His Funny Responsed

My son used to like going out with us. He enjoyed running errands with us or wherever hubby and I went. But not anymore. He loves to stay home now unless he wanted to buys something for himself such as toys, his fave food or playing with friends or going for a swimming. 

One time hubby and I were craving for an ice cream for dessert after dinner. We told him to get dress so we can go to Braums for some ice cream and also to get some milk since were running out of it. Hubby and I just laughed when we saw him came out of his bedroom. He was wearing his pajamas. And when we asked way was he wearing his jammy, his answer was: because I don't want to go out...just want to stay home; you guys can go! Yup, that is his way of telling us that he wanted to stay home, lol! Good one, my son!

One of My Fave Quote

The family is eternal. Love must be nurtured. It must be spoken. We must put away our pride, our haughtiness, our shyness and misunderstanding, and with humility say "i love you", "Is there something I can help you?" You can never be happy under any circumstances. ~ Marjorie Pay Hinckley ~

I really believe that this is true. Being humble takes away any pride we keep in our hearts....for pride will never make you neither your family happy....instead it breaks relationship, marriages, homes and the future of innocent children. Let us take away our pride so we can express how much love we have for them....no matter what the circumstances are.

New Luggage for Trip

Last year when I went to attend my grandmother's funeral back home, I brought gifts for each member of my family. Gift giving or “Pasalubong” in our dialect which is “Tagalog” is one of the thing we do no matter how near or far we live or went to for a certain period of time. Doing this not only makes me happy, but most of all , I love the feeling of seeing them happy even with just small and simple things I do or give to them. I also sent box full of goodies for them usually a month or two prior to my trip. With all the goodies and gifts, my luggage were accidentally broken because of improper handling of by the workers at the airport. I didn't even realized that it was broken till I arrived at my destination. I felt bad because it was one of the things I tried to take care of so it will last longer. Oh well, I think we don't have a choice, but to buy a new one since we are planning to visit my parents at the end of the year. I need a Titan luggage for it is durable, and the quality is best. I am pretty sure that this time, my luggage will never be broken even when it is being handled improperly. My aunt who is a frequent flyer has a titan luggage and it lasted for years. In fact, one of her nieces still uses it. Going back on our trip to the Philippines, I know it is still about 10 months more to go, but I am already excited to see my family again...and they are excited, too since it will be the first time for them to meet their son in-law after 9 years of waiting.

How to Make Your In Laws Like You

You live a happy life with your husband/wife, idealistic in fact, apart from one thing - the dreaded in-laws. It's the same old story- they don't like you, even though you want them to. Perhaps they don't think you're good enough, or they just don't feel you fit in. Maybe you set the Christmas tree on fire by accident, and they haven't recovered since. Here's a guide to get on their better side.

1. Discuss the issue with your spouse. If anyone knows your in-laws, it's your spouse. You should try to find out what they do and do not like in people so you know how to act around them. You may find out that your in-laws do not like when someone is "too nice", so to speak.
2. Treat them with respect. Unless they've done something terrible (such as abused your spouse or something of that nature), you should treat them with respect. Respect goes a long way, and you might find them being able to open themselves up easier to you.
3. Act polite. If you put up an attitude, they're less likely to take to you. However, if you say your please and thank-you's, they will most likely see you as a friendly, approachable person.
4. Smile and act as though you're glad to see them. This will most likely cheer them up about seeing you, as well as making you appear friendly.
5. Bring gifts that interest your in-laws. Gifts are a great way to show how much you like someone. Find out what kinds of things your in-laws are into, and give them presents. Make sure you remember birthdays!
6. Talk to your in-laws. You can talk about an array of things. Discuss what you both have in common- it will lighten the atmosphere, and you may be surprised to find how many similar likes you both have. Try to avoid arguments, as that can quickly turn into bitterness against you.
7. Become comfortable around them. If you act tense and uncomfortable around them, they may become the same way. Your in-laws may become offended if you act distanced from them, and may think that you do not like them.

Jake at School with Friends

Another set of Jake's photo at school with friends and his Dad.

With Cody who is a very good kid and loves being with my son.
...here with his Daddy after the activity at school.
and his bestfriend, Jason who used to be our neighbor. These two little guys were inseparable be at school or at home.

