GottaLoveMom

The miracle of fish oil

2012-01-31T20:10:00.002-05:00

You know something works when your children insist on taking the vitamins you had been reminding them to take.

About 10 years ago, my 3rd child was diagnosed with borderline ADD/ADHD and mild Tourette syndrome (involuntary and repetitive eye twitch). Our neurologists gave us two options:

1) Wait to see if our son will outgrow it

2) Put him on medication if the tics and ADD/ADHD affect him academically and socially.

We always prefer to hold off on any medication, if possible. And doing nothing was just not an option.

So needless to say, my husband read up on various studies and information on message boards. We monitored our son's eating patterns, minimized (eliminated) sugar from his diet, encouraged him to get enough sleep and started giving him fish oil. (Fish oil was also thought to help improve brain functions.)

There are a lot of fish oil supplements out there, but for a 7 year old, it has to taste good enough, no fishy aftertaste or fishy burp. We tested a few brands before we found one that worked for us – Coromega Omega 3 Squeeze. (Check their website, it’s an interesting story)

The orange flavored Coromega Omega3 Squeeze has a pudding-like consistency. One packet of Coromega is complete with the recommended day’s dose of Omega 3. Each pouch costs about $0.64 per serving. (We buy Coromega online through Vitamin Shoppe or VitaCost.)

After 2 weeks, we noticed a difference! The twitch wasn’t as bad, and after a month, the twitch was gone! He has been on fish oil (on and off) since.

Our 4^th child also had symptoms that are characteristic of ADHD. He also developed a twitch (eye blinks involuntarily). He’s a very picky eater so it took awhile before we convinced him that he needed to cut down on sweets and to start taking fish oil. It’s tough for us to cut down on sweets because we all love dessert!

Our schedules had always been hectic so there were months that I missed reminding or giving the fish oil. The tics would resurface to the point that they’re unbearable, and that’s when we start giving the fish oil on a regular basis again.

The past few weeks, I forgot to give my 4^th child his daily dose of fish oil. He noticed the difference, and today, he reminded me that he needed to get back on taking the fish oil on a regular basis.

Coromega did not pay me to write this review. I heard a few stories about children with ADD/ADHD or tics, that I thought it would be helpful to share our experience. But just like any vitamins or medication, please consult your physician before taking any vitamins – including fish oil.

(Just a note: fish oil has a tendency to thin the blood, so the kids occasionally get nose bleed. When that happens, I stop giving them the fish oil)

Happy Kids #3 Simple Pleasures

2012-01-26T16:38:00.000-05:00

Playtime is very important to children, and yet, as new technologies emerge, less and less time is dedicated to unstructured playtime.

Children love to explore, be creative and play pretend – even with a simple toy.

I think a big cardboard box is the best toy a kid can have. My little guy (FOUR) had the best time hiding inside the box!

Even a simple toy can allow a child’s mind to explore complex ways to make the playtime fun.

"Children are our most valuable natural resource." ~ Herbert Hoover

Happy Kids #2 Spontaneous Dancing

2012-01-25T00:47:00.000-05:00

We’ve heard it in various studies that physical activity makes someone happy, confident and feeling good about himself or herself – and spontaneous dancing is one of the fun activities that the kids and I enjoy! There’s no pressure, no planning, no stress – just pure fun!

We burst out laughing while we sway our bodies left to right – even when the only music playing is the one in our minds.

“You’ve got to dance like nobody’s dancing, and love like it’s never going to hurt.”

Keep smiling :)

Happy Kids #1 Power Lunch

2012-01-24T10:40:00.004-05:00

Just a simple note in your child's lunch bags can have a positive effect. Try it!

I have been inserting post-it of love-notes in my kids’ lunch bags just to remind them that I do care and that I want them to be happy. I never knew whether they read them or not until recently when I heard my two little ones talk about it.

It was one of those busy mornings – the precious 15 minutes before the school rush. The kids were having their eggs, toast, oatmeal and milk for breakfast. I just finished writing “You’re a Rock Star for being yourself. Keep smiling” on my 16yo’s brown paper lunch bag.

I didn’t realize my 10yo read what I wrote.

“Kuya Jonathon, you’re a rock star!” my 10yo said to my 16yo.

(Kuya is a Tagalog-Filipino word which means big brother.)

My 16yo smiled ear to ear, and gave his little brother a big hug – which of course, made my 10yo happy!

We had a great start. Perfect morning.

I didn’t think my 16yo noticed what was written on his lunch bag until that afternoon.

“Mom, thank you for the positive notes,” my 16yo said. “My friends asked me who wrote them, and I proudly said – my Mom!”

I believe in the law of cause and effect: every action will have an equal reaction. So I try to remind my children that the way we think about ourselves affect the way we feel. So I try to tell them to think of happy thoughts. There are negative thoughts, we do have them and they do haunt us. But what makes us happy is on how we focus on the positive.

"While we teach our children about life, our children teach us what life is all about."

Keep smiling :)

Learning keeps you young. There’s always enough time in a day to learn something new.

2012-01-15T17:52:00.002-05:00

Sunday. Quiet. No schlepping to any gymnastics event, music camp or leadership conference.

Hubby woke up late, with a wide smile beaming on his face! I guess he discovered something new!

He was listening to WOR’s The Travel Show with Arthur andPauline Frommer. And today’s new discovery was about Dr. Albert Coombs Barnes.

“Honey, there’s a doctor, Dr. Barnes, who helped develop a treatment for gonorrhea. Not only was he Doctor, but he was also an art collector. He collected various paintings from Picasso, Matisse, and Renoir – paintings which are not available anywhere else! So it means no reproductions! His foundation just expanded to Philadelphia. It’s an extensive museum which will house his collection. It’s definitely a great place to take the kids.”, Hubby said.

So I immediately Google-d Dr. Barnes.

With the help of Wikipedia and the Barnes Foundation’swebsite, I found out that Dr. Barnes came from working-class parents. He put himself to school to medical school at University of Pennsylvania by tutoring, boxing and playing semi-professional baseball. (Don’t you just love

America

and the opportunities it offers?)

Dr. Albert Coombs Barnes, helped developed Argyrol, an anticeptic silver used to treat gonorrhea and prevent gonorrheal blindness in newborn infants. But aside from being a successful chemist, Dr. Barnes also developed a passion for the arts. He founded the Barnes Foundation because he wanted to promote art appreciation. His collection included the impressionist, post-impressionist, modern art, and more.

In 1912, Dr. Barnes, while in Paris, was invited to the Geo and Leo Stein’s residence where Dr. Barnes met Henri Mattise and Pablo Piccasso. Because of the poor economic conditions of the Great Depresson, Dr. Barnes was able to purchase various artworks at a bargain. His collection was bigger than any museums. He had 60 Matisses, 44 Picassos, and 181 Renoirs. It is believed that his entire collection is currently valued at about 20 to 30 billion dollars!

Dr. Barnes set up the foundation not for the benefit of the art historians but for the students that’s why he set up his foundation to allow visitors to have access to his art collection.

On May 19, 2012, the Barnes in Philadelphia will open its doors to the public – and I hope I can bring the kids!

You see, just by reading this blog post, you learned something new.

A child learns every day – just from any thing that they do. Earlier today my 10 year old planned to get together with his friends. He does not own a cell phone but texts his friends using my cell phone. No one picked up so he assumed every one was busy. So I suggested, “Why don’t you call their house phone?”

He had a surprise look on his face. He didn’t think anyone still picks up their house phones! And surely, his friend was home!

So you see, there’s always an opportunity to learn. There’s always a time to pick up a book or research about something or someone interesting. Luckily, we don’t have to make a trip to the library. We can just Google any questions, and voila! New knowledge. New information.

So what have you learned today?

Quote for the week:
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

(Photo credit: TWO, my 20yo)

Moving forward

2012-01-05T09:25:00.000-05:00

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you have imagined." ~ Henry David Thoreau

A new year, a new timer in our alarm clock of "what I need to accomplish."

A few things I learned:

1. Be simple. Don't complicate things.
2. Be true to yourself. Stop being someone else and just do what you yourself wants to do.
3. Don't wait for perfection. If you wait for things to be in it's perfect mode -- you'll be in "work-in-progress" mode all the time.
4. Be brave. Take that step in moving forward. Don't worry about the "what-ifs".
5. Stop trying -- and just DO IT!

Dream BIG and keep smiling!

Embrace 2012 with LOVE ~~ Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T00:55:00.001-05:00

Let's embrace 2012 NOT with resolutions or ways to reinvent ourselves. But instead -- let's embrace 2012 with LOVE! Nothing more, nothing less.

New Year – new goals. What is it about the New Year that prompts us to re-evaluate what we want to accomplish?

Be fit.

Be happy.

Be successful.

Be loved.

The list goes on but I don’t think you need to reinvent yourself – just choose to be YOU.

It’s as simple as enjoying life knowing that you lived by the Golden Rule: Love God. Love your neighbors as you love yourself.

LOVE – that’s the key!

Love God – that’s a given. Only with faith in God can we truly understand.

Love YOURSELF. When you learn how to love yourself, you’ll notice that everything just falls in place – everything will fit.

Love your neighbor. Why not? Why not learn how to share your love -- you’ll get more of it in return anyway! So it’s a win-win!

Yes, it’s that simple!

So let’s embrace 2012 with LOVE -- nothing more, nothing less.

Wishing you peace, love and joy. Happy New Year!

Ingat! (Tagalog word that means "take care")

What does Christmas or Hanukkah mean to you?

2011-12-16T11:18:00.004-05:00

I’m excited about Hanukkah (Chanukah) and Christmas. We celebrate both holidays – our kids are blessed in that way!

Our “Santa and her helpers” have been busy buying presents for the family. I’m excited because the families get to sit down together and enjoy a wonderful 3-day holiday – Hanukkah, Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) and Christmas Day.

We will be full house – my college guy will be home and thanks to my thoughtful crumbcatchers who put together allowances and savings to help one another with rent money so that every one will be home for the holidays.

I get teary-eyed during the holidays because I miss my family in the Philippines. But I know they’re having a fun time – no matter what.

I'm not sure if we'll have a White Christmas. Our snowstorm came early on Halloween!

I enjoy listening to Christmas carols. Luckily, my children love to play piano, guitar and violin!

I'm looking forward to the holidays because my family and I get to stay home,

watch movies together (What a Wonderful Life wasn't a hit though), and just relax.

Chanukah is the Festivalof Light.
Christmas is the day Christ was born.
A day that brings new Hope, Faith and Love.

Let’s read to our children, and let them know and feel the true meaning of Christmas.
Teach them little acts of random kindness ~~

From my family to yours, have a wonderful Chanukah, Christmas and holiday season.

Make a difference - become a Fairy Doll Mother @ Once Upon a Tree House

2011-12-09T12:04:00.004-05:00

“We do not do greatthings, only small things with great love.” ~ Mother Theresa

I was recently introduced to a new charitable cause, “OnceUpon A Tree House’s Fairy Doll Mother Program”. The name alone caught myattention -- sounds simple, yet powerful in meaning!

Once Upon A Tree House is an online store, designed by twoMoms, whose mission is to create handmade and eco-friendly doll houses, dollsand accessories that provide lasting memories for parents, grandchildren andgrandparents.

At an time when most children own an electronic device, thetraditional toys that “Once Upon A Tree House” offers help cultivate a child’simagination, promote quality family time, enhance communication and provideopportunities for parents/grandparents in creating a strong bond with their children/grandchildrenby playing together. Children grow up so fast that not to spend fun, playfultime with them is a sin!

And this holiday season, when you purchase a doll at OnceUpon A Tree House, you not only make your child smile but you are alsoresponsible in making a less fortunate child happy!

Once Upon A Tree House, in partnership with Kids In DistressedSituations (K.I.D.S.), is accomplishing this through their “Fairy DollMother Program”by donating one doll to a child in need for every doll sold during this holidayseason. Therefore, when you buy a doll from Once Upon A Tree House, you andyour child become “Fairy Doll Mothers”. What a way to teach your child the truespirit of the holiday season!

So as Once Upon A Tree House founders and sisters, Lori Schoeneman andTara Schoeneman-Brown said, "not only will you feel good about givingyour little ones great wholesome toys to play with, but you will also be ableto teach your child about how important it is to help others."

Teaching children that they are blessed for what they have,and that every gesture – no matter how small, can make a difference, is alasting gift any parent can give to their children. Instilling in their youngminds that all they need to do is help one person at a time, just make one morechild happy is a way to spread cheer during this holiday season!

So please check out “Once Upon A Tree House” and get adouble treat!

Remember: Share LOVE, you’ll get more of it in return!

Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) is celebrating its 26th anniversary as a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing NEW toys, clothing, books and more to children in need. These donated products are distributed through a network of nearly 1,000 local social service agencies. Since 1985, K.I.D.S has provided more than 67 million underprivileged and disaster-struck children with over one billion dollars of merchandise, giving these children, and often their entire families, hope and self-esteem through a gift of something brand new.

My fairy godmother with bright ideas - what Christmas is all about!

2011-12-07T00:09:00.005-05:00

"A pleasant surprise is in store for you soon." - that was the message that I got from last Saturday's fortune cookie.

And earlier today when I checked my email, Felicia Kramer of Another Bright Idea and More Bright Ideas informed me that I won $40 credit towards her More Bright Idea's Etsy shop.

I have been a fan of Felicia's work for years now. Her artwork always spoke from the heart -- and her keen eyes capture the beauty of nature and life itself, thus, creating such intricate art pieces.

Felicia Kramer had helped me put together a cover design for my book, "Out of Status", which will be released on January 2012. She's someone who truly enjoys GIVING. She's an artist at heart -- so her gifts are made uniquely for you and me!

Isn't that what Christmas or Hanukkah is all about? GIVING? And it's not just about the material presents, it's the tradition of being with families and friends. As a small business owner, I'm not stopping you to buy a present or two, but remember that you can also add something memorable!

