Importance of Having Pets At Home

We have a new puppy at home. It took us a week to think of its name. We tried to call her with the names of popular women since our new puppy is a female puppy. But then, our little toddler called her “Chavit”. Although it sounds like a male name, our little puppy responds with that name whenever our daughter calls it.

My officemates are hesitant to have a pet at their own homes because of the fear that it might bite their children. But for me, I think pets can contribute to a child’s development. Kids learn the sense of responsibility by taking care of their pet. Whenever parents are not around, they are the one responsible to feed and clean them. Having pets at home develop also the social interaction of children. As everyone knows dogs are man’s best friend; usually our kid’s first friend is their pet dog. Dogs teach our kids lessons in life, like the concern for everything that has life, and the sympathy for animals. Even movies’ featuring famous dogs teaches them moral lessons. That is why I let my little toddler interact with our new puppy with our supervision. I can see how happy she is whenever they play together.

Whatever kind of dogs it is, any type of breed or size, what is important is we should be the role model to our children on how to be responsible with our pets, how to take care of them and how to treat them just like our own friends.

Christmas Wishlist: Buying a New TV

Christmas is my favorite of all the months because this is the month when we receive our bonuses. This is the month when we buy the things we really like for ourselves. For this year, one of my wish lists is to buy a new television for our home. Since the day that we moved into our separate home, we did not have the chance and budget for a new TV. Television is one of the appliances in our home that is being used frequently. Unfortunately, this year, I still don’t have the budget to buy a new one because we are saving our bonuses for our little one. I wish I can earn more money online so I can buy a new one. My sister-in-law just recently bought an LCD TV which she got from her V-Mobile earnings. Although I don’t have the budget yet, I searched online on how to buy a TV. I hope these TV buying guides would also be a great help for those who wish to buy a TV, or I say fro those who have the budget to buy a TV (wink).

1. When buying a TV consider the size of the room where you will place the TV- the bigger the room, the bigger the TV;
2. Know which type of TV is best for you. LCD TVs consume less power but it is not that bright during daytime. LED TVs consume the lowest power and the thinnest but it is expensive. Plasma TVs on the other hand can give you a brighter picture during daytime, it is cheaper but it is thicker and power-consuming.
3. Consider your budget. Although buying a cheaper TV will save you a lot of money in the beginning, cheap TVs may only cost you high repair and maintenance expense. Aside from repairs, cheap TVs may have poor picture and audio qualities. Go for the affordable TV with one year warranty and best quality.

For the meantime, I’ll just enjoy watching my favorite TV shows with our mini TV in our room.

Cartoon Themed Christmas Party

We had our Office Cartoon Themed Christmas Party on December 16. It was a perfect time for us to celebrate Christmas, chill for a while and get together for a fun-filled party.

This is me portraying Cinderella..

office staff

Our Boss as Zorro

Thei as Supergirl

Joy as Tinkerbell

Lizel as Sleeping Beauty..

Princess Fiona

Sexy Superman

Princess Jasmine

Wilma of Flinstones

Little Red Riding Hood

Batman

Iron Man

Snow White

Minnie Mouse

Mulan

Rapunzel

Alice in Wonderland

Lara Croft

The party was a successful one. Everybody enjoyed the games, presentations, exchange of gifts and raffle draws.  It was also filled with laughter and humor as we portray our chosen characters. Our boss who played as Zorro danced with his dance instructor, Batman became sexy Superman, Sleeping Beauty awaken from nightmare, she thought she has symptoms of sleep paralysis when Zorro attempted to kiss her and Princess Fiona's funny facial expression.
Christmas is a memorable time of the year, a great occasion that should be enjoyed to the fullest. Next year, we are planning for a Christmas party featuring the Hollywood popular artists.

