tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97817532024-03-14T01:27:21.659-07:00Shine Like StarsJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.comBlogger1272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-38131604883874574192015-01-06T13:07:00.001-08:002015-01-06T13:07:42.632-08:00ThriveYes. I'm blogging once more. I've missed it. I'm still busy of course. I don't quite know how often blogging will take place. However, I've also realized that I need this outlet. <div><br></div><div>The past two years have been very difficult for me personally and I had to let go of a lot. I needed to strip off the non-essentials so I could focus on what was important. Unfortunately, that included much of my creative pursuits - writing, photography, memory-keeping. </div><div><br></div><div>Now, things are more stable and I feel like I want to regain the parts of me I set aside. I want to surround myself with what brings me joy. I am not on survival mode anymore. I am back to thriving. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-61464522666508456612013-01-24T23:17:00.002-08:002013-01-24T23:19:01.337-08:00Eheads concertThis post is past due!! Way past due!
DH and I went to the North American reunion tour of the beloved group Eraserheads here in LA. DH is a HUGE fan so this was a must-see. I am not as big a fan but I was familiar with the group and their songs.<br />
<br />
It was a FUN concert. It was the first time in the longest time that DH and I had that kind of fun together. We were at the very front so we had the best view! DH was singing and jumping the whole concert, I think.<br />
<br />
At the end of the concert, as each of the band members were saying goodbye to the crowd, they were throwing some memorabilia to the crowd. Raymund threw his <a href="http://www.musiciansfriend.com/drum-sticks-mallets">new drumsticks</a>. Marcus and Buddy threw some guitar picks. The crowd was going wild. (Well, it was wild enough already to tell you the truth.) Raymund threw into the crowd the set list too and guess who caught it?! Yep, the hubby did! And it is now a prized possession. He made a playlist on his iPhone of the songs on the set list and it was on repeat for at least a month I think. LOL! The kids are now well-versed in Eheads music. Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-83751239439174955212013-01-24T23:07:00.003-08:002013-01-24T23:07:49.492-08:00Busy but SurvivingJust a quick post to let you know that this blogger is still alive. I've been very busy with home educating my children. I have been feeling the rigor of teaching 4 kids. Why is it so hard? And why do I persist? I'm probably just crazy but I like our lifestyle. I like that we get to stay home and learn together. I like that I am able to witness first-hand the progress that my children are making in their educational journey.
DD4 who is in K is reading now. I am so proud of her! She's worked hard and continues to work hard. She tries very hard to be patient in sounding out those letters and trying to make sense of the words. I hear a tinge of impatience and frustration sometimes. That's normal for her. But then one day, it all just clicked. And seeing the light in her eyes when she realized this was priceless!
They're enrolled in history and science classes at the nearby education center that provide classes to home schoolers. They started last Monday. I think this will take a load off my shoulders so I don't have to worry about those subjects anymore. Science and History are the subjects that get pushed aside because I just don't have time left in the day. Delegating these to outside help relieves of the guilt feelings of not providing my children a complete education.
So, yes, we are still very much alive. Busy but surviving. I hope to blog about our experiences more. Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-37838351477027193902012-08-22T22:49:00.000-07:002012-08-22T22:49:54.881-07:00Becoming A Family of GodSummer's over? Seriously? It seemed only yesterday that we were ending the school year with much anticipation for the summer and our trip to the Philippines... and all that is done? How?<br />
<br />
There was one little girl who was all excited to start school though. Yep. My little Kindergartener. As soon as she saw the books arriving on our doorsteps, she would ask which ones were hers. When she I showed her the books she was going to use, she squealed, "Can we start school now?"<br />
<br />
I did not share the same enthusiasm. In fact, I kinda dreaded it. How was I going to do this? Homeschooling 4 kids, K, 2nd, 3rd and 6th with a very active 1-yo toddler in tow? I must be crazy indeed! I made some changes in our curriculum choices that I hoped would make it easier for us. I've scaled back on our activities outside the home. I think that by this time, our 3rd year, I am more realistic in my expectations of what we can accomplish as a family.<br />
<br />
I used to enjoy crafting and thought that this was something I would enjoy doing with the kids. I would choose to make things on my own instead of buying premade materials. Why buy expensive puzzles when I could make the <a href="http://www.seriouspuzzles.com/sjigsbybrand.asp">best jig saw</a> by creating my own with photos I take? Right? But no...my plans never get done. I realize that my perfectionism prevented me from enjoying crafting with my kids. And there was really no time to do any crafting without kids so my projects never get done.<br />
<br />
So this year, I'm not DIYing anything. I've bought the premade stuff. I bought the DVDs that will teach the lesson to me and the kids. I bought the premade & preprinted lapbooks that I've been wanting to create with the kids. Yes, I spent more than I have in the past. But if the past 2 days are any indication of the year ahead, I think it will be worth it. The kids are happy. I am happy. DS remarked yesterday, "I think I'm going to enjoy this because of that," pointing to the DVD set of lessons I bought. That's a big thumbs up, coming from my now-brooding, all-too-serious tweenager. <br />
<br />