The Advent season is also the time to at least dedicate 6 minutes a day to God -- spend some quiet time with the Lord. If you belong to the Catholic Church, you probably got the Little Blue Book of Advent and Christmas Seasons. This little book provides the framework on how to experience one of the oldest traditions of prayer called lectio divina - sacred reading. Just by reading a short passage from the Holy Bible, (quicker than reading friends' FB status updates) allows us to let God speak to us.

Today's reading reminds me that life is like a desert -- sometimes beautiful and sometimes severe. It is sometimes gentle, quiet and peaceful...and sometimes difficult YET beautiful, especially if we surround ourselves with the love of our families and friends!

What say you?

what do you want to be when you grow up?

2011-11-29T13:37:00.008-05:00

When you were little, do you remember your first answer when someone asked you,

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

When I was little, I used to answer in a song, "Que sera, sera -- what ever will be will be..."

This Thanksgiving weekend, I was blessed to have a full house once again.

After church and a brunch at a nearby diner (Joannie's), we all walked to the park.

I was pleased and thankful because I know that no matter what --

my children will help each other...

will have adventures together...

and will always remain kids at heart.

The future seems scary at times but I think as long as you have the right perspective,

every thing will fall into place.

As parents, we sometimes want something different for our children.

We want them to find a career that will provide them stability.

We hope that they pick a college major that is practical and logical.

And we think we should know better because we've been in that road before -- so we are talking from our own experiences.

But even if our teenagers/young adults don't decide do go to the path that we want them to take,

or even if our children decide not to go to the college we want them to attend,

or major in a course we want them to master,

they are still young -- there are different options, different opportunities -- every step is a learning experience.

We can only continue to guide them, instill proper values and work ethic and hopefully help them be what they want to be when they grow up: HAPPY!

How about you, what do you want to be when you grow up?

celebrate LIFE

2011-11-23T21:52:00.000-05:00

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

even when you're not totally sure...just try it! Learn how to TRUST

2011-11-17T11:20:00.007-05:00

Why would I sign-up to throw myself off a platform – 23 feet off the air?

Why would I do something that’s not even in my bucket list?

Since when did I have entries in my bucket list?

Just for kicks?

Temporary insanity?

Mid-life crisis?

Or is it because of the “I am woman hear me roar” voice that keeps nagging me to just try it?

Or am I a kid-at-heart that trusts that there is just nothing I can’t do?

Well, I wasn’t sure, but I tried – and yesterday, I did it!

But I didn't do it alone!

My friend who’s turning 40 in a couple of weeks (great age by the way – nothing to fear) shared a link (TSNY): Trapeze School of New York

As you can see, the school’s motto: FORGET FEAR. – is exactly the first step to clicking the button to sign-up for your first class.

So early this month, I booked our first session. I figured my friend and I have 3 days before the actual class to back-out – just in case we come to our senses!

I was amazed at how tough it was to find a reservation. Who knew people have signed-up weeks and months ahead of time?

My husband suggested that I do a few strength exercises – aside from carrying the laundry baskets up and down the stairs, or moving the heavy Dyson vacuum cleaner around the house. So needless to say, I started Beach Body’s Insanity work-out!

The night before I was starting to question myself. “Why, oh why, am I throwing myself off a platform 23 feet in the air?”

But then…it dawned on me, I have to trust that I know my own strengths and limitations. At 47, I should know what I can and cannot do, right? And If I get there, and realized that I can’t jump off that platform – it’s alright. At least I tried.

The main thing you have to remember when you’re at these classes is that you have to know how to LISTEN. Not just hear the instructions – but actually be focused enough to hear!

The lesson took 2 hours. There were 9 students. The 4 before me were in the advanced program, and I was the first in line for the beginners!

I thought there will be a few dry-runs on lower grounds, but I was wrong. Instructions were given and before I can even digest which arm or leg goes up or down – there I was going up the ladder!

The harness was tightly secured around my waist (I hoped anyway) – it was so tight, my belly fat was screaming out of my tights (lol!) That alone, I believe, was the most embarrassing part of the whole lesson.

Once you’re up there you have to :
1) TRUST - others and yourself
2) FOCUS
3) LISTEN
4) JUST BREATHE - and of course, pray!

The first time you let go of that left hand to fully hold on to the trapeze bar, for me, was one of the scariest! But once I did my first swing, I had a feeling I would survive that first jump!

With the 2^nd jump, who would have thought I would be able to do a back flip before letting go and falling to the net?

Of course my entire body was shaking – I was so discombobulated that I totally forgot to video tape my friend’s jump.

The 4^th jump was about totally letting go and trusting someone I didn’t even know --- but trusting that he would catch me – and he did (the same went for the 5^th jump).

On one of the sessions, the instructors were showing us how to position our hands for the “catch-and-grip” and he noticed my dry hands and asked, “What do you do for a living?”

My answer: “I’ve been a mother to four kids – 22, 20, 16 and 10!” (And quietly I added, “And how cool is it that I’m here?”)

But I wouldn’t even think of doing this if it weren’t for my friend, my fellow looney – Sonia. We’re two moms who will always remain kids-at-heart! Curious to see what our future adventure will be like!
In life, we have to have friends! I am blessed to have a wonderful family and friends.

The day wasn’t just about fun – it was a lesson in life: Learn how to LISTEN and TRUST others and yourself!

Sometimes we think we know our limits, but we don’t really know until we step out of the box and try it.

There are things I can’t imagine doing like driving at Route 22 in New Jersey -- that is by far scarier than doing the flying trapeze!

And yet, there are still a lot of things I would like to learn. I’m 47 and I’m still growing-up – still learning a few tricks here and there BUT one thing is for sure: I do all these for one reason: TO BE HAPPY.

So write down your goals – Dream BIG and Keep Smiling!

Holding on to what we believe and some Good Karma Treasures

2011-11-15T12:10:00.003-05:00

Faith is what helps me believe that anything is possible – I’m possible! It is the one thing that makes me look at chaos and say, “there’s a reason for all these insanities.” Faith is what helps me keep my dreams alive – reminds me that I have a purpose in life.

Sometimes the “unknown” scares us that we might fall. However, faith reminds us that there are two paths: It’s either we land with our feet on the ground, or that we will learn to spread our wings and fly!

I have struggled the past few months on what path to take to reach my dream. And that indecision has put a stop on whatever momentum I have in attaining my goal. Struggles that lead to paralysis – inaction.

But what’s interesting is that in my “inactive” mode, I bumped into a church that revived what was missing for a long time.

The past 2 months, I had been driving my son to Red Bank. It’s quite a drive from our home, so I decided to check out the town for 2 hours while my son immersed himself with “all that jazz”.

On the second week, I bumped into this small but beautiful and inviting church. It reminded me of the church we had back home – in the Philippines.

I was blessed!

In this hectic life, I found a place where I can close my eyes and just listen...

Listening to what my inner self helped calm down any worries or uncertainties. It helped bring out positive energies that were being held by insecurities.

Sometimes – all we need is a little moment of serenity.

Positive Energy – what’s that?

Let me introduce you to someone who enjoys sharing positive vibes and reminds us to shine as bright as we can -- and more! My friend, Sonia.

Sonia's new business venture -- Bella Buddha Treasures – Good Karma Gifts, is made from the heart and soul!

Bella Buddha Treasures is the home of good karma inspired gifts such as handcrafted jewelry, yoga bags and gifts for the home. Sonia combines her knowledge of feng shui, metaphysics, yoga and all things positive energy.

Last night I text’d her and asked if I can get one of those high energy bracelets since I had been getting so exhausted lately.

So instead of just saying, “Sure. I’ll save one for you .”

She replied, “I would need to know where this lack of energy is coming from. You may not need something that GIVES you energy, but rather one that REMOVES the stagnant energy that is weighing you down.”

Right there --- I know I found a great gift!

To get yours, please contact Sonia at Bellabuddha3@gmail.com.

Remember: Dream BIG and Keep Smiling!

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

2011-10-29T21:21:00.001-04:00

Did you ever take a task that’s totally foreign to you?

Did you ever get out of your comfort zone, tried something you didn’t think was even possible?

Did things get clearer once you focus on it?

Did you prefer to sit back and relax?

What made you see things in a different perspective?

For me – it’s being outdoors with a digital camera!

Two years ago, I started writing – and it was all inspired by my Zen-Walks with my hubby.
(Exchanging ideas with someone you love can be totally inspirational!)

So remember this quote from Ayn Rand, the famous author of “Atlas Shurgged”.

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”

Dream BIG and Keep Smiling!

having fun with empanada, baklava...and some wine!

2011-10-20T20:55:00.004-04:00

there's something about cooking -- and trying new recipe -- that i find fascinating!

last summer, i watched my mom make empanada (deep friend stuffed bread).

i stir-fried chicken, onions and vegetables in 1 stick of butter.

i even made my own dough.

it took a few tries to get it right.

flattened the dough with this heavy metal presser.

finally got the hang of putting the fillings inside the dough.

and formed a perfect empanada...

it was my first empanada. it didn't come out like my mom's.

mine was more of a deep friend bread with a teaspoon of filling.

next project was baklava.

baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo pastry

filled with chopped nuts.

thanks to my mini food processor, i was able to grind the 2 cups of walnut.

homemade dough!

rolled the first dough ball to the size of the pan, and placed on the pan.

spread half of the filling over the first dough layer.

rolled the small dough ball for the second layer, and placed on top of the filling.

spread the second half of the filling (the walnut, egg whites and sugar).

rolled the last big dough ball, and placed it on top of the cake.

it felt like i was making pizza!

combined the edges on the perimeter of the cake.

(thanks mom for my new mix master!)

brushed the top with egg yolk.

cut the cake, formed the rhombs.

had to ask my artistic daughter to do the "cutting".

baked for 45 minutes.

cool.

honey gave baklava two thumbs-up!

cheers!

enjoy your weekend and keep smiling :)

i'll be posting the recipe. you can email me, too, if you can't wait.
(i have a kitchen to clean...)

Here's the baklava recipe. (Thanks to Susanna A.)

Ingredients:

3 cups flour

300 g butter (a little 2.5 sticks of butter)

3 eggs

200 ml sour cream (about 2/3 cups)

1 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch of salt

2 cups walnuts

1.5 cups sugar

Preparation

Filling:

Separate the yolks and whites (1 yolk for the top of the cake, 2 yolks in the dough, and whites for the filling.)
Poor 3 egg whites into the bowl and beat until white
Add sugar to the egg whites mixture and beat well until blended
Grind the walnuts in a food processor until very fine.
Add walnuts to the egg and sugar mixture
Mix until fully incorporated
Divide into 2 parts

Dough:

Sift the flour and combine with the cold butter, shredding or cutting them together to make really small crumbs (You can use the salad shooter and process the mixture twice.)
Pour 2 yolks into the sour cream, add baking soda, salt and blend them together
Make a volcano of you flour/butter flour with a big crater on a cutting board, and pour sour cream mixture inside the crater.
Cut the mixture until the dough forms and stops sticking to the knife
Divide the dough to make 2 large and 1 smaller balls and put the balls in the fridge

Cake Assembling:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Put the parchment on the pan (or just butter the pan well
Roll one large dough ball to the size of the pan, put on the pan
Spread half of the filling over the first dough layer
Roll the small dough ball for the second layer, and place it on the top of the filling
Spread second half of the filling
Roll the last big dough ball and place it on the top of the cake, combine the edges on the perimeter of the cake
Spread the yolk over the top of the cake
Cut the cake forming the rhombs, wetting the knife to prevent it from sticking.
Put the cake to the oven for 40-45 min – check readiness with the toothpick
Take out of the stove, let cake cool in the pan, cut over the rhomb lines, enjoy!

Can FEAR make you want to QUIT?

2011-10-19T11:39:00.000-04:00

“Fear is a distressingnegative sensation induced by a perceived threat. It is a basic survivalmechanism occurring in response to a specific stimulus, such as pain or thethreat of danger. “ – wikipedia

“To Quit is to give upor resign” – dictionary.com

Two negative feelings we don’t want to experience. So when a10 year-old child suggests that he wants to quit something he truly enjoys, asa parent, you kind of wonder why.

Is it a permanent change or did something occur?

Why would your child decide to give up something that heseemed to fully enjoy?

Or maybe we are so used with the rigorous schedule that weare on auto-pilot:, we can’t even see what’s bothering someone.

The past few weeks, my little guy was apprehensive in goingto gymnastics. He would come up with excuses – even tried to condition his bodyinto getting a fever, asthma attack and severe headaches.

Last week, he was crying hysterically and came up withdifferent reasons like joining a team sports or do nothing.

But before we entertain the idea of quitting, we needed toknow the real reason why. So after a few Q&A, my husband deduced that mylittle guy was scared of getting badly hurt. It turned out that an incident atpractice (high bar) got my little guy so scared that he didn’t want to try itever again.

Although he didn’t get hurt physically, the thought of “what could have had happened if his coachdid not catch him on time” scared my little guy! And my little guy does notget scared easily. He would do flips and stunts at the playground, skatepark, skislopes, swimming pool and our driveway without even thinking twice. But I guessthat one incident traumatized him.

There’s nothing worth doing if you are not happy,uncomfortable and fearful. We then spoke to our son’s coach about our son’sapprehension towards gymnastics. Even before we could relay the full story, thecoach already knew why and what to do next.

The night after that practice, our little guy came home witha renewed trust and comfort. He felt that he can be in control, and all heneeded to do is say something – and that we are here for him to support, guideand love him no matter what.

Pregnant at 47?

2011-10-12T22:06:00.003-04:00

I exercise. I diet. I meditate.

And yet – the past few weeks, I was baffled.

Who would have thought that in less than a year I would gain 10-15 pounds?
Who would have thought that my mood would erratically change from “ready to conquer the world” to “I just want to lay down and sleep?”
Who would have thought that I can be bloated in 1 day and then feeling slimmer again the next day?

