to us.

The rest... we'll cross the bridge when we get there...

To share your wonderful moments, go to: Mommy Moments

Here's a picture from our MM meet-up

Me, CHRIS! and Jona
More power to Mommy Moments as it moves forward reaching its first year and for more precious years to come!!!

Ezy Rollin' with Ezy Roller

The holidays are over, but gift- giving is considered good all-year- round. My son is very fond of any toy with wheels. He actually received a new bicycle for Christmas. But it doesn't stop with a mere bicycle. Because every time we would go to a toy store, he would always get a free try with something similar to an Ezy Roller.

Ezy Roller is a three-wheel cart without pedals, a chain, or batteries. Instead it glides forward controlling it using your feet. Every part of this roller is very solid and sturdy. From the tubular steel frame to the canvas seat. It rolls on non-marking polyurethane wheels and bearings. Suitable for kids aged 3-14. Kids at this age are very restless, they want to try everything. It's the perfect toy for every growing child. Unlike rollerblades, Ezy-Roller has a handbrake built in and top speed is about 12mph. You can buy them in Pink, Red and Turquoise Blue.As for me, I want to redo our bedroom and own some personalized pillowcases as decorative pillows. I have read so much on personalizing pillowcases. It brings the usual bedroom look into a whole different level. All you have to do is to match it the right way.
This Chocolate Minky Dot pillowcase actually matches our covers and comforter. Great gift for friends and loved ones, especially for newlywed couples. When you travel by car these pillowcases will look nice. I mean, if you're going out on a fun road trip, might as well bring something colorful and fluffy right? For the kids, a nap mat will answer their every need. Nap mats are padded and lined with nylon and cotton with a ribbon trimmed, soft, fleecy blanket.It rolls up and has a Velcro closure with carrying strap. It has a soft fleece blanket attached and a removable foam pillow. All items are great if we're going to talk about comfort and style.

A Lunar Wonder

Once in a blue moon, we witnessed one on New Year's Day and the day after. While having dinner January 1, 2010, we were astonished by the the sight of the great moon. I had struggles on taking pictures and wished that I have a telephoto- zoom lens.

A "blue moon" is also used colloquially to mean "a rare event", especially in the phrase "once in a blue moon".


Two full moons in one month:
* 2009: December 2; December 31 (combined with a partial lunar eclipse visible in some parts of the world)
* 2012: August 2, August 31
* 2015: July 2, July 31

The next time New Year's Eve will fall on a Blue Moon (as occurred on 31 December, 2009) is after one Metonic cycle, in 2028: at that time there will be a total lunar eclipse.-source-

2009 bridged us a magnificent entry for 2010. We're very grateful for these welcoming experiences.

According to popular definition, a blue moon is the second full moon in a month. But don't expect it to be blue – the name has nothing to do with the color.