NO SHOW

I was right! My cousin and her family didn't show up. I am not upset or anything but I was hoping for a call from her to let me know if they were coming or not. Good thing I called my Aunt and was told that they did visit her in NY but they had a very tight schedule and had to leave. Oh well, there is always a next time. Now that October visit is out I wonder if a November visit would happen. Possibly on Thanksgiving? We haven't even decided yet where to have this years Thanksgiving. Will we be hosting this year or will it be at Angelo's house. I have got to ask who is hosting so plans can be made and I can do my Thanksgiving shopping properly. October is almost coming to an end and preparation need to be done. Will you be hosting this years Thanksgiving?

BIRTH MONTH

July is not only my birth month, I share it with my sister as well. We get to have the same age for 10 days,lol. Does that mean we will be equal until she hits her birthday and is officially older than me again? We always use to joke with each other that there is no big and lil sister after my birthday. My sister's birthday is on July 24. My sister and I could have had the same birthday had my mother not elected induction. But since she wanted to be present for my sister's 1st birthday she had an induction and picked July 14. Why July 14? It's my fathers brothers birthday. As It turned out I had other ideas and refuse to share the same birthday with any of our relative, I was born on July 15,lol. I don't want to drag this on so here it goes :




To my one and only sister Mitzi, A Happy Happy Birthday to you. I may not say I love you enough but you are a big part of my heart and my life. You are an amazing sister, daughter and I know that you will be a wonderful mom to Alyssa. I am so proud of your achievement and I love you.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MANANG (BIG SISTER)

MY SYSTER, THE CHEF

This post is dedicated to my one and only sister Mitzi.

Last June 22, 2011 in Cebu my sister received her certificate in Advance Culinary Arts. Ever since my sister has had a love affair with food. Aside from my grandma, she is the second best cook in our family. I know how to cook mind you but my cooking is mediocre compared to my sister. She is one hell of a cook! Last year she started going to school to learn more about cooking. I knew she was going to make it and excel for this was something she really love and enjoy doing. Aside from receiving her certificate she also got two awards. The Service Recognition Award and The Student Leadership Award.

I am so proud of my sister for her great achievement. Pay attention culinary world for my sister is about to rock your world, lol. I really didn't get a chance to really express my happiness on her graduation so here goes.

Chay,

Manang, I am so proud of you. The past months have not been really great but you did not let that stop you from smiling and persevering and holding on. How I wish I was there to bear witness as you received your certificate. I am so proud of you manang! I am so sorry if it seems that I am not there for you. I love you with all my heart. I know you will make it big and you will succeed. You are not only a great daughter, sister, friend but you are also a wonderful mom to Alyssa. I love you so much manang!I will make it up to you one of this days..

BASKET GOODIES

Kaitlyn posing in front of her Easter Basket.. Some of you may be wondering why its just Kaitlyn. Our oldest Kayla spent Easter with her mom as it was her turn to have her for the holiday. Kaitlyn kept asking for her sister to come home. It's difficult to explain to a child sometimes why her sister is not with her, usually Kaitlyn understand but there are times that she will just keep questioning not understanding the answer. Even though we didn't have Kayla we still did out Easter thing, for Kaitlyn. It would not be right if we didn't celebrate just because Kayla is not with us, it would be unfair for Kaitlyn. So we did the Easter Egg hunt for her and a few of our close friends , colored eggs and of course got her Easter Basket full of goodies. We also bought one for Kayla and gave it to her when she got back. In a few years I don't know if the separation of the two girls will get more difficult or easier it all depends. I just hope that my girls continue to love each other no matter what.

P.S.

The chocolates in this pictures are all recycled ones. I have had those choco bunnies for 3 years now and I intend to keep them as long as I can. My kids know that its only for decoration and not for eating, lol...

TO MAMA

It's our day, Mother's Day. First, I want to greet all the mothers who has kids biological or not a Happy Mother's Day. I want to thank my Mama for taking care of us through thick and thin, loving us with patience and understanding, raising us with God in our hearts. My mama has had it tough but she never gave up on me and my sister. My mom got divorced early but she chose to stay with us. Almost forsaking her happiness due to her love for us. We may not agree on everything but we know for sure that we love each other. I am what I am today because of my mom. So let us thank our mom everyday and not just once a year.

I LOVE YOU MAMA AND THANK YOU!