That's why I thought I was pregnant at 47!
(Yes, kids -- it's all because of Immaculate Conception)
I blurted out to my husband, “What kind of joke is this?”

It wasn’t enough that women have to go through PMS, hormonal changes and giving birth. Just when we thought we got our acts together --- Bhamm! Menopause hits us like a splitting headache!

Right now, my body can’t decide whether I’m hot or cold; bloated or dehydrated; super confident or blah!

The past year I tried different exercise routines: running, yoga, Power 90, The 30-Day Challenge, Belly Dancing, Hip Hop Abs, Zumba and Pilates. But I just lost any enthusiasm. Every exercise seemed exciting at first, but then got boring after a while.

I try not to whine about my weight issues, because I still look pretty small.
The only struggle is that I can’t fit on any of my clothes. The shape of my body changed!
And I don't have any energy! ( And I talk in exclamation points!)

So yesterday, I made an urgent appointment to see my OB/GYN of 23 years. But since he was not available right away, I settled for the nurse practitioner on duty– what a big mistake! Not sure it if was just my moodiness or if it was her, but she was just not “empathetic” to my complaints.

The nurse practitioner told me that clearly I was menopausal. (Duh?) And that in order to lose weight or even maintain my weight – I have to double the number of hours I exercise, and to really – I mean, really watch what I eat. Gone were the days when all I needed was 30-45 minutes a day of exercise and a sensible diet.

Energy? What energy? My energy level went from 100 to 0 in 4 weeks! I went from being the "Energizer Bunny" to a "Little Turtle that Could". I don't even have the patience to deal with the complexities of the new FB (and how timely is it that my FB account's temporarily out of service?)

Well, at least the visit to the doctor’s office provided me with a prescription to get some blood work done: Thanks to my husband and my MIL, I knew what tests to ask! I had other aches and pains, so the Nurse Practitioner scheduled a few ultrasound here and there!

Around 1pm,, I got my haircut. My hair-dresser and close friend gave me a few tips and words of encouragement. She introduced me to “dates”, edamame and flax seed. (Added those to my Trader Joe's grocery list!)

By 5pm, I came home and vented to my dear girl friend. (Thank goodness, she’s back from Italy and that she had a book that might help me explain things.)

My friend lent me a book she got 10 years ago -- Dr. Laura E. Corio’s “The Change before The Change” – the essential book for every woman over 35! I’ll read it and let you know. I’m sure I’ll find ways to help me understand and cope with these mood and body swings! I just hope I don't toss the book out of the window --- out of frustration! ( I do have to return the book to my friend, so really , there won't be any tossing going on!)

Luckily I have friends and family I can "vent" to. Oh yeah, one more thing that makes this a lot easier -- my husband! He understands and researches various way to make me feel better: even in my craziest, irrational, “Sybil-like” attitude.

So until next time. Hopefully, by then we can talk about my book!

Keep smiling – it’s really not that bad!

Just one simple step -- all for me!

2011-10-01T23:49:00.002-04:00

It seems like there are so many things we want to accomplish. We are always multi-tasking. Our to-do and bucket lists keep on growing.

We look at our lists and we say, “How am I going to accomplish any of these tasks at all? Who has the time”

What about doing something just for fun? Does not have to be elaborate. Just one thing that will make you smile.

So pick one, focus on it, and make an effort to do it every day – until it becomes a habit that makes you smile and you laugh out loud: Live life, one simple step at a time.

Fun for me involves art.

Art is a big part of my life. I am happy when I'm doing something creative. I love music but I didn't get a chance to be really good at it, unlike my 4 children who play the guitar, piano and violin. I love listening to them -- or just listening to Lady Gaga's "Free as my Hair" song.

There’s a song that I started learning how to play. I haven’t played the piano in decades. My hands are stiff, and my eyes couldn’t see the notes as clearly as I did when I was younger – but those are just excuses.

I learned that if you really want something, you’ll find ways to make time.

So here I am, my first attempt in learning how to play the melody of Fred Hersch’s piano composition, “Valentine”.

And hopefully after 10,000 hours – or in about 28 years when I’m 75 years old, I’ll be able to play the song – at least close to how my son plays it.

So go take action. No step is small or meaningless. Every little step does matter!

Keep smiling.

To dream BIG and keep smiling?

2011-09-25T22:41:00.001-04:00

Everyone has a dream, a mission, a goal. No matter what sizeyour mission is, sometimes it seems impossible to complete the task.

Is it possible that we aim too big that we forget that inorder to get that far, we have to work on it one step at a time?

If you want to write a book, you know that you have to startwith page 1 before you can get to page 100. So set an attainable goal every week,and then go from there.

If you want to lose weight, don’t focus on losing 20 poundsin a week. Set a goal to lose 1 pound a week, and then go from there.

If you want to learn to play a musical piece, divide thetask into multiple chunks, and then go from there.

If you want to run a marathon, don’t run 26.2 miles on thefirst week of your training. Start with 1 mile, and then keep increasing untilyou are comfortable running 30 miles!

So remember, in order to get to the finish line, you have totake one step at a time. Keep increasing your steps until you hit the finishline.

Last Saturday, my 16 year-old son, Jonathon, put together a benefitconcert for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Here’s a clip.(Enjoy!)

( First 3 minutes: "Arctic Journey", original composition by my 15yo; At pointer 3.0-7.8 "Hey Jude"; At pointer 7.9 Fred Hersch's Valentine)

Do you have it in you to keep on fighting?

2011-09-17T16:30:00.000-04:00

Meet my parents. If there's anyone who has a tremendous fighting spirit, it would be my parents.

My Dad, 79, had a quadruple heart bypass about 10 years ago and was diagnosed with stage 5 chronic kidney disease a couple of years ago. But he still pushes himself to live.

My Mom, 68, with her true LOVE, continues to care for my Dad even though her own health needs attention.

I'm not sure if I have it in me...maybe only time can tell.

"We all live at the same speed of life - 365 days a year.

It's the choices we make that differentiates us from one another."

Photo credit: taken with my Canon digi cam at Subic Pampanga in the Philippines.

played in the rain, i did!

2011-09-10T14:16:00.001-04:00

been in manila for almost 3 weeks...

siesta has been my favorite past time,

my summer tan from the jersey shore has faded,

my straight hair has turned curly,

and i've been eating plenty of rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

it's september so it's typhoon season...it has been raining every day since i got here!

but there's something about the philippines -- it's a super stress-free living!

so i'm leaving in a few days,
and i always have a list of what i need to accomplish before i fly back "home".

and playing in the rain is one of them!

so here i am...

12 years old again!

splish-splashing on the rooftop,

not even the dark cloud can stop me,

from dancing in the rain!

it's not how we weather the storm, it's how we have fun dancing in the rain!

go try it...it will help you "make the invisible visible!"

(my cousin Cat shared this wondeful quote!)

(note: my mom was laughing hysterically while she was taking these pictures!)

Away from home…

2011-09-07T06:16:00.000-04:00

The sound of the water falling off the spout which lands on the pond that houses schools of fish in gold, silver, white, grey, orange and yellow provides calmness to the earsplitting sound of metals being welded, motorcycles passing by, birds chirping, dogs barking and people chatting. The heavy rain drops that manage to say hello every night remind me that this season is definitely the rainy season.

It’s a different kind of noise that I know I’ll miss once I fly back home.

Philippines is home away from home. It’s the one place on earth that I don’t mind traveling coach for 22 hours – (more or less). It is one place in this universe where my straight hair turns curly, my summer tan fades, my love for rice resurfaces, where I take siesta (afternoon naps) – and where I get to eat cooked white rice -- morning, noon and night.

Philippines is the one place I know where people are always polite, cheerful, generous, thoughtful and unpretentious. No matter how tough or poor the country is, Filipinos still perceive life as half full!

Filipinos find time to be with friends and family. You don’t need to make an appointment, or create a FaceBook Event to get together. You don’t even have to plan months ahead – just to spend a whole day or whole night chatting.

Friday and Saturday nights are more hectic traffic wise because of “gimmick” nights, but they don’t mind because the weekend is the time to hang out with friends --

Friends who make me laugh even though we haven’t seen each other in three decades.
Friends I have known before I even had my first kiss.
Friends who I wish I can have tea every weekend – just to laugh out loud, share stories about our love ones, and inspire one another to reach for that star!
Friends who I long to see again – on my next visit.

I have to say goodbye to this "other” home of mine because I miss my family way back home.

I miss the sound of my husband calling me “honey”.
I miss the sound of my children’s voices.
I miss the music that echoes in the four walls of my house.
I miss being the mom and the wife.

I love the culture that taught me to always have a happy disposition, and leaving that place does not mean I go back to a stress-full, goal-oriented, competitive world of succeeding. Filipinos are very talented, too, and very competitive, but they know how to relax without having to stress about finding time to relax.

It’s not my environment – it is I, who will continue to help me embrace the culture I grew up with. It is I who pick what will continue to make me happy – away from home.

The gift of love

2011-08-04T20:09:00.004-04:00

Four kids. Four personalities. One goal – live a HAPPY life.

In today’s world when we seem to be always in a hurry, wehave to step back and say, “Why are we always in a rush?”

And when we want to be the best, we seem to wait untilsomething is perfect, but why?

In focusing on a goal, why fear disappointments?

Don't fear disappointments too much, you'll just end up downgrading your goals. You’ll never be satisfiedwith your achievements because they won’t be substantial enough. So why fear disappointments?

Just try to do your best, and forget the rest! Dream BIG and keep smiling!

Here’s a little montage of pictures with my son’s poem forhis grandma.
Just for you to remember that you are one special person!

(If you’re interested in ordering this 5x7 picture book,please email me at crumbcatchers@gmail.com)

As I was taking a run,

I noticed that all of the leaves on the treesI passed had started to wither and fall.
I assumed this to be the natural order of things:
the leaves grow;
they flourish;
and nature takes its toll until the leaves die,the branches fall, and the tree is barren.

However,
when I came across several evergreen trees, itsstability and consistency reminded me that some are not subject to the weatheringforces around them.
This truth reminded me of our family.

Despite nature’s toll, we always manage tosurvive and find happiness.
That made me think, “Why is our family like anevergreen and not like the other faltering trees?” I realized that the reasonwhy our leaves don’t fall is because of you.
No matter what, whether you are sad, tired orsick,
you are always willing to be to encouragethe family.

don’t wait for tomorrow..

2011-07-30T00:28:00.000-04:00

we can only be better the next day, but why wait?

why not be what makes you happy ...NOW?

why wait for the final moment of perfection when

as Voltaire said,“perfect is the enemy of the good?”

be who you want to be NOW – not tomorrow, but NOW.

go hop on the plane,

go sailing.

go dance in the rain,

go soaring.

dream BIG now..and keep smiling!

Join the August Challenge: Jillian Michaels: 30 Day Shred

2011-07-28T11:33:00.005-04:00

This was me at 40. (Thanks to P90)

This is me at 47. A mom to 4 crumbcatchers age 22, 20, 15 and 10.

That’s 20 pounds in between --- 15 pounds just this year.

I’m at a stage in my life where my muffin tops don’t bother me that much, but what bothers me is that my arms, thighs and legs are being attacked by fat cells ~ cellulite. It’s pretty bad depending on how the sun hits my skin. And the mirrors at home are unforgiving, too…and they all decided to congregate in my body without advance warning.

It sounds so vain, but my family also has a history of heart problems. Heart attacks and surgeries at a young age (40 something). It could be the yummy fried Filipino foods or just genetics.

I’m a writer (well, hoping to get my first book published this year and love to talk to my family and friends in the Philippines through FaceBook and Yahoo Instant Messenger) which means I’m on the computer a lot --- so gaining weight is an occupational hazard!

Recently, it seems like I don’t have enough energy, clothes don’t fit, and my body’s not as toned as it used to be. Granted I started with size 0, but still -- 15 pounds in a year is a lot!

I love to walk, run and dance! I tried my first Zumba class a few weeks ago – and it made me want to be a Zumba instructor when I grow up!

I know that P90x DVDs work – but I can’t seem to find an hour in a day to stay focused.

We just recently joined the gym, but I can’t seem to find the right routine to get me into the gym. I feel lost when I’m in the gym!

I think it’s all about hormones – and my love for apple pie and vanilla ice cream!

I won’t and can’t give up the carbs – because I want to remain happy. (You won't like me when I'm grumpy)

(photo credit: Amazon.com)

So this morning when Run Like A Nanay, asked me to join her : August Challenge: Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. I logged into Amazon.com (which I love – their customer service is the best!) , read some pretty interesting reviews and got my DVD for $7 and shipped for free in 2 days (thanks to my 2 college kids, I get Free 2-day shipping).

It says every work-out is under 30 minutes, but be prepared to get your bum-bum kicked!

So I guess you guys will be hearing more about my progress (or lack of it) .

Come join us. The more the merrier!

I'll be posting my updates HERE:

give a fish or teach to fish?

2011-07-25T15:57:00.000-04:00

There are situations where one just needs a little help fromsomeone else – just to get by.

I was born and raised in the

Philippines

. I had seen poorconditions and wished every one has a chance to be better. In 2005, I returned to the

Philippines

, after being away for21 years. With that visit, I was encouraged to help make a difference.

The kids and I, together with my cousin, developed a smallorganization (SISBA) that helps the impoverished children in the Philippines –my home country. The mission is to encourage young children here in the

toput aside – as little as a quarter a day – to help with the child’s education.The scholarship fund helps with transportation and school supplies.

In return, once in a few months, we ask the scholars and theirmothers to update us with the child’s academic achievements. Mothers play anessential role since they are the ones responsible in motivating their children tocontinue school, and do well in school.

We initially had a required grade point average. However,with the poor environment that the child lives in, most of the times – just passinga subject matter was a tough undertaking. So we just encouraged them to dobetter in school and to try to pass the class.

This year, our good intentions were put to test – after 6 years,the mothers seemed to have lost the discipline of sending their kids to school.They had failed in providing feedback about the child’s progress in school. Although,they still look for the scholarship money, their dedication to their responsibilitiesseemed to dwindle.

