Kids and Second Marriage

Most parents would worry that after divorce or annulment their kids would find it hard to cope up and be happy once again. But there are several studies that showed that kids become healthier and happier if they see their parents happy in the second marriage.

It is because the kids are now exposed to a happier union after either parents remarry. Being exposed to a happy second marriage is beneficial to kids and in the long run they may succeed in their marriage life too. Although most moms are hesitant to create a new family with their new found partner, it could turn out to be the best thing that can happen in your life. As a mom, you deserve to be happy and your kids deserve it too.

A step family is not something that moms would anticipate or look forward to. But it can be a blessing in disguise especially if you have found the right partner who would love you, your kids and all your flaws. I am happy to say that I found mine! He loves my kids and is eager to give them the bright future they deserve.

ABC Wednesday Challenge: L is for LESLEY

The author's name is Lesley, but she has earned the nickname MommyLES when she started to work in a call center. The author's blogs have the same blog titles, MommyLESsons and MommyLESsons Too! It is not because she can't think of another name (lol! that's the real reason behind it), but because the blogs were both parenting blogs. Thus the title makes it suitable ,Mommy LES' sons (yup! I have sons- 3 of them).

Motherhood has thought Lesley a lot of valuable lessons, and she shares some useful tips on her blogs. Raising kids is a very difficult task, it is a continuous learning process. Sometimes lessons are learned the hard way, but then again life has to move on. To dwell on the past mistakes would not make life a lot easier.

Lesley is not a perfect mommy, but she is not after perfection. All she wishes for is to instill valuable lessons in the minds of her children. Lesley is not also the ideal wife, but she is willing to learn how to compromise to keep the relationship strong. Lesley loves her family so much and she is willing to lay down her life for them.

TCP: Yours,Mine,Ours

Google for the photo

 Since it's the  love month the TCP theme for this week is about Familial Love. It is the first kind of love that most of us have felt. There are several movies of this kind, but what I chose is the "Yours,Mine,Ours" as my TCP entry for this week's theme. I can somehow relate in this movie (lol!).

The movie plot is quite simple, it is about two widowed parents who fell in love with one another. The conflict arise when each parent have their set of kids; 10 kids for Mom and 8 kids for Dad. Their kids obviously are having a hard time to accept the situation. Although each set of kids hate the other, they came into a compromise to make a scheme to make the marriage end.

Just imagine how chaotic it would be if you have 18 kids under one roof. That could be a handful and can be quite difficult to handle. I have my own two kids and hubby has one, plus our own child; in total we have four kids and all of them are boys. When they get rowdy, it can be quite stressful!

A Weekend Spoiler

I just feel the need to share this weekend spoiler experience that our family had encountered on our way home. Every Sunday we make it appoint to visit MIL's place to eat lunch together with hubby's family. We normally stay there for about three to four hours at the most because we still need to do some last minute weekend errands. After the sumptuous lunch prepared by MIL ( we had grilled tilapia, green mangoes, shrimp paste and kids' favorite small clams with soup) and little chit-chat; we decided to go home.

On our way home, hubby told me that we need to fill a little gas for the car to make sure that we make it home. Since he is the one driving, he chose to go to the nearest gas station. Unfortunately, this gas station was our weekend fun spoiler. After the gasoline boy filled up the tank, he handed to car key to hubby; and to our dismay the key was chipped at the end part. Hubby noticed it once he tried to put the key to start the car, the tip part of the key was missing! He went out of the car and asked what happen. The gasoline boy tried to act innocently but there is no other person to blame but him.

We cannot leave the gas station because the key would no longer fit the hole. So we had to call my SIL to bring the spare key that she has. We waited for about one hour or so because of the negligence of the gasoline boy. Plus the fact that inside the key hole on the gas tank area is the tip of the damaged key. Hubby became really frustrated about the situation. It was such a waste of time and money too. We had no choice but to charge the gasoline boy about his negligence.

Another frustrating fact is that our little boy saw heard his dad raised his voice. When hubby went inside the car after the discussion he had with the people at the gas station; our little boy asked him "Daddy bakit ka sumisigaw dun sa mga tao(Dad why are you shouting at them?)" His Dad explained that he was not shouting at them, he was just telling those people to efficiently do their task to avoid inconvenience. I also told our little boy that Daddy was not shouting at those people, he was merely asking them on what are they going to do with what happened. And told him that there is nothing to worry about, Daddy is not mad or anything.

So many valuable lessons learned today, and hopefully this situation would not occur again. Our family had a great weekend until this incident. But then again we would not let our day get ruined by what happened. We can still do something fun to cover the not so good experience we had couple of hours ago.

