The Baby Blog

I had the opportunity to meet with the boys teachers. Even as the mother I still have that "I'm being called to the principal's office" feeling sitting there just outside their classroom doors. All in all we got reviews but here are the highlights:

MIO
shows a level of maturity knowing that Kindergarten is different from pre-school and daycare. BUT, he talks too much! All the comments had to do with his talking to friends or just talking and not focusing on his work QUIETLY. He seems to already have neater writing than AJ...

AJ
Participates in class that is refreshing and encouraged, BUT will spend time drawing when he should be working! Will rush through work without full thought knowing that he can draw or read quietly while others finish. He does "put a smile on our faces" everyday, and they enjoy the "stories" or experiences he will share when related to their topic.

I am a very proud momma today knowing that my children exhibit proper behavior even when I am not around. It is good to know that we have done something right.

I'll Be Yours----Faithfully....na...na...na...na

Yes, with my moomoo, and the likha gang, we joined just about every Filipino (including the Aunties and Uncles) to watch Arnel take the lead for JOURNEY!!! Our group got there a little later than planned because traffic along Ygnacio going to the Concord (or Sleep Train) Pavilion. However we found a nice HUGE spot to fit our big korean blanket, binigs, sleeping bags and blankets for all of us to enjoy! The best thing about our spot was that we were also along the edge which made it easy to get drinks, break to the bathroom, see peeps we knew, and STAND to see Heart and Journey perform our all time favorites!

It was a beautiful east bay evening spent with a lot of laughs, singing and great company. I even got to hang out with my a'te which was a nice change cuz I usually only see them for family gatherings!

So, if you have not done your part to support our Pilipino brutha in his new found fame as the LEAD SINGER ---- go buy your CD NOW!!

A laptop was a good idea when I had to bring it to work and to work on my computer when I wanted to watch TV. But now here I am past midnite sitting up in bed checking email, FB, and now blogging! Why in the world does Paris Hilton have a reality show to pick her new BFF?! WTF!!!

I really should be working, but this is what they call creative avoidance! I drank a cup of coffee a little too late so now I am wide awake. The boys have school tomorrow so I have to wake up early. I am still sore from Saturday. Oh yeah let me back track...

I finally had it with my backyard. It has cooled down here in the double V that I was actually able to be outside in the daylight. Damoomoo took AJ to a classmate's swim party and I used this opp to work in the backyard. I wacked the forest 'o weeds that has grown in what used to be our grass area and the so-called sand garden! And yes I mean FOREST. There was one area growing almost as tall as our fence. It was a sad sight! Before I started I had to suit up a bit more... got my gardening gloves, sunglasses, added a long sleeve shirt and was given shin guards since I still insisted on wearing shorts. Those pieces of weeds can really sting when they fling back towards you!

Needless to say, my arms are still sore. I was pretty much out of commission all of Saturday, but was treated to carne asada french fries! The funny part is that I refuse to actually have to hold the weed branches and throw them in our recycling bin so it's all sitting in bunches. If you ask me that particular bin smells like something died it in!

Well, my new goal is to forever now pay someone to do this kind of work AND to finally get that area landscaped. I think I just want to cement the "grass" area and do something with that "garden" corner. gotta start working for those MK love checks!!!

I am still not any closer to falling asleep. Now I am watching Making the Band 4! BTW, the Mad Men Season 1 DVD is a great way to sit and fold clothes. Did I mention that washed about 4 loads of laundry and folded about 8! Yes, we got into a routine where laundry was cleaned but never folded!! I even put ALL my clothes away---actually I took a step further and even ironed it, too!!! Goodness isn't this the nesting phase! I realized that I even had a home cooked meal waiting for the kids when they got home!

alrighy... i think it's time to take out my contacts, find a movie on "On Demand" and fall asleep.

Friday afternoon we received an invitation for the boys to sleepover at the Casper home (AJ's friend and classmate). We have gotten to know the family very well over the last year and half. The son, AJ's classmate actually slept over our house when the parents were in a schedule bind. This time BOTH my babies were away from home!

