have a spooky halloween

~ have a spooky halloween everyone! booooooo!!!!~

history of halloween

Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in).

The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1.

This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops.

To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities.

So why do we dress up?

During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.

songs of my life

Mich tagged me. Thanks so much sis!

It's all about the songs that take me down the memory lane.

Farewell ( Raymong Lauchengco ) - my fave song way back highschool days and still one of my faves. A really touching song for me, gives me that teary eye when ever I listen to it. :')

A Friend of Mine ( Lea Salonga ) - my fave song when I was inlove with my friend, that was a long long long time ago, I don't want to elaborate pa, past is past! : 0

Through The Years - was a fave song of my dear friend "Faye", and become the song of our group during college days. Another tear gerker for me. :')

Cruisin - a song that my friends & I used to listen at our apartment - during our OJT days at SGV Makati. ;) Cool!

I Don't Wanna Loose You - " I love you as you are...nanana... " gosshhh(kilig)!lol! Well, this was the song my hubby played in his car when he proposed to me that I was the girl of his dream and wants me to be his girl! but I didn't say the "Yes" word yet. hahahahha, (pakipot!)I feel so much inlove this halloween! lol! :'D

I'll Be (Edwin McCain) - became our fave in our " GF/BF " days of my hubby. :) Everytime we went out, this song just keep on following us where ever we go! :'D

Now, I want to know your songs sisters that's why I'm passing this tag to Marlene, Jesse, Sarah, Roselle, Darlene, Mari, Rosemarie, Thira, Ann, Shabem, Annette, Jean, Arlene, Yvette and Jane.

my blogging personality

Your Blogging Type is Confident and Insightful

You've got a ton of brain power, and you leverage it into brilliant blog. Both creative and logical, you come up with amazing ideas and insights. A total perfectionist, you find yourself revising and rewriting posts a lot of the time. You blog for yourself - and you don't care how popular (or unpopular) your blog is!

What's Your Blogging Personality?

Nice! :)

the truth about me

Got this tag from Marlene.

It's about telling 7 facts about you.

This is me!

1.) Domesticated

I love staying home most of the time, especially now that I have my Aj and Adrian.

2.) Patient

I have a long thread of patience. I may be hurt and be mad, but not enough to confront the person.

3.) Sensitive

I can be easily hurt and can easily feel if "something is wrong", especially with my loveones and friends.

4.) Artistic

Somehow, I have an artistic mind. I love art! Though sometimes, I'm just to lazy to show it off.

5.) Lazy

Sometimes, very lazy pa! Ewan ko ba? maybe " not enough vitamins"!centrum lol!

6.) Quite

Especially when I'm mad & with people that I've just met.

7.) Worry freak

One trait that I hate. I just can't help myself you know! I worry ba in advance! Like what if? What if?hay ;P

Now anyone can snag this tag, my halloween treat! :)

our better HALF

Got this tag from Sarah & Thira, sorry sis for the late posting!

This tag is simple.

If you feel comfortable and your better half does too, you can post a picture of him in your blog ( but if not a description will do).

May it be a baby picture anything that you like with the following:

1. First name: if he doesn't like his name plastered all over the internet, a pet name will do.

2. How and where did you meet?

3. Characteristics

4. Your plans 20 to 30 years from now.

his grad pic last 2001

a pic of us - 2005

Meet my man! Adrian S. Nanquil or "Bal" as his friends call him.

We first met at Pampanga at the place where we work. We basically work in the same office that's why we got to know each other really deep ;). That was like 2003, but he started courting me last 2004 and got engaged a year later :) We got married last May 11, 2005 and now we have a very cute baby boy!

Bal is a wacky person, he dislikes boring things and he's always on the GO! He's straight forward but still choose his words before saying them. He is fond of silly things that makes him laugh. He loves RC toys, PSP and now some Koreanovela movies lol! To top it all he's my match sent by God!

Plans for 20 to 30 years, we should have already build our mansion. lol! Have 3 children, owned a resort or a hotel, and have a house in Canada! Most of all, we're still together, still strong and more madly deeply in love with each other! :)

a worth it rest

I really had a memorable rest this Sunday & Monday!

I only have a 1 day off from work, that's why I was really expecting a long rest this weekend.

Well, I thought too soon! I got some cleanning loads & baby sitting stuffs done. A lot of work!

But don't get me wrong! It was a fortunate moment for me, to realized that I just want to be a stay-home-mom! Huh?

I just felt this wonderful feeling that I just can't explain. That everytime I close my eyes, I thought of my son's smile and kisses, and all I want to do is just stay home forever!

I really have to think this up and confront my hubby about it. This is a big one for me!:)

maxi the chicken!

Meet Maxi!

My son's chicken friend and currently his fave plush toy!

Aj got this from his tito last 3 nights ago, and he just can't get enough of this chicken. lol! His tito actually got this as a souveneir from a baptism recep. ; )(kuripot tlga tito,lol!)

He kisses, dances, laughs, hugs, wiggles and really giggle with this chick! Well, I think my baby just really wants to know Maxi more, to see if he's really finger lickin' good! yum yum, lol!

Oopss sorry for the blurred pic, I'm havin' a hard time getting Aj a shot of the cam, especially with Maxi around! :)

coping with your toddler's fears

Many fears begin during toddlerhood: fear of animals, new surroundings, loud machines, monsters, fire, and being separated from their moms.

As toddlers learn to walk, talk, and explore, they become increasingly aware of how small and vulnerable they are. This fear isn't all that bad, however. It can prevent a toddler from taking unnecessary risks. It is also indicative of a child's cognitive development-discerning the difference between what is known and what is not.

You can help your toddler deal with his fears by discussing what is real and what is pretend. Your child will outgrow his fears if you deal with them in a relaxed and reassuring way.

baby talk

Snag this from Mich. :)

1. Are there any babies in your family or circle of friends?

Yes, lots of them too. I have my Aj, my nieces Lyka ,Rhianne and my friend's new baby Lance.