Equal Partnership

"The family proclamation states that a husband and wife should be equal partners. I feel assured that every wife in the Church would welcome that opportunity and support it. Whether it occurs or not depends upon the husband. Many husbands practice equal partnership with their companion to the benefit of both and the blessing of their children. However, many do not. I encourage any man who is reluctant to develop an equal partnership with his wife to obey the counsel inspired by the Lord and do it. Equal partnership yields its greatest benefit when both husband and wife seek the will of the Lord in making important decisions for themselves and for their family."

Richard G. Scott, "Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well".

We Couldn't Sleep!

It's been 4:20 in the morning, but here I am still awake busy updating my blogs. For whatever reason, I couldn't sleep when it is way passed my bedtime. Just now, hubby got up from bed telling me he couldn't sleep either. What is going on? We both don't know. Maybe it is because we are excited to go to another place where we would spend our weekends before heading home to Ashland. I am still not done with my other tasks like packing our stuffs up and doing some opps. Hopefully before 5:30, I will be done with computer so I can start packing. Have a nice weekends, everyone!

My Cousins and I

These are couple of pictures taken with some of my cousins during my recent visit to Philippines. We haven't seen each other for a long time and it is amazing how much each one of us changed a lot. One thing for sure, we are all married now and have families of our own.
I wonder what changes will occur after three years. Reunion will be done three years from now and I couldn't wait to see them and their families once again. For sure, Matt and Jacob will be going with me no matter what. We have had so much fun reminiscing the past.

Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth

"…A home is much more than a house. A house is built of lumber, brick, and stone. A home is made of love, sacrifice, and respect. A house can be a home, and a home can be a heaven when it shelters a family."


"....When the seas of life are stormy, a wise mariner seeks a port of peace. The family, as we have traditionally known it, is such a refuge of safety. ‘The home is the basis of a righteous life and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfill its essential functions."

Thomas S. Monson,
Ensign, Nov 2000

Vacation to Panama City Beach!

It is my dream that someday or in the near future to go on a vacation with my family, particularly near the beach. It would be nice if my family from overseas can join us. Then, when that happens, I would like us to stay in a rental home or condo, so we can have privacy in a spacious yet cozy environment just like home. I want the feeling of being home where we all feel comfortable. Talking about feeling like you are still home, that means it will not be boring stay like when you are in a hotel. I know the right place to go and that would be Panama City Beach vacations. In there, you will really feel like home because of the the amenities such as multiple bedrooms, roomy kitchen which I love, for I want to cook also while there; free wireless internet, easy access to the beach, great views of the ocean, extra towels and linens and of course, the privacy. I really like to stay at Sunbird, a beachfront condo in Florida Panhandle/Gulf Coast North. This condo is a family oriented complex with pools, tennis courts, shuffleboard and game room on-site. It is also so close to top rated family restaurants, zoo world and state park. What a perfect place, what a perfect vacation when you go to Panama City Beach! The rental rates are very affordable; you can choose from the time you want to go: Winter 01/01/06 - 2/28/06 $ 65/day $380/week, Spring 03/01/06 - 5/23/06 $ 140/day $799/week, Summer 05/24/06 - 8/15/06 $ 150/day $840/week, Fall 8/16/06 - 10/31/06 $ 110/day $650/week and Winter 11/01/06 - 12/31/06 $ 85/day $450/week $750 month. What are you waiting for? Visit their site and book your beach vacation now!

Our Church Experienced Today!

When we went to church today, we were surprised to see the sacrament hall full of members. We were late for few minutes and ended up sitting in the back. Once again, we have learned a lot from the testimonies bore and lessons being taught. My son has a new teacher since it is the beginning of the year. During one of the testimonies, my hubby and I were thinking the same thing without realizing it. When we got home from church we have talked about it and decided to enforce it in our daily family activities before going to bed; we know it will help us as a family and as individual in achieving our spiritual goals for this year.

The Cousin's are Having Fun...Playing!

Jacob and Cody were playing here with toys they got from Santa. Still wearing payamas and haven't even breakfast yet!

Cody and....
Jacob...
together!

