WHO? Josef! Well, he's Dane to everybody from "The Bells" side of the family. Way back home he's known as "Tisoy" and at school, they called him "Josef". I preferred to address him as Josef in my journal for one and one reason only. And that is.......I don't want the name Dane to be used that much. Little did I know that someone would take interest on it hahaha. Look at this way folks, if I named my son "Bill" and my daughter "Hillary", the first thing that would pop in your head is that "I LOVE THE CLINTONS", isn't it? It won't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. But then Jann came to me one day and asked.......mom, do you think "she" will name her daughter Danielle also? "That's a possibility", I replied, BUT unfortunately she can't bear a girl. I told my babies (that includes Dale) they ought to be proud that someone took interest in their names hahaha. You know one time could be a "coincidence", BUT hey! the second time is "VERY OBVIOUS". I am not a "Liberal" so......."I don't like the Clintons" (sorry Bill, sorry Hillary, I just can't name my kids after you two and I can't name my next child after "Chelsea" either b/c I had my tube tied already hahaha).

Josef came home from school yesterday and as soon as he put down his knapsack he asked me if I had a minute. Sure, "I have half-a-day to listen", so he went on........"My classroom teacher called me to her desk at school, today! She showed me the result of my test and asked if I know what this exam was all about and how important it was to get a great result? I just shrugged my shoulder and told her, just a bit". So, she elaborate and went into details. Apparently, Josef took a "STAR Test" (which was given to all 5th graders trice a year). At first try all teachers could determine and monitor how students are improved throughout the year. He made 4.9 something at the beginning and it jumped to 12.6 the last time he was tested. So, our son reached the level of a "12th grader" which is astonishing to us much more to his teacher. He's the only one who got that highest score and for that his school will give him a recognition on Awards day. There's a lot more to it but I will save the rest for my later entry. Here's the slides from the fotos I took Friday during my kids Field Day. Josef's not on it b/c his happened later that day and he told us it didn't matter to him whether we showed up or not. It's only a Field Day. But on Awards Day our presence are expected. Are you still with me or did I make everybody to fall asleep hahaha? Thanks for reading and to everyone....have a terrific Tuesday!!!

I never had any "abnormal" relationship with my mother and I have to admit that we're always close to each other. For one thing she's always been my "mentor" and as her "filial" daughter, I'm all ears whenever she has something to say. I don't know but there is not even one single moment that I refused to obey her. Not all moms are worth to be proud of though and there's some instances that "children" are ashamed and embarrassed of them. I am proud of my mother just like the way my kids are proud of me. But no matter how terrible our mothers becomes, at least she gave "one thing" that no one could give........and that's the life each of us have. I just don't have no clue where in the world I'd be if my mom died while giving birth to me. It's good 2b a mom especially when your kids are in good terms with you. I know Josef and Jann will treat me right b/c I treats my own mother right.

This mother's day is better than the mother's day I have last year. Firstly, the kids are a year older and secondly I am a year older too hahaha. Kids are more sweeter and more funnier now than the previous year. Josef calls me "Mother" sooo often which makes me laugh while Jann at times addressed me as "Mrs. Bell" hahaha. Both of them got a sense of humor just like their dad which makes our daily life more meaningful. I took them to church with me yesterday that way we don't have to attend the mass today. Our church is conducting a 1st Communion today and I know from experience that people who don't usually come to church on a regular basis showed up when there's something going on. We sit on the very first pew on the left facing the altar and sometimes they take that space for the special gathering. I have this thought in my head that the kids will sleep a 'lil late this morning but they didn't. So I took them for breakfast to McDo and then bought ingredients for Josef's request lunch menu. But before we left the driveway, I've opened all the gifts that they had for me except for my smooth top stainless steel range that my dear Dale got for me. I have to wait for him to unboxed it. He had to work so our celebration has to change to a later date. Friday was a good day to do it but we get caught up with the kids "Field Day" at school. Okie dokie, this is all for now. I better pause right here before I put you all to sleep. Happy reading and remember......."you owe one thing from your mother"!!!

It was predicted that gas prices will be around $5/gal by Summer. That's the first for me and I know for almost everybody. I have never seen gas prices this high since I have been living here. If my memory serves me right, the highest I have ever known was when typhoon Katrina hits the Gulf Coast some years back. But check this out......it only reached to $3.05/gal and then it went down after a week or two. Presently, our gas stations down here are flagging their signs for $3.89/gal. My dear Dale pumped $100 worth of gas three days ago and he told me that it barely filled his truck's 35 gallons tank. Was I surprised? Not really! It becomes a norm to me that everytime I passed by any gas stations, I saw numbers going up and never saw them coming down. Economy is in bad shape and in the brink of collapsing. What are the signs? Mortgage soars up, a lot of families are losing their homes to the bank, jobs (majority of them) went overseas for cheap labors, home owners loses big chunk of money b/c the homes they've owned has a less value now compares when they bought it. Best of all, stock market keeps on losing points every day of the week. What else? Well, just pay a visit to the grocery stores and you'll find out.