2. Are you one of those people who use a high-pitched, sing-song voice when talking to babies and small children?

No, I talk to babies with my normal voice

3. If you were standing in line next to a *very* pregnant stranger at the bank or grocery store, what would you say to her?

I don't really talk to strangers, except when it is really needed

4. Similarly, what do you say or do near babies in public?

I usually smile at them

5. When walking through a department store, are you the sort of person who can go by the baby clothes without even a glance or do you have to stop to ooh and ahh?

I started stopping on baby's store when I got pregnant with aj, up to now! :)

let the positive rule

There are four steps for strengthening positive experiences:

1.) ACTIVELY LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO FEEL POSITIVE.

Look for good things about yourself, or relieve the kindness and respect of others.

2.) SAVOR THE FEELINGS.

Make them last.

Feel them in your body as a warmth that fills your whole chest.

3.) SENSE THE POSITIVE EXPERIENCES

Sense the positive experiences soaking and sinking into your brain and body, registering deeply in your emotional memory. Imagine them in a treasure chest in you heart.

4.) FEEL THE POSITIVE EXPERIENCES

Feel the positive experiences moving down into old hollows and wounds within you, filling them up. Like current feelings of being cared about and loved replacing old feelings of rejection, abondonment, loneliness. Or a current sense of confidence replacing old feelings of weakness, smallness. These new experiences will gradually replace the negative ones. You will not forget negative experiences, but they will lose their hold on you.

don't chill that melon!

Did you know that watermelons stored at room temperature have much higher levels of antioxidants ( beta-carotene and lycopene) than those kept in the fridge. They even outscored freshly picked melons.

If you like, you can cool watermelon for a few hours before eating; once cut, it must be refrigerated.

laugh it off

A fit of giggles doesn't just boost immunity and cut stress levels, it burns calories too. Researchers from Vanderbilt University of Tennessee locked 90 people in a room to watch comedy clips on TV and found that those who laughed used 20 percent more energy than those who didn't.

Laugh for 10 to 15 minutes a day and you could burn off 2.2 kilograms a year.

hahahahaha, heheheheh, hihihiihi lol!

my sunday

Its 10:10 in the evening, my baby is asleep and I feel sleepy but still can't sleep 'coz I still have some things to do. I'm writing this post at my bro's pc while his waiting for his games to be downloaded. I sneaked in to update my blog.

I rate my morning as fair today, basically due to some usual things that I always do every Sunday (like cleaning stuffs).

But my afternoon was great. We ( my mom, aj & me) attended my niece Rianne's first birthday. party was fine, but got better when my Aj did his stuff. :)

Aj is always overwhelmed everytime he sees lots of people around, especially children older than him. He enjoys being with them and likes to show off his cuteness. Like what he just did at the birthday party.

The moment we entered the house, he smiled to every person he sees. Syempre they all said that " you're baby is so cute", "I love his smile" & "he's so chubby etc". Happy naman me of course! I really feel proud when they appreciate my baby's cuteness. :)

Anyways, that's the great thing about my Sunday afternoon. Hope you had a nice one too.

I gotta go, I feel so sleepy na! Good Evening everyone.

my life rating

Your Life is Rated PG

Your life is pretty family friendly. The worse someone is going to get from you is brief nudity or toilet humor.

What is Your Life Rated?

Atleast wholesome ;)

my new color

Too late to publicize, but yes I decided to have that " new look" for my blog.

I have this Thisaway Rose template before, it was all girly. I like it after a few weeks of blogging, but I find it quite messy because of the odd lines or formats everytime I upload or post something. I also want a smaller font size. That's why I search for a more minimal look but vibrant.

Douglas Bowman's 565 was perfect. I love its format & color. It has that cleaner & fresher look, that any one who hops in my blog would love browsing in. I hope. :)

Hope you like the new me & wish will lure more bloggers! :)

cool photo crafts

Here are some simple ways to give your fave photos a new life -- on and off the computer.

Kid Grid

Print your photograph onto sticker-backed photo paper, cut it into squares, attach to blocks, and voila -- homemade baby toys!

Happy Birthday, Baby!

Celebrate with photos of your baby -- everywhere! Print a headshot onto circular labels to add character to cups, napkins, and goody bags.

Stuck on You

Kids who love stickers will be thrilled with personalized minis. Upload as many as 90 digital photos to moo.com, and the folks there will send you a cool pocket-size sticker book.

Colorful Memories

Use Kodak's EasyShare software to transform your favorite photos into coloring-book pages, then upload them to kodakgallery.com. They'll send you a custom coloring book full of family snapshots.

Pop Art

By applying filters and adjusting the hues of your photo in your imaging software, you can create Warhol-inspired wall collages.

Upward Mobility

This DIY mobile is a fresh way to display your family tree

we're finally on line

Finally, the long wait is over! We finally have a dsl connection at my mom's house in Pampanga. It's better late than never. lol!

Actually, I was the one insisted on the DSL thing, we applied for a Smart Bro connection btw. I told them kc that we could have extra income by the use of internet, which is a fact naman db? =)

That's why they finally agreed. They installed it a day after we applied.

As of now, the connection was really fast & was always available, just hope will stay that way for a long time. We had a Digitel DSL but they have so much troubles on their connections and sometimes their services are somewhat slow. So hopefully we did the right thing on choosing Smart Bro.

turn off the TV!

Those "educational" DVDs may be hindering your baby's verbal development.

