Easter

Frankie is already so excited for Easter. We colored some eggs today even if I told him that it is not Easter yet. Thankfully, we only have two eggs left in the refrigerator, and I promised him to get more in time Easter. I love Easter. Aside from being off from work, I really like watching little kids at church all dressed up.

You know what is even cuter? It is when they wear personalized easter clothes for kids. I think that is just the most brilliant idea. Whoever thought of that was a genius. There was this twin little boys sitting in front of us one time at church. They both have two denim jumpers with their names in it. It was just so cute. I still haven’t decided what to get Frankie for Easter. I will probably let Ryan worry about it.

Remembering

Our Dada started his new job last Monday. He is on a second shift and so far he is doing well. He is under training for a month and basically learning about what he is supposed to be doing. He just needs to get the hang of it, and I am sure he will be alright. He is a very intelligent person and it would be a piece of cake for him. The company already had plans for the Christmas party and they are going somewhere for that.

On the other hand, he is also still working at the old job on first shift because they asked him to stay until such time that he will be layed off. His supervisor and manager really liked him, but they really do not have the choice because he is in the union. They are doing the bumping right now, and I have not heard anything about someone getting his job yet. I told him to give this a week and if he can't handle it because of the lack of sleep, he needs to quit the other job. That is the second priority and I don't want him screwing up the other job. He has a future in there and the benefits are really awesome. Hopefully, I will be able to convince him to get rid of the old job rather than waiting till they get rid of him this weekend. No matter what happens, I am glad that Dada got it covered. There was a this laboratory in Batavia that also wanted to hire him but it was quiet a drive so he settled in the one closer to home.

Afternoon Out

Most of the ladies I met from church are also hard working mothers that is why when we get there, we are so contended staying at one of our houses and watch a couple of movies from the Satellite TV. This is one of my favorite events every two weeks because I get to relax away from chores and responsibilities even for a few hours. It makes a lot of difference. Please do not get me wrong, I love my boys, but there are times when you really have to get away and spend an afternoon with the rest of the mothers.

One of our favorites is the Direct TV cinema. We love browsing through the latest movies and the new releases. I can’t wait to watch Tangled when it comes available. I know it’s for kids or teenagers, but we still consider ourselves as “young at heart.” Black Swan is another movie we have in mind. It will be a little age appropriate for us. I will be bringing along the drinks while the other girls are bring the popcorn and lunch. Laze around on the couch is just the perfect afternoon.

I wish I could take Ryan along, so he could hang out with the husbands of my friends, but he has to watch Frankie. The way I look at it, sometimes it is nice for him to spend time with Frankie too. I love it that I have something to look forward every other two weeks.

Hyundai Genesis

One of the many things I enjoy during summer is our annual road trip. It is either within the state, neighboring state, or down south to Georgia or Florida. I love sight seeing with the windows down and the music up. It makes me feel so relaxed away from home. Well, if you are planning to go somewhere this summer and needs a new car, you may want to take a look at Florida Hyundai Genesis Dealer online at 1genesisdealer.com.

At 1genesisdealer.com you can browse through their wide selection of Hyundai Genesis Inventory at the convenience of your home, so you know exactly what to get or drive when you go visit them at their Florida location. They have pre-owned Hyundai genesis cars as well Hyundai Genesis parts. If you don't know much about Hyundai cars and want to learn more about it, they also have a Genesis blog that you could read to learn more about the cars they sell complete with pictures and features.

So what are you waiting for? Check out Hyundai Genesis Dealer today and see what they have to offer, so you will be on your way to the summer trip of your dreams.

It Pays to be Persistent

I was so disappointed when I came home from meeting with the academic advisor because I still need to take the compass test for Math. I was looking forward to not taking it and just need to concentrate on English and Reading which is what they gave me as a requirement. For those who doesn't know what a compass test is, it is for students who are entering college to measure their readiness for college. It wouldn't be that bad if I transferred right away after graduating high school but it has been 10 (ouch! graduated college 10 years ago already) of idle years in between plus I didn't graduate here in the US. When I was looking at my evaluation sheet, I found a loophole and I didn't want to sleep until I find the answers. The academic advisor missed the spot where I got credited for my College Algebra because he told me in the beginning that I need English then added that I need math as well because he didn't see anything that was credited under it. College Algebra was credited under elective since it wasn't offered under the math section that I need to take.