I am more realistic and accepting of how we work as a family. I am more realistic and accepting of what works for me. During the first 2 years of home schooling, I was pulled in all sorts of different directions. I was reading about different philosophies, different families sharing their successes. I wanted to copy them. I wanted to be successful too. I wanted to be like them, except that we weren't them! We were getting stressed because I was trying to mold our family into something that wasn't us. I understand that now. It's still a work in progress, trying to figure out what works for us but I'm more at peace with it.<br />
<br />
I am a little more relaxed now. Our daily schedule used to be packed tight. I felt that I needed to pack in as many hours of learning as we can in our routine. That only stressed me out because we almost never really finished all our work. It then made me feel like we were always behind. So this year, I'm relaxing a little bit more. I can't cram 7 subjects into 1 school day. It just doesn't work.<br />
<br />
A few days ago, I dreaded the start of the year. Now that we've started, I feel more optimistic. This might be the year that I won't be burnt out by June. Maybe we'll laugh more. Maybe more kind words will be uttered. Maybe conversations will be more pleasant. Maybe a sense of peace and joy will permeate the atmosphere. Maybe we'll be more consistent. Maybe there'll be more time for prayer. Maybe we will move towards becoming the family that God wants us to be. Maybe. Hopefully. Joyfully.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-87792790753976038392012-08-12T18:13:00.000-07:002012-08-12T18:13:09.202-07:00Curriculum Choices 2012-2013It's that time of the year again. As August rolls in, so do boxes of books and bags of school supplies. They herald the beginning of another school year.<br />
<br />
One major change for our home schooling family is the addition of our Kindergartener! Yup! I'm officially home educating 4 children now. Add to the mix an ever-growing and demanding toddler. I am not sure how our daily schedule will be.<br />
<br />
Our curricula for this year won't be much different from last year's,
except in Language Arts. My choice for DS last year was not a good fit
for us. It required too much work from this mama.<br />
<br />
<br />
Math<br />
6th - Saxon 7/6/<a href="http://www.aleks.com/" target="_blank">ALEKS</a><br />
3rd - <a href="http://store.mathusee.com/catalog/general-math/gamma/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Math-U-See Gamm</a>a/Spectrum Math/ <a href="http://www.aleks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ALEKS</a> <br />
2nd - <a href="http://store.mathusee.com/catalog/general-math/beta/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Math-U-See Beta</a>/Spectrum Math<br />
K- <a href="http://store.mathusee.com/catalog/general-math/primer/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Math-U-See Prime</a>r/MCP Math K<br />
<br />
DS is very comfortable with the Saxon system. This works for him so we continue with it. He actually started on Saxon7/6 in 5th grade. I have 8/7 for him once he's done. ALEKS is just an additional math resource for him. It's an online Math program that is intuitive in that it gives additional problems for areas the student has not mastered yet. DS has been on this program since we began. I will try it with DD1 and see if it will be a good fit for her.<br />
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I am supplementing the MUS programs with other workbooks for additional practice and to cover any of the holes we might have in our Math program.<br />
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Language Arts<br />
6th - Easy Grammar 6/Daily Grams 6/<a href="http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/twsid-b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> IEW Student Intensive</a>/<a href="http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/eis-b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Phonetic Zoo Level B</a>/Latina Christiana 2<br />
<br />
3rd - <a href="http://www.welltrainedmind.com/store/language-arts/grammar.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">First Language Lessons </a>3/<a href="http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/twsid-b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> IEW Student Intensive</a>/<a href="http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/eis-a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Phonetic Zoo Level A</a>/Handwriting without Tears Cursive<br />
2nd - First Language Lessons 2/<a href="http://www.welltrainedmind.com/store/language-arts/writing.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Writing with Ease </a>2/<a href="http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/aas" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">All About Spelling 1</a>/Handwriting without Tears Printing Power<br />
K - <a href="http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/catalog/primary-k-2-pal-reading" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Primary Arts of Language: Reading</a> & <a href="http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/catalog/primary-k-2-pal-writing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Writing</a><br />
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I've been watching the DVD's of IEW's Teaching Writing Structure and Style and I am excited! I think this will be a good match for us - for the kids and for me. I've been looking for solid composition curriculum that matches my need for structure and yet is not stifling. From what I have seen so far, this looks very promising. I am really looking forward to seeing how this plays out in our home school.<br />
<br />
Science<br />
6th - NOEO Physics 2<br />
3rd/2nd/K - Behold & See 3<br />
<br />
The younger ones will piggyback on our Science time with DD1. This is a subject, along with History that I feel can be taught multi-levels.<br />
<br />
History & Geography<br />
Connecting with History 2 - The Middle Ages<br />
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We never did get around to the Middle Ages last year so we're doing it this year. Again, this is a multi-level course.<br />