Want an articulate kid? Keep the TV off. Letting your infant regularly tune in to videos like Baby Einstein and Brainy Baby not only won't help boost her vocab, it may actually derail verbal development, according to a new study from The Journal of Pediatrics. Here, what study author Andrew Meltzoff, PhD, co-director of the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle, wants you to know when it comes to tots and the tube:

1. It's all about age.

Babies 8 to 16 months old knew an average of 6 to 8 fewer words for every hour a day they tuned in to such videos compared to babies who didn't watch them. But for toddlers 17 to 24 months old, the study found no evidence that DVD-watching did any harm -- or good. "This effect may only come into play when children are learning their very first words," says Meltzoff. (Not so surprising, considering that these videos contain very few words; rather, they're mainly filled with random abstract images like lava lamps).

"But the finding that the baby DVDs and videos do no good for babies and toddlers does not contradict the idea that well-designed educational TV, DVD, videos may be useful for some preschoolers or kindergarten children," Meltzoff explains. "What might be educational for a 3- to 6-year-old is a bit different from what helps younger children."

2. Hands down, you're baby's best teacher.

"We know that children under age 2 learn language best from interacting with people, and heavy viewing of these DVDs may be taking time away from that," says Meltzoff. In fact, all babies in the study who were read to at least daily knew slightly more words than those who bonded over books less often.

3. But don't feel too guilty if you've already bought those DVDs.

If your baby's logged plenty of tube time, it doesn't mean she's destined for the slow track at school. "Babies are adaptive and resilient, and there are many paths to healthy development," says Meltzoff. But instead of always relying on Baby Einstein to serve as babysitter while you chat on the phone, do try to find other ways to stimulate your increasingly curious babe. Remember, there's nothing wrong with a little downtime. Simply letting baby play on her own with a toy, a mushy picture book, or whatever her obsession du jour may be (a mixing bowl, toy cell phone, whatever) is a great way to help her make sense of the exciting world around her.

my Aj a Cover Baby !!!

My Aj on the cover of American Baby Magazine!!! ;)

Whoww! That's every moms dream db?!

Ooppsss! Actually I just bumped into a Cover Baby Maker and customized Aj's pics in the cover! lol!

Very cute isn't? =)

20 info's about me...

Got this from Juliana


1. Are you good at hiding your feelings?

Yes, except from my mom & my hubby

2. How can we tell that you're already irritated?

I'm really quite with the mad facial expression

3. How do you treat the person that obviously doesn't like you

I just ignore them

4. What usually ruins your mood?

A bad news & a bad person

5. Who do you see everyday that you wish you just wouldn't at all?

None, I like what I'm seeing everyday =)

6. When was the last time that you had a good cry?

I can’t remember

7. How often do you shop for clothes?

I don't really shop on clothes eh, especially now. I spend a lot on my baby's stuffs

8. Who's your long-time crush?

None

9. Someone you just had a crush on?

Wala din

10 . Do you have something that you wish you just don't?

Hmmm.. wala naman

11. Do you sometimes crave for something that isn't there?

Yes, a lot of times

12 . Do you wish to live in a faraway land where nobody knows you?

No, I want to have friends nearby

13. Have you kissed a total stranger?

No

14. What do you want to do at this moment?

Go to sleep

15 . The worst feeling?

When my grand pa died

16. How about the best?

When my son's wake me up in the morning, while he pick my eyes

17. Ever given your number to someone you dislike?

Not ever

18. What will you say to the one reading this right now?

Hi, join in!

19. What/Who do you need right now?

My hubby, my baby

20 . Happy with your life?

Yes, but will be very if we will able to fulfill our plans in the very near future!

I'm tagging Rosemarie, Marie, Roselle, Jesse and Darlene

for the love of blogging

Thanks Thira for this tag.


For the love of blogging. Many beautiful people nowadays have started blogging =). They blog because they care for people experiences & want to share theirs as well. They also gain informations that could help them in their daily interactions. Blogging for me is an art, where people can express & develop themselves. Praise the Lord for giving the creator of blogging a chance to express & share!



Thank you to the creator of this meme, Mel Kaye


**Start Copy Here**

We have a voice;
We must be heard;
Therefore we blog;
Now spread the word!

This meme is based on a recent post that was conducted asking the question “Why do you Blog?” and the rewrite “Why do you Blog? - Reworked.”

The purpose of this meme is to tell our tales by spreading the reasons that we blog to as many sites as possible. We get to explain ourselves, direct traffic to our site and highlight our most important, most representative or most relevant post in an SEO favorable format. This will be a positive experience for everyone who wants to get involved. This will enable you to create a short advertisement for your site that will be spread across the blogesphere; a growing directory of blogs.

This is an open meme. You do not have to be tagged to join in. All you have to do is follow the rules. Please let me know when you have added your site by leaving a comment on “Complete List” with a link to your post. This will insure an up-to-date list, giving you even greater distribution. You then have the option of copying the growing list back to your site.

Rules:
1. Create an inventive post title.
2. Write a brief introduction to the meme.
3. Copy from “**Start Copy Here**” through “**End Copy Here**” .
4. Paste into your post.
5. At the end of the “*list*”, before “**End copy here**”, please add your name, site name (with link), a very brief description (2-3 sentences) of why you blog, and your most important, most representative, or most relevant post (with link.)
6. Tag at least 5 others to participate.
7. Leave a comment and a link to your post on “Complete List”

*List*
My name is Mel and I am the Author of Attitude, the Ultimate Power, aka Monday Morning Power. I blog because I am passionate about happiness and living in the moment. I want to spread the concept that we are in control of our own lives and can choose how we act and react. My site is focused on the Pursuit, Capture, Care and Feeding of a Positive Mental Attitude. One of my most representative posts is “Happiness Vs. Human Nature.”

I am Max and I offer weekly articles on MAX. Why do I blog? I do it because I want to share my thoughts with you guys. I present a new and interesting way of transmitting philosophical thoughts: funny, engaging and intriguing! My funniest, yet intriguing, post is "Don't you just love People?"

