Of Wizards and Jumpers

My hubby and I were watching Jumper on Star Movies last night and I told him that David (Hayden Christensen) has something in common with wizards. That is, they can all teleport or more popularly known as Apparition (and Disapparition) in the world of Harry Potter. Hah! And you thought this was one serious post LOL!

That is one interesting power and honestly, if given the chance, it would be too cool to go from one place to another just like that. This got me thinking if there are such people as Jumpers, would I want to be one of them? It's a fascinating and scary thought at the same time because there's a group that's too keen in eliminating them. So they are not free to be who they are as they are being tracked and it's like there's no freedom to be who they are.

On the other hand, no questions asked, I would love to be a witch and be friends with Harry, Ron and Hermione. I can apparate to any place and as long as I have passed Apparition, the Ministry of Magic will give me a license so that I can do it legally. With that, I can apparate and disapparate in peace. Add to this the fact that Voldemort and his Death Eaters have long been defeated by Harry Potter, along with some of the DA members and the Order of the Phoenix, so that leaves the Wizarding World such a great place to live in.

Sigh. If only such world exists, I would be the first to transfer there. And if only teleportation is possible, I would stand in line just to get it at all costs. No need for passports and visas :P

My Journey

I'm listening right now to Journey by Lea Salonga. I just love this song.

Half the world is sleeping,
half the world's awake
half can hear their hearts beat
half just hear them break

I am but a traveler, in most every way
Ask me what you want...to know

What a journey it has been
And the end is not in sight
But the stars are out tonight
and they're bound to guide my way

When they're shining on my life
I can see a better day
I won't let the darkness in,
what a journey it has been.

I have been to sorrow
I have been to bliss
Where I'll be tomorrow,
I can only guess

Through the darkest desert
Through the deepest snow,
Forward always forward, I go..

What a journey it has been
and the end is not in sight
But the stars are out tonight
and they're bound to guide my way

When they're shining on my life
I can see a better day
I won't let the darkness in,
what a journey it has been...

Forward, always forward...
Onward, always up...
Catching every drop of hope
In my empty cup

What a journey it has been
And the end is not in sight
But the stars are out tonight
and they're bound to guide my way

When they're shining on my life
I can see a better dayI won't let the darkness in,
what a journey it has been...
What a journey it has been...

I can so relate to this song. My life is a journey and an exciting one at that. Can't wait for the next adventure and it's sweeter because of the people I am with :)

Mommy Moments: Daddy Moment

This week we give way to the Daddies in the house :)

Jeremy and his Daddy are very close. My hubby vividly recalls how our son used to sleep in his chest when he was a few months old and that he would put Jeremy in a makeshift sling while he's on shift (and I am trying to get some sleep). Too bad I can't find these pictures.

Now that Jeremy is older, they have fun doing activities together like playing in the arcade. In the picture below, his Daddy helps him in the game by pushing on the pedal while he drives. It's so touching to see my boys just having fun and bonding.



Whenever we have occasions to attend to, we see to it that all of us go. Like the recent kid's party where Jeremy was invited. His daddy was there to guide him and even watched him while he was playing games.



I'm looking forward to the time when we can bring Jamie along to such activities. I'm sure it will be so fun. We savor these moments when we can all have fun and we make sure to squeeze some R&R no matter how busy we are.

For more stories in Mommy Moments, click here.

Rain, rain go away...or not

It's been raining pretty hard usually in the afternoon these past few days. While it certainly is a welcome change from the blistering summer heat we are experiencing, it can be a pain sometimes.

Case in point: I can't do my grocery if it's raining as it gets so hard to commute especially going home because the streets are muddy and it's difficult to look for transport. My umbrella can only do so much and still leave me sopping wet and then the wind blows really hard leaving me with an upturned umbrella. I know. It was one sucky day when everything I mentioned happened in one day LOL!

