Thank You 2009

Another year will soon leave and a new beginning to set place. We're still very thankful for the material things that satisfied us. But the most important are the reasons and purposes, the thoughts that made 2009 a worthy year, inspite of the hardships and loss. Tell me, CHANGE played a big part this year right?

On a personal note, 2009 has been very kind to me and my family. So much milestones as a parent has been achieved. So much lessons learned and discoveries made to take as motivators.

Related Entry: Thanksgiving Entry

Thank you 2009 for these achievements, discoveries and lessons. It made us complete, it made us open ourselves to new perspectives.

With that, we gladly accept every challenge for the years to come and look at it as opportunities in disguise.
With that, we will continue to keep a healthy mind & body.

With that, we will continue to show our love in service to other people.

With that, we will live a simpler but a meaningful life.

With that, we are greatly honored to have reached a new chapter in our lifetime.

No more fears, only new beginnings... Let us take every challenge to the next level and take it as a learning curve. Pray & Hope for a good, humble, a God-Fearing, God- Loving leader who will serve as guidance to a cleaner government system. Good life, Good Health, Clean living for all Filipinos. Inspiration for others and Being a Positive Thinker.

Fireworks Sm Mall of Asia

My life in the blogosphere will remain the same. The things that will make it different are the new tales that I will share with my boys as another year unfolds.

It's All About Family This Holiday Season

As the saying goes:

"The most important gift around every Christmas Tree is the presence of the whole family..."

If we're going to talk about the true essence of Christmas, Christ was born with Mama Mary and Joseph by his side. I was told that the Nativity is the true symbol of Christmas, and I would like to share with you our wonderful experience this year. Christmas with the Cruz Family has always been fun. Especially the time when my father-in-law was still around to celebrate it with us. The whole family from my husband's side was present. Things changed 2 years ago, mostly left for the U.S., my father-in-law passed away a month after Christmas of 2007. It was just sad to see that we're all going our separate ways. We celebrated Christmas 2008 like the usual, but we're still grieving with the lost of a special loved one and reality--- it was just different. Especially when we're used to celebrating with the whole family.

This year, it was our time to get back on track, we're completely adjusted and made the holidays extra special once more. My husband got us a new desktop to enjoy, [EFX Kit-BL-GLD] Effects Board Kit with GOLD PLATED connectors for my husband, camera accessories for me, Franky went shopping at Toy Kingdom. As gift, we made him grab whatever he wanted.

Even if we're oceans apart from our family in America, it didn't let us down. Thanks to the awesome gift of technology, the internet. It made us feel that we're just side by side, opening gifts together and greeting each other Merry Christmas. I have my own family now... and the important thing is being able to celebrate the holiday season with my boys. That is something great to be thankful for. Besides, my husband made sure that our Christmas tree is going to be full of gifts to give away.

Let me take this moment to give my message of love and appreciation to my other half--- I was choosing a card to go with his gift when I found an extraordinary card with an extraordinary message stacked in between the Christmas cards...

The message: Celebrate Every Day With Me My LOVE

"What I love most about my life is living it with you. I am so thankful to know the kind of love we share. You make me so happy. You bring me joy. I feel so fortunate to know that dreams do come true and love is a trusted force that direct our hearts to know what is best for us. In the deepest part of my Being, I know that I'd be lost without you. Our dreams and goals keep me hoping, caring, and planning. Because of you, I wake up every day excited about life. Our love is the reason I have a song in my heart. I want to go on sharing my life with you forever and I hope you will celebrate every day with me, my love."

-Donna Fargo-

The moment I read the message, I knew that this card was meant for him. Exactly what my heart has been wanting to tell him on Christmas Day.

0o0o

Other than celebrating Christmas with my family, The Laras (my side) were all present. For the past 2 years my brother Nano, was always busy with work. He is a Manager for a fast food chain , and knowing him as a responsible person, he never leaves his team at work even on Christmas and New Year's Eve. We supported him all the way, but it made us feel incomplete. Family makes us complete as a person, regardless of our status in life.

In my side of the family we also have this bond to be present especially on special occasions. And God granted for all us to be together this year. My brother took a time -off from work and was able to join us.

