Photos of the Day

I am not a morning person and I hate waking up early though and how much more on a weekend. But today, I have no other choice but had to wake up early for my sister and her hubby have planned to take the kids to the wildlife park nearby and they wanted to get there as early as possible (thanks to my sister and hubby by the way, for giving us a kids free day) Still sleepy and groggy from my sleep, I got up against my will and peeped out through the window to check out how's the weather like in the early hours of the morning. What I saw was the complete opposite to what I was expecting for I was greeted with a spectacular scene, a blazing rays of the morning sun just peeped out from the horizon. While watching the scene, i became suddenly aware of my surroundings and my nature-lover instinct drove me to where my camera was. Despite the morning chill and dews, it didn't stop me to go out and snap a few photos.

Madie, my niece

(my niece and me)

She is about 20 months old, sweet and a loving little girl. Our little angel who always makes our day more brighter with her beautiful smiles and laughs. She is the youngest among the grandchildren in both sides. At her age, she talks like a parrot, listens and copies to what you say. She talks a lot that sometimes you cannot understand what she says. She learns to count from 1 to 10 and even memorizes the ABC's now. If you are with her, she wants you to read a book for her until your throat is sore and dry. She never get tired listening to kids' stories, yet she listens it with big curiosity.
She goes to a playgroup twice a week since she turned 1 yr old, one is in the Catholic church and the other is in the nearby place, not far from where they live. It is good for her because it is her great chance to interact and meet friends at her age and a way of preparation for her pre-school. They do craft, coloring, painting, singing, dancing and most of all her favourite, the story telling time. Her mum is involve in a mum's group in their place and she goes with her too. It's another chance for them to meet friends socially.
This coming next month, she is going on her first trip overseas with her mum for about 2 months. She doesn't have a clue yet but I know she will be excited seeing again her nanay and tatay (our parents) and the rest of our relatives and friends back in the PI.

Bounty from the garden

Despite the series of hot days we had, we were still able to enjoy some tomatoes from my very own garden. It is not the size I was expecting though. The hot days affected the growth of my tomatoes and almost every plant in the garden. It is a bit unlucky this time that I grow them. Weather is not right for them. Even though, I watered them everyday but it didn't help much. Some of my tomato leaves burnt out, looking very sad, dying and some of the fruits became wrinkly and mouldy. I just threw the damage fruits away as they were not edible anymore. Maybe next time, I will have a good produce and will be able to preserve some for our future use. I hope.
Other than tomatoes, the other plant that did well in the hot days is my hot chili. It has a lot of fruit of which most of it are ready for picking now . I have to give them away as soon as possible for I cannot use all of them. My Thailander friend loves hot chilies in foods and I am sure she is gonna be happy if I will give her some.

Sam the Koala

(They dont normally drink water but instead, get water they need from the moisture of the gum leaves they eat everyday. )

"Sam" the koala has become the face of wildlife caught up in the Victorian bushfire tragedy. Volunteers are
co-ordinating a huge rescue operation to save those that survived the fateful inferno.

(source: ninemsn news )

Best Mommy Award

Thanks a bunch to Adin and Dhemz for this wonderful award. I feel honored again, guyzzz.. How sweet and thoughtful of you to include me in your list.

Being a mother is the most beautiful time of my life. It 's challenging yet so much more fulfilling than anything I've ever done. I am a stay at home mum and being with my kids everyday is a treasured moment to be cherished forever. I never feel bored being with them always, as I always find each day enjoyable, exciting and challenging. I've worked for a certain period of time here and had always exciting times. But nothing compares to the moments I spend with my kids.Enjoy the award guys.
The rules: 1. Show the award logo in your post. 2. Pick a picture you have with your kiddo(s). 3. Post should include your best experience as a Mom. 3. Nominate other blogger mom's out there that you consider the best mom, like yourself.

I am tagging all the moms in my bloggers list. Please do not hesitate to grab the award. You all deserve this wonderful award.