Basically, I like the rains when I don't have plans of going out and when I don't have work to do so I can just lie down and snuggle with my loved ones. I also want to spend time watching tv, catching up on my favorite series like House and those cooking shows in the Asian Food Channel. I miss Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations as we don't have it in our current cable provider.

What about you? Like the rains or not?

Rainy Tuesday

I was checking my blog the other day and got the surprise of my life when I saw that I have a follower! Oh yes! I didn't know what it was at first LOL! It's like I was living under a rock :) But yes, it just dawned on me what it was when I read it. So, that's the thingamajig that I see in other bloggers site. Interesting. What made me appreciate it more was that it was totally unexpected :) Thanks, Elaine!

By the way, the three of us (hubby, Jeremy and I) went to SM Fairview yesterday to buy food and also to bond with Jeremy. I wanted to spend time with my son so that he'll know and feel that we love him even if he already has a baby sister. We had lunch at KFC and he ate his favorite spaghetti and then we headed over to the newly-opened Timezone at the Annex. Jeremy played some games and then it was time for us to go home. Too bad it was raining so hard. Maybe it was because of the weather or he's just plain sleepy, but Jeremy didn't want to walk! I can barely carry him. Imagine a petite mom like me carrying a 17-kg big baby LOL! Oh well, it was just a short distance to where Daddy was waiting for us so I obliged. I guess he just missed it because I didn't do much carrying when I was pregnant.

We went home and Jamie was fast asleep. I intend to do this more often. Spend time with Jeremy and definitely when Jamie is a bit older, we can bring her along too. That would be too fun :)

In search of a web host provider

Ever since I started blogging back in 2003, I have been using blogspot and xanga, which offer free blogs that are easy to use and set up. At that time, my purpose for creating a blog was to have an online journal since I spend most of my time in the office and I have grown tired of writing using my own hand. I also wanted to reach as many people as possible so I thought it would be a great medium since my site is just a click away.

In these times where blogging has become an emerging trend, many people have looked into getting their own domains. I am considering this too and luckily, I chanced upon web site hosting. It’s a great site with a wealth of information about web hosting. It features web hosting reviews which I find very useful as bloggers share their experience with different web hosting providers. We should shop around for the best provider before choosing one and compare the features that are part of the package.

The site also features the best web hosts so that one can get an idea of what to expect for a fair deal. I also suggest browsing through their blog and the topic is so timely for me as I am interested in SEO and want to explore this more to get more hits for my blog. Good luck to me!

Mommy Moments: Sentimental Moments

Truly everyday I spent and will be spending my kids is memorable but if I have to choose some sentimental moments, one of those was when Jeremy was finally transferred to a room from the incubator.

He was born premature (I gave birth at almost 33wks) and weighed 3.96lbs. He was very small but even then, he was the loudest to cry and was also active. The nurses were all fond of him because it seemed he kept a happy disposition even while inside the incubator and with all those tubes in his body. I was relieved because he didn't suffer from any serious condition but just the same he had to be incubated for a few days.

We finally transferred him to his room on the fourth day. This picture was taken shortly after midnight and my hubby caught the smile on Jeremy's face. I know it was involuntary but still it seemed he knew the situation and was smiling about it. :) It was Dec. 24 when we finally brought him home just in time for Christmas.



The second picture just made me realize how much my baby has grown into a fine, little boy. I just loved the way he looked here, as if telling me, "Look, Mom! I'm driving by myself." I can't help but wax nostalgic and just be very thankful that I was able to witness every milestone, no matter how simple, in my little boy's life :) I vow to do the same for my sweet little girl.



For more stories in Mommy Moments, click here.

Rowna who?

I had the itch to create a new blog last night, so I did. It's name is Rowna and I would appreciate it if you can visit me there as well. You can also link me up and I'll definitely do the same :)

By the way, there are just a few posts as it is a work in progress. I just wanted to share another side of me. I'd like to think of it as my comical side.

