I have received this quote via text from a very good friend of mine, Chie. As per the habit of erasing text messages almost immediately after reading them, I had to ask her to resend the piece.
“Life is going to shovel dirt on you, different kinds of dirt.. FAILURES, BETRAYALS, FRUSTRATIONS, BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS. The trick to getting out of the dirt is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest pit just by not stopping, never giving up and being wise enough to make seemingly bad situations to work for our own good! Shake it off and take a step up. Bounce Higher!” Read the rest of this entry »
For the first 11 months of my ds’ life, my dh and I have endured the splatters of boiling water, the tedious task of waiting, making sure the bottles were done by the ideal time (but have never gotten to-we forget). Either they got over boiled or extremely overboiled. Sorry for the teats and the bottles, their ultimate fate was to get scarred and get busted. Too bad for us for these items aren’t all that cheap. Especially, Pigeon’s, Avent’s and Dr. Brown’s. Read the rest of this entry »
I have always loved reading for as long as I can remember. I recall having to go the the school library in my elementary days and borrowing the Nancy Drew books one after the other. Of course, I can’t remember all the stories anymore. But that I guess has developed in me the love for reading. It has always been basically easy for me to finish a book in a designated time given that the assigned book is of my interest. Read the rest of this entry »
This last couple of weeks I have been toying with the idea of getting myself a new “do.” I have been pretty tired sporting this long wavy hair, shampooing and conditioning no end just to end up rolling it into a tiny swirly bun. Last night, I got liberated! I made the smartest move, the very thing a small number of women can actually get themselves to do. In a culture like ours that says, the longer the hair, the prettier. I stepped right up and said, “Who cares! It’s just hair, I’m growing it back anyway!” So there, that was a feat for me. Although it really just had to take me to decide on it and there I went – - – to the barbershop! Read the rest of this entry »
Category: Books
Genre: Parenting & Families
Author: The Focus on the Family Physicians
First of all, what attracted me to grab a hold of this book from one of the outlets of the “booksale†shops, was its being the current theme of my passion, on raising kids. Second, that it was produced by Focus on the Family. And when I checked the back cover, it says: Read the rest of this entry »
In the last couple of weeks Jed developed a liking on opening his bottle and spilling its contents (whether milk or water) all over the bed, in the most unexpected times. Today at 2:16 P.M. Jed got his first real time out. I figured it had to be done. It felt strange, and I was ill at ease, but he has to understand that it’s no fun doing that. I tried to get his attention and let him know that he should not do that, and Jeff tried too. He’d give us the cutest grin, trying to manipulate us, and when he felt that was not enough, he’d do his signature wave (w/c has earned him, and still does, lots of friends wherever we take him)
This hasn’t been the easiest. But I found it more appealing than having to hit him. More than the issue of this form of training being appealing to me, I want to start and do it all right. Babies don’t come into this world having the ability to choose what’s right or not for them, so I have come to believe that discipline as opposed to punishment (BabywiseII) leans towards moral training. Having come from the root word “disciple,” it makes me think that discipline is not a bad word after all. It actually is a training of the mind. If adults need to train themselves in some areas of their lives, what more for a child who has not an idea how all things will come for him whether he decides what’s right or not.
The principle really is logical. To bring up a child isn’t all about avoidance of negative emotions and making everything good for him, even as when the obvious happens that with a happy child is a contented parent. No fussing, no bad moods. Creating an all positive environment is not the key. It will take it’s toll later as he grows up, not very far behind. Even as early as his preschool years. Being protected unnecessarily, and having the notion that the world revolves around him/her, the lack of self control and discipline leaves this child unwanted in his/her peer. This is very sad.
I pray that I will be persistent even as I want not just to have a child I can live with, but a child who will be relationally secure throughout his life.
When I saw him listening and really staying at his corner, all the more I realize he understands. When we tried to get his attention by talking to him about him not pouring his milk/water all over the bed, it didn’t work, but he does understand. I could see this clearly, even as I see him checking out our facial expression, whether we’d approve or not, and whether he’ll hear his dreaded “No!” word, whenever he tries to go or touch something that he knows is off limits. I can’t help but think that my baby is really growing up, and how fast!