Popular Baby Girl Names

Google for the photo

I am in search of a baby girl name, oops! it's not for my future baby; it is for cousin's future daughter. She is due this coming April and we are searching and researching for the right name for their baby girl.

There were so many suggestions and we have read baby names books and checked the internet for the perfect name for the baby. They have a name in mind, and it is Aerith, however they are still undecided whether to use it as a first name or middle name of the baby. The name was derived from the female character of the Final Fantasy.

Google for the photo

There are so many reasons why parent decide on a particular name for their children. Others would follow the name of their child with their names; in the old generation names are followed on the name of the saints on the date their children were born. Now, there are parents who named their children after the famous personalities.

As for my kids, I chose the name that would suit their last names. I think it is quite awkward to name a child with a foreign sounding name but the last name is so Filipino. But then again, to each his own.

I hope you can give us ideas on what could be the best name to pair with AERITH; it would be very much appreciated by our family.

Building Better Family Relationships

Family is the basic unit of the society, and it is very important that parents and children have harmonious relationship in order to become better citizens of a nation. In these times when men and women to work for living, young children are often left at home with a nanny or a nursery, while older spend all day at school. Most times, parents have enough time to spare to put their children only at night. Sometimes not even have time to talk about their individual lives let alone spend a day of fun together.

Small talk, small gestures of comfort, little things we do every day if they are for an hour or enough for a few minutes, especially when done with sincerity and commitment to strengthening and developing links with their children. There are so many good things to give a child a hug. According to research, touch therapy is very effective in building relationships with families, especially in building ties between parents and children. This is a good way to express your love and concern for children. In addition to hugs, kisses and pats on the small shoulders are also important in building relationships.

Despite the busy schedule, make an effort to be present when time is short. The weekend with the family once a month can do wonders in strengthening family ties closer.

Public Installation of FreeMasonry

Last January 15, 2011 was the 12th Public Installation of Officers of JASML 333 under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines; it was my first time to witness such ceremony since my hubby became a better man. His brethren trusted him with the position of being the lodge secretary. I  was so proud of hubby on how he won the hearts and trust of his fellow FreeMasons.

Hubby and I made it appoint that the kids will be able to witness the ceremony too. Some people may have different concept or image about Freemasonry. But what I see are group of men whose aim is to help the society and making good men even better.

Photographs and Memories

Google for the photo

In the advent of digital cameras, most photos are either stored in the computer hard drive, burned on DVD's or left at the flash drives. Gone are the days when we need to get photo film developed and compile it neatly in a scrapbook or photo albums.

Although photoprinting can be done in our own printer; still most mommies are having a hard time doing so. I have seen several photo printing services in the internet. What captured my attention are the beautiful designs of photo books. Hopefully I would be able to have our tons of photos printed, so that we can show it off to our friends even without bringing our laptop with us.

SUV or Sedan?

As a Mom, I prefer to have SUV rather than Sedan. Well, bigger vehicle makes me feel more secured and safe. My hubby's family used to own a 1995 4x4 Mitsubishi Strada and he was the unofficial driver of the family. My hubby named the SUV "Erap"; which is the name of the former Philippine President Erap Estrada. Since my hubby is very OC with many things; he takes care of the truck as if it was his own. Actually, we were the unofficial (again) people assigned to shoulder its maintenance. Oh my! it was really expensive to maintain such kind of vehicle. 

The very handsome "Erap"

 We don't mind spending for it as long as we see that whoever in the family drives it would take care of it as much as we do. The SUV is often used to go to their place which is uphill in Subic Zambales. They visit the place to gather mangoes and yams, all we need to do is to place the stuff at the cargo trailer of the SUV and then use beam clamps with straps to secure everything. Since the SUV was not ours, we cannot do anything about it when their family decided to sell the truck.

In replacement of the SUV, a white sedan was bought (another Mitsubishi). It is an old model but well maintained and has low mileage. But unlike the SUV, we can no longer use the sedan to do uphill drive. Plus the fact that it has limited space compared to SUV. We miss the old Strada truck but somehow we are beginning to enjoy the little white sedan that hubby drives. For me it is our lucky charm, since we bought the car ; we have been receiving abundant blessings.

This is "Puti"

I would still love to get an SUV, but since we cannot afford it as of the moment I guess we can always depend on our sedan which we fondly call "Puti" or white in English.

Last Look at 2010

The year 2010 marked so many big leaps in my life. Early part of 2010, my hubby and I decided to apply for a housing loan so we can start building our dreams in our own home. Fortunately, when I opened the idea to my parents they were supportive about it. They have helped me out pay the initial down payment needed for the house.

