Updates on My Health Condition and Etc....

I know it's been awhile since I posted my last entry here. I have been pretty busy preparing for the Holiday, on top of attending for my son's needs both at home and school. I am also sicked and in the hospital for 3 days now and won't be going home till Monday morning (if not Sunday). My doctor wants to make sure that the treatments worked and I will go home knowing that my body stopped rejecting my kidneys otherwise they would give me stronger medicines till everything is fixed. For those who don't know it yet, a biopsy done for my kidney the other day for we suspected that I am having a rejection episode which is normal for all transplant recipients. It is confirmed when we got the biopsy result this morning. My doctor assured me that they will do the best they can to fix the problem and that I don't need to worry so much, but follow his advice. It is not a hard thing to do and I am in! I am positive that everything will turn out to be alright...after all a lot of people who loves me are praying for me....God hears and answers prayers, and I am counting on that. He has answers all my prayers even my simple and small pleads. I am thankful for giving me such loving families, friends and relatives who care enough to give their very best to make sure that we our okay. Indeed, "through small and simple things, great things are brought to pass".

My Baby's Best Friend

When my son was still a baby I worried so much about him and his health. Taking care of him is one thing that made me excited and confused at the same time. Being a first time Mom back then, every time something happened to him and his tiny body, I panic! For instance, crying a lot for no reason at all; a slight fever or even a diaper rash. These were new to us back then and so we always phone his pediatrician to ask what to do and how to make him stop crying or how to treat his diaper rash.

One thing she recommended was the Boudreaux's Butt Paste. We tried the butt paste and was really glad because it helped treat his diaper rash as well as soothes his irritated skin. I really like that Boudreaux's Butt Paste not only very effective but also it cleans off easily. You can carry it anywhere for it is available in sizes of 1oz, 2oz, 3oz and 4oz tubes, 16oz jar. It has a pleasant scent compared to the other name brand diaper rash medications. This butt paste is use by many parents that is why it was once featured on Oprah show, Tonight show, Today shows, People Magazine, ESPN, and While You Were Out TLC.

I will definitely recommend it to my family and friends. How about you? Do you want to know more about this product? If so, then you should visit their site to receive a free sample as well as learn more about it. You can even get more updates of this product on FaceBook.

My Very Bestfriend, Matthew

For the last couple of moths we have been very busy with many things. Between our son school and extra curricular activities and me being sick, we hardly had time to work around the house. I feel sorry for my hubby who works at night and tries to help do my chores. On top of that, he still have to take me at the hospital once a week for my anemia treatment. But despite of that, I never heard him complains. He is always there to listen, help, support, care understand and love. I feel that I am the luckiest wife in the world. Indeed, the Lord had blessed me beyond my imagination. I just wished I could pay him for everything he has done for me. I thanked God for giving me a wonderful husband!

Birthdays and New Friends

Last weekend, a friend and I together with our sons went to a birthday party in Terrel. That day was also the day when Manny Pacquiao won the fight with Margarito. It was a fun fay for us since we not only met new friends, but also were able to see Manny won the fight. We, Pinoys are so proud of him. Anyway, here are some photos taken from the birthday party.

The Six birthday celebrants for the month of November. From left to right; Alda (Mesquite), Dolly (Dallas), Merlita (Forney), Elena (Terrel), Lily (Terrel), and Fina (not on the picture). We went to Fina's house where we watched Manny's victorious fight though.

Us with the birthday cakes :-).
Eating time...was so stuffed up!
A posed with Shalimar, who was standing on my right or next to me. She is also an LDS.

And this is a photo of everybody who attended the occasion. As you can see, we were all happy and stuffed. Those foods were delicious!

Friday Fill Ins

So...here we go!

1. When pigs fly, if they really can...I will be astonished!
2. Driving on the road with a thick snow, seriously?!
3. Call me as soon as you get this message.
4. You never know who your true friends are, if you know what I mean.
5. The most entertaining person in my life is my son because he always puts a smile on my/our face/s.
6. Have finished fixing dinner for a friend, who's next?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a sleep over at a friend's house, tomorrow my plans include take my son to his karate school, and then attend birthday party in the afternoon and Sunday, I want to go to church.

