Happy New Year Everyone!

Greeting from my Family to Yours! More Happiness and Blessings this Year 2009 and Always!

Blog URL Under Transition

I have just switched the blogspot url of this blog to url domain and I am asking you my friends to please change the link into www.mysimplefamilylife.com. Thanks, friends :-)! Looking forward to your visit often and I will try to do my best in return. If you do add this blog to your blogroll, please let me know so I can add yours, too! Have a Wonderful Day and thanks in advance!

Thanks, Google!

I still can not believe it! This blog got a PR2 :-). I know this is not much compare to other bloggers, but to me, it means so much! And I would like to thank GOOGLE for this early New Year present :-). I will try to maintain the PR here and maybe it will go up again next time.

Busy but Enjoyable Family Day Out!

Talking about Monday, for me it is always my busy day even though I am just a stay at home Mom. Yesterday, we went to our dentist appointment; Jacob did fine with his check up. The dentist found few cavities and need some cleaning to make sure that his teeth need serious procedure or not. He was by himself with the dentist and we are so proud of him for that. Normally, he would freak out and cry like you are doing something bad on him or hurting him. But yesterday, he was very cooperative. I am hoping he will do just fine for his cleaning next week! After that, we went grocery shopping at Walmart.

In the morning, we went to the bank and deposited the check my in-laws gave to us as our gifts for Christmas, then afterwords, headed to the Mall and returned the gloves my hubby gave me, then I got the chance to shop at Old Navy and bought myself a blouse and camisole that goes with it. Ate lunch at fast food, then play games at the video arcade. Oh, man that was a long day, but I have no regret for we all have fun doing things together as family, plus were able to catch three opps despite of that before the end of the day.

A Candy that Fights Bacteria!

After reading this article, you will never look at candy canes again the way you used to . The flavors and ingredients of this candy is the secret of it. What do you think? Read and find out more benefits of eating to our health.

New studies on peppermint, the key flavoring in traditional candy canes, reveal the herb may do everything from kill germs to treat digestive troubles.Some researchers now advise consumers to eat a tablespoon or more of fresh peppermint, and other green herbs, daily.

Peppermint oil, found in most candy canes, also appears to have health benefits. A recent British Medical Journal study, led by McMaster University researcher Alex Ford, concludes that peppermint oil should be the first line of defense against irritable bowel syndrome, a condition characterized by abdominal pain and irregular bowels that affects between 5 to 20 percent of the population.Peppermint oil, and other potent essential oils, may even one day be wafted in their vapor form over food to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Salted Eggs and Tomato Salad

This salad is very simple and easy to make. Salted eggs and tomato salad is the traditional accompaniment for Tinapa (Smoked Fish), a perfect match for grilled pork or any fried or grilled fish.This is one of the foods I miss so much from the Philippines. I love it; still eat it every once in a while even though this is salty. And salty foods are not good for me healthwise.

How times fly so fast....

Here are four nieces of mine: Karla, Maureen, Camille and Arabelle (starts from the right)....
with my brother, Danny, mother and Maureen..
mother with Karla and Maureen...
with my mother and borther is Ara....
and here is the second to the youngest and third Camille and youngest, Ara! They were all chilling after the big Noche Buena!

Last night I got the chance of talking with my family again in the Philippines. Happy to see my mother feeling better and as usual she became emotional and cried. That is one reason I don't call often as much as I should because it is breaking my heart to see her on the webcam drying! I also saw some pictures of them taken at Christmastime this year. They also want to see Jacob, but Jacob was already sleeping for it was already 2:00 in the morning. I can not believe how fast they are growing up! I already have three nieces who are teenangers and two are already in college. Anyway, I have posted some of the pictures of them here.

Two in One Toaster!

You know those mornings when every second counts? This great gadget ensures that breakfast doesn’t get kicked to the curb! By the time your coffee is brewed, your poached eggs, wheat toast, and turkey bacon are ready to go!I would like to have one of this someday; maybe a birthday gift from hubby this coming March :-)

It's been a long day for us!

It has been a long day for me today and I think I need to rest now before I get sick from staying so much on the internet blogging, talking to my family in the Philippines and completing oppos. I am glad despite of being busy, I still manage to do my duty as a wife and mother. I have been blessed with such a wonderful husband who has been supportive understanding when it comes to my blogging. My son is also very cooperative, patient and such a good boy who entertain himself while I am busy.

My Multicolor Christmas Tree

You are Multicolored Lights

Your holidays are a time for cheer and excitement. You love so much about the holidays, and everyone perks up a little from your happiness. You try to be grateful for what you have this time of the year. Even if things have been tough, you can't help but be joyful.

What Color Christmas Lights Are You?

This is so true. No matter how much I tried white lights on my Christmas tree, I always eneded up putting multicolor one. I also love red, green and blue when it comes to decorations. I hope someday to put white lights and white Christmas decors on Christmas Day!

Loving my Red Van :-)

This is the van I drive now. We still haven't fix the one that our neighbor had chipped because we need to wait till the weather is warm for the paint to drive properly. I love driving this car better than the Honda Element my hubby is driving to work. Three weeks ago, I drove the Element and it almost got us in to wreck. From then on, I told my husband I will not drive the Element again. This van is made by Chrysler and is very easy for me to drive. It has a DVD player and lots of features we needed when we are driving a long way. And Jacob is very comfy when he falls asleep.

Excited for the Holiday!

