Some snapshots

Some snapshots

Our annual photo by the Christmas tree. It's running joke that the "scene" does not change, more Tanjuakio's are just added!










Opening of presents. Once we told the kids that they could open their presents, they went nuts! Hindi mapigilan! It was like a tornado came and overtook the whole room. I did not even know which present came from who because the kids just started opening them one after the other. And with 3 kids, it was just really hard to keep up!





Daddy and DS working on the parking garage we gave him (DS not Daddy).







As you can see, the putting together took longer than expected. The kids had changed into their jammies already. Oh, and the two girls got Dora dolls as presents which they loved. But the construction of the parking garage proved to be more interesting! By the end of the night, or should I say by the wee hours of the morning, they were all still at it!


We don't have a photo of this but DH surprised me with a present! We've really been very frugal with our spending this year as DH was just working part-time because he's in school full-time. We said we wouldn't give each other anything this year. Well, my "sneaky" DH got me one anyway...although it's probably a present he bought for both of us. He got a new laptop!!! A really awesome one too! It has a built-in webcam and mic. We were able to use that feature when we chatted with my family back in Manila! Yup! After the parking garage was all set up and all, we got to stay up a little bit more as we (kids and I - Dad conked out on us) chatted. We had our webcams and mics set up so we could see and talk to each other. We hadn't done this in a while so my parents and siblings were most surprised I think to see and hear DD2. She had suddenly grown bigger and was quite chatty and lavished them with a lot of songs. Hindi rin naman papatalo si DD1. Of course, she had to show off too! So, the 2 girls did most of the singing for my parents and bros. And I think they were quite entertained, weren't you, Family?

So that was our night.

Today, we're taking it easy, eating left-overs, playing with our toys. DH's cousin said that they might drop by for a visit on their way to their Mom's house at Riverside. DH will be studying because he has an exam tomorrow! Bummer huh? I don't know how much studying he will get done though, seeing that it's almost noon and he's still fast asleep! I don't want to wake him up though. He's been really tired and this is probably the first time in weeks that he's been able to sleep in. That will be my Christmas present for him! Hahaha...Cheap-o wife!

Merry Christmas everyone! And may your entire Christmas season be filled with love and laughter and may you be surrounded by your loved ones! God bless you all!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

What is on the menu tonight?

What is on the menu tonight?

In line with traditional Filipino Christmas, we have our big dinner on Christmas eve - the Noche Buena - unlike most households here in the U.S. who have their big dinner on Christmas night.
I decided to mix up our menu for tonight a little. I'm injecting more Filipino dishes into our normally continental (?) menu for Noche Buena.
The carry-overs from previous menus: Roast Beef and mashed potatoes and gravy, Honeybaked Ham, Leche Flan.
The new items: Pansit Malabon, Macaroni Salad, Fruit salad, pandesal

I've made 2 pans of leche flan already. The fruit salad is ready too. I was supposed to make the maaroni salad yesterday too but this little one in my tummy decided s/he had enough and started giving me a hard time. I was having contractions so I had to stop and lie down already to stave off any preterm labor that might happen. Oh, I also got to marinate the roast beef too so that when it goes to the over later this afternoon, it would be infused with flavor already.

Later today, I plan to make the macaroni salad first, maybe sometime in the morning. The roast beef has to be timed perfectly. I don't want to make it too far ahead that it would be cold before I serve it. But I don't want it roasting still when the whole gang is starving either. We're buying the Pansit malabon from Manila Sunset. DH is picking it up on his way home from work. Yes, he's working till 3:30 pm today. SIL is bring the Honeybaked Ham. I'm not sure if DH will be able to swing by Valerio's for some pandesal so I might pass by Superior to get some of their dinner rolls.

There really isn't that much to do anymore, in terms of food prep, BUT a lot still to be done - a lot of it involves cleaning the house. UGH!

Tag

Tag

Was tagged by Buge. Don't usually do these tags, pero I'm really procrastinating, so sige na nga!

A - Available or single: available - NOT!!!
B - Best friend: Dex
C - Cake or pie: cake!
D - Drink of choice: Taro smoothie
E - Essential item you use everyday: toilet paper! Hahaha!
F - Favorite color: blue
G - Gummy bears or worms: bears
H - Hometown: Philippines
I - Indulgence: massage, though they come few and far in between
J - January or February: January
K - Kids & names: 3 - Miguel, Gabrielle, Raphaelle - 4th one is coming - no name yet
L - Life is incomplete without? God and my family.
M - Marriage date: January 29, 2000
N - Number of siblings: 3
O - Oranges or apples: Apples
P - Phobias or fears: that something dreadful happen to anyone in my family
Q - Fave quote: It's a bible verse actually, Jer. 29:11 - For I know well the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe, plans to give you a future full of hope.
R - Reason to smile: God loves me
S - Season: Fall/Spring
T - Tag 3 people: I'm not one for tagging people. OO, KJ ako! Hahaha... So if you haven't done this yet and would like to, do the survey and leave me nalang a comment para I can get to know you better, ok?
U - Unknown fact about me: Unknown siguro even to me... I am seriously at a loss. My brain is jumbled up with all the preps I need to do for Christmas.
V - Vegetable you don’t like: ampalaya
W - Worst habit: I raise my voice a lot!
X - Xrays: none
Y - Your fave food: Sushi
Z - Zodiac sign: Libra

