Best of 2008

best food

my native dish: lumpia, bijon, gulay
my dh dish: pasta, home-made pizza

best book

The Power of Now (by Eckhart Tolle)

best friend
my dh

Hanging Around in the Basement...

Hi Everyone! I just want you to know that I am still alive and kicking... I am enjoying the time I can spare for my ds and dh. My ds is napping right now, so there's not a lot of exciting things to do. My pictures are downloading... and seems to be up soon. I will be sharing them through kodak gallery and multiply.

I hope the 2008 is a great year for you and 2009 will be even better! Happy new year from my family to yours! tfr

The Pellizzari's Xmas Party

My df held an advance New Years Party at their residence last night. We tag along our little boy and we're off the meet new friends. It's always nice to meet new friends and rekindle old ones. We had a lot of fun! We enjoyed their company, the food was good, and above all, they're very good host.

Our X-mas Party

It's our little tradition to invite family and friends to our humble abode around this time of the year. We dine together, have some laughs, talk just about anything, and of course, we don't forget to take out the mic and sing.

Singing along (karaoke) is a lot of fun. I enjoyed watching my neice who does not speak a word of my native tongue sing my native song! And be good at it! It's amazing. Once again, I'm reminded that music is a universal language.

This year, we enjoyed the company of my df L and her dh and ds, my sil and her ds and dd, and everdearest gf and adopted gm, Lola Connie.

It's around this time of the year that I wish (more than other times of the year) for my two worlds to be one! Well, wishing is free so I might as well wish for the impossible!

gifts for McKale

For our ds, my dh and I decided to get him a little something to open on the Christmas morning. We bought him a collector's edition Hess Truck, this is our little tradition for him. He really loves trucks and vehicles of any kind that we thought getting him a truck that sounds like one would be cool!

We also got him some socks and shirts from Gymboree and children's place(my favorite kids' store)! I thought that that was too much, gosh! They're so expensive! I guess our ds deserves some nice clothes once a year. (I am just so used to hand-me-downs, good wills, consignments clothes, etc).

The best gift of all, that I know for sure we can offer him, is our love, attention, and care. I hope that we can instill that in him as he grows up.

Elfin' McKale

Have a Great Holiday from our home to yours!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

See you next year! tfr

Survivors

I stayed up late tonight to watch survivors 2-hour finale. It was fun to see Bob, the Physics teacher from Maine, win. I was rooting for him all along. I knew he could outlast and outwit anyone in that contest.

Craft Night #3

This month's craft night is hosted by Carolyn, our club's "1st president". Tonight, we are going to do three different projects that we can use for the holiday. We made 3 different shapes of gift boxes, 3 tags, and 3 bows.

here's one of the boxes I made! I love it!

here's my take on the 3 tags. it was fun to assemble and make!

here's one of the bows I made. I enjoyed making them. the other two bows are the same with different patterns. ( not pictured here )

as you can see, we're having fun! wish you were there...

my purrfect friends. I bet they're having fun, too.

We took this pose before we bid goodnight to the host.

tfr!

C.I.A. # -4

"don't worry, daddy, I won't let you down..."

I am Thankful for. . .

1. the really adorable smile my son exudes when he knows momma thinks he's cute!
2. my "boys" showering me with kisses when I get "booboo's"
3. mds and mdh are healthy and happy
4. my dear brother still fighting and getting stronger
5. nanay got a good news from somewhere
6. being able to get up early in the morning
7. being able to get mds ready and going for his own day...
8. students are "nicer" these days
9. actually (refer to #8) I am really focused on a very few good ones...
10. a lot of piles of paper work on my desk when I left it work- -
11. a nice time chatting with friends on the phone
12 knowing that i am cared for
13 being capable of caring for people
14 gas in here is about $1.91 about 3 dollars cheaper than last year (around this time)
15 the aroma of different pies mdh baked
16 the family being united
17 the fact that I am still sane ( at least I think I still am)
18 the amount of beads I accumulated --- and still loving them!
19 the talent that was given me
20 making a little difference in the lives of young people
21 being loved
22 the laughter that fills our home
23 my adopted family being nice to me
24 my co-workers and other people's kindness to me
25 all the pictures I collected of my ds when he was little... I am not planning to stop clicking anytime soon...
26I'm still breathing . . .

and i am thankful that I can find the thankfulness in my heart despite some challenges.

