Nov 30 - When Someone Leaves

It is always sad when someone leaves. A good example is when you go on vacation to visit relatives and friends. It's an emotional roller coaster ride that you are always so happy to see them but sad to leave. I feel the same when my kids come home and then they leave to go back to school. It is a ride where they comfort you when they are home and makes you worry when they are away.

How I cope up with the sadness is by calling or texting them. Thank God for the technology today. I know that the eldest daughters are always happy to leave home because they seek their independence, I understand that. Is this a temporary feeling? I don't know exactly if they feel the sadness of leaving. It's just hard to say our "goodbyes" even if I know I will be talking to them later on. Even if I try to hide my feelings, my eyes get teary.

I feel the comfort and security when I pray to God to watch them for me. I never stop asking for God's help for the safety of my family. I couldn't ask for anything more. I am truly blessed my eldest daughters are my pride and joy (and of course the little ones, too).

So today is a sad day, although I know they will be back home before Christmas. I worry about them too much. I pray to God to give me strength everyday and be with us always for all the challenges that we have to face.

Nov 28 - Black Friday

It was noon already when we decided to go to Walmart to get some disposable wipes. I called my SIL to find out what their plans were... shopping. I mentioned we were on our way to Walmart she suggested to go to Gilroy because it's a Walmart Superstore and indeed it was humongous! Yes, they ended up coming with us and we decided to shop at the outlets. Hmmmm.. this isn't on my plan at all.

Let's see, at Walmart I planned on buying disposable wipes and ended up with full cart! Gosh, it seems like the stuff I bought were items "needed" at home and ended up with a tab of $130. I had to buy diapers because we forgot to refill DS bag for diapers and we were out all afternoon. A toaster oven in my cart because husband wanted one, our old one broke a long time ago and we have not replaced it yet. I also bought the presents of DD1 and DD2 that they need to wrap. Got some gift boxes so I don't need to buy wrapping paper ( I know I have plenty in the garage somewhere). Other items are some grocery stuff that we needed. Yes, Walmart has a grocery section.

I was not too excited to go to the outlets because I have a budget to worry about. I ended up buying stocking stuffer for DD3. I put off buying shoes for me. Husband bought one for him. He also bought a bag for me for Christmas. Darn, there wasn't any matching wallet! We were not going to stop by at this store because you have to fall in line before you even go through the doors. The line outside was too long and it's cold. Haaayyyy....... off we went to the other side of this stretched outlet. DD1 needs a suit, got a good deal. She tried them on last night and it was all perfect. Good job, mom! We will probably go back as I did not realize DD2 needs a pair also. This is something that they will use for interviews, sometimes they are required to be in suits for some special function at school.

DD1 and DD2 went shopping also but at the other outlet store. I gave them the "usual" Christmas present from us so they can go shopping. As they get older, they realize the value of money. I believe they ended up not shopping too much. They will probably hit the stores when they come back for Christmas vacation, that's around 3rd week in December.

I had a good night sleep last night because I was too tired, feet hurt from all the walking when shopping. Today, we will get ready soon. The kids will have their holiday picture taken.

Nov 27 - Thanksgiving Day

My mornings usually start with a prayer. Today, Thanksgiving Day, I thanked God for His love, kindness, all the blessings and most especially for watching over my family. I pray that He guide my kids for every journey they may take and to be with them with every challenge they may face. Thank you God for keeping us healthy always.

Thanksgiving Day is fulfilled with a good feast and celebration of being with the family. It may not be a perfect family gathering but I'd say it's all good. I am blessed with my family and even if it was a simple celebration, it was fun.

Thank you Mom & Dad. Thank you my brother and sister's family. Thank you wonderful nieces & nephews, kids, little babies for having a wonderful time today. Finally thank you my "family" who lives with me, you all made my day. The food I prepared were all made of LOVE for all of you.

A special "Thank You" to You o Lord for keeping us safe & healthy always. I end my Thanksgiving Day with my prayers tonight before I go to bed.

Nov 26 - A Good Gloomy Day

Today is a good day so far. It's hectic but manageable. Woke up at 10 a.m. because the baby was up very late last night. He was scared maybe because of the dinosaur books that we borrowed from the library. It's raining and gloomy, the kind of day that I really do not like. It's all good because we need the rain.

