A Father's Day Post for Hubby

How was your weekend?  Ours was beautiful and fun-filled because we celebrated two special occasions.  First, we had a family get together for our Princess' 5th Birthday and second, we celebrated Father's Day with a simple lunch at our favorite BBQ place.

So to honor this special man in our lives, I did a picture collage of him and the kids and posted it in FB and wrote:

"Thank you for showing your love in the simplest things"

(It's true.  If there is one word that would describe him, it would be "simple".  He may be a man of few words but he never fails to show us that he loves us everyday.)
 

Since Hubby doesn't access his FB regularly, I told him that I posted something in FB for him!
*me, feeling giddy*

So after seeing it. . .

Hubby: Baby, bakit laging nakatalikod ako?

Then I remembered what I posted last year for Father's Day (pls. see below)

Hahaha!  And then I laughed out some more when I realized that in the other picture in the collage above, he was wearing an Iron Man mask!

But I have to say something about that!

Me:  Para medyo artsy ang dating di ba, dramatic! =)

Hubby: Ano ang dramatic sa hindi kita ang mukha?

LOL

All these time that we are having this conversation, he was saying everything with a straight face!
Haha!  And if you ask me what is one thing I love about him, he just makes me laugh without trying hard!

So Sweetheart, I owe you a full frontal picture!  And I want to share it with everyone who reads this blog, haha!

HAHAHA!  

I know you hate this picture and probably you'll hate me more for posting this. . . but I do know you love me (SO MUCH!) that you actually won't mind. Haha!

Happy Father's Day!  

We love you Daddy!

New Year Makeover

Happy New Year!!!

I know this greeting came in  more than a week late but as they say, better late than never! (heehee) 

I was supposed to put up another post where I am to write about how my 2015 went but as I start to look back at the past year, it gets the better of me and I start becoming emotional  (my father passed away last April).  I will probably still write that post but I don't want my first blog post this year to be sappy.

It is nice to start the New Year with a grateful heart, lots of positivity, hope and laughter. 

New Year for each one of us would mean different things.  But I think one thing that all of us can agree on is it means changes. . .including makeovers, haha!

Our little big boy (he is 2 years and 10  months now) is due for a haircut and I thought of getting a new hairstyle for him (AND I have another reason which you will find out later). 

For inspiration for his new look, I just have somebody in mind! 

Photo source

This adorable young boy is Ryker, one of two boys of Colette Wixom whose IG account (ministylehacker) I have been following since last year.  I don't actually remember how I came across it but I remember loving this little boy's look!  

Her account became popular because she posts photos of her 2 boys who mimic male fashion models and celebrities.  Plus we get to have a stylist for free, hahaha! 

If you have boys, her posts can inspire your boys' looks!

Photo source

Cuteness overload right?!

Back when we were still in Philippines, we have a go-to barber.  But now that we are in LA, our little boy gets his haircut where I get mine (read: beauty salon).  So this is the other reason why I want to get him a new look.

LOL

It's okay, you can laugh at him, we did! Haha!  He does remind you of Jim Carrey from "Dumb and Dumber" right?!

It's time to look for a barber shop!  We yelped for one but when we were on our way, we happened to pass by this barbershop which didn't look busy (there was only 1 person waiting) and went to this place instead.

I know I said it wasn't busy but we still waited for 30 minutes.  I didn't mind waiting because I saw how they work.  I like that they do NOT rush.  

Here is our little man (in his barber's chair) who managed to sit down all by himself (no tablet or candy needed).

   

Goes without saying that we just found the barber for him!  Thank you Troy!

I think one of the best feelings in the world is. . . .getting a haircut you really want and love! =)

It's true what they say. . . The hair is our crowning glory! =)

Uptown Barbers
7028 Greenleaf Ave

Ste H
Whittier, CA 90602

Tel No. (562) 696-0406

Close on Sundays

What's in my name?

Compared to my last name when I was single (made up of 9 letters), my married name is shorter (5 letters!) and easier to spell.  I am sure people who know me will agree!  Haha!

But there are still times when people don't get it right.

Two years ago. . .

Same place. . . last week.

Billion. . . De Leon. . . .

Yes, they still don't get it! Haha!

Dear Diary

My brother was helping us do some spring cleaning at the basement when he saw. . . 

MY DIARY. . . . from the '90s!!!  

This diary was a birthday gift from my younger sister (we share the same birthday, 6 years apart!) which makes it extra special.  My sister actually remembered giving it to me.  

