I Am a Mom First

Hello! Sorry for my long absence. I have been battling some personal concerns that I need not share it all. But, yeah, there are some that I might - depending on my mood today.

Life's been challenging lately. Most of the time I dealt it quietly. It's always been my nature not to share my personal life or interest to others. I used to confide to selected people only coz not everyone can keep their mouth shut.

I believe some, if not most, deal with life's challenges differently and we have to respect that. Some handle it by ranting on social media, some handle it quietly, some, well, we just never knew they are already torn inside but they never show it outside.

Anyways, most of my time recently evolved only on my family, especially my kids... My youngest has ASD, 14 years old now and on her 8th grade. And what an achievement that was on her part! I never shared mostly about her because I wanted to protect her in this 'perfect world' that people created... or probably I am just protecting myself so as not to get hurt from the people who created this 'perfect world'.

Yeah, it hurts to hear from others who know nothing of your struggle yet told you they understand how I felt. Even had the nerve to tell me that I should accept my daughter's case - as if I didn't do that a long time ago. But should I stop there especially when I see she is capable to go to school and learn grow and blend in? She learns the way you and I learn things in life, or what the school taught us, but just differently, or according to her pace.

In this modern era we kept fighting about acceptance, inclusivity. Others even support a lot of causes or awareness about ASD and post it in their social media pages or wherever, but have we done enough? Did we really see these people up close and personal, do we really champion them, or just use this awareness for clout? Words are easy to say, actions are not.

When my daughter was diagnosed at 2 1/2 years old, it broke my heart but I didn't stop there. I took heed of what her developmental doctor suggested by sending her to therapies (OT, language class, speech therapy). When she was accepted at school, I coordinated and complied with the school's policy, talk to teachers if needed, listened to them when there were incidents that need to be addressed. It wasn't easy but she succeeded and was able to catch up with regular kids her age.

I gave up my own dreams and ambitions in life, I lost lots of friends because I put my children first, I developed anxiety and even got sick myself but when I see my children, esp my child with ASD succeeded, then I felt like everything is probably worth it. 

But it's just sad that other people I met along the way, or in other institutions are not as welcoming or helpful. Some of them only see the negative things they see in my child. Some cannot help but compare her to regular kids. Even ironic that a school counselor told me my daughter will struggle the next school year and suggested to try another school, and some relatives told me to better transfer my child to a public school as if they're the ones paying for my child's tuition.

Sorry, I've to vent this out because they don't how what I struggled, FIRST, as a MOM and second, as the only one who took care of my child since birth 24/7. I know her strength and I know her weaknesses. I also know how to accept her limitations but I cannot accept criticisms from people who don't even know my child personally and judge them from what they only see from the outside. As long as I breathe (or even beyond that), I promised to fight for my child or children's rights.

Okay, I'll stop from here coz I'm getting too emotional to type this. I have other matters to attend to. I still have my health to take care of. I just find a lot of things unfair but I will continue to try to look at positive things... and continue to fight for my child, also for kids who have no voice. END

Finding Fun & Distraction: A Stay-at-Home Mom's Gaming Adventures

Life is quite challenging lately that I tried to distract myself by either reading a book or watching my favorite TV shows or films that are streaming online. Being a stay at home mom doesn't mean it's easy or convenient, especially in my case since I have a child with spectrum. I am just glad, so far, everything has been manageable. However, there are times when I find myself in uncontrollable situations that I just really have to pause and do deep breathing exercises to calm myself down.

So, it’s just timely that I recently discovered some games online which have helped me a lot. Some games are made just for kids, but there are also some which I feel are made for people like me, aimed not only to take away boredom but to also divert the mind to something analytical and fun.