I started preparing for my dishes that I need to bring tomorrow at my brother's house. I have everything that I needed so no other last minute trips to the store. I will be up an about tomorrow and will take my time in making the Pancit Bihon. I finished the ham I just need to broil it tomorrow and that's it for my Thanksgiving food preparation.

For breakfast tomorrow, my husband will be cooking the eggs, bacon and spam. He will be cooking for 6. DD1 will be flying in about 10:40 pm from Southern California. DS was so happy to see DD2 at the door when she rang the bell. I feel happy, oh so happy it will be bonding time again.

I miss the nights when DD1 sleeps on my bed. I always sleep comfortably when she's home, less worry for me. I guess we will see if she will sleep in my room tonight. Of course DS gets jealous.

What's the day in store for me tomorrow? We will find out soon.

DD1 = Dear Daughter 1
DD2 = Dear Daughter 2
DD3 = Dear Daughter 3
DS = Dearest Son

Nov 25 - Volunteer Day

Every Tuesday is a volunteer day for me at school. These first graders were excited to fit on those paper costumes I made for the class last week. Indian or pilgrim, you can see these busy bees coloring their costumes. It was fulfilling to see these happy faces and excited for tomorrows celebration. ooops, they ran out of paper feathers and two little boys ask if I can make a few more. I did and it felt just great that they all appreciated the costumes I made.

I don't ran out of things to do. I only have three hours and it seems that time flies when I work. So I am the designated mom to help for preparation in this class on a weekly basis. Couple of weeks ago I made two paper turkeys, feathers and fall leaves to decorate the bulletin board in the hallway. Each kid wrote on a paper feather about what they are "thankful for". I was given some "expository writing" of these first graders and I posted it all on the board. The bulletin board title: First Graders Give Thanks. Mrs. Z asked if I could do a die cut for the title. I made it on two colored paper so it will look like a 3D. The bulletin board was decent, simply decorated.

Every time I work is a challenge because it gets really busy. There were times when I had to bring home the work to finish it and bring it back the following day. It's fun I must admit. The highlight of this work is that my daughter is always happy when she sees me in the classroom. She comes by on my table to say "I Love You, Mommy".

Big job or small job, filing, stapling, copying or pasting, every minute of it is special. Every little kid in the class knows I am my daughter's "mom".

Nov 24 - Kids Shoes

I remember those days when Disney designed velcro kid's shoes were a fad. My eldest daughters loved those Ariel & Belle. The shoes were made in China and obviously cheaper than branded names. I'd say the quality of the Disney shoes were great.

Typically, I shop the branded name shoes such as Nike, Adidas or New Balance at Marshalls or Ross (brand names for less). The Stride Rite, I shop at the mall and usually on their clearance sale. I like Stride Rite's classic leather Mary Jane shoes and my daughter wears them on formal uniform days at the school.

Do we really need the BRANDED shoes? I invest on my kids shoes because I am protecting their little feet. I want to make sure they are comfortable with what they are wearing and Stride Rite's fulfilling that purpose. Those are good quality shoes that the kids outgrow and still able to pass it along as hand me downs because of its durability.

Today, I intended to go window shopping for the little kids shoes and instead of browsing, I ended up buying a couple of pairs. Good deal? Yes, on a clearance at Stride Rite and sizes were available. Next time to visit this place again is next year when school starts. Mission accomplished!

Nov 22 - Memberships & Subscriptions

Almost a year ago my family spent the Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving)at Children's Discovery Museum. Instead of paying the admission prices, we decided to take advantage of the Family Membership of $75. It was all worth it for us because we went five times already. The kids enjoy this special trip during Spring Break, summer and just when they were bored. This summer, we also joined the Monterey Bay Aquarium yearly membership. Also a good deal because part of the membership fees are tax deductible, what more could we ask for? We have made it to Monterey Bay Aquarium twice already and that will be good until July 2009.

Short trips here and there are fun with these kids. You can see their bright smiles and their excitement! They love to go to these places where there's hands on activities. Monterey Bay Aquarium is usually an exciting trip for us. We can't leave Monterey without stopping by The Bubba Gumps for a late lunch.

The next one I have in mind is the Tech Museum in downtown San Jose. I will have to research a little bit more about it due to the ages of these little ones. They have not been to the Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco or the Marine World in Vallejo. It gets really expensive to go to the parks nowadays that is why the idea of having a family membership will always be cost effective.