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Religion<br />
The kids will continue to go to Fr. Francis' class on Wednesday mornings. This year, he will take on Vatican II. We will also use Baltimore Catechism to continue learning about our faith. I also plan to follow the liturgical year and have activities/crafts that follow the different seasons/feasts throughout the year. I hope that in this way, our Catholic faith will be lived out more vividly in our home.<br />
<br />
Electives<br />
Art - Meet the Masters Track B<br />
Foreign Language - Rosetta Stone:Filipino<br />
Music - piano lessons at Upland Music School<br />
PE - weekly classes at EMH<br />
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Most of our books have arrived. I expect to receive the rest this week. My next goal is get our daily schedule mapped out and their first month's worth of lesson plans laid out. It's going to be a busy week for me. I hope I can shake off the jet lag completely by then. <br />
<br />Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-42487123077120125242012-08-10T03:48:00.000-07:002012-08-10T03:48:08.230-07:00Piano Playing SiblingsSomeone please remind me to upload the video of the kids' spring recital? With all the excitement of our trip to the Philippines, I had altogether forgotten about this.<br />
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The kids are doing so well in piano. DS, in particular, is playing spectacularly. One time, his teacher, Mrs. Maria called her brother on the phone so he could listen to my son play. Was his teacher proud of DS or what? She gushes about the 3 kids and their progress. She is encouraging me to get a piano for the kids. Currently, we only have <a href="http://www.musiciansfriend.com/keyboards-midi">MF music keyboards</a> for the kids to practice on. She says that if they practice on a piano, they will even get better faster. While a piano would be nice, it just is not practical for us at the moment. We simply do not have space in our house, even for an upright! Sigh. For now, the keyboards we have will do.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-23307431415212142672012-08-09T14:58:00.002-07:002012-08-09T14:58:45.915-07:00Jet Lag WoesJust popping in to say that we're back from our vacation. In fact, we've been back for a week. We're still suffering greatly from jet lag. DH is back at work but is still not completely recovered. I think it's harder to get back into the local time zone when there is nothing else that requires our body to stay up during the day except our own will power. Since we do not have to go anywhere, the lure of the bed during the day is just too tempting...and we often succumb. Sigh.
We will overcome! We have to! School starts is a little over 2 weeks! Yikes!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-77387212763298858042012-06-13T00:56:00.002-07:002012-06-13T00:56:42.533-07:00School's Out!We officially ended our school year last June 7!<br />
Yes!<br />
I think the mom was more excited than the kids. Haha.<br />
I can finally focus on planning for our trip to the Philippines next month. However, chores in the house are distracting me. LOL! Chores that have been set aside because if schooling are now begging to be addressed. That includes some necessary carpet cleaning. Our carpet's a mess! It has gotten a beating from the 10 years we have lived here and the 5 kids that have tramped on it. We have not had them cleaned professionally. There've been several companies that offered to clean our carpets like <a href="http://www.cleanhomenc.com/">carpet cleaning chapel hill nc</a> but we have not availed of any of their services just yet.
What I would really love is take out the carpets and have hardwood floors instead. Now that would be really lovely!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-12097515018958854482012-06-13T00:36:00.000-07:002012-06-13T00:38:49.167-07:00My Tall BoyDS is officially taller than me! And he's only 11 years old. Granted, I am not much to overtake in height. Still, how early does puberty hit nowadays? He has shot up and his voice is cracking.<br />
I've also asked him to start using deodorant. Boy, was he excited about that! He also received a bottle of cologne (<a href="http://www.smallflower.com/brand/tabac">tabac cologne</a>?) from my parents. I've not smelled him using it yet but it is right there on his shelf, ready to be used!<br />
We've also had to introduce him to a skin regimen to clear up his skin of annoying pimples. Yup, I've definitely got a hormonal young one here.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-67402917044722268762012-05-09T10:57:00.000-07:002012-05-09T10:57:23.750-07:00STAR testingPlease keep my children in your thoughts and prayers this week as they take part in the state's standardized testing.<br />
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We homeschool, yes. However, we home school through a charter school that is publicly funded. Thus, we are subject to the standardized tests that the state requires all public school children take.<br />
<br />
This is DD1's first time to participate in testing. To prepare her, I gave her mock tests at home. I tried to simulate the testing environment as much as I could. Everything was quiet. The other kids were upstairs and were told not to come down till I got them. All media was off, of course. She got a bit unnerved. She burst into anxious tears. She said that she was afraid to make mistakes. She was also afraid because I would not be in the room with her. I assured her that we were doing the practice tests precisely to help her get used to it.<br />
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After her mock tests, she felt better and more confident. I was also glad that we did the mock tests because it revealed some areas where she was a little weak, particularly in Math.<br />
<br />