At the start of the school year, my youngest son entered pre-school and my two other kids have to move to a new school. This time around I didn't have to worry about their tuition fee and books; the school was free inside our community. Although it is considered as public school, the facilities and amenities are at par with private schools. So it was less stressful for hubby and me too.

The year 2010 was also the year when I started to work online. We have established our own business, an internet shop; but we have to give it up because we need to transfer to our new home. Good thing I was able to meet new friends in the internet who have helped me get job online.

A turning point in my life came when my boss told me that I was hired as a full-time writer. I would be receiving good compensation without leaving the comfort of our home.  I would be able to manage our household and work at the same time. Now, I want to believe that I am slowly learning the ropes of SEO and hopefully, this year would be fruitful too.

I have started 2 blogs too last 2010; Brewed.Fried.Toasted. and MommyLESsons plus I am also helping out hubby maintain his blog POV of an Engineer . So far, I have gained followers in this blog (MommyLESsons).

The best thing that I am very thankful for is my family. I have never been so happy and contented in my entire life. I would forever be thankful to my hubby (DadEngr Joey) for being the best hubby and dad. We had gone through a series of trials and challenges; but we have managed to go through it.

2011 is another year to look forward too. I know that God has so many wonderful plans for me and my family. I have surrendered everything to Him and let Him steer my life to the directions He wanted to. I would have less fears and worries this 2011 because I am in good hands with my Saviour.

Punta De Uian New Year Celebration

 The entire family spent the first day of 2011 at the beautiful resort called Punta De Uian; it is located at Pundakit, San Antonio Zambales. It was a New Year treat from my Mom and John. It was a long road trip but upon seeing the place, it was worth it. The resort rates was quite expensive, good thing Mom hit the jackpot at the Casino last Christmas or else she would have spent money issued to her by their office using company checks

The place has breathtaking views and the amenities are excellent. We stayed in a duplex with two bedrooms, 2 T&B, living room, kitchen and dining room.

the view

the duplex where we stayed

They also have Chapel, playground and villas by the lagoon area. The kids really enjoyed the place, they ran around the playground there were only few people checked in. So it seems like we rented the entire place for ourselves.

the chapel

the playground

Of course, the resort would not be complete without the beach and the swimming pool. My eldest son Jet really enjoyed frolicking on the sea. But we did not take a dip at the pool; because we were just so excited enjoying the big waves.

the beach

the swimming pool

It was one beautiful New Year celebration that my kids and the entire family would not forget. Although our stay at the resort was quite short because work and school days are about to begin, it was unforgettable. Some family members were not able to come along due to unforeseen circumstances; but there will always be next time.

To all mommy bloggers and my blog visitors out there, how did you celebrate your new year?

MMFF 2010 Film Entries

thanks to Google for the photo

Yearly the movie entries of the Metro Manila Film Festival are very much anticipated by the Philippine moviegoers. These movies are shown on Christmas Day that is why most movies are family oriented. Although there are few horror movies on the entries. The movie Shake Rattle and Roll is already on its 12th year; and it is shown every Christmas Day except for the its first offering.

Here is the list of movie entries for the MMFF 2010 :

• Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote (starring Bong Revilla and Vic Sotto)
• Fr. Jejemon (starring Dolphy)
• Ang Tanging Ina nyong Lahat Last na Ito (starring Ai-ai delas Alas)
• Shake Rattle and Roll XII (trilogy starring Carla Avellana)
• Super Inday and the Golden Bibe (starring Marian Rivera)
• Dalaw (starring Kris Aquino)
• Rosario (starring Jennylyn Mercado)
• RPG Metanoia (3D animated film)

Let us support the Philippine movie industry by patronizing all the entries of MMFF 2010.

Christmas General Cleaning

I think I am about to lose my sanity, with just four days to go before Christmas, it's time to do more Christmas general cleaning of the house. The general cleaning done before the Christmas decors were placed is no longer seen in the house. With all the visitors that we have for the past couple of days; we definitely have a topsy-turvy house.

Clothes occupy half of the kids room; it needs to be sorted out to check whether these clothes fit them or not. I do this every year before Christmas because I need to give old but still presentable clothes to the people in our barrio. So I am quite busy entertaining visitors, cooking for them, cleaning the house and other endless chores. 

My hands are quite handful until the end of the season; good thing I have less work to attend to all of the household chores.

I am not complaining; at least I can still find couple of minutes to update my blog.

How about you? Is your home ready and clean when Santa Claus pays visit to your kids? If it is, oh my! I definitely envy you!