It's been a long since our last family picture. I have the camera, but I don't feel like taking our fam pic when I know one is missing. I truly embraced this moment with my family. 2010 is going to be a special year for the Laras. I am very happy for our parents. In everything they do, they never fail to include God in every achievement and trial in life, being thankful for the Graces we all have been receiving every day... that's why He Granted a long time dream to come true. Unveiling soon...

Holiday Greetings From My Family!

"The most important gift around the Christmas Tree is the presence of the whole family..."

To our families, relatives, friends, my online friends... on behalf of my whole family, I'm sending you this warm message of love, cheers and thanks for 2009 and for more great years to come. For the wonderful experiences that made us complete as a person through mind, body and soul... for the trials we conquered and for our greatest dreams to come true.

Have a memorable time this holiday season!

Mother and Son Took The Center Stage

Yes! another milestone indeed as to what the school directress told us in her opening remarks. Every mom knows what I mean. For a first time school mom, this achievement was hats off for my son's effort and overall performance. We are very proud of him. This is his first performance on stage and mine as a mother. We enjoyed, loved and cherished every moment of this experience.

Our Little Drummer Boy

Every dance number was different from the other. It was a creative venture of ideas. Kudos for the hard working teachers who were able to make the event a giant success.I would also like to thank them for giving this opportunity so I can contribute as a parent. I was invited to join the other moms for a dance number. Of course, I will never say no to anything that will open a chance for me and for us as parents to show our support to son.
I was coping with everything. Doing my regular chores, preparing for Christmas, bringing my son to school for his dance rehearsals, and at night, I go out to practice for my presentation. And the day before our presentation, I sprained my ankle. It was terrible, I couldn't sleep, it was very painful. But again, I know that He will never let anything come in- between. God is good, He made me feel better for the Big Day. Though I still can't jump and do some bumps, it was ok. I was able to dance.

It was all worth it!

It has been a good school year for Franky. My wishes came true before 2009 ends. It would be a blessing to stay active with various school activities for the years to come. My son gladly appreciates our presence. Not only did it brought out his confidence, it was also the boosting force behind this happy Little Drummer Boy.

Doing The Rush

For the very first time, I am doing the Christmas Rush. I am one of those who will do their last minute shopping 2-3 days before Christmas. We did some shopping early in November, but it wasn't for everything because most of the things we bought are the dry ingredients for our Noche Buena. Things that we can store in the pantry. Of course we want every ingredient to be fresh by the time we cook it.

With the unexpected additional activities, I am now caught between dance practices for my son's Christmas Presentation tomorrow, finalizing our Christmas list and coordinating with my husband on when he's fully available to drive for me. I mean, it's better to get stuck in traffic inside your own car, than in a cab right?

note: I have my own dance presentation with the rest of the moms aside from my son, so make that the 2 of us practicing the whole week.

Hay... I might cancel making fresh pasta for the holidays. I still have chocolate candies and chocolate- coated biscuits to make as giveaways. Making chocolate candies has been part of our Christmas tradition. Everybody from relatives, friends and colleagues, they want it!

Not to mention, more new clothes, gifts, gifts gifts! wrappers, wrappers, wrappers! I have so much planned for this season. Will still buy Poinsettias to make our home more appealing this Holiday Season. I also need to get a new tripod, my old one is not useful anymore. Well, I bought it for Php500, so that explains why it broke down easily. Anyway, tomorrow is the big day for our Christmas Presentation, it is going to be held at the LSGH auditorium. I know all the hard work will pay off. It is also my son's first performance on the big stage. I am already proud of him.

Like what we all say, "That's Life!" and yes, this is the life of an extraordinarymom---multitasking to max!

Thoughts Of A Child That Completed A Mother's Heart

This may be the greatest blessing I have ever received this year... Thoughts from my very own child... It got me teary-eyed, it completed the Mother in me. Bringing my son to school is one of my greatest achievements as a parent. And it is one those high aims I have been meaning to hit for the longest time. The time when I was still of a very young age, thinking what if--- it is already my turn to have my own family, will I be able to give my children the very best of everything?

That question has been answered by own little boy. A surprise gift made with his own little hands.

This is one moment we all shouldn't miss. Our children may create the nicest card ever, but the message is the most important. How they answer back to those tiny droplets of hard work we poured just to give them all the goodness in the world.