And now, we are faced with a lot of questions:

Do we continue toprovide assistance?

There are other poor communities that can benefit from the scholarshipmoney. Do we abandon those who obviously need help?

What would you do?

This week, a few mothers through ONE.org are in Kenya visitinghealth clinics, getting to know more about women entrepreneurs, meeting witheducators about early education and other programs that empower and encourageswomen in Africa – the fight against global poverty and disease. Go check itout, sign the petition to keep the funding, be aware and be involved.

(photo credits Ramon Dompor of www.uglyphotographer.com)

when i leave this universe, i hope you remember me as…

2011-07-18T23:18:00.007-04:00

someone who loves life.

someone who complains and then laughs.

someone who does not mind getting lost.

someone who cries when you’re hurt – and showers you with hugs to ease the pain.

someone who dreams…and dreams BIG (Believes In God).

someone who falls so many times – and chooses to stand strong.

someone who loves you – no matter what.

someone who believes that anyone can make a difference.

someone who sees you for who you are – and what you can become.

and when one day when i can’t remember why,

or when i can’t see clearly,

or when my feet stop jumping,

or when my mind forgets,

or when my ears hear selectively,

i hope you're there to make me smile.

i hope you’re there to remind me that somehow...

hope survives.

(dedicated to my four crumbcatchers)

Dream big and keep smiling!

2011-07-09T14:32:00.002-04:00

Not perfect at all…just living my life, and when it comes to marriage, I just happened to find someone …

My little guy recently told me, “Mom, do you know that every day is a day closer to our death?”

Well, my child, logically that’s right. I guess that’s another way of looking at life. And as William Wallace in Brave Heart said, “Every man dies, not every man really lives.”

And my life is spent with people I truly care about.

So here are a few rules that my husband and I have:

1) Agree that all disputes can be resolved.

2) Resolve all disputes before going to bed no matter how long it takes;

3) No running away or storming out or sleeping on the couch;

4) No personal attacks during a fight i.e. “you don’t care about me!”, “you’re stupid!”, “you can never understand”, etc…

BUT criticisms about specific actions or behavior are okay.

5) Always agree on issues relating to children before discussing them with the children;

Dream Big and keep smiling!

Last month, instead of finishing a project, I woke up and had a new project in mind.
So here it is -

i Zenwalk because...

Two years ago, I started going on for a walk -- and it had made me stay in-zen!

So a few weeks ago, I put together a website - www.iZenWalk.com and an FB page - i ZenWalk because .
I hope you can take part by submitting or posting your own iZenWalk photographs and words of the day!

i ZenWalk because...by sharing LOVE & JOY, you'll get more of it in return!
Hold on to your dreams – make the world a better place.

Walk, capture the moment & share it to the world!
To be happy & to be fit is to be in "zen".

Post your iZenWalk photos, collage or words of the day via:
- The FB page
- Submit page at www.iZenWalk.com
- Twitter :@izenwalk
- Email: izenwalk@gmail.com

Is GMAIL invading my privacy?

2011-07-07T08:44:00.000-04:00

Is GMAIL invading my privacy?

Did you ever notice the kind of advertising that pops next to your gmail messages?

At first I said,

“WOW! Google is so smart! It figures out what appeals to me based on my email.”

“It even knows the group of people I email constantly!”

And then after a minute or two, my amazement was transformed to fear!

Does it mean that my messages are being scanned and read for contents?

Hmm….

i believe i can fly

2011-06-28T00:34:00.000-04:00

i believe i can fly

i believe i can touch the sky

i think about it every night and day

spread my wings and fly away;

i believe i can soar

i see me running through that open door

i believe i can fly

i believe i can fly.

These are lyrics from R. Kelly's song, "I Believe I Can Fly".

It's almost 2 decades ago when my kids and their cousins would sing this song during one of the family get-togethers.

It's interesting that just a few days ago, I was sitting in my dining room with my kids and my nieces and nephew -- reminiscing the days, and in particular the time when they would sing this song.

And then today, with no plan at all -- just a realization that today's a gorgeous day to waste inside the house, we all got changed, packed the beach chairs, umbrella, water bottles, Frisbee, sunscreen and towels and headed to the beach.

It was just one of those days that my kids and I will remember.

Have a great summer and keep smiling, and remember as Tony Horton from P90x said,

"Do your best and forget the rest!"

Hugs and kisses :)

innocence and freedom

2011-06-23T10:14:00.001-04:00

"Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you.

All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding.

Find out what you already know and you will see the way to fly." - Richard Bach’s “Jonathan Livingston Seagull”

Seagulls on the beach remind me of a book I loved to read as a kid. Richard Bach's "Jonathan Livingston Seagull". The book is about a seagull, Jonathan, who is bored with his daily routine but pushes himself to do better. However, in doing more than what was expected of him, he became an outcast – but that didn’t stop him.

"You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now, and nothing can stand in your way". – Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

27 years ago, I went to the US Embassy in the Philippines not knowing what my future holds. All I knew was that I had to do something to have a better life. It was not an easy road, but I can say that it was worth every step. I regret some things but I think every experience – pleasant or painful, was part of who I am.

Yesterday, my family went to Long Branch. Not a fully planned outing for the day, but we had a great time!

Watching my children have fun, stress-free -- outside the daily routine, was heart warming to see. It might sound corny, but it made my heart smile!

So this summer, be free and see how much more there is to enjoy!

tooth fairy, cake and expressions of emotion

2011-06-11T12:26:00.000-04:00

There are quite a few things that catch my eye – some unique creations that make me pause and say, “Wow!”

My husband gets frustrated with me because my superlatives aren’t as “super” as they should be. It must be the Filipino in me. When the kids perform and do a fabulous job, my reaction is ecstatic but I would say, ‘Very Good!”. In Filipino, that means awesome, fantastic, fabulous.

So when I say “very good”, you have to remember that I mean it to be something fabulous!

I want to introduce you to a very talented artist: Polina of PoZi Designs.

She comes up with artwork that makes you go, “I wish Ithought of that!”

Here’s a tooth fairy box. For all the parents with littlekids, do check this out and get a box from Po-Zi Designs. She can even custommake something for your child. This, I think is such a distinctive idea! Iwould leave a sample to the different dental offices. It kind of makes losing atooth not as painful anymore – this may even be a great idea for teens thatneed to say “good-bye” to their wisdom teeth!

Cake – hmm, my weakness! My youngest had his 10^th birthdayparty, and since he loves gymnastics, Polina created the ultimate gymnasticscake. At first I thought it would be great to put the Olympics logo, but Polinabeing a very passionate mother, too, didn’t want to add pressure to my littleguy’s dream – and what she created was something better than what I imagined.To top it off, it tasted really good! The group of 10 year olds at the partywere so amazed not just by the artistic side of the cake, but the “yummy-ness”of the vanilla cake.

I just love this artwork. It’s a doodle of paint in thehighest form! I look at it and I get inspired because it brings the child inme!

So please stop by Po-Zi Designs and browse through Polina’screations. Click HERE to visit her page.

Lastly, I just started re-reading Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights” (thanks to my daughter’srecommendation). Did you know that Emily Brontewrote the book when she was 77? So it isnever too late to follow your dreams, right?

Have a great weekend, everyone and keep smiling!

to love again

2011-06-01T23:08:00.003-04:00

When I get to write a fictional love story, the setting will definitely be in Central Park, New York - and the background music will probably be "Someday My Prince Will Come". (Probably because I just came from yet another concert at the high school where my 15yo performed that song -- my son in the piano, while his friend played the saxophone. Kind of cute because in the jazz band, my son plays the saxophone and his friend plays the keyboard.)

Upon hearing that song and upon learning that the this week's theme at Creative Nachos is "Put a little love in your heart", an inspiration for a fictional love story came to mind...

‘To love again”

Somewhere in

Spain

,a young expectant mother rushes to the emergency room. She is having laborpains.

An attending doctor is on his way out the hospital when theyoung expectant mother touches his hand. He then adoringly looks at the motherand asks permission if he can listen to her baby. The young mother is confusedbut for some force within her, agrees to let the doctor do so.

As the attending doctor gently presses his stethoscope tothe young mother’s belly, he whispers, “to love again”.

The young mother feels a kick in her belly.

The attending doctor smiles so handsomely and says, “she’sbeautiful.”.

The OBGYN on duty attends to the young mother.

The attending doctor is whistling as he leaves the hospitaland drives back to his home. As he was making a left turn, a big bus hits thedoctor’s convertible car. Ambulance is in the scene and takes the attendingdoctor to the emergency room.

At that very second, back in the hospital, a child is beingborn.

It is a full moon, and a lovely girl is born. The young mothernames her Maria.

Somewhere in a maternity room in Singapore, a young American motheris having labor pains. Her water breaks. The resident nurse brings in a glassof ice cubes for the young American mother. There are some complications withthe baby.

While back in Spain, theyoung attending doctor dies.

At around the same time, a loud cry from a baby boy echoesin the hospital in Singapore.The young mother names the new born baby boy, Steven.

Pass forward 17 years.

In Central Park by the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre,a 17 year old boy and girl bump into each other. A soothing sensation touchestheir skin. As the girl turns to look, her eyes meet the boy’s eyes andsomewhere in her mind she hears, “to love again”.

That night was a full moon. The 17 year old girl sleeps anddreams of a young doctor who whispers to her ears, “to love again.”

(It was the same dreamshe keeps having since she can remember)

But unlike before, she can’t see the young doctor’s face,but that night, when she looks up at thedoctor’s face, she notices that it was the young handsome boy she bumped intoin Manhattan.

-- to be continued –

Now here’s my son’s latest composition, “Sweet Simplicity” that will put a little love in your heart.

– to be continued –

There are two ways to live your life...

2011-05-25T22:59:00.000-04:00

“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though every thing is a miracle.” - Albert Einstein

It’s Wednesday night, and I didn’t get a chance to play!
It's the same excuse --- I was busy, the week was just hectic! I just didn't have any time!

But the beauty of it all is that come Thursday, Creative Nachos will feature talented and dedicated artists who make my Thursdays beautiful.

Creative Nachos, or Thursday Sweet Treat (TST), had been my special treat for a few years now.

And with all the craziness, the world rumored to end last Saturday –

Creative Nachos is a place where it reminds me that there is beauty in the world.

I’ve made friends through TST – friends who have helped me be a better ME.

Friends who take time to create and share instead of break one’s spirit.

I really believe that every person you encounter in life -- be it someone that made you happy or sad,
is part of the thread that's woven together to form one special YOU.

So hug a friend you haven't talked to in a while -- just because in more ways than you know, he or she had helped mold who you are right now.

( PS: I still draw the way I was taught in Elementary school. Mountains, rice fields, coconut trees, the sun, clouds and the birds! I just love being a kid at times. No worries, no deadlines -- just LIFE! )

What color is God?

2011-05-20T09:54:00.002-04:00

"God is the color of water. Waterdoesn't have a color."

— JamesMcBride (The Color ofWater: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother)

Who has time to read?

Well, as a mother of four, I found time...

in between gymnastics meet, a few minutes before going tobed, waiting in the car while my child is taking piano lessons (that is ifyou’re not taking one of those power naps);

a few minutes here and there andbefore I knew it, I just read an entire book!

My children have a way of recommending what books to read. Afew summers ago, I got hooked on Mitch Albom’s books.

And this year, my 15yo 10^th grader recommended areading material to me. James McBride’s “The Color of Water”.

It’s a story about a son and his mother – the challenges andjoys of raising a family that is multi-racial.

This past Sunday, my oldest graduated from Rutgers. She's the first in her generation (2nd generation of Filipino-American immigrants) to graduate from college. And needless to say, I cried in numerous occasions. The President of the university commented that over 50% of the graduates are from immigrant families.

My parents and brothers would have loved to have witnessed that day, too.

Thanks you FaceBook and YouTube, even families in the Philippines were able to witness that special event.

When the class of 2011 stood up to be recognized, I had thought of my mother and the love and encouragement she had instilled in me and my 5 brothers.

"The Color of Water" is that story! It will help you understand why mothers do what they do: love, encouragement, persistence and hard work. ( I hope you'll get a chance to read it, too)

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:

"The greatest gift that anyone can give anyone is LIFE. And the greatest sin a person can do is to take away that life. NEXT to that, all rules and religions in the worldare secondary, mere words and beliefs that people CHOOSE to believe and KILL and HATE by My life won't be lived that way, and neither, I hope, will my children's."

. " — James McBride (The Color of Water 10th Anniversary Edition)

I quit!

2011-05-10T21:20:00.000-04:00

Yes, I did....well, for now anyway.

Some things are getting out of hand and I need to take a step back and redirect my focus on something else less stressful. When tasks are no longer fun, the best thing to do is to put those tasks on hold -- or delegate them to somebody else.

And when you feel like giving up, a friend will always be there to give you that space until you're ready to face the world again!

Sometimes, our dreams may seem too far-fetched, but we still have to try our best...

To find the time and finish what we started!

Felicia Kramer of Another Bright Idea is a dear friend of mine that I met through Thursday Sweet Treat. She gave me permission to post a few of her collage. Thank you so much, Felicia!

A Song For My Mother

2011-05-04T13:07:00.003-04:00

Cloudy, wet, melancholy …

Not sure if it was the weather, or maybe it’s because Mother’sDay weekend is this weekend.

I haven’t seen, kissed or hugged my Mom for almost a yearnow, and I miss her dearly.

Earlier this morning, I was talking to my Mom via Yahoo InstantMessenger, and I started bawling!! Oh, I just truly miss her so much!

And at times like these, music and nature have always calmedme down.

Two years ago, my now 15yo, Jonathon, composed and recorded a song for me, “A Song For My Mother. With the helpof my 19yo son, who I miss dearly today, too, a CD was compiled and was one ofmy memorable Mother’s Day present.

