The Last Day of November

Where did November go?!! Days are flying by so fast these days, I want to just scream and say "freeeeeeeze"! A lot has been happening (and bound to change!) lately it's a wonder I'm still able to get my act together. Well, somehow.

This month, I have:
1. Been chief coordinator for a very good friend's wedding
2. Made arrangements for the floor plan and drawings of our future house
3. Trained and turned over 4 years worth of "stuff"
4. Done some christmas shopping
5. Attended a house blessing for the same friend in #1
6. Drafted a script and shot scenes for my team's year-end presentation
7. Met new people over at my soon-to-be new world

The rest of my year is almost full as well! So far our family calendar says we have 2 kiddie parties and 4 christmas parties to go to. My brother's family and my best friend is coming home from Singapore too, so a lot of get togethers are bound to happen. And then there's christmas, my dad's birthday, new year, and little dude's 3rd birthday. Wheeew! I already got tired just enumerating those. I need all the superwifey (and supermommy) energy I can have!

Today, the last day of the month, however, allow me to get a little sentimental. I feel like I just broke up with a boyfriend. This morning, it dawned on me with a few tears in my eyes. Words fail me for now but I promise to blog about it soon. Don't worry, it's just a little sad, not bad. :)

Christmas Wishlist

This year, I vowed to be a wise superwifey (and supermommy, of course) by not cramming for christmas presents. For years, that has been the case but this time around my planning skills will make sure it doesn't happen again. It should save me from all the last-minute stress of having to make my way to a long line at the cashier, of not getting what exactly I want because it's out of stock, of staying up late to wrap gifts, and of ending up going overbudget.

So far, I've already managed to buy stuff for some of our tita's, neighbors, and little dude's classmates and teachers. Not bad, right? Next week, I'll be hunting gifts for the younger ones. I'm so proud of myself for coming up with a list categorized by gender and age. Hihi.

Now, off to my subject. Here are some of the things I'd love to get (not necessarily as a gift but could be something I'd buy for myself) this christmas:

1. A 3-in-1 printer, photocopier, and scanner for my DIY projects. Thanks to Pinterest, I've got a ton of things I'd like to make at home. This is for the Martha in me. :)

2. New scent - this one I'll probably buy for myself at a discounted rate (wink!)p

3. Cardigans, coats, and cover-ups I can use with my office clothes (again, wink!)

4. A new bag. Just so.

5. Mommy planner for 2013 either from momme or mommymundo. I'd really want to efficiently juggle mommy life and career life so being organized is key.

7. Magic Sing - ok ok let me explain. I'm not a singer. But I'd love to be. Feeling ko kulang lang ako sa practice e. Hahaha! But seriously, I'm thinking it's a good and enjoyable (for me, that is) way to introduce singing to little dude.

How about you, what are your wishlists like? :)

Wedding Anniversary Celeb at Canyon Cove

Last month, Jax and I celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary (also our ninth as a couple).  Yes, it's been THAT long but sometimes it felt as if it was just yesterday. :)

Even way back when we were just boyfriend-girlfriend, we take turns planning our getaway.  This year, it was Hubby's turn.  I was already getting a little irritated disappointed when a week before, he still hasn't figured out where we're going to celebrate.  He just said he wanted to go to the beach since little dude has not been to one, but he still has not made any reservations.

Finally, three days before the weekend of our anniversary, Jax made a booking at Canyon Cove.  He was initially looking at Virgin Beach but when I reminded him that he mentioned he wanted to take us to Canyon Cove when he went there with his officemates for a teambuilding months ago, he decided we should go there instead.

It took us about two hours to get to our beach destination.  The trip was fast and smooth except that we had to stop a few times because little dude would throw up.  He's like that, getting dizzy on long rides, that's why we always have a plastic barf bag ready.

 

Here he is, ready for the car ride to the beach!  (pre-throw up episodes)

Nice, clean, large pools for every size, shape, and form.  Hehe

at the lobby, waiting for dad to check-in

Since check-in to our room was at 12nn and we were already there by 11am, we decided to go to the beachfront. I was surprised to see that the sand was white, fine, and well-maintained.  Marcus enjoyed playing with the sand and waves!  They also have nice, spacious cabanas you can use to leave your stuff, eat, or even sleep.  (Jax and I spent some time there in the afternoon for our annual "planning".)    