Dorothy goes to the District Swimming Carnival

She is chosen as one of the swimmers in their school to compete for the District Swimming Carnival which will be held in Mt Druitt Swimming Pool this 25th of February. Being part of the school swimming team is something to be proud of. She will swim for the 50m freestyle in the 11 yrs old category. She just turned 10 yrs old and this is a great achievement for her to compete in that category. She actually came out 3rd place in the freestyle during the school swimming carnival and her finish time qualifies to compete for the District. While in the backstroke and breaststroke, she came out first and second, respectively. However, her finish time didn't qualify to compete for the District.

I know this is gonna be a tough job for Dorothy as there are many good swimmers that will compete in the event as well . She said to me this morning that she starts to feel a bit nervous now..hehehe.. and I told her, there's nothing to worry about, whether you win or not, you are our champion, just do your best and most of all have fun. Good luck to her

Pregnancy Delivery Story Tag

I was tagged by my friend Clarissa. Thank you so much for this. How sweet of you to include me in your list. This is about Pregnancy and Delivery Story about my daughter, Dorothy. She was 3 days old in the picture above.

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? No, I never thought of getting pregnant right away while I was still processing my papers to come over to Australia.
2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THAT TIME? Yes
3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? Of course, I was happy, excited and a little bit nervous.
4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU? Not in our wildest dream.
5. HOW OLD WERE YOU ? I was 33, my lucky number.
6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? Friends noticed it at first that my appearance looked like I was pregnant and they even guessed I was having a girl.
7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? My husband, of course and my Ate.
8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? I did actually because I can’t wait .
9. DUE DATE? December 17
10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? Yes, and right through the nine months of my pregnancy .
11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? I craved for native chocolates (tableya) and water melon the most . It is quite strange though because Dorothy has birth marks, one is like the size of a coin with a dark chocolate color at the back of her neck and a red birth mark as red as the water melon before her right ear.
12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? Any dish washing liquid, shampoo and bath soap
13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD SEX? Girl
14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? Not really, as long as the baby is healthy, I could not ask for anything more.
15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? Oh, I forgot already but I think not much because I wasn’t that big when I was pregnant.
16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? I didn’t think about it.
17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? Xxx
18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY ? Thankfully, No.
19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? Blacktown Hospital, Sydney
20. HOW MANY HOURS YOU WERE IN LABOR? More than 12 hrs.
21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? My husband
22. WHO WATCHED YOU WHEN YOU GIVE BIRTH? The doctor, nurses and few operating room staffs.
23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION? C-Section.
24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? I was in general anesthetic during the operation and after the operation, yes, I took medicine to ease the pain.
25. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? She was 7 lbs
26. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN? She was born right on the due date, December 17.
27. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Dorothy
28. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY? She is 10 yrs old

Now, I am passing this tag to all mums in my bloggers list.

Sunshine at last...

I finally saw the glimpse of the sun late in the afternoon after days of rain since last week .Dark clouds covered the days making it dreary most of the time with on and off showers and some heavy downpours in some nights. I can finally hang the clothes outside as the forecast for the next two days is sunny while this coming weekend is back to wet again. I have to get ready with our raincoats and umbrellas again!

The Rose

I just love to relax and listen to this beautiful song. It makes me cry sometimes but I am fine.. lolz. My father used to sing this song here while he and my mother were on a holiday. It reminds me of our times with them here. Miss them so much now.

Some say love, it is a river
That drowns the tender reed
Some say love, it is a razor
That leaves your soul to bleed
Some say love, it is a hunger
An endless aching need
I say love, it is a flower
And you, it's only seed

It's the heart, afraid of breaking
That never learns to dance
It's the dream, afraid of waking
That never takes the chance
It's the one who won't be taken
Who cannot seem to give
And the soul, afraid of dying
That never learns to live

When the night has been too lonely
And the road has been too long
And you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong
Just remember in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snow
Lies the seed
That with the sun's love, in the spring
Becomes the rose

At Nurragingy lake

Ohh..ohh.. I can't catch it!

come on, i'm waiting for my feed,

where's mine? i'm a bit hungry!