My youngest daughter and I have played this Watermelon game and it turned out to be very addictive! At first, I thought that the objective was to drop all the fruits until it got full but then I realized that to stay longer in the game, I not only needed to bump identical fruits but also to push down the bigger fruits by using the smaller fruits. If the fruits fill up and reach the top part, it's game over. Also, in the game, when you bump two smaller fruits, it will create a new bigger fruit. Like if I bump 2 strawberries together, it will create new grape fruits. If I bump 2 grape fruits, it will create a brown coconut, I think. Two coconuts will create green apples and two green apples bumping each other will result to an orange fruit. And so on until it gets bigger and then I can finally create a watermelon. Here is a screenshot of the game I played. So far, the highest score I got was only 2533 but I’m already proud of that! lol.

This game may be easy but it is very effective in de-stressing. My daughter enjoyed this game a lot as it gave her focus and the feeling of satisfaction when creating many fruits just by bumping them.

Another game that I played was the Open Bar. I don’t normally go to bars anymore but this game made me curious of what it is the bartender was exactly doing, and so I tried playing the game. As it turned out, the game was more complex than it looked, especially since you’ll be the only one serving the customers. You have to learn how to prepare their preferred drinks and serve the right amount so that the customers won’t end up fuming mad with your service. You also need to clean the area once the customers leave after paying. I must have enjoyed the game so much since I tried so many times to perfect my serving. At first, I got a lot of bad feedback, but eventually I received some good remarks from my virtual customers, lol. Here are some screenshots of the game I played. I’ve edited it and put them side by side so it's easily understood. Some of the customers would order a beer, some cocktails or ladies drinks. Sometimes in the game, four customers would arrive together so that I’d have work fast in serving them then clean up the area before I can receive another customer. So far, the highest tip I received was $2,300 which made me very happy already :)

There was another game that I have tried, the Tap Supermarket, and I found it interesting. It took me awhile to understand how business-minded people works but, in the end, I earned $135,000 from selling, as well as buying other items to provide them to my increasing number of customers. However, it seems that the game never ends so I finally stopped playing since I was satisfied with the progress and my profits were already highs. This kind of game was not made just for entertainment but also taught me about entrepreneurship.

If you haven't tried these games, I  highly recommend them. Just choose the ones you like or you can play some of the games with your kids. It's more fun that way!

Hello 2024!

HELLO 2024!

Every start of the year, most of us are hopeful that this will be our year, that we will be prosperous and hoping for our dreams turn to reality... well, who doesn't like that? I hope and pray that it will be granted to some of us, but if not, there's always next year 😁

My family and I spent the New Year, as usual, at my mom's place, where my two (2) brothers and family also live. I am the one who lives in another subdivision in our city so I guess that's why I have to be the one who goes to their place every year to celebrate with them.

Here's a picture of me and my family taken at 12 midnight. I was quite haggard already but maybe that's how I look? 🤔 We were all trying to wear the color of the year - Peach Fuzz - but dunno if this was indeed the right shade, hehe

CHEERS TO ALL AND HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!🎊

Christmas Day 2023

Here's me and my family wishing you all a Happy Christmas!

I hope 2023 has been good to you. It was a roller-coaster ride on my part but glad to make it through and celebrate Christmas with family and friends who mattered.

Hope you had a good one, too! - Cookie🌷

My Daughter's Capping Ceremony

Attended my daughter's capping and pinning ceremony today. It took me back in year 2004 when I had my own capping ceremony. Nursing actually was my second course, and I had already my daughter at that time, I guess she was only a year old. This time, it's her turn to wear a cap, light the candle and said the Florence Nightingale pledge.

To be honest, I did not encourage her to follow my path and take up nursing. One of the reasons was COVID-19, and another reason was, she might end up like me of not having practice my profession. However, I have to think that her path is different from mine. I was already a mom when I took up nursing then I gave birth to my second child after I passed the board exam. Then the reality of my youngest child diagnosed with asd was devastating that helping her was my goal and put my professional ambition aside. Anyways, enough of that.

Today, I celebrate my eldest daughter's milestone. I wish for success in her studies and pass all exams. May she be strong enough to face every obstacle that may come along the way and may she be able to successfully achieve all her dreams in life.