I love that they're best friends. :)

Thanks, yaya, for this photo.  Haha!

 

"Dad, can we bring some of this sand home??!"

Sand, sea, and little dude.  What a pretty sight!



Shortly after, it was time to check in to our room.  We got a Deluxe Unit which was big enoughfor 3 adults and 1 kid.  We were planning to get an extra bed for yaya but the receptionist was kind enough to say that yaya can just use the daybed instead since it was big enough for one person anyway.  The room was neat and orderly but you can say from the looks (and somehow the smell) that it's already old, especially the CR.  Still, the airconditioner and TV worked fine so no complains whatsoever.   I like the balcony!

 



Elevator shot. Going up to our room!



my only photo of the room (obviously not taken upon check-in)

view from the balcony

Our overnight stay was spent lounging around, eating, swimming, playing with sand, and talking -priceless family bonding!  How I wish we could have vacations like this more often.

 

I realized this is the only couple shot we have from our camera!

The PP - pogi pose!

best friend floater taught him to wade in the water

Daddy making McQueen out of sand

three sandy pairs

family on the beach!

My Loves!

 

 

 

Our stay in Canyon Cove was short but sweet.  I'd give the resort a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for the warm & friendly service, wonderful views of the sun and waves, alert staff (especially the lifeguards, who quickly rescued the kid Marcus was playing with who fell on the pool - scary!!!), and relatively clean facilities.  What would make a perfect rating though was an improvement on their food.  Since bringing in of food weren't allowed, I expected scrumptious food, much to my dismay.  I haven't been to a lot of resorts (not so much of a beachbum ever since) but I'd still go back here for a mini-vacay though I'll probably just go out for meals.  Hehe.  

 

Thank you, Jax, for arranging our anniversary this year.  Cheers to more years together!  Hopefully next year we'd be able to cross out one item off our anniversary destination wishlist. :)



Halloween 2012

This year is Marcus' first taste of halloween.  Last year was supposed to be but we ended up spending part of the holidays in Asian Hospital.

Sick little dude and the Plants vs Zombies team of nurses at AHMD

For this year, I insisted (Jax is such a grinch on practially all forms of celebration!) that we finally get little dude a costume.  I'm so glad we did because Marcus was able to use it in two different occassions.

I've asked a few officemates to guess what we got for our little boy, with the only clue being "It's so predictable."  Guess how many of them guessed it right?  Almost 100%! Haha!  Marcus went as (whatelse?!) a racer dude.

Here's at the halloween event in his school.  Party before sem break!!!

The bad thing about this costume is that he kept on trying to remove the lock at the collar.  Must be itchy.

 

The Lightning McQueen costume came with a "helmet".

 

With some of his classmates.  He's obviously the youngest at his school.

 

Watching halloween-themed cartoons.

 

Little dude joining the musical chair game while eating chocolate

 And here's when we went trick-or-treating in our village...

See how he wants to remove the velcro in the collar?

Not scared at all!

Complete with his kart!  The dad wouldn't want him to wear the "helmet" anymore. 
The cap looked more real and champion-ish (whatever!), according to him.

We went around with Marcus on his kart.  Jax made "reinforcements" though for when the little dude gets tired of pedalling (which he eventually did).  I, on the other hand, was driving the car in case they BOTH get exhausted and needed to jump in to go home.  Hihi.

Love how the neighborhood really prepared for this.

With all the walking, part of me wished (again) little dude had friends to do this with.  The other part of me though was just happy to be the first people he gets to experiences these things with.  In a few more years, he probably wouldn't want to go anywhere with me anymore *dreading that day!* so might as well enjoy this stage.  Gosh, baby, please don't grow up so fast...



Countdown to Christmas

Christmas is almost here again.  How time flies! 

I have tons of christmas traditions I'd like to finally start our family with.  I've been waiting until the little dude can actually participate in these activities.  I wonder if at 2 years and 11 months he could already grasp the concept of a family tradition?