They were having so much fun because this was their first time to spend Christmas together. I don't think they would be as happy as they were here if we didn't come to their place to celebrate His birth :-). We sure were glad we've come!

Our Christmas Celebration!

My family and I celebrated our Christmas at my brother in-law's place. We got there on the night of 24th safely. We didn't get the chance to talk much because it was bedtime already for the kids, so what we did, were went to bed early, too! On Christmas day, we all woke up early and opened presents. Jacob and his cousin Cody were very happy and excited with their gifts. I was so surprise with all the gifts they got from Santa! After we opened our presents, have breakfast and played with the kids outside. We all have fun. Then we went to his in-law's for lunch. It turned out that his in-laws were very nice people and easy to get along with. Foods are abundant and yummy. I was also glad to be able to talk and greet my parents and sibling before we left. Had I not called them early, I probably haven't talk to them. They were all happy and excited for the Noche Buena. How I miss my family in the Philippines so much! I hope that next year we will have time to spend Christmas with them. Anyway, took some pictures while opening gifts and will post them here later!

My men are both sick!

Since my son is sick, I can't go to my appointment today. I have to be with my son. So I phoned the the sister in the church who doesn't drive to tell her that I can not drive her today; luckily before I said something, she told me that she is babysitting today and that we need to reschedule our appointment next week. Thank gooness! Now I can be with my son without worrying, plus I can blog, too! Hubby is having a diarrhea so he came home from work and is now resting. My two poor men :-( ! I hope I don't get sick, too so I can continue taking care of them.

More Pictures Taken...

We were about to go up in the Memorial Building here; I just thought we need a souvenier...

and here we are, where I was a standing where the momorial building was the background, pretty nice! then here was hubby's turn. It was really cold in there and yet there were a lot of people. I can imagine how much more if it wasn't cold at all. The place would probably be crowded.

A Dream Place to Retire

One of my husband's greatest dreams is to live in a forestlike area. Washington he told me is the place he want's us to retire where most of the time is raining and foggy and close to the ocean and Canada. I think I can live anywhere as long as we are together. This picture is one of the scenery you will see in some parts of Washington state.

Jake's first cotton candy

My son is barely a year old when I took these pictures; we went to one of annual activities children who stayed at the NICU when they were still a baby. Anyway, it was in Medical City hospital-Dallas.

His first cotton candy with Daddy...

oh, here was his first bite..

Take Turns Watching T.V.

I haven't been watching seriously T.V. for a little while now and it was funny this morning I sat down, turned it on and started watching "That 70 Show" it was funny and the casts are all hilarious and I was laughing like crazy alone. It is fun every once in a while watching t.v. alone. My son owns our t.v. now; we coudn't even watch the news. Every time we turn it on, he will just say " I want to watch my show, Mommy or Daddy". It's crazy! So what we did; we only let him watch his show when he finished his foods, clean up his mess and put away his toys and clothes to their proper places.And also we take turns watching our favorite shows. And set aside time watching t.v. or video together as family.

Just Us on a Sunday Afternoon...

Yesterday, after church while driving on the way home, I saw this people carrying their picnics chairs and setting it up on the side of the road. Some people were already seating and waiting for something to happen which I didn't know what. I figured it out right away. So when hubby and son came home from church (we used both cars because hubby needs to be at church early for a monthly meeting), I told them that there is a parade in Downtown Ashland and we need to see it. So after eating lunch, we went to see the parade even though it was really cold outside.

So took some pictures of us while waiting for the parade. Here is Jacob beisde the car.

then, hubby and son, Jacob was tired of Mommy taking pictures that is why he wasn't looking.

Here begging my son to stand with me while Daddy is taking the picture.

Still not looking here, oh well, just me!

Busy watching the parade while I took pictures of them and the parade.

Father and son bonding time as well as enjoying Sunday family activity outside home!

Playgroup and Mom and Dad's Night Out!

Jacob, Luke, Selina and Ruby eating their lunch here at Rebecca's house during one of our mother and child group dates.

They are having hotdogs in a bun, apple juice and grapes...yummy!

This one is taken at church where we left our kids so parents can spend time together, a dinner date...sweet! They were atching t.v. here after doing some arts and crafts, singing and eating.

This is one of those activities we do at church back in Texas that we really miss so much!