This is my share for Colorful Weekend

Preparing for Christmas

So excited for another Christmas with my little one

Christmas is almost here. People are busy making things for the holiday. Here are some of the things we do in preparation for Christmas:
1. I and hubby have been busy in our work also preparing for the office Christmas Party. Aside from this, we are also planning for a Christmas Party with my hubby's relatives to be held in our house.
2. We are thinking what food to prepare for the Noche Buena. Hubby is requesting for the recipe on how to make beef jerky which is a good nutritious snack for both children and adults. It has been the tradition of the Filipino families to gather together during Christmas and enjoy the delicious food for the Noche Buena.
3. Christmas is also the time for giving. Every year we put our effort and a little budget for the little things we would like to give our family, friends, relatives, office mates and of course our "inaanaks". Our Christmas Tree was already set in the first week of October, but we are still in the process of thinking for Christmas gifts.
4. Aside from the Christmas Tree, we hang a Christmas lantern in our veranda and our front door to keep us reminded for the feelings of Christmas.
5. We are planning for our visit to our parents. Just like Baby Jesus' respect and love for Mama Mary and Joseph, we would like to show our respect and gratitude to our parents.

Marriage Differences

Quotes on Love: Love until it hurts. Real love is always painful and hurts; then it is real and pure.- Mother Teresa

It is really heartbreaking whenever couples argue for many reasons, usually for differences. I admit, I am one of those wives who sometimes want to give up whenever I have those petty quarrels with my husband. We are different in many ways. Aside from being opposite in physical aspects (he is big and chubby and I am petite and skinny), we are totally opposite when it comes to personality. He is an outgoing person, I am an introvert type. Even on how we were brought up by our parents-I grew up with disciplinarian parents and he was not.

There is only  one thing we have in common: we love each other so much. Our differences will not break the bond our love has built. Instead of treating differences as threat in our relationship, we see it as opportunities for us to grow and thru acceptance we will see the real love for each other. It is true that when we love, we give each other the right to hurt us. Love really hurts, but through the heartaches, trials, and success in our lives, we managed to stand up and continue with our dreams and plans. As long as there is love, respect, communication, commitment and faith to God, we will love each other. And that will last forever.

As one of the famous quotes say:
A good marriage is one which allows for change and growth in the individuals and in the way they express their love.

This is my share for Wednesday Whites

Finally..I've Got My Driver's License!

After two weeks of a refresher practice driving, I finally got my driver’s license at LTO. I had already undertaken practice driving at a driving school in 2008 when I was still single. I was not able to get my driver’s license then since I got married after three months, gave birth after nine months, maternity leave for two months and focused on being a working mom for two years. Finally after those special moments in my life, my husband set a time for refreshing me again of driving a manual car. The difference between my practice driving before I get married and after is that I am more cautious now than before. Maybe because I think that if I will not drive in a prudent manner, I will never have the chance to take good care of my daughter for longer years. I am afraid that nobody can take my place if ever something bad happens to me.

Having a driver’s license is both a privilege and a responsibility. To acquire it is not that easy. Learning to drive a manual is hard for beginners. It is like learning the difference between speed vs velocity when I was still in high school. Speed is how fast you are, while velocity is speed with direction. You must be aware of your speed and at the same time with the direction where you are going. After learning the basics in driving such as starting, maneuver, gear shifting, hanging on hill, parking and driving on traffic, you will still have to undergo drug and medical test. After that, you will also take the written and practical exam at the Land Transportation Office. I am lucky that I got 38 out of 40 in the written exam. To be able to pass for a non-professional driver’s license, you need to get at least a score of 30. The importance of taking the exam is to study by mind and heart the traffic laws and rules of road to prevent car accidents.

Understanding the speed limits, traffic signs, feeling the car’s engine, and becoming aware of the other vehicles on the road as well as the pedestrian is really scary and intimidating for me as a beginner. Thanks to my husband who has been patient teaching and guiding me in driving.

Girl's Talk: Something New

This week's theme for the Girl's Talk is "something new"-things we did not have or done before that we were able to do for this year. I want to share  the blessings that God has given us this year. We never had these things before since we are just starting to build a family. But we are thankful to God for providing us a shelter, a notebook (my favorite gadget) and my new hobby where I earn money online.

I've never been to online job before, but now, I have my first earnings for an online freelance job

Finally we have a new home we can call our own..

Netbook: Everybody's favorite

My Younger Sister is Getting Married!