I called the next day and the receptionist told me that I can come in to ask again if I wanted to. It was Thursday afternoon and I don't have any way of getting there in time. Friday they are closed so I was so anxious to wait for Monday to go in. Thankfully my being persistent paid off. The academic advisors are fully booked but when I showed the guy my sheets he said I don't need to take Math because I have already been credited for a college level Algebra. I felt like jumping for joy. I don't have to worry about studying Trigo and other math subjects anymore. It surely pays to be persistent.

All About Beauty

Where do you go for beauty questions and tips? I like checking out the internet. There are websites online that could provide information about beauty products, reviews, answer questions, and everything else that you may need to know about a certain beauty product.

I like it when they review one product and thoroughly evaluate it. It makes me feel confident that I am about to make a good purchase. Money is hard to find these days, so I want to make sure that something that I will buy will work for me. I usually share the website with my friends too, so that they will get it right also the first time they buy a beauty product.

Six Flags

I have not posted any pictures from when Ryan and I went to Six Flags. I wasn't even able to post any at FS either because it won't take it there because of its size. I really don't know how to resize it so it may have to stay not uploaded for now. We really had a wonderful time. We were only able to go on 3 rides with an empty stomach. Then after that we were already very hungry that we had to eat something. I didn't want to go on any rides anymore because I was afraid to throw up because I was so full. Ryan and I started with the batman roller coaster ride. Here we are waiting for our turn.

There were a lot of people and we waited for an hour and guess what, the ride only took 1 minute but it was a lot of fun. I haven't heard Ryan screamed that loud. I wonder how we looked in the camera but we didn't bother to check it out at the giftshop. The second one is this one below. I don't know what its name. We watched other people first and I took some pictures of them. Ryan kept bugging me that we should give it a try. There were no line at all so we though, why not.

It was a lot of fun but I kept thinking at the back of my head that I will fall off and that it will smash my head especially when that thing was going upside down. I can hear everybody screamed and occasionally I did too. We were not too dizzy when we got off but it was this ride below that made us all exhausted and tired.

As it was moving up, everyone was all so excited, but when it started going in different directions, I told myself I want to get off. Good thing it only took a few minutes or even less than that or I could have puked. I told Ryan I want to eat. We left early and since it took me forever to get ready, Ryan had something to eat I didn't. I usually don't eat any breakfast in the morning anyways. The food was so expensive. What do you expect? Even pop was $3.50 a bottle. Ryan and I had huge burgers. We could have split if we only know it was so big.

After eating we decided to just walk around. We think that we have tried all of them with just that last ride that Ryan and I were in. I really didn't take a lot of pictures because it was spending time with Ryan is what I was after for. You know that alone time, holding hands, looking around etc.

Before we left, Ryan wanted to have some of then funnel cake. He had it 10 years ago and he wants to have some before we go. It was indeed very delicious. Can you tell? If you ask me if I want to go back, maybe not. Probably when Frankie is a little bigger and we can take him to the kiddie side of the park other than that I am not really a fan although we made sure we will have fun while there.

Frankie's Birthday

Frankie will turn four this April 2nd. He has been asking about his birthday and when he can blow his candle. We did not give him a birthday party last year because we were in the Philippines, and since his classmate had a birthday party, he had been really excited to know when his is going to be.

I sometimes wish Frankie's birthday is during summer or when it is nice outside. We have to hold his birthday indoors all the time. I really do not like it since we really do not have that much of a space. If we could only have his birthday party outside, it will surely be fun since Ryan and I are planning to get him a commercial playground equipment such as the large tree house with slide for his guests. I have been wanting to get him that even before my Dad left for the Philippines. He was even thinking of assembling something for him, but I suggested getting something instead. Hopefully, when it is better outside, we could do something for Frankie.