We come here very often to feed the ducks and geese, and take leisurely walk along the walking tracks surrounded by remnant bushland. Place: Nurragingy Reserve, Blacktown (West Sydney).

Eggplant with eggs

I am in the mood for cooking food which I haven't tasted for quite a long time. The dish, eggplant with eggs is my father's favorite and I vividly still remember that we had it at breakfast time with rice. My father used to grill the eggplant over hot charcoal turning it every now and then until the skin breaks off and turns to darker brown. We have to prick few holes in the eggplant before grilling it using fork or the end of the knife. The idea stops from bursting it while it is cooking.

Ingredients:
2 good size eggplants
1 small tomato
1 small onion
2 eggs
salt and pepper to taste
oil for fryingWhat I did here, is cut the eggplants in half (no need to prick them ) and put them straight under a hot electric grill. I have a charcoal grill but it takes time to prepare it. So, I just did the most convenient way for me to save more timeWhen it is done, use a fork to scrape the skin off. It should be easy to do it if you grilled the eggplant properly. (that was my daughter doing it for me). Then chop the tomato and onion and beat the eggs. And add salt and pepper to the egg mixture (according to your taste).
While the cooking oil is heating, mix all ingredients well. Fry in a hot oil until golden brown on one side and turn carefully - until other side is golden brown as well. Drain on paper.And finally, this is what you get . Serve it with rice.

Just like an ordinary day!

A wet weather was the forecast for the entire weekend and throughout the early start of the week. The day of our Valentines was so wet, dreary and quite cold. Rain had been pouring all throughout the day. A pretty wet day to go out yet I can't say, "Rain, rain go away" because we do really need rain. We stayed inside the house and engaged ourselves to any activities that suit our mood. The kids played the Wii and computers while I busied myself hanging clothes inside our back room after 3 loads of washing and did a bit of cleaning afterward around the house. I just kept myself busy so i didn't get bored all throughout the day.

The kids were supposed to have a date with their auntie and uncle (my sister and hubby) and planned to take them to a wildlife park nearby but since the weather wasn't cooperative enough, they moved it to another weekend. Me and hubby thought it was a great opportunity for us having a free-kids day at least on time of Valentines day. We're planning to go out actually somewhere but everything as planned had been changed due to weather condition resulting to just like an ordinary weekend day then with kids around and doing the weekend chores.

Dinner wasn't bad at all even if it was just a last minute idea of having a pasta. I wasn't really prepared what we gonna have for dinner. I was glad i had some pasta left when I checked my pantry otherwise we will be settled to sandwiches which I dont particularly like for dinner. I just added beef mince, pasta sauce and grated tasty cheese for topping and bake it for about 30 minutes.

Happy Valentines Day with lots of love! Hope you guys have a GREAT one.

David as first class VIP

When I dropped David off to his class yesterday morning, I saw some of the parents were busy reading something posted in the class bulletin board outside their room. I was just curious and came to check out what was in there. What I saw really gave me a big surprise because it was David who was featured as their first class VIP.

They just started their class 1 week ago and I know it will take time for them to settle with their new classroom, teacher and classmates. But for David, it seems he has adjusted so well in the big school. Well done, Dave . We are so proud of you!

Orchids

I admit I am not a huge fan of orchids but from time to time I wont miss to look out some of the orchid shows around especially if the place is convenient for me to go. Hence, the pictures were taken from the last orchid show I was with last year.
I have few collection at home both from garage sale and fund raising. Buying orchids from the growers itself or nursery garden cost a fortune especially if it is a good size and how much more orchids which have flowers already. It is certainly not affordable from my pocket at the moment. However, if good opportunities come along my way, like in garage sale or fund raising, I wont miss to grab it.
I have had quite a big success growing them. It doesn't take too much care and attention. All my orchids are looking healthy and vigorous. It is just the right soil, water and fertilizer that do it all and you will get your effort paid off.