How were able to mold them into good, obedient and respectful children. God Bless you Franky and Thank You for being such a sweet boy. We all love you, and yes, lolo will watch your Christmas presentation on Sunday. I love you...

Cake and Dark Chocolate Lovers

May I take this chance to thank the whole Red Ribbon Management for the rare experience they shared with me this year. For the gift coupon, for the opportunities given in order to share my Red Ribbon moments with my family. It was truly an honor. 2009 was a great year for me. It was filled with good opportunities for SHARING and SERVING other people. And like my usual story, I shared my Chocolate Walnut Fudge Cake with the whole family.
My parents, my siblings and of course, my very own family of 3. I had to wait for December 13 so that I can claim it straight from my hometown, be with my family and have a perfect cake moment again with them. I have to say, that the Chocolate Walnut Fudge Cake with Hershey's Dark is our cake for this season. It's simple, if you're a cake and chocolate lover, this is the ultimate dessert for you. If there's a chocolate bar to look for in every ice box we have in our homes... all you will ever find are bars of Hershey's Dark Chocolate, and I'm talking about the biggest bars you will see in every supermarket shelf. My dad and I would go all the way to a PX shop in Makati just to buy in bulks. So desirable that my Dad drove me everywhere, in every Red Ribbon branch around our area just to check which one has a stock left. Lucky enough, we were able to find a branch who served us with the last cake they have.
The moment I took the cake out from the box, 2 members of our family which we consider the "kings of cake and chocolate" took the center spot.

That would be my brother Nano and my son Franky

This 2 boys... they never choose the time, the place and the occasion on when to have a piece of their favorites.

They were very excited to take a bite of this mouthwatering delight. You might notice that I don't post pictures of myself with any of the cakes I shared with my family. I'm happier seeing them and capturing memorable shots of my family satisfied and happy. That makes me feel complete.

As you can see, the cake is compose of dark chocolate rolls on the sides. For the kids, I bet they'll feel that this cake popped- out from their dreams overnight. I share that same feeling. Imagine, a cake from the finest ingredients covered and coated with the best dark chocolate ever created, Yummy!

PBW---Pirates, Arrrr!

For once in my blogging history, let me share how I have a good time.

This mom took a break over the weekend. Not just an ordinary break, it was her ultimate getaway for this year. And when I say ultimate, that involves an awesome party with a cool crowd and theme, 100% pure fun, laughter, good friends, good food and tequila! I was given all the time to look for a babysitter, thanks to my sister Les, hugs for you! Had an awesome evening with my husband. It was a night to remember.

On board the 7107 Island Cruise Ship, the pirates partied all night long. Arrr!!!

with friends: me, frances, aries and jl
Drunk? - Not--- Yet
We had beer to start a good night, took a lot of pictures, explored the yacht, stayed at the bar.
Our shot glasses
Cheers to a good year!

A toast isn't enough we had to take another bottle of Tequila from the bar. Not to forget the salt container.live music from an awesome bandmore fun, more friends with ellen and selena!with ellen and rach

This party was an opportunity for me to once again feel the life I used to live. The life my husband shared with me when we started going out some years ago. I do miss our usual night outs, not that what I have right now isn't fun. I love the mother in me, the wife and the person I am right now. I feel great sharing some pieces of my story to this people. And it was nice to be around my husband's arms at the same time.

Anyway, aside from having a good time, I was also checking on my little boy at home. Making calls, and texting. I'm still a mom, and my responsibility doesn't end even if I'm out of our home having a blast.

Friends... this is where you'll find them. I seldom make posts about our circle of friends, the people we're with are not only friends to us, but family.

To share your pixel-full weekend, go to:Pixel Bug Weekend

Christmas gift suggestions:

"To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect."

- Oren Arnold

-source-

Sharing My Blessings This Holiday Season

I prayed for something better, this year it is going to be different.

I know it is very unnecessary to mention charity works or count the no. of times we've done this deed. But with the big change, let me share this good news to you guys. Charity work has always been part of my life not only during the holiday season, I giveaway stuff monthly. The only exception I have every Christmas is giving more than the usual.