I am the Great and Powerful Baba Doodlius. My 100% factual blog The Thoughts and Sayings Of Baba Doodlius is intended to educate all of you curious readers about the Truth behind the Great Secrets of the Universe. I have the Truth! Can you handle the Truth? For a sample of my powers of enlightenment, read my Revelation of the terrible secret of Bigfoot, aka Don't get stepped on.

My name is Amelia and I am the Author of Amel's Realm. I blog because I need to voice everything in my world so that I won't explode. My site is all about thoughts, experiences, fears, problems, misadventures, hopes, and dreams of an introverted tropical girl in a foreign land (Finland). One of my most representative posts is On Trust and Relationship.

I am Geoff of Geoffandcarley.com and I blog for reasons as diverse and as fickle as my moods. Mostly I blog because I'm firmly convinced I've figured a few things out and that the world will benefit from my experience the same way I've benefited from others' experiences. One post that I feel captures my emotional involvement and my ire (but not my humor as much) is Decision time.

My name is Judy and I am the Author of ~~Sugar Queen's Dream~~. I blog because it's cheap therapy and I have something to say. I feel my most powerful post is called “The Myths of Smoking......”

My name is Sindi and I have written a blog entitled Life is a roller coaster!. My blog is based on the ups and downs of everyday life. I started blogging because I was going through some hard times and I wanted to meet new people to talk to. I like to write and was hoping people might enjoy reading what I have to say. I think the most inspiring post I have written to date is We Effect So Many.

People call me the Midgetmanofsteel (although I’m neither a midget, nor made of steel). I am the sole author the blog Mental Poo: a mostly true and humorous account of things that have happened to me, are happening to me, or are just filling my head and taking up valuable space where images of women should be. You can get a sneak peek into my mess of a brain by reading “Raisins are People” – a true account of my son’s first field trip. My name is Sandee and I have a blog called Comedy Plus. My blog is just for fun, and I started it to poke fun about everyday life. My reason for blogging is to have fun and meet new friends. I have done both beyond my wildest dreams. I have posted lots of jokes, but when ask what my favorite joke is, I always pick Anger Management.

My name is Lynda. I blog to as a way to expose my writings and to spread my knowledge on the subject of love. My primary blog (I have 15) is lynda's loft. My favorite piece would be I LOVE..... I have over 300 original poems and posts dealing with the wonderful and painful world of love. I love love!

My name is Adrian, although most of you probably know me as the Mighty Genie King. I am the author First Time Dad. I started blogging as a way to document my growing up pains as my wife and I raise our daughter. I hope that one day my daughter will be able to look at this and get an idea what life was like "back then". Now I blog about everything but the main focus is still the same! One of my favorite posts is Goodnight Sweetheart! Hello Basil! Eh...Who's Basil...

Hello, my name is Ann and I'm the author of A Nice Place in the Sun. I blog because I care about people and want to make them happy. My site is focused on humorous, inspiring, and nostalgic posts about life, children, and memories. My most representative post, or the post where I'm most myself is "The Craziest Experience Of My Life.

"We are a team of writers, and everyone calls us NAFA, so that would be our name. We are the proud authors of NAFASG©™ - United And Dedicated Behind You™. Blogging, to us, is a form of spreading useful information and sharing our knowledge to every part of the world in order to contribute to the betterment of our global community. The post that we feel would be representative of our blog and the global community at large is The Sociological Interaction.

Hola! This is Mariuca and I blog because writing is what makes me whole. I write about anything under the sun from life, love, friends to cats and work. I tend to write best when under pressure and my personal favourite post from Mariuca is Love in Disarray.

My name is Susan and I am the Owner of ~~Wake up America ~~, which is a political, right leaning blog. I blog because I believe we need more voices out there to separate fact from fiction, to support our troops and to high light the lack of ethics from journalists today. I feel my most powerful post is called "Are You Proud to be an American......"

"Here I am :-) My name is Mauro and I'm the author of 1 Million Love Messages ...That's my challenge! My favourite post it's (for sure) Adam Donkus & Lizzie's Love History.

"Hi there World I am Aussie, the author of Little Aussie Cynic and I want to BreatheThere is Always a Natural Way the latest edition to the Aussie Cynic Family...

I am Zubli Zainordin, in Total Happiness, I organize the Book Project blog and co-author Santa's Community Blog and Hall Of Fame Blog. I blog with the purpose of documenting about my self for my own reference, my future generations and friends who prefer to know me. I also share vital and valuable information entirely on total happiness. I believe in Santa Claus and I share the Spirit of Christmas within this Blog World. In addition I promote bloggers, their blogs, and invite them to share their blogging experiences, and together with Shinade, I review their blogs and award them with the Zubli and Shinade Recommended Read awards. Those who continuously show continuous blogging improvements shall be residence of the Hall Of Fame blog.

Hi! My name is Crystal, my middle name actually. I am the author of Choc Mint Girl. I started to blog because I need my own space to 'just write', but what I find here is quite inspiring and I am amazed at how many different bloggers with different approach ended up as great friends and inspire each other. It doesn’t matter what I blog about as long as the two parties find the connection in one another, that will be the best reason of why do I actually blog. I guess my most relevant post is my very first innocent post, Getting Started.

Hello world! My name is Lucel Juliana, you can call me Juliana. I author the blog, My World. I'm a newbie blogger and I'm so loving it. I blog because, I love to write and I want to document my life as a stay at home wife in my newfound home: New York. And if anyone out there tries to tell the story of my life, I prefer that it's going to be me. The one post I'm really passionate about is Cell Phone Hazard . I want to spread awareness about lurking dangers on cell phone use.


Hi! My name is Thira. I author the blog As The World Turns. I blog because I love and enjoy it. I used to write on journals before but blogging online is more fun. With blogging there are so many things one can do. You can write down your thoughts, experiences and interests. You can express how you feel, learn many things, share information and knowledge, meet new friends and a lot of interesting people. Like they said, there is a world of endless resources out there.

