Zoe's Day Out

Hello everyone. If you have visited my other blog here, you can see a similar background although the pictures were taken on different dates. In my other blog, I featured mostly myself and my eldest daughter Chloe wearing same style and color of clothes. In here, it's more on baby Zoe :-) 

 

We always attend mass at Xavier University chapel so after the mass, we walk for a while to proceed to our vehicle and we passed by Loyola house where Zoe and her dad posed. 

  

 And of course, the photo op is not complete if me and Chloe are not included, hehe.
 

 Baby Zoe's white baby gap blouse matched with stripey leggings was a gift from my aunt from the US. This was given last year and it's only now that she's able to wear it :-)

Manila Ocean Park

Last time we traveled as a family was in February 2010. We went to Manila for a short vacation. It was Chloe's first time to be there and she had her grandest vacation ever. My cousin offered to drove us around Manila and Chloe was just so happy about it :-)

One of the places we went to was Manila Ocean park. My little girl was just too happy to see different sea creatures. Well, let the picture do the talking.

(L) Outside cousin's house in Parañaque (R) At the entrance of Manila Ocean Park

(L) Chloe and Daddy; (R) Blue-spotted Stingray

(L) Sharks behind Chloe; (R) Me and Chloe

The little jeepney driver =)

Me and Chloe

Baby Zoe was not yet born at this time but she was inside my tummy. I was about 4 months pregnant in this picture. When Zoe's old enough, I plan to bring her to Manila and see this memorable place.

Linking this post to:

Family Portrait Cake

I celebrated my birthday last January 12 (Thursday) with a simple dinner at home with family and relatives. Hubby and I also celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on that day. Time indeed flies so fast for it seems like yesterday when we tried to slice our cake together...

Our bittersweet 10 years was blessed with 2 beautiful kids, Chloe and Zoe. They were the precious gifts that I received from God♥

On my birthday, I only wish to have a beautiful cake so I contacted my baker friend, Zen of Isabel's Confections. My mom used to buy me cakes at Goldilocks but this time, I told her that a friend will make me a personalized cake. However, she still bought a small cake as per Chloe's instructions (shakes head)...

Going back to Zen, I only asked her 2 days prior to my birthday and glad that she accepted it. We came up with a photocake and I was so happy with the result! See pics below:

An Edible Family Portrait Cake
Butter Cake , Boiled Icing ,Gumpaste Decor
by: Zen of isabelsconfections.tumbler.com

Another angle of the cake... To let you know, Red is my favorite color :-)

Chloe made a heart ♥ shape... Our Family picture (I'm wearing the PMC shirt)

The family that blows the candle together, stays together ;-)

Linking this post to Yummy Sunday by:

Love it!

Guest post written by Kevin Beach

I love working with my family but the best part has got to be the flexibility. There’s something to be said for not having to explain to a boss why you can’t be at work in the morning and I never have to do that since it’s my mom and my brothers who I answer to – they always understand! I’ve actually started working from home with my wireless internet Sacramento service a few days a week and that’s been great for my wife. She’s able to take off and get more errands done while I’m at home with the kids and it’s just made for a happier more calm family life in the evenings because she’s not as stressed. I love that I’m able to see my family every day and that we can come together to be a real team. There’s nothing better than having colleagues you can absolutely count on and at the end of the day I know my whole work environment has my back and that feels really good, you know?

The Big Winner over Manny Controversy

We attended the 11 am mass at Xavier University Chapel. As expected, only few people attended. In fact, the streets looked deserted when we went there. Whenever there's a Manny Pacquiao fight, it seems that the clock stopped here in the Philippines. You can hardly see anyone outside the house, the streets looked empty and you can see less people at the mall.

But I love it! My family and I loved it because we owned the street and the road going to the mall. We can easily find a parking space for our car, at the church, there were many vacant seats and allowed us to choose the better post and when we were at the mall, the saleslady or salesman attentively listened to our requests because we were their only customers! bwahaha :))

Although watching the fight would have been interesting, we don't go out of the way to buy a ticket to watch it live. We can always ask someone from the social network who won the fight. We don't even care if we watch it on late telecast. Perhaps because, on my part, I'm not really a sports-minded person but my support for Manny will always be there.

Oh, I've heard that the fight today with Marquez was controversial. A lot of Filipinos were disappointed with Manny's performance. Well, whatever they say but who cares! Our kababayan won and that's all that matters!

But I felt like a big winner here. I was able to shop at the mall and enjoyed the day with my family.

Ballet Show at SM

Chloe's ballet school had a show last October 9, 2011 held at SM Atrium. She was very excited and very much looking forward to join the dance.