I hope to catch you all there too. And of course, do come by here like before as I won't be leaving this space of course :)

Enjoy the rest of the day!

Jamie's Baby Shower...Sorta

So my colleagues at work planned to throw me a baby shower last March but because Jamie wanted to make her grand entrance sooner than expected, it didn't push through. I gave birth on a Thursday and they wanted to have the shower on Saturday. So there.

But still, my friends sent me their welcome gifts to Jamie. Hazel had it delivered via Xend while my hubby went to the office to get Mother Len's gift. She's our Boss, by the way. I was so touched by the gesture and it really helped because we didn't buy a lot of stuff. Jamie got a receiving blanket, Minnie Mouse tie-side shirts, booties, shorts, a baby bag which was too cute, 2 pretty dresses, short-sleeved shirts and even feeding bottles.

This May we'll have our annual Mixer at the office and I'm thinking of bringing Jamie along so that they can see her personally. It'll be fun because we all work from home and we only get to see each other during special occasions :)

Jamie's Day

Happy Easter!

Aside from Easter, today is also the day our baby Jamie turns 1 month old :)

My mom cooked spaghetti and we took pictures of Jamie wearing her first dress and with a headband too. She looked adorable and looking at her, she has indeed grown a lot. She was barely 5lbs. when she was born and now she has definitely gained weight. Just look at those chubby cheeks :)



So there, just wanted to share those pics with my friends. Have a great week ahead!

Finding the Perfect Bed

When I was still pregnant, hubby and I were planning to buy a new bed simply because our family will get bigger and we wanted to co-sleep with the kids. It was indeed a challenge for us to find the perfect one that will fit our budget and also one that will fit the whole family.

I checked western furniture and found some really nice beds and with great designs to choose from. I particularly liked Sunrise Top King Sized Bed. The design is unique and it’s big enough for all of us. If money was not an issue, I’d really get myself one of those. The bed looks so inviting and promises a good night's sleep.

Mommy Moments: Kids in Costume

This week's theme in Mommy Moments is Kids in Costume. We attended a Halloween Costume Party in the office last year and it was Jeremy's first time to don a costume. We bought a penguin costume for him because it was the smallest we could find. I guess the other costumes sold out fast and those that were left behind were either big or out of our budget LOL!

Anyway, Jeremy wore this costume for approximately 10 minutes and then he threw up all over it. Oh yes, it was such a mess. His nanny was in a hurry (and I didn't know why) to feed him and just kept on putting lasagna in his mouth and then it happened. The photographer didn't even get the chance to take a decent pic of him. Good thing we had a dress rehearsal at home and I forced him to wear it. You can see in his face that he didn't like it. Maybe it was itchy or he was just having one of those days.



I just kept his costume and maybe he can wear it again this year when we go on a trick or treat. Who knows he might actually like wearing it this time around :)

For more stories in Mommy Moments, click here.

I'm a Mother, I'm a Wife

I would like to thank Gene for tagging me and I appreciate it a lot :) These are good questions and I seriously thought about these before answering LOL!

Rules PLEASE:

1. Link with the person who tagged you.

2. Copy above images.

3. Post this on any or all of your Blog/s.

4. Answer the two-part questionnaire following these Rules. (Feel free to elaborate your answers. For questions 8 - 14, post only the one (1) which you believe best describes your choice).

5. Share this with at least seven (7) friends on your Blog Roll.

6. Come back to Living A' La Mode (DO NOT CHANGE THIS LINK PLEASE.) and leave the URL of your Post in order for you/your Blog to be added to the Master List.