The Lazy Me and The Flu Shot

It's been two weeks since my last update on this blog and I am not happy for that. I don't know what's gotten into me, but all of a sudden I became lazy with my blogs. I don't blog hop often, updates blogs as much as I should, and been hanging out with friends on FB a lot. I am pretty sure that the page rank of this particular blog would be gone down to "0" if I am lucky. I am thinking about maybe "n/a". I just couldn't think of something to write. Thank goodness, I only have 6 blogs. How much more if I have more than that! Anyway, after a couple of months...I finally had my flu shot! My left arm is a bit sore now, but it's okay...better than getting flu, right? We need to take our son to our Family Physician this month whether he likes it or not. It is better to prevent and prepare than repent and repair. Got what I mean. So friends, get your flu shots now!

Saturday 9: Elected

1. Many of my friends have commented they cannot discuss politics with co-workers, family, friends and others without conflict rearing its ugly head. Do you feel you can talk with your family and friends about this particularly divisive election?
~~ Yes, I can...though we different opinions, we respect each other's point of views. That is how we avoid conflicts.
2. Do you know who you're voting for in next week's election? How did you decide?
~~ Nope. I didn't register to vote yet.
3. What do you think is the most important issue in next Tuesday's election?
~~ No idea.
4. Can you go a day without laughing?
~~ Nope, I love laughing.
5. Do you think that you can chose who you want to love?
~~ Yes, definitely!
6. Have you ever been on stage? For what?
~~ Yes, Choir Fest....I used to be a choir member when I was still single. Yup, we won't the contest :-).
7. Would you ever live in a different country? If yes, where?
~~ Yes. Italy.
8. Any plans for Halloween?
~~ Go trick or treating with my son.
9. The last costume that you wore, what was it and why did you choose it?
~~ Clown costume...to make kids laugh instead of being afraid.

I Love My New Hairdo

The other day, hubby and I went to a hair salon in Richardson. Yup, that was the city where we used to live. It was half an hour drive from where we live now. The trip was worth it for I finally found a hair salon that I like and will do whatever I want for my hair...not to mention that we only pay $65 for the haircut, highlights, shampoo or hair wash and styling it. The other salon price for all is 75 bucks! Ten bucks difference is a lot.

Thanks Honey for pampering me...and for the yummy lunch at Thai Resto after our salon trip. I had fun or we had fun, didn't we?

This is how my hair looks now.

with the highlights and all. I am loving it...like McDo, lol....just kidding about McDo!

My New Winter Shoes

Thanks to my many sponsored posts, I finally bought two items on my wish lists. These are the boots I bought at amazon.com last month.The first one was the Skecher to be worn when we spend Christmas at my in-laws in New Mexico, and the other one from Lite Stride...for church. I love them both and mind you they didn't cost me much; paid $100 plus tax. I couldn't wait till the snow comes....so I can ear these two.

How about you? Are you excited for winter?

Preparing for Christmas

I don't know why but I am fascinated with gold jewelry. So when I buy jewelry, I made sure it is made of gold. Hubby on the other hand buys me jewelry made of silver. Later on he realized himself that he married a woman who prefers gold jewelry. Now he never buy me any jewelry at all since I don't wear them but the ones I bought when I was still single. The other week we talked about the gold jewelry in my jewelry box and he made a joke saying that we can make money for gold . As I think about it now, why not? Since Christmas is fast approaching, we need extra money to buy gifts for our loved ones. I haven't talk with hubby about my plan yet. Indeed, I can cash in my cash for gold!

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1.02.28

Dhemz's Blog Giveaways

Would you like to win $35 promotional code from CSN? If you do then head on over to Dhemz shopping list blog and enter the giveaway. You can use this promo code to buy what you like at CSN store as they have over 200 online shopping stores to choose from. This giveaway contest is open to all US and Canadian bloggers only.