Dinner Guest

Dinner Guest

Had my friend Ruffles over for dinner last night. We used to teach together at CCE back in Manila. Now, we're both living here in the U.S. She teaches special ed to 3 year old's over in Houston. But she has family living here in Cali so she usually visits them when she has some time off from work. Fortunately, her older bro lives nearby so it isn't too much of a hassle to come to my place.
It was super nice to have her over. The last time we saw each other was during the summer of 2004. We chatted about so many things - and people! Hahaha... I decided to just order Chinese as I didn't want to spend time cooking. I have a lot of cooking to do in the next couple of days, I thought I'd be entitled to a day off, don't you think?
Here are some more photos...

Twisted ankle

Twisted ankle

I twisted my ankle on Tuesday!!!
Ugh! It was one of those things you might attribute to pregnant clumsiness. LOL. It was weird though because it happened when we got home from picking up DS from school. I was carrying sleeping DD2 and stepped on DS' shoe as I was entering the back door from the garage. I lost my balance for a bit but recovered and did not fall. I felt a slight pinch on my right foot but not too much to be bothered about. DH was on his 24-hour rotation at the hospital so I was alone with the kids. I got them fed, bathed and tucked into bed with no problems at all. Took a shower myself and got into bed. At about 2 AM, I woke up and I felt PAIN! I could not move my ankle at all! I could not even move my toes coz they hurt so bad! And I had to go to the toilet. One of the banes of the pregnancy in the last trimester. I tried to hobble but even putting slight pressure on my toes was too much. Now, I think I have a high tolerance for pain. After all, I had given birth naturally to 3 kids without pain meds at all! Anyway, I had to crawl to the toilet in pain. I called DH on his cell and asked him what to do. By now, I was in tears. I put up my foot on top of 2 pillows to elevate it but since it was cold, I had to put a blanket over it. And the blanket pushing on my foot hurt! I couldn't really see if it was swollen or not. If it were, it wasn't by much, I guess. It just looked a little darker than the other foot. Anyway, DH called me at home. Good thing he wasn't with a patient at the time. Told me to elevate it, take some tylenol for the pain and he'd check on me later in the morning. Simple enough right? The thing is, I did not have drinking water in sight. So, I crawled to the medicine cabinet, got me some tylenol, crawled to the stairs, went down the stairs by sitting on my behind, crawled to the kitchen and drank the medicine, crawled back up again by sitting on my behind, crawled to my room and tried to get the best laying position possible. While all this was happening, my mind was racing too. It was DS' class party. And I was worried that I would not be able to get him to school. I was trying to think of different options. But there really wasn't any - except that I take him.
I was able to catch some zzzzz's and DH called at about 6:30 am. He suggested that I not take DS to school anymore. I adamantly refused. He had been looking forward to this party and giving away his presents and stuff. He would have been devastated if he had to miss school! I was resolved to take him to school even if the pain will make me cry. DH suggested that I strap up my ankle to see if that would help. And it did! A LOT! It kept my ankle still enough that even if I twitched my toes, it did not move which meant no pain. Long story short, I got DS to school. He took the juice I was supposed to bring to the school office himself. A huge undertaking, I might add since it was a 1 gallon thing. Quite heavy for a kindergartener who had his back pack stuffed with presents and a lunchbox on the other arm. I was supposed to help out at the party but did not get to go of course. I felt bad but what can you do, right? I spent the day in bed. My 2 girls were stuck in front of the TV. DH picked up DS from school and did my scheduled Costco food shopping. We just had pizza for dinner. By evening, my foot felt a lot better. By this morning, I had full use of my foot. Well, there is still some pain but not enough to keep me from doing my usual Mommy stuff. So, all is back to normal in my Mommy life. Thank God it turned out to be only a mild sprain!

Weekend ReCap

Weekend ReCap

We've been doing this at the Pinoy digiscrappers boards and since I had a pretty busy weekend, I thought it would be a good idea to blog it for memories sake. Hahaha...