I wasn't worried as to whether or not they were safe. I was more worried that my boys would fight with each other, pee on the toilet (cuz they forgot to lift the seat), not flush, or just be defiant when it was time to stop playing and eat, brush teeth, or even sleep. The last sleepover the boys were still up and talking at 2am!!

I went home and had an empty nest. Damoomoo had a gig in Sac and there I was left to deal my congestion, my roll of toilet paper (used it to blow my nose all night), and 2 tbl of NYQUIL. I was knocked out that I forgot to turn on the alarm to wake us up in preparation for "Coach 'momoo's" first baseball game! He was scheduled to meet the team at the school at 9am. We woke up at 8:50!! One player was sick, so they forfeit the game, but still allowed the teams to scrimage. Need a lot more practice, but not bad for a team made up of mostly 6th graders, and it's the first team the school has had in 3 or 5 years!

Anyways, the sleepover went smoothly and I received good reports from Mrs. Casper. In fact she mentioned how good Mio was. The first to come to the table, the first in line to brush his teeth, and even the first to offer her a kiss goodnight! I am thankful more and more that we have raised our boys to not be overly inverted where they are not able to enjoy time away from us. Heck we have left them enough with countless relatives during our trips! But that just makes it so much less stressful.

Now I have to find a nice reward for their good behavior --- no not the Nintendo DS, yet! Which reminds me... we might be buying a DOG!!! yeah, me and pets have never gotten along so well, so this will be an adventure. So far all the names have been food--- milkshake, french fry, carne asada, quesadilla.... any other suggestions?

I went back to my old work today to say "adios" to a co-worker/friend. Two weeks ago on Thursday he was hit head-on by a driver fleeing from cops near his home in Pinole. I recall reading the article before the name of the "innocent bystander" was released, and clearly remembering that I had an eerie feeling as I read through the short article.

That Saturday MathMajor told me that it was our Martin Padilla, "Dean of the Night" from our campus. He was called that because he was the main reason why our managers could leave the campus in the evening and on weekends while classes/events were still taking place.

It has hard for me to accept because of how sudden and tragic this event was, but mainly because Martin was a such a good guy. Everyone on our campus, even myself could always find something bad to say about our day or our workplace and I had only worked there less than 6 years. But Martin who has been part of the Comet family for 20 years NEVER had a bad thing to say about anyone or anything. In fact he would always find something good to say to you, mostly in passing because he was always rushing off somewhere to start his shift or to help someone around campus. I would always see him as he was checking in for the day, picking up the evening's schedule and his walkie talkie. Almost every Monday as I would return from my weekend, I would have a voicemail from him alerting me that he received a phone call asking for information about the school. If he was able to he mailed the information out himself, or he would ask me to provide the follow-up. Rain or shine, he was there for anyone on campus --- faculty, staff or student. He was the true spirit of our campus.

A member of his family spoke about how he would adjust his personal life to his work schedule because even they knew how much the College meant to him. Unfortunately, only after his tragic death are we able to say how much we appreciated him. He truly was an angel sent to live among us. I was blessed to have had the opportunity to work with him and be in his presence even if for short moments.

Martin you will be missed!

Losing all this extra fat has been a big thing for me. And well now that I am working from home and have more flexibility with my time I have signed for Female Only Boot Camp! Two days a week for 4 weeks. And no I did not select to be up in butt early morning because I know that I would only set myself up for failure, and in addition, when damoomoo is working audits, he isn't home... but the latter really didn't matter to be honest!

So I am signed up to attend 9am to 10am thinking that VV would still be kind enough and allow for that morning "breeze". HA... what breeze! It already reaches 70 degrees before 8am!! Oh well, I have my mat, towel, chilled water, and my light weights in tow.

