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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WW: Space-Saver Bed

 Yes, you've guessed it right. I got this photo again from Pinterest the other day. I've been down with cold, cramping pain, and headache, and all I've done really was rest. And while resting, I'd play games on my iPad, and check updates on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.  That's how I came across this photo.  (Don't worry, I take care of the things I need to take care around the house, especially the kids.  I could be so sick, but I'll still do my chores.  When I said "all I did was rest", I meant to say, during my free time.)

Anyway,  when I saw this photo, I thought to myself, this would be a perfect set-up for our family, especially because we're still moving from one place to another every couple of years and we really don't get to stay in a house that has enough room to accommodate all the stuff we own.  This type of footboard is so much better than the usual ones we always see.  It serves two purpose at once; footboard, and a dresser to store things.  My husband and I have a lot of stuff all together, and with the little space we have in our bedroom right now, plus the little girl's crib, we hardly have room to put our things.  I really would love if we get a bed like this.  I love saving space, but at the same time, as much as possible, I really don't like sacrificing some things just because we don't have room for them.  I mean, we bought them for a reason, so why just keep them or hide them somewhere where they can be of no use, or worse, end up forgotten?

Here soon, we'll be moving out again.  I can only pray that we'll get a bigger house/apartment this time.  With 3 growing kids, we definitely need all the space we can get.

P.S., I love that headboard as well!

WW: My First Winter - with Snow..

Winter 2010

First ever snow encounter.  It didn't snow a lot on that day,  but there was enough to cover our driveway.  I tried helping my husband shovel, but he made me stop because I almost slipped.  I was 3 months pregnant with our youngest at the time, and I know I scared him to death when that happened.  I got scared, too!  Since then, he never let me shovel snow anymore.  But he'd let me go out with him while he shoveled, and I played.  I haven't really tried making a big snowman, and I know I should have.  Being pregnant at the time, and having an infant last year, I really didn't feel like being outside long enough to make a good size snowman.  But I think I'm going to do it this year with the kids.  At least all 3 of them can play in the snow now with me.  It's going to be our last winter here, so we all might as well make the most of it.  We still don't know where my husband will be stationed next year.  We might be transferred to a place that doesn't snow during winter, or a place that gets cold even before winter actually starts.  That, we don't know.  But I'm not worried about it right now.  We'll find out when we do.  And I'll tell you.

SS: Who Are you? Part 3 & 4 – Is it over yet?

Hello, November!  Hello, everyone!  How was your weekend?   I'm not feeling good today, but I still had a great weekend with my family.  Hope you all had a wonderful time with your love ones, too!

Part 3: Past

 

34. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?

- The births of my 3 kids..

35. What do you consider your greatest achievement? 

- Becoming the Mother that I know my kids deserve..

36. What is your greatest regret?

- I didn't give my brain enough time to really think things over before I jumped into that decision I made 5 years ago..

37. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?

- I lied.. We all lie..

38. When was the time you were the most frightened?

- The most recent one was in February last year.  I was almost 6 months pregnant with our baby girl, when I accidentally slipped and fell to the ground because of the snow while I was walking towards our car.  I had an OB appointment that day and we just got hit by a blizzard two nights before that.  I got so worried that it might have hurt the baby.  Thank God, everything was fine!  Now, she's a beautiful, happy, and healthy little 17-month old Princess!

39. What is your best memory?

- Welcoming my children to the world.  I had no idea I'd fall head over heels in love over and over again, until I laid my eyes on each of them.

Friday Fill-Ins: Happy All Souls Day!

Been a long time I haven't done any Friday Fill-Ins. I thought this was gone a long time ago. I'm glad to have found out that it's still up and going! So, here we go....

1. I was NEVER scared of ghosts, even as a little kid.

2. I love to think that there are actually vampires and werewolves roaming around when the moon is full.

3. When we were in high school, on the eve of Halloween, we used to have a little "party" in our church with the youths.  Then, by midnight, all of us would go to the cemetery and spend time there till dawn.  I honestly miss that a lot!.

4. For me, Witch costume for Halloween is the best!

5. Underneath it all I still cry every time I miss my family back home.

6. Oh! And thanks for the KitKat you bought for me (my husband came home the other night with 3 bars of KitKat).

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a relaxing day with my loves, tomorrow my plans include not sure yet and Sunday, I want to go out!

There's plenty more where this came from:

WW: The Dress that Made Me Drool

I found this dress on Pinterest last night while I was browsing through the Women's Fashion section.  I must say, this one literally made me drool!