Off To See the Relatives

Just got home from a family get-together. It's been a long time I have not been to this place and wear something semi-formal. Glad to see and talk some of the relatives I have not seen for a long time. They're actually from my hubby's side but I cannot forget those times they welcomed me in their place when I visited them in the US years ago. Anyways, I hope everything is good at your end with your family on this beautiful weekend.

 

New Year 2022

Hello 2022! 

I am hoping for better days this year and wishing for everyone to be safe and in good health. I know some people have not seen their families for a long time but praying that soon, you will get to reunite with them. For the meantime, let us remain cautious and still practice social distancing and wearing of face mask when going out. Most importantly, let us pray that this pandemic will end.

Anyway, I got to see my family the last days of 2021 and celebrated New Year with them. We decided to have our family picture taken and share with you this pic with my mom and two older brothers - in our pajamas 😀

My dad passed away almost 21 years ago but I guess he celebrated with us in spirit. I miss him everyday but he lives in my heart forever.

Anyway, cheers to 2022 and God bless everyone!

One Fine Wednesday with Cousin

Glad I got the chance to see my cousin, after so many years, last Wednesday even for a short while. Actually, she's my cousin-in-law but it seems we are more like cousins than her cousin, hehe..

I've known her during the late 90's, before I was married to her cousin (now my hubby). I remembered she just came from the US and stayed at her late grandma's place during her short vacation with her family. My then bf wanted me to meet his balikbayan cousins, especially Bem2x.

We had a short introduction at their garden. I felt so awkward, maybe because she's older than me or I was just an introvert kind of person. But I can sense my then-bf was close to his cousin. We had a nice chat and I think she tried to make me comfortable☺

Years later, we met again, but it was in the US. I was already married to her cousin and Bem had a handsome baby boy. She was so warm and it seemed we were long-lost cousins coz we never stopped chatting. I never even noticed we reached the beach while strolling with her baby.

Bem and moi with baby Matty in NY, year 2002

There was not social media yet in the early 2000's so we often corresponded thru emails. Bem soon came home to the Philippines with her kids in tow and it seems nothing has changed, except for our growing families. Soon, Facebook and Instagram was created so it was easier for us to communicate.

She's in the country right now for a short vacation and she's still the same - cheerful, frank, warm, and what I liked best - she listens when I talk. Although we only spent a very short time together, I was just too glad she found time to see me 💓

Family Picture 2020

Sharing to you our family picture taken on the eve of New Year 2020. This is my family on my mother side. Since this year's color is Classic Blue, we all opted to wear clothes that has a shade of blue.

I wish everyone a great 2020. May this be all our year :-) God bless us all!

Month of Sadness...

The month of February is full of sadness. First day of the month, my husband was already sick and almost down with his platelet but thankfully, he recuperated and just rested at home. But right after he got well, it was my eldest daughter, Chloe, and I who got sick with high fever coupled with cough and colds. 3 days of being sick, we had our CBC checked. I had viral infection with pharyngitis but my daughter was diagnosed with Dengue so she need to be hospitalized. I posted about this in my previous blog and the experience was really scary. But thank God she got well and so do I.

Just when my daughter was discharged, a close relative (also our neighbor) was hospitalized. He had stage 4 liver cancer. We were all shocked because we always see him, often cleaning the car or just simply walking. We had not yet recovered of the shock when another sad news hit our family the following week. My brother-in-law Chad, my husband's older brother  (also our neighbor) suffered seizure, hit his head on their cabinet and was found with a pool of blood on his head. He was rushed to the hospital but the following day, he was comatose. Although he responded to my husband when he attempted to talk to him, and my brother in law even cried and tried to move, he was still unconscious. My husband never thought that that would be their last 'conversation'.

The following day, Chad's BP dropped, his pulse cannot be detected and the doctor already told the family that his prognosis was bad. Wednesday afternoon on February 17, 2016, Chad passed away at the age of 45 years old.