Last night I talked to my family in the Philippines and was happy to know that everyone is doing fine. They are all excited for Christmas. I told them that the Balikbayan Box will be coming but it would be late. They said it ok. They were excited for the package, too! Anyway, as soon as my mother got the money I send few minutes ago via internet, she started shopping for gifts and items for her little retail store that stands in front of their house. I am glad they are all happy. About us, we are about to spend our Christmas in my husnabd' brother in Durham. We both doesnt' want to, but they are very persistent. We just want to keep our tradition of staying home for a holiday. But oh well, this will probably happen once, so we decided to go and and leave the next day for our own Christmas celebration. Have a Wonderful Christmas Everyone! And A Blessed New Year to All!

Christmas Lantern

Parol (Christmas Lantern) is a traditional Filipino Christmas decoration, a five point star-shaped Christmas lantern. Originally made of thin bamboo frames and covered with colored cellophane or with rice paper also known as Japanese paper or papel de Japon. It has two tails that serve as the rays of the star .Parol reminds the Filipino Christians of the star of Bethlehem that guided the "Three Wise Men" on their way in search of Baby Jesus.

I really miss Christmas celebration in the Philippines and seeing decors everywhere. I remember when I was in grade school, we used to make our own Parol (Christmas Lantern) and then carry it with us during the parade on Christmas Party at school. And really enjoyed doing it every time.

Christmas Party @ Matt's Boss House

Last week we attended a Christmas Party at Hubby's Boss House. We all have fun in there, there were lots of food and and hubby's co-wokers and their families. Anyway, I took picture of Jacob and McKayla.

here they are...McKayla is only two year old who attends Pre-school and is a very smart little girl...

it was funny because Jacob calls her baby... as if he was old already!
They both loved the Santa Claus decoration which by the way sings and dances...pretty cool huh!

Ever Wonder Why The Holidays Are Perfect for Job Hunting?

It's easy to get caught up in holiday fever this time of year, concentrating on family, travel plans, holiday decor, and all the traditional festivities. But for those in the know, there's another form of "magic" in the air this season--because the holidays are PERFECT for job hunting. Don't believe anyone who tells you to just lie low until January, and that employers don't hire right now.

I am glad that my husband is finding a job now than waiting till his work is over in February. He was lucky enough and has gotten few job interviews. We are praying that he will be lucky and get a job before the end of the year. I hope that this article below that I got from the internet will work with us.

Each year, there are plenty of reasons that the holidays are the best time for a job search, including these 3 advantages:

1.) There's a TON less competitionfor jobs--even this year.
Don't tell your peers, but the law of probability is at work during the holiday season. With less applicants in circulation, you'll gain a much stronger reception from employers.
2.) Ample networking opportunities are everywhere.
Your next job lead could come from the literally dozens of people you can meet--some of them key decision-makers, or those with access to them--at holiday events.
3.) End-of-year budgets and hiring needs are all working in your favor.
While the myths abound as to how employers don't hire during the holiday season, many still have business needs (some even more so) during the last 2 months of the year.

Continue to market your skills and network with the end goal in mind, and you could find yourself ringing in the New Year while starting a new job.

Foods I missed most on Christmastime

I am pretty sure that Bibingka and Puto Bungbong are your favorites, too! I tell you now, am drooling with these foods. These reminds me of Christmas in the Philippines which I really miss so much! I still remember when I was young, my brother and used to attend midnight mass and after the mass we would buy these two and eat them in front of the bonfire with hot milk.

Don't you guys miss these foods, too? I bet you do! In case some of you are wondering, I am talking to my fellow my fellow Filipinos here :-)

Christmas Cards

I can not believe it! Chistmas is few weeks away and here am I still haven't started sending cards for my relatives, friends and family back to the Philippines. Well, can't blame myself, I have been busy with lot of things that I keep forgetting it. I better do it today before it's too late. I might mail the ones for my family through an express mail so they will get there on time. The BalikBayan box will get there a month later. I was just wondering, am I the only one late or what?

Very Nice Stockings

While surfing the net I found this very nice stockings. They are big and is perfect for your kids especially when they have lots of gifts coming from Santa! It is very easy to make, too! If you are not done buying stocking and you prefer to makke them yourself to save a buck or two, then these stockings are right for you. I will give you the lists of materials needed and intructions on how to do it; just let me know.

True Love.....

Sometimes we think that we already knew what love is...but as soon as we became a mother, that's when we realized that we still don't know a lot of things about true love. I experienced it myself and sure all mothers and fathers did too! When Jacob was born, I learned that I have so much love to give than I ever thought. It is weird but I feel much love with my son now than my husband. He is constantly on my mind everyday. When he is sick or hurt, I always say that if I can only take the pain out of him, then I will do it. I would rather take the pain he feels and suffer myself than seeing him suffers. Being a mother I always think of my son and his needs even his future. Whatever I do, I do it for him. True love is sacrifice, constantly thinking of him/her, patience, long suffering, kind, humility, forgiveness and more....and that is what parents feel for their children/child.

My Blog was cut off from PPP Marketplace

When I logged in to my PPP account this morning, I saw a red x on this blog and I thought I just need to instal the code again as what I used to do before and it was fine after that. But just now when I was checking my email, I saw one email from PPP teling me that my blog "does not meet our standards for overall quality and will no longer be able to be used for accepting marketplace opportunities. Payments currently pending will still be made to your supplied PayPal address." I didn't know what to think and say. I felt sad. I think that's ok now since I didn't do much in there lately. I hope they will review it again someday and hoping they will put back my blog into market place. I am sad still :-( and feel like doing nothing with my blogs today :-(