So today, I compiled a few photographs and created thisvideo :

Here are some of my crumbcatchers' Mother's Day poems and letters:

Here's one written by my daughter when she was 9.

Makes me feel special;
Opens heart to others;
Thinks of other people;
Helps people;
Ever so special;
Radiant is the word for you!

Dear Mom,
I love you so much. You mean so much to me.
Sometimes I get mad at you, but then I forget about it, or
I say I’m sorry.
Mom, you’re very helpful.
Whenever I need help on my homework,
I always go to you first.
You help me, and I get the answer.

When I do the laundry and I need help;
I go to you only.
I might need help because
I probably don’t know what to turn it to;
And you help me.
You’re very helpful.

I really look up to you.
You’re the best mom.
I love you very much.
PS – You’re very special to me.
--------

10 Things I loveAbout You

( From my then 8-year old son, now 19yo)
Mom, you are special to me –
Because you take care of me.
Because you are there when I need you.
Because you let me go on the computer
Because you help with homework
Because you play with me
Because you bring me to school
Because you let me play with my friends
Because you bring me to the pool
Because you bring me to the beach
Because you love me

----------

We celebrate Mother’s Day because mothers are special.
They care for us.
They tuck us in at night.
When we are bad and when they punish us, they still love us.
They love us all the time.

They sing to us before we go to sleep.
Moms bring us to school and pick us up.
Moms give us hugs and kisses.
They wake us up and give us hugs and kisses.
When we come home after school, they are happy.
They think about us all the time.
Sometimes moms play with their kids.
They are happy for us when they see a good report card.
They help us when we are sick.
They stay with you when you are in the hospital.

Sometimes moms give babies or kids a bath.
Sometimes moms help their kids with their homework.
Sometimes moms stay with their kids at the doctor’s.

All of these and many more.

To all the mothers, Happy Mother’s Day
And to my mom – She works very HARD at home, and on Mother’s Day
She will have to relax for a LOT OF DAYS.

- Written by Nicole , 1996.; She was 7 when she wrote this poem. She was very sick with asthma at thattime. Nicole is almost 22, a National Collegiate scholar at Rutgers School of Artsand Sciences and is graduating next week.

------

Quotations from the Quote Garden:

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobsin my field, since the payment is pure love. ~Mildred B. Vermont

A suburban mother's role is to deliver childrenobstetrically once, and by car forever after. ~Peter De Vries

I love my mother as thetrees love water and sunshine - she helps me grow, prosper, and reach greatheights. ~Adabella Radici

A mother's arms are made of tenderness and children sleepsoundly in them. ~Victor Hugo

Mother's love ispeace. It need not be acquired, it need not be deserved.

~Erich Fromm

The best conversations with mothers always take place insilence, when only the heart speaks. ~Carrie Latet

Youth fades; love droops; the leaves of friendship fall; Amother's secret hope outlives them all. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

Make Every Day Mother's day! Mom's can make a global difference from right where you are!

Get heard, sign the petition to help 4 million children's lives in 5 years. Visit : http://www.one.org/us/actnow/moms/index.html?rc=vaccines2011momoutreach

Happy a wonderful Mother's Day everyone!

the best part of wasting the whole day is that it’s wholly yours to waste

2011-04-29T13:10:00.000-04:00

"I don’t care if you call me Lazy Bones. I love to lounge away the day alone. Why mix with others when being myself is so beautiful? When the day’s at my pace. I can relish small pleasures like ripe cherries, spiced blackberries, the aroma of sweet wood and fresh herbs. Afterall, there’s no shame in putting off today what can truly wait ‘till tomorrow!"

Busy bee, that's me!

I had been neglecting the blog -- but life happens so what can I say?

Busy writing, busy being a mom, wife, daughter and sister!

Last week, my husband and I took one of our little-big kids to see The Juilliard School, and it was a total treat! I think everyone should do the campus tour -- just to see how amazing that school truly is!

It's almost May and my days will only get busier!

But I still look forward to the quiet nights -- when I can have a sip of my husband's red wine (Lazy Bones wine was from Trade Joe's, and just $6!!) and munch some ciabatta covered with sun dried tomatoes, olives and spicy feta cheese!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone. Enjoy.

Listen to this song from my 15yo, "Middle C" - it will make you dance!

Keep smiling!

Destiny has to be won….and just enjoying life!

2011-04-13T10:01:00.011-04:00

“Whatever road I take, whatever journey I’m in…every road leads to my purpose in life, right?”

Sometimes I wonder …
Do things happen for a reason?
The decisions we make, do they lead us to our objective?
The people we meet – or people we had ignored, are they all part of our destiny?
Or our lives would have been different if we chose the right path?
Or regardless of the path we took, we would have ended up with the same outcome?

Just like the 12th deciple, did he have a choice not to do what he did?
But wasn't his destiny been written all along?

For almost 47 years, I had made various decisions…and it seems like every thing is part of what my purpose in life is.

The past few weeks – it’s all about motherhood!

14 years ago, my parents had to move and decided to give us their old piano.
And since then, the sound of music in our home had not stopped…

The past few weeks had been a roller coaster ride – busy as a bee -- that was me!

Four crumbcatchers, four different directions:
* graduating from college with honors, and proceeding with nursing school;
* in San Diego living on his own, doing well in college and involved in music;
* just came back from a Youth and Goverment conference -- awarded Oustanding Statesman, NJ delegate and elected President of the Senate;
* tied in 8th place overall in the Regionals gymnastics competition ( over 100 kids, 7 states)

But there was that one child that dominated the first few weeks.

Over a year ago, when my son was just 14 years old, we were approached with a new adventure.

“Jonathon’s dedication to his craft his remarkable for one his age. The next step in his music career is to record his first album!”

“There are a lot of possibilities such as being a voting member of the Grammy’s, a full time recording artists, and so on…I can’t guarantee anything, but at least the songs can get some radio air play – that I’m positive. He is ready!”

Needless to say, my 14yo was excited!

My husband and I weren’t so sure, and we didn’t know if it’s the right time and what level of involvement this new adventure would hold. We opted to wait until summer, because our child needed to focus on school.

My child had plenty of interests – but music has always been his passion, ever since he was 2.

Every time people witnessed him perform, people would approach me and say,

“He lights up the stage.”
“He makes the piano talk to us!”
“He is one charming, confident and polite young man!”
“He is going to go places!”

Parents of his piano students would tell us how Jonathon has motivated their child, and had brought music to their homes.

So...

We let our child make the decision – and the commitment.

Original plan was a 10 song CD to be released November 2010. So my 14yo focused whatever little extra time he had focusing on writing 5 original songs. He planned on 5 covers and 5 originals. While most kids were busy playing video games, he was focused on writing the 5 songs – because that’s his passion.

However, life happens.
1) Illness in the family
2) A death of a business partner
3) Being sick for 8 weeks
4) Life’s twists and turns.

A few adjustments and a year later, my 15yo’s three track CD was completed.

The Single-EP (extended play) titled, “A Little Taste”, is now available in iTunes, Amazon and CDBABY..
(Just 99 cents per song or $2.97 for the three track EP)

Here's a little audio clip, "Pretty Woman We Are Through".

A music veteran journalist, Jonathon Widran, got the first look and interview with my now 15yo son. As he wrote:

With the help of his own piano teacher, producer, Hammond B-3 master, composer and recording artist Joe Kurasz, Furer recently recorded a three track “calling card” EP that incorporates all of the musical loves of his life—classical, pop, rock and jazz. While conventional wisdom dictates that budding artists choose and master a single genre, Furer’s passions gleefully defy such pigeonholing and take listeners on an extraordinary and eclectic journey. While the elegant intro to his original “Pretty Woman” draws a bit on his classical training, the song becomes a playful, grooving, bass piano driven romp—and a perfect showcase for his skills as a pop singer, lyricist and saxophonist. The simple cathartic line “Pretty Woman, we are through” is one any young person who has been in a new relationship with a deceptive person can relate to.

Over the past few years, Furer has developed an incredible ear for jazz. As a saxophonist, he has been hugely influenced by Chris Potter (whom he first saw perform at the Village Vanguard in NYC) as well as legends like Charlie Parker and Cannonball Adderley. His tastes have diversified to include everyone from Gershwin, Miles Davis and Dave Grusin to fusion drum great Dave Weckl. Furer showcases his powerful abilities with melody and jazz improvisation on the densely percussive, playfully rolling Brazilian jazz classic “Blue Bossa,” a standard composed by Kenny Dorham which was first introduced in the early 60s by Joe Henderson. Furer blends his pop and jazz sensibilities perfectly on the infectious, groove driven swing-funk instrumental “Middle C.”

(This will make you dance)

I hope you’ll take time to visit his Band Page (FB) and be a fan. Help me spread his music.
You can listen and buy his songs through his band page, too. Let my little guy know...We would love to get any feedback or reviews. As he said,
"I didn't get to the finish line, but every step is a milestone!"

And yet, with busy lives, we should not forget to enjoy life. Let kids be kids – even adults!

When things get hectic, I always turn to one of my favorite books:

Antoine de Saint-Exupery's "The Little Prince". My favorite quotes:
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye."
"The meaning of things lies not in the things themselves, but in our attitude towards them."

Let’s enjoy life… make the decisions that we choose to make, and have the attitude to enjoy it!

Have a wonderful day, and keep smiling :)

(PS: I was watching Camelot on TV when I heard Merlin tell King Arthur, "Destiny has to be won."
The picture of the garden was taken at Hershey Hotel, PA)

Do you have time to play?

2011-03-28T11:23:00.000-04:00

This weekend, I got a reminder that we have to let kids be kids because before we know it, they would no longer be Peter Pan.

So when my youngest asked me while I was editing and revising my book, I couldn’t help but put my work on hold and attend to my first real job – being a mom!

“Mom, do you have time to play Wii Just Dance?” asked my 10yo as he touched my shoulders with his cherub-like fingers and pressed his soft velvety skin against mine.

Who can deny such cuteness?

Needless to say, I got up and went down to the den to play a few “Wii Just Dance”.

I, too, was a kid at that moment. We laughed as my scores were getting higher than my 10yo.

“It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about having fun….NOT!” he chuckled.

And we laughed and decided to switch remote controls to see if the sensors were flawed.
And sure enough, this time, he beat me!

My legs reminded me that I was 46 and not 10. We took a break while he got me a glass of ice cold water.

That day, I didn’t need Tinkerbell’s gold dusts ...
I just needed to be with my little guy to deposit more happy thoughts into my memory bank!

Earlier that day, my 15yo attended a bar mitzvah. Of course, those celebrations are always fun. But the most memorable Kodak moment was …

That my 15yo was wearing the tie that his Dad was wearing at the delivery room – the night my 15yo was being born! Where did time go?

So when we’re so busy attending to the responsibilities of adulthood, don’t forget the Peter Pan in all of us!

Have a great week!

NOW is the only time you ever have... Go outside, you'll be happier

2011-03-19T08:26:00.004-04:00

As parents, we do what we think is best – and hope that our children will grow up happy for who they are.

With four children, my husband and I deal with four different personalities. Each one has their own sets of strengths and weaknesses. As parents, we try to recognize and nurture their interests and talents.

There are tasks that we don’t get to attend to, tasks that we love to put off until the last minute -- which leads to panic and anxiety.

All my children have various interests. They lead a hectic schedule, but school still remains a priority.

So when homeworks and projects are put off until the last hour, there’s always chaos in our household.
There’s one phrase that we keep reminding our children:

NOW is the only time you ever have.
So do it now, don’t put it off.
Later is not something you have the luxury of
And yesterday had already gone.
NOW is the only time you ever possess – so complete your task today, not in 5 minutes – but NOW!

Winter had been really cold, luckily SPRING seems to be around the corner.

Although, as my husband says, "March is a tricky month."
Yesterday was a lovely, sunny day -- a perfect day to run, a perfect day to be outside.

In one of our walks to school, my 10yo commented,

“Mom, you know you have to start running again.”

“Why?” I asked. (I thought he would say that I was starting to gain weight)

“You’ll be happier. ”

“Am I not happy now?”

“Mom, I said HAP-PI-ER. Of course you’re happy. I just know that you are happier when you get to go outside."

So yesterday afternoon, my husband and I ran to town and back...and yes, we were happier!
(And later that day, we played basketball with our 10yo and his friends)

REMINDER: Today is the deadline to enter the Family Dance Off Contest.

Sky Blue and some quality time

2011-03-09T01:08:00.010-05:00

busy daily routines have put a toll on the quality of our lives,

by choice and with consequences.

that’s why every opportunity we have to retreat and bond,

gives us that gift that we wish we can unwrap every day of our lives.

every thing seems to revolve around the goal -

do well in school or work,
make a difference in someone's life,

excel in the things you want to do,

be involved.

all those are embraced,

but there comes a moment in our lives

that getting away from all that - is good for our body, mind, heart and soul.

and there is no better place to recharge

than be on the mountains,
where the skies are blue,

and nature surrounds you.

to be

happy,
calm,

quiet,

relaxed,

renewed.

as we head back to our daily routine

to do what we need to do.

just remember that once in a while,
we do need to step back in order to move forward.

enjoy the clear blue skies
because it brings peace and happiness.

(The pictures were taken on our drive back from Smugglers' Notch, VT)

Please visit Thursday Sweet Treat for various artists' interpretation of "sky blue" .

Dance Your Way to Healthy as a Family and enter the Family Dance off contest. Grand prize of $5K and a $30K donation to your local Children's Miracle Network Hospital

2011-03-03T19:11:00.002-05:00

Dance Your Way to Healthy as a Family

Submitted by Kathleen Thomas on behalf of Primrose Educational Preschools

Dance can be a fun, easy way to introduce physical activity into a child's life. As a provider of educational child care, Primrose Schools has recognized and is actively fighting against the childhood obesity epidemic. Childhood obesity is a critical issue for young children in America. The Family Dance-off supports Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children's hospitals, which collectively treat 17 million children annually for every illness and injury imaginable.