I find it rather odd that in the Math exams, the questions are going to be read out loud by the proctor. The answers/choices are in the students' test booklet but not the questions. The questions are read twice and the students are expected to answer by filling in the bubble of the correct answer. We definitely needed to practice this with DD1 to train her to listen well to the question. As a visual learner, I probably would have had a difficult time with this type of testing. DD1 however caught on fairly quickly and did not struggle as much as I though she would.<br />
<br />
There were some multiplication and division problems already but they were fairly simple. They were word problems like if you <a href="http://www.goldeneaglecoin.com/gold/gold_bars">buy gold bars online from Golden Eagle</a> for $5each and you bought 6 gold bars, how much did you pay in all?<br />
<br />
Anyway, they had their first day yesterday. They will continue to test until Friday. I'm not really worried about their test scores. I feel like the tests are not really an accurate reflection of their abilities. If anything, their test scores will likely be more a reflection of how well (or badly) I have taught them. Maybe their test scores will reveal any gaps that I will need to fill up in my children's education.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-57854031442881925052012-05-09T10:37:00.000-07:002012-05-09T10:37:08.060-07:00That Elusive Fountain of YouthThe elusive fountain of youth. Is there such a thing? Why the obsession on remaining young?<br />
<br />
For the most part, I think it has been mostly women who go subject themselves to various treatments and medications to keep themselves eternally looking young. In their quest to stave off the inevitable, they end up looking ridiculous!<br />
<br />
I was surprised to see that men seem to be jumping on the bandwagon. These <a href="http://www.testosteroneboosters.org/ageless-male/">www.testosteroneboosters.org/ageless-male/</a> are now available for men who want to stay forever young. It is the Peter Pan syndrome pushed to the limit. Men who do not want to grow up are said to have the Peter Pan syndrome. Well, I guess now they can literally remain ageless?<br />
<br />
<br />Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-90780324005051759152012-05-07T13:32:00.001-07:002012-05-07T13:32:30.520-07:00The Flight From ConversationsI found<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/opinion/sunday/the-flight-from-conversation.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1" target="_blank"> this article </a>thoroughly interesting and true. While we are becoming more and more technoligically advanced, I would like to continue to teach my children the art of conversation and letter-writing and these old-fashioned ways of connecting. It is so sad to see that a roomful of people connected to everyone else except the actual people in the same room. We are connected yet disconnected at the same time.<br />
<br />
Some points to ponder from the article. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
WE live in a technological universe in which we are always
communicating. And yet we have sacrificed conversation for mere
connection. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div itemprop="articleBody">
In today’s workplace, young people who have grown up fearing
conversation show up on the job wearing earphones. Walking through a
college library or the campus of a high-tech start-up, one sees the same
thing: we are together, but each of us is in our own bubble, furiously
connected to keyboards and tiny touch screens. A senior partner at a
Boston law firm describes a scene in his office. Young associates lay
out their suite of technologies: laptops, iPods and multiple phones. And
then they put their earphones on. “Big ones. Like pilots. They turn
their desks into cockpits.” With the young lawyers in their cockpits,
the office is quiet, a quiet that does not ask to be broken. </div>
In the silence of connection, people are comforted by being in touch
with a lot of people — carefully kept at bay. We can’t get enough of one
another if we can use technology to keep one another at distances we
can control: not too close, not too far, just right. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
But connecting in sips doesn’t work as well when it comes to
understanding and knowing one another. In conversation we tend to one
another. (The word itself is kinetic; it’s derived from words that mean
to move, together.) We can attend to tone and nuance. In conversation,
we are called upon to see things from another’s point of view. </blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
FACE-TO-FACE conversation unfolds slowly. It teaches patience. When we
communicate on our digital devices, we learn different habits. As we
ramp up the volume and velocity of online connections, we start to
expect faster answers. To get these, we ask one another simpler
questions; we dumb down our communications, even on the most important
matters. It is as though we have all put ourselves on cable news.
Shakespeare might have said, “We are consum’d with that which we were
nourish’d by.” </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-50488981349869832352012-05-07T13:18:00.002-07:002012-05-07T13:18:34.889-07:00Wedding Date<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkjsi9L28_TXiXyGPvrCYtlfboC5U90JRoWJgaifv-f9PkaLvUFGu6i5cmE0B91p49l01EVjjctyWGchZkj5gFRBgfI7vYVpjnW48O8VxUDcV4Cs9bqt0YAsocogoJZPjvokQjA/s1600/2012-05-05_1336200745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkjsi9L28_TXiXyGPvrCYtlfboC5U90JRoWJgaifv-f9PkaLvUFGu6i5cmE0B91p49l01EVjjctyWGchZkj5gFRBgfI7vYVpjnW48O8VxUDcV4Cs9bqt0YAsocogoJZPjvokQjA/s320/2012-05-05_1336200745.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It was a beautiful Friday night. And we were witnessing 2 beautiful people who had decided to solemnize their love for each other by getting married. It was a fun wedding which really mirrored how this couple lived their lives.<br />
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The reception was at a yacht. The marina was beautiful as the sun began to set and our yacht started to sail. The reception area itself was small and tight but it did not feel suffocatingly tight. I think the <a href="http://www.palmfanstore.com/">indoor outdoor ceiling fans</a> helped to circulate the air. It was windy and chilly outside too so I did not mind staying inside the warmer yacht.<br />