Romantic Get-away

Ryan asked me a few days ago if I want to go somewhere before we will all be crazy with our schedule. Without hesitation I said yes. We want to take Papa and Frankie but Papa said he would gladly stay and watch the house. He doesn't like long drives anymore and loves peddling with his bike around the village. I want to take Frankie but Papa gladly said he can watch Frankie so Ryan and I can both enjoy. It is also nice to have Frankie around he said so that he won't get bored. Besides we will only be gone for two days since I didn't want to take off from work. I am building my vacation so that when we go home, it will be paid. Well I heard that they will only be able to cover 2 weeks from my vacation and the 1 week will be unpaid. It is still good to me rather than not having anything.

When we came home from the park and having dinner at Kyle's house, Ryan asked me where do I want to go. I haven't been to Galena but Ryan didn't want to go there because we will not be able to check out the entire place. He suggested Starved Rock State Park. We have been there before but we really didn't explore the place. It was so bad outside that we ended up looking around for a bit and went back to the hotel. It should be different this time because I found amazing stuff that is a must see that I didn't know before.

Pictures snagged from www.starvedrockstatepark.org.

One thing is for sure, I will not go home unless I see the places above. We didn't have the chance to check them out last time and I hope the weather will permit this time. I am very excited. Two more weeks to go.

In Control

I am so thankful that we now have a cheap car insurance. It was getting really costly with our previous car insurance. We have three cars and it is such a huge savings to be able to find something with the same coverage for a fraction of the cost.

It is now so easy to find your own car insurance with the use of the internet. As simple as putting in your zip code, you can get car insurance quotes almost in an instant. What is even better is you could compare and select for the best policy that best fits your budget. You are totally in control of your car insurance.

Fishes

Photo 1: the colorful inside of the aquarium. I picked the tiny stones and Ryan got the rock to match it. Photo 2: Frankie caught in the act trying to play with the fish.

We just changed the water of the fishes. Frankie loves watching them.

Chicago Remodeling

We have been trying to remodel our house for so many years. My father-in-law and my husband do stuff around the house when time permits. They are both very busy with their work that sometimes the materials are sitting in the garage for a long time. In fact, they have been trying to remodel the living room, but Ryan is just too busy. His dad would give him the instructions, but he is not able to follow through because he only has the weekend to do anything. We have to finished everything by the second week of April for Frankie’s birthday party. I wish we could just hire someone to do it for us.

In the beginning, I am afraid that we are not going to find someone that could help us with the remodeling. We live in the south suburbs of Chicago, but as I was researching online, I came across A-1pam.com, a Chicago Home Remodeling Company. What I like about them is they are professional and reliable Chicago Remodeling company. They also do painting and plastering too.

I like browsing through their bathroom, kitchen, and basement project gallery. They surely did an awesome job. So the next time you need help remodeling and you are in or around Chicago, don’t forget to check A-1pam.com. They do it right the first time.

Playing...Playing...Playing

Partners in Crime

Playing with Tatay

Playing with Kyle.

We had so much fun last week when I was off. Jenny was supposed to join us playing badminton but she was called at a last minute to work at the hospital because someone called off so Papa and I played for a little bit while Frankie played with Kyle. They were so cute to look at acting like they know what they were doing. I felt like I lost 2 lbs. with all the sweat I had. It is just sad because I won't be able to do that anymore. Jenny will be taking classes for fall too so we all will be busy again. Sheila emailed me saying that we need to meet up because she misses Frankie but even that I told her that I am extremely busy that she can come to our house if she wants to see Frankie. I promise to still find time to take Pops and Frankie out even with the busy schedule. Papa also takes him to the park when I am out for work. Also every afternoon they go for a walk. Frankie doesn't go in the stroller anymore and just walk all the way to the park. Sometimes when Papa knows that I am coming home, he calls me or miss call my phone then I call him back. I sometimes pick them up on my way home from work. I love these two people of course plus Dada.

Vacation

We usually go somewhere for a vacation every other year. We always go to Georgia or to Florida. Ryan’s grandparents are in Georgia, and he always like to visit them. They are in their 80s and Ryan wants Frankie to spend time with his great grandparents. This year, he wants to go to Georgia again to visit grandma and grandpa then go to Missouri.