7. Have fun!

Parenting Style

1. Do you exercise full or minimal control over your child's / children's behavior? --> Full control

2. Do you expect your child / children to obey 100% or let her / him / them do what pleases her / him / them? --> I'd be very happy if my kids, particularly my son, will obey me and his dad all the time but I know he's exploring and wants to be more independent so we give him space :)

3. Do you welcome discussion or you simply set rules? --> Now that my kids are still young, we set the rules.

4. Do you reprimand? Yes.

5. Do you use spanking for punishment? --> Sometimes if the situation really calls for it

6. Do you use some kind of a reward System for motivation? --> Yes

7. Do you enjoy being a Parent? --> I definitely do!

8. Are you a hands-on Parent or do you have a full-time Nanny? --> My son has a nanny but I'm a hands-on Mom to him and his little sister.

9. At what age would you let your child make simple decisions for himself / herself? --> As early as now, my son can make simple decisions like what to wear, what to eat (yes, he's at this stage. I can't make him eat something he doesn't like), etc.

10.Do you and your Husband have the same Parenting Style? --> Nope.

Wife Style

7. How long have you been married? --> Almost 3 years.

8. How do you feel about being a Wife?
--> *It's fun!
* It's just a duty.
* OK.
* I hate it.

9. What has been your typical sleeping attire since you got married?
* A cotton night gown.
--> *Sweats or Shorts.
* Something sheer & soft
* Nothing.


10. How do you show how appreciative you are of your Husband?
--> * By being always affectionate.
* I do not show him anything.
* By giving him presents even if there is no occasion.
* By cooking his favorite dishes all the time.
* I do not show him anything.


11. What do you do when your Husband annoys you?
--> * Keep quiet for a little while.
* Just ignore whatever it is.
* Talk with him about it immediately.
* Scream at him.


12. You are buying or planning to buy your first house as Husband and Wife ....
* It is / going to be a large estate.
--> * It is / going to be in a suburb close to a big city.
* It is / going to be in a metropolis.
* It is / going to be a fixer-upper but with tremendous potential that you can fill with first-rate furniture and appliances.


13. How does your house look like at the end of the day when Hubby gets home?
* Immaculate and spotless.
--> * You are still finishing up your cleaning.
* Unmade bed, unwashed dishes and children's toys all over.
* Husband's clutter are left for him to take care of.


14. How do you feel about running a household?
--> * Always motivated.
* Dislike it, for the most part.
* Oftentimes pretending to like it.
* Whatever!


15. What is the sweetest gift you have given your Husband so far? --> Hmmm...I think the fact that we have two wonderful kids, they are the sweetest gifts I could ever give him :)

I am tagging all of my friends who are moms and wives. We all do a wonderful job in our own little ways. I'd love to hear from you :)

I Love Your Blog Award

Thanks Chris for giving me this award. This inspires me to update my blog often and to participate every week in Mommy Moments :)

So here's the rules:
1. The winner can put the logo on his/her awesome blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve nominated!

And now the fun part. I would like to give this award to Abi, Lorela, Chamie, Beth, Honney

Mommy Moments: Special Day

This week's theme is Special Day :)

I gave birth to Jeremy when I was just almost 33wks preggy so it was a preterm labor. He was so tiny and weighed in at just 3.96lbs. Those who saw him when he was still a baby can't believe how big he's grown :) It was indeed a special day for hubby and I as we have been blessed with a beautiful baby boy.



The next picture was during his Christening. He looked like he was really listening to the priest's homily :)



And then this one was when he turned 1yr. old. We celebrated it with a party at Jollibee. He loved Jollibee the mascot so much! He was with his former yaya in this picture.



For Jamie, we'll surely be collecting a lot of pictures in the days to come and we'll chronicle her special days too :)



To join us in Mommy Moments, click here

Quiet time

I have been sick these past couple of days. My colds is bad I can hardly breathe. That's why there has been no activity for the last week.

To everyone who's given me awards, I'll get to them this weekend and in fact, I have already started on one that is just sitting in my drafts. And, thanks of course!

I'll be posting my Mommy Moments entry in a few as I want to share pictures of Jeremy on his special day. Jamie will have one too :)

Have a great weekend everyone!