Eds here! The creator of " My Precious". =)I just started blogging this month of September 2007, as a newbie, I've discovered so much in blogging, that's why I really enjoyed it. In blogging, you can express yourself freely, you can sniff some very informative articles & issues, also you can see some updates of your friends, relatives or blogmates! I'm very happy I've started blogging, it gives some pleasure & satisfaction that I can't explain. Well, my most memorable post is my first post ever " how to start?"


**End Copy Here**

I'm passing this meme to Jean, Arlene, Mich, Anette & Jane

christmas tag from Jean & Mari

I was tagged by Jean.

Complete these sentences. Please tag and pass it on for someone else to do. Please link back here for the template. You don't mind, do you? Ho! Ho! Ho!You can use single words or phrases:

01] I "love" Santa.

02] Santa is "so generous".

03] If I were in a room with Santa, "I would ask him to heal all those who are sick, especially my sick loveones".

04] I think Santa "should have children".

05] Santa needs "a wife". =)

06] I want to go "with to Santa & tour around the world in his sleigh."

07] Someday Santa will "show himself to everybody"

08] Santa reminds me "of gifts"

09] Without Santa there will be "no gift giving every christmas"

10] My memories of Santa is "almost the same as every children in the world."

11] Santa can be "my angel"

12] The worst thing about Santa "is he never shows up"

13] The best thing about Santa is "he brings hope & joy to all."

14] I am going "pack gifts in his house with Santa this christmas."

15] One thing I would like to know about Santa "is where is his exact address =)"

16] Santa should go and start "giving gifts to his elves."

17] Santa wants to give me "his sleigh as his christmas gift! nice!=)"


I am passing it on to: Arlene, Shabem, Thira, Mich & Sarah.

*if you've done this before, just ignore it.

my totally fabulous award!

Thanks to Jean for giving me this award. You're really awesome sis!

Life is Fabulous, and so are WE!

Now, I'm passing this Fabulous award to my friends Mich, Jane, Thira, Arlene, Marlene & Sarah

I'm a Cool Mom!

Yes! Finally an award for being a mom!

This award was given to me by Mich. Thanks a lot Mich! You're so sweet sis! I'm really really happy with this one!

my first work of art! =)

Finally, I was able to scrap digitally! =)

After a few years of scrapbooking, it was only this year that I got fascinated with digital scrapbooking. Well, I have some scrapbooking projects done before but not digital.

And now, I was able to download a software and finished my 1st project. tagal noh?

Well, I have to download more embelishments, backgrounds & have more practice for that professional look. =)

Anyway, here's my first !

"A Masterpiece of a Mother's Loving Heart"

Quiz: Will Your Baby Be a Social Butterfly or a School Scholar?

I browse on thru this quiz wiz a while ago while diggin' in my fave baby site. I was so excited on answering it, well for me to know if my baby is a social kid or a brainy one. ;)

Whala! here's the results of the Q & A ( all based on Aj's actual day to day interactions)

You've Got a Social Butterfly AND a School Scholar! Good news. You're lucky enough to have a baby who is both a people person and an intellectual. He'll probably do well in school while still finding time to hang out with friends and participate in after-school activities. This balance usually leads to a successful career and a fulfilling personal life.



I'm so happy with the results that is why I posted it. lol! =)

Let's Play: Classic Games to Play with Your Baby

These baby games will boost your infant's smarts and emerging social skills.

Peekaboo

Once your baby is 4 to 5 months old, she'll be fascinated as you pop up from behind your hands. By 6 to 8 months, she'll be playing along, hiding and then giggling when she makes eye contact.

Why it's so great: Your baby is learning a vital lesson in object permanence. "An infant doesn't realize that things continue to exist after they're out of sight," says Charles Nelson, PhD, professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. "She enjoys the surprise element. You disappear and reappear, which is thrilling to her and teaches her that things come back, which will help her deal with separation anxiety later on."

How to make it even better: Hold a blanket between the two of you. This adds a lesson in body control -- she'll have to plan to remove the blanket, reach for it, and pull it away.

Patty-Cake

At first you should put your baby in your lap and repeat the rhyme while clapping his hands together. As he approaches 8 to 9 months, he'll be able to clap on his own.

Why it's so great: "Playing patty-cake is an exercise in rhythm and coordination," says Vicki Panacione, PhD, child psychologist and founder of the Better Parenting Institute, in Melbourne, Florida. "It also helps your baby develop spatial awareness, as he discovers where to place his hands." Once your child can sit up on his own, he'll become more involved in the game, improving his balance and his ability to focus.

How to make it even better: If you want to work on motor development, teach him to bring his left hand to your left, his right to your right. Learning to cross the invisible line separating left and right is a complex motor skill, one he should be able to master as he approaches his first birthday.

Lap Games

As soon as your child can hold her head up, sit her on your lap. Gently rock or bounce her while you sing or recite a rhyme. Surprise her at the end by dipping her down.

Why it's so great: Adding a poem or song turns lap time into a language lesson. "Exposure to language is important," says Jim Elicker, PhD, director of Early Childhood Programs at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. "The more she hears, the better. She's tuning in to communication."

How to make it even better: As your child gets older, she'll start anticipating the next word in the rhyme. That's a sign her cognitive recognition -- the ability to remember, process, and adapt -- is increasing. Follow her cues as to how much bouncing and dipping she feels like. "If she shows signs she wants to stop, stop," Dr. Elicker says.

Where's Your Nose?

You can start playing this game any time, but your baby won't join in until he's 3 or 4 months. Start simple: Ask, "Where's your nose?" then point and say, "There it is!" Repeat the nose a few times before going on to other features and, eventually, body parts.

Why it's so great: Your baby is exploring the world by becoming aware of himself. "Spatial awareness is an important developmental skill, and body awareness comes first," says Dee Acklie, PhD, director of special education at the College of Saint Mary, in Omaha.