Going through the pages brought me back to that time when . . SM Megamall was THE mall . . or when lunch or dinner at Pancake House, Racks or Aristocrat was already a treat.  I remember attending classes, group meetings, doing presentations and still be able to catch a movie AND still go to a "disco" (which are called "clubs" today) after.  (For the record, the movie and disco happening in the same night did not happen often!  Haha)  I can sleep at 4:30 am and still be on time for an 8am group meeting!  I wish I had this kind of energy NOW. . now that I have two toddlers!  Oh youthful energy. . . where are you when I need you most?! Haha!

The diary was only filled up half way and everything in it was about a guy. . . a crush of mine when I was a Junior at the University.  (not the first love, not the first boyfriend. Just.Crush.)

He was a guy I met through a friend.  We were in the same College but different Majors.  We have common friends and shared a couple of classes.  We became friends and we always had a nice time talking to each other when we do.  At the end, I think he kind of knows that I liked him, haha!

I really think I looked like this when he talked to me, hahaha!
Image from www.wikihow.com

As I read each page of the diary, there were a lot of laughs. . . then came louder ones, haha!  And then there were some cringe-worthy moments too, heehee.       

It has been a loooong time but I am sure you know how it feels to have a crush!  Just for fun, let me walk you through some of the things that happen when you do. . .(as I've read in my diary, haha!)  

1.  You have a code name for your crush --- I gave my crush the code name "Snuffleupagus" or "Snuffy" because (I thought) he was cute (even when he had eye bags! Haha)  

Mr. Snuffleupagus of Sesame Street
Image from www.muppet.wikia.com

2. You notice everything he wears --- from the color of the shirt to the brand of his shoes!  You probably even have a favorite among his shirts!  And when you see that you wore the same color of shirt one day. . . you may even regard it as a sign of greater things to come! Hahaha!  

3.You like what he likes - You love mellow songs but you start listening to his kind of music . . even if it's rock. . .or heavy metal!   

4.You get nervous, your heart beats faster, you get too excited, your face turns red. . . even with the mere sight of his hand or the back of his head!  Hahahaha!  (Aminin!)

Image from www.allposters.com

4.  And when you get the chance to face him, you can't look at him in the eye.  Or you just try to steal a glance . . .or you ask your friends to look at him for you, haha!  *cringe moment*   

Image from www.wikihow.com

5. For some reason, you get some "super powers"!  The ability to pick him out in the crowd or to be able to see him even from the corner of your eyes.  And this happened to me more than a few times, he just suddenly appears just when I wish I could see him!  (the power of the mind!)

Image from www.wikihow.com

6.  Seeing (or not) him can make (or break) your day!

Image from www.wikihow.com

7. You get jealous when you see him talk to another girl!  Enough said, haha!

Image from www.wikihow.com

You know what's the hardest thing when you have a crush?  Dealing with this hard truth. . .when your crush doesn't have a crush on you!  Haha!  I know this hurts. . . a lot.  But if this happens to you. . . 

Image from www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk

And don't forget. . . there are other fishes in the ocean!

Have a nice weekend everyone! =)

Life with Toddlers: Of Princesses and Witches

"Mama, pls. tell me a story".  

Our little girl loves it when I tell her fairy tale stories!  But sometimes, I am just so tired from doing things the whole day (I am a stay-at-home mom) that I am so sleepy even before THEIR bedtime! Haha!  But I do try my best to tell her one and I start my storytelling pretty good.  Then my eyes get heavy and I find myself switching characters from other fairy tales!  Cinderella becomes the girl who has seven dwarfs as friends and Rapunzel becomes the beautiful princess who fell asleep because she pricked her fingers, haha!

The other day, I wanted to make up for my sleeping beauty times that when she asked me for a story, I was ready!  I was excited. . .I was full of life!

She wanted to hear about the story of Ariel, the Little Mermaid.

Me: Once upon a time. . . 

As I went on, I asked her to help me with the characters.

Me: "So Ariel went to the ship and saw a handsome boy whose name is. . . 

Princess: "Papa!" (How sweet!) 

Me: This boy also has a pet dog.  What's the name of his dog?

Princess: :"Cobo" (his little brother---why am I not surprised? haha)

Then I reached the part of the story where Ariel went to see a witch because she wants to have feet to be with the boy he loves.  She has watched this Disney cartoon a million times that I'm kind of sure that she knows the witch's name (Ursula).

Image from www.praxistheatre.com

Me:  What is the name of the sea witch?

Princess: YOU!!!!

