Ruby Tuesday: Our Belle

Our little Fruitcake at 7 months old, on board Thomas the Train

Two weeks ago, our youngest, our little Princess Kaibelle, turned 2 years old.  I cannot believe it's been two years since she popped out into this world and finally completed our family of 5.  She is our little girl, and oh, how much she is loved by all of us!    

It's her "terrible twos stage", but it's not like it's something new to us now.  We've been through that stage with our two boys, and we did just fine.  Though we don't know what this little Fruitcake has in store for us, but I think we can handle it.  They say boys are different from girls.  We really have no idea about that yet, but I just hope she won't give us a run for our money. (fingers on both hands, crossed)

We love you, Belle!  Be that little adorable girl that you are.  Go ahead and explore.  Learn.  Play.  Laugh.  Cry.  Do whatever makes you happy.  Just one thing -- don't grow up too fast on us, will you?

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I'll Sing My Heart Out -- Soon... (Hahaha)

My, oh, my, I completely forgot that we do have Magic Sing here at home! I think it's been 2 years since the last time I used it.  We're about to move and still haven't pulled it out of the closet since that day I put it away.  I have been wanting to sing my heart out during my free time (though, my kids don't really like me singing, but right now, they have no choice..Hehehe), but I always put it off.  By the time I remember about my plan, either it's already late at night, or I've got something more important to do that I'd have no other choice but to set it aside again.

I want to sing at daytime because I'm afraid I might end up disturbing peace, if I do it at night.  And trust me, our surround sound can get pretty loud.  It excites me, but at the same time, I have to think about my neighbors.  I don't want them to get mad at me for being inconsiderate of them.  Which made me think, how much more if we have the pa systems at home that I can use to crank up the music?  I'm sure one my neighbors will end up calling the cops on me. (Hahaha).  I would never want that to happen.  Not for a very petty reason like that.

I think I'll finally do it this week - take the Magic Sing out of the closet and actually use it.  I won't let this week pass without me making some noise, hopefully, make my neighbors remember me for the rest of their lives. Hahaha.  I'm kidding.  I just want to have fun.  I love to sing, and I know it'll get me relaxed.

Now, I just have to remember how to hook it into the TV system.  The last time I used it, we still had the old TV.  This new one, I have no idea where to hook which wire without having to pull out ones that aren't suppose to be pulled out.  I'd probably ask hubby for some help later so I can do it myself when he's at work.  I know it's not that complicated of a thing to figure out.  But still, I just want to make sure.  There's no harm in asking anyway, is there? ;)

I Eat Dirty, But I Train Dirtier =)

It's my very own version of the saying, "Eat Clean. Train Dirty" that I have read once on a fitness blog.  Yes, I really don't follow that saying because I, myself, find it hard to resist food most of the time.  Actually, I am trying not to resist eating a lot because I am trying to gain some pounds back.  I still am under the target weight I want.  So far, getting back into working out helped me gain 5 lbs in just 3 weeks.  I still need to gain 5 more, then, I'm good.  I'm at 105lbs right now, and my goal is to go back to 115lbs.

My workout doesn't include anything intense.  As a matter of fact, I do light exercises now since I'm not trying to lose weight anymore.  I just said that I train dirtier because I really don't let a day go by without working out, no matter how late I have to do it sometimes.  When I get too busy during the day, I workout at night after I've put my babies to bed.  No matter how tired or lazy I feel, I still force myself up to exercise every day.  It has become part of my daily routine.  My day will never be complete without my exercise.  But of course, except Sundays.  It's my rest and "cheat" day.  I get to eat all I want, what I want, without me having to feel guilty about it.  I mean, why deprive myself with food I love to eat, right?!  As long as I stay active, I think I'll be fine.  That's my main reason I chose to keep working out.