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I enjoyed myself particularly because it was date night for hubby and me. It was nice not having to think about the kids. It was nice to eat my warm meal without running after the kids. It was definitely a night to enjoy adult company. And how I relished in it!<br />
<br />
I love our family life but nights spent with only adults is definitely refreshing. I was able to choose a dress without having to consider whether I could easily breastfeed in it or not. I chose a nice sparkly dress that made me feel oh-so-girly. I donned on my high heels because I knew I did not have to run after kids in them. It was especially nice to spend the evening with my hubby. We talked and laughed and held hands.<br />
<br />
It was definitely a beautiful night!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-61189092945729106052012-05-07T12:53:00.003-07:002012-08-10T03:38:22.420-07:00And She's Walking!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixDV-DIy_bEsSnwAX7L_5YrECc_FzG9ci0yv3wLoYbHRo-N8ycdUgtR19GKfUHHl5unfOkrv5p0ezKBW4inbqK0bx4RIXmG0fVNE5IDyKe8diIeYkxj2c6YfXemXyMRwnQq0N3A/s1600/2012-04-24_1335310490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixDV-DIy_bEsSnwAX7L_5YrECc_FzG9ci0yv3wLoYbHRo-N8ycdUgtR19GKfUHHl5unfOkrv5p0ezKBW4inbqK0bx4RIXmG0fVNE5IDyKe8diIeYkxj2c6YfXemXyMRwnQq0N3A/s320/2012-04-24_1335310490.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Yup! She has taken her first steps and boy, are we all excited!<br />
<br />
I think that of all 5 kids, she took the longest to walk. My first 2 were walking by their first birthdays.<br />
<br />
I think this little girl is spoiled by her siblings. They like carrying her around. She has started to walk but she still prefers to be carried around.<br />
<br />
I don't usually like to push my babies into these milestones but I was so ready for her to start walking. I prefer her walking than crawling. It just less dirty! LOL!<br />
<br />
We frequent a park/playground that uses sand instead of wood chips which is nice but whenever we go there, Baby seems to swim in the sand. She gets sand everywhere, even in her diaper. She loves it though. She isn't too interested in getting on the equipment yet. I think that once she is walking more, she will want to play on the slide and climb up the steps. She will be more of a handful but I really enjoy this phase.<br />
<br />
Go, go, go baby! Mommy's right behind you!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-32377468418492641492012-05-07T12:38:00.001-07:002012-05-07T12:40:26.798-07:00Ciel ChocolatiersI recently discovered a cool chocolatier nearby through Groupon. It was a deal for 2 boxes of 8 truffles each. A friend was having her birthday right about that time. One box for her. The other for me.<br />
<br />
Ciel's chocolatier was luxuriously decadent.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaNjv46Z_3XZdNlYpakzlFs0Ksf-8EpQQQlBrqLMfO_iubqJ-YrF6Le5HT2APfv2m8lD5xepxik3xqpvmD4O1bOVIRC_jnK7vLjwhopbyMUiYJaFi2nLdsKSAnh2mC_15ws2NRw/s1600/2012-05-06_1336266977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaNjv46Z_3XZdNlYpakzlFs0Ksf-8EpQQQlBrqLMfO_iubqJ-YrF6Le5HT2APfv2m8lD5xepxik3xqpvmD4O1bOVIRC_jnK7vLjwhopbyMUiYJaFi2nLdsKSAnh2mC_15ws2NRw/s320/2012-05-06_1336266977.jpg" width="320" /></a>The store is located at an industrial strip of office suites. You'd probably miss the place if you were not really looking for it. The store front gave no clue to the world of chocolates behind its doors. The inside looked more like a jewelry store. Handcrafted chocolates were lined up in glass cases while <a href="http://www.ilightingsource.com/wall-lighting/12682+12703.cfm">wall lights</a> gave subdued lighting.<br />
<br />
The chocolates themselves were beautifully handcrafted. They were rich yet not sickeningly decadent. I tried the following flavors:<br />
Paris truffle - I love hazelnut and chocolate combo. In fact, Ferrero Rocher is my fave. This was a more gourmet version. Thoroughly enjoyed this.<br />
Champagne truffle - This was good too. It was smooth and slightly sweet.<br />
Cognac truffle - This tasted like a real grown-up chocolate as it was a bittersweet chocolate with cognac. I like dark chocolate but this one seemed too dark for me.<br />
Bricks - This is a hazelnut chocolate brick. Loved this one! So smooth and rich but surprisingly light too.<br />
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There is a such a wide selection of flavors that it will probably take me a lot of visits before I get to try the different flavors. I bought a box of the following flavors for a friend: Madagascar Vanilla. Amaretto, Wine Ganache, Cappuccino, Espresso Caramel, Kahlua Praline Cream, I'll have to ask her which were her faves.<br />
<br />
This chocolate shop will definnitely have a repeat customer in me. I am so looking forward to trying our all her other flavors!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-88214278091680980192012-04-30T14:09:00.000-07:002012-04-30T14:09:08.929-07:00Co-Op ParticipationWe've been part of our homeschool co-op for 2.5 years now. It has been great. It has provided my children and me friendship and support. We are greatly blessed to be part of this wonderful community of families.<br />
<br />
Our classes end on May 17. During the summer break, some families continue to get together. We've met at the <a href="http://www.waterfountainpros.com/outdoor-fountains">outdoor water fountains</a> in the local town center. While the kids play in the water, the moms chitchat in the shade. There have also been picnics and beach days.<br />
<br />
As we end this year, I kinda feel burnt out. Going to our weekly classes feel like a chore. I see that my children enjoy going. I do not. It feels like it is just one more thing we need to do. It has become more like a burden.
I really need to reassess our priorities for the coming school year. I need to make an honest assessment of our commitments and activities. I need to see which ones contribute to the health of our family life and which ones cause stress to us.