You see, I really am not a big fan of fashion or what's in.  But when I like something, I like it, especially when it's simple but yet elegant - no questions asked.  It really takes a lot for me to like something because I don't like clothes that are too gaudy.  For me, fashion is still wearing whatever is comfortable on you.  I don't follow any specific trends.  I go by my own style.

Anyway, I know this, for sure, is a wedding gown.  But what I love about it is, its elegance and simplicity.  The back looks so sexy, admit it!  Actually, the whole dress does, but in a modest way.  The bow in the back, oh, that's the killer right there!  Not a lot of details to it, but it's perfect enough to make people turn their heads towards you and say, "Wow, you look gorgeous in that dress!"  That's the type of dress/outfit I want.  Something that won't overpower you.  Remember, it's the person who makes the dress, not the dress who makes the person look beautiful.  And if ever I get to own one, I would love for it to be in a different color.  I mean, I don't need a wedding gown anymore since I'm already married.  Maybe later on to renew our vows, but not anytime soon.

I love green, so any color that has the shade of green will do.  It's perfect for special occasions, like formal parties, Navy Ball, Khaki Ball.  I mentioned them because I am a Navy spouse, and those are the occasions my husband and I usually go to.  I wore a black dress at the Khaki Ball last year, and next year, I want something different.  I think black is already so timeworn, don't you think?

My Post for:

SS: The SCARY Meme

Last Sunday of October, and oh, it is Halloween!  I'm actually grinning from ear to ear right now because for the first time in a long time, I got to do Sunday Stealing ON TIME.  Yay to that!  I'm going to do this really quick because I need to be in bed.  Hubby said we're taking our kiddos to go trick or treating tomorrow - for the first time.  It's going to be a lot of fun - and expect a little, if not too much, chaos.  [Hehehe.]

 1) What do you think is the best costume for Halloween?

- For me, a HOT & SEXY Witch Princess costume.. Hehehe.. I really don't know, honestly.  But I've always been fascinated with Witch costumes, and I love being a Princess! (Who doesn't?)

2) What would an alien think of humans if it came to Earth on Halloween?

- They'd probably think they invaded the wrong planet.. Hehehe..

3) Who Would you haunt?

- Someone I used to love.  Hehe.. But that would be later on -- if I'm dead.. I'll make my presence known to him. BOO!

4) Are you afraid of the dark?

-  Not that I'm scared of it.  But I have nyctalopia, so I really don't like being in the dark.

5) Do you pass out candy, or hide with the lights off?

- We do pass out candies to kids and not-so-little ones every Halloween.. It's kind of like our family's tradition now.. And we will never hide with the lights off, ever!

6) What Scary movie do you like best?

- I love scary movies!  I don't have any favorites because I enjoy watching them no matter what.

7) If you had to wear a costume for a week, what would you be?

- A witch Nurse.. I know.  Weird, right?

8) What do you think about Ouija boards?

- E.V.I.L. Something you must not even dare to want to try...

9) Have you ever told ghost stories around a fire?

- Yes, when I was a little kid.  I loved, and I still love those type of stories.

10) Trick? or Treat?

- Trick.  And it better be a good one.. Hehehe

SS: Who Are you? Part 2–The Grown Up Meme

Part 2 of this meme already! Where did the part 1 go? Did I just miss it again? [Hehehe.]  I guess I need to put a reminder for this one so I won't have to miss a single one next time...

 15. How would you describe your childhood in general?

- Happy and loved. =)

16. What is your earliest memory?

- I had a rag doll that I named Kikay when I was about 5 or 6.  One time, I soaked it in a bucket of water (trying to give it a bath) and left it there the entire night.  The next day, my Grandpa found my doll, took it and hung it to dry.  Then, he talked to me and told me that if I don't take care of it next time, it'll catch cold, or worse, pneumonia from being soaked for that long, and I won't have a doll to play with anymore.  I got scared, and that never happened again!

17. How much schooling have you had?

- I went all the way to college.

18. Did you enjoy school?

- I will be a hypocrite if I told you I didn't, though, there were times I wished school didn't have to take too long for you to finish. But now when I look back, I actually miss being a student.

19. Stop and count, Since you were born until today; how many homes have you lived in?

- Six, if apartments count.  First, where I grew up. Then, the 2 apartments we lived in when we went to college in the city.  Fourth one would be our friends' house in California where we stayed for a month when I first got here.  After that, we moved to our own place where we lived for a year.  And lastly, the home we're living in now.

20. While growing up, did you have any role models?

-  Yes, of course.  My Grandparents and parents. =)

21. While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?

- We all get along well because we all love and respect each other.  We didn't have to do anything extra special to please anyone. 