Friday, as I said in the earlier post was DS' school program.
Saturday, DH and DS got their hair cut. DD1 tagged along. DD2 and I stayed home and slept!!! I actually was up at 4 am that day. The 2 girls were crying. It seemed that DD2 transferred to DD1's bed and they were bunched up in the corner. DD1 wanted DD2 to move but there wasn't any place to move. I'm guessing they were still half-asleep so there was just no sense of space or anything. I went into their rooms and did some body re-arranging and all was well again. They both stopped crying and went right back to sleep. I, on the other hand, was not as fortunate. I could not get back to sleep. I suppose it does not help that I am now 34 weeks pregnant and in utter discomfort. It takes me forever to find the perfect sleeping position. And once I get into the groove, I have to get back up to go to the toilet. Yes, fellow moms, I know you know what I'm talking about! It's that last month of sheer discomfort!
I digress...
When the trio got back from their haircut adventure, the kids and I worked on the gingerbread house. I bought a kit. There is no way I was making this from scratch! Uh-uh! We had fun. Well, DD2 not so much. I had to keep her on her high chair so that she wouldn't "mess" with our work! Poor kid! She wanted to be part of the action. I did let her put some pieces though. But what do you know? As soon as I give her a candy to stick to the house, she pops it into her mouth!!! Hahaha... Of course, I so expected this. And as expected too, DS got terribly irritated with her. "You're not SUPPOSED to EAT it!!!" Hahaha... my anal retentive son and my carefree mischievous daughter! Will post pics of our finished product later.
We finished the house just in time to get ready for church.
We went to church then had dinner at Noodle House. DH got irritated with me and would not talk to me the whole night! LOL. He even slept at the spare room. I was cool with it. Did not press him. Just let him cool off.
Sunday, the kids and I woke up with DH still sleeping. When he woke up, he and I talked a bit. Everything was good now. Later that day, I made a grocery run. Sooo many people!!! When I got back home, DH and the kids were watching a movie and just hanging out. Then, DS and DD1 and I started working on a new craft food project. We made sugarplum treats as seen in the December issue of Family Circle. It was basically those big marshmallows stuck on a stick, dipped in melted chocolate and rolled in sprinkles. DS was giving this to his classmates as presents. Again, pictures to follow. This was the first time I was going to attempt this so I only made a small batch. They turned out horrible! Well, aesthetically horrible, but perfect in taste. How could you go wrong with marshmallow and chocolate? Learned some lessons with our trial run so we did it again on Monday, and this time they came out perfect!!! Was really happy with them.
I'll probably post the recipe at another time, in case anyone is interested. For now, it is time for me to go. My back is killing me and I need to lay down. DH is out on his 24-hour rotations again so I've been tending to the kids on my own since this morning. Not the most relaxing day.

Christmas program

Christmas program

DS had their school Christmas program last Friday. Did not get very good photos since we were standing at the back of the church already. We came on time but others came super early, I suppose. At least we'll know to come really early next year!

I was/am super proud of DS. He is really proving to be one talented and gifted boy. Of course, I knew this all along but he's showing the rest of the world now. Hehehe...

Their class sang two songs - Jingle Bells and Away in a Manger. He was right at the middle of the group. During the Jingle Bells song, he was among 6 students who had bells to ring. His timing was very good.

On our way home, I asked him if he saw me waving at him while he was performing. He said he saw me but could not wave back because his teachers intructed them not to wave while singing! Haha...

Ridiculous news item

Ridiculous news item

I heard this in the news the other day and I thought it was the most ridiculous thing!

4-yr. old accused of sexual harrassment

OMG! Are they serious? A 4-yr old?! I am just in total disbelief that such an accusation could be thrown against a 4-yr.old!

I am not being naive, am I?

A fruitful vine

A fruitful vine

*Those of you who have been reading my blog, you'd know that I faced this current pregnancy with a lot of anxiety and apprehension. I was having a really difficult time with it. And because I refused to pray and spend time with my God for such a long time, I'm finding it hard now to get back into that mode and spend some quiet time with Him. Fortunately, God is sooo good that He never fails to do all that it takes to reach out and pull me back in. I was at Costco one day, browsing thru some books, trying to gather some ideas for Christmas gifts when I saw this book: 100 Most Important Bible Verses for Mothers. I picked it up and thought it looked interesting so I bought it. And God's been using that to speak to me. After the verse, a short reflection is shared. I open the book to a random page and let that verse speak to me. And the first one I read really hit me hard. It was exactly what I HAD to hear. And I feel it is EXACTLY what the Lord has been wanting to tell me from the very start. I spent 2 weeks reading and re-reading this verse, just letting the truth of it sink in. Till now, it is still deepening its roots in my heart. This is the truth of my life now and I'd like to share it with you*

Psalm 128:3-4 (from The Message bible)
"You will bear children as a vine bears grapes, your household lush as a vineyard, the children around your table as fresh and promising as young olive shoots. Stand in awe of God's Yes. Oh, how he blesses the one who fears God."

