Our Home In Progress

It's been four months on the 15th of April since construction began and this is what those slabs and frames have become ...



... starting to get the shape of a house.

What's going on???

I'm still here. Just busy with work, family, school and a variety of other things.

I've been struggling to find time to scrap and to blog.

But anyway, just a quick run down of what has been going on in my world:

1. We flew to Tasmania for five days last February. Pictures to follow.

2. Another long weekend is coming up and we're driving up to mid North Coast of New South Wales. To Forster, that is!

2. I started a shourt course in uni on Tuesday nights for this semester c/o the company. I have an ASSignment due for submission on Tuesday and I'm not up for it. I want to relax in Forster! You can imagine me cramming on Monday night... just like the good old days. So now, I realized that I may not have the energy and patience to complete a Post Graduate Degree.

3. Oh our house - it has the roof!!! We've selected tiles for the baths and toilets and for the living area.

4. Work is upto my neck and my deadline was two weeks ago.

5. And Europe is lingering in my head. Hmmm...

There you go.

Starting a new home...

Last year, I was talking about the vacant lot we bought on my birthday. Well, it's a vacant lot no more. Progress has been made since the 15th of January 2007.

Jan 15th - The builders started to be on site, doing excavations, leveling the land.
Jan 17th - Site is ready.
Jan 19th - Slab has been laid. (That was fast!)

Jan 29th - Frames have been started on ground level.
Feb 12th - Frames have been completed.



This week, brick work will start. Not sure how long this stage will take. But I'm hoping we can move in by June. Can't wait to move into our own home.

It's been a while since we were in our own domain. I still miss our first townhouse. Little dreams started in that home. And this home we're building is part of those dreams.

I had "The One" for Valentine's

My hubby surprised me with a gift just before going to bed last night. It was already past 12 midnight and technically it was the start of Valentine's Day.

While waiting for him to join me in bed, I tucked myself ahead and hugged my pillow. I was starting to doze off when he came. I felt his arms around me and whispered twice something like "You're THE ONE I love. Happy Valentine's"!. I could sense that he was trying to keep it together or he'd give out a huge giggle as he placed a box-like over my huggie pillow.

When I opened my eyes, I knew it was a gift and was very happy to get a new perfume!!! I've been buying in the past few years perfumes that are citrus based scent. And to get something sweet smelling for a change is refreshing!

I have been interested in this type of scent for a while. But haven'd had the chance (and money) to research for "the one". I'm so glad that hubby did the work of shopping around. :)

"The One Perfume by Dolce & Gabbana" - consists of mandarin, peach, bergamot, lychee, jasmine, muguet, madonna lily, vanilla, amber, musk, vetiver, and plum.

This morning, we had cofee together and I gave him a card. I was scrapping last night one of our recent photo. But I wasn't able to finish it. Didn't have the right embellishments. (Excuses! Excuses! Excuses!)

Digi-scrapping

I went digital scrapping this week FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME. I just thought I'd try digital kit freebies from Shabby Princess.

Timing that my friend needed help in creating the layout to be printed on the tarpaulines/banners to be used for her darling daughter's christening.

I did two.



and my favourite




Undeniably, having access to various kits that you can embellish your layouts with in a click of a finger, is convincing enough to go digital. No mess and clutter on the table is a big plus too.

But I can't discount the fact that I feel more attached to my paper-based layouts. The texture, the details, the hidden journalling - they sum up the love and hard work I pour into it. They are the works not just of my hand - but of my HEART!

How to make those clocks...

 

This one is for YOU -

YOU who have asked me how to make one.
and
YOU who have appreciated my work.

I am sharing with YOU these steps and pointers to remember when altering a clock.

You can get it on Scrapbytes Ezine, on itsJanuary issue.

Happy Scrapping!

Maan

Yet another altered clock ...

For a change, I searched for a square clock for my kumpare and kumareng SnL. Well, I can only search those two home store/shops around my workplace imbetween Christmas and New Year.

Anyway, I used the photo Louie took of them during our Christmas get together early in December and worked around the colours of the tops they were wearing that day and quoted the memorable dedication S gave L on their wedding day.

Ang paskong lumipas...