Me: Jaw drops

And she repeated it a few more times as I went on with the story!  

And it doesn't stop there.  Because apparently, I was also the Evil Queen in Snow White's story and I was Maleficent too when we were talking about Sleeping Beauty.  Well, she said so.

Is this payback time?! Haha!

So I am Mama, the sea witch, the evil queen!

But you know what, I am one witch that she loves to hold hands with, that she wants to sleep with, one that she can't stay away from! =)

And in the future, when she grows up, I am sure she's going to say the same thing. . . I am a witch and she would actually MEAN IT!  

She said what?

We were at a clothing store last Sunday to buy some long sleeve PJs for the kids since the weather is getting cooler.  So while I was looking around, our 3 1/2 year old Princess did too and helped herself, got a pair of pink pants and said, "Mama, I like pink. . . HOT pink!"  

Yes, you are never too young to learn about HOT pink! I had to correct her though.  

This is baby pink!  Haha!

Since we moved to LA last May, this little girl has become more articulate.  I've even heard her use some of these phrases:

What's up with that?!
What in the world?!
What in the whiskers?! (I know, whiskers?!)
Disgusting!
Smelly!
Oh dear  (and she just sounded like a grown up. . . an old one! Haha!)

One time, she did something and wanted to say "sorry" to me . . .
She said: "Sorry man" 

The other time, we were about to leave the house and she wanted me and her Papa to hurry up so . . .
She said: "Come on guys!"

As they say kids say the darndest things.

Well, they also say the funniest things..

She left the room and left her toys around so Hubby cleaned up.  When she came back and saw the clean room. . .

She said: "Papa, why you clean up? I like kalat! (kalat is the Filipino term for "mess")

Oh nooooo . . .

Last night, whe was pretending to go to class and I was her teacher. . . 

She said::  Good morning Teacher!

Me: Good Morning Princess!  Did you do your homework?  Let's try to count okay.

She (starts counting): One. . . .Two . . . Three. . .  GOODBYE Teacher! 

Where is that little girl who likes going to school?! Haha! 

The other night, I haven't taken a bath and it's getting late.

She said: "Mama, take a bath.  It's sleeping time!"  

I swear, somewhere inside of her is a grown up, haha!

And kids say the sweetest, melts-the-heart things too.

There was one time when she just suddenly told me . . .

"Mama, you are my best friend!"

Awwww, sniff. . . sniff. . . 

I hope she'll say the same thing when she grows up! 

And kids are honest too.

One night,while she was combing her Dad's hair
She said: Papa, you don't have hair.  Mama has lots of hair!"

Sorry Huney, that was just really funny!  It's one of my faves!  Haha!

Hope this post has brighten up your day just as it brightened mine.  Just spreading some good laughs to brighten up this cold and sort of gray day here in LA. =)

Spot On!

There is a saying which says "Patience is a virtue".  This was something which holds true to me. . . before the kids came, haha!

Parenthood is not a walk in the park.  I have to say that it brings out the best and the worst in me!  

There are days when I get heart melting moments.  Like when the other day, my Princess said:

"Mama look at the pink mirror (her toy), you're beautiful"  *Awwwww*

And then I imagine what my life will be without them!

And then there are days when I just want to scream and breakdown!  Sometimes I'm just too tired from doing household chores (and there are still so many things left to do) that I become impatient with the little ones.  And when this sets in, for sure, there is some yelling bound to happen (which breaks my heart).  Then, I feel I need a breather and I start to miss the life I had before I had them.

And then I imagine what my life will be without them!

But however hard it is, those precious moments are far greater than the ehrrrmm, let's just say, the "emotionally charged ones" haha!

And there is no imagining what my life will be without them because. . . I just can't. =)

To end this post, would just like to share with you an IG post shared by (working.mom.ksa) which is funny and true! =)

Spot on!  Haha! 

Toilet Training Woes

Toilet training is one thing that we're dealing right now . . .unsuccessfully.  *Sigh*

I've read that Kids would do it in their own time, when they feel that they are ready and that they shouldn't be forced to do it.  But then when I see and hear about other kids that are her age (and some are even younger than her!) who have already learned to let go of their diapers, I can't help but feel the pressure, haha!

We tried the potty trainer which she didn't use at all!  She preferred to sit on the toilet so I bought her a baby toilet seat to use.  She actually knows when it's time for her to go. . . she just wouldn't sit on the toilet.  I even showed her that Mommy sits on the toilet so she wouldn't be afraid to do it.