But FYI, I am not promoting the "Eat Dirty, Train Dirtier" thing.  Like what I've mentioned above, it's just my own version - something that works for me.  Do whatever works for you.  Your body is unique, and whatever suits you, do it.  I don't know if I'll be thankful because I get to eat what I want and not gain weight, or, should I worry that maybe my body isn't absorbing proper nutrients.  I don't know.  But I feel fine, and I've never felt more healthier in my life.  I just make sure that whenever I "eat dirty", I don't over-stuff myself.  I still eat in moderation.  I may not be following the whole healthy diet plan, but I also don't deprive myself from eating nutritious food.  

my favorite snack ;)

Eating chips, sweets, drinking soda, carbs, and even chocolates, are my favorites.  Yes, I am Filipino, so expect rice on my meals every day.  And I don't see myself not eating them just because of the thought that I might get "fat".  I mean, hello?!  Are you really that scared of gaining a little weight?  If you are, I am not! (Hehehe)

Anyway, still do whatever you're comfortable doing.  It's your body and you know it better than anyone else.  I'm not that health-freak, but I cannot be more thankful and proud of myself for achieving my goal of losing all of that "baby weight" from my 3 pregnancies.  When I look at myself now in the mirror, I can't help but smile.  I smile at the fact that I did it.  With the help of my husband, I reached my goal, and thanks to him for the great motivation.  Although he'd always tell me that I did it on my own, I still believe that he was such a big help.  He pushed me to my limit, and that's how I got to where I am now.

A New Dishwasher Would Definitely Help

Although we're close to moving out of this house, I still wish the old dishwasher works.  I really don't use it that much, but sometimes I am too tired to wash dishes and I couldn't even rely on it anymore because it doesn't drain water out like it's suppose to.  Another thing is, water keeps backing up inside, so I have to run it on 'rinse only' cycle just to get rid of the water before it starts creating foul odor.

I really prefer hand-washing our dirty dishes.  I like it better that way because I can thoroughly clean them without having to use a lot of water.  Besides, I'm used to washing dishes that way.  We don't have dishwasher at home in the Philippines, so I really don't care if we have one here or not.

We've heard that the owners of this house are planning on doing a renovation once we've moved out.  I think it'll be a good idea and will help them rent their house out faster.  If the information we heard was right, they said they're going to renovate the entire kitchen and chance its layout as well.  I bet they'll change their old appliances, too and buy stainless steel ones.  I mean, they need to if they want renters to like the place and want to live here.  I think they should get a kuds30fxss dishwasher this time, or whatever suits their budget.  One of the first things people look for in a house before they even commit on buying or renting it is, dishwasher.  I don't know what's with having one in the house, but it seems like some cannot live without it.  Don't get me wrong.  I love having dishwasher, too, and I've learned to kind of "want" to have one in our home someday, but not to the point where I would trade in a nice place for something else just because it lacks a dishwasher.  You know what I mean?  I have seen people like that on TV, and I just can't believe how they would react to that.

Dishwasher does help save time.  That, I'm not going to lie.  That is why I really wish the one we have here still works so I won't have to always worry about getting the dishes done when I am already too tired to do it myself.  But I really don't see myself making such a big fuss about not having one in case we really don't get it in our new place.  Like what I said, I grew up not even knowing what a dishwasher is, or that something like that actually even exists, so I know I will be fine.

Online Shopping is Fun!

Yesterday was the very first time I did online shopping with the help of my best friend, Charmaine.  Well, I have done a lot of online shopping before, but I have never purchased any type of clothing.  I was scared of the fact that if I buy clothes online without trying them on first, they might not fit me at all.  But yesterday, I finally gave in.

For the first time in such a long time, I was able to buy 4 different types of outfit from an online store.  And I must say, I bought them out of my own pocket.  Nothing much, but I am proud that I didn't ask for a single penny from my husband.  I was even able to buy something for my kids.  I just hope that they all get here in time for our move.  That's the only concern I have right now.  The items are from overseas, and usually, it takes 2 weeks or longer for them to get here.  I really don't know how much time we have left here that's why I am a bit worried.  Hopefully, they'll be here soon enough.

