Francis M.

I knew he had leukemia before. But, I never thought that his death would be this soon. I used to watch him in the Philippines when he co-hosted Eat Bulaga with Michael V. and others. He's such a great talent and a good-looking face. I will always remember his popular rap songs, "Mga Kababayan Ko", and "Cold Summer Nights", one of my faves.

Boost Your Sales

When I was working for a pharmaceutical company before, we used to attend symposia or conferences mostly held in hotels. We would invite top-notch doctors to speak about our drugs, the benefits, etc. We would set-up our own display stands, hand-out brochures, etc. Other drug companies do the same.

There are different ways to promote your product thereby increasing your sales. Pull-up banners are a great way to capture people's attention. If you would like to hold an exhibition, roll up banners Autralia are an effective tool. If you're trying to sell a product in a mall or shopping center, these would be a good way to have your stuff noticed by the public. Another promotional strategy is through trade shows. Trade show displays Australia can help boost product sales. They attract attention with their stylish designs and intense visuals. Displays Direct uses digital technology to come up with great graphics that would surely entice a buyer's attention. They also have portable counters, outdoor flags, LCD stands, brochure stands, that you can choose from at affordable prices. Your preferences and your budget are important to them. Increase product awareness through Displays Direct. Boost your sales.

Freaky

Imagine entering a bathroom with a floor like this. I'd freak out. Good thing that this is just a painted floor. But still... My first reaction would be, I'd scream! Being an acrophobic myself won't help either. I don't think I can walk on a bathroom floor like this. Scary... hehe :)

Special Baby Gift

This morning I checked our mail and I was surprised to get a birth announcement from one of my husband's former players. His wife just gave birth to their first born, a beautiful baby boy. I was thinking of a nice gift that is unique and special. I thought of giving them a burp cloth set with his name embroidered on each of them. I've been looking online and I found one that seems easy to use and fun at the same time. Threadsmith.com makes embroidery quick, easy and enjoyable for everyone. You can do logo shirts using their wonderful designs, or you can create your own to make it more personal. The material they use is of high quality. They can create everything from polo shirts, t-shirts, sweaters, hats, and most of all baby items. For some reason, I couldn't come up with a good idea for the burp cloth. Great thing that they have a section called Get Ideas where I can choose a design or template for it. I can say the Mom will definitely love this beautiful gift.

Classmates

I recently joined Facebook and it was so nice to see my classmates and friends in highschool and college again. Most of them were married and have children, and some chose to remain single up to this time. It took a while for me to finally recognize some of the faces for their looks have truly changed. For the others, it seemed nothing has changed. They still looked the same. We got to exchange notes and even reminisced funny memories in highschool. It was fun!

Quality Shutters

It snowed last weekend. I wanted Noah and Kaiden to experience the snow and enjoy the outside even for a bit. Noah had fun walking, kicking the snow while Kaiden just observed and tried to feel it with his little fingers. We didn't stay out that long. It was pretty chilly, even inside the house. One advantage of having exterior shutters is that they help in controlling the temperature or climate inside the house. You can just open and close the shutters depending on the weather you're experiencing. Aside from that, they make the house look more stylish and attractive. Larson Shutter Company has a wide selection of high quality exterior shutters. They're known for durability and beauty. In fact, their product was even used in the popular show Extreme Makeover Home Edition in West Virginia. Right now, they have an ongoing sale on Placer Polymer Vinyl One Piece. Take advantage of the FREE shipping and the reasonable prices they offer. Buying online from them is safe and easy.

While waiting...

These were taken while waiting for our daycare to open. Kaiden was in a good mood for some picture taking. We waited for long that we decided to go home instead. An hour later, she called and told us that she overslept. Mmmm...

