New Year

There’s been hardships last year but I feel that there is more to be thankful for than anything else. Aside from that, it is not really healthy to be counting the negative stuff. No matter how bad the situation might have been, just being alive surpasses all the pain. That is the number one thing I am thankful for- being alive and healthy. Thankful for everyone’s (my family and friends) presence in this world.

Second that I am thankful for is that in spite of the bad economy, my husband is able to keep his job and truly appreciate that he is doing his best to be able to provide for the family. I don’t want to be a hypocrite- I know that there were times that I complained about not having enough and I forget the more important things in life and because of that, I will try to be a better person this year- I have to keep reminding myself that as long as we get to eat everyday and we don’t owe money from anyone, that is enough.

Third that I am thankful for is my daughter, Madi. I wish to have atleast one more child but if circumstances don’t allow it, I would honestly be happy with Madison. She is a beautiful child, healthy, and smart. She brings joy to everyone especially to me and Jon. She is just the best thing I ever had and I love her- I can’t ask for anything more.

There is really more to be thankful for if you really think about it. You should try to sit and reflect on it because it is good for your mind and soul. I wish that everyone achieve their goals for 2010, good health, peace, and love. Happy new year!

Scrapbooking, I Like!

I have loved photos ever since I had my own camera- I enjoy taking pictures and I collect them. I started to scrapbook and archived photos when I was in sixth grade. I would create my own journal, put pictures in the pages and write stories about the photos. Sad to say that there was a time when I was in college that I got rid of them for some personal reason.

When I had a baby shower, my sister-in-law gave me a baby scrapbook so then I started getting into it again since I now have the time and also because I want to do something that I can give Madi when she grows-up. All the pictures and events in the scrapbook has its own story or insights from me that I’d like to share with her. I am also sharing some of the pages I created to you in this website (on my Projects page) and some in Facebook.

Scrapbooking takes a lot of time especially if you are a mother like me. It’s hard to find time with all the chores that needs to be done so I really don’t get to do as much scrapbooking as I want to. However, another reason I like to do it is because it makes me feel good- it brings out the creativity in me and it gives me the chance to recollect and reflect on some events. And after you are done, it’s satisfying to know that I have recorded a memory for my daughter, for me, or whomever is or are in the pictures.

Been Gone

I have not blogged for quite sometime. I got too preoccupied with all my duties as a mother and wife but everything is great- just been busy and busy for me is always a good thing.

Many things happened over the past month. Jon is still working in New Jersey so we try to do a lot of family activities every weekend, some family members got sick (my brother-in-law had a heart-attack for one), Madi and Jon both had cough and colds due to change of weather, my brother Aldous bought a house, my brother Aaron arrived in the U.S., my sister got a new job, a very bad flood in Manila affected many I know, a nephew from a first cousin caught swine flu (just heard today), Madi has been hard to handle (running around all day, touching everything, making mess)... a lot of stuff going on that I cannot afford to sit in front of the computer for more than five minutes without interruption (mainly from my baby).

I have no idea when I will start to be consistent on my blogging. Somethings always come up whenever I am about to get a hang on a routine that I need to adjust again and figure out a new one. But then again, no complaints- just trying to explain that I am still here and alive. I hope you all are being productive too and well.

Family Visit

Madi, Josh, and Alec

We drove to Virginia on Friday to see my siblings. We have not seen each other since Madi’s birthday in April. Another reason for the visit is to celebrate with Aldous and his family their new house. I am just proud of Aldous and Anne- they have been blessed with two wonderful kids and as parents, they have done well for the kids. 

Alec, my youngest nephew, is growing. Like Madi, he too is a very happy baby. What I enjoyed most in this reunion is that the three kids had a good time playing with each other. Josh is of course grown-up but in spite of the age difference, he loved interacting with Madi and Alec. I truly adored watching the “three monkeys” together. It reminded me of my own childhood and it is always nice to remember the good old days- being a kid is simply the best.

My sister, Elke, a kid at heart, naturally enjoyed being with all her nephews and niece. It was a fun family visit and I hope to see them again soon... and I hope next time, my parents and Aaron will be here too.

We Are Sick

Madi started to have a bit of a runny nose on Sunday then it got worse today. I think it is when children get sick that parents worry the most. Especially for kids who are still too young to talk- it is hard for us to figure out what exactly they are feeling. Like I can see that my baby’s been having a hard time sleeping but don’t really know how difficult it is for her, you know. Aside from that, at this age I can’t really give her any medicines. I just hope she gets better soon... I don’t care about anything else as long as my baby is healthy.