I enrolled Chloe to a ballet school last April 2011. She was not a born dancer but thru practice, I guess she will be able to dance gracefully. She wanted to enroll in Hula Dance but later changed her mind to ballet since the school was also offering Hawaiian/ Tahitian Dance, which happened to be her favorite dance :).. Sharing to you some of the pictures taken during the program:

With her ballet classmates & posing for the finale with their teacher

Giving me a pose on the stage

Family picture

I love being a mommy to these kids. Someday, baby Zoe can join her Ate to dance on the stage and I'm sure, the stage mommy will always be there to support :D

My entry for:

Family and Home

My husband and I are currently thinking of landscaping our garden after we had our home renovated a few months ago. Although we are not so into gardening, still, we wanted the facade of our house to look nice and presentable. We have several plants in our garden but they are not put in their proper place that is why, the thought of hiring a professional landscaper came into our minds. We also wanted to have a small playground set-up for our kids.

When all is done, perhaps we can put the Adirondack chairs at the garden where we can enjoy seating while watching our children playing. And I guess adding playground equipment will complete the look of our garden.

My husband also mentioned to put Picnic Tables in our garden but he canceled his idea since the area is small, it can’t just fit everything. So, I think we would rather go to our nearby park and have our picnic there while sitting at the Park Benches. Perhaps we can do that this coming weekend where we are also going to meet with other members of our family.

All Soul's Day..

October 31 is already declared a holiday here in the Philippines in preparation for the celebration of All Soul's Day on November 1.

Every year, my family would gather at Oro Gardens because it's where my late father was laid to rest. I can't believe that it had been more than 10 years since he passed away. I miss my dad but life has to go on.

I am planning to go to the cemetery late afternoon of November 1. I think it's not hot at that time but I hope it will not rain also. My hubby will come with me and so are my 2 kids. My mom, my brother and sister in law will be there so that makes only 8 of us. I hope my brother in Manila and his family can come home to visit but if not, I guess we will be seeing each other on Christmas Day.

So far, this is my plan for November 1...

My Plan This Weekend

My sister-in-law and I are planning to have a meet-up this weekend. I'm looking forward to it because we had not seen each other for months, only online. It's different when you talk in person than talking over via the computer. My family will come with me so that our kids can play each other.

She told me she will bake goodies for me and that's one of the reasons why I have to go there, hehe. I don't know what will I bring but I'll just worry on that very day (",). We will just bond at her place and reminisce our good old days.

TGIF!

Thank God it's Friday! Because tomorrow is Saturday! hehehe.. It's my last day of the week to wake up early in the morning (I'm already up by 5:20am) to prepare breakfast and help my daughter for school. This morning however, I was struggling to wake up. I really wanted to sleep coz I felt too tired. Perhaps blue moon appeared this morning for my hubby took over as he was up so early reading his e-book. He cooked breakfast but I did the rest. At least my sleep was extended for a good 15-minute.

Weekend means it's time to go somewhere either to shop or visiting friends and relatives or just simply strolling with the kids anywhere in the city. Oh, I'm so looking forward on it!

My Brother's Wedding

A picture of my brother, Ken, and his wife, Anna, during their wedding day on May 2006. They are now blessed with a 2 year old son they named CK. I was their matron of honor on their wedding day and I was so glad that my brother found his partner for life. They are now residing in Manila because of their work. We seldom see each other unlike before where they just dropped by anytime at my place.

I just love this silhouette effect...

Their wedding portrait.

My entry for:

Excellent!

I went to Chloe's school last week for a Parent-Teacher Conference (PTC) and I was so happy to see all A's in her report card, including her conduct (and no minuses!).

But I was more concern on her socialization skills if she has improved and so far, she's now very well adjusted as a grade 2 pupil. She used to be very sensitive before, she was quite picky with her friends because she was afraid they might quarrel her or hurt her feelings. But now, she found new friends, learn the essence of girl bonding and I often see her running around with her classmates! --- Well, that's what I call ~ normal. *wink*

Her teacher informed me that Chloe usually tops the quizzes and always came up with the best answers being asked. With what she told me, it made me more proud of Chloe. I hope you don't mind my bragging here but am just too happy to share coz I never received these kind of grades when I went to school, haha.

I rewarded Chloe with a book coz it's what she asked =)

A Very Busy August

As soon as the calendar hits August, it was kind of busy at my household. After my eldest daughter's first quarter exam ended, she had cough, cold and fever. Then, the following week, they celebrated their Civics, Nutrition and Filipino Week ~ but more on Linggo Ng Wika week. She was busy preparing for her storytelling in Filipino and when that was over, she attended their salo-salo of native food at school. But when some of their activities were not graded and her attendance was not needed, I let her rest at home so that she will be fully recovered from her cough.

For this week, Chloe prepared her storytelling in English. She was called this morning because she volunteered. She said she doesn't want to be the last to be called. I'm glad at age 8, she is that brave and so eager to face the audience. They were also given a note inviting them to audition for some sort of a Talent Show. Chloe is so eager to audition because she wanted to perform onstage but I refused. Not that I don't want her to but because I knew that she still needs to practice a little. She wanted to sing but she's not been practicing it for over a year. I guess it needs to be polished and we have a very short time to do it for the audition will take place tomorrow afternoon, I guess.