SS: Stealing's Last Meme with Bud

Well, obviously, you can tell I haven't been on here for a while because the title itself says "Last" part of this meme with Bud.  I don't know what it means exactly, but it's clear that this is not the first part of it as I'm starting from #41.  But, better late than never, right?  I'm actually already sleepy, but I'll do this first.

41. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
- Simply KC =)

42. WHAT CAR DO YOU DRIVE?:
- I don't drive yet, but if I start driving, I'll be using our Land Rover vehicle since it's the safest. LoL =D

43. BEST DATE YOU'VE EVER BEEN ON? (IF MARRIED, before your present spouse)
- First date with my husband (fiancè at the time).  It was the best date because it was my FIRST DATE ever, if you know what I mean.

44. WHAT HAPPENED THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
- I was missing my family back home, especially my Grandmother.  Her 90th birthday is coming up next week, and I couldn't help but wish I'll be there with her, with my whole family.

45. LONGEST SHIFT YOU HAVE WORKED AT A JOB? WHAT WAS THE JOB?
- 12 hours.  Well, not exactly, but I was at work for that long.  I worked as a Customer Service Representative at a Call Center back in the Philippines as my summer job.

46. FAVORITE MOVIE?
- I have a ton of them, so if you're only asking for one, I might as well not put any movie..

SS: The Semi Charmed Meme, Part Two

One month of absence again!  But here goes my Sunday Stealing for the last Sunday of April.  (I dind't get to do the first part of this meme..)


21. A better name for me would be:
 - None other than my name now.  I love my name! Period.

22. I have a hard time understanding:
- Men in general.

23. If I ever go back to school, I’d:
- Do it better and more focused this time around..

24. You know I like you if:
- I keep on wanting to get your attention regardless of me ending up looking like an idiot.. (Hehehe)

25. If I ever won an award, the first person I’d thank would be:
- My Grandparents.. Not just one person.. It's tough because I have so many people in my life that I feel grateful to.

26. If I could bring back a TV show for a reunion it would be:
- Mortified.

27. Take my advice, never:
 - Trust someone 100%..

28. My ideal breakfast is:
- Any food would do as long as I share it with my loves..

29. A song I love, but do not own is:
 - Lead Me, Lord..

30. If you visit my hometown, I'd suggest:
- You go to our famous Minasangay beach, and you'd find yourself not wanting to ever leave again ;)

31. If I could meet a couple of my blog buddies, I'd include:
- Anne Thompson of My Little Home, Jenn Lord of My Sweet Haven.

32. Why won’t people:
- Stop being hateful?

33. If you spend the night at my house:
- I'll make sure you'll enjoy that you would want to do it again and again and again ;)

34. I’d stop everything for:
- My family.. Freeze time even, so I can be with them longer..

35. The world could do without:
 - Facebook and Twitter.. Right?

36. The last time I got drunk I:
- was at home with my husband.. Yep, one bottle of light beer knocked me out! LoL :))

37. My favorite blonde is:
- Britney Spears.. (Is she even still blonde?)

38. Paper clips are more useful than:
- Stapler..

39. If I do anything well, it’s:
- Being a Mother.. That's what I'm really good at ;)

40. And by the way:
- Doing this made me really hungry.  So now that I'm done, I'm getting myself something to nibble while, well, still writing posts on my blog.  See you next Sunday!


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Happiness Is: First Family Portrait

As my first post for Happiness Is, I chose something that's extra special - our first family portrait. Yes, it's the very first one with all of us. We never really got to have our photo taken before because we weren't complete yet. We waited till our youngest was born.

We still plan on getting new family photos. We only went to get this done because we wanted to have something for the house and for us to send to family members. Plus, it was tough getting these photos taken because the boys were all over the place. I can't even count how many times the photographer tried taking a decent photo with all the kids looking at the same direction. A would-have-been-twenty-minute-session that lasted almost an hour!

But I still want to give credit to the photographer for a job well done! She did great with the kids, too. She was so patient and nice. If we'd still be here by the time we decided to have another family portrait taken, we'd definitely go to the same place.

Here's to More Happiness Is...

Saturday 9: Come Dancing

So, the last Saturday 9 post I made was way back in October last year. Wow, that's been like forever! I can't believe I've missed a lot! You can definitely tell how busy of a Mama I've been.

Well, here's my first Saturday 9 for 2012...

1. When was the last time that you went out dancing?

- Honestly, it was back in 2008 (in the Philippines) when my husband came home from deployment.. We both went out the night before our first wedding anniversary, and we definitely had a blast!