How to make it even better: As your baby starts to understand that things have a name, encourage him to point himself. At first he may show more interest in you, pointing to your nose instead of his own. Soon he'll catch on a sign he's developing a sense of self and his coordination and confidence will grow as he correctly IDs body parts.

What Does the Cat Say?

Ask the question about various animals, then answer it yourself, making exaggerated animal sounds. The noise will attract even a newborn. By 4 to 5 months, she'll try making similar sounds.

Why it's so great: This teaches your child how to imitate those around her. "Although people do it naturally, imitation is extremely important, both emotionally and cognitively," says Dr. Elicker. When you meow back, your child realizes she's got your attention and discovers that her actions get a response. The basic sounds - -mooing, neighing, oinking -- are stepping-stones toward speech development.

How to make it even better: Give the game extra learning power by holding up a book with a picture of a cat as you make the meowing sound. "Your baby will make the connection," says Dr. Elicker.

5 Best & Worst Things To Say To Your Kids

You'd be amazed how much power you wield with your words. Here are key phrases to remember--and some to write off.

5 Best Things to Say

1. "Please make a decision."

If you use this phrase when asking your child to do something--or stop doing something--you make it clear that she is responsible for her own actions. For example, you might tell her and her friend, "Please make a decision to play quietly or go outside." If they're still loud five minutes later, you can follow up with, "I see that you've decided to go outside." Not only does this help teach your child about cause and effect, but it takes you out of the bad-cop role; she will clearly understand that she's making a decision to choose a consequence.

2. "I love you, but I don't like that behavior."

If you have to discipline your child, you want to separate the deed from the doer--so he understands that behaving badly doesn't make him a bad person. Telling your child that you love him in the same sentence that you express disapproval also helps remind you that the goal of discipline is to teach your child what's appropriate, not to punish him--and you'll be much more likely to stay calm and not yell.

3. "I want you to help me solve my problem."

If your child is doing something that annoys you--humming during dinner or playing with his food--make it seem as if you're the one with the problem. Ask him to help you come up with a solution--perhaps he'll only hum while you're doing the dishes. This way, he'll feel as if his input is invited and respected, and he's less likely to see you as his adversary. If the only solution that will satisfy you is for him to stop the behavior entirely, you can brainstorm about how he can remember not to do it.

4. "What did you really want to tell her?"

When kids get mad, they may blurt out stinging words--such as "You're a jerk!" or "I hate you"--because that's all they can think of to say in the heat of the moment. But you can help your child dig deeper and figure out what exactly made her so furious. You might have to give her suggestions such as "Are you angry because your friend said something about you that she knew was private?" As your child learns to get more in touch with her feelings, she'll become better at articulating them with others, even when you're not around to help her.

5. "Different people have different needs."

When your child utters that familiar refrain "It's not fair!" you need to help him understand why everyone shouldn't in fact be treated equally. This statement explains what "fair" really means: "Everyone in the family gets what he needs when he needs it." If one of your children needs glasses, for example, you certainly wouldn't buy your other child a pair just to be fair. When one child outgrows her sneakers, it doesn't mean that both kids automatically get new ones. And if one kid has an ear infection, you don't give both children antibiotics!

5 Worst Things to Say

1. "Act your age."

If a 6-year-old cries because he can't have what he wants or a 4-year-old refuses to stop squirming in his car seat, he is acting his age. Although we're certainly delighted when our kids display more mature behavior, the truth is that it's still developmentally appropriate for them to be stubborn, needy, and self-centered. Lots of parents forget that fact--because, let's face it, childish behavior can be frustrating. However, when you tell your child to act his age, you're issuing a blanket criticism without acknowledging why he might have been behaving that way. You're really focusing on how his behavior affects you. Instead, try to tune in to his feelings, and preface your response with something empathetic like "You seem really angry" or "I know that it's sad when something like this happens."

2. "I was only teasing."

Joking with your child may seem like a harmless way to help him develop a sense of humor, but he's likely to believe put-downs such as "You'd probably forget your head if it weren't screwed on." Despite what many parents think, making fun of a child won't prepare him for being teased by other kids any more than hitting him will toughen him up to face a bully. Your job as a parent is to be loving and supportive, not cute or clever with insults that are disguised as humor. If you don't really mean it, don't say it.

3. "Why can't you be more like your sister (or brother)?"

Comparisons like this are a surefire way to make your child feel like a second-class citizen--and to fuel sibling rivalry. They're not an effective strategy to get her to do her homework as quickly as her sister does or shoot baskets like her brother; they'll only deflate a child's confidence. The more you tell her she's not good enough, the more likely she is to believe it. You need to accept your kids' strengths and weaknesses, and encourage each child in a way that focuses on his or her own behavior.

4. "Don't run or you'll fall."

Despite your best intentions--and the desire to protect your child--such warnings will actually make him more likely to trip. You're telling him that you expect him to fail--which is very discouraging for a child who's working very hard to become more independent. Instead, you might say, "Make sure your shoelaces are tied before you go outside." That way, you're talking about the shoelaces, not his clumsiness. In addition, the more you give warnings that don't turn out to be true ("Be careful or you'll spill your juice"), the more likely your child will be to disregard your advice because he thinks you don't know what you're talking about.

5. "What did I just tell you?"

You obviously know the answer. This sarcastic question is really a thinly veiled accusation--and if your child were to actually respond to a question such as "Where did you just drop your jacket?" she would end up sounding like a smart aleck. If you're irritated that your child hasn't done what you've asked, say so: "I'm frustrated that I have to repeat this three times, but I'm going to tell you once more--'Hang up your jacket.' "

my 2nd thoughtful blogger award from Jean =)

Thanks for giving my 2nd thoughtful award sis! Really appreciate it! =)

my friendship award! =)

Got my second award and its from Annette!