Next month, it will be their foundation day so they are now busy preparing for their presentation. For the 2nd grader, they will have a mardi gras and my kid's also excited on what she will wear. She's thinking about the carnival that she saw in Rio the movie, ha! ha! Well, that's my Chloe! So eager to do a lot of things but am glad she always put her studies on top of her list.

Happy 1st Birthday Zoe!

Today, July 12, 2011, is my baby Zoe's 1st Birthday.
We just stayed home for we will be celebrating her birthday this weekend.
How time flies so fast. It seems like I just gave birth to her yesterday.

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, ZOE YSABELLA!

Teddy bears and seas of blue
Smiling in honor of you
An infant, not long ago
Now, one candle is aglow
You are growing up so fast
How quickly a year has passed
You are special, sweet, and wise
A present before our eyes.

For a year, I’ve watched you shine
An angel I can call mine
Sent from Heaven, just for me
Filled with hope and dignity
A blessing, now and always
You brighten all of my days
Precious child, I love you so
More than anyone could know.

Baby’s breath and sun-filled skies
Ladybugs and lullabies
Starry nights and bright moonbeams
Tender hearts and lasting dreams
Each, a gift within your view
During this time, made for you
May only good things come your way
On this, your very first birthday.

(Jill Eisnaugle’s Poetry Collection)

Our first family portrait with baby Zoe this time

Rocky Road

A friend of mine once confided to me that his mom used to suffer from gambling addiction. He shared it to me when he saw where me and my hubby used to live. Our place was familiar to him for it was where his mom used to gamble. He mentioned he almost carried his mom and the chair she was sitting just to let her go home. His mom soon stops but their family had a hard time dealing with her, and so was his mom. Finally, his mom went to see a counselor on how to deal with her addiction and slowly, she recovered and surpassed everything. I was glad hearing on my friend's story for all of them never gave up to each other.

Too Far From Home

Hello everyone! Sorry wasn't able to update here coz I was kind of busy lately. Thanks a lot to all my blogger friends to took time to read and comment on some of my posts. I've been trying to balance my household chores and time for my kids especially with my 11 month old Zoe. Her older sister Chloe went back to school, too, and she's now in grade 2. I've to wake up early for her and prepare breakfast and things she needs for school.

Our house is currently on renovation that hubby and I decided to move out for awhile. Our kids and I are staying at my mom's place. Hubby would come here but go to our house late at night because somebody must check and see to it that it's safe. I hope this would be over very soon for I am so tired driving my daughter to her school for it's so far at my mom's place, whereas at our home, it only takes 5-10 minute ride. Now, it will take us 30-45minutes (!) if there's heavy traffic.

Anyway, be visiting your blog soon. I'll just do some update here and some of my opps and go to sleep early for tomorrow I need to wake up at 5:00 am. Be visiting blogs this weekend ;-)

Zoe is 9!

My baby girl Zoe turned 9 months old last April 12, 2011. At this month, she can already sit without support and crawls fast. One of her lower tooth erupted but I was glad that she didn't get sick or anything. Even with Chloe, I didn't have a hard time dealing when she was teething.

It seems that Zoe has a cake every time she turns a month older. Thanks to her sponsors for buying (her 2 grandmas) and we ended up eating her cake.

Me and Zoe


Zoe and her cake; Chloe took a picture of us and look at the result ^.^

Ate Chloe (big sister) helped Zoe blow her candles; Happy with her grandma

Remembering My Dad

Last February 19, 2011 was my dad's 10th death anniversary. It seems like yesterday since I last saw him. Of course I still miss him but I know life must go on and I know that he's in a better place right now. My dad died of cancer (maxillary fibrosarcoma) and I can't help but wonder how life would turn out to be if he was still alive. He had never seen all his children got married and never had the chance to see his grandchildren... But that's life ~ it's unpredictable.

My mom, my brother, my sister in law and us went to Oro Gardens to visit the grave. My aunt and her grandsons were there, too, and we hired a prayer leader to pray with us. It was a nice family gathering. We only missed my other brother and his family for they were in Manila already. And after visiting the gardens, we went to the mall and had lunch in there. Sharing to you below the pictures taken on that day:

Me and my baby girl Zoe


My Girls ~ Chloe and Zoe


My family. Despite the heat, baby Zoe showed her megawatt smile :D


Beside my brother's yellow car =)


My family at Oro Gardens


My little girls having a good time at home

Mommy Moments: White

I've so many pictures to post for this week's theme on Mommy Moments. I love white...my family loves white :)

Chloe: junior bride at 3 years old & as a graduate in preschool last year at 6 yrs old


Baby GIRL Zoe: wearing her baptismal dress @ 3 months & smiling at you at 6 months =)
(I've to emphasize that Zoe's a girl coz she's sometimes mistaken as a boy, hehe)


And me of course, wearing my wedding gown 9 years ago ;-)
Happy MM!