2. Have you ever had an argument with a teacher?

- Oh, yes! Twice, actually..

3. Do you have a tough time remembering people’s names?

- Sometimes..

4. Would you rather change your past or know your future?

- Change my past - a lot of it..

5. What’s one thing you feel you must do in your life before it ends?

- Tell everyone I care about how much I love them..

6. How many credit cards do you have right now that have a zero balance?

- NONE!

7. What is the most expensive thing you purchased this year?

- None..

8 . If you're married, this probably doesn't apply to you, but: Are you mindful about getting tested for STDs/HIV at least semi-regularly? Why/why not? Married people: Were you mindful about this type of thing when you were single? Why/why not?

- No, to both.. Hehehe

9. If you could ask the president of the United States one question, what would it be?
- What?

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SS: The Her Head Is Part Missing Meme

Back on one of my favorite weekly memes! It's been such a long time, and I cannot wait to get on at it!

1. What is your most annoying habit?

- Is biting nails considered an annoying habit?

2. What habit would you change of your partners? (come on no-one is perfect!) [Editor's note: Not only does it assume you have A partner, but it is written as though you have multiple ones. If you do not currently have a partner or many partners, simply tell us about your last one. BW]

- None. I'm probably lucky to have a husband who doesn't possess any habit that I would want to change because it can get annoying..

3. Horrors or Chick Flicks?

- Oh, I love horror movies! So, definitely horror.

4. What is the most outrageous thing you have done in the back row of the movies?

- None. I haven't sat in the back row before, and I wouldn't waste money to go in the movie and do something else. Let alone, outrageous..

5. When have you lied to get a job?
- I haven't, and I wouldn't!

6. What one thing is on your list to do before you hit 30, 40, 50 or whatever significant birthday is next?

- Ride on the back of a camel and cruise the Sahara!

7. Classic or modern films and why?

- Can be both :)

8. If you were a vampire who would be the first person you would bite?

- My husband.. I watched the Twilight movie, and they (Bella and Edward) had a hard time making love to each other because the other was human. In that case, if I bit him, he'll transform into a vampire and we'll have no more problems when it comes to that. Hahaha..

9. If you had the power to make one thing better, what would it be?

- End wars all over the world to make it a much better place for everyone to live in..

10. What makes a great blog?

- Great and real stories of different people from different aspect in life..

11. What was the inspiration that brought your blog to the blogosphere?

- I love to write. Period.

12. What easily ticks you off (puts you in a bad mood quickly)?

- Getting annoyed when I am not in the mood, and worse, when I am so tired..

13. How many children do you have?

- I have 3 great kids; 2 boys and a baby girl.

14. Is there anything you have ever regretted writing on your blog?

- None that I can think of right now.

15. What’s your favorite blog post you have written this year so far?

- I just started writing again today for this year, so none for right now..

16. Do you ever enter other bloggers competitions, and have you ever been lucky?

- I haven't, but I've thought of joining next time. And I hope I'd be lucky ;)

17. If you could be anyone else for the day, who would you choose and why?

- Oprah Winfrey.. I just like to see what she does in her day to day life that's making her earn so much money in a year.. hehehe..

18. If you could time travel to any period of history what era would you visit?

- Jesus Christ's time.. I want to experience how it's like being alive along with Him, and see Him in a human form..

19. If you had to be genetically modified, would you rather have a third arm, a third leg, a second head or some other modification???

- I would want a pair of wings :)

20. Which Disney character can you most relate to?

- Cinderella :) [I cannot think of any other characters anymore..Hehehe]

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SS: The Madness Meme, Part 1

Wow, I didn't even realize that the last Sunday Stealing post I had was on August 8, 2011. I must have been too busy, eh?! Anyway, I am back, so here I go...

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. Have you ever licked the back of a CD to try to get it to work?
- No, I haven't. But I spit on one before then wiped it with a rag. Hahaha.

2. What’s the largest age difference between yourself and someone you’ve dated?
- Six years, and I'm talking about my husband.. ;)

3. Ever been in a car wreck?
- No, and I will never wish to be in one..

4. Were you popular in high school?
- No, I wasn't. They just knew me because I came from a small town where everybody knows everybody :)

5. Have you ever been on a blind date?
- No, I haven't. The only guy I dated was, my husband :)

6. Are looks important?
- Not really. But I mean, you wouldn't just go after someone who doesn't look appealing to you, now, would you?

7. Do you have any friends that you’ve known for 10 years or more?
- Oh, yes. I actually know a lot. I've been friends with them since we were like 5 years old. We all went to the same school from elementary to high school..