The sad thing is you can't really change the time and put it on standby. Majority have a job to go to everyday and students and teachers are expected to be in schools. Just like today, I have to leave the driveway to drop a mother's day present to my fav instructor. It's out of town so I have to burn gas to get there. Mother's day is coming up and both of my kids teacher deserves something for they did an amazing job teaching. You can always tell if your kids had a brilliant teacher. Life must go on as gas prices climbs up the sky. I sent money to my family in the Philippines and it sucks b/c the exchange is only 40-1. Despite the bad , good things always existed. Here's why! Because when you give it makes your heart bigger. Foto below are mine and my kids token of appreciation for the teachers we care about.

It's not too late to add these two right here. Our Jann's "All E's" and our firstborn's "All A's". I might redo the clipping on the right tomorrow if this won't work properly. Clippings won't scan nicely to our printer so I used my digicam. Happy reading and may you all have one fictitious middle of the week.

Spring sem is finally over. Boy, my finals surely makes me extremely exhausted and that NCLEX/Hesi test drained my strength to the core. I don't know but there's something about NCLEX questions that make everybody out of breath, so to speak. I am just glad though b/c we (all Nursing students) were trained to see and expect some tough questions on the test. What it's all about is that the institution is preparing all of us for the "licensure exam" which is at the end of the line. I know one thing is for sure.........and that to be a nurse over here is way far different to study nursing in the Philippines. I can quarantee you that. It's a pleasure though, in a way, to earn a degree from any American schools. And the challenge to compete with American students is very rewarding to me. I finds it an honor to realize that I hold a Bachelor degree in Education and at the same time working on my second one. I could care less either way how you view it but to me it's pure luck. Not too many individuals will be given an opportunity like the one bestowed upon me. I may spent every single dollar I've earned for seven years working overseas to every member of my family, but hey I am being rewarded 100% PLUS a lot more for doing it. I can't ask for a better trade in. That to me is a "wonderful deal". Don't you think ?

So much for my introduction! Here's a short detail of our two weekends coverage hahaha. The Friday following our "happy-go-lucky moment" at T.G.I. Friday's, my dear dearest took us all to Auburn's Countrys BBQ to gorge out to their mouth watering ribs. After the eatery we went to shopping mall and did a 'lil spending. Then rented two movies to enjoy. This time NO movies to die for hahaha. "Clover Field" sucks but "Resident Evil2" is FAIR. Wednesday, we went to Columbus again and dine in at "Chilis". We really had a great time and I had "skillet queso" for my tortillas. I've eaten before we left the house so I really don't need anything but a "lite snack/appetizer". Jann had baby-back-ribs while our firstborn ordered his fav pizza. Then my dear Dale took us to department store once again and got me "something" for "Mom's Day". Yesterday, he's not here. He worked all weekend so I took my brood to the mall. Jann loves "Claires" and Josef wants to look for WWE stuff at KB Toys. We visited both stores. As expected, the three of us had sooo much fun. To leave your driveway nowadays could cost you a bomb and to tell you the truth, I really feel the pump but the time I spent with my kids is priceless. Another long post again you might say. Thanks for reading and have one magnificent week to all !!!

Imagine knowing your spouse for sixteen years and being married to her for almost 12yrs.......that would definitely tell you something. Well, in my Dale's case, he learned what's my fascinations are very quick hahaha. That's right! It didn't take him long to figure out that I love purses. Shoes? Ssshhh, that too! And clothes? Very much so hahaha. He always reminds me though that I can't use but one at a time (well, I know that) but like what my grandma used to say........."THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM FOR ONE" ahem! So bring them all in and line them up like a soldiers. This may sounds "surreal" but my "mother's day gifts" from him is seemingly close to installment plan hahaha. I guess, he wants to mimic the way they did in the restaurant where they handed you an appetizer first before they serve you what you have ordered. This post sounds hilarious already but I'll keep on goin'. Anyway, he got me two purses last week. I have to be honest with you but it's a "DKNY" brand which I adore sooo much. I used to have a "semi-clutch/purse-typed" DKNY but guess what? When we went to the Philippines for a family vacation, my dear Nanay started liking it so I gave it to her. How old is my mother ? Oh, please! She's not as old as the earth or dinosaur but let me tell you, she knows a lot about fashion.