* time out timed up 2:21 P.M. (not that I needed to explain to my readers, I figured while I’m already journaling the event, might as well jot that detail down)
Yesterday was our (mine and Jeff’s) four years eight, months celebration. Towards the fifth year of our marriage, DH and I still fancy over who’s gonna greet the other first whenever the eighth of the month arrives. Yesterday, it was me. I texted him just a simple, “Happy 4/8!”. I felt the number made it sound impersonal when he texted back with a better worded message with I love you at the end. But that didn’t matter to him, he knew better. Read the rest of this entry »
I figured this must be something most parents fascinates over For some it can come as trivial, but even as I have the privilege to see Jed develop, reaching his milestones (advanced than that of the posted national average), I get amazed looking beyond the comings and goings of everyday with this little guy. Now he’s not just all over the house, but has gotten into his maneuvering-and-getting-to-do-what-he wants tactics. Read the rest of this entry »
My mom only had one eye. I hated her… she was such an embarrassment…
My mom ran a small shop at a flea market. She collected little weeds and such to sell…
Anything for the money we needed she was such an embarrassment.
There was this one day during elementary school.. It was field day, and my mom came. I was so embarrassed. how could she do this to me? I threw her a hateful look and ran out, the next day at school… “your mom only has one eye?!?!” ..and they taunted me.
I wished that my mom would just disappear from this world so, I said to my mom, “mom.. why don’t you have the other eye?! If you’re only gonna make me a laughingstock,
Why don’t you just die?!!!” My mom did not respond.. Read the rest of this entry »
Description:
As I was making my own wipes today I was reminded to jot this down. It may not belong to the food category all right, but it is still a recipe and what benefits! Economical, yet natural. Best for moms and babies! Pocket and tushy friendly. =>
Ingredients:
a good ol’ reliable box of baby wipes
20 sheets of Bounty paper towels (I use Spill Saver-cheaper and stronger)
1 cup distilled water
1 tbsp Enfant baby oil/mineral oil
1 tbsp Enfant baby wash
1 tbsp Enfant baby lotion
* I’m inclined to patronize Enfant products over Johnson’s (I always check the ingredients). Enfant goes towards the natural while the latter uses several unnecessary chemicals.
Directions:
1. While some moms who make their own baby wipes cut the rolls of their paper towels in two, I find it easier and non-messy to just perforate each sheet. Collect 20 sheets, pile them up and cut in two.
2. Fold each in three. Set aside.
3. Mix all the liquid ingredients.
4. Dunk the folded towels.
5. Let the towels sit overnight atleast.
* fact: When I was a newbie at this I used to measure exactly, but now I just get all the ingredients together without measuring.
Directions:
Mix together main ingredients then bake for 15 mins.
Mix together the rest of the ingredients and spread atop the cake. Bake for another 5 mins.
Category: Baking
Style: American
Servings: 4 dozens
Description:
A favorite recipe that I do and give away for Christmas. This was given to me by Sis. Michelle Johnson. Bless her heart! =>
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
1 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) blue bonnet butter (softened)
1/2 cup white sugar
2 large eggs
2 tbsps. milk
2 tsps. vanilla
2 1/2 quick old fashioned oats
2 cups nestle toll house semi-sweet chocolate morsel or hershey’s (although I often use the the ones from chocolate lovers-it’s way cheaper but you get the same taste)
Directions:
1. Pre-heat the oven at 375 degrees fahrenheit.
2. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl.
3. Beat brown sugar, blue bonnet and white sugar in a large mixing bowl until creamy.
4. Beat in eggs, milk and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually beat in flour mixture.
6. Stir in oats using a spoon, chocolate morsels and mix well.
7. Bake for 12-13 mins.
Category: Books
Genre: Parenting & Families
Author: Stormie Omartian
In a world that’s unpredictable, wars, crimes, natural and man-made disasters happening everywhere, where do dedicated parents go in hope that things will be better for their children? Stormie Omartian detailed in this book most of the things, if not all, parents worry over and concerns for their children. It is only but natural to hope for the best for their lives. But hoping doesn’t guarantee this, with “hope” we become positive, but with only this in our hearts we remain putting their lives to chance. Read the rest of this entry »