Through their annual Family Dance-off event, families are encouraged to record and submit a 30 second video of themselves dancing to promote fitness and strengthen family ties.

Participating in the Family Dance-off is easy:

1. Record a 30-second video of your family's best dance moves. Don't be afraid to let loose and be silly!

2. Visit The Family Dance-off site and upload your best take by March 19.

3. Share your video with your friends via email, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

4. View and vote daily (you can place five votes per day) for your favorite family dance video!

What would a competition be without prizes? Primrose Schools is providing prizes that aren't only great for your family but for your whole community, with $65,000 in donations to local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals:

• Grand Prize: $5,000 and Primrose will make a $30,000 donation to a local Children's Miracle Network Hospital

• 2nd Prize: $3,000 and Primrose will make a $20,000 donation to a local Children's Miracle Network Hospital

• 3rd Prize: $1,500 and Primrose will make a $15,000 donation to a local Children's Miracle Network Hospital

• All 14 Finalists will also receive a FLIP camcorder

Visit The Family Dance-off site for details on how to take part in the fight against childhood obesity, participate in the competition, and view past competitors!

7 days in winter – that’s all it takes to recharge, reflect and reconnect.

2011-03-01T01:56:00.001-05:00

Winter break for my family means a week at Smugglers’ Notch Vermont

I still remember the first week we were here at Smuggs. It was the blizzard of 1996. It was dubbed the blizzard of the century – a severe nor’easter that paralyzed Vermont and other neighboring states.

We packed rented skis because we didn’t know that Smuggs had their own rental facilities – and discounted! We brought our bulky and heavy IBM desktop computer. (My husband and I worked in the I.T. Department).

Needless to say, I over packed the first time we decided to go to Smuggs.

The drive to VT was the scariest we had as a family. Thank God we had the Ford Expedition back then. I could still visualize the icicles that formed on my SUV’s antennae and how frozen the windshield wipers were. But it was an adventure!

The oldest was just 7 years old, the 2nd was just 5 years old and the youngest then, our 3rd child, was just 16 months old.

We thought we would never come back. What a horrible weather we had. Everywhere was icy, I fell so many times learning how to ski, but there was something about that week that made my husband make Smugglers’ Notch our own.

The kids loved the skiing experience. We all enjoyed getting away from the busy and hectic schedule of school and work. We all wanted to come back. My husband analyzed the pros and cons on a spreadsheet, and pointed out that having the option of coming here once a week in the winter is a great investment – for the family!

Even with so many tears of embarrassment on my part since I kept skiing to a tree or a building, that week was a special week.

This winter of 2011 had been long and cold. So a few weeks ago, I wasn’t really looking forward to be surrounded by more snow. But even with snow covered roads and mountains, Smuggs was just different – it is a special place! It’s our home for 7 days in the winter – and it’s a tradition I would like to keep. For how long, I don’t know?

The kids are growing…they are starting to have their own lives, their own schedule. However, my youngest is only 10 and he still has to fill up his memory book with plenty of winters in Vermont.

A week at Smuggs is not just the week of pizza and Ben Jerry’s Chubby Hubby, or a week where we jump into the outdoor heated pool; or a week of making new friends and getting acquainted with old friends; or a week of watching the Science Guy or Marko, the Magician; or a week of walking to the ski lift and skiing down the mountain; or a week of running on a treadmill or going down to the Village for groceries and gallons of water; or a week of sitting on the couch together – all squeezed in, watching a movie. It is the week that helps us focus on ourselves – our family. It’s a week that we get to reflect, laugh and re-charge.

Our 3rd child has grown so much – he is 6 inches taller than I, and is 15 ½ years old today. And our 4th child who just turned 10 and is a reflection of his 3 older siblings. He’s just a reminder that time goes by fast.

Smuggs is home away from home. We do miss the older ones, but it’s a place where the younger ones create their own memories of being together as a family. And just because of that, it’s a place we’ll always come back to.

Maybe someday in the future, I’ll be bringing my grandchildren here, too.

What about you? What is your home away from home?

Why is it so easy to gain weight, and so hard to lose a few pounds?

2011-02-24T00:37:00.000-05:00

It is so easy to gain weight!

This winter had been cold and long. My little guy had been my “work-out” partner. We would walk to school every morning – even when it’s freezing out. My neighbor and I used to run a few miles after dropping the kids off to school.

But the past few weeks, our routine got changed. Chorus and orchestra early morning rehearsals had forced me to drive him to school. Which meant, the almost 1 mile walk I had every morning had been replaced with zero mile.

And in 2 weeks, I noticed that I was gaining weight every single week.

So in 2 weeks I gained an additional 5 pounds, on top of the 7 pounds I’ve been trying to lose since last Thanksgiving.

I love to eat – and big portions.
I love bread – and lots of it.
I love dessert – my, my, my!

I’m almost 47 years old and my metabolism has changed.

I can still fit (barely) in my clothes. I used to wear size 0-2 clothing. But this week, I couldn’t fit into my size 4 clothes.

I know some of you think I shouldn’t be complaining but you’re wrong.
I am now 12 pounds heavier than last spring. (Not healthy at all!)

I still look petite but when the sweater season ends, it won’t be fun!
I can feel the extra pounds in my armpit, my belly (!!!!) and my thighs.

The extra weight had taken all my energy, too. The extra weight makes it tougher to exercise. I kept saying to myself, “I just don’t have the energy!”

That means it’s time to get serious and lose weight.

Last week I started writing down what I eat. It works during the week but come weekend, I lose control!
(My little guy's gymnastics meet don't help either - sitting for 5 hours and getting hungry don't mix well!)

Finishing a book also hindered my ability on staying fit. I sit by the computer and type, and type and type – which is not good, not good at all! Maybe I should have signed up for that half marathon instead!

I used to love to exercise, but with the insane winter we have, it’s pretty tough to go out for a run or even do the P90X DVD. (It gets pretty cold in the basement!)

My workout clothes don’t fit me either.

Which is a sign – it’s time to BRING IT once again!

Exercise should be a habit. It should be like brushing your teeth.
Every winter, I fall off the wagon.

So starting tomorrow morning, I am back on my exercise routine.

I can’t give up bread – not yet, but I can try to go on that stepper and burn some calories!

Do you want to do it together?

I'll be here.
(Photo source : CoolClips )

Google (SMS) Short Message Service - you can text GOOGLE to do translations and more!

2011-02-19T09:27:00.001-05:00

Every day, we tell our children “Try to learn something new every day.”

And yesterday, I learned something new!

Last night, gratitude to a dear friend, I found out that you can text to GOOGLE (466453) and get the phone number and address of my local pizza store, just a text message, “pizza”, to GOOGLE.
I didn’t even have to tell GOOGLE where I was!

Technology always amazes me. I’m still at awe at how Microsoft Word knows that I spelled something wrong – it even knows that I wrote a fragmented sentence! One day, I just need to touch the screen and it’ll probably write an entire page of thoughts and ideas!

So I’m having fun with this new discovery!

(Just a warning, make sure you have unlimited text package from your mobile provider, because it can be addicting!)

Here are some fun information!

Definition…………………..….define pigwidgeon
Flights……………………….....flight co123
Movies…………………….......movie new york
Stocks………………………...stock DECK (stock symbol for UGGS)
Translation…………………..…translate hungry in Spanish

For other Google SMS tips, visit http://www.google.com/mobile/sms/search/ .

Did you learn something new today?
(Photo credit: Microsoft Office clipart)

Que sera sera, whatever will be will be

2011-02-16T12:23:00.000-05:00

there are days that seem like no matter how we steer to the right, our path leads us to go to the left;

and..
there are days that no matter how tough it is to keep stepping forward, something is pulling us back;

and yet, one day..

life surprises us..

we didn’t even have to step on the accelerator,
the cruise control has already set the speed;

every day, i just need to count my blessings;
every day, there’s a reason to smile;
every day, I just need to be patient.

every time I feel like getting angry and upset,
i look outside and know that
there is always something to be thankful for.

last weekend, my little guy competed in his 4th gymnastics qualifier of the season.
like most kids, he worked really hard, and he earned 1st place in the All-Around.

(here’s a video of his floor routine exercise, my favorite routine!)

so no matter what...what ever will be, will be.
what are you thankful for today?

You are criticizing me!

2011-02-08T09:19:00.001-05:00

“Mom, I am doing what you want me to do but you are still criticizing me,” said my almost 10yo son.

Let me paint you the setting.

It was Saturday morning, in the dining room. My husband made breakfast for the kids – including my picky-eater, 10yo.

What’s in the breakfast menu? Scrambled eggs!

Sitting, with not a trace of a smile on his face, my almost 10yo was staring at a plate with freshly cooked scrambled eggs -- golden yellow and folded neatly like an omelet, a side of sliced apples and a glass of 1% milk.

I wasn’t exactly sure what’s going on in my little crumbcatcher’s mind, but he surely does not look happy.

So he took one bite after 5 minutes, drank from the glass of milk and took a bite of the apple. My ever energetic, super active, nonstop moving child seemed like on a slow motion pace at this moment.

So after 30 minutes of waiting for him to finish the eggs, I commented, “How come it’s taking you forever to finish a small plate of scrambled eggs? You seem to survive from the first few bites, the egg is so much better hot than cold.”

And that’s when he replied as his nose wrinkled, which is a sign that he’s controlling his tears,

“Mom, I am doing what you want me to do but you are still criticizing me. That’s why I don’t want to try new things because when I try you still criticize me.”

My husband heard our conversation and said,
“We love you little guy. It is our job to criticize you…and we will criticize until you get it right.”

Do you ever remember questioning your parents? I grew up in the Philippines and there’s no talking back – or even complaining, especially when you’re not even 10 years old…not even when you’re 21!

I think I started answering back only after I had children and moved out of the house – even then, I felt bad when I question my parents.

Maybe the new generation of children have been pampered and treated like their breakable. We can’t even tell them directly if they are not doing their tasks incorrectly. We have to learn how to coat the words so that they are not painful. We have to tip toe and be super sensitive to what we say because we might hurt their feelings.

Just look at the report cards, hard work aren’t graded in the first few years of their academic life because the educators feel that in doing so, we will be stomping on their confidence.

Are the new generation of kids going to grow-up so shielded from criticisms and with constant “pat-in-the-back” reinforcements that when they face the real world, employers, supervisors or managers have to be trained how to behave or communicate?

My parenting style is strict but compared to how I was raised, it’s pretty lenient. I asked my 15yo if he thinks I’m a “tiger mom” because I do expect nothing less than a A+, I make sure they practice piano, violin, saxopone or piano, there are no hanging out with friends on school nights, and only recently that I allowed “sleep overs”. My 2 older children (who are now in college) did not get to experience sleep overs. But like anything else, everything is within reason. As long as I see that my kids work hard and really adhere to the doing their jobs well (be a VERY good student, behaved and well-mannered), then we sort of “compromise”.

When my older son told us that he’s just a “B” student, that conversation did not go well -- especially we knew since my son was little, that he’s above average. So "B" does not relate to “above average”. It would have been different if that’s all he was capable of. So that was a tough fight! I think he was grounded most of his teen life!

When my 15yo says,
“Mom, this is the best I can do…and as our teacher said, we shouldn’t be so focused on the grades. A "B" on Honors class is actually an "A" and a "C" is actually a "B"," --

my blood boils and I reply with my Filipino-ewok tone which seems to come out every time I get angry,
“Tell that to the colleges and scholarship grants! Especially when you get a "C" because you didn't do your homework.”

So when I confronted my 15yo, “Do you think you are being raised by a Tiger Mom?”

He replied with a laugh, “Are you kidding me. No way. I am being raised by tiger parents!”

“And then he continued….but the “cool” tiger parents.”

So going back to my youngest, who according to my three older children, has gotten away with a lot of stuff since he IS the baby : My 10yo took an hour to finish his breakfast!

He cried when we didn’t say he did a great job for tasting the eggs. I told him that we’re happy that he finally finished the scrambled eggs but it would have been better if he finished it in less than 1 hour.

And he said, “See, you are criticizing me again.”

And we replied, “because it is our job as parents.”

there IS hope after heartbreak

2011-02-03T10:48:00.001-05:00

yes, today is one of those days - GREAT NEWS!

there is light at the end of the tunnel!
there is HOPE after heart break!

life sometimes feel like a never ending roller-coaster ride at busch gardens.

you are being bounced around…up and down!

but like anything else…

nothing stays still…or frozen! (yes, we 've been getting way too much snow and ice!)

flowers will soon bloom...

and our faith helps us through.

enjoy life.

keep smiling.

Be fit and make a difference, support me in the American Red Cross Resolutions - Treadmill 10K

2011-01-24T09:00:00.003-05:00

I’d rather be running on the rooftop of my brother’s house in Manila. Last summer, I got up at 5am, and ran for an hour – as the sun rises! (It was just really calming- it’s like yoga-like!)

But it’s winter in New Jersey – so there’s no waking up at 5 in the morning to even go outside for a walk!

We’ve had a snow storm almost every week since Christmas – and because my Filipino bones aren’t accustomed to the cold weather, I haven’t had a chance to run outside.

This week is the Red Cross Treadmill 10K. I figured, it will also kick-off my training for my first half marathon.

So I’ll get my running shoes and head to the community center’s gym! I plan on running at least 7 miles today. (which means no Power 90 work-out for me today!)
I was telling my husband, how tough can a half marathon be? I was able to do 6 miles with no problem, do I really have to train for the half marathon? Can I just wing it and show up on the day of the race?

His answer: “Yes you can just show up…but will you run or crawl to the finish line?”

Hmmm…such little faith.

That’s a challenge (among other challenges I’ve given myself for this month!)

So, please support my efforts in raising funds for the Red Cross. I know that Red Cross may not be popular for some people, but Red Cross does provide a great relief to most people. Like most organizations, Red Cross isn't perfect and can't possibly help every single one who needs help, but to those who receives their assistance, it truly does make a difference.