Here's how to join:
1. Visit CSNStores.com
2. Leave a comment to her blog of what item you would like if you win
3. Subscribe & Follow Shopping List and Product Review

Giveaway contest will end on October 20, 2010 at 11:59 pm central time. Winner will be chosen through random.org and contacted via email. Good luck!

Parent's Choice Infant Formula is at Walmart.com

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

Some people prefer name brand stuffs than store brand. They think brand name products including infant formula is better than store brand. That kind of thinking is not always true. We heard and read on the news that even the most expensive brand name baby formula was recalled for it was contaminated with something hazardous to infant's body or health. Let say Similac, it is believed that it contain beetles larvae or things like that. This is disappointing, isn't it. That is one of the reason why hubby and I still buy store brand foods. Consumer report even like some store brand products such as store brand formula, cookies, and more. These things are not only great tasting and healthy, but also less expensive. Store brand formula is sold at your favorite retailer store like as Walmart, Sam's, Target, Walgreens, Babies r us and CVS.There are store brand infant formulas sold at retailers including Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, and Babies “R” Us; plus they contain the same nutritional value like the other brand name infant formula.

If I were you, I would switch to generic formula for they are also safe, and is FDA approved, too! Parent's Choice Advantage Infant Formula is similar to Similac Advance. They both contain prebiotics to help support baby’s immune system. They contain all nutrients, vitamins and minerals for growth and development including DHA and ARA, which may support brain and eye development. The only difference is the price for brand name formula is always expensive than the other. So, if you care enough for your child's safety, check the formula's lot number to make sure it is not part of the recalled lot. The same thing you need to do with their toys, clothing, foods and etc...

New Friend and LDS Conference

I had a great time walking and talking with my new friend this week. I had the chance to get to know her better and vice versa. I will not get bored anymore since we live close to each other and we both have boys that belong to the same class. Our son enjoy each other's company and so are. we :-). Today, the kids will be dismissed early today due to the State Fair. Though we don't have any plan on going there this year, we still want to get ticket for Jacob since we sometimes change our minds :-). Anyway, the Annual LDS general conference is going to convene this weekend and hubby and I are both excited. We get the chance to hear messages from the modern prophet of the Lord.

She Was Very Mad!

This afternoon, I went to Jake's school to help his teacher with the Math subject. As I walk along the hallway, I can hear his teacher very upset and yelling to the kids in her class. She was telling the kids that she is not a babysitter, but a teacher instead which is very true. But to me, that doesn't give her the right to yell on the children. She doesn't have patience at all! I wonder why she qualified to teach. I have done many volunteer jobs at my son's school and never seen such behavior. She is abusing the children verbally and that shouldn't be acceptable no matter how bad the children's behavior may have been. She couldn't handle the kids as well as her job. When it was time for the kids to go home, she wasn't even done putting stuffs in the children's take home folders. Had I not helped her, the kids would still be there waiting. This is the second time I witnessed her bad behavior and bad temper. These children don't deserve such treatment. Could it be the reason why one of Jacob's classmate, Brant transferred to another school? I couldn't wait till the school is over so my son wouldn't put up with her bad behavior anymore. Anyway, when I asked Jacob what made her very upset with? He said that one of the boys did something and because of that, the boy didn't get a cupcake from one of the boys birthday. It wasn't fair, was it? Oh well, hope parents will see how bad this teacher is and file a petition to remove her from teaching. This teacher needs a lot of training on how to handle children's behavior. I have taught children ages 18 months to 8 year old at church and was able to handle different behavior successfully. It takes patience, love and understanding to teach these children. And this teacher doesn't have any of these. I want my son to learn at school not to lower his self esteem. For now, there is nothing I can do, but pray for this woman to realize how precious these children are and that they need to be treated with love, patience, kindness, gentleness, and understanding.

Quotable Quotes

Just want to share some of my favorite quotations with you, guys. Hope you like it and learn from it....like I did.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

There is no better mirror than an old friend.

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

The more you know yourself, the less you criticize other.