Thank you very much Annette!

I'm very very very very happy with this! =)





Now, I'm passing this award to Jean, Arlene, Rosemarie & Marlene.

aj's new bookiess =)

Just bought some new books for aj new reads. I got so excited and bought them instantly because they were on sale. lol! =)

Fortunately, my tots really love books, atleast I won't have a hard time teaching him how to read at his early age. =)

~ Goodnight Moon ~

Perhaps the perfect children's bedtime book, Goodnight Moon is a short poem of goodnight wishes from a young rabbit preparing for--or attempting to postpone--his own slumber. He says goodnight to every object in sight and within earshot, including the "quiet old lady whispering hush." Clement Hurd's illustrations are simple and effective, alternating between small ink drawings and wide, brightly colored views of the little rabbit's room.
Finding all of the items mentioned throughout the book within the pictures is a good bedtime activity--a reappearing little mouse is particularly pesky. By the end of the little rabbit's goodnight poem, the story has quieted to a whisper, and the drawings have darkened with nightfall. As you turn the last page, you can expect a sleepy smile and at least a yawn or two.

~ The Very Hungry Caterpillar ~

With its lovely, humorous illustrations and wonderful narrative about a hungry caterpillar growing up to be a beautiful butterfly, Eric Carle's story touches anyone who still has some growing to do. Along with reassuring repetition--"He was still hungry ..."--the book includes some wonderful interactive moments: what youngster can resist sticking a finger through that hole in the page as his ravenous friend makes his way through various delicacies?

~ My First Book ~

First step to reading. This books teaches your child on common visuals. Like parts of the his body, his family & community.

~ I Love Colors ~

By Margarette Miller, a very cute book! Very nice, with strong visuals for your little one. My baby loves it so much, especially the cute little girl with the orange flower =)

It really feels great when buying stuffs for your baby's development, db?

Read books. Again and again! Scientists have found that babies as young as 8 months can learn to recognize the sequence of words in a story when it's read 2 or 3 times in a row -- this is believed to help them learn language and enhance their mental capabilites.

When I was young

Thanks so much Sarah for this Tag.

This tag is very simple. All you have to do is share a baby, teenager or whatever you please picture of yourself when you were younger.

I would like to see how you look like before.


Unfortunately for me, I don't have my baby or any younger pics anymore. Our house got on fire last 2000 kc. :(

Anyways, if ever may makita pa ako, i'll add them here. =)

~ an old pic w/ my bro, I was 4 yrs old here (my-bday) ~

~ Graduation pic- College ~

Now its your turn. =)

Im tagging Jean, Arlene, Yvette, Mich & Anette. (ladies if you're done with this tag just ignore it)

a tag from Mich & Anette =)

Mich just tagged me, thanks sis! =)


THE RULES - List of 8

* write 8 facts about yourself.

* in the 8 facts, you share 8 things that your readers don’t know about you. at the end, you tag as much other bloggers to keep the fun going. each blogger must post these rules first.

* each blogger starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

* at the end of the post, a blogger needs to choose as much people to get tagged and list their names.

* don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.



THE RULES - List of 7


* each player starts with 7 random facts about themselves on their blog

* People who are tagged need to blog 7 facts about themselves and post the rules as well

* At the end of their blog list 7 people you are tagging. Let them know that they are tagged by leaving them a comment.

--> I'm the eldest amongst my 2 brothers, pero ako ang smallest!

--> When I was in elem. & highschool, I'm one of those classmate or servicesmates that only talks when prompted to. As in I'm sobrang shy ako, pero nawala lahat yun nung ngcollege nako, naging ma chika nako!

--> I was a fan of boy bands back in highschool, love Backstreet Boys then!, especially Nick Carter! (got influenced by my friend Melay) also loves Spice Girls then, ngayon wala nah kahit isa! iba na ang type ko eh, hubby ku nlang! lol! =)

--> Loves Mc Donald's french fries, firm kc & mas yummy para sa akin.

--> My dad is a master cook, kaso me saute & frying lang ang alam ko heheh, but I really want to learn. kailangan eh =P

--> I'm a spender, sobra!

--> I'm kind, patient, sentimental, and martyr pag minsan lang ha! lol =)

I'm tagging, Sarah, Annie, Marlene, Marie, Thira, Shabem & Rosemarie

some of my reads at home

Not everybody knows that I’m “ the reader type” of person. Well, not to the point on reading thick novel books or something, not ready for that yet? =)

Though I remember when I was younger, specifically elem or high school days, I read some Mills & Booms stuffs, which were ok. =)

But currently, I love reading inspirational and informative ones, and those that have a connection with my day-to-day struggles.

I got a shot of some of them below:

What to Expect – The Toddler Years

This book discuss about almost everything you & your toddler must and will experience. It gives information about his physical, mental, emotional stages & developments. This is a thick book because it tackles info’s from 13 months to 36 months of age. It also has some extra sheets like journal, for your toddler’s milestones noting.


When I was pregnant, I also have a What to Expect book- (What to expect when your expecting) very nice & so much info’s learned, which had helped me thru my whole pregnancy (from conception to post-partum). The great thing of reading an informative book on pregnancy while pregnant is that it helps you relaxed when you thought that something was going wrong.

Baby Wise II

I got this book when Aj was 13 months old na, sayang nga should have got it earlier. Well, it’s a great book because it tackles on how to develop or nurture your child’s physical, emotional & intellectual aspects, which in the future will have a significant impact in his life as an individual. It includes some self-control, self-confidence, sleeping & waking issues.

How to spoil your husband


Well, I bought this book just to lure my hubby more! LOL! =) It’s actually a very interesting book. It fires up your latent desire with your husband and vice versa. It includes some simple thoughtful activities that can revive your relationship back to burning lava. =)

Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul

Need not to explain why I bought this book. Well, everybody knows this book db? Best Seller!

aj's typical morning with his leap pad

From the time we bought it, his day will not be complete if he has not touched his leap pad.