My younger sister during my wedding

Finally, my younger sister is getting married on December 16. The one man whom God prepared for her has finally found her. They originally planned for a civil wedding since church wedding is expensive. But then I recommended for a church wedding without nuptial mass which is less expensive. Wedding is one of the most memorable moments in a woman’s life. For me it matters that two people being united as one will speak their promises and commitment with each other in the church of God. The wedding will be a simple ceremony with the immediate family and friends as guests. I am giving her my full support and sharing my experiences about  wedding settings made easy.

It does not matter how lavish or simple a wedding will be, what is important is the love, faith, respect and commitment a husband and wife will promise to each other. Two bodies, two souls and two hearts will be united as one.

Love Quotes: Marriage is the golden ring in a chain whose beginning is a glance and whose ending is Eternity.

This is my share for Wednesday Whites.

Which is Better?

Part of being a working mom involves the decision making and setting of priorities.  Every moment, you always look for the better options. The process of decision-making doesn’t end after choosing the man you married. Along the way you will ask yourself which is better? Breastmilk or formula? Hiring a nanny or asking mother’s assistance? Avent or Playtex?  Hollister or Abercrombie? And for everyday housekeeping even the brands to use and products to cook are considered.

But the hardest thing to decide is setting priorities. You have to choose between career and family. Of course, family is always first. But there comes a time when opportunities come having the equal opportunities and risks. I have to decide which road I should take. Which is better:  staying on my current job in a government bank where benefits are good with guaranteed security for my family and our future but my career growth is hanging, or transferring to a government agency as an auditor where the opportunity for career advancement awaits me but the benefits are not as good as my present job? It’s really hard to decide when you know that in any road you’ll choose to take, there is no turning back. In my present situation, I and my husband works in the same company, so I am comfortable knowing that we are together 24/7. But what if choosing the new job will solve our financial issues? Choosing the new one will give me the chance to shine unlike with the present job where there is slow promotion. 

I already know which way to go. But I still have doubts with my decision and I am afraid of the possible consequences. If I want to follow my heart, I want to stay. But if I want to provide a better future for my family I will choose the new job. I chose to stay with the lifestyle I used to have, but I want my husband and daughter to be proud of me. I am praying now to God for his guidance in choosing the right one. But I hope for the one that is best for my family.

Petite Dress for Petite Mom!

 

 

 

This dress is a day and work dress from SM with buttons fastening, a turtle neck, two ruffle sleeves and a soft purple sash at the waist. I was able to used it on weddings, parties at work and during my pregnancy. (^^)

I look at my best also when I wear outfits same with my baby (bought at Purple Candy available at SM Dept Stores)

Being petite does not hinder me to wear dresses. Who says only long-legged women have the guts to wear fashionable clothes? People usually focus on how you dress rather than on the size of the person wearing the dress. It always depends on the confidence and grace of the person wearing the dress. Some tips for petite women to still look stunning regardless of their short stature are to consider the style, color, length and fabric of the dress. For an illusion of longer legs, a dress with waist just below the chest or A-line styles for shorter dresses is better. Solid color is always best for petite women, but if you prefer for the printed one, make sure it is smaller than the size of your palm.

Being petite and slim, I always prefer turtle neck dresses to conceal my bones and knee-length dresses matched with high-heeled shoes. I always look for multi-purpose dresses than I can wear at work and even in other special occasions. These dresses make me feel confident, and at the same time comfortable.

This is my share forGirl's Talk and Mommy Moments

Sleep Apnea Awareness

It is just wonderful seeing a family sleeping together. Bedtime is one of my favorite bonding moments with my husband and my toddler. I love to feel their warm body, smell their breath, and feel how secure I am with my husband’s arms and to let my baby feel how secure she is beside us.

There is one thing that bothers me whenever we sleep, the snoring of my husband and sometimes my little toddler. I wonder if they have what they call sleep apnea. Although I am already immune with my husband’s snoring, I am concern if this snoring is a health problem. I want to be aware of this problem so I googled about this sleeping order. I found out that there are three kinds of sleep apnea: central, obstructive and mixed. The common symptoms to be aware of are the excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, episodes of stopped breathing during sleep and shortness of breath that awakes you.