I really am glad I went online shopping when I did!  Thanks to my best friend for the "encouragement" she did while I was in the middle of a little debate on whether I'll buy or not.

Now, I know why online shopping can be addictive.  I don't know what it has, but it keeps you wanting to buy more.  I only planned on buying at least two new dresses, but I ended up with four.  I even had to force myself to log out from that site or else, I would've ended up buying more.  And that's what I've been wanting to avoid doing in the first place.  But I definitely am going to shop online again.  That will never be the first and the last time you'll see me buying more stuff.  I'll just have to be mindful next time of what I'm buying and how much I am going to spend -- I hope.  (crossing my finger.)

Done with procrastinating...

Our move out date is getting closer.  We've only got a few more weeks left before they come and pack all of our stuff up.  Though I have started sorting things down in our basement, there are still so much I need to go through.  I am not sure if I have all the time I need, but I must say, I am done with procrastinating now.  I must start getting back into cleaning and putting away things we won't be needing till our move.  My schedule just got so hectic a few weeks back that's why I barely got things done around the house.  Time to get back on track again!

One thing that I am thinking of not letting them pack is, my guitar.  I'm planning on just taking it with us so I still have something to do on my free time.  But looking at how bulky it can be with its stand included, I don't think my husband would allow me to have it left behind.  If only the guitar stand is as small as that affordable clarinet stand I saw online, I probably won't have any problem at all.

I love to play my guitar, and I at least use it once every day.  It's been part of my daily routine - I play gospel songs and I sing along with it.  It's one of my favorite pastime.  But now, I can already tell that I'll just have to deal with not having my guitar with me until we get to our new place, which I don't know how long.  As far as I know, it takes more than a month for your household goods to get shipped to your location.  I do hope it will take no longer than a month.

Anyway, I will still ask if I can keep the guitar.  Its got a case anyway, so I don't think I really need the stand.  But I have to figure out first what stuff do we need to take with us so I can make room for it in the car.  My husband doesn't want us to pack a lot, so I'll have to work with him on this one.  If he says no because we've got no extra room for it, I know he'll mean well.  For now, I'll just have to focus on cleaning.  The rest can follow later.

Gone But Never Forgotten

Our dearest Sophie taken almost 2 weeks before she passed away

I can go on and on right now explaining why I have been away for so long, but I still won't be able to tell you everything that happened.  The past couple of weeks had been tough on us.  I got so busy taking care of 3 kids and a very sick dog.  And as much as it breaks our hearts to say this, but our dearest dog, Sophie, passed away almost two weeks ago.  She was battling with stomach cancer, and she finally gave up the fight.  Her body got too weak to fight back, and at 11:06 PM Wednesday, June 12, she went to a better place.

I still find it too hard right now to talk about losing her and how much we miss her since she was gone.  She was the greatest, nicest dog I've ever met in my entire life.  And, I honestly believe we'll never have another dog like her ever again.  Sophie was one of a kind.  She was special.  She was loved as much as she loved us.  And she will always be remembered.

To our little girl, our first baby, Sophie Marie, we all love you and we will always miss you!  Thank you for the wonderful memories and for filling our lives with so much joy when you were around!  Thank you for protecting us, especially when your Papa goes to work!  Thank you for being with us till the very end!

You will always be loved!  

Thinking of Having a Picnic at The Park

- image not mine -

I have been back on my running routine, and I usually run 2.5 miles every other day, from our house to the park near the lake.  I love going there because the place definitely relaxes me and I get to sit for awhile and spend time alone listening music.  The park has a lot of picnic benches and it has a playground, too - perfect for the kids as well.

My Mama, the kids and I went out for a walk last week, and I took them there.  The weather was up in the 80s, so we took advantage of it.  My mother liked the place, so we came up with a plan on going back there once the temperature gets warmer again, and have a little picnic.  The place is so calm and just perfect for some quality time with the family.