Anyways, let me start my series (naks!) of christmas posts by reminscing about the little dude's first christmas.  Here are some photos of us during an impromptu mini-photoshoot at our company christmas party. 

 

I couldn't find a picture on the christmas day itself. :(  I remember having a video of Marcus opening his presents on christmas morning though.   I seriously need to organize our "memories filing system"!

 

Obviously, one of our traditions is to wear matchy-matchy outfits.  This year, I'm thinking of having a green theme.  Hmmmm... let's see. 

Balik Bukid

 

I never win at anything.  And I'm not even exaggerating.  Even if there are prizes for practically everyone in a specific event, I would still be one of those who'd go home empty-handed.  Boo!

That's why I'm so happy to win a free pass to Balik Bukid (Part 2)! 

So what's this about?  From their FB page:

A One-of-a-Kind Country Fair for the Whole Family!

Experience an incomparable family day amidst the wonders of the countryside and embrace a holistic way of life with Sta. Elena's first-ever Balik Bukid Country Fair.

SHOP from a wide array of unique, handcrafted and artful products from our select merchants

FEAST in our selections of homemade, organic, artisan, natural food varieties
PLAY and let loose in our fun farm activities and interactive outdoor recreation for the whole family

UNWIND and let loose in our fun farm activities and interactive outdoor recreation for the whole family

I've been to the Fun Farm twice already - first was with my boys to experience the farm life, and the second one was for the Part 1 of Balik Bukid.  I highly recommend visiting this place, especially for those who have young ones, because it is both educational and relaxing. It's a nice way to be one with nature and be reminded of how to live simply and naturally (even organically perhaps?).

I can't wait to go! I just got my free pass this afternoon. Yayyy!  :)

Coming Soon

Sometimes there comes a point in your life when you know you've just had enough and that it's time to move on.  That just happened to me lately.  The past month was actually a roller coaster ride of emotions.  I prayed hard for SOMETHING to happen and God answered my prayer - again, during the most unexpected time. 

And so, yes, I am going to try something new.  It's a little scary but I fully trust Him when I surrendered my wants to let Him take over.  Thank you, Lord, for taking the lead on this one.  I think I AM now ready for new.

The Husband's Birthday

I sooo like to blog about the recent events that have happened to me and our little family of three (like this super late birthday of the hubby) but work always seems to be sucking all the energy out of me.  I wouldn't want to not document it though, so I'm still going to write about it even if it's a tad bit too late. 

September is my one and only Jax's birth month.  We celebrated it twice.  First was in his office where we brought food - defined as tacos (made by, ehem, yours truly) and chicken care of BonChon.

Hubby was also surprised by his officemates with a birthday cake.

The second one, which was on the actual day of his birthday, was spent in and around the area.  The birthday boy said he wanted to do new things that day.  He was supposed to go to the fairway (would've been his first time) but decided against it when the skies started to turn dark.  We ended up at the driving range again.

Birthday swing!

Teaching the little dude

We then had a quick lunch at Recipes Solenad 2.  This is the hungry-hubby celebrant waiting for our orders:

Because the theme of the day was "new experiences", the second activity was a trip to the Republic Wakepark.  It was a quick drive (less than 10 minutes from Solenad 1) going to this new hangout.

View from the entrance

Rates

Love the "Cali-feel" of this area.  Sarap tumambay!

I think this is a drying area?

Boards and suits can be bought from this shop

Marcus had fun at the play area for kids!

There's quite a long line already, to think it was middle of the week!

Beginners' area

Jax wasn't able to try out wakeboarding anymore (he has now, but that's for a different post) because the line was too long for him.  We basically just people watched surfer dudes and chicks do their thing with their boards.

Overall, I would say the husband's birthday celebration was simple and spent with family (although I wished we had some alone/date time that day - hihi).  I guess as we grow older, the way we want our birthdays to be spent, if at all we'd like to make a fuss out of it, becomes more subdued and quiet.  Or is it just the not-a-good-planner me? Tsk tsk.  Let's see.

Happy 31st Birthday, Jax!
Love you. =)