For now, participation is our co-op seem to be at the lowest rung of the ladder. I am just tired. It is probably my fault too because I have done most of the work in teaching our preschool class. If I were to come back and teach again next year, it will definitely have to be more of a collaborative work, from conception of the class to execution.<br />
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One thing I keep asking myself is the reason we joined co-op. We basically joined co-op so that my children will develop friendships with other homeschooled children. I wanted to surround myself with supportive families. I wanted to gain friends as well. I think we have achieved this goal. My children and I have made friends with wonderful families. I think that right now, I am hoping to develop deeper relationships. If we skip co-op, will the friendships we've made survive? Will my children still have solid Catholic friends outside of the co-op environment?
As I pray about it, the Lord seems to remind me not to base any of my decisions on fear. I cannot make decisions based on the fear of "what if?" I need to decide based on love. I love God. I love my family. How do my choices reflect this love? How will my choices affect how I love?<br />
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There is a lot to think about. There are a few months to pray about it. I ask the Lord's guidance so that I may make the right decision. I pray that I do His will for our family.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-24553178986243154232012-04-30T13:37:00.002-07:002012-04-30T13:37:44.624-07:00Letting GoTo let go does not mean to stop caring,<br />
it means I can't do it for someone else.<br />
To let go is not to enable,<br />
but allow learning from natural consequences.<br />
To let go is to admit powerlessness, which means<br />
the outcome is not in my hands.<br />
To let go is not to care for,<br />
but to care about.<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"> To let go is not to fix,<br /> but to be supportive.<br /> To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires,<br /> but to take each day as it comes and cherish it.<br /> To let go is to fear less and love more<br /> and<br /> To let go and to let God, is to find peace!<br /> Remember: The time to love is short<br /> ------ author unknown</span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-82230916814225873262012-04-21T01:00:00.002-07:002012-04-21T01:00:43.386-07:00Old House"We've got an old house, Mommy!" remarked DD2. "First, our dishwasher is getting broken. Next we needed to replace the toaster. Now, the handle of the microwave is broken too!"<br />
<br />
Sigh. Yes, our house is showing signs of aging. We've lived her since 2002. We only had DS then. I was not even pregnant with DD1 when we bought the house. It was pristine when we bought it even if we were second owners. The first owner was a divorced woman with grown-up children. You can imagine how clean and well-kept the house had been.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to the present...let me just say that the house is well-lived in. The floors are scratched up. The walls are decorated with scribblings. The white cabinets are now off-white. This house is filled with evidence of life being lived.<br />
<br />
We've made some changes to the house over the years. The sliding door to the back patio was added. A covered patio was added to the backyard. The fence has been replaced. I'm thankful that we've not had any problems with any of the contractors we've hired to work on various projects here. While we could have saved a great deal if we just hired day laborers to do the job, I'm not sure if they would have done a very good quality job. Hiring licensed professionals like the <a href="http://www.houstonproservices.com/outdoor-living/fence-company.html">houston fence company</a> has given us the peace of mind that their workmanship is up to industry standards. The last thing you'd want to find out after spending money on home improvements is that it is substandard or worse, unsafe.<br />
<br />
Well, this might be an old house but it is our home. It may not be a very attractive-looking home but the life we've built here is beautiful.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-22143434406426186022012-04-21T00:44:00.002-07:002012-04-21T00:44:42.392-07:00InsanityMy brother is getting married in July. That is the reason our family is flying home. It has also become a motivator for me to get back in shape. Am I not forever struggling with my weight? There is just too much good food to eat out there! LOL! I like to eat. I've never been one to successfully stick to a diet. I think that even if you offer me <a href="http://sideeffectsofdietpills.net/all-natural-diet-pills/">all natural diet pills</a> so that I won't have the appetite to eat, I'd still eat. I've been more successful with losing weight through exercising and that is what I am doing right now.<br />
<br />
I was able to borrow a copy of the Insanity workout videos from a friend of ours. OMG! Insanity is the perfect word to describe this workout series. Is it totally embarrassing to admit that I am already huffing and puffing not even halfway through the warm-up? Seriously! I am so out of shape that I cannot even finish the warm up decently.<br />
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I am on my third day. I'd like to think that I am getting stronger. Well, I hope I am! I have not been able to complete all the exercises but at least I'm sticking through the warm-ups! Haha.<br />
<br />
This is a 60-day program so I have enough time to get through it. Hopefully, I stick to it long enough to really see the results. I'm actually excited to see if this will work for me. I'm tired of being overweight. I'd like to be fit. I'd like to feel better about myself. I'd like to have more energy. Shedding all these extra pounds will definitely be a good thing for me.<br />
<br />
<br />Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-22308654993921905232012-04-16T14:49:00.000-07:002012-04-16T14:49:08.064-07:00Lost at DisneylandWe decided to make one last trip to Disneyland using our about-to-expire Disneyland annual passes. DH could not get off from work. Fortunately, BIL just got annual passes too and was able to accompany us.<br />