Service is the product of love, so long as we love, we serve.

Gone Fishing on Labor Day

On labor day this weekend, we went for fishing in one of the many lakes in Texas and one of them is found in Crandall, not far from where we live. We got there at 10am and the place was full of people already; some are swimming, fishing, boating, and other were there for a family picnic. We didn't catch not even a single fish, if you will ask :-); we ate the foods we brought with us and after that went for a drive on the countryside. Anyway, here are few photos I have taken while there.

Some Hispanic people busy preparing their foods close to the swimming area.
We were on the other side were people fish with their small kids.
After an hour of fishing, hubby finally sat and relax.
Jake with his fishing pole...fishing of course!
Preparing their fishing poles by putting baits.
And of course a posed with Mommy :-).

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1.02.28

My In/Outdoor Plants

Both Hubby and I love indoor/outdoor plants for they not only beautify your home, but also filters the bad odor inside inside it. Aside from the these plants photo, we also have african violet, geranium, aloe vera, orchids and fern. Outside are newly re planted mums which are great for fall season, crape myrtle and mini roses. And every time I see these plants it makes me fell good. Anyway, what about you? Do you have fave flower plants at home? Share them with us if you don't mind :-); we'd love to see them, too!

Quotable Quotes

I love quotes. They help me in every in every thing I do. They strengthen me, motivate me, and help me becomes a better person just like the scriptures do. Quotes from famous spiritual leaders, poets, leaders of nations, and most of all from prophets of God are the thoughts that we need to seek after for they will lead us o where we want to be, and what we want to become as an individual, mother, wife/husband, neighbor, friend, daughter/son, and a citizen of the nation. Here are a couple of my favorites:

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, and a beautiful thing." ~ Mother Teresa ~

"Many a person has held close, throughout their entire lives, two friends that always remained strange to one another because one of them attracted by virtue of similarity, the other by difference." ~ Emil Ludwig ~

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1.02.28

Nostalgia: Jake's First Taste of Cotton Candy

This one of Jacob's milestone that I like a lot. His first taste of cotton candy. He was one year old here and was very much looked like his Dad :-);and the lady holding her was his nurse when he was at the NICU for a month. She adores him for he said he is not only cute, but also very a quiet baby for he hardly cry at all. Anyway, this was taken at Medical City-Dallas where Jake was borne. We attended the events specially for the premature babies who stayed at NICU.

Little Jake with his nurse...
with the clown...he looks very curious on what was going on.
The cotton candy and him...
and then, the proud Dad :-).

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1.02.28

Caramel Apples

My family and I love caramel apples and every time we go to Tanger outlet mall near our place, we make sure we get some o take home or eat there at Chocolates Factory; they are so yummy and the cheapest among all sweet they sell at that store. Satisfy your craving for sweet yet healthy fruits by making some of this food.

Caramel apples or taffy apples are created by dipping or rolling apples-on-a-stick in hot caramel, sometimes then rolling them in nuts or other small savories or confections, and allowing them to cool. Alternately, can be wrapped around the apple, followed by heating of the apple to melt the caramel evenly onto it. This creates a harder caramel that is easier to transport but more difficult to eat. Caramel apple production at home usually involves melting pre-purchased caramel candies for dipping, or making a homemade caramel from ingredients like for the high-volume production of caramel apples, a sheet of caramelbrown sugar, butter, and vanilla. Homemade caramel generally results in a softer, creamier coating.

In recent years, it has become increasingly popular to decorate caramel apples for holidays like Halloween. Methods used to do this include applying sugar or salt to softened caramel, dipping cooled, hardened apples in white or milk chocolate, or painting designs onto finished caramel apples with white chocolate colored with food coloring.

Classically, the preferred apples for use in caramel apples are tart, crisp apples such as Granny Smith or Fuji apples. Softer, grainy-textured apples can also be used, but are not preferred. Caramel apples are usually consumed as treats at autumn festivals such as Halloween or Bonfire Night, in the wake of the annual apple harvest.