Going Organic

Apples, oranges, strawberries, bananas, grapes, cantaloupes... I stocked up on these fruits while on sale and I have my refrigerator full of them. Strawberries on sale for $1.29, and grapes for 89 cents per pound. Bananas were on sale for 39 cents per pound. I got 2 cantaloupes for only $3.00. Now, I don't have to worry about what to give my little ones for snack, or when they get hungry. As much as possible, I'd rather give them fruit or any healthy food instead of cookies, chips filled with sugar and fats for snack. This early on, I would want them to get into the habit of healthy eating. At the same time, it has been my dream to have a vegetable or fruit garden at my backyard. It's just not possible right now because of our dear dogs. But when that time comes, I would want my kids to plant and water the garden with me. Organic gardening is one thing that I've been considering. I've been awed by the benefits of organic gardening. Because of the absence of chemical pesticides, you are assured that the food you eat has higher vitamin and mineral content, and that it is more flavorful or intense. Organic gardening is better for the environment as well. Right now, I'm thinking of getting an organic rose care kit for the rose plants at our front yard.

Under Construction...YOUR BLOG NEEDED!

Sorry, my fabulous blogger friends. This blog is under construction. I'm still learning the ropes here, so I hope you'd bear with me.

For the meantime, you can leave your LINKS to be sure you're added to my blogroll. Again, sorry for the inconvenience. Thank you! :)

For My Two Boys With Love

Noah and Kaiden,

Each moment you cross my mind, I praise God, and my eyes tear up with joy. As an individual, I have been blessed with so many wonderful memories and incredible accomplishments. I have been all over the world, talked with famous people, spoke in front of hundreds at conferences, participated in the Rose Bowl while with Washington, worked in the NFL and World Cup Qualifiers for the USA. Won All-Star Awards in Hockey, National Championships as a Rower and a few times Daddy even brought home Inspirational Awards. I have been to Major League Soccer Championships and was blessed by God the fate to win. I am respected in the medical field by my colleagues and valued by them to share my opinions. To me, that is an honor which in time you will understand more clearly.


But NOTHING. NOTHING I have experienced in life compares to, or comes remotely close to the simple act of watching you sleep peacefully next to me in bed. There is NOTHING as gratifying as watching you roll over and put your thumb back into your mouth and continue sleeping. NOTHING is so reassuring as hearing the air pass through your tiny nostrils so quietly. NOTHING more precious as your rolling your little body up against me in the middle of the night for protection and comfort. NOTHING more satisfying as to hear you laugh uncontrollably out loud. NOTHING that touches my heart more deeply than your little voice say "Daddy" or in Kaiden's case, "Da Da". NOTHING that melts my heart more easily than your tender kiss against my face.

You boys are my life. All I think about each day are ways to keep you safe, and ways to give you opportunities in life that make you feel complete and happy. Most of all, I want you to know your Daddy prayed to God for you to be his children before you were even conceived. I waited most of my life to have you and at the Lord's perfect time, I was blessed with two incredible boys.

Noah and Kaiden, I love you with all my heart. You are my reason for living. You are gift from God entrusted in me to raise you up properly in order to be good young men. I am not perfect, and I may unknowingly and unintentionally let you down, but I will always love you. Neither of you are perfect, but I will love you unconditionally with each passing day. For you are my sons. Two of the greatest people on this Earth. Two people that if given the choice of all those in the world, I would choose you to spend my day with. Yet the Lord has given me even a greater reward. He chose me to spend my life with you two. I am truly blessed. I love you boys. Always remember and be assured that your Daddy treasures every moment he shares with you. You are his happiness. You are his Joy. You are his son for whom he is so proud. You are his greatest accomplishment.

Love,

DADDY


Two weeks in Mexico, my husband just misses the boys so much that he thought of writing them a letter.

Sports Trophies

Boy, I'm so glad that my little Kaiden has finally recovered from the nasty stomach flu. It's certainly no fun having a sick child especially if it involves changing diapers every now and then because of loose bowels. Last Sunday was the first day his stool changed from being watery and runny to thick and less frequent. What a relief for him, and Mommy! :) During those days that I was home taking care of him and Noah, I happened to go over some of my husband's old photos. They won the MLS championships and he's holding their soccer trophies. One picture was with the team's 2 doctors. The other was him holding the big trophy in front of the team's banner. He looked pretty good on those photos, I must say. I still have to wait for him to bring home golf trophies one of these days. When I was in highschool, I joined our class's cheerleading squad. We didn't win, but the cheerleading trophies that were given to the winners were just spectacular. We were jealous, needless to say.