Sabi nila mababait at "well-behaved" ang dalawang lalake ko. Sige na - gawin ng tatlo - isama ang tatay.

Pero ewan ko ba. Pagdating sa litratuhan sa harap ng Christmas tree, hirap na hirap ako. Eto lang ang nakayanan naming mag-asawa.

Sana'y naging maligaya ang inyong Pasko at nawa'y maging masagana at mapayapa ang darating na taon.

Remembering 2006

It’s almost time to wrap up 2006. And just like last year, when I first started my Christmas Newsletter, let me recount the blessings – whether good or bad – of this year.

It was the last week of January, my mom had her executive checkup and we are just not too happy with the result. So I decided to go back to work to start earning again after almost five months of maternity leave. I took the oppurtunity hire a stay-in nanny. I started working three days a week until I am able to bravely tell my boss that I can work full-time again. I had months ahead of me to think about it really. It was the month I started “getting fit” when I joined Fitness First. Oh the flabs – remnants of my pregnancyhood. :)

Come February, my eldest son, Wiji started in a proper pre-school. He went to Castle Hill Pre-School Thursdays and Fridays. Eee-yon started to crawl but I admit mix-feeding him (with formula, breastmilk, and solids) took a toll on his weight. He lost a bit of it.

Overall, we enjoyed summer to the hilt. It was the first time I tried the waters of Australia, literally speaking. It was cold most of the time, but the heat of the sun kinda balances it out.

In March, I committed myself to working full time. Scary decision but had to do it at some point anyway. Early this month, we saw the new range of large home designs from Domaine/Clarendon upon the prodding of our good friend Cirilo and Ida. We both loved it and started to review the house we were about to build over that old property we purchased in 2004.

We thought long and hard, weighed the pros and cons of losing our deposit to the other builder. And what do you know? I could’ve bought myself a brand new Omega watch and perhaps an LV bag with that deposit. But at the end of the day – it’s not the design I want anymore. And we even scrapped the whole idea of doing a “knockdown-rebuild”.

This month, we exhausted our efforts in finding for a vacant lot in the same suburb (where land is scarce). Yes, we still long to live in Castle Hill. Found a new land subdivision yet to be approved by the Council. Wow – and it shall take ten more weeks. Wow! What a long wait. Cause until it is approved, we can’t go to the new builder and ask them to draw plans it.

Anyway, April we started bidding but we only came to an agreement for the final price end of May. May is also the 4th birthday of Wiji. He had a cupcake party at Preschool and another party at Lollipops Playland with 27 guests. Early this month we had Yum-Cha to celebrate my squeeze’s 29th birthday. Also, we started applying for Mama’s visa after receiving good news that her lung nodules are far from

June – we celebrated our 5th church wedding anniversary. It was a simple one. On the day, we only contented ourselves with some yummy cake from Red Mango and capped the night by hearing mass and watching our wedding video with Wiji, whose remarks gave us a big laugh.

July – I turned the same age as my squeeze on the same day that we received final settlement for the lot we plan to build our new house on. Then, as the month ended, the builder drafted plans organized dates for submission to council. This month too, Mama got her tourist visa valid for 1 year again.

It’s Leon’s first birthday by end of August. But we had to reschedule the party to the first weekend of September cause I couldn’t get Mama a flight in August. Anyway, that’s cool! We had a Superman-Justice League theme for Leon.

Mid of September when we got news that Council has approved the plans and has issued the DA certificate. So we’re now ready to build a house. But we still haven’t finalised the interiors. We couldn’t get appointment until middle of October. It’s another whole day session of making your imagination work. Exciting yet overwhelming.

In early November, I underwent my scheduled hernia repair surgery. It was like a mild CS operation. Nothing to worry about but it just took weeks before I felt comfortable again. But I had to put off myself from carrying anything more than 4 kilos for next two months. And that includes my children.

It’s merry making time again with lots of parties and lots of good food. It was a pleasure to catch up at my kumare’s place S&L for our annual Chrissy party. We also had an early party for friends spending the holidays in Manila.

My scrapbooking took-off this year. I splurged more than ever. But still I try to keep it at a minimum. My biggest achievement, so far, were the altered clocks. And I hope there’ll be more to come.

Anyway, be safe this holiday season! Merry Christmas and all the best for 2007!!!

Altered Clocks - Giveaway

Last night, we had a christmas party and a send off party to two of the families going "home" for Christmas next weekend. I gave away these altered clocks as our family present. Had to take two days off from work so I can finish it in time for the party.

Timeline:

• I bought the clocks on Tuesday.


• Started one on Wednesday night.


• Made two on Thursday night. (Extra one for my mom)


• Made one on Friday night.


• Made the last one on Saturday lunch time. (And the party was dinner time.)

Imbetween, I was fighting off migraine attacks dueto lack of sleep. And really when I scrap, I tend to sleep very light at night. I get this rush of adrenalin and only if my physical body can take it - I will keep going and going ang going.

Super thanks to my husband who patiently supported my craft and my ambition to finish these pressies in time. He looked after our sons and after me as well. Of course I had complains here and there but that doesn't mean I don't recognize his effort and appreciation.

Special thanks to my mom who's obsessive compulsiveness to cleanliness takes a back seat everytime I scrap. She tends to join me in scrapping her grandsons' photos. For the past 3 nights we've been having a blast cropping.

Thanks for looking at the photos.
Family Time Matters





A Family Moment In Time






A special gift for my mom who's been bogging me down to make a layout for her and my kids.
Time passes, Love endures




So which one is your favorite?

Shape of Mine... (Coda to my previous post)

This could be the last time I have seen my jelly belly at its best. These prenatal pictorial were taken at a studio when I was 7 months heavy with my first son, Wiji.

Shape of A Mother

I get depressed sometimes whenever I look at my body in the nude! After 2 pregnancies, I've ended up with tender breasts, saggy nipples, and a tiger-belly. Plus I have an paraumbilical hernia - which incidentally, just got repaired last November 2 via a general surgery. So here I am working from home while I recuperate.

I have frozen my membership at Fitness First for 2 months due to this surgery. And with that, I am left with no other physical activity until I resume in January.

I so want to get rid of my saggy belly. The excess skin that stretched out when I had big baby boys lived in my tummy for nine months each. Nope, I am not complaining! Cause even with these trade offs, the rewards are far greater only a mother can imagine! Yet I still want to feel good and although I can't be physically the same as I was before when I met my husband back in college, I still want him to see me "looking good".

So while I was browsing for ways to encourage myself that this is a problem that CAN be solved, I found this website that showed pictures of the different SHAPES OF A MOTHER

While I acknowledge these stretchmarks as my badges of honour, it also feels good to know that I am not the only one who recognizes the "mommy" shape that has taken in me.

But sorry to disappoint you - I'm not bold enough to post just yet on that blogsite. :))

Preschool Pictorial

Here's a "pogi" pictorial of my eldest son, Wiji. It's rarely that he can flick a natural smile when being photographed. But looks like the photo guy did an excellent job.

Does he look like me? Or more of hubby? Safe answer would be a mix!

Private, Independent, Selective

I'm going like crazy. I'm still undecided whether I should let Wiji start Kindergarten next year. In Australia, schools have different "school-age" definition. While most schools will accept children into Kindergarten if they turn five on or before 31st of July in that year, some schools I visited have a cut-off that falls on the first quarter (Wiji's birth month is on the 2nd quarter of the year).

Last month, I received an Enrolment Acceptance Return Slip from St. Michael's Primary School. It's a low-profile private Catholic school in our parish funded by the Catholic Education. Fees start from $2,000 a year. Wiji can start Kindie with them by next year because their cut off date is end of July.

Two years ago, I attended the Open Day of Redfield. It is an independent school for boys. "Independent" is a private school which is not funded by the government. In short, SOARING school fees out of the parents' pre-tax money. Their fees start from $7,000 a year. I was notified last year that he is enlisted to start Kindergarten in 2008. Wiji cannot start Kindie with them next year because their cut off date is end of Feb.

Based on my computation, Wiji's child care/preschool fees over the last three years has come almost close to $10,000 a year. It's as if I've been sending him to an elite school already. :))

Should I go for St. Michael's Primary next year? Then, transfer him to an Independent School by 2008? But what if Baloni and I can't sustain the very high fees in the long run? Imagine, four years from now, we'd be having two school-aged boys!!!

When my boys are all grown up, I don't want them to think that we didn't do our best to give them the best education. Ahhh, these schools are giving me a headache.

But then again, if they'll do very well, they might just have the chance to get into a selective school. Now that's synonymous to our Philippine Science High School. And I wouldn't have to worry about their school fees - only uniforms.

Oh by the way, I was cheking the price list of St. Michael's pre-order unitform. Que horror! Mahal pa sa wardrobe ko. Hehehe! Just exaggerating! But you know, because we have 4 seasons, they have separate summer uniforms and winter uniforms.

I'm still unsure if it's a good idea to start him early. But I just want to give it a try. He'll be attending an orientation next week. And we'll see how he will fare. I'm still not confident that he can look after himself.

Anyway, that's my OZ-Types-of-School 101 for you.

A Mighty... Desire!

For the past 24 hours I have been trying to satiate my desire to know more truth into the death of Daniel Pearl.

His name sparked interest in me after reading from the Herald last night, that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are now in India for the filming of "A Mighty Heart". A movie based on a book written by Mariane - Daniel's widow. Interestingly enough... (for me at least!) that I share the same first name as his wife. (Only, I got two "n" at the end). And what coincidence that she gave birth to their son Adam on the same date I gave birth to my first son Wiji!

The last fact was more heart breaking for me because her son never had the chance to know his father. Daniel, a well-known American journalist, was held captive and then, beheaded by Islamic extremist in Pakistan on 21st of Feb 2002. Just a few months away before our respective sons came out to this world on 28th of May 2002.

And because of too much surfing, I came upon a website hosting Pearl's decapitation video. I played the beginning and saw at the end that they were holding his head - or maybe something to that effect. I didn't look closely anymore. I think what I have googled on how he was murdered is enough to make me sick.

So if you happen to watch it in full length, then probably you can give me some feedback... On second thought, I'll probably just wait for the new movie from Plan B (a production of Pitt and Aniston), starring Angelina Jolie. And maybe, to be satiated enough for now, I might buy Mariane's book "A Mighty Heart: The Brave Life and Death of My Husband Danny Pearl."

God bless your soul Daniel!

Crikey... he's gone!

Crikey's sudden demise brought sadness not just to many people around the world, but to someone so precious to me and my husband - our four year old son.

The news broke out yesterday afternoon. I was in disbelief. After reading the article, a part of me wished that they had the wrong person. How could a sting ray possibly kill a Steve Irwin? I am not a big fan of Steve but I feel distressed for he has left two young children.

I remember late last year when we visited Stevo's zoo up in the Sunshine Coast. Wiji had a blast during the "Crocs show" and overall had fun experiencing the wild life.

So when I came home last night, I told him Crikey's. And he asked me, "Where did he go?". Knowing he has no concept of death, I just told him that Crikey went to heaven already. But just like any other child, as if every answer you give them will never be enough, he threw a "Why?". I told him bluntly that he's dead because a sting ray "tusok" (pierced) his heart. And I thought being blunt will keep the conversation short. Still I got another question "What's dead?".

So how can I possibly describe or animate death to a child? Crikey! In the end, he understood that he will never see Steve again. That he's gone and he's never coming back.

Today on the way to his pre-school, we were listening on the radio for some Steve Irwin updates and tributes on the air. As soon as he heard something related to Steve, he cried out, "Steve! Crikey!? Bad sting ray! Naughty naughty sting ray!!!".
(Oh, Mr. Sting Ray, what have you done!)

I'm not so bothered even if Wiji sounded upset. I know one day he will understand.

Super Thanks!

We celebrated Eee-yon's on the 3rd of September, which happened to be the celebration for Father's Day too.

To all Eeey-yon's super heroes (family, playmates, ninongs, ninangs, titos, and titas), thank you for your presence and presents. You made him feel Supah on his first birthday celebration!!!

God bless you all!

Lola Returns....

Mama's back to look after the apos again. Me - smiling widely. She arrived today, Tuesday, a day past Eee-yon's birthday. That's why we're delaying the celebration.

Kuya Wiji, is his happy hyper self today upon seeing Lola. He had this quizzical look when she saw Mama. He ran towards Lola with such a confused look. Maybe trying to understand why it took soooo long to see her again.

Thank you Lord for Mama!

Happy First Birthday EeeeYon :)

Many months ago, I've decided that Leon's party will have a Justice League theme. I chanced upon a website suggesting a nice intro for invitations along this theme. Then, I saw Maver's invite for Nino.

So, I browsed for images and edited it together with Leon's pic in Photoshop. Then, went to Harvey Norman for mass production. (READ: mass printing of digital photos. hehehe!)

Here's the finished product and You're invited...

A BOo-BOo week - Part 2

Glad the week was over. But it ended with another boo-boo yesterday.

I knew I was going to spend Saturday, s-p-e-n-d-i-n-g (READ: doing our fortnightly groceries and preparing ingredients for the menu I planned for the week ahead). We have been on a tight budget so I cannot really splurge on anything unnecessary at present. (Geeze, how many times have I mentioned this in my blog, yet I often break the rule! Hehehehe! Don't tell my hubby!!!)

Anyway, for the first time I braved the local ALDI. This store has been around for a few years now. And all those years, I have been hearing good reviews in terms of product price and quality from friends. And lately from the internet (I've been frequenting this money savings vault website called Simple Savings). And upon hubby's prodding, I decided to give it a try.

Anyway, my boo boo wasn't about shopping. Hubby only dropped us (Luis and me) off at the mall earlier. He took Leon with him who was napping in the car. They went for a car wash as we did our groceries. So we agreed to meet at the parking lot after a couple of hours.

Anyway I was done and was happy with the bargain that I got. Luis got a free balloon on our way out of the mall. I saw Louie double parked, waiting for a spot. But I thought, heck - why wait for a spot when I can load these bags while the car's standing there.

As I approached the car, Louie signed that I should wait for him to get the parking space of someone already about to leave. But I said, "Never mind! I can do it from here. Give it to someone else." He even asked me if I was sure I can handle all those bags. And I was very proud to say, "Of course!".

Picture this, my little boy and I behind the car ready to load our bags. He was eating his sultanas beside me and enjoying his blue balloon and I was already loading the first batch, when he started yelling, "Mommy, mommy, mommy...." And I was still busy fixing the first batch (as half of my torso ducked inside the car). Yet, he wouldn't stop crying out for MOMMY. (Louie all this time thought Luis was crying because his balloon fled.) I got annoyed already so I turned around to him and said, "WHAT???" .. And before I could quickly grasp his thoughts, I saw his finger pointing to my trolley which was rolling down the parking lot already. Ahhh.. TAKBO!!!! (RUN!!!!) ... A few cars started entering the center and saw me running after my trolley. But the ground was just sloping downhill. Gosh, I couldn't catch up with it. It only slowed down when it hit the bumper of this car. (Oh no!) I was so shocked. Fortunately, the car had rubber gear protector. You know that black thing!!!

I must have amused some people. But I think most them thought how stupid of me to have not known that it was gonna come down to that since these trolleys, unlike strollers, have no breaks. I'm glad the car was not damaged even if hubby got almost mad at me.

On the way home, he started laughing as he recalled how silly I looked moments ago. I checked my hair - still hasn't gone blonde. Hehehehe!

A BOo-BOo week - Part 1

I had a very embarrassing, stressful week.

It started on a Monday - hubby and I bought a pair of band aids for $200 for Leon. And you might say, "what the $%^&?". That's just how I summarized that morning when I suddenly had the urge to clip Leon's nails. And yes, I accidentally nicked his skin or maybe I clipped beyond the "line"!!!

I wasn't panicking at first and then I saw blood. And then, more blood. Holy me! It was bleeding profusely. We put pressure on the finger nail. Leon wasn't in pain, amazingly, but he hated that I kept holding his finger. After 30 minutes of bleeding, I told Louie we needed to rush to the emergenecy cause I didn't know what to do anymore.

We took off and instead of going to Westmead Children's public hospital - which is like 20 minutes away, I thought we're better off taking him to the Hills Private Hospital - which is minutes away from home.

He was attended to right away. But the nurse instantly told me that there was really not much they can do but to apply the same pressure as what I've been doing for the last hour. I wanted to run out before they start giving me the bill. But I was too shy to even ask if we can just excuse ourselves and not be seen by the physician anymore - (so, er, I won't have to pay the consultation fee). And she was too quick to say, "Let me see what I can do.". -

She weighed Leon and took his temp. (My eyebrows were meeting in the middle already! - I mean, do you really need to do that to stop the bleeding?). Anyway, she escorted us to one of the emergency beds and I put down Leon who was still a happy baby. The doctor came and said the same thing.... "nothing you can do but to wait for the bleeding to stop." ... And I noticed, that the bleeding has slowed down. Hmnnn...

He ordered the nurse to put band aid on Leon's tiny thumb. She placed one over the thumb and another one around the thumb.

I had a laugh when Leon tried to suck his fave thumb. He must have found the texture unfamiliar.

Upon check-out, we had to pay $200 for doctor's fees. That's already discounted, mind you!

Oh Louie consoled me that the $200 has spared us from queueing at the public hospital for at least 5 hours. With $200 I was able to buy myself some peace of mind without arduously waiting. The band aids? Let's say they were freebies! Hehehe!

Want more? On to the next boo-boo...

1-800-GRANDMA

After 6 months of rigorous medical check-ups, my mom's health has been declared to be out of danger, for now. Semi-annual CT scans, ultrasounds, mammogram must be done to monitor the lumps and cysts lingering in numerous organs.

I have booked her to fly dowunder by end of August. It's always a better feeling for me to entrust my sons to my mom than to any baby sitter. I mean my baby sitter is good. But of course I cannot attest to that on those hours that I am away from home. Besides, she's getting a little too much to accommodate. Her phone usage is slowly soaring high. And although she pays me back the national and international phone calls she made, I noticed that she would delay it by looking for an excuse week after week. But still I didn't mind if she'd not pay me on time. What I got frustrated about was that there has been an increase in local calls as well. In my phone statement I don't have these itemized. So who do I charge. Of course myself! When in past we'd make maximum of 20 local calls in a month. This time we had 90. And it can't be possible that majority were made by me or Louie. We make phone calls when we're at work and not when we're at home. So, it's high time to call in for my mama.

Dialing, 1-800-GRANDMA.

Maan

Another year wiser

Everyone's (and I mean everyone at work) raving at my get-up... including my shoes. I guess they're not used to it cause I rarely turn up in a lady-like outwear. So when the email hit our inbox announcing that cake time is at 3pm to celebrate my, ahem, birthday - they all knew the reason for the frock!

Gosh... feeling a lil old again. Another 12 months to go and I'd be saying bye-bye to my twenTEENS. I should stay positive, as I always say, "another candle on the cake, can only make the room a little brighter".

Happy 4th

Nope, I'm not celebrating this American tradition but today is just a happy day for me.

We've just been to Domaine for our first building tender appointment. Well, this is our second first.

A year ago, we had the same appointment with another builder. But early this year, just when all the house plans have been drafted and approved by the council, and internal colors, kitchen and baths were selected, hubby and I decided to pull out. We knew that our hearts were not fully set on this "knockdown and rebuild" idea of our investment property. And the last straw that made us turn our back was that the street this property is on does not have gas line and I really love gas cooking. Hehehe!

Then, Domaine launched their 3 new big homes and we visited the display home and I fell in love with the nursery room adjacent to the master bedroom with an easy door access. (Leon was still 6 months old then. But I think a nursery room will still suit him well for the next couple of years.). So, we did our assignments hoping to find vacant lots within the suburb we live in. And found one around end of May. But before we can do anything with the land, we had to wait for the subdivisions to be registered in the Council. End of June the registration got completed. So we took our interest to build a Crestmead home to Domaine office. Hence, the initial appointment today to know the overall cost.

Anyway, back to the main headline... hopefully this new "start" will reach the finish line. Luis is way overdue to have his own room. While I'm already excited to have my own scraproom that's why I'm very very happy today. As for my squeeze, I think he wants his office, bigger garage and theatre room.