BIRTH MONTH

March is the birth month of my grandmother, father and my cousin. I can't believe that March is coming to an end. Today, March 26,2011 is the 52nd birthday of my dad. My dad and I are really not that close yet I still remember his birthday. I just left him an instant message on yahoo to let him know that I remembered. As for my cousin Angelique her birthday comes a day after my dad, she is turning 27. How times flies, she used to be the baby of the family. I still marvel at the thought that the little girl I used to play with and babysit is already an adult. I still see her as our little baby even though I have cousins who are younger than her. As for my grandmother, she is turning 78 on March 31,2011. I miss her so much, its been 4 years since the last time I was there to celebrate with her. She is the glue that holds our whole family together. She is the bravest, smartest and the most loving woman. I miss her so much and I wish her good health and many more years.

One day, I will be able to celebrate birthdays with you but for now, let me just say a big Happy Happy Birthday....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

I just want to greet my MIL a very Happy Happy Birthday. She was indeed surprised when we called her out of her room after dinner. Even more so when I told her that I baked the cake and decorated it myself. She thought it was from the store, lol. I guess I'm getting better at it. I still need to find the perfect butter cream frosting and the perfect chocolate cake recipe. She made a wish and blew out her cake. Before I end this post I want to write a little something for her.

Mom,

I thank you everyday for being around for me and the kids. I thank you for opening your arms to be and welcoming me in your family. I thank you for loving my girls and for watching them when I ask you. You have taken care of me and treated me as your own. You are so loved and appreciated. I may not say it enough but we all love you and thankful for a mom and grandma like you. Good health and many more years is what we wish for you.. Happy happy birthday again mom,we love you..

DATE TO REMEMBER PT 2

This is the continuation of my blog post date to remember. I ended off that story without saying were we finally ended up spending our date that we have planned for weeks. An advance celebration for our 4th wedding anniversary. After checking out 4 restaurant we ended up at Applebees. I have wanted to eat there for some time now. Ralph wasn't really into it but he gave in since he was hungry. The Applebee's we went to was the one near Walmart. As soon as we pulled up into the parking lot we knew we were going to be seated right away. The place had a big bar in the center of the room with the tables and booths on the sides.From the start we knew we were not going to be happy. A sever didn't come to our table right away, only after 10 min. We started off with the Ultimate Trios appetizers, I took the picture to late, lol. It was actually good and we both liked it.For the main entree I had the Crispy Orange Chicken which is " A taste of the Orient-Applebee's style. Breaded chicken covered in a spicy-sweet orange glaze over our almond rice pilaf and a tasty mix of broccoli, red peppers, sugar snap peas, water chestnuts, mushrooms, carrots, and bok choy. Topped with toasted almonds and traditional crispy noodles". The chicken was yummy,I actually love the toasted almonds on it but was not thrilled with the rice. It was to dry and it smelled. As for Ralph he ordered the Florentine Ravioli with Chicken which is " Sliced, grilled chicken served over spinach & ricotta-stuffed half-moon ravioli in a roasted garlic Alfredo atop a blend of sautéed mushrooms, bruschetta, roasted red peppers, red onions, and fresh spinach. Served with toasted garlic bread". Ralph had a more memorable time with his food. When they served his food Ralph could not find the chicken. He just all of a sudden exclaimed in a very surprise but humorous voice" where the heck is the chicken" and proceeded to look for in on his plate. We were just laughing so much that the couple seated beside us joined in. Ralph flagged down the waited and we got his food back with the chicken. Ralph's was not happy with his food at all. We should have complained to the manager for the poor service but we didn't want to waste more time at that place. I don't know if we will ever go back to Applebee's but for sure it was a date to remember, a story worth telling our kids and future grandkids.

GOODBYE AND WELCOME

Happy New Year !

2010 has been more than generous to me and my family. A lot happened in just a year, good, bad and in between. The highlight of my year 2010 was my vacation to my home country Philippines. After 3 years in America, I was finally able to go home for a visit and see my loved ones. It was an experience that I will always treasure. My daughter got to see her maternal Grandmother for the first time as well as her Maternal Great-grandparents. A lot of not so good things did happen to our year. My husband had a cyst removed from his derriere, Kaitlyn got a Tonsillectomy, Ralph was in an accident but those things pale to comparison to all the blessings we have gotten. Everyday is a blessing and I have come to appreciate day to day living.

I have no clue as to what 2011 will bring but we will strive to do more, love more and live life to the fullest. I make no promises this year, I will just do what I can to improve not just our lives but improve myself for the better. Goodbye 2010 and welcome 2011...