I also borrowed a book at her school which I thought was perfect for us!

The story is about Ducky and his friend Piggy who can't come out to play because Piggy is in the potty.  Ducky realized that it's time to be like Piggy, to let go of his diaper and sit on the potty.  

So I read this book to the Princess so many times and emphasized (like EMPHASIZED!) on how Ducky kicked his diaper because the diaper is wet and heavy and that sitting in the potty/toilet is better!

Then I asked her (and I sounder like a coach who was giving her team a pep talk!) after reading the story:

Me: Sooo, do you want to be like Ducky and Piggy?  Piggy uses the potty and Ducky KICKED his diaper because it was WET and HEAVY?!

And she gamely answered with a loud voice and said . . .

Princess: NOOOO!!!!! I want to be an elephant!

Me: *Facepalm* --- (have I mentioned that there's no elephant in the story?!)

So yes, I am stressing over this toilet training thing!  Wish us luck!!!  I neeeeddd it!!!!

Any tips?!

My New Favorite Number!

Eight is my favorite number because a) it has been said (for the Chinese) that it's a lucky number and b) our wedding date is on the 8th too.

But I just found my next favorite number!

Yesterday morning, the Princess and I were doing puzzles (the puzzle's design shows the numbers 1-20).  I know that she already knows her 1-10 so I don't expect her to know the rest of the numbers.

But I was wrong!

She saw this puzzle piece

And shouted. . . "Double 1!!!" (Haha!)

Anyway, so I told her, that's the number Eleven.  (But the little girl has a point, it is a Double 1!)

I am surprised (and proud) that she used the word "double" and came up with her own "number". Haha!

Now I'm afraid to show her my tops size, hahaha!  

Hope you had an enjoyable weekend full of good laughs! =)

For Pet's Sake!

The Princess and I were watching Cartoons where it showed that a little girl had Pets at home.

So out of curiosity, I thought of asking her what animal she wants for a pet.

Me: You know, Pets are animals you want to take care of.  How about you?  What pet do you want to bring home?

J: Snake!!!

(Gasp!!! )

So after a few days, I asked her the same question (as I would like to see if she will give me the same answer)

Me: What pet do you want to have?

J: Spider!!!

(Whaaat?!)

I don't know why she couldn't just say a "Dog" or "Cat"!  Haha!

So for now, I'll just leave it at that. . . it's still too early for her to have pets anyway.

Or until she changes her mind about what pet she likes!

Little Miss Multitasker

I've blogged about our Princess being a little Miss Independent in a previous post.

Apparently, she is a "multi-tasker" too!

When I saw her getting sleepy, I tried getting her snack but she REFUSED to give it up.  I guess she loves Yan-Yan that much! (Like mother, like daughter---NOT that I can't give up Yan-Yan!  We both have a sweet tooth) 

Who says you can't eat and sleep at the same time?!

So to the non-believers. . . I say. . . BELIEVE! Haha!

(More than) A Million Dollar Question

One of the TV shows I like watching in the past was "Kids Say the Darndest Things" (hosted by Bill Cosby).  The kids are so smart, funny and just plain honest with what they have to say. 

I know that there will come a time that my little ones would be able to express their own opinion and rationalize too.  And of course, there will be the never-ending WHYs and HOWs too.  But I've got time to prepare, I have a couple of years more for my eldest.  What I forgot is that I also have a curious 7 year old niece who has a good habit of asking questions =). 

One day, she came up to me and asked. . .

"Ta-ta, why is there a dirty finger???"

Source

*A few seconds of shock. . . my jaw dropped---Insert the sound of chirping crickets here*

Whaaaattttt????!!!!

She took the term literally, I think she wanted to know why there is a finger that is called "dirty".

I'm not ready for this!  Haha!

And if you're wondering how I answered that question. . . 

Well, I didn't. . . I told her to go and ask her parents!  Haha!

Have you been asked (More than) A Million Dollar questions too? =)

Just Laugh!

I went to the mall with the little girl to buy a few things.  I drove, I parked, I went to a computer shop to buy a couple of ink cartridges, we walked, I took the little girl for a ride at the carousel, we walked a little bit more to go to the book store.  We spent some time around the place, browsing, looking for things that I need, something for her too. . . until finally, we were done and were at the cashier to pay for our stuff.  While waiting at the cashier, I brushed my hair with my hand and my hand brushed a part of my face and then. . . I felt something on it!

There was a SMILEY face on my face!  Eeeeeppp!  Haha!  