I am very happy to share that aside from our monthly charity contribution, I will be giving away some of my Red Ribbon gift certificates as gifts this Holiday Season.

To be honest, the total amount of GCs I got was just too grand for me. 3- 4 cakes to celebrate my birthday, Christmas, New Years and my husband's birthday is enough. Not to forget, the Cake Coupon I received just recently. The blessings... it's over flowing. I thought, I'll save the rest of my GCs and wait for Christmas to give it away. I haven't given them out yet, but just the thought of it, it's so humbling.

It is one of the special envelops that I will be giving away on Christmas. I also plan to ask my mom to create an extra game on Christmas day, a set from GCs is going to be the prize.

* I would like to thank Red Ribbon for the wonderful experience.

Pixel Bug Weekend- Meralco's Maliwanag Ang Pasko 2009

I have been missing a lot on PBW. For the past weeks, we have been busy with work and school. Then we end up saving the weekends to rest. This past weekend, we went out and continued our usual weekend exploration. Sunday was the main highlight. Aside from doing some clothes shopping, we also went to see Meralco's Christmas display.

I've heard about this over the news late last month. Lucky we were at the Ortigas area, so we decided to drop by. It's for free my dear friends. Bring your family over, the kids will love it.

It was a fun night. The season is actually here. The breeze of the cold weather, shopping here and there, lights everywhere, the gentle smell of our cold mornings and cool evenings.

All we wanted as parents is to see our child enjoy whatever our community has to offer. Franky was very much entertained by the lights that surrounds the Meralco grounds.

Inspirations: Consistency Is A Gift

Please refer to these words:

Consistency- firmness, harmony, compatibility, holding together and a retaining form
Constant- faithful, persistent

So what did I learn from the last event I went to... Consistency in general is a gift.

Constant when it comes to relationships, constant purposes and reasons why you are present, constant on just being true to others and being yourself. With consistency and balance, we bring good vibes and positive thoughts. Be a friend to everybody.

"My life is a joy filled with love, fun and friendship all I need to do is stop all criticism, forgive, relax and be open."

"I am my own unique self - special, creative and wonderful"

Red Ribbon's Chocolate Walnut Fudge Cake

Over the years, Red Ribbon Bakeshop has come to be known as the leader and innovator in cakes. With its best-tasting signature cakes, yet again, Red Ribbon is ready to give more of that unforgettable cake experience.

Introducing, the newest member of Red Ribbon's Premium Selection

The Chocolate Walnut Fudge Cake!
Total Indulgence, a Once In A Lifetime Treat, Perfect This Holiday Season...

As we officially enter the Holiday Season, all of us are bound to look for that special cake that carries the extraordinary flavor we are looking for. Perfect to celebrate with family and friends or as gift to our loved ones. The new Chocolate Walnut Fudge with Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Red Ribbon’s newest addition to its Premium Selection made it to the top. It is made of a layer of creamy chocolate mousse on a bed of moist fudgy brownie, both loaded with chopped walnuts and finished with dark chocolate ganache, sprinkles and long chocolate curls all made with Hershey’s Dark Chocolate to make it even more irresistible.

Chocolate Walnut Fudge will surely be the sweetest, the grandest and the most memorable addition to every celebration this holiday season.
The new Chocolate Walnut Fudge with Hershey’s Dark Chocolate is available in all Red Ribbon stores and select booths for P680.00. Offered only this holiday season, it’s the perfect ending to any celebration.

Best served with a cup of Red Ribbon's Brewed Coffee
more here: Santa’s Wish Cake

Avatar--- Our Year-End Movie

I miss watching movies... New Moon is out, 2012 is out, the Grudge went out already. The last flick I watched was "Up". And it is a cartoon. With ours, my son sometimes call the shots. I had to get a babysitter, in order for me and my husband to watch the movie we want that is sometimes not fit for a 5 year old. If this is the case, we wait for the DVD of that certain movie we didn't see, to come out.

As my husband and I were breezing for new movies to come this December, we found out that Avatar is going to be shown before Christmas. Yehey!

Hopefully, before the Manila Film Festival movies takes over cinemas here in the Philippines, we will be able to watch Avatar. That is, before the year ends by the way. As frequent movie goers, we do feel bad that we missed a lot this November '09, at least a good flick to end 2009 will make us feel complete.

