Missing my Hubby Yet Again ...

Hubby left again last January 15, but this time, 6mos lang contract nya. He did bargain for this and the office granted a shorter contract for him. Gusto nga sana nya mas maikli pa so he'll try to look for a shorter contract when he come home again this July. He regularly leaves us for work pero I think this is the first time that I saw and felt that he is genuinely sad. Nalulungkot daw kasi sya pag naiisip nya si Marianna. Nitong bakasyon nya kasi, halos araw araw sila magkasama kaya talagang naging close sila mag daddy. Malungkot but sacrifices had to be done. Im very lucky to have a husband like Mark. I admire him for his love and dedication as a husband and daddy and as a son. Take good care of your self sweetie. Marianna and I love you so much. See you July. God bless.

Hello 2011, Good bye and Thank you 2010!

Hello blog! I have missed more than a month updating you. I have been busy with the holidays, baking, doing office work and spending time with hubby and baby. During the holidays, we prepared food for noche buena and media noche (hoping to post about it soon), with  baking, I have been making cookies and cupcakes here and there to give away (recipes to come ...) after work which I would say that Im very lucky that I don't get to do much overtime, I usually come early from work to have some play time and sweet time with my baby and hubby.

Hmmm. What are the things that I won't forget about 2010? In general, it was a good year for us. God is so good to be always there to guide, bless and protect me and my family. It is in 2010 that I got promoted at the office (with matching promotion on work loads as well, hehe) but I was happy to oblige with the challenge and with the help of my bosses, I would say and I do hope that I did met their expectations.

Blessings in different forms came from different places. Some experiences, not so good but still ends up well as I learned more things about life. Lets just live it just the way it is and make the most of what we already have.

Another one that would remain quite a while is when I won the 3rd prize in our christmas party raffle! The prize? $ 300.00 !!! I was even doubting during the party that my raffle ball was missing! he he. I was super blessed I would say. This really came in handy during the holidays.

In 2010, I have gained friends and experiences that I will forever treasure. Thank you 2010. Thank you God.
Hello 2011.

Sunday Lunch at Tokyo Tokyo

After going to Mama for a visit and  to bring some of my baked cookies, we ended up having lunch at Tokyo Tokyo at Victory Mall here in Caloocan

4 pcs California Maki 

Eto lang ang sushi na nakakain ko. Ni hindi namin nagalaw yung wasabe. Not a big fan of it. Para kasing nagagagat yung anghang.

Signature red Iced tea

Although masarap Iced tea nila, parang mas masarap dati. Lately kasi madalas natatabangan ako every time we get to order this.

Marianna having as sip from Daddy's Iced Tea

 Ang anak ko, pawis na pawis. Napaka mainitin kasi nya at ang kapal ng buhok. Bukod pa dun, nag tatalon sya sa kama dun kila mama habang pabalik balik na nakikipag laro ng peak a boo sa lola nya.

Sumo Remix : Beef Misono with Prawn and Vegie Tempura

I rarely eat beef. But if i do i really dont eat much. Gulay at yung tempura ang kinain ko dito. Si yanna gusto nya yung beef kaya yun sinusubo ko sa kanya.

Hubby getting a Prawn Tempura

It was his place of choice and already had this in mind when we came in. He really loves prawns/shrimps.

We left full and had a short walk from here to Pure Gold to buy some stuff .

Parang medyo matatagalan na ulit before we come back to Tokyo Tokyo again to dine out. Wala na kasi sila masyadong bago to choose from. Tapos nawala pa yung Tuna Misono na fave ko. I hope they'll bring it back again.

RIA'S UNITED NATIONS DAY ACTIVITY

Last friday was my niece's Ria UN activity at school. She was Ms. Africa and above is a shot of her before leaving the house ...



 

Sayang at di ko to nasaksihan personally but still Im very proud of Ria kasi she was very cooperative.

Smile for the cameria Ria. She loves her picture being taken. Laging camera ready ang smile nyan ...

 Pa demure pose ... Kamukha sya ni Mama, hehe



She won best costume.

And why not? bongga naman talaga ang costume nya.

Her mom rented this from a costume shop.



Marianna's 2nd Birthday Party

Last Saturday, Oct 2, 2010, we celebrated Marianna's 2nd Birthday at Jollibee A. Mabini Branch.

Her original birthday was last tuesday, Sept 28 and Oct 2 is the closest saturday to her actual Birthdate kaya ito na yung date na pinili namin to schedule her Jollibee party. Medyo ninenerbyos na nga ko nung Friday kasi umuulan ulan. Maswerte at maganda ang panahon nung Sabado.