I hope that somehow people can think about things they can be thankful for... tfr

Our Weekend

My df dropped her "babies" off for me to take care while she and her hubby went to buy something for their kid's gifts for xmas. I thought that it would be cool for us to switch role this time... this df of mine is my ds babysitter. I did not think twice before agreeing to take care of her kids. I love them so much and they love my little son... what else is there to ask for?

Her kids and I decided to spend our afternoon making cookies and playing outside. It was a bit chilly out this afternoon but that didn't stop them from having fun! The picture above exhibits just how much they had enjoyed the afternoon in our little yard! We keep going in and out of the house for a "re-charge".

My df picked them up after a couple of hours as they promised. I actually wished they were late, but they weren't. .. so I just have to let them go...

My dh, ds and I proceeded to my mil house for a visit. One of the things I love about dh is that he loves, takes time, and take good care of mil. We were glad to visit and to know that mil is doing great. Ds and her had a little time with a book together. It was just a sight to see!

We then went to visit aunty and uncle and played with their cats Devil and Trouble. When ds realized we had to go home since he had a homework needs to be done. I wished there were more than 24 hours in a day...

Our weekend is one of those that I like. It's nice to spend time with people you care about.

new haircut

I decided to say goodbye to my ds' baby hair. He did very well during the haircut session. He was so good, he didn't even cry. He sat there like he had his hair cut a million of times!

Spring Roll 101

Several Friday nights ago, my df and babysitter decided to hang out after work and do something. Sometimes we scrapbook together while our kids play. My ds and her kids play well with each other that we don't really have to worry about them. Her kids are a couple years older than mine but they play like they're just the same age. They like each other soo much which is a great help!

Today, we decided I teach df how to make/wrap spring rolls - my version! She was a really good student. She takes mental notes, listens carefully, and asks questions... whew! I wish my "kids" at work are attentive and curious like her... then I will be happier.


This picture is of my df who is intently trying what I showed her. Wrapping spring rolls is fun!

The other picture is obviously the goodies we made. They're ready for the taste test. I thought they passed the kids taste test since they're done before we know it.

I enjoyed being with my df and her kids today. I am so glad that we get to be friends. Soon, she will be making lots of spring rolls herself! tfr

Craft Night #2

The drive from Worcester was not that bad. I arrived to my destination on time (i guess) after dropping mds to his daddy so I can be with the crafty ladies. It's Sonya's turn to host the craft tonight. We are going to embellish a wooden frame with scented pinecones! I cannot wait to get my little hands on them! I am not that artistic in this department but I am not afraid to make mistakes and laugh at it...

Here are some of our pix:

caution: ladies at work exhibit #1

Carolyn and I

Our generous host, Sonya, her baby, and friends

exhibit #2

exhibit #3

exhibit #4

exhibit #5 (mine!)

ps- Sorry ladies if I did not label who did which - I'd like to give credit where it is due. . . that's the reason why I just labeled them exhibits. tfr

To Do

There are things I need to do during the week that I really need to do. I wish I can just put the list in a "to-do machine" and the machine will spit out the things already done. I wish I wish I wish, but deep inside I know I've got to do them all, by hand. Well, whatever it is I need to do, I will be happy to share with you in the weekend. For now, I really need to go and "force" myself to be enthusiastic to drop my son to babysitter and to go to work.

Have a great day!tfr

Monday... again?!

Study shows that Monday is the most stressful day of the week. They said there are more people going to the emergency rooms for heart conditions than any other day of the week.

I am just hoping that my Monday would be not so stressful one! Everyone deserves to have a great and "not-so-stressful" day.

have a great monday everyone!

tfr

And the winner is...

Barack Obama is the first African-American to be elected in the US. My congratulations to both parties for the tremendous work they've done for the past campaign.