DAY ONE
I missed the official day one because I was still home sick with the boys. so I actually started on Day two---details, details---i am still out of shape!
I did see a part of VV that I never knew of...actually going past Baldo's there is a whole quaint area with large Victorian homes and nicely kept lawns, and a beautiful park with tons of shade! Now I know where to take the kids for a playground without their butts getting burned going down a slide! I was almost late because I was sitting at the one park I knew of which was wrong but realized it when I saw a bunch of old white men playing tennis on the courts.

We started with warm-ups: knee high jogs, "butt kicker" jogs, backwards jog, and a grapevine thing. It seemed over a short distance but I was already TIRED! But it was the fitness test day. Timed mile "run" which was 2 1/2 times around the park perimeter (thank goodness for the shade), but had it's little elevations. I completed in 13:27--- yeah hella long and I won't even blame that on my running nose! I completed only 15 sit-ups and 34 push ups. Oh but that was not the end... we did 20 step climbs leading with each leg and 20 more bench stuff to help the triceps. All I know is that I am already sore and I am putting the MK Mint Bliss lotion to good use!

So please keep me in your prayers that I survive.. If you know me all this outdoorsy workout stuff--- aww hell-- all the workout stuff in general has not been my thing. Let's just pray that I will gain some stamina and get rid of the flapping arms, muffin top tummy and thick thighs---but most of all just get healthy again!

okay back to work--- till next camp on Tuesday

It has been a whirlwind experience this past summer. Since becoming an official MK Director, I am now working from home --- something I have NEVER done since my first job in high school! I am finally saving money on gas and toll and I was waking up at 9am every morning. That was a mistake because the kids did the same thing and now we're paying for it! I did shred almost 2 years of junk mail that was sitting in our den closet, and finally cleaned the house that I let go of during my DIQ (director in qualification)I thought motherhood itself was a lifestyle change?!

Back To School
Now the kids are back to school. I get to drop them off, come home enjoy my coffee and read, work and then right before 3pm pick them up. We work on homework and I am back to work again by 5:30pm. I am meeting all the moms and dads, and all the teachers. Damoomoo has taken care of all our volunteer hours by coaching the baseball team over the summer and fall. I did sign up for the VV Boot Camp twice a week to get my flabby butt into shape!

My "baby" is now in Kindergarten. Proudly wearing his new uniform, with a belt, he has easily transitioned to his new school. Even into the extension program. I tried to pick him up right after he gets out (11am) but insisted that I pick him up later so he could stay! I truly believe I am the ONLY parent that had their child refuse to go home!!! So I hit the outlets....

AJ has transitioned well to the 2nd grade. In fact on the first day of school he exclaimed, "Finally, I get my freedom from Mio!!" He also came home from the second day of school, also a minimum day, complaining of how long his day was!! By the time Friday morning came around and time to get ready, they were well beyond ready for the weekend!

Weekend on the Houseboat
Last weekend was our family vacation to Lake Shasta with the Keyopes side of the family. Once again it did not disappoint. Our boat was a higher end with a "penthouse" on top (basically a room with 5 1/2 mats laid across the floor for sleeping. It did have an awning cover across the front half that allowed us to sit up top during the day. Water levels were waaaaay too low this year so docking areas were farther and the normal spot was non-accessible. We did find something just as nice and secluded. I am still feeling the "wave motions"!!

The boys, even Mio, have overcome their fears, or at least mine, while in the water. Mio finally rode on the jet ski and the inner tube. AJ jumped into the water from stairs of the houseboat. I mean the stairs that lead to the 2nd story of the houseboat! Mio has finally learned how to jump into the water too! And I finally got up on the wakeboard!! Although I couldn't steer myself to go over the actual wakes, I did get up from the first try this time!!! The boys are already looking forward to next year.