I've asked the director a few questions and he replied quickly. Here's his response:

GottaLoveMom: "Most people say that funds go to administrative expenses as opposed to the victims."

Red Cross:
The truth is, though, a very small percentage of our funds go to adminstrative expenses. Independent studies say that 91% of donations go to programs with only 4.4% going to administrative expenses and 3.6% to fundraising.

You can see the study at http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3277 .

GottaLoveMom: "Red Cross had turned down a few people who needed assistance. And that rejection had left a bad impression about the organization."

Red Cross:
"It is also an unfortunate fact that the Red Cross doesn't provide every kind of assistance a family might need. We are a disaster relief organization, and don't provide services for poverty relief so likely would not have helped your friend's mother in that case. I would also note that Pap Cancer, St. Judes, Susan B. Komen and Deborah would not have provided any assistance in that case either since they are all focused on health care. All non-profits have to focus their efforts on certain services, and cannot do everything because we all have limited resources. By each oranization focusing on a specific target we can maximize the use of our dollars.

However, whenever the Tri-County Red Cross receives a call for this kind of assistance we do provide support in directing people to the appropriate organizations. We have a brochure to assist in these cases, and also provide help to the United Way and their 211 program that is a central resource for everything that is available in our territory. "

Thank you to all those who supported the GottaLoveMom Team. As I said, any help - no matter how small can make a big difference in someone's life!

If you want to make a donation, Just CLICK HERE:   or the icon on the corner top left of the page.

(I am reposting this blog entry about the Red Cross Treadmill 10K).

A New Year...a new beginning!

Around this time of year, we usually reflect on what we have done (or missed) and look forward with high energy into what the New Year brings.

Around this time of year, we want to do great things– to other people and in turn feel good about ourselves. We don’t have to wait to make a great huge accomplishment; all we need to do is to start small. Every little gesture makes a big difference.

Making a difference.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

So if you think there’s something out there that needs to be done, don’t wait for someone else to do it. And don’t think you can’t do it either. Think “Yes, I can!”

A few months ago, when American Red Cross approached me to write something and participate about the upcoming fund-raising, I was honored. (Every new opportunities seem to be geared to my purpose in life! My husband had always encouraged me to start a non-profit organization that is dear to my heart. I guess I’m lucky that way, most partners are asked to focus on going out to the work force, while mine , as I work from home, wants me to tap into my inner “Mother Theresa”.)

I’m not trying to be a preacher. I am no Oprah, but I believe what Mother Theresa once said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”

Helping one person while helping my one self. It can't get better than that!

Being from the Philippines, I know first hand what it’s like to have almost nothing. And when natural disaster comes, most of us rely on American Red Cross to help ease the suffering.

Every 60 seconds...the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross has benefited 250 people.

With your help, you are helping someone when disasters strike.

    When a neighbor’s house burns down.
    When someone needs a lifesaving blood transfusion.
    When a child needs a hug and a blanket.

So please join my team, GottaLoveMom, in the American Red Cross Treadmill 10K.
My friends in the different corners of this world, what better way to celebrate the new year together than doing the American Red Cross Treadmill 10K Challenge! Run, walk or dance the 10K with me

(Here are the details)

The American Red Cross Treadmill 10K is a twist on that old fundraising standby, the “Walkathon”. You exercise on foot, treadmill, bike or whatever for 10 Kilometers, and your friends, family and co-workers donate $1.00, $2.50, $5.00 or more a kilometer to the Red Cross!

The thing is, it is up to you when to do the 10K – anytime during the week of January 22-29.

Want to do the whole 10K on your fitness center’s stationary bike in one day? Great!
Want to split it up and do 2K or 3K on the treadmill for four or five days? Awesome!
Want to take the dog for a brisk mile walk each day of the week. Excellent!

Jersey Gardens Mall is hosting a walk on January 23, 2011 at the mall. Each time around the mall is .8 kilometers, so 7.5 times and you're done! Phenomenal! (It was a success! Red Cross raised at least $2500)

No matter your health level, you can participate in the Treadmill 10K, helping you get healthy in the New Year and raising funds for local disaster relief

Treadmill 10K Team members have the opportunity to fulfill their New Year's Resolutions to get and stay fit, while simultaneously raising funds to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world!

Helping someone, and yet fulfilling your own fitness goals.

Hope you can help me make someone smile.

To Donate go to http://american.redcross.org/goto/gottalovemom

To Join the GottaLoveMom team, go to http://american.redcross.org/goto/crumbcatchers

To my local friends, we'll get together on the 26th of January to do our own 10K challenge.

So please do join me!

Share LOVE, you'll get more of it in return.

New York City in the eyes of a nine year-old

2011-01-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

My little guy loves going to the City.

So for this day's trip, I let him click-away with the digital camera.

We hop on to the train from New Jersey,

and as we pass by the different towns before we hit New York,

My little guy enjoys looking through the windows...

and observing what's out there..

He is amazed on how there are plenty of backyards with swimming pools,

snow covered,

buildings,

trees,

more houses,

and more trees.

But as soon as we hit the City,

the landscape changes.

My little guy knows that I love to live in the City.

and walk by Times Square,

to just see the lights change.

So as we are near our destination,

the Nickelodeon Studio at Viacom,

my little guy and I know that there will be more days like this.

(Inside Nickelodeon studio)

Just like the song he was singing as we walk the streets of NYC,
"Don't stop believin'. Hold on to your feelings."

“Yesterday is but today's memory, tomorrow is today's dream.” – Kahlil Gibran

Just a reminder: On February 7th, the Broadway company of Driving Miss Daisy will perform a benefit performance where proceeds will go to the benefit of the Actors Fund. (Click HERE for related blog post)

Time: it’s either too fast or too slow, but when it's just right, it's precious!

2011-01-16T13:57:00.000-05:00

"A smile remains the most inexpensive gift I can bestow on anyone and yet its powers can vanquish kingdoms." — Og Mandino

Time, it’s either too fast or too slow, but when it’s just right, it’s just precious!

My 3 older ones are mostly on their own busy doing what they enjoy doing. Most of the times, I'm not even privy on their plans for the day or night.

Luckily for me, my littlest crumbcatcher is still a single-digit little guy (well, not for long…) who still needs me!

This week I got my fixed: being in the City with my little guy who doesn’t mind walking in the freezing cold, hand-in-hand in the streets of Manhattan - and it's doesn't bother him whether it's 2 blocks or 10 blocks!

We headed to two different casting studios – a great excuse to bond with the little guy!

As I watched him interact with adults I just can’t help smile and thank G-d for giving me the most precious gift: my children and their smiles.

Sometimes, time seems so fast that you feel like nothing was getting done;

Sometimes, time seems so slow that you can’t seem to get the big push to get anything done;

But then there are times when time is just right!

Today is just right…

Just perfect…
Just me and my sweet little guy!

As he said, "Have a good day" to new people he met that day - be it on the train, the vendor on the street or the casting director, I feel that today is just perfect.

"Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside. Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself." - Og Mandino

Have a great week everyone and keep smiling :)

Special Broadway Performance of "Driving Miss Daisy" to benefit the Actors Fund

2011-01-15T15:23:00.001-05:00

(Photo credit: Driving Miss Daisy)

Performing Arts is dear to our family, therefore, when the Actors Fund asked me to write about a Special Performance of the Pulitzer Prize-winning classic “Driving Miss Daisy” with benefits going to the Actors Fund, I didn’t hesitate to spread the news.

The Actors Fund is a human services organization that provides aid to people working in performing arts and entertainment.

On Monday, February 7th at 8pm, the Broadway Company of “Driving Miss Daisy” will perform a benefit performance where proceeds will go to benefit the Actors Fund.

Watch as James Earl Jones, Vanessa Redgrave and Boyd Gaines bring the stage to life in this timeless American play about the decades-long relationship between a stubborn Southern matriarch and her compassionate chauffeur. You can purchase your tickets today by visiting https://www.store.actorsfund.org/

You can also find out more information about The Actors Fund and Driving Miss Daisy by visiting the Social Media Release here: http://pitch.pe/117012

So go book your tickets now.

( I put the link on the side bar for your convenience.)

LOVE is what matters the most...and the freedom that goes with it!

2011-01-09T11:07:00.004-05:00

Home

is a constant place that continues to shine;

Its lights remain lit day and night;

Recent tragedies in Arizona make one wonder, “What is happening to the world that we live in?” (Click HERE for the news update.)

And all I can pray for is LOVE.

To remind our kids that LOVE is what matters the most.
Without LOVE our lives are bankrupt – empty!
Without LOVE, there will be no laughter.

And children have a way of reminding us of what matters the most!

I have 4 children – 21, 19, 15 and 9. The older ones are barely home. Every time they leave the house, I always say a prayer (asap) (thanks Ate M.) . But sometimes, our prayers seem like they are not being heard because tragedies, accidents do happen. All I can do is pray for strength and understanding – reminding myself that there is always a reason for everything. We sometimes don’t understand why and for what purpose, but our lives are part of a bigger plan, a bigger purpose.

(Believe me, there had been plenty of times in my life that I couldn’t grasp the meaning of things.)

We are in the first year of the Decade of Destiny. In today’s reading from Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Connection, I was asked a question:

“Where will your commitments take you this decade?

      Nothing shapes your life more than the commitments you choose to make. Your
      commitments can develop you or they can destroy you, but either way, they will
       define you. Tell me what you are committed to, and I’ll tell you what you will be at
       the end of the next ten years. We become whatever we are committed to. “

The recent shooting in AZ, especially the death of the nine year old who came to see the Congressman speak in order to see how our government works, led me to think more about what truly matters most. And for me, it’s LOVE.

My parents always remind me and my brothers that “we have to love one another. Love others as we love ourselves.” And as parents, we have to continuously shower our children with LOVE. Love is not about the material things – not wealth or accomplishments. Its how much love you put into the relationship. Love is lasting; it leaves an impact on someone else. When you share LOVE, you get more of it in return - and it shows in a child's smile!

Hug your child today. Tell and show them that you love them. Spend time with them. Give them your focused attention. Remind them of what's right and what's wrong, and hopefully as they get older and leave home, their perception of what's right remains in line with what you've taught and instilled in them.

“No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.”
- I Conrinthians 13:3b (Msg)

Please light a candle and pray for love, faith, hope, forgiveness and civility.

The political pundits on both sides started blaming one another. And I just don’t understand.

In voicing my concerns, my husband wrote this:

The compulsion among many to assign collective blame for the actions of a crazy person is a manifestation of the irrational thought process that constantly challenges human existence. Crazy people do crazy things and by definition their crazy behavior cannot be attributed to rational thought. Said simply, using the actions of a crazy person to justify one's hatred of a group is prejudice in the first order, irrational, and in poor taste.

John Hinckley, who shot Ronald Reagan, watched Taxi Driver on a continuous loop. Martin Scorsese created a movie that arguably provided the catalyst which sent Hinckley on his mission. There were many others at the time who hated Reagan. To blame the Reagan haters and Martin Scorsese for Hinckley's actions would be irrational.

Freedom of speech is the most difficult freedom to maintain because the consequences of free speech are the most visible and annoying on a daily basis. To entertain thoughts which would logically conclude in the limitation of free speech is something to be wary of.

During the period from 2003 - 2008 there were anti-Bush activists publicly calling for the execution of Bush, Cheney, and others on a daily basis. These calls were posted on HuffingtonPost, DailyKos, MoveOn, MSNBC, and other such forums. Many people who are quick to lay Gifford's shooting at the feet of Tea Party members are many of the same ones who empathized with calls for Bush's execution.

Is it really just a haircut? Do I go short or do I keep it long – hairstyle 2011?

2011-01-08T12:19:00.002-05:00

My husband has known me only with long, straight, dark brown/black hair style. Once in a while I change my hair style: Cut with layers, side-swept bangs, parted on the right, the left or the middle – but always shoulder length, if not longer.

Whenever I can, I tie my hair in a pony tail (which my husband dislikes), and once in a while in pig tails.

But the past few weeks, the thought of having a pixie hair cut or a really short hair style had been occupying my busy mind. (Especially after seeing Carey Mulligan at Wall Street Never Sleeps.)

I know that my head is a lot bigger and my face a lot wider, but a short hair cut is appealing – less time to dry and style. The last time I had my hair really short was 27 years ago when I was 20 years old and 15 pounds lighter.

When I was 40, I had it really long.

I figured before I turn 50 in a little over 3 years, I might as well try a new hair style that’s totally drastic because after that, as my husband would say,
     “Honey, the implied warranty on our marriage contract states that we both maintain our physical appearance. No major alterations without the other partner’s consent. ”

So I checked, our ketubah (marriage certificate) that’s framed and hanging in our den says,

      This is my beloved; This is my friend.

      And each said to the other: “I promise to share with you in times of joy as in times of trouble. To talk and to listen, to honor and to appreciate you, to provide for and support you in trust and in love. I take you to be mine according to the law. I promise to share my hopes and thoughts and dreams with you. I will work with you to build our lives together. May we grow, our lives forever intertwined, our love bringing us closer. Let us create a home for us and our children based on love, and on honesty. May it be a home filled with peace, with happiness, and with love.”

I didn’t see anything about hair….(maybe it’s written in fine print that my poor eyes couldn’t decipher!)

But it’s just hair, right?

And after over a decade of teasing my husband about the “pixie hair style”, he said,
      “Honey, buy a wig."

I said,
      “A wig? You gotta be kidding!
       Me? Big head. Big, round face.
       Tried that when I used to work at a Beauty Supply store – and I didn’t look human at all!”

So he said,
     “Okay, go ahead.”

(Silly me this past New Year's Eve. A friend took this picture)

So earlier this morning, I spent the first few hours of the morning checking out pictures from the past of me having short hair and compared to them when I had longer hair….

And now I’m having second thoughts.