Nostalgia: Engagement Ring and Wedding Band

My entry for this week's Nostalgia is my wedding and engagement rings. I wear these jewelry everywhere I go. Of course my most fave of all the jewelry hubby gave me.

How about you? Join us by clicking the badge above.

Jacob' Class Presentation

Before the end of school year, Jacob's class performed a sing and dance during the school ceremony or should I say, graduation. It was his first time that is why he was very shy; but I am so proud of him. I think he did a good job as a first timer. After their presentation, certificates and awards have given followed by a light snack. He had fun, he said. Anyway, here is a short video of the said presentation; short because my phone had run out of space :-( and my camera needs to be charged....what a bummer!

Nostalgia: Trip to Washington DC

We miss living on the east coast...and regretted of not being able to go to New York to see the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street and etc....good thing we were able to see some great place like the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and more before we moved back to TX. Who would have thought that six months later, we would be living the east coast? Hope we could go back there again someday. For the meantime, please enjoy the photos we took during our trip to Washington, DC before Christmas of 2008.

Leaves were still falling on winter time :-).

Jake posed overlooking the giant Christmas tree in front of the White House and the Washington Monument.

Us inside the Lincoln Memorial.

In front of the White House; too bad that civilian are not allowed to get inside anymore.

Jake and I ...behind us is the Washington Monument.

With Daddy at Korean War monument.

My men :-)...love this photo.

and here is my little pumpkin walking towards me. Nice view of the Washington monument.

Caring for Your Laundry

We spend time and energy picking out the fiercest fashion we can find, but what good is it if we don’t learn the right way to care for our prized possessions? So, here so here are the answers to our questions....find out the best way to keep colors saturated, jeans from fading and how to avoid needing to iron.

I am not obsessed with laundry.... but as a stay at home Mom, this is one of my job... I don't like folding and ironing either, but what can I do :-)?

Here are some of the answers to questions that you, guys and I wanted to know. I got this on the internet and decided to share it here:

Q: If a garment says "dry clean" on the tag, can you throw it in the wash anyway?

A: Silks and satins must be dry cleaned, but cottons, wools, even some cashmere can be hand washed in cold water. Use drying screens for sweaters— never put them in the dryer.

Q: How can you keep a favorite pair of jeans from fading?

A: Turn them inside out before washing, use cold water and Tide Total Care to protect the fabric. Never put jeans in the dryer.

Q: What is the best way to store clothes you’ve just washed?

A. When they’re fresh out of the dryer, immediately put them on a hanger so they won't wrinkle and you won’t have to iron. One exception: never hang sweaters as the shoulders will stretch. Always store them folded.

Another great tip from Katy, you can minimize the number of times you need to wash an item by using a steamer to freshen it up or a sprtiz of Febreze.

Nostalgia: Jake's First Visit to the Philippines

These photos are very memorable to me since it was taken during Jake's first visit to the Philippines and my first time after 7 years. Jacob was 4 months away from turning 3 then. It was the hardest flights I had since he was still too young and needs to be carried all the time. I will never forget that experienced at the plane and airport with him. Hubby didn't go with us for he was waiting for a job interviews. Yup, he was jobless that time because he got laid off by T.I. Anyway, with all the luggage I have to carry and a child crying while seating on his stroller I was upset that Matt changed his mind and decided to stay. I remember many Pinoy offered some help. The same scenario happened on our way back. So when hubby fetched us up at the airport, I told him that I will never travel again without him especially if it is overseas.

Okay here are some of the pictures I took during that visit....

At the airport on our way back home....he was waving bye, bye :-)
On the laundry basket.....
with my brother and his wife.
Here is with Lolo in front of our house....waiting for some ducks that roam around every morning :-).
With his cousins before the recognition day.
Last shot with Lola before we left.....
and with his cousin (my cousin's daughter).
Jake's enjoying his bath on the big laundry thing (batya, no idea what batya in english, lol)
and last but not the least, playing with a toy guitar.

So here you go....what about yours? Share them with us by clicking the badge above.