Yours truly is on a cloud nine as we speak. There's just sooo much things to be joyful about. I had my two exams taken today and holy Ceasar, I made a worth-bragging grades for my finals. I don't have to go back to class 'till Friday for my NCLEX/Hesi test. And that's it! My Spring Sem is over with. I didn't enroll for any Summer classes but will be back to school in August for the Fall Sem. Another thing is, both of my kids came home with their "all A's" & "all E's" report cards today. I sent my dear dearest to their school this morning to talk to Josef's classroom teacher and he found out that on May 22nd, which is the "Awards Day", my kids school will recognize Josef's achievements for the 6 long years he spent there and for making such a "model student" who made all A's from day one 'till the last grading period. Ain't that amazing? I should be proud, shouldn't I ? I seemingly got carried away again with this entry. My metabolism is in high gear, I would imagine. Thanks for reading and have a groovy Tuesday to all !!!

I can't promise this would be a "short one" but I'll keep it sweet and simple. Hmmm, where do I need to start ? OK, here we go. A 'lil update of how Josef's bday celebration went. His cake was to be ordered two days before his special day but when we got to the store we were informed that they don't have any WWE cake favor. The lady suggested instead that we could pick any nice looking cake and she'll decorate it with his name and everything. There's really a lot of great looking cakes from their display to choose from that day but since she added that their cakes are freshly made everyday, me and my dear dearest decided to come back the day of the party to pick one. Well, that decision didn't play out as planned. Cakes are gone and there's hardly none in there when we showed up. Dale and I jumped to another store to get one and that's when we found this "tru-blue" that really matches Josef's party favor's theme. We came back home and daddy dearest helped Josef set up the table. As for the cake, well daddy dearest wanted it to set on the table. The weather that day was kinda breezy yet warm which he believed would be good for the cake. Come to find out, it's overly good b/c it melts the icing hahaha. Our firstborn doesn't care as long as his friends are around. All he got in his mind is a good time of playing and wrestling with the rest of the boys. None of them handed out a wrapped item but "envelopes with money" instead. Boy, Josef received a lot of cash and everybody started laughing when his daddy made a comment if "he can have a loan" hahaha. I have to tell you, my husband is very funny. Three of his friends decided to stay and spent the night. The "not-so-good" side of that is........our printer ran out of colored ink b/c they printed tons of their stuff. Lucky for us we don't refill our cartridges thru "Dell" anymore. We used to pay almost $40 for each ink (black & colored) but now we could refill it at any OfficeMax for 24 bucks. The following day, daddy dearest ran the empty cartridge to OfficeMax and get it refilled.

A couple of weekends ago, my husband took us to San Marcos, a Mexican eatery. I don't particularly like Mex food but it won't harm to try their "Tex-Mex Fajita" every once in a while. Dale likes their burritos and nachos. Kids are used seeing "South-of-the-border meals" b/c they served them at school's menus. For one thing Jann eats anything hahaha and my son is flexible at times when it comes to food. My kids also had their one week SB. We never take them anywhere for their dad has to work on a different shift but I make it up for both of them and never fails to take them out of town to the mall. The three of us had a good time "vagabonding" the whole time they're out of school. I may have a busy schedules and get pretty tied up to something but I always finds time to spare with my brood. Yesterday, my husband took us out of town. We drove 50mi to Columbus and had dinner at T.G. I. Friday's. It was supposed to be a "Wednesday Family Affair" but I had a "spell" which brought me to my knees and made me very uncomfortable. Our trip was put on hold for yesterday. Fortunately, he called the guy Wednesday afternoon to tell him the change of plan. What it was is that Dale bought me a new stainless steel smooth-top electric range from "HHgregg" and we need to pick it up Wednesday but my dear migraine was clinging on me. Well, this entry turned out to be a "semi-novel" just like what I predicted earlier. I thank you all for reading and may your weekend be a blessed one!!!

Our firstborn turns 11 today. I just took some shots of him with his presents and then took him and his sissy to the fair this afternoon. His celebration will be tomorrow due to the rains that we had. When he distributed his invitations last week, he knew that he can't have his bday celebration today 'coz of the rains. Early morning showers for today was predicted from last weeks forecast and since he wanted to have his party out in the yard, it needs to be done when weather is sunny and clear. He was asked to get dressed though for the foto shoot hahaha. Jann's acting as if today is her big day as well. She engaged herself to the bathroom and then put on her outfit afterwards hahaha. The unexpected thing about it was, she fell asleep on the bed while watching her fav TV show. I guess the bath soothes and put her in the "lulling mode". She's been asleep for three hours. Daddy dearest, on the other hand, was occupied in the yard. He put the auger into action and made 20 holes for his posts. I learned from him on our way to the fair that he's been wondering why Jann never run to the yard and get mingled with his tools and everything hahaha. He doesn't know his baby girl was counting the sheep the whole time he's digging the yard. At the fair, the kids had a blast. We didn't stayed that long 'coz the wind blew so hard and the temp suddenly dropped. Here's our celebrant. A shot of his presents and another of him in front of those wrapped boxes. Thanks for reading and have one magical Saturday to all !!!