Palitao, my snack yesterday

I've been dreaming about this kind of Filipino dessert for quite sometime now. My craving set in again while we were in the Filipino shop yesterday, I spotted a ready to eat Palitao (rice patties with coconut and sesame seeds) in the counter and still fresh from the making that I can feel it's still warm in my hands. Wasting no time, I bought it right away because I saw that it was the only one left in the counter. I really wanted to get two containers but when I asked the lady in the shop, she told me that it was the only one left. I was a bit lucky that I got into the shop before it will run out.

I really wanted to make palitao again. I did it once and it turned out good. I can even use fresh grated coconut on it but my problem is my time when I can get a chance just making palitao for myself. I would rather buy it than spending my precious time making it. I have some things that need to be done this time and that keeps me busy these days . Maybe the next time if my craving sets back again, I would be able to make my very own palitao for myself.

Survival...

.... beyond the existence of others,

...in the absence of love and care,
yet, happiness glows for everyone to see.

Passionate Blogger Award

I was tagged 3 times with this award by three of my sweet blogger friends here, tammy, Maria and Dhemz. How so sweet of them for including me in the list. I feel honored once again. Thank you so much guyzzzz.

The Rules: 1.) Put the logo in your post. 2.) Write 5 things you are passionate about aside from blogging. Have fun blogging guys, and enjoy.


1. food
2. nature
3. flowers
4. family
5. our dogs (Jedah and Jinky)

Death toll in Australia fires reaches 65

HEALESVILLE, Australia – A police spokeswoman says the death toll from wildfires that have swept Australia's southeast has risen to 65.

The toll from firestorms in southern Victoria state climbed steadily Sunday as emergency crews reached further into a huge burnt-out area.

Officials say at least 640 houses were destroyed in Saturday's blazes, and that tally was expected to rise.

Victoria state police spokeswoman Creina O'Grady said the latest death toll on Sunday evening was 65.

Australia's worst wildfire tragedy was in 1983, when 75 people were killed in two states.

AP's earlier story is below.

HEALESVILLE, Australia (AP) — Towering flames razed an entire town in southeastern Australia and burned fleeing residents alive in their cars, authorities said Sunday as the death toll from the country's worst fire disaster in a quarter-century reached 49. Please read more....

At 8:00 PM

The sky after a scorching heat of 40 degrees C. Tomorrow, it's 42 degrees C and on Sunday is gonna be 44 degress C. Wheow, what a life in the oven!!!! lolzzz.

North Brother Mountain

One of the popular attractions around the mid north coast of NSW is the North Brother Mountain, located in Dooragan National Park. A great place for unwinding and relaxing with breathtaking coastline views.
Every time we visit the Mid North Coast, we dont miss to visit this place. The first time I set foot in it I feel in love with it right away. Aside from the breathtaking views, it is also popular for para-gliding launching. This is what catch the kid's attention most of the time we visit there . There are so many launching and is non-stopped all through out the day provided the weather is appropriate to such kind of activity. The place is also provided with picnic tables and chairs for convenience at no cost. Just simply pack up your picnic basket and off you go.

A quick visit to the shop

Yesterday, I did a quick visit to the shop nearby. Dorothy had been bugging me to get a swimming goggle to be used for their School Swimming Carnival which will be held today in Blacktown Aquatic Center. She's in the swimming races, butterfly, breaststroke, freestyle and the relay as far as I can remember of what she told me. Unlike last year, she didn't need the goggle even though she was in the swimming race too so i didn't bother to get one for her this time . Yet, the other day, she came home telling me that she cannot be in the water without it. It is required for everyone who will be into the water. After dropping the kids off to school, I hurriedly went to the shop and got Speedo goggles for her as well as for David. David likes wearing it every time he is into the water and while he doesn't get one yet, he just borrowed from a friend. I was in a good timing though because it was on sale, half price. I got a pink one for Dorothy and a blue one for David.