I promise to blog a little more if you promise to read! I have not gotten into facebook as much because I try not to be on my computer for too long in general (our main MK site is down right now)...blogging is how i started and intend to continue.. you just don't get the real "nitty gritty"
Not that there is much here, but you know what i mean

He now likes to be called Mr. Notre Dame because as of yesterday, May 23, 2008, my Mio is officially finished with pre-school! It was kind of sad for me because yesterday morning was the last am drive to the ELC on campus. After 4.5 years, I no longer have to attend a parenting class, sign in and out, and complete a separate amount of parent volunteer hours. Each boy spent their preschool years there and I have grown to love the teachers (who are actually my colleagues, too)
It was affordable without compromising the quality of teaching or care.

Mio now has his own memory box and certificate. He will be in kindergarten with kuya bear this August! Oh boy, more uniforms...but at least now I only have to keep track of one calendar of holidays, minimum days, etc. Maybe now I will be on time for work---doubt it!

Congratulations Mio

for now I just want to share with the blogging world what my family gave me for Mother's Day.

Damoomoo and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary on the 8th (unfortunately I had to work some MK stuff that night, so we celebrated on the weekend). He had the great idea of testing our salsa (the dancing not the sauce) skills at Cigar Bar in the city. Just as we were crossing the Bay Bridge 'moomoo came up with the idea of having dinner at HOUSE OF PRIME RIB!! woo hoo---- I enjoyed every moment and worth the one hour plus wait for our table. Even as left overs it was still good!! The perfect choice...We definitely needed to work that food off beyond the walk from the car!

Unfortunately the place was so CROWDED that you can barely move, of course not all people think that way, but hey it was good music (sorry can't remember the name of the band). We ran into Mr.Salsa himself outside and just hung out. It was close to 1am and definitely time for us to head home.

Happy Mommy Day
For the most part this day has always been for my mom, 'moomoo's mom, and of course nanay. but you can't help but feel special when your kids make their presents for you. Mio made a beautiful flower arrangement that I shared with our moms. That has to be one of the best ideas I have seen in pre-school.

AJ was so excited when we finally returned home and he handed me this huge pink construction paper envelope with different MOM projects. A picture of me which was one big HUGE head and really short hair, a story of all his most favorite things about me being his mom (the hugs), and a mini pot of flowers.

I did get the hallmark cards thanks to damoomoo, but what made those special was that for the first year, it was really signed by AJ and Mio. I had the most unstressful weekend which was both fun and much needed.

Thank you Damoomoo, AJ, and Mio --- I love you all. To my hubby, seven years has gone by so fast. You are my best friend, my loudest cheerleader, and best support system I could have ever asked for, and definitely more than what I probably deserve. I love you.

Let me start by describing my week...
Work of course, with the added MK meeting, phone calls, scholarship ceremony, grand opening for my team member, and a 3 hour spa day at work where i did 20 make-overs... oh and a flight out to LA on Friday.

I get a text in the middle of a make-over: "we leave out of sfo at 8:45". *crap* that means rush to v-town to drop the kids make sure they are situated, Mio's soccer shoes are there, carseats are there, no crying, etc (actually my kids cry when I pick them up to go home!!)

We arrive into SFO an hour and half early, park the car, and go to the check-in kiosk... *crap* Damoomoo is unable to check-in. I look at the itinerary--- "We are not flying into San Diego"!! my genius dj daddy was working off an OLD itinerary from last AUGUST!!! I knew we were flying out of Oakland! Great... it was now 8pm by then and our flight leaves at 9:15...

Okay, i couldn't help but laugh my ass off... I know that this would be something I would do... well actually no...but it is just FUNNY. d'moomoo drove quite skillfully and got us to OAK safely... but we still had to park!!!

We parked in Terminal 1 and SWA is Terminal 2... running in a skirt and small heels is not fun even if they are Naturlizer...we rushed to check in our baggage with the disclaimer "we will try to get this in on the plane". we tried o rush through security, but it is what it is. We ran to the terminal, luckily not at the end of the airport, got our boarding pass and actually made it!! Oh yeah, and so did our luggage.