Good mood ang anak ko that day. Mabuti na lang talaga at naka nap sya bago kami pumunta kaya wala syang "s". Nakatulong din na malamig yung party area kaya di sya balisa. Sayaw sya ng sayaw pag dating palang at sinasalubong yung mga guest nya habang paparating. At nung nahawakan na yung mike, di na nya binitawan at kumanta kanta na.

Games for the kids and the adults.

Sa mga kids hanapan ng pares ng sapatos nila (may ganito palang game, hehe)

 and bring me
Sa mga adults naman, balloon relay. Group ni Mommy and Daddy. Syempre group ni Mommy nanalo.

Ang parusa ng group ni Daddy? I-Spell pangalan ni Marianna, sa pag kembot, hehe.

Syempre nandun si Peachy, Ykaie, Laarnie and Leighna to celebrate with Marianna.

Parang si Pia lang ang kulang sa picture na ito. Sayang lang at nung sabado din flight nila pauwi ng Japan kaya di sila naka attend.

Madami din naging visitors. From my officemates, former classmates, relatives and other friends.

Thank you very much sa lahat ng naki celebrate sa amin.

Anak, mahal na mahal ka namin ng Daddy mo.

Nandito lang kami para sa yo.

We pray that you'll be the best that you can be and with God's grace and mercy we know you'll be a good, healthy, smart, sweet & respectful child.

We love you Anak.

Mini 2nd Birthday Celebration for Marianna

Last 28 September 2010 was my Marianna's 2nd birthday. Pinaghanda lang namin sya ng konti sa bahay. Above are two mini cakes for her. Chocolate fudge cake and White forest bought at Red Ribbon.

Pansit palabok (fave ni Yanna), puto & roasted chicken

Handa ni Yanna ....

Picture with daddy na huling huli si Marianna na inaabot yung Coke at naawat, hehe.

Inaabot pa din nya yung softdrinks kaya ko hawak hawak yung kamay nya, hehe.

Let-let (My cousin) with daughter Leila, Tita Josie, Yanna,  Jack, Enzo and Mama Wena (Hubby's Mom) 

Ate Ria, Raine & Mama Wena

Mama Wena andYanna



Tita Rio (Hubby's Sis)



Konti lang din bisita nya. A few of my relatives and hubby's mom and sister. We'll expect more well wishers sa party ni Yanna sa saturday sa Jollibee....



Happy Happy Birthday Anak. Daddy and Mommy loves you so much. We hope and pray that you'll grow up to the best that you can be and we want you to know that Mommy and Daddy will always be here for you. God bless.



First Date since Hubby came Back ...

Last friday, Hubby and I met up at Robinsons Place Manila after work.

This was our formal "date" ,without Marianna, after he arrived from ship work.

We had our dinner at Gumbo. His choice and I also let him choose what we would eat.

And since he loves seafood, particularly shrimps, we ended up having below menu.

Jumpin Shrimps and Peel (Cajun style)

Seafood Lasagna

Berry Lemonade  

My date. Pa cute as always ... hehe

All was fairly good. A little pricey but reasonable in taste and servings.

We don't go here quite often but when we do, we usually enjoy the food kahit pa iba iba order namin everytime we dine here.

Attending Leila's 1st bday Party

Last sunday, 12 Sept 2010, we attended Leila's first bday party. Pamangkin ko si Leila, anak ng pinsan kong si Let let at inaanak naman ni Mark sa binyag.

Family picture muna as we were about to go to Leila's Party

Mommy and Marianna wearing our terno Blouse bought at Osh kosh :-)

Napaaga kami ng dating and as you can see, empty tables and chairs pa ang background ng anak ko. May videoke kaya ayan si Marianna. Hinawakan agad ang mike at humuni huni na.

Ayan may mga ibang bisita na din. Nag iikot na ang anak ko at nag uusisa sa mga ibang bata.

May mga clowns at mabuti naman di natakot si Marianna. Di na din sya umiiyak pag maingay kaya tamang tama naman pag sa party na nya ma eenjoy na din nya. Last year na "ondoy" 1st birthday party ni Marianna kaya im very much hoping and praying that it won't happen again this year sa 2nd birthday Party nya.
Ay naku wala man lang kaming picture nung birthday celebrant. Cute pa naman ni Leila kasi naka pink outfit at may fairy wings pa.



Daddy is Here!

Hubby arrived 1am last 07 September 2010. Grabe inumaga na kami ni Marianna pag iintay sa Daddy nya. At nag pakapagod sya kakaikot, tulog tuloy ang bata nung dumating si Mark.