8. By what age would you like to be married?
- I'm already happily married now :) I did say I wanted to get married by at least 25 years old, but I ended up getting married at 22 ;)

9. Does the number of people a person’s slept with affect your view of them?
- If they slept with them because they were in a relationship at the time they did and I wasn't in the picture yet, no, it won't affect me at all. But if they slept with so many people just to do it or to play around, then, yes, it will totally affect me on how I view them as a person..

10. Have you ever made a mistake?
- Who hasn't? Tell me :D

11. Are you a good tipper?
- If they deserve it, why not? ;) I can even be a great tipper :)

12. What’s the most you have spent for a haircut?
- I think we paid $23 for a haircut.. That was already a lot for me..

13. Have you ever had a crush on a teacher?
- Oh, yes!! Actually, my classmate, Anne and I had a crush on our Anatomy professor back in college :) We thought he was too cute ;)

14. Have you ever peed in public?
- Public as in what? Public bathroom?

15. What song do you want played at your funeral?
- The Prayer by Josh Groban and Charlotte Church

16. Would you tell your parents if you were gay?
- Sure. It may not be easy to do so, but they deserve to know and I deserve to be accepted for who I really am.

17. What would your last meal be before getting executed?
- I don't think I'd even want to eat... Would you?

18. Beatles or Stones?
- Beatles..

19. If you had to pick one person on earth to die, who would it be?
- I'll tell you, but then I'd have to kill you ;P

20. Beer, wine or hard liquor?
- Wine..

21. Do you have any phobias?
- Astraphobia (fear of thunder and lightning)

22. What are your plans for the future?
- Retire in a nice home that we built with my husband and be debt-free by then so we don't have to suffer financially and just enjoy the rest of our years with our love ones... I guess, that means work, work, and work.. And more work.. And some more -- for a better future. Period.


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GT: KC's Christmas Wish ;)

Christmas wish - who doesn't have a wish for Christmas? I bet everyone does, including the "older" kids, like me. No one will ever be old enough to wish for anything on Christmas, am I right?

Honestly speaking, I really am not wishing for anything material for Christmas. If I could be granted one wish, I'll wish for us to be able to spend the holidays with my family back home. This year will be my third Christmas away from my love ones and it saddens me right now that I really am not sure as to when we actually will be able to fly all five of us to the Philippines without having to worry about the expenses. Air fare is what's going to kill us. We need to have at least five grand ($5,000) to be able to buy round-trip tickets for the five of us. That doesn't even include other expenses as far as food (especially now that we've got 3 kids to worry about), transportation, and extra money for us to enjoy with. I mean, it's tough. How I wish it is as easy as saying "I want to go home", because that definitely would make a big difference right there. But when your family is like ours where only one person is bringing in money, it really is going to take a little while longer for that to happen. Now, I understand why some Filipino families here in the U.S. take years and years before they could get the chance to visit home because of how expensive it can get. If you don't have the money, then you definitely aren't going anywhere.

I know it's not going to happen anytime soon, but that doesn't mean I should stop wishing for it. I'd still wish that if we don't get to go this year, at least next year around summer time so my family can finally meet our little ones, especially my Grandmother. She's been wanting to see our kids because of all of her six great grandchildren, the only ones she still hasn't seen in person are, our children. She already turned 90 years old last month and I would love for her to meet them, have a photo with them together, and be able to tell them the same stories she used to tell us when we were little kids. So even if we don't get to see each other all the time, I have something about her that I can show and tell to my children when they get older. My Grandpa already passed away in 2009, when I was almost 4 months pregnant with our first born, and my other wish is, for my Grandma to at least get to see them and spend time with them. Grandpa never got to see any of my kids, and I will do my best for them to at least get to meet Nana before it's too late.

Not much for a Christmas wish. But that right there, means the world to me.

I guess I will have to end that part here. It's already starting to make me cry. (Sorry, for getting a little emotional right now. I just couldn't help it.)

But I do have one more wish that I would love to receive this Christmas. You see the photo below? That's the type of casual outfits I love. (And yes, that's Vanessa Hudgens right there, but she's not included in my wish list..Hahaha..)


If I can find this set of outfit, I'd be the happiest woman on Christmas. That is probably going to be the first set of outfits I'd get in a long time. I better go check on that website to see if they have one. If I'm lucky, I might bid on it. I just hope it's not going to cost me an arm and a leg or else, that wish is definitely going bye-bye. So, wish me well on this one!

(photos source: Google Images)

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