If you're a sci-fi movie fan, Avatar is a must -see movies by James Cameron (Director of Aliens, TITANIC, True Lies and Terminator 2).

Genre: Science-Fiction
Directed by: James Cameron
Written by: James Cameron
Starring:
Sam Worthinghton, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang,

Playing Dress Up With My Favorite Toy

Photography is a very expensive hobby. A good lens may cost as much as buying a new and upgraded DSLR, & I wanted one for my birthday and for Christmas.

But since I still lack knowledge and the proper skills, somebody advised me to take lessons and join workshops first so I can improve.

Taking pictures has always been just a hobby for me. Later on, I saw both the serious and lighter side of it. It's not just a hobby that can open one door. It opens all doors and windows in the field. The wide range of opportunities in store... so why not get into it 100% right?

I will get to gain a lot. Like discovering new things, make new friends, enhancing creativity and imagination, learning from other people. At the same time, I already have the heart for it and I enjoy doing it, which settles everything by the way.
Finally, after contemplating for months, I decided to take Photography lessons before totally upgrading to a more specified set of tools for my photographic experience. Basic to Advanced. After finishing my Basic Photography workshop, that's the time I plan to get a good set of lenses and a speedlight of course. Immediately, I can proceed to Advanced Photography.

Thinking on how I will go about it kept my mind blocked from blogging. My mind was totally blank for the past weeks.

Anyway, yesterday I bought myself a new lens. Something that I can use so that my old one can rest.

50mm f/1.8II ( and for about 5 minutes I was imaging myself holding a Canon 50 mm f/1.2 L USM)

I'm after the aperture for this one. It's small, lighter and gives sharper images. It's a fixed lens, so I will be adjusting if we talk about range. I also bought a set of diffusers and a filter.

Orange diffuser

The whole week, I have been figuring out whether I should buy a super- duper nice lens, I ended up toying around. Meaning, adding a little color to the kit I presently have.

Blue Diffuser

A translucent diffuser was also included which softens flash light for a consistent tone. With one of the smallest DSLR at hand, a colorful set of diffusers and a cute new lens, my camera literally looks like a toy right now.

Little Green Thumb

We all had our Monggo seed planting moment right? I planted mine in a soft layer of cotton with water. And it drew out my curious side and eventually, led me to confusion. It was weird thinking why my seed grew from a piece of wet cotton.

Well, my son's experience was far different from mine. Thank God they got rid of that cotton theory and Franky was asked to bring a cup of good soil for planting.

Looking at my son's heartful work from planting a seed to growing a plant, was another moment for me to cherish.

I didn't even recognize that he planted monggo seeds, I thought it was peanut.
Smiley Face

His mission, to keep the plant alive by watering it everyday. Next, I'll teach him to plant vegetables that we can also use for cooking.

Happy Tuesday to you guys!

My Homemade Christmas Decor

My husband and I were thinking that our Christmas Tree was lacking something. We wandered around at some department store to look for the right Christmas decor. to make the tree complete. Twigs, twigs, twigs! Silver twigs is our solution to that missing ingredient. But hey, we didn't just buy in an instant. One twig costs P120 each. A piece of thin, plastic twig. I mean, come on!

So, my husband told me, "we'll make our own Christmas Twigs".

With any Spray paint (color of your choice), "real" dried twigs (small branches will do), some glitters, gloves and a protective mask, let's get it on with the Christmas decor making! A paint brush will come in handy too.
Cover your work place with layers of old newspaper. Start spraying per leaf. After spraying, quickly apply the glitters. You can tie all finished twigs with a ribbon of different color, stick it to your tree, or get bigger twigs, then hang Christmas balls.

I first learned about making Christmas decors through my mom. She would also use twigs for our Christmas tree. Twigs she got from our front lawn. This is also a new discovery that my husband is so into it too. Love it!

More to follow and with our Finished Christmas Tree. (Naubusan po kasi ako ng spray paint, akala ko madami pang laman yung can namin dito hehehe!).

Streaks Of Silver and Blue

Early today, my husband played a bit with my camera.

Streaks of Silver and Blue from our unfinished Christmas Tree.

I wasn't really in the mood because I don't look presentable and had to pick up my son from school. But it was cool. I like it.