He likes the sounds, the colors & the pushing thing excites him. I'm really happy he loves it. Well he's so cute while playing with it kase, that's why I took some pictures of him & his little touch.

aj starts the pad, turn the page first

then he adjusted the volume

turned on the page by pushing the character (pooh turns to life)

next page please

looks at me and then...

he jumps! and says " boing, boing, boing!

then he bows, for his finale!

Bravo my son! Bravo! ( i'm a very proud mama!)

yes! my very 1st award!!!

Got this Thoughtful Blogger Award from Arlene. Yipeeeyyy! I'm so excited, my first award ever!!! Thanks so so much sis! =)


This award is one of the series of awards launched by Christy Z of Writer's Reviews.

Now, I'm passing this award to Marlene, Rosemarie & Thira. =)

beauty dos & don'ts for preggos

For my readers =)

Nothing takes the edge off a stressy, exhausting, I-hate-my-cankles kinda day like a little preggo primping. But you've likely heard some scary rumors -- hair dye causes birth defects, pedicures trigger labor -- that may have you thinking twice about your next spa session. What's urban legend and what's fact? "There are so many myths about what's unsafe; it's hard to know what to believe," says Karen Boyle, MD, an assistant professor of urology, obstetrics, and gynecology at Johns Hopkins Hospital (and who's 34 weeks along herself). Here's the myth-busting truth about booking that rubdown, mani-pedi, and more.

Hair Dye

So you weren't born with those sun-kissed highlights? Pregnancy doesn't have to out your little secret. "There are a lot of chemicals used in hair dye, but no well-designed studies have found any direct link to birth defects or childhood cancers," says Richard Beigi, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburg Medical Center. "While you don't want to be exposed constantly, dyeing your hair once or twice is unlikely to be a major problem." To be on the safe side, wait till the second or third trimester, when most of baby's major organs have finished developing, or opt for highlights over single-process color. Since highlights aren't applied directly to the scalp, the chemicals are significantly less likely to enter your bloodstream.

Bottom line: Safe to schedule, but wait until trimesters 2 and 3.

Massage

"Massage is a fantastic thing during pregnancy," says Boyle. "It helps soothe stress, improve circulation, and ease aches and pains, but it's important that the therapist be knowledgeable about pregnancy body changes." If you want to lie on your belly, look for spas that offer special cut-out tables, otherwise you'll likely be on your side. Prone to nausea? Fess up. Your therapist may opt to use unscented oil (it's less likely to trigger a bathroom run). Lastly, watch out for this red flag: Places that require a doctor's note. It could be a sign they're not comfortable handling pregnant women.

Bottom line: Safe to schedule in any trimester.

Teeth Whitening

If you're thinking of brightening your grin, take a pregnant pause. "Because of the lack of available subjects, teeth whitening has never been studied for safety during pregnancy, so dental scientists do not know if whitening is safe or unsafe for pregnant women," says Mickey Bernstein, DDS, president-elect of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. "Since it's an elective treatment, it is logical just to wait until after delivery." What's more, your gums may be more sensitive and prone to bleeding due to hormonal shifts, and for some women, whitening may further irritate these sensitive areas.

Bottom line: Skip it.

Facial

Wondering what happened to that so-called pregnant glow everyone talks about? There's no way to predict how your skin will change over these nine months, and a facial can be a great way to help adjust to differences in texture and moisture, says Boyle. "But your complexion may be a lot more sensitive now, so you definitely want to skip harsh peels and microdermabrasion." As with massage, make sure your aesthetician knows if you have any major smell aversions. And once you're past the first trimester, ask to be propped up with pillows so you're not lying flat on your back -- this position can slow circulation and make you feel dizzy.

Bottom line: Safe to schedule if you skip harsh peels and microdermabrasion. Also, ask to be propped up in trimesters 2 and 3.

Waxing

Whether you plan to sneak in a session before you jet-set off on your babymoon or want to make sure everything's looking good down there for D-day, waxing while expecting is totally fine -- if you're used to it. "Very intense pain -- especially late in pregnancy -- can prompt contractions, which is not good if you're not yet past 37 weeks," says Lillian Schapiro, MD, an Atlanta-based ob-gyn. "So I certainly would not book a Brazilian for the first time if you've never had one before." Another FYI: Your sensitive skin may also be more prone to irritation, so you might want to pencil in your appointment a day or two before you plan to hit the beach.

Bottom line: Safe to schedule in trimesters 1 and 2. Know your pain tolerance for trimester 3!

Mani-Pedi

Hands down, the experts we talked to all felt that mani-pedis are totally fine for preggos. "Your nails are growing and getting stronger now, so take advantage," says Boyle. Though polish does contain trace amounts of harsh chemicals, they're not absorbed by your nail beds and have never been linked to birth defects in babies, she says. A likelier problem: Nausea, if the salon's not well-ventilated. "Some of those fumes are pretty strong, so ask to sit by the door or a window if you get queasy easily," she advises.

Bottom line: Safe to schedule in any trimester.

Hot Tubs, Steam Rooms & Saunas

If taking a dip relaxes you, skip the Jacuzzi and dunk your bump in a (warm, not super-hot) bathtub instead. "We know increased core temperature is linked to birth defects, especially in the first trimester," says Susan Hollander, CNM and ob-gyn nurse-practitioner. Most hot tubs are easily over 100 degrees, plus you're usually completely submerged from the neck down. "But baths aren't as hot to begin with, and at least your arms, knees, and shoulders are sticking out, so your overall temperature doesn't climb to those dangerous levels." Avoid steam rooms and saunas too -- the excess heat and steam can also make you more wobbly than usual, and your balance isn't exactly what it was pre-pg.

Bottom line: Skip it.

All content , including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.