Excerpts from the reflection in the book:
"...the comparison was one of the most vivid to represent a home that is healthy, full of life, and full of great things in the future.
It is rare to see homes brimming over with blessings as they were in Bible times.
The Bible says that not only are children a sign of God's blessing, but they represent promise. God views children as living, growing examples of hope to place in your life and around your table. The world will go on, and you are part of that process God allows to continue. His creative reproduction is powerful and yet is given as a blessing to those who love him."

When I read this, something in me clicked. Yeah, I know it isn't something new. In fact, I feel it's become a cliche I've heard over and over again - Each child is a blessing from God. I KNEW that ... but really did not understand it. Sure, they're blessings. But they're also responsibilities. I was told that maybe God gives more children to those He knows will raise them up well. Well, thank you God for the vote of confidence but really, I prefer not to have the extra responsibilities, y'know?

But to see my children as markers of hope and promise in my life was something different. And to see them as concrete signs of God's love for me was not something I had really put together. I always knew He loved me. He told me so. And I would find small expressions of His love through my everyday life. I'd gain insight into God's love for me thru stuff my children say and do too. But I had not, till now, really SEEN and LOOKED at them as THE markers of how much God loves me. He loves me so much that He has given me 4 children! That's a lot of love!!! They represent the promise of God's faithfulness in my life. I don't think I can fully express what great comfort this is to me. I am still at a loss at the beauty and greatness of this truth.

Of course, the reality of raising 4 kids in God's ways is still daunting. I realize my family is in the minority. Most families choose to have smaller families. It just isn't the MOD thing to do and have. Well, I've been called to not conform to this world. And I suppose this is one way that I not "be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2, NASB)"

Something to think about...

Something to think about...

I realized that today is Tuesday and the usual day for "In Other Words". I haven't been able to participate as I would like. No time to write my reflections on the quotes. But the quotes are really wonderful and I'll try to post them even if I don't have my own reflection written for it. Maybe you'll be inspired or touched by the quote itself.

Here is this week's quote.

"One response was given by the innkeeper when Mary and Joseph wanted to find a room where the Child could be born. The innkeeper was not hostile; he was not opposed to them, but his inn was crowded; his hands were full; his mind was preoccupied. This is the answer that millions are giving today. Like a Bethlehem innkeeper, they cannot find room for Christ. All the accommodations in their hearts are already taken up by other crowding interests. Their response is not atheism. It is not defiance. It is preoccupation and the feeling of being able to get on reasonably well without Christianity."
~ Billy Graham ~

Are you too preoccupied? I know I've been.

Blessings

Blessings

Ok, so I haven't posted in a while. What else is new?! Hahaha...

We're sick right now - the usual bout with the cold at this time of the year. It started with DS on Saturday. By the end of Sunday, both girl had it too. Then last night, I felt myself coming down with it too. So here I am, just feeling sick. Ugh! Oh well...

We got our Christmas tree last Saturday. It's up but still bare. We were planning on decorating last Sunday, but the lights are kept in the garage and I couldn't reach them. DH was on another 24-hour duty. It's every 4 days this rotation. Tiring for him but it's also taking its toll on me. Well, at least there's light at the end of the tunnel - this rotation ends the week before Christmas. Then, he's off till I give birth! Woohoo! I think I really need another pair of hands to help with the kids. I just feel so tired and grumpy. All you mommies out there understand what this last trimester is like!!!

Last night, I made a very yummy beef pot roast! So easy too! I got it from the Food Network site - a recipe by Giada deLaurentis. I had seen her make it on her show and it looked incredibly easy. Tried it last night... and it was yummy! Very simple ingredients too. Boneless chuck roast. Onions. Mushrooms. Garlic. Red wine. Beef broth. Salt. Pepper. And it came out soooo tender. Loved it!

So, what else?

I've got another Dr. appt. tomorrow morning. BIL is taking DS to school because I won't make it on time for the appt if I wait to drop DS off. I'm sure they'll be fine... but a Mom can still be a bit anxious, can't she?

I can't believe I'm 32 weeks now. Gosh! it won't be too long before this baby comes. The thought is just daunting to me. And I've been taking this pregnancy one day at a time that the reality of it all seems to have been lost till now. Whew! I am going to push out another baby. Goodness me! The anxiety is starting to set in. Ahhhh...

To end this post, I'll share a scrapbook page I made. I've been feeling anxious that it felt good to write and create something about my blessings. Count your blessings, ika nga.
Full credits here