Magazine subscriptions? The latest I have was a FREE one from SELF Magazine. It was free offered by Amazon when I purchased something few months ago. It's free, sure why not? I used to have plenty, sometimes, there's no time to read. Do you ever notice that sometimes, the new issue is in the mail already and you have not opened the last month's issue?

Check out the websites before you plan on signing a membership or subscription. Is it all worth it? Are you going to visit the place at least twice in the same year if the benefits outweighs the costs? Will you really read all those magazines still unopened? It is your choice!

Nov 21 - To Put Up A Christmas Tree or Not

NOT. I guess that is the answer. I love those fresh cut trees Noble Fir as my favorite or I can settle for a Douglas Fir. Aahhh... the smell of the fresh tree, seems like we are going to miss this year. We usually get out and get our fresh tree at Home Depot. Few years back in Gilroy farms. The 7 ft. tree probably costs around $70 to $80 for a Noble Tree. Maybe $ 50 to $60 for a Douglas Fir. I'd like to experience getting a fresh, cut your own tree in the Santa Cruz Mountains, maybe in a few years when the two little kids will appreciate it.

I am trying to be practical in this economic crisis. I could use the money for the Christmas Adopt a Family , a Caring Kids Program at St. Christopher's Outreach. I know the spirit of Christmas ......

I have plans to go with the kids to the Christmas in the Park in downtown San Jose. There will be plenty of decorated Christmas trees. The trees are usually donated and are decorated by the schools and non-profit organizations. It's fun to walk around at night with cold crisp air and listen to a choral performing Christmas carols. It's the 25th year of celebrating at Christmas in the Park http://www.christmasinthepark.com/

After strolling, maybe the kids can try the ice skating next to the park. Then go to Denny's and sip some hot cocoa or milk (drink all you can, what a deal), so far it sounds so good.

If we have to do all these it has to be after December 18th. The college girls will be back home. We also want to make sure these little ones get their afternoon nap to enjoy this fun filled night. Need to check the weather so there will be no sky waters (rain).

Sounds exciting. We will decorate the stair rails at home with the garland and blinking lights plus the music that goes with it then hang the stockings. Wreath at the door and that's all we will have.

Downtown San Jose, Christmas in the Park is where we will see all those beautiful freshly cut trees. Can't wait.

Nov 20 - Holiday Shopping

Christmas is just around the corner but it seems like I am not ready. I have not made any list of what to buy for the kids. It is hard nowadays with this bad economy and my budget is not affording any luxurious shopping spree. The timing is not right because the two college daughters will be buying books for winter quarter and second semester. On top of this is an "other expense", my contribution for my parents so-called "vacation". As much as I want to go on a much needed vacation myself, it seems like it will be postponed again. (This year was so tough for me with this life's ups and downs, I do need a VACATION)

So I just came back from the mall and was so happy to get the perfect parking spot for my beaten up Corolla. At the mall, I saw a lot of pre-Thanksgiving Sales already. So early and they are offering more or rather extra stuff if you buy something. I stopped by at Victoria Secret to get my FREE panties, yes... FREE. I take advantage of those FREE ones. I get these cards in the mail at least six times in a year, not bad at all. At Victoria Secret, the usual holiday promo buy 6 body lotions for $35 is a great deal and now they are offering 7 for $35 and they will give an extra 1 more... hhmmmm that's 8, good so far. I did not buy any. I went to Jamba Juice to get the gift cards for the swim teachers. If I buy $25 worth of Jamba Card, I get a free Jamba Juice, another good deal. So the FREE Jamba Juice will be used when we go back to the mall with the kids this week-end. My last stop was at the post office to get few stamps. Then I was off to get gas... oh wow, I have not seen how low the gas prices!

Now I am browsing Amazon. I have decided to get the little kids DVDs, I can get this cheaper even if I pay shipping fees, no tax and again much cheaper. I have a couple in mind for the little boy and possibly a Lego Dinosaur. The little girl wanted Pixos from Santa. The eldest ones get shopping money from me. They just get little things which I stuff in their stockings. I usually get them their eye liners, lip gloss, socks, etc. etc.

Presents for hubby? I don't know. He needs a new watch. I may get him one but I have to find a good deal on a dress watch. I usually get it at Macy's. I guess I will be one of those who'd wait for the last minute.