On Tuesday, when I went out for a run, I noticed that they changed the benches' color.  It used to be something brown, and now, it's green - my favorite!  I wonder if anyone could tell me where I could get aluminum bleachers for sale to use on some of our stuff that got destroyed by the flood in our basement a few weeks ago.  I just thought about that when I was there taking a break after my run.  We have a toddler's bed that the paint got ruined, and I think we could use it on that one.

Anyway, I hope we all could do the picnic this week before my mother leaves for California next weekend.  I saw on the weather forecast that we'll be getting nice weather this week, so let's hope for that.  And besides, I hate running when the weather is so cold because it's hard for me to breath!

Mother's Day 2013 (First Mother's Day without Nana)

(image not mine)

Regardless of how sad I feel right now (this will be my first Mother's Day without my Grandma's greetings, and me not being able to send her my love like I used to), I know I still have so many reasons to look forward to celebrating it.  God has blessed me with 3 beautiful children, and they will be my forever reason Mother's Day will always be special to me.

Mother's Day here is not until tomorrow, so to those wonderful Mothers celebrating it today, Happy Mother's Day to all of you!  I know it's just a one-day occasion dedicated to us, Mothers, but I hope you get the most out of it, and you enjoy your day.

I am not looking forward to something really big tomorrow, as long as I get to spend it with my loves, I won't ask for anything more.

May God continue to bless us, Mothers, and give us always good health and wisdom to continue shining on for our family!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Hello Again!! And, oh, I dream of a nice vacation!!

-image not mine-

I cannot believe I've been away for over a month now!  There were a lot of stuff that needed to be taken care of, and I couldn't squeeze in time to update this blog.  I feel bad because I never had the intention of being away for this long.  But because our move date is getting closer, more and more things keep popping up.  No kidding, we all could need a nice vacation right now!

And speaking of vacation, I cannot wait for us to move and get the chance to go on a long break with just us.  I know it won't be that easy finding  cheap vacation deals for the 5 of us, but I know, somehow, we'll make it happen.  We all need to get away from the cold, miserable winter, and just being cooped up in the house for months, barely able to do things outside due to the cold weather.  And our next destination is just perfect for us to be able to do lots of outdoor activities.  Not to mention, I'll be a lot closer to home!

I plan on finally taking my family to one of the famous beaches back home.  So, whenever we get settled in, I'll start planning on our dream vacation.  I think we all deserve one.  We haven't been on a vacation before as a family, and what else could be more fun than doing it in my very own country?!

Oh, I absolutely can't wait to go to the beach, enjoy the sun, the delicious food that I haven't eaten in such a long time, and just have fun with my loves!  I definitely am looking forward to a fun-filled summer this year.  It's about time we all enjoy the outdoors more now that the kids have gotten bigger.

What about you?  What do you plan on doing this summer with your family?

It's Been 4 Long Years

Today (March 9 in the Philippines) is our Grandpa's 4th death anniversary.  Yes, it's been four long years, yet it still feels like yesterday when he left us.  Inasmuch as it hurts to recall the day of his death, it's inevitable not to remember him all the time.  We still miss him just as much!  I miss his presence, I miss his voice, and above all, I miss Grandfather - everything about him!

It really is true that you never get over a death of a loved one.  You just learn to deal with the pain and longing as the days, months, and years go by.  If you ask me, I still don't think they're gone now.  Our Grandpa and Grandma are still with us.  In my heart, they'll always be there.

I never thought I'd start accepting the fact now that they're never coming back.  It hurts so much to think they're no longer with us, but it hurts more not being able to reach out to them and talk to them whenever I want to.  I miss the sound of their voice!  I miss how life was when they were still around!  Their presence brought so much joy and comfort to my heart regardless of the distance we had from each other.  Just knowing they were there, I've always felt I was home no matter where I was.

I'm trying my hardest not to cry right now.  But I think I'd feel much better if I let the emotions flow.  I know they would rather see me happy and not crying, but I think they will understand why I'm feeling sad right now.  I know in due time, this won't hurt as much anymore as it is hurting me right now.  As long as I know they're watching us from up above, my heart will always be at peace.