Tuesday the same day, we went to Trinoma para makapag gymboree si Marianna. Binilhan na din sya ng Daddy nya ng new shoes, Chuck taylor na Red.

Gymboree play time of Daddy and Marianna

We had our snack at Burger King, parang last year nung bagong dating si Mark sa BK din kami unang kumain when we went to the mall ...

Ayan at extra pa din ang kamay ni Daddy sa picture namin ni Marianna .... 

Miss na miss ni Daddy spending time with us kaya we have more together time again bago ulit nya kailangan umalis for work

Terno - Terno Mommy and Marianna

I bought these mommy - baby ternos last weekend.

Masaya ako pag may nakikita ako na may kasya sa akin tska kay Marianna and buying one completes my day.

Bought these cute blouses from Kids of Bayo

These pair from Oshkosh. Swerte at sale sa oshkosh sa Trinoma kaya I got these for half the price.

Nakapila ang occassions these Ber - months kaya Marianna and I will be wearing these terno blouses on those days.

TERNO at Tita Rio's Birthday

Naisuot na din namin ni Marianna yung Terno na nabili ko ng matagal ng panahon and the occassion is her Tita Rio's 18th Birthday celebration. Now, im in search of another terno to wear when we fetch daddy at the airport very soon. Flight details na lang ang iniintay namin. Excited na kami ni Marianna to be with Daddy ulit.

Marianna's Gym Play at Gymboree

A good friend of mine suggested na ipasyal ko minsan si Marianna sa gymboree sa trinoma and one saturday we did try it out. Nakakadalawang punta na kami and my Marianna loves and enjoys playing there. It was free the first time since we were given coupons. Last sunday, we were supposed to attend the Music 2 class for an hour (2-3pm), and every may class, libre gym play kaya nakapag laro din sya. Sayang nga lang kasi ayaw pumirmi ng anak ko dun sa mismong class. She kept on roaming around the room at lahat gusto usisain. Then when we were trying to participate ayun na, nag maktol na ang anak ko. The teacher was kind enough to let us use our payment for that trial class to another class scheduled this coming saturday, gym play class naman. Im hoping Marianna would love this particular class kasi she loves to play in their gym. Im looking forward to this since parents/guardians are involved in the class and I was informed that it was going to be a full class kaya I think it would be really fun for Marianna and for me as well. Buti na lang din at malapit lapit na umuwi si daddy Mark at para the next gym play ni Marianna sila naman ni daddy nya magkasama. Not that I wont be coming with them, I'll just take some pictures and I'll just savor the moment of seing the loves of my life together and having fun.

Marianna's New Hair Cut

Short na ang hair ni Marianna ngayon. From Dora hairstyle naging Diego na ang kanyang hairstyle, hehe. Napakainit kasi at kamot sya ng kamot. Yung batok, likod, pati loob ng tenga may sugat kakakamot nya. Pag nababasa kasi yung buhok ng pawis, nagagati at di na mapigilan sa pag kamot ang anak ko. Ayaw din nya mag paipit. Kaya ayan, I decided na pagupitan na sya. Grabe naman para kaming ginulpi ng tita ko bago sya natapos gupitan. Nagwawala. Buhat buhat namin sya at nag pupumiglas at umiiyak habang ginugupitan. Sabi ko nga sa bakla wag lang pasyarin sa batok e. Kaso mo di nga mapakali ang anak ko kaya ganyan kaikli ang nangyari. Nagkalat nga kami ng buhok nya sa buong parlor, hehe. Pero ngayon, na sinabihan ako ng ninang nya na kukunin syang flower girl early next year ... papahabain ko na ulit hair nya. Sana di na sya masyadong maligalig by that time, hehe. Ang anak ko, lalong naging kamukha ng daddy nya. Mini-me at Jr ang dating. Lalo tuloy ako na in love sa mag ama ko, hay .... Speaking of Daddy, by August nandito na ang mahal kong asawa. Excited na kami ni Marianna to spend family time with him again after nearly 8 mos :-)

Nangarag Ako!

Hay ... Im almost more than a month behind my posts !!!! Nagarag ako. Yun yun. Ang daming work sa office at kinailangan ko mag hanap ng yaya ni Marianna ng madalian kaya na stress ako at nagarag. Ngayon na may yaya na si Marianna, Im hoping to catch up with my posts and scraps :-)

MOMMY PAGES

As I was about to finish cleaning the aircon screen in our garage this morning, when i heard a loud knock on the door. Upon opening, an LBC person handed me my MOMMY PAGES.