Going back to our close relative, he was still hospitalized. His was a sad story but I don't want to pry anymore of his personal matter in respect to his family. But he learned later about Chad's demise. When he was discharged from the hospital, he even visited Chad

But almost 2 days later after he was discharged, he was admitted again to the hospital. He was already restless and need to be sedated. But on the night of February 28, 2016, he passed away. He was 44 years old. He was so full of life and he was friendly. I just can't believe 2 people who I mostly see in the morning are not there anymore. Both of them died on the same month. They were first cousins and both are the first sons in the family.

I pray that there will be no more deaths or harm will come to our family especially on my husband's side. I pray that we will be spared from sadness that will come our way in the coming months. I pray to the Lord to spare our family. And I pray that we will all heal from these sad moments in our lives especially to the direct families. Lord, I ask for forgiveness, I ask for healing and peace within us, within our family. Lord, please hear our prayers. Keep us away from harm and protect us. Thank You, Lord. Amen

Family Pic 2016

 This is a picture of my family welcoming the New Year. Every year we always have our family picture taken be it formal or informal. This was taken at my mom's house and my husband and I decided to wear our couple shirt :-)

Time flies so fast. We are all grateful to 2015 and we are looking forward for a prosperous 2016. Wishing everyone a great year ahead, too! Cheers!

My Children, My Happiness ♥

My 2 girls just turned 5 and 12 last month and I am so proud for the both of them. They have brought much happiness and joy in our family and I am so thankful for giving me and my husband these two beautiful girls.

Although I am not a perfect mom, I'm trying to be there for them as much as I could, to guide them and to help them in any way I can. I will always thank the Lord for them and will always pray for their protection, for safety, guidance, good health and happiness because that's a mom's (or a parents') biggest wish.

To my Chloe and Zoe, know that mom and dad are always proud of you! Love you so much and belated happy birthday greeting here in my blog :D ♥

A Song For My Sick Grandma

Quite a late post but I guess I did this on purpose :-) I'm not used of sharing my video in public but I will make an exemption on this one. In my old post, I've mentioned that our family was doing a fundraising for my sick grandmother that we came up with a dinner concert. So, last October 4, 2014, the second concert took place in our city where my brother, husband, daughter and myself participated. My sister in-law was in charge of pictures and videos (including this video I posted).

So here you can see and hear me sing Celine Dion's version of A Mother's Prayer. I did the opening song and the rest of the family members played the piano, guitar, did a solo number or duet. The concert was a success and we were truly grateful for those who came, for those who donated and supported the cause even though some were not around. Thank You Lord and may God bless us all!

A Little Night of Music

In my previous post I mentioned about our Family Concert for a Cause. This benefit concert was for my grandmother who is in and out of the hospital. So the proceeds are to cover her hospitalization, medicines, care and her day to day needs. So far the concert was successful. I opened the program by singing a prayer which I will post later. My brother, husband, daughter, cousins, aunt and uncle showed their talents, too.

Friends, relatives, neighbors supported our cause and we are forever grateful for them. Because of the success, the family is planning to stage a 3rd concert sometime in December. They said it's going to be held in a gym and I just can't imagine myself performing in front of a bigger crowd but that's a challenge for me to take. I hope I'll be available by then... Because I really wanted to help raise funds for my dear old grandma. And I thank the Lord for blessing our family talents that can be put to good use.

Dinner Concer for A Cause

My grandmother is currently in and out of ICU. She's about 85 years old but with Alzheimer's. But the family wanted to provide her comfort and give the best for her. After all, she took good care all of her 13 children. My dad was the eldest but he already passed away more than 13 years ago.

Going back to my grandma, since the family are trying to cope up everyday with her medical bills, they decided to use the God-given talents of the family to raise funds. Since most of my relatives live in Iligan, they started to have a mini-concert there last August. The show proved to be a success so they decided to hold a concert in my current hometown, Cagayan de Oro. My mom and I helped sell the tickets and didn't expect that a lot of people supported our cause. The show will be held tonight at the VIP hotel and the family is hoping for the success of this concert and most of all, be able to raise funds enough to provide care for my dear grandma. 