My husband usually snores when he is drunk and tired at work. He has also gained weight. We will consult with our company’s retainer physician about his snoring. Being a wife and a mom I should not be ignorant with the common disorders I observed with my husband and baby because these may lead to health problems.

As one of the famous quotes says:

There is no capital more useful than intellect and wisdom, and there is no indigence more injurious than ignorance and unawareness.

Wordless Wednesday: My Toddler Model @ 2!

Looking forward to be a stage mama for this pretty tot..

This is my share for Wordless Wednesday

Movie Dates with Hubby

Having movie dates with hubby is one of my ways of finding time for ourselves alone, to relax, laugh and develop our intimacy towards each other. It is very important to nurture our marriage since we are our child’s inspiration to know the meaning of family, love and respect.

We always have time, usually every two weeks to watch movie together, and one of the movies we usually wait is the Twilight Saga. I am so excited to watch it next week with hubby. Though we are exactly opposite in our personalities, I am happy that we do have one thing in common: we love to watch movies especially those famous books that are turned into blockbuster movies. We enjoy watching Harry Potter, Twilight, The Lord of the Rings, Schindler’s List and other Greek mythologies characters.

Since being a mom and wife makes me busy, I am glad that through these movie dates, we find time to know the famous people and events when we don’t have the time to read books and newspapers. Turning famous books and events into movies helps us to have an in-depth understanding of the characters and events.

Although some of these movies do not necessarily reflects my real life, I admit that sometimes these influences me in some of my decisions. No wonder I accepted hubby’s proposal when he told me “You are my life”, so sweet. And I am looking forward that after watching this “Breaking Dawn”, he might tell me “No measure of time with you will be long enough, so let’s start with forever.”

My share for Wednesday Whites

Celine's 2nd Birthday: Simple Dora-Themed Birthday Party

My little toddler turned two last week. First I was hesitant to celebrate her birthday with a party since our friends told us that birthday parties are only for 1^st, 7^th and 18^th birthdays. They said, it is not necessary for us to prepare a party since they will forget it later considering that they are still young. Our first plan is to celebrate it by just buying her a cake, let her blew it and eat outside. But then, I realized, it really matters if I put effort on preparing for her birthday even with a small budget. She may not remember that party, but I will remember those joyful eyes and smiling face as she enjoys blowing her cake while her visitor kids are singing the Happy Birthday song. It is not important if she forgot that I prepared something for her in her birthday later on. My baby is smart, I can see in her eyes as she looks at us that she is grateful for preparing a simple party for her, to let our friends and relatives know how thankful we are to have our daughter in our lives.

I just made her birthday card and invited friends thru Facebook

My toddler’s birthday party is not as lavish as her first birthday. It was just an inexpensive Dora themed party at home which is fun-filled and memorable. I just invited some immediate family members, close friends, close officemates with their toddlers too and some of our close neighbors.

Party favors, game prizes, and candies

Bought a mother-daughter outfit at SM Dept Store Purple Candy

I love this cutie pic!

See how happy she is celebrating her birthday??

Thanks to Ate Susan for helping us prepare the food, .

With her cousins..

She knows how to blow the cake, but she can't stop it burning!

Auntie & Uncle Ruben with my Sis-in-law

Relatives from her Dad's side..

With Tito Verick..Opening the gifts..

The kids enjoyed that "pabitin"

My dancing princess Celine with her cousins

one of our neighbors

Close office friends

Mother-daughter outfits!

Improvised seats!

Games!

Still energetic!

She got tired! hihi

 For my daughter on your birthday:

I thank God for giving me the privilege to bring you into the world. No words can express how much I am blessed that God has chosen me to take care of you little one. I don’t know how to be a perfect mom, but the everyday moments with you teaches me how to be a better person. Your birth has really made a big difference in my life. You awaken my heart to feel the unconditional love I never felt before. Time is really fast, I am proud of the smart and beautiful child into which you have blossomed. Today, I celebrate the day I gave birth to you…and as long as I breathe I will never stop celebrating everyday that I have you.

Linking this post to Mommy Moments.