Ate gets a smiley face from her teacher when they are done for the day which she sometimes sticks on me.  I completely forgot about having one that day and removing it before leaving the house!

So yes, I was walking and doing all the things I've mentioned above with a smiley on my face! 

I probably looked something like this . . . 

while walking around the mall!  Haha!

"As long as you can laugh at yourself, you will never cease to be amused."

- Unknown quote 

Hope you had a smiley and an amusing kind of day today! =)

Best Foot Forward

The other night, the little boy and I were in the room and were playing.  After a few minutes, I stood up to read a text message in the phone when I noticed that he got really quiet.  When I turned to look at him, I saw this!

At least it's his foot, not somebody else's! Heehee

This scene actually looked pretty familiar. . . 

I wonder, what is it with children and their fascination with their feet?!  Haha!

Stop . . .in the name of Love!

The little girl has graduated from Barney and is getting high with Hi-5!  She actually watches the original Hi-5 members that when I show her the music videos of the current group members. . .ummm, they just don't spell Hi-5 to her, haha!

We have a couple of Hi-5 DVDs and we watch more from You Tube.  She doesn't even mind watching the same videos over and over.  The other day, we watched a video which  played a particular song I like (because it has a catchy tune and the lyrics were easy to remember, heehee) so I started singing along.  I sang because more than anything, I want my little girl and me to do and enjoy the things she love . . . together.

Image from www.littlewingmn.com

As I was singing my heart out (and I really was!), she looked at me and said, "Mama. . . stop."

Hahaha!  My little girl wasn't impressed!  (My dear Voice, you have failed me!)

I'm sure you've heard too many times that kids don't lie. . . .I guess that means. . .I really suck at singing??!

Oh well, tell me something I don't know, haha!

What Happens . . .

When you leave your phone and a curious toddler in the same room. . .

SELFIE TIME!

Unforgettable!

These past few weeks have been pretty hectic and stressful (from the holiday preps to the kids being sick and everything else in between) for me.  I am just so tired that there are nights that I fall asleep and then wake up at 3AM to brush my teeth!  Heehee 

These are the times that I just need to have a good laugh to de-stress!

One of my favorite stories that never fails to make me laugh comes from a girl I know.

While at the mall, she was on her way to get her favorite frozen yogurt when she saw a guy who looked familiar (she was sure she knows him) and gave him a nice smile and waved at him.  

The guy (who was on the phone) saw her and waved back.  And as she walked away, after a few seconds, she just realized. . . that was her EX-boyfriend (and her first!)!  Haha!

They say that First Love NEVER dies. . . well I guess, this special girl just proved that it does!  She certainly has moved on, haha!

Thank you for making me laugh (you know who you are!)  YOU are unforgettable!

Here's to celebrating our adventures in love and finding our personal happiness!

Photo Source

Duck You!

As defined by Urban Dictionary, Duck Face is a term used to describe the face made if you push your lips together in a combination of a pout and a pucker, giving the impression you have larger cheekbones and bigger lips.

Duckface ala Kim Kardashian

Photo Source

Not sure though if this was what our little girl was trying to do. . . because I never told (and taught) her about it.

This is NOT our Duck Face. . .

It is our SAD face!

Well okay. . . I probably did this "Duck Face" thing. . . once.  

Only because I want my face to look slimmer!  Haha!

So. . .have you? =)

P.S. I wonder if you are trying to do a "Duck Face" while reading this post, haha!

Pretty in Pink

One of the things I've taught Ate early on is the importance of Sharing.  It didn't come easy because she was in her "mine" phase, a normal developmental stage for toddlers.  When her little brother came, it became a bit easier because she was truly fond of her baby brother (though there are still days that the green eyed monster gets to her).  And just like a broken record, I tell her repeatedly that she should share things (and people!  haha!  Yep, she has to share me with her brother!) with "Cobo" (this is how she calls him).

One day, when we went to the salon to have my our nails done:

Ate (in toddler talk): "Mama, Cobo, pink. . .nails"

(Translation:  Mama, Cobo should have pink nails too)

Haha!  I think she got my point on what sharing is all about.

Oh my Darling Ate, thank you for always thinking about your Little Brother and for wanting to share all the nice and fun things you do =)  I am sure your brother can't wait to play with you!

Let's Do This!

I've already heard this quote from my sister (she read it somewhere) . . .and saw a friend post (thanks B!) this in her FB wall . . .

So we're going to make some new memories next week!

In one of my favorite cities in the Philippines. . . . =)

Will keep you posted!