Presents for me? No. I sacrifice myself not getting anything during holidays and my birthday. I'd rather go on vacation. So I guess if I am able to save up a little it will happen but how?

This Christmas the little kids would get presents. The family is so big! I'd rather buy 200 plus pairs of flip flops for the poor children in the Philippines and see 200+ more kids with a smile on their face.

15 Nov - Payday

The most exciting day of the month - PAYDAY. The husband gets paid once a month, this actually is not a good thing in budgeting. It is hard to budget if you get paid once a month. Companies do this to cut costs on their end, having less workers to process payroll. Why should I complain, I do not even work. Budgeting is no biggie if there is enough money to budget, however, it gets challenging if there's less. Sometimes, unnecessary and unexpected expenses could messed up the budget. Saving a portion of what's earned whether it goes to your retirement or emergency funds is a good thing.

If we spend uncontrollably we face the greatest dilemma of budgeting. We do not budget pennies for pennies. We must have the discipline, otherwise, we lose in the end. Take advantage of sales, coupons, buy one get one free, or buying in bulk especially when we are buying items that are necessary. Sometimes we think we get a good deal but then we end up not fully utilizing what we saved to begin with.

Nowadays I do not buy a branded name laundry detergent and fabric softener. We shop at Costco and use their brand. I used to buy Tide but the cost is twice as much as the brand I get from Costco. I still smell and feel the freshness scent of my laundry using the non branded name with the price that is much less than the ones I used to get. Good savings on my budget.

Splurge. Depends on what suits my family for dinner is where we'd go, usually on weekends. I am a home mom and cook for my family. I do not cook everyday, ehem.... (need a break). The husband is flexible enough and make me decide on what to cook for the family. They eat what is being served. If I know I cooked too much, I freeze it in portions so my college kids can bring it to their dorm (they miss mommy's cooking).

Budgeting is fun to do. Don't crunch the numbers everyday. You just have to make sure you have x number for food, utilities, mortgage, property taxes, car insurance, garden maintenance, clothing (not so much here), tuition fees and many extra curricular fees and the list goes on and on.

13 Nov - Swimming Lessons

I have always wanted to learn how to swim when I was a kid. The family's so big so therefore, the chances were close to nil. Now that I have my own children, I made sure they're in those swim classes and learned the skills. As young as 4 years old, the eldest and second daughters were able to nail all those strokes and competitively swam for YMCA Swim Team until they were 4th graders. I enjoyed those moments when they checked their times on swimming and try to beat it each time they compete.

My objective was to let them learn the skills in swimming and any other sport. They get invited to swimming parties, ice skating, roller skating during their elementary days. Sure enough they enjoyed those parties with their friends. The eldest daughter continued Varsity swimming in high school. She's a certified swim instructor and a life guard at the YMCA.
Now, the two little ones started their swim classes in the summer and continued in the Fall. They will be enrolled until end of this month and will go back in the Spring next year. Still too early to determine if they will like the sport and do it competitively.

Yesterday it was their turn, tomorrow we will still see. As I always tell my kids, take the opportunity and grab it. It may be offered to you once, next time maybe it's gone.

P.S.
The eldest daughters were in the Shark Levels when they competed. The little girl is in Guppy (4 times) right now, close to Minnow. The little boy in Pike (5 times)

12 Nov - A Time Out From Our Daily Routine

It was nice to go out tonight and watched Notre Dame High School's volleyball game playing for CCS First Round Elimination. How I miss my daughters playing this sport. I was reminiscing last year's first round of CCS Championships and my daughter was asked to play for this coach's boy's volleyball team. It was a great honor people congratulating her as she played her best defensively. It made me proud of her even more when parents congratulated me. She is not even 5 feet tall, however, she can go to that floor and dive for that ball. As a Defensive Specialist (Libero), she was ranked in the top 100 in the State of California, ranked 11 in the CCS (Central Coast Section), and ranked no. 1 in West Bay (her high school league).

Last week, I was cleaning and saw all her trophies from playing volleyball and basketball (yes, basketball Jr. Varsity Freshman & Sophomore years). I realized this girl had all these talents and she gave all her heart out in playing these sports. Now that she is in college, she is on the sidelines watching and cheering for her school. How I wish I know what it feels to be a spectator when you were once a star player. Great Job, Super K. ND missed you so much