She's Still My Little Girl

This is my daughter Chloe's recent picture. To some of my blogger friends here, I guess you've seen her grow up from my blog. She is now 10 years old and in this picture, she's donning a Brazilian dress where she used it for their Salsa dance at their school's foundation day last September 2013.

I just can't believe time flies so fast. She was just a little kid the first time I started blogging few years ago. Anyways, I hope all of you are having a great time with your family and especially with your kids ;-)

Holiday Gift Baskets

Do you own a pet at home? If so, what kind? Most people I knew owned dogs because they consider them as man's best friend. They are loyal and can be trusted and they will even guard our place to keep it safe. Some dogs protect their masters away from harm and don't you think they deserve a reward from doing a job well done?

Christmas is almost near so I guess you can include your pet in your list for gift giving. You might want to give your dog gift baskets full of goodies. I found one site online where they have plenty of lists on what to give on your pets during the holidays. If you knew some people who are dog lovers, you know already what to give them. Different kinds of gourmet christmas gift baskets for the owner and for his or her pets are perfect presents to give for Christmas.

If you are interested about this, I suggest you drop this site a visit. This site is a company that sells hand-created gift baskets in different categories like wine baskets, baby gift baskets, dog gift baskets that even include toys! So, check them out now. I'm sure you are going to love what you see ;-)

I Held The Moon :-)

This picture was taken last November 1. My family and I visited my dad's grave and we stayed there until 10 pm. Earlier that evening, the view of the moon was so clear and beautiful that I asked my sister in-law to take a picture of me thus the result (see above pic). I love the result because it looks like the moon was just within my reach :)

Yang Chow at Gloria Maris

After attending Sunday mass in the morning, we went to Gloria Maris and ordered our lunch. Hubby ordered several Chinese food that also includes Yang Chow.

I think I will be contented eating Yang Chow only, hehe. No need to order extra food here, lol. But hubby ordered three more food because he was famished and we don't give shrimp (mixed in yang chow) yet to baby Zoe.

Photo Op with Chloe before eating our lunch

 

Me and Chloe wearing our mom and me pink and brown dresses :-) 

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Celebrating Birthday at Pryce Plaza Hotel

I've been planning to blog about my hubby's birthday and post some of our pics but I was too lazy to do it. Actually, not entirely lazy but am also busy at home that when it's time for me to use the computer, I don't have energy anymore to write anything that I ended up browsing and reading other entries. I even missed joining some memes! So finally, I will post the pictures taken a month ago, hubby's birthday celebration last April 28.

We had an overnight stay at Pryce Plaza hotel. The kids, especially Chloe, loved the place for she was able to swim on the pool. Baby Zoe was at first afraid but later joined us on the pool. The weather was perfect that afternoon. In the evening, we decided to go to the nearby mall and dined in there. I posted in my other entry about my hubby's birthday dinner where the staff at Bigby's sang a b-day song for him :) Our overnight stay was inclusive of 2 complimentary breakfast. We just add a little for Chloe but Zoe was free. Oh, since the hotel is offering a summer promo, we were able to avail big discount on our room. Such a happy birthday indeed! Below are the pics. Enjoy viewing ;-)    

Daddy Glenn with his princesses

Me and my treasures

They were too engrossed watching TV at Cartoon Network

Looks like I have 4 arms.. Chloe was trying to make fun of me :p

Panoramic view of our bedroom. This was already morning so the bed's quite messy

A happy morning for Zoe (",)

Just striking a pose

Me and Zoe.. one of my favorite pics

Me and Kiddos

Daddy and Zoe were just enjoying the view while we were on the pool

I'd rather pose than swim, hehe

Okay, that's me having a blast on a sunny morning

My baby Zoe

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