My husband has been planning to put up a fence between us and our next door neighbor but he's not sure where is the "legible property line" that devides our property from hers. He called her out to the yard one time and pointed to her where he's gonna put the fence. She's not sure either and kind of confused with Dale's plan. So, to avoid any future disagreement, Dale has decided to hire a "surveyor" to survey our property. Excuse me for having sooo much gut to call it our property. The fact that "it's paid for" gave me the courage to address it as such. I would not call it as "ours" if the financier had the deed, but the fact that it's in our possesion, I guess it's only right to acknowledge that "it" belongs to us. Anyway, the surveyor told my dear dearest that his men will come Monday. We have something important to take care that day, so when those men showed up they went ahead and do their job eventhough nobody's at home. When my husband and I came back, the line was already up. Of course "our two nosy" neighbors were peeking thru the window and tried to figure out what was goin on hahaha (they should apply for an inspector job or something 'coz they're good at it). At the moment, we're glad it was solved and Dale's ready to carry on with his project. We are going out of town this afternoon to rent an "auger". By Sunday, we'd probably see some of his project being erected. On the lighter note, the kids are finally thru with their two weeks of testing. They brought home their class fotos yesterday which I paid $12 a piece. I tell you......there's no end for this "school fotos". One was taken early in the semester and then another in Spring plus a class foto at the end of the sem. Field Day is fast approaching and routinely shirts are available for $6 a piece. I have to purchase two and you know a buck here and a buck there adds up pretty fast hahaha. As I promised last time, here's a couple of clippings out of our local newspaper featuring Josef's school honor roll. For some reason, it won't upload. I'll take care of that later. Here's instead "my new gadget". My dear dearest got me this last Sunday. Yeah, he's that sweet! It don't have to be Christmas or bday nor anniversary for him to buy me stuff. You may wonder what I did to my "old one"? Well, I gave it to him. That's nice of me too, don't you think ? At least I know how to give back hahaha. Thanks for reading and have one magnificent weekend to all !!!

I did my vocation Friday morning and attended the mass. There were several parishioners who showed up but not all the regulars were there. After church, I stopped by at the City Hall and took care of our gas bill for this month. I was glad to pay less than $100 and happy to realize our bill is slowly coming down. We didn't run our central heat that much last month and not one time this month, so I expected to see a big change in our gas bill from here on out. We never left the driveway Friday 'coz my dear dearest has to work. On Sat, we did a 'lil shopping after having dinner at one of our fav family eatery. It was out of town, so we had to travel and had a 'lil fun ride along the interstate. Dale bought seven pairs of footwear for my nephews and nieces who lives in Batangas City. He had two balikbayan boxes here that is ready to ship and thought he might squeeze in these footwear before he seal it up. Of course Jann got her share too for her dad had picked two pairs for her. Josef doesn't need any 'coz he got about five pairs right now. Again, we picked two movies to watch on our way home. Dale loves "horror movies" and so he brought home "Mulberry Street" & "Tooth & Nails". These titles were from the collection of "Movies To Die For". We've been eyeing on "I Am Legend" but Movie Gallery just doesn't have enough copies to go around.

Yesterday, as a family tradition, we went to church and attended the mass. Whether you like it or not, the reality of life is that you must have a family tradition that you can pass on to your kids and the most valuable, I would say and I would fight for, is to make an effort to visit the house of God on Sunday. My parents, especially my father, never missed a mass on a Sunday morning and so as I grew up going to church on Sunday became a part of my schedule just like combing my hair and brushing my teeth three times a day. Josef's Sunday school teacher was not there so we decided for Jann to go home with us. There's no point of leaving one behind and brought home the other. We waited a 'lil while at home before we left our driveway to have lunch at "Whispering Oaks Restaurant" in Auburn. Dale learned about the place from one of his colleague who told him that the eatery's selection of vittles were amazingly delectable. It was inside the "Best Western Hotel" and we had a hard time finding it hahaha. I asked my dear dearest to drop me off at the gas station to ask the lady behind the counter. We made about five more stops before heading home. I told Josef I'm going to wrap up his presents as soon as we reach our front door. I did at least five before I gave up. I felt nauseated and couldn