This trip was for damoomoo and his new venture. It was fun but LOOOOONG. we had to wait in line to get in, wait almost 40 minutes to get out of the parking garage, and it took us 2o minutes to drive 2miles for dinner. Oh yeah, then we were in a fender bender on our way home from dinner! So much for getting my rest!

Got home safely with no drama. of course the boys cried when it was time to go home. picked up the van from Vallejo and headed home. finally fell asleep about 8pm and struggled to get up the next morning. Tuesday morning I am at the airport again (the right one this time) flying to southern cali again---this time into Orange County. I am here til Friday. good and bad that I am alone without the family.

I plan to sleep soon, but still have to wake up early. No lunches to fix, no baths to give (just mine after spending an hour in the jacuzzi). but at the same time... empty bed--no snoring daddy next to me, no restless sleeping toddlers, no middle of the night bathroom runs and thirst quenchers. but again-- I am alone.

so much to share but I am actually getting close to bedtime.

with MIO

We were at the drive-thru at our nearby McD's, yes Monday is slowly but surely becoming Mickey D dinner night... As we waited for our food at the second window, Mio noticed that it had a "smart" soda fountain (it prepares all the drinks by itself). As we drove away ----

Mio: Wow, mom! did you see that?! The drinks were made by a robot arm! That was soooo cool! Wow, mom, did you see that, huh?!

MM: Wow. that is cool. Would you like your own robot, too? What would you like your robot to do?

Mio: Oh wow... that would be cool. I want my robot to pick me up at the car, move me and take me inside the house. I want the robot to clean my playroom, and brush my teeth the right way.

with AJ

I was getting ready to leave for my weekly MK meeting, and said my goodbyes to the kids.

MM: Bye buddy [AJ], I'll see you later. Mommy will be back.

Mio: Where are you going?

AJ: She's going to a MK meeting. Mommy are you going to get your red jacket back? Are you going to get out of level zero?

MM: that's right baby. mommy is going to her meeting so we can get the red back, and I can learn how to get the FREE car!

AJ: okay, good luck, mom!! Go get your red jacket back! Love you.

Mighty Mom and Damoomoo did it again. We paired up last weekend for a friend's wedding. I coordinated the day's events and he did the dj-ing. It was really hectic because we just finished the holiday, but was fun because it was for two good friends that were great to work with.

For the rehearsal which started at 4pm, was a little hectic but it was something we did as a family. Yes there were complaints and wondering why they were there, but they managed very nicely. In fact we had one of my most favorite conversations:

Kuya: Am I the ring bearer again? I don't want to be the ring bearer anymore!
Mom: Why not? You were so good and handsome
Kuya: Because I get so nervous
Mio: I WANT TO.
Mom: What about for mommy and daddy's wedding? Don't you want to be the ring bearer for us?
Kuya: No.
Mio: I WANT TO. I want to be the RING BURGER!

That is all we have been doing since vacation started! Every morning I wake up to little footsteps running in the hallway, a little body jumping into bed with me, and little whispers ---- "Can I go downstairs to play Rock Band?"

From morning til sleeptime it's Rock Band all the time! Mio has finally moved up and taken his place in the band. He started hitting the "green" drum notes, to singing, to playing the drums. Actually a better description is BANGING on the DRUMS. He is also slowly picking up the guitar. As fun as it is to have a family activity, Mio can also get pretty bossy about his game. We can only play HIS songs over and over and over again! He will also break up your rhythm by pressing pause in the middle of your set just because he wants to.

AJ, following his daddy's rhythmic footsteps has been a natural in all parts -- guitar, singing and drums! It was fun watching him play with one of his schoolmates while we hosted a 'playdate'. He will also coach you on how to "save another bandmate". Oh the joys of vacation time-- too bad it is almost coming to an end. But until then you can count on us to rock hard on ROCK BAND! come out to the double V and join us anytime! Ninang DramaQueen had much fun jumping in and rocking with us. I will admit that the funnest time is watching Uncle Patrick and Uncle Joseph rockin' with my boys until 3 am!!!