So I called my friend-hairdresser. And her response,

    “Oh boy! You must be going through some major hormonal changes!
      But if you really want to – just bring a few pictures next week when you come.
      But I’m telling you, I did it before and I regretted it. You have such beautiful long
      hair and that hair will not grow as fast as you think it will. Our hair grows about ½
     an inch every month, if we’re lucky…So think it hard and decide before I snap it all off!

So after all that, I still don’t know what to do. (I’m leaning towards keeping the long hair!)

(Photo credits http://shorthairstylescuts.com/)

Isn’t it interesting that as you get older, trivial decision like a hair cut isn’t that trivial anymore?
I guess I can just fantasize having Carey Mulligan's cool and sassy hair style,

or just maybe..

just this once...

Have a great weekend everyone and keep smiling :)

Still shaky, skidded in snow, but so blessed my guardian angels are looking after me!

2011-01-07T11:47:00.006-05:00

"Never again wonder, what to be thankful for..."

- Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life

It’s yet another snowy day in New Jersey. Beautiful, yes but dangerous!

In line with my goal for this month is to get back on schedule. I got up around 4am to get my 15yo ready for his Model United Nations conference. (Thankful that our neighbor offered to drive him to school by 5:30am)

I got my 9yo ready for school and I'm thankful that my other neighbor offered to drive him to school.

I then drove my husband to the train station to Manhattan.

I decided to stop by the Community Center and decided to run a fast 5K on the treadmill. I was 1 mile short because I was so sweaty and hot. (Note to self: dress lightly next time)

While cooling down inside the car, I read Day 14’s chapter of Rick Warren's the “Purpose Driven Life” book. I felt really good because it just reminded me that there is always something to be thankful for no matter how awful you think your life is right now. It’s okay to complain, no big deal, but in the bigger scheme of things – there is plenty to be happy and thankful for!

In another continent, today’s a big day for my brother, too! After 5 years, he finally got some pretty big amazing news! (A more exciting ending for my book!)

So…so far so good.

Got quite a few tasks completed.

Driving back home….

Powdery, soft snow flakes resting on the branches. – Gorgeous, right?

Driving slowly as I got closer to my street. (Our roads are still covered with mountains of snow on the side of the streets making it difficult to maneuver around).

Maybe I was driving faster? I don’t remember.
All of a sudden my car started dancing uncontrollably!

Luckily, there were no other cars but the SUV behind me.

It was swaying left and right – and I prayed that the SUV behind me will just try to get away as far away from me as possible.

The rear end of my car continues to fishtail back and forth, sideways. It felt like I was going to crash, or the car would roll over!

Good thing I remembered someone telling me (or reading about it) how to recover from a skid while driving in ice: (So, while continuously praying)

1) I took my foot off the accelerator. (Do not step on the brakes!)

2) I tried to slowly turn the steering wheel to the direction where the car is headed (in this case to the right towards the sidewalk)

3) When the car fishtailed towards the other direction, I tried to slowly steer it into that direction; (and yes, continued praying)

4) The car must have turned left and right multiple times before it finally slowed down. It felt like an eternity. But I was just so lucky that there were no other cars on the road, otherwise, today would have been a very awful day!

5) It is advisable to find a safe spot and stop, and compose yourself, calm down.

In my case, my legs were shaking uncontrollably, tears were covering my eyes, and luckily I was only a block away from my driveway.

I should have pressed the “SNOW” drive-mode button of the car. (Oh, how I miss my Ford Expedition! That's why I prefer walking...)

I finally calmed down…

- Called my husband to tell him that I love him.
- Spoke to my three brothers through Yahoo Instant Messaging, and I am so thankful that I’m able to have a conversation with them and see how things are – even with the 12 hour time difference and about 7,500 miles among us.
- Got a hold of my son’s friend, so I know that their school bus arrived safely.
- Gave my daughter a hug!
- Text’d my other son in California that I love him!

- and continued to pray...

Life is good.

Thank you G-d.

Thankful for my guardian angels.

Be safe.

SPICE-up a young child's development: social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional

2011-01-04T12:39:00.004-05:00

Children are the precious gems of a family. When they’re young and innocent, they are like sponges that willingly and quickly absorb any knowledge and emotion. That’s why at an early age, we encourage our children to read, be creative, be happy and feed their curiosity. With all the technology and instant gratification that children get from playing video or computer games, asking a child to read a good book has been a challenge for some parents.

    “Your children are not your children.
      They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
      They come through you but not from you,
     And though they are with you, and yet they belong not to you.
      You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
       For they have their own thoughts.
       You may house their bodies but not their souls,
       For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
       which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.” -
                 Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet, On Children

A child is his or her own person. Children have their own opinions and aspirations, even at a very young age. We, as parents and guardians, can only guide them and feed them with information, tradition and values. Early childhood education helps a child to understand and grow.

My four children, with the help of my cousin, have worked hard to fund a scholarship program for economically-challenged children. The goal of the program is to help children realize that they, too, can make a difference in another child’s life. The program, SISBA, starts at providing the under privileged children with the foundation for learning through early childhood education, and continue to support their quest for a better life from pre-school all the way to college. Laying the foundation at a very young age, helps a child develop.

So when I was approached to feature an article about early childhood education, I eagerly accepted the request.

Kathleen Thomas of Primrose Schools has submitted the following write-up about the five important areas of a young child’s development, summed up by the acronym, SPICE – Social Physical, Intellectual, Creative and Emotional.

The Advantages of Certified Early Childhood Education

In today's world many parents find themselves longing for the day when they can stay home with their children everyday, and instill in them all of the values that will help them become good people. Unfortunately the reality is that most American households need two incomes to not only pay for day care but to survive. Therefore children are sent to day care facilities or preschools.

The benefits of attending a certified day care, operated by trained, certified early childhood educators are endless. A preschool teacher cannot replace a parent and that is not the goal of a certified day care program. However, the experience of learning in a school setting during the early years can be a valuable supplement to a child's experience at a time when the brain is being shaped and developed.

Of those fortunate parents raising their children naturally, many wish to take full advantage of this opportunity by attempting to give their children a head start on learning; reading to them, engaging in educational play activities, encouraging them to read, and more. Unfortunately, very few parents can do it all.

"Filling the Gaps"

There is arguably no substitute for a loving parent-child relationship and daily interactions – but scientific methodology has an important place. This is where trained, certified early childhood educators can "fill the gaps" when it comes to a young child's development. For example, were you as a parent aware that there are five equally important areas of a young child's development? These are summed up by the acronym, "SPICE" – Social, Physical, Intellectual, Creative and Emotional.

The way a child relates to others and functions in a group setting involves social development. If you are among the increasing number of parents choosing to limit their family size to one child, the importance of socialization in a structured environment becomes apparent.

Physical development refers to building motor skills, from the gross (basic movements such as walking and running) to the fine (such as holding a writing implement).

Intellectual development is achieved through structured play, and of course means development of language and math skills as well as the child's innate sense of curiosity and wonder; Intellectual development is central to success in school later on.

Creative development addresses artistic talents in visual arts, music, storytelling and even theatrics. Although it is popular in American culture to dismiss creativity and the arts as unnecessary, creativity is the foundation self-expression and problem solving. It is arguable that without creativity, there would be no innovation nor entrepreneurship. (It was Einstein himself who said "Creativity is more important than knowledge.")

Emotional development is also frequently overlooked, even by the most devoted parents. Yet, without a sense of self, including self confidence and the discipline to deal with one's own emotional responses, a child will have difficulty functioning in society later in life.

Long Term Effects

It is likely that most parents are aware of these developmental domains on an instinctive level. However, certified preschool educators are trained in the scientific theory and methodology that can make the difference between a child succeeding – and succeeding brilliantly.

Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas

Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the Atlanta day care facility, a member of the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose Schools (located in 16 states throughout the U.S.) and part of the network of day care preschools delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum.

Snow, Winter Wonderland, Media Noche and the New Year!

2010-12-31T11:58:00.036-05:00

Woke up, and drove to the park thinking I can probably squeeze in a last run for the year.

Driving towards the park, I noticed a few really dedicated runners all geared up and already running.

But not me…it’s just way too icy for me.

So instead I just did my virtual run in my head, grabbed my beat-up Cannon PowerShot digital camera, and clicked away!

I just love winter wonderland! I’m not so sure about shoveling all that four feet of snow from this week's snow storm, but I still think snow is beautiful!
When I’m on top of a mountain at Smuggler’s Notch, Vermon skiing there’s this feeling I just can’t explain. No one adjective to describe it. And for me, it keeps me in check about my faith, my purpose in life.

That’s probably why I love coming here to “my” Park. The tranquility and calmness of a newly snowed-in park – untouched, pristine and serene. It gives me peace, recharges and inspires me to be able to do any task I put my heart and mind into.

It makes a blurry path to the future…

clear, and with direction!

In the other corners of the world, my family in the Philippines are celebrating the New Year’s with fireworks, Media Noche meals that include a lot of “round and circular” shaped food (a Filipino tradition for hope of a prosperous new year), kids jumping up and down (hoping to grow a few inches), money in the pockets (hoping to have much more), and laughing, dancing and singing with family and friends.

There’s this hole in my heart that remains unfilled, because my family is not complete.

But I know that there’s a season and a time for every reason.

As I was reading today’s Daily Hope reading, it reminded me of what my parents have always taught me and my brothers:

“Serve others in love without distractions, being all there, focused on them.
Sometimes we serve others simply through our presence.”

As we say good-bye to 20Ten, may 20Eleven bring much love, peace, faith and hope.

When the kids were little, every New Year’s Eve, I used to ask them to write what they’ve done the past year and what they look forward to accomplishing in the coming year.

I’m sure now that they’re all grown-up and celebrating the New Year’s away from home, they still somewhat reflect on what the past had been and what the present-and future can bring!

This year, I have one big New Year’s resolution and I have 12 monthly goals for the year.

( I think breaking up the goals into 12 attainable ones, will make it easier for me to work my way into completing that one big goal for 20Eleven!)

Happy New Year, everyone!
Keep smiling :)

PS: Do you want to stay fit and help the American Red Cross at the same time? If so, please join me to help fund-raise in the Treadmill 10K . Click HERE for details. (The RedCross Treadmill icon is on the right hand corner, too)

Life is not about how you weather the storm, it’s how you have fun dancing in the rain

2010-12-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

...in my case, it's the spontaneous dancing around the house, the "ewok-ness" in me!

The year is almost over! One more holiday celebration before we celebrate the New Year.

It’s 11 o’clock the day after Christmas, I have a kitchen full of dishes, boxes and mess. I wish I can just twitch my nose and make everything clean, put away and organized.

But in the real world….no such thing, ha!

But it's okay...in due time, everything will be in place...

Someone asked me, “Jen, how do you do it? How do you make it look so easy?”

The past few years had been tough. (It seems like I’ve been saying that for the past five years). It seems like every time we seem to have gotten pass a hurdle, a new obstacle is knocking on our doors.

This past year, with the help from G-d, family and friends, and with faith, hope and love, I survived the year with a smile!

Every night, when I close my eyes, I try to look back and review my day and see what new fun stuff I can squeeze in for tomorrow.

One lesson learned,

“Life is not about how you weather the storm, but it’s how you have fun dancing in the rain!”

So keep smiling. It's really not that bad.

(thanks to my nephew who captured my ewok-ness up-close!)

Have a Happy Holidays and Happy New Year everyone!

(and thanks to my honey who always manages to capture my KINKAY-ness on jpegs!)

(KINKAY is being-silly in Tagalog)

Thank you for loving me.

Noche Buena, Maligayang Pasko..Keeping Christ in Christmas

2010-12-24T11:59:00.003-05:00

It’s already Christmas in the other parts of this world – especially where most of my family members are.

Christmas has always been a special day. It’s Jesus’ birthday, and without today, our lives would have been different.

A few weeks ago, my other half of the family celebrated Chanukah, and it was a 8 fun-filled crazy nights.

Today, it is Christmas. Let us not be shy to greet someone a “Merry Christmas”. It's Christ's birthday celebration, so let's not shy about it.

Growing up, Santa Clause wasn’t the main part. It has always been Christ. “Misa de Gallo” or Midnight masses begin on the 16th of December until Christmas Eve, the Nativity of Christ. And on Christmas Eve, we celebrate “Noche Buena”, a traditional Christmas Eve feast, when families dine together around midnight, and leave a few settings of food for the “First Family” – Joseph, Mary and Jesus.

Today, I’m busy preparing my traditional Noche Buena, which is totally different from what my Mom used to prepare for Christmas Eve. But one thing remains, Christmas is all about celebrating Christ and being with family.

So to all my family and friends in different corners of the world:

Maligayang Pasko.

Merry Christmas.

Feliz Navidad.

Joyeux Noël
Buon Natale
愉快的圣诞节

愉快なchristmas

วัс Рождеством Христовымนคริสต์มาส
Fröhliches Weihnachten
Craciun fericit!
Wesołych Świąt

the gift of love...

2010-12-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

As I was taking a run,

I noticed that all of the leaves on the trees I passed had started to wither and fall.
I assumed this to be the natural order of things:
the leaves grow;
they flourish;
and nature takes its toll until the leaves die, the branches fall, and the tree is barren.

However,
when I came across several evergreen trees, its stability and consistency reminded me that some are not subject to the weathering forces around them.
This truth reminded me of our family.

Despite nature’s toll, we always manage to survive and find happiness.
That made me think, “Why is our family like an evergreen and not like the other faltering trees?” I realized that the reason why our leaves don’t fall is because of you.
No matter what, whether you are sad, tired or sick,
you are always willing to be there and encourage the family.

I guess it is ironic that on your birthday you are the one giving us the gift, and that gift is you.
I hope that this thank you reminds you how important you are to the family
and how much we love you.

(This letter was written by my 15yo as a birthday greeting for mom)

(Clipart photo credits from Microsoft Office)

This Christmas, just remember what the real meaning of Christmas is.
It’s all about love…love…and love…

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!
Be nice when you're out shopping...