To you, Papi and Nana, we miss you so badly!  I know you know that I'd wish to hold you both in my arms right now, if only I could.  We will always love you!  We will always miss you!  Please, continue to watch over us.  And like what we always say, till we all meet again!

We Need More Batteries! (and I mean, LOTS of 'em!)

No joke, we go through batteries a lot like they don't cost a single penny!  It's all because of our boys' battery-operated toys that they play with nonstop.  From their toy trains, cars, to their helicopters, almost every single toy they have now in their room is battery-operated.  The only problem is, they know now when to ask for batteries the moment they noticed their toys slowly running out of it.  And they will not stop asking till you put new ones in and they see them working again.  I think the batteries in their toys, especially the helicopters, get replaced every 2 weeks.  No matter how much we stock up on batteries, we still seem to always run out of them all the time.

- image not mine -

I think it's about time we get them the maha powerex 2700 mah rechargeable batteries so we don't have to always buy them every time we run out.  Since we always use batteries at home anyway, might as well get something that would last us longer.  Rechargeable batteries always come in handy.  I think it's better we start using them so we also avoid piling up used batteries and throw them away since I think they're neither really recyclable or regular trash.  We actually feel guilty that we have so many old ones but we don't exactly know what to do with them.  At least with rechargeable batteries, we will be using the same ones and we don't have to worry about throwing them away every time they'd run out of power.  It will also definitely help save us money.  Buying batteries isn't that cheap at all, just saying.

Everybody is Still Sick!

- image not mine -

It's almost 2 weeks now since everybody in the house started getting sick.  First, my husband. Then, the kids, and now, I'm still sick as well. Good thing, though, no more fever. We've just been suffering from cold and cough, and we have a clingy, grumpy, and sometimes whiny little girl here.  She got worse about 5 days ago.  She contracted cough and her fever came back.  For 3 days, Kaibelle was so restless.  She couldn't sleep, wouldn't eat, and she always wanted to be held.  That's why on Tuesday, regardless of how bad the weather was outside, my husband came home from work just to take her to their Pediatrician.  She prescribed antibiotics, and she's been on it for 3 days now.  Thank heavens for medicine!  Right after I gave her her first dose, she was able to nap for more than an hour - straight - first time in 3 days.  She's still coughing, but her condition has improved a lot already!

Our 2 little boys still have cough, too.  But I'm grateful that they're doing just fine.  They're still taking cough syrup, but they're back to playing again and making mess in their room!  I don't mind cleaning after them.  I'm just glad that they are feeling better now than how they were last week.

My husband has been back to work since Friday last week, but he's still taking medications, too up to now.  I'm the only one who probably is still feeling worse, but I don't mind at all.  I think it's because I really couldn't get as much rest as I need because I'm busy taking care of our sick kids.  I can nap while the kids are sleeping, but because I have cough, I really couldn't sleep straight.  Sometimes, I just lay on the couch but I couldn't take a nap.  I'm taking medicine, but like what I said, maybe it's because I have no rest that it really isn't taking effect on me.  Anyway, I have a doctor's appointment next week.  If anything, I might ask them to give me a prescription for antibiotics as well.  I think that's what I need now to break the phlegm/mucus and get it out of my system.

For now, we're more into water therapy and increased vitamin C intake.  And I'm taking antipyretic medicine, too to fight fever.  I'm hoping and praying that this would be our last week of being sick.  I just want to be able to get back to doing my daily routine without feeling too exhausted by the end of the day.

Well, Hello, March!

What's up, folks?!  It's March already!  I cannot believe how time flies so quickly!  I am also looking forward to this month because my Mama and my sister's kids are coming here to the US for a vacation.  I wish my mother could come and spend time with us again just like when she was here in 2011.  I really would love for her to stay with us even just for a month.