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The day was going well until later in the afternoon, the unthinkable happened.<br />
<br />
We had just ridden the Pirates of the Carribean, me, DS, DD1,DD3 & Baby. I was carrying the baby. DD3 was holding on to my shirt. DS and DD1 were walking in front of me. If you're familiar with Disneyland, you will probably have a sense of what I am talking about. If you're not, just bear with me.<br />
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We had come out of the alley where the Pirates ride exit is. I remember stopping for a bit at the junction where the River of America is in front of you, the bridge to Tarzan's Treehouse is to your right and the path to Haunted Mansion is to your left. We were all together at this point. I stopped for a bit to get my bearings and remember where we left the stroller. We went straight ahead towards Rivers of America. It was just several paces forward when I realized that DD3 was not with us. DS and I heard a loud "Mommy!" I quickly turned around and went back to where we were standing. She was nowhere to be seen. I walked toward the bridge and saw BIL and DD2 there. I asked if they had seen DD3. They had not. I walked back toward the exit of the ride, hoping that she had gone back to look for us there. No sight of her. My heart was starting to race but I knew I could not panic. BIL and DD2 went the other way towards Haunted Mansion to look for her. I went back to the junction where I was certain we were last together. I spotted a custodian and asked for his help.<br />
<br />
"I'm missing my daughter. She's 5. Her name is A. She's wearing a pink shirt, pink skirt with black leggings."<br />
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He asked me where I last saw her, etc. then went on to look for security. He came back with another custodian to check on me. She was still missing. They started to look for her as well. Another custodian came. He had a walkie-talkie. He contacted security.<br />
<br />
"We have a missing 5-year old. Her name is A. She's wearing a pink shirt, pink skirt and black leggings," he said over the radio.<br />
"We have her!" the voice over the radio answered. The voice said something else but I did not understand any of it anymore. I just kept muttering a prayer of thanks to God. They have her.<br />
<br />
The custodian led the way. We just followed. We were almost at Main Street and there she was, standing with several park employees. I ran to her and hugged her tightly, allowing myself now to cry. It was a cry of relief and fear and joy.<br />
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She apparently made a right and walked towards the bridge instead of forward with us. She kept walking as she was looking for us. When she realized she was lost, she started to cry and approached a "stranger" to tell her that she was lost. I am thankful that she knew to come up to a park employee to ask for help. The park employees told me that she was very brave and articulate. She knew her name and age. She knew Mommy's name. She told them that we just got out of the Pirates ride when she got lost. She told them about our family. She seemed to have introduced every member of our family that when we got there, the employees recognized us.<br />
"You must be the big brother who's 11 years old," they remarked to DS.<br />
"And this must be baby E. You are cute as your sister says,"they cooed to Baby.<br />
<br />
It was a happy ending to what could have been traumatic or even tragic. I don't even dare to think of the what could have been's. God and his angels were watching over my little girl that day. I am sure that her guardian angel shielded her and led her to the right person to ask for help.<br />
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Thank you Lord for protecting my daughter. Thank you dear guardian angel for guarding her.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-57542713441121799882012-04-04T01:11:00.001-07:002012-04-04T01:11:33.288-07:00Earth Hour 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZnOsLzhZpOjEILZ1SwY-aAU8D-f21yAcJjcEWKmq4wabfEZJtnyxa_l5DKw2ltgS8eyJ8lrvEe4R_k_lDINDykwuxDqcmBGDrn_IVYX0XLi41cm2lSVyMvuvN8QXbL1TuV5Ljw/s1600/2012-04-01_1333259554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZnOsLzhZpOjEILZ1SwY-aAU8D-f21yAcJjcEWKmq4wabfEZJtnyxa_l5DKw2ltgS8eyJ8lrvEe4R_k_lDINDykwuxDqcmBGDrn_IVYX0XLi41cm2lSVyMvuvN8QXbL1TuV5Ljw/s320/2012-04-01_1333259554.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Did you participate in this year's earth hour?<br />
Did you even know about earth hour?<br />
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This year, on March 31, from 8:30-9:30 pm, people who participated turned off all non-essential lights. This was a common act all over the world to show that we cared for the earth and our future.<br />
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This is the first time we participated and the kids loved it. We took out 2 new game boards, huddled in our bedroom and played. We had candles and flashlights`.<br />
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By the end of the hour, the kids wanted to know when we could do this again. They absolutely love game night. And doing it in the dark just added an extra oomph to the night.<br />
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We will definitely participate in the coming years. I hope a lot more people here in the US become aware of it. It would definitely be cool to see lights in the homes in our street turned off simultaneously.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-73414240320887416462012-04-04T01:02:00.000-07:002012-04-04T01:02:24.030-07:00iWant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWW0_ceVNHZu93cXVTc803SEINKtojp6cZVhFGY66GdEVMCGD8MTjRmfR_llPoHbBZhFH38MkzRoshyphenhyphenCXUwZNqnGpHuCAQ-LzYd5HGpJhzUgjSeDk63HttxVKd7qIZEXkqoQqxQ/s1600/2012-02-27_1330328285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWW0_ceVNHZu93cXVTc803SEINKtojp6cZVhFGY66GdEVMCGD8MTjRmfR_llPoHbBZhFH38MkzRoshyphenhyphenCXUwZNqnGpHuCAQ-LzYd5HGpJhzUgjSeDk63HttxVKd7qIZEXkqoQqxQ/s320/2012-02-27_1330328285.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Her ninong gave her an iTouch for her birthday. I could not believe it myself. She was thrilled and surprised, of course! I think her ninong is making up for the times he was not able to give her much.<br />