Actually I tried some shots of my own after. I like the candy cane effect. By the way, we have an unfinished tree because we're still drying out twigs we picked from a tree over the weekend. The twigs will be spray painted with silver and will be covered with silver glitters too. We're making our own Christmas decors.
Smiley Face

Undecided--- Taking Lessons On Photography This Coming Summer

As we all know that I am bound to create a portrait studio. One of my main concerns before doing this is to be able to understand the concepts behind this field and the must-haves on setting up a studio. During the recent International Book Fair held at the SM Convention Center, my dad was able to talk to an old friend (now, a professional photographer). Of course, they talked about the old times. My dad shared with him that I was interested with what he does. So, the prof photographer suggested that I take lessons in a famous school for aspiring photographers in Intramuros Manila ( which I've heard from some friends too). I really wanted to enroll, but I was thinking that it might be expensive. What did you know, its very affordable. It will take sessions on various fields on photography to get certified.

Certified, meaning, you can now "at least" have the right to have your own studio, work for and with a group of professionals. I cannot say as a "professional photographer" because I understand that there are levels to work your way up to become a "true professional".

Nothing can be safer by getting certified first before working on projects. I'm out to make a big investment to equip myself with the proper tools. Proper knowledge should go with it too.

Since I am fully not available this year (with my son going to school) I'm praying that when summer comes, hopefully, my schedule is going to be more flexible. Enrolling in this program is my Dad's recommendation, I want it too. Then he will help me with the rest. It's a very easy thing to finish, especially for a person who really wants to learn. It's the availability of time that makes it complicated.

Managing Your Space

As paying tenants for 5 1/2 years since we got married, we have studied the process, the loops and holes of having a place rented or lots being sold. It is easier to have a middle-man, let's say a middle- company that specializes on this to do it for you. My parents was able to sell one of our properties just last month. Its a good thing that we know a great real estate company to do it for us.

Real Property Management Midwest has received "Franchise of the Year, Honorable Mention" award. They are the fastest growing property management company in the country. Helps owners rent their places quickly, we collect the rent, inspect the properties 3 times per year to ensure that the tenants are taking care of the property. We cover the cost of any eviction (if necessary). We are the best property management company in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio. Real Property Management allows you to focus less on managing your properties and more on what you want to do.

Stitches Made Out of Love

I opened the gate for the guy who delivered these. It was overwhelming to see a work of art straight from the heart. My mother is a stay at home like me. Since the hobby of cross stitching began, I knew that this will be my mom's ultimate past time. She gave me and my husband a big frame containing one of her firsts, as wedding gift.

With all the available time she has, she had her and my dad's picture scanned and made into cross stitch patterns. This picture of my mom was taken before she enrolled in Abs-Cbn for an acting workshop. Hair and Make-up by Bhoy Navarette. This picture brought her to experience the world of acting. She did some commercials too.

This picture of my Dad is my mom's favorite. It reminded her of my Dad when he was still courting her. The sweet, candid smile... It is indeed one of my Dads perfect smiles.

Next in her pattern list is the picture of the whole family. She is also planning to make individual cross stitch of us (her children), for their new house. I can't wait for that!

The Giant Christmas Tree Is Up!

The gorgeous Giant Christmas Tree of Cubao is up! This tree has been with us since we were kids. I used to remember that my parents would always bring us to Cubao to see this Giant Christmas Tree then watch C.O.D's yearly Christmas Display (which is now shown in Greenhills).

Thoughts the night of November 8, 2009:

*It's just recently I got exposed to the true beauty of Cubao... I am very grateful that we are residing in one of the most balanced community in Metro Manila. It will truly break my heart if I say goodbye to this memorable place. My husband grew up here and now our son.

*Walking the streets of Cubao is relaxing. Believe me. It is the most laid- back city I have ever known. Quezon, City to be specific. We know if the person is from around, simply because he/she is wearing her/ his "pambahay". The nice part... we're one of them, and we don't really mind.

Life as simple as drinking your favorite drink while looking at the highlight for this season and having a fun, relaxing night with the family... is worth saying--- I lived!. I will go back again to visit Cubao later! See ya!

Share your Pixel-full weekend with us @