Christmas Presents from My Mom

It's been two years since the last I saw my mom, and it's been 12 years since the last time she spent Christmas in the Philippines. She arrived from Italy last Thursday, but she just went to see us yesterday. My kids were all excited on what their Mamita has brought for them. An advanced Christmas present that they got was Wii. Oh my! there were too eager to play with it, that I need to call their attention many times just to lunch.
Her present for me, was a notebook. She knows that my desktop PC is wornout and ready to give up anytime. So she gave me a notebook so I can go on with my blogging and of course do my online work too.
For hubby, she gave hime a home theater system(minus the LCD TV). He was as excited as the kids, and can't wait to set it up. His aim right now is to rearrange the house to accomodate his Christmas present from his Mother-in-law.

Christmas present makes the occasion extra exciting; but what really matters is our presence on the celebration of the occasion. How about you? Have you received any advanced Christmas present yet? Or were you able to give advance Christmas presents to those people you love.

Supreme Court Acquitted Hubert Webb et al

Google for the photo

I was still in high school when the controversial Vizconde massacre happened. At that time, we still live in BF Homes and the massacre happened in one of the villages inside BF Homes Paranaque. So it was really a big news in our area. Fingers were all pointing to Hubert Webb and his friends, until they were convicted for the crime 15 years ago. This time, the Supreme Court reversed the decision of the lower court and acquitted Hubert Webb et al.

Prosecution failed to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubts; despite testimonies from Jessica Alfaro who is the primary witness. Supreme Court ruled out her testimonies and said that these testimonies cannot be relied upon.

As a parent, my reaction to this issue is mixed. I pity Lauro Vizconde for losing his family because of a non-sense crime; on the other hand, since Hubert Webb et al were acquitted they spent 15 years and 6 months of their lives inside the jail. Only to be decided later on that they were not guilty; they can no longer go back to those years lost.

I wish our justice system would work overtime in solving crimes; our time spent here on the face of the earth is in the hands of our Creator; we don't have the luxury of time. We must do whatever it is we can do today for we are not sure if there is still tomorrow.

How do you feel about the Supreme Court's acquittal of Hubert Webb et al? Did they make the right decision this time?

Human Rights Day 2010

 As a mom, we are most concern on what is happening in our surroundings. It is very unfortunate that on a daily basis we hear about so many human rights violations happening around us. Today is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day. The key principle for the Human Rights Day is “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights".

Age, gender, race and other things does not matter; all humans should be treated equally. I admire the strength of those mothers who have children who were victims of human rights violation. I would not wish to be in their shoes; but I pray that God will continue to give them strength. I have read one very good quotes about a mother's feeling towards her child. A mother carries her child inside the womb for nine months and once she gives birth, she carries her child in her heart forever.

In reality, discrimination does exist and I think that most mothers would agree that we are all praying that none of our children would experience discrimination. In a way, Human Rights Day remind us that we as mothers should do everything to defend the rights of our children and our family.

Have you experienced any discrimination, most especially at work?

Wordless Wednesday

Our little Christmas tree

Wordless Wednesday

My sons, Jet and Gab

enjoying a quiet boat ride during their vacation.

Simple Anniversary Celebration

Hubby and I celebrated our wedding anniversary last 5th of November. Nothing fancy prepared, a simple anniversary dinner with the kids is what he had. It's fun to see the kids enjoy their favorite meal. Afterwards, we went to coffee shop (again with the kids) to relax. I had my favorite black forest frappe and the kids that their choco frappe too.

 

Black Forest Frappe

Choco Acad Frappe (no coffee added)

Hubby ordered a slice of "Sinful Cake" for him (of course he shared it with me!)

Indeed very Sinful!

 It was a simple yet meaningful celebration, and both of us are looking forward for more anniversaries to celebrate.

Changes In My Life

The most important change in my life took place almost 6 years ago; that was January 1st. It was a tough decision to make because that was the time I decided to end my marriage with my ex-husband. I have to choose between staying with him and give my two sons a "complete" family ; or dump him like a hot potato but my sons would have to deal with the society's stigma of broken home. I chose the latter, and I am definitely glad to do it.

I think my kids would live a more normal life if they do not see violence at home. I had to admit that there were instances wherein discussions with my ex would turn out violently. Too bad my kids were witnesses to that situation. I cannot blame my sons for hating their father. My kids are smart, I don't need to brainwash them (because I was accused of doing it). For the past 6 years no financial support was given to my children. I know they have the rights to get financial support from their father; but I would rather not do it because I can work to death just to provide for my children.

I believe that God saw my suffering, and He gave me a partner. We have been together for 5 years now, and blessed with a child (another boy). Our son is four years old, and as far as my entire family could see my current partner treat my kids from previous marriage the same way he treats our own son. He works hard for them and dream about giving them a bright future.

I am so glad that God gave me another chance to be happy. Sometimes we really need to experience deep pain in our lives in order to appreciate the simple joys that we have.