Trophiesales offers trophies, awards, plaques, medals, certificates at a price lower than its competitors without compromising great quality and excellent service. Name it. They have trophies, awards for every event or occasion such as sports trophies, retirement plaques, employee awards, even lapel pins, and a lot more.

The Pocket Parent

Couple of months ago, I got a book from Amazon called The Pocket Parent. As a parent of a toddler and a baby, I would need all the advice and help I can get on how to raise them well. I'm glad I made this purchase. Before I finally made up my mind on this one, I initially made a research on several parenting books available. I like how handy it is. It's fast and easy to locate the topics you're looking for such as potty training, tantrums, etc. Topics are alphabetically arranged, and different techniques, suggestions, or advice are enumerated in a simple manner. I like how the author presents the solutions on handling a particular situation in a story-like way. It's light to read, not overwhelming. This book serves as as quick guide for me and my hubby. Most of the time, it's in our bathroom along with the other magazines. Funny it may sound, but this is the only place in the house where I can be by myself and have time to read. hehe :) Other times, the book is in the living room for quick reference.

With Daddy

Noah and Kaiden patiently waiting for the pizza

Noah and Chuck E Cheese

His Daddy giving him his Whopper

That weekend before he left, my hubby decided that we treat Noah at Chuck E Cheese for his birthday, while he's still here. There were a lot of kids, apparently because it was a weekend. Pizza was great, as well as the salad! Oh, just loved their salad! It was one of the best I've ever tasted! Noah had a grand time with the slide, the rides, and definitely with his Daddy.

Sophisticated Living

Most of my relatives and friends live in New Jersey and New York. My parents have been residing in New Jersey for a number of years now. They like the convenience of living in the city. Stores are nearby that they can just walk a block or two to buy things they need, immediate or not. My friend whom my brother and I grew up with has been looking into Tribeca Coops. He just got married and they are already expecting a child. They have been searching for Tribeca Coops for sale or NYC Condo for sale for sometime now. He has been a living an upscale life eversince he was single. He desires the sophisticated experience that the New York City Condo brings. No doubt he can very much afford such modern lifestyle for he has a high-paying job to start with.

34Leonard brings luxury and sophisticated living at its best. It provides the ultimate upscale NY living to each of their lofts. The NY Condo is designed by world class architects who won awards for their creative and unique designs. As soon as you enter the lobby, you will be mesmerized by the classy ambience it projects. Bedrooms, kitchens were carefully and artistically arranged to accommodate a growing family. If you want to witness beauty and elegance, visit 34Leonard.

Noah's Birthday At Home

On his birthday itself, we had a simple yet sweet celebration at home. It was just the 3 of us- Noah, his brother Kaiden and myself. His Daddy was not home that day for he had to go to Mexico for another Spring Training. Sad, but he made up for his absence by calling that night to greet him. For his birthday, I made sure I got his favorites. We had his all-time fave spaghetti, chicken nuggets, meatballs, chocolate ice cream and not to forget, his Thomas the Train cupcakes! Oh, how he loved his cupcakes!

I had to take his shirt off for he could get very messy. :)

Kaiden was still sick, but he had a share of the spaghetti and nuggets.

Noah's birthday is not complete without these- Thomas the Train cupcakes!

Cruise The Road

The time I pick up the kids has changed since last week. I get off work around 2:00 pm. At most times, I pick them up at 4 pm. But, the daycare provider asked if I could get them earlier than the usual. That means, 3:00 pm. My husband and I were guessing that the reason for the change was that she wanted to spend more quality time with her family. It's alright. The unfortunate thing is, I have to rush up my shopping in order not to be late. At most times, I do my grocery shopping after work. This is also the time I get to unwind and have some precious time for myself. I don't have to be in a hurry. Most of the time, I take time looking at newly built houses, even foreclosed ones while driving. At the same time, I get to see and be mesmerized by the latest models of cars as I cruise the road.