Anyway, speaking of my Mama, I remember her telling me about a few days ago, that the keyboard our church has been using every Sunday, got broken.  I think it was one of the best casio digital piano there is, because my Uncle bought that and donated it to the church 3 years ago.  We don't exactly know what happened, but I just got told that it's not working anymore.  I hope it can still be fixed so that they still have a keyboard they can use during Sunday service.  They church needs it. 

Well, I guess that's all for now.  Just wanted to stop by here.  My kids and I are still sick, so I am trying to get as much rest as I can.  Hope you all stay safe!  Have a great weekend! God bless!

A Not-So-Productive February (...and I hate it!)

February is already almost over and I just noticed that I haven't really been posting on this blog. There's been a lot going on, and I just couldn't find enough time to sit here and really focus on writing.  Aside from the fact that I haven't really been in the  mood to write lately, my husband and our 3 kids are all sick right now, and I've been very busy taking care of them.  God must be watching over me right now because I haven't contracted what they have been suffering from, for days now.  Kids have fever and when their temperature is high, they throw up.  I've also been doing loads of laundry these past few days.  My husband has been coughing, and right now, he might be admitted at the military hospital on base due to Pneumonia.  He just called me a few minutes ago to let me know that he possibly might not be able to come home tonight.  They're going to put him under observation till tomorrow morning.  He went in this morning to get checked because he's been feeling worse since Saturday, and he got told that they need to keep him overnight.  I hope he gets better soon.  And of course, the kids.

This month, definitely, isn't a good one for me and my family.  I cannot wait for it to be over!  I just want my little ones to get better and have my happy and playful babies back!  And I want to be able to write again without being bothered by "unnecessary things".   Oh, how I hate that feeling!  I hate it with a passion!

Good thing, my kiddos are taking their nap right now that's why I got the time to write.  But I cannot stay that long.  I still have stuff to do.  It's going to be another long night for me tonight.  I wish I can take my babies' sickness away right now and transfer it all to me, so they don't have to suffer anymore!  It breaks my heart every time I look at them, and all I see are weak faces, flushed cheeks, and pain in their eyes.  I just want them to get better -- NOW!

New Addition to Our Calphalon Kitchenware

Now, I can say that I'm finally happy with our new kitchenware set!  From the Christmas gift that we got from my Mother-in-law (a set of Calphalon pots and pans), the hubby went to the outlet store and bought some more.  He took advantage of the President's Day sale and got a pretty good deal on almost all the stuff he bought.

He got us a new knife set.  I have been asking for real good knives to use while cutting meat and veggies, and finally, I got my very own Chef knives.  I love that the knives' handles are labeled according to their types,  making it easier for you to grab what you need.  Before, I used to pull out almost all the big ones just to find the right knife I wanted to use.  It was a hassle!  Now, I look forward to more fun and easier way of cooking in our kitchen.

new set of knives..

I love the label on the knives!

Here's another stuff that the husband got.  Since we love having omelette on weekends, he bought an 8-inch and 10-inch nonstick pans.  He also bought a pancake pan.  We like it because we can make pancakes that the size is just right for the kids.

I haven't used any of the new stuff yet, but I already washed them.  I probably will use them this weekend.  I am so excited to start using them, though!  The omelette pans are dishwasher safe, but as much as possible, I'll hand-wash them so they stay in good condition even longer.  The only problem is, they're really not that light.

omelette and pancake pans ;)

The hubby said, he might get an even larger pot for pasta.   I don't know when he plans on doing that, but I think that's a good idea since I cook pasta a lot for the family.  I have been using a small pot to boil the noodles and it has always been a pain in the butt!  Hopefully, we get to buy a bigger one here soon.

We're just stocking up on important things right now and getting advantage of us living close to an outlet store.  We're almost about to leave and we want to make sure we have all that we'll need to take with us.

These Calphalon kitcheware weren't cheap, but we definitely got what we paid for.  And the good thing is, they last long, as long as you know how to really take good care of them.

Just Not Feeling It Right Now!

No matter what I do right now, I just can't find any inspiration to write. I have been feeling like this for the past few days.  My mind has been wandering.   I can't focus.  I can't think.  I just don't feel like doing anything right now.