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Her Ate, whose birthday is coming up, is wishing for one too. I told her that it is quite expensive and we will not be able to give it to her.<br />
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The kids have come up with an explanation why the ninong was able to afford to give an iTouch. They said that her ninong is married but do not have kids so he is able to spend and dote in his goddaughter all he wants! These kids are so funny!<br />
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We now have 3 Facetime capable products here and can actually simulate <a href="http://www.actconferencing.com/">teleconferencing services</a> using them. Even if it's just for fun, we go to different rooms then facetime each other. LOL. The kids think it is so cool! LOL! Even the baby joins in the fun.<br />
<br />
She has the iTouch but she cannot use it on weekdays. Use of it is still very much regulated and limited to the weekends and school holidays. Same rule for TV and all other electronic media apply to it. Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-40827300805592827162012-03-12T10:22:00.000-07:002012-03-12T10:22:14.141-07:00Philippines, Here We Come!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJMmWe1Kp2f5yxO0cHf907g_y5b6Bt-C8ZX5YP-QKqthxw21xrt3n-fuMsPxcmlWqo3dk6XZ9HlRRbASpDHEUCvFnTmTmuJ1-I14WpcRXkJwvB09ElZrq85br7lIX8Ys1wxh1iQ/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJMmWe1Kp2f5yxO0cHf907g_y5b6Bt-C8ZX5YP-QKqthxw21xrt3n-fuMsPxcmlWqo3dk6XZ9HlRRbASpDHEUCvFnTmTmuJ1-I14WpcRXkJwvB09ElZrq85br7lIX8Ys1wxh1iQ/s320/IMG_0058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My brother is getting married in July in Manila. Naturally, our family will be flying to be there for him. Initially, I was hesitant to promise that our whole family was flying to Manila for the wedding for 2 reasons. First, I was unsure if DH could get off from work. Second, I was unsure if we could afford the plane fare for 8 people during peak summer season. Can you imagine how much our total airfare is going to be? i don't even want to think about it! LOL!<br />
<br />
Now, I think it is 99% sure that we will be in Manila in July. We've completed the first step: applying for passports for the kids. The passports have arrived so on to the next steps. DH's request for leave has not been officially approved yet but is more than likely to be approved. Can we afford the plane fare? We'll make it work. Maybe we could earn off of the kids' antics particularly DD3. LOL! We can plant her on a street corner, put a guitar <a href="http://www.guitarcenter.com/Odyssey-FZGSBM12W-Glide-Style-DJ-Coffin-Case-104293089-i1321486.gc">Odyssey Cases</a> in front of her and then she does her normal comedic ways. We would make a killing!!!<br />
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I'm really excited about going home. The kids are looking forward to vacationing there too. Please pray with us that our plans firm up. I have faith that God will provide for our needs.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-21990340379571704052012-03-09T01:22:00.003-08:002012-03-09T01:22:47.464-08:00Spring Recital is Coming Up!The children are starting to gear up for their spring recital. It is going to be on June 3. They are all working on their piano pieces. They will be playing 2 pieces each. DS is working on learning The Eye of the Tiger while DD2 will be playing Ode to Joy. I forget at the moment what DD2's piece is called but she's been working on it too.<br />
<br />
Their music school is not exclusively for piano. They have drums, guitar and even voice. The recitals, then, are a mixture of all these which make them quite interesting. Last December, there was a girl who played the piano while singing on a <a href="http://www.musiciansfriend.com/microphones/telefunken">telefunken microphones</a>. Quite vintage styled. I did not recognize the song but DH did. Well, big surprise there! (not!)<br />
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I'm really looking forward to watching the children play again. I think that this is a beautiful chance for them to grow in confidence.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9781753.post-85636057099625997032012-03-09T01:06:00.002-08:002012-03-09T01:06:55.170-08:00Black thumb?If green thumb is what you call someone who has the magic touch with plants, what would you call someone who has absolutely no talent in keeping plants alive? Black thumb? Whatever it is called, I am it. I just have no talent for gardening.<br />
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If I had some talent for gardening, I would like to have a small vegetable garden. Since we cook often from scratch, it would be awesome if we could just pick out our veggies from our backyard. It is just so unfortunate that neither my mom nor I are skilled at gardening.<br />
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If I had some talent for gardening, I would also plant a small cutting garden. I would have a small patch of different types of flowers that I can cut to use to decorate at home. I love the look of fresh flowers at home but I frequently do not have the budget to finance weekly trips to the floral shop. Even with <a href="http://www.facebook.com/notes/proflowers/proflowers-coupons-official-page-up-to-20-off/10150270843104590">coupons for proflowers</a>, it would still be much too expensive to have fresh flowers all the time. If I had my way, I'd fill my home with flowers to brighten up every corner of my house. Having fresh flowers just make me smile.<br />
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Since I have no talent for gardening, I just hope that one of my girls have inherited their grandma's green thumb.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735733033066320573noreply@blogger.com0