If you ask me, I would love to go on a beach or take a Outer Banks vacation perhaps. I have never taken a vacation here in the US that is by the lake, beach, or ocean. I am sure something like that would be spectacular. He has not decided whether to take the vacation after we come home from the Philippines or before we leave. It will be another expense, but he really wants to go somewhere.

I Made a Promise

My co-workers really love the spring rolls that Papa and I cooked for the farewell party one time. I have an overnight set coming for my department. I thought I was going to have a hard time looking for people to work for me. I was afraid that I have to ask people but I didn't even have to do that. One co-worker came up to me and said, "if you bring some spring rolls for lunch, I'll come". I smiled at her and said, even more than that if you want. Just before the day ended, I already have 12 people signed up and I only need 8 people. So Frankie, Papa, and I are going to the Filipino store this weekend to get the wrapper for the spring rolls. It is going to be a long day week because I don't get any off anymore and I have so much to write and to compose but that is how it goes. I just want to get this paid posts out of the way so that I don't have to worry about its deadline. Hopefully I can finish this all today tonight after I get off class.

Parties

I got a couple of calls from close friends asking me what they should bring for Frankie’s birthday party. I am very pleased with the offer and help although I haven’t really thought about it yet. I have not sit down with Ryan and try to figure out what we need and want we will make. I have some things in mind, but I haven’t told Ryan about it. We usually sit down and plan things out, but we have been really bad this year.

I have been observing hosts during parties just to see what they serve. Filipino hosts are really good at putting together Filipino dishes and more. The last party I attended about a week ago was awesome. There were 16 different kinds of dishes and we brought home the left-over. The dessert was overwhelming too. That is why I think adapexin-p will come really handy soon. I gained another five lbs. during the course of two weeks. I need to watch what I eat and control what I munch.

Frankie's First Hay Ride

Frankie has never been on a hay ride. We usually don’t go anywhere during fall. We planned to go on a pumpkin patch or do apple picking but there is always coming in the way. Hopefully we will be able to do that soon. Anyways last weekend was Frankie’s Lolo’s birthday. We celebrated his birthday at their backyard and the kids had a lot of fun. After sharing the meal Dad loaded the kids on the trailer for a hay ride around his property. Papa and I had so much fun watching and waving at them. Frankie looked like he was a little scared but he lighten up later on. He was with his Dada anyway so he was doing ok. We later joined them and took some pictures as you can see below. It was a nice time with the family and before we got home Frankie was already sleeping in the car. He wasn’t able to take a nap but he was very good and not cranky at all. He slept the entire night and woke up late.

Hay Ride

Bonfire

Watching the bonfire

Gifts

When I finally decided to go home this year with Frankie, I have to consider the goodies I need to bring home as a gift or “pasalubong.” I still can’t decide if I will bring the stuff or I will send another box again like I did before. Frankie is a lot better now, and we do not need any diapers anymore unlike before. I hope he will also be better in the plane going there especially when I am by myself.

I have been looking around at work and what they have so far are winter stuff which of course does not work in the Philippines. I was also thinking of just giving them money instead of buying the stuff here. I need to weigh in this. There are certain people that I already know what to get. My uncles in the province will probably get davidoff cigars while my nephews will get sandals. Other than that, I may have to just give them money. We’ll see!

Reminiscing

Just trying to reminiscence our little Frankie a couple of Halloweens ago. We did not go trick or treating because it was quiet cold outside. We just went to his grandma, and he got a lot of goodies from them.

I have already given away my hours, so that I can enjoy this day with Frankie, Papa and Dada. I am not sure yet where we are going to start, but Ryan and I will have to have some errands to do and then we can go in the afternoon. Hopefully, the Filipino store is open tomorrow night so that after trick or treating we can all have a nice dinner at the restaurant. It's been a while since I have been over there. I miss chit chatting with the folks. By the way, our little Frankie will be Bob the Builder. We already dressed him up last week when we visited his lolo and lola and I am sure he is looking forward for later today. I am excited for him.