America have spoken, Democrats will now lead us. President (elect) Obama will lead us. Congratulations again ... and the problem solving begins. Goodluck to the winning parties and NOW it's your turn to do what you've promised! tfr

Election Day

I've heard and seen a lot from both sides of the party. If I was to vote, I will not tell you who I am voting for! I'll keep it to myself. This is a very delicate an issue for most people and I am in no way would judge any one according to who you believe will lead you. I hope you all the best.

I pray that the one worthy for the position would win. I hope that people would see beyond boundaries and would vote for the people they care about to lead them to the right path.

God Bless America! tfr

Trick or Treat (in pix)

Here's our little take on Halloween Treat!

McKale is the silly spider for halloween this year.

Daddy and McKale ready for 'trick or treat'

McKale so enthusiastic about something I am not sure he's sure about!

They "boys" of Harris: McKale, Mike, Dean and Roger.

Happy Mr & Mrs Pumpkin!

Our first victim!

McKale running with his treats!

He's refusing to hold my hand.... already?!

Trick or Treat!

We're Happy with our Free ice cream Treat from Wicked Good!

I'm waiting for trick or treaters!

Here they come....!

Clara, McKale and Momma

Trick or Treaters with McKale.

The youngest Trick or Treater - cute little baby girl with his proud daddy!

- The End -

Another Day in Paradise

Midweek already! Boy, time sure fly when you're having fun! Last week of the month is okay for me. My calendar for November is great too. There's a couple of no-work-days ahead. I can't beat that. I am going to share some pix for my son's 2nd trick or treat. Until then... tfr

home parties

I wonder what you think about home parties... I make handmade jewelry on the side and made a lot of them. Now, I am contemplating on selling them at home parties (maybe). . . Anyway, I share this idea to a friend of mine and got a reaction that made me think about it again.

According to her, if you go to home parties, you are obligated to buy the product and it is "not nice" not to. But my main reason to have a home party is to share my talent and expose my product to people. If they like it and buy it would be nice too but I would not be offended if they won't like my product or they won't buy it at all. How do I make it so they won't feel obligated to buy? My opinion about this whole obligation thing is that - most people want to be "nice" and not offensive to the host by purchasing an item they won't ever going to use and they don't like even just a bit. I think that would be more offensive.

Anyway, in my own little culture, it's okay not to buy anything at home parties. Be honest to yourself and the host sure will appreciate it. I know I will. To the hosts of home parties I went to and did not buy any, I apologize if I have offended you by being honest. I thought of apologizing in person but this friend of mine suggested it would not be a good idea. I think she knows better about the culture than myself. I am still learning the culture I am in.

I don't mind learning at all and I don't mind being wrong. Being wrong is just another chance to learn. I know I learned something new today.tfr

Monday Morning

Today is a busy day for me. I am thankful that I was able to get up today and was energized to start the day. After taking a shower, I went to my "studio" to blog. I want to make a routine to balance what I want to do in a day. So far, this is the second week that the routine I set up routine looks like a routine.

If you know me personally, you will not wonder why. I am a person that's so random. I don't really like routines! I always try to vary my day so it won't be so boring. I suppose we can call going to work and home a routine. If I can help it, I won't even do that kind of going-to-work-and-back-and-do-it-again-the-next-day thing. My paycheck is on the line so I have to do it.

I now decided to "routinize" my life. Well, for a moment. wish me luck! tfr

Crochet Night with Stephanie

We're suppose to create some beautiful earrings tonight since Carolyn could not make it, Steph and I decided to play with the crochet hook instead. I was honored to show her how to crochet, though I have to admit she seemed like she knows it already. She was very patient and was eager to master the task. I wish my students have the same courage and determination to learn as herself!

It was a fun night with Steph and her two lovely children, Dominique and Elijah.

I will post some of the pictures, promise!

tfr

Craft Night #1

I am going to share to you what we did last night. This was the first time we met to make something together. It was a cold October night, I asked Mike to drop me off around the corner to Tina's house, the host, for tonight's craft. I was informed we're going to paint a pumpkin! I was excited to be with the group and was a little nervous since I haven't met some of the people there. Everything turned out fine. I am happy with my creation and the ladies are very nice and helpful. It was a great night of crafting...

Here are some pictures of our pumpkins:

-The end-

French Farmer's Market