I did request a copy of this through email about a month ago. I read about this on the May 2010 issue of Smart Parenting. Its a very useful directory for mommies which provides as a reference guide to places, numbers and all things parent related. From shopping stores, play centers, theme parks, childbirth & lamaze classes, and even cord blood bank services and best of all, its FREE!!! Ms. Janice Villanueva, together with Sen Pia Cayetano, founded Mommy Pages, this is indeed a must have for moms like me. Thank you so much.

If you would like a your own copy of Mommy Pages, just email them at copyrequest@mommypages.com.ph

Its My Day Today!

Its my birthday last May 30 at huling idad ko na nasa kalendaryo pa. hehe. Now, I'll try to tell as much facts about me as much as I can .....

1.  I was born on May 30, 1979 at exactly 5:17am
2.  30 months lang yung nakalagay sa birth certificate ko, that means i was born prematurely at 7 months. No wonder kulang kulang ako at times .... ay medyo madalas din pala (ayaw ko lang aminin, hehe) 
3. My whole name is Djohanna Marie Arnaldo San Diego-Marinas. Now with the inclusion of my husbands' surname. Sabi ng mama ko, kuya ko daw ang nagpangalan sa kin. Galing sa isang character sa comics na lagi nyang binabasa. Moanna Marie actually. Pangalan ng babaeng unggoy na character sa comics. Oh di ba ang bait bait ng kuya ko? Pinaganda lang ni mama at ginawang Djohanna.
4. I am the second child of Reynaldo San Diego Sr. and Elisa Arnaldo. 29 si papa nun at 27 naman si mama nung pinaganak ako. 
5. Madami akong nickname. Joan obviously galing sa pangalan ko, Boyang bansang naman sa kin nung maliit ako at sakitin daw ako. Boy kasi palayaw ng papa ko at sabi nila, kamukha ko daw si papa kaya Boyang. Dj dagdag na palayaw ko na binansag ng 2nd year hs teacher namin na si Mrs. Marquez.
6. Sabi ng mama ko, meron daw kami dapat na kapatid na twin brothers. Pagitan namin ni kuya. Kaso di nya daw kaya kaya she had a forced abortion when the twins was 5 months old.
7. We have a plus one. Si Ryan. Adopted nila mama and papa. Kaya 3 kaming magkakapatid.
8. Tabachoy ako nung maliit hangang high school. Napaka takaw ko kasi. Kinukwento nga ng tita ko kahit ketchup lang ulam dami ko nakakain na kanin, hehe.
9. Napakahilig ko din sa matamis, lalo na ngayon. Pag malungkot ako o stressed, chocolate, cake o kaya ice cream ang pangpasaya ko.
10. Mahilig akong kumanta. Nung maliliit pa kami pag may reunion, pinagkakakitaan ko ang pagkanta, hehe.
11. Hindi ako marunong sumayaw, parehong kaliwa paa ko at di ako marunong sumabay sa tugtog, hehe.
12. I studied at La Consolacion College Caloocan from Kinder to Highschool kaya naman meron akong Loyalty Medal, hehe.
13. Pinaka hate ko na subject ang Math at Pinaka gusto ko naman History.
14. Ayoko ng Math pero nung college, Accounting Major ako sa UE - Caloocan. Batch 2000 ako.
15. Hinihimatay ako ng pagdidiet nung high school hangang college. Pag sinabi ko kasing hindi ako kakain, di talaga ako kakain. Kaya ayun hinihimatay ako sa gutom, hehe.
16. Hindi ako umattend ng college graduation ... lets just say medyo bitter ako nun, haha
17. Luha, pawis at kamuntik ng dugo ang naging pumuhan ko para maging board passer. Ang masasabi ko lang, totoo yung kapag sa yo, sa yo talaga. In God's right time.
18. Im still working at my first office, Hammonia Shipagency dati, naging Philippine Hammonia, at ngayon BSM Crew Service Centre Phils, Inc. na. Mag 8 years of service na ko this year.
19. Sa opisina ko din nakilala ang aking mahal na asawa. Nag cadet sya dati sa office bago naging seaman.
20. Si Mark ang una at huli kong boyfriend. Sya lang kasi ang nagkaroon ng tapang na ligawan ako, haha.
21. Parehong May ang birthday namin. May 16 sya at May 30 naman ako, two weeks apart lang. Same year din, 1979 at laging pareho ng araw birthday namin. Katulad this year, parehong linggo birthday namin. 
22. Pareho na kaming walang papa. Papa ko namatay, July 20, 2004 then si Papa Mario naman August 20, 2004 parehong dahil sa sakit.
23. Kinasal kami December 15, 2007 sa Victoneta Chapel dito sa Potrero Malabon. Mag 5 years na din kami mag-bf nun.
24. Mag boy friend at girl friend pa lang kami ni Mark ay nag wiwish na ko na sana kung magkakaanak kami in the future ay baby girl na kamukha nya. Kaya si Marianna ay wish came true. Pati blood type ay nakuha sa Daddy nya.
25. Wala akong alam sa gawaing bahay nung nag asawa ko. Pero instinct na lang yata talaga at di naman kailangan pang ituro. Natuto ako magluto at mag alaga ng bata ng nag asawa at nagka anak na ko.
26.  Kagaya nung nag aaral pa ako, opisina bahay lang din ang buhay ko. Di ako gumigimik. Nakakapasyal lang ako pag may bibilhin na kailangan na gamit ni Marianna o kaya naaaya ng kita kits ni Bff Peachy.
27. Hindi ako imiinom ng kape. Pero ngayon ... mukhang mag babago na to. Napapainom kasi ako ng kape sa umaga pag kulang sa tulog o nanlalata.
 