I don't know what's up with me.  I just hope this won't last any longer because it actually is not helping me in any way.  I cannot even count how many times I opened my blog, thought about writing something, but ended up with nothing but drafts. 

I wish I can just be fine right now.  I wish I can say what I feel inside.  I guess it's just one of those days again.  

I'd better just get some rest and do this again tomorrow...  We'll see.. (sigh*)

Happy Valentine's Day! [2013]

Let me take this opportunity to greet everyone "Happy Valentine's Day!"  What have you planned for the day for you and your special someone?  Are you going out tonight on a date?  Or, did you just plan on staying home, have dinner, maybe watch a movie, and then, some time together?

Well, as for us, we'll be staying home with the kids.  My husband has to go to work, and we both don't know if he'll even get off work early today.  Last night, he got home past midnight.  He's been working on a case right now.  Before he left work last night at around 11:40PM, he called me to let me know he was still stuck in the office trying to get some things done.  I felt bad because his voice sounded so exhausted.  He hasn't been getting enough sleep in the past few days, and I think it's starting to take its toll on him.  This morning, I heard him sniffling in the bathroom while getting ready for work.  I know he's not feeling well anymore.  But since he's in charge of the primary CACO phone, he has no choice but to do his job.  And yes, even today, on Valentine's Day, we might not even have enough time to celebrate it together.  I'm sure he'll be dead tired again by the time he gets home.  I think we'll just have to make time for missing today's special occasion sometime this weekend.  It sucks, I admit!  But that's how military works, and I need to understand him.

So, to those who will be celebrating Heart's Day with their beloved, have fun!  You guys are so lucky you have the time to be together!  Make the most out of it....

Anyway, I still need to finish the Valentine card I'm making for my hubby.  I didn't get the chance to buy anymore, so I'm creating one myself.  I hope I will be able to remember how I used to make cards when I was younger.  This will be the first time in such a long time.  Wish me luck! ;)

And, before I go, I'll leave you with this love quote...

The arms of love encompass you with your present, your past, your future, the arms of love gather you together. - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

 Happy Valentine's Day To All!

No Cake For Us This Heart's Day =(

Angel Food Cake image from FoodNetwork.com

For the past 2 Valentine's we've had here (since we moved), I have always baked cake.  This year will be the first time that I won't be baking any.

First reason, I didn't really plan ahead of time.  I wanted to bake Angel Food Cake, but there are some ingredients I forgot to buy.  I don't have anymore sugar, enough eggs, orange extract, and cream of tartar.  And above all, I don't have the pan to use to bake the cake in.  (Yes, I know, right?!)  I still have to buy one to be able to do it.  I've been thinking about getting the Bundt/fluted pan instead of the regular one, simply because I like its shape.

I wanted to ask my husband to take us all to the store so I can get all the stuff I need, but his schedule lately has been ridiculously busy.  It's even hard for him to really spend time with us because he usually leaves early for work, and he gets home late.  I wish everything would be back to normal again next week!

Anyway, I absolutely have no idea what to do for Valentine's Day tomorrow.  Like what I said, I wanted to at least bake a cake for us to enjoy after dinner, but I don't have everything I need.  I don't even know if he'll be home early, or if it's going to be another late night at work.  I don't even have a card for him, and that makes me feel really bad!  I wanted to go out today to buy one, but he's not home yet, and the store closest to us closes at 10PM.  I'm sure he's working on a case again.  He's been doing it for the past week now.  He's been doing reports on recruits being admitted to the hospital, and he needs to gather every information he can get to give out to their respective families to keep them updated.  I think I'll just have to look for something else to give him.

Well, I still am planning on baking a cake probably this weekend.  I might bake Lemon Angel Food Cake instead, since I'll have more time to do it now, and I actually can buy all the ingredients I will need.  But who knows what I might end up baking then?!  Because to be honest, I have 3 different kinds of cake in mind that I want to bake.  I'll ask the hubby first what he wants, then, I'll go from there.  I don't mind whichever he picks.  I can eat any type of cake! (*winks*)   

We Got A New Haircut! (and it was Kaibelle's first, too)

Yay, we finally got a haircut last week! I know, this is a late post. I didn't have the time to share about this because I was so busy.  But, better late than never, right?  Anyway, it's only been a week.