If you are into cars, and even if you're not, Acura TL is a must see. Out of 10, it got an overall rating of 8. It does get your attention with its sleek style. The Honda Civic Hybrid or the Honda Hybrid can boast of its elegant, futuristic style and fuel efficiency as well. Since they're hybrid, that means you can save a good deal on gas which is very important in these trying times. Nissan Altima is another great find. It does have a rating of 8.4 out of 10 according to TheCarConnection. Rating is based on style, performance, features, etc. You can count on TheCarConnection for honest reviews on different cars. You may want to check their site first before purchasing to be sure you're getting the right one for your taste and budget.

Happy Birthday Noah!

"You are our first born... our beautiful, precious child... I can't believe that you're a big boy now, no longer a baby... Gee..Mommy's having a hard time accepting that :) But, I'm happy and proud of what you have become for the first 2 years of your life... We treasure your every giggle, your smiles, even your tantrums and naughty ways... Continue making us laugh with your silly, funny ways. We love your kisses and hugs at bed time before you sleep. Your brother baby Kaiden surely doesn't mind waking up for your good night kiss, likewise your cuddly friends- brown bear, fluffy doggy, hairy lion, Chicken Little and Thomas the Train. Sweet, sweet Noah... Mommy and Daddy love you very, very much! Happy Birthday our lil boy!

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Daddy, you O.K.?

"Daddy, juice?", Daddy, crackers?". Our sweet boy, Noah took care of his Daddy when he was sick. He had been rubbing his back making sure he's OK. He never left his side even when his Daddy had to go to the bathroom. Stomach flu has been going around, and unfortunately we were not spared from it. My husband was in bed the entire day yesterday for he had been throwing up and had been having frequent bowel movements. It seemed that his body shut down. Baby Kaiden has his own share of vomiting and diarrhea as well. I can't remember how many times I've changed his diapers! He has been sleeping more than usual. Ironically, he doesn't look weak or acting like one. He's active and plays like normal. I'm just glad that he could drink a good amount of Pedialyte, Gatorade and milk. He gets fussy though whenever I change his diaper for his bottom is almost covered with bright red rash. Poor lil guy. :( Noah had the illness too, but it only lasted for a day, which happened last Sunday. So, he's good the rest of the week. I hope my 2 other men get better soon. Although not completely recovered, my hubby needed to get up early this morning for a trip to Mexico. Yeah... oh, well... It's work so he couldn't really afford to stay home and recuperate. My poor hubby. :(

Anyenye!

It happened so fast. Just turned my back for a second, and to my surprise... :)

Cool, Fun Site

When my Dad was here, he shared with me a great recipe of his famous Chicken Mami Noodles. It's simple to do, yet the taste is just spectacular! Mmmm! My Mom and I even teased him that he could open a restaurant and earn big time from his Chicken Mami. The recipe includes chopped onions, scallions, pork rind or chicharon, toasted garlic, ground pepper, beef and chicken bouillon, Mami noodles, and of course the main ingredient, chicken. My hubby could finish a huge bowl of the soup. The little ones, Noah and Kaiden couldn't stop opening their mouths to eat a spoonful of it Today, I tried the recipe and while waiting, I came across Acobay.

Acobay sounds like a really fun idea to share your stuff. For a start, I thought of putting my blog with the aim of boosting more traffic to my site, meet new friends who share the same interest as I do. Then, I also thought of including our dogs under Pets category, a Chocolate Labrador and a Jack Russell Terrier hoping to meet owners who have the same dogs as I do. Hmmm... How about sharing my Dad's Chicken recipe? Why not? Acobay is indeed a cool, fun site. Join us now.