Trampoline

Hubby really wanted to own one of this for the kids. Wish was granted when a shop nearby sale it for a reasonable price and within the confinement of our budget . It is exactly what he was looking for and really suits well for the kids age. It has a safety enclosure set for safer trampoline environment . It's a great fun for the kids bouncing and they love it.
We have this for over a year now and still well sprung and in good condition. A day is not a day for the kids without bouncing on it until they worn out. A good alternative thing to do so they wont be glued up always with the tv, computer and video games and get them activated in a simple way yet with so much fun. This is a good way also to start them toward regular exercise. They spend their most late afternoons bouncing together. And we always ensure that they observe proper guidelines for safe trampoline use most of the time to prevent injuries.

Six Weird Things About Me

I was tagged by Maria. This is about 6 weird things about me. Thanks a bunch Maria for remembering me. I enjoyed it although it took me a while to make a list..lolz.

RULES: People who get tagged need to write a blog post of 6 weird things about them as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 or more people you know to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says "you are tagged" in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1. I can't sleep without rubbing baby oil all over my feet particularly on the sole. It feels so good to me.
2.) Like hubby I have a favourite spot in our 3-seater lounge chair too. I dont like if someone is sitting there.
3.) I like to wear hubby's outside slipper even they are too big for me. Sometimes hubby gets annoyed because when he wants to use it, I am already wearing them and what else he can do..
4.) I often talk to our dogs as they are my kids. I love them as much I love my family.
5.) I love gardening but the sight of earthworms scared me a lot. There are so many in my garden every time I dig the soil so much more in our compost bin. I can't deal with them but have to stop and let them settle down deeper to the ground so I cannot see them anymore.
6.) I am sometimes a moody person that sometimes I refuse to talk to hubby with no particular reason.

I am tagging everyone in my blog list. Please do grab it if you like to disclose 6 weird things about you to your friends.

Honest Scrap Award

I got another award from my friend Wenna Thank you so much for including me in your list. You are such a nice friend. Much love to you.

Honest Scrap Award Rules:

When accepting this auspicious award, you must write a post bragging about it, including the name of the misguided soul who thinks you deserve such acclaim, and link back to said person so everyone knows he or she is real.

Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design. Or improvise by including bloggers who have no idea who you are because you don’t have 7 friends.

Show the 7 random victims’ names and links and leave a harassing comment informing them that they were prized with “Honest Weblog.” Well, there’s no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon. List at least ten honest things about yourself. Then, pass it on!

Ten things you might wanna know about me:

1.I am computer addict just second only to hubby. My day is not complete without staying in front of the computer and check out my Multiply, FS and Blog site even for a short time only . Then, I visit Sunstar to keep me always updated of what is happening around Cebu and the Philippines.

2.On hot days, I go out with umbrella. I cannot bear the hot weather without it.

3.I do a lot of walking everyday. This is my simple way of exercise just to feel good and healthy always .

4. I always read book before going to bed. That way, my eyes easily get tired and I easily drift to oblivion.

5. Our fridge has always stock of ginger beers. Me and hubby love to drink it especially on night time. I can finish 2 bottles each night.

6. One of my weekly routines is making a big pot of diet soup for hubby. That is for his weekly consumption of the diet soup. He is eating it every meal time so I always make it sure it will last for the whole week to save my time.

7. I love seafoods so much that every week I eat either fish, calamari, prawns or mussels.

8.As a busy mum with two kids and a great lover of plants, I have a good collection of succulent plants. I love them because it suits my lifestyle well as they are the type that doesnt need too much care and attention. They have beautiful and interesting flowers too.

9.I eat MacDonald cheese burger once or twice a week at least.

10.I can resist chocolates and I can eat 12 fun size of Snickers a day.

Now, I am going to violate the rules of this tag..hehehe.. because I wont tag anyone..lolz..just lazy this time.