We finally braved the cold, snowy weather last Sunday (February 3, 2013) to take the kids to get their haircut.  It was our youngest daughter's first haircut as well.    The boys got a full hair make-over, while the little girl, well, she only got her bangs trimmed.  The father didn't want his daughter's long hair cut short right now.  I think, if it weren't for her hair blocking her face all the time (and that always annoyed the life out of her..Hehehe), he wouldn't have agreed on cutting it.  Imagine, it took him almost 8 months after his Little Princess turned 1 for him to finally agreed on getting her a haircut!  It was different with the two older boys.  They got their first haircut when they turned 1 year and 2 months old.

flaunting their new looks ;)

Kaibelle's bangs is a little uneven because she kept turning her head watching the pair of scissors while the lady was cutting her hair.  She did good!  She never cried or got scared.  I think she was more amazed at what the lady was doing that she couldn't keep her head still.  But I think she still looks cute, though.  (Hehehe.)   

Anyway, we're both happy that we finally got the three little monsters a hair make-over!  This plan has been long-overdue since my husband was too busy with work.  Of course, Mama joined in as well!  Remember when I talked about getting a new hairstyle with bangs about a month ago? Well, that's what I went for.  I already had my haircut in December last year, so really, nothing much was done to the rest of my hair.  The lady just trimmed it a little bit because I told her I still want to keep the old style.  All the hairdresser did was mainly cut the bangs to the style I wanted.

took a photo first thing in the morning. Still sleepy.. Hehehe

I love having bangs now, though it feels weird sometimes!  It's been ages since the last time I had this style of haircut, and right now, I'm still getting used to it.  And since I need to get it trimmed every 4 to 8 weeks now, if I want to keep this style longer, I am planning on getting it done probably in April or May.  I'm not sure yet if I'll stick to the hairstyle I have now, but I'll definitely would still keep my bangs.

So, there you have it - the Campbells' new looks - for now....

Winter Storm

Snow storm just started when I took this photo an hour ago.

All plans for today were cancelled because of the bad weather.  Right now, we have a severe winter storm warning, that according to the weather forecast, will be in effect until 12AM CST Friday.  We were supposed to take our two boys to their doctor for their wellness check-up, but I had to call in to reschedule the appointment to next week.  It's not looking good outside, and driving in this kind of weather would be really tough.

My husband is still at work right now, but he said he will try to get off work early today because he's worried that if he stayed longer, getting home would be impossible later on.  I already saw two plow trucks plowed the street outside.  And I think I'll be seeing another one here soon because the snow is coming down pretty good.  But in spite of how bad the weather is, it actually looks pretty outside.  It's so white and it really does feel winter to me.  We haven't had this much snow this winter yet, and I'm just glad we're getting it now.

Don't you find it weird that I actually am loving this winter storm right now?  (Hehehe.)  I am actually being tempted to step outside right now and play in the snow.  But, I'll wait till there's more snow on the ground. And, I mean A LOT.

By the way, what's with Thursday?  This has been the second Thursday in a row that we're getting hit a bad by winter weather.  Last week (Thursday), when I had my OB appointment, it was snowing and very cold, too.  The only day last week when the temperature was at its lowest, and it snowed.  And today, it's even worse.  Oh well, at least I'm seeing a lot of snow now.  That, I cannot complain.  I honestly thought this would be the most "dry" winter.  I always say, as long as we don't experience any power outage, I don't even mind if we get hit by a blizzard again, just like what happened two years ago.  I would love to experience that once more.  (I hope I just didn't jinx that!)

Anyway, I need to get some chores done while the kiddos are taking their nap.  Well, I'll be back later... If not, tomorrow..