 Konti na lang at mapupuno ko na din hangang no. 31 ....

Happy Mothers Day !

Happy mothers day sa lahat ng mga mommy, mama, nanay, inay, mamu, mader, maderaka at inang ngayong araw ng mga ina. Mahirap pero masarap maging ina. Ito nga ang pinakamahirap na profession sa lahat, ang maging "full time mom". Pero dahil medyo kailangan ng karagdagang kita, madami na din na nanay na nag hahapbuhay at nag titiis na malayo sa kanilang mga anak. Maswerte ako at kahit nag tatrabaho ako ay umuuwi pa din ako araw araw para makita at makapiling ang mahal kong anak. Pag weekends, masaya ako at kasama ko sya ng mas matagal. Nakakapagod pero nawawala yung pagod ko habang pinapanood ko sya habang natutulog, sulit lahat ng hirap pag tumatakbo syang payakap sa akin, bale wala ang tumatagak tak kong pawis kakahabol sa kanya pag nakikita at naririnig ko syang tumatawa. Masarap maging nanay. Hindi ko masabi ng kungkreto gano ako kasaya. Pero eto yung tipo ng kaligayahan na di matutumbasan ng kahit na anong halaga ng material na yaman dito sa mundo. 

Happy mothers day din sa pinaka mamahal kong mama. Nag iisa lang sya at hindi ko din naman ipag papalit kahit kanino. Salamat sa lahat ng sakripisyo mo sa amin. Sa tingin ko naman ay mabuti akong tao at iyon ay dahil sa maayos nyong pagpapalaki sa akin ni papa. Mahal na Mahal ka namin ni Marianna. 

Happy mothers day Mama Wena. Salamat sa pag aalaga mo kay Marianna at maraming salamat at napalaki mo ang mahal kong asawa na responsable at may takot sa Diyos.

Happy mothers day sa lahat ng mga Nanay na patuloy na nag sasakripisyo at walang anumang hinihintay na kapalit. 

Cheers to all of us. 

May God bless us with good health, resilience and long life para patuloy pa natin magampanan ang ating tungkulin bilang mga Ina.

Happy Birthday Mama!

This cake is what we brought for mama today for her birthday. Nag half day ako to go to her at nag luto sya. Sayang lang at hindi ko nakuhanan. Lumpiang sariwa, pansit, chicken pastel, kare-kare and gellatin handa nya. Cook si mama kaya lahat masarap. Kahit naman nung wala pa akong asawa, i always take a leave or halfday to be with her on her birthday. Ngayon, dalawa na kami kay Marianna kaya I had her cake dedication coming from Marianna. 58 na si mama today, kung di ako nag kakamali ng bilang, ewan ko lang kung mali yung date na binigay ng mama ko sa kin, hehe. We love you so much mama. Lagi ka mag-iingat, aalagaan mo lagi sarili mo at wag masyado mag papakapagod. Maraming lakas pa ang kailangan mo to keep up sa mga apo mong makukulit. God bless always.

Look alikes?

This is a picture of my niece, Ria, as her mom holds a picture of me when I graduated in kinder at La Consolacion College - Caloocan. My mom and my Kuya claims that my niece and I do look a like. Si Ria tuloy ngayon pag tinanong mo kung sino kamukha, she'll immediately answer "Tita Ju-an (Joan)". Then someone would tell her that I have no money and she should answer Mama Isay (my mama) instead. What do you think? Are we look alikes?