No not me cuz I'm not back at work yet -heeheehee... the simple joys of working at a school. But this is actually about Mio.

As we--- I mean "I"-- was preparing the house for our NYE gathering Mio came downstairs complaining about a 'to-mack ache. I told him to go to the bathroom and "poo it out". 5 minutes later, after not hearing the cries of "Mommy, I'm done!" I went to check up on him.

There he was slumped over holding his tummy. I asked if he was done. No response. I picked up his head and he was SLEEPING! I couldn't resist -- i dropped his head back into place and grabbed my camera. *sorry folks this picture is a little too personal. Will be something I share with his prom date!*

Now if you look back into archives or past stories you will know that Mio is the one that would fall asleep just about anywhere. We have found him napping under the table, literally standing and leaning over the recliner or ottoman, and now the toilet!

and long vacations! The only good thing about working for the school is that I get the "extended" vacation from Dec 20th to Jan 7 *2 extra days added in*. The only thing that sucked was getting sick for the first 2 days! Which meant no shopping and no gift wrapping. We were busy the weekend before Christmas which left me with a small window of time to clean the house, finish shopping and wrap all the gifts!

Uncle Patrick came over to help by staying with the kiddies while I went to do last minute shopping (Thank goodness for Kohl's, Target, and Safeway!) The best thing was I arrived at every store before the bigger more frustrated crowds showed up. Then it was back home for some serious cleaning. The boys did their part in their playroom and bedroom, and the rest was up to me!

We were hosting Christmas Eve for my mom, brother and sister and their families so it was getting pretty stressful. Damoomoo did his magic in the kitchen cooking Mitsado, Salmon in 2 different recipes, and garlic mash potato, while I finished deep cleaning the bathrooms and bedrooms. Everyone was arriving and I was in my room wrapping all the gifts (including those from Santa) I finally got a gift for the damoomoo that was a total surprise so that was fun watching his reaction when he opened it--- the throwback Warrior warm-up jacket.

well christmas eve was perfect. family, food, and lots of smiling faces from all the kids. according to AJ it was "the best day ever!" Merry Christmas to all, and an abundant new year!

I almost forgot... over the Thanksgiving holiday I went ahead and CUT MY HAIR---short. As in the shortest it has been since high school! And it includes highlights! hehehe. I have gotten a lot of compliments (feels really nice) unless everyone is just being nice... you know what keep lying to me if you have to!

But seriously, it has brought out a whole new level of confidence. It is my "ready for success" attitude and look combined for a brand new year. I am gearing up for that day when I can turn in my 2 weeks notice. I have lost some my extra weight to match the new look. I am slowly updating the wardrobe (takes a lot more resources) to complete that process. But then again if I had the resources, I still need Damoomoo to help me pick out my wardrobe!

But I am happy with the new meeh! I will post a picture soon

It is actually a pretty mellow celebration. Damomoo actually picked up a last minute gig with ABS-CBN (which will hopefully lead to more), so I am home with the kids enjoying some family time. Being that it is a Wednesday, I am kind of glad that we are just chillin'. We agreed that we will have our family celebration on Friday with some Christmas tree picking and decorating, and of course a chocolate ice cream cake! yummy!

I had a pretty busy day at work. I interviewed the PIO for the State Chancellor's Office for our college tv station--- if you are West CoCo Comcast viewers, you might catch me on the tube sometime next year. Oh yeah, if you ever call my work--- you might even recognize the voice! hehehe...

Life so far has been good. I am waiting for some things to fall in place and have my MK business pick up. But all in all I am thankful for being blessed with a wonderful husband, 2 adorable, healthy boys, and a home... oh and of course family and friends that are caring and supportive. Thank you all for the birthday wishes (email, facebook, etc)... Sorry but if you texted me, I actually can't receive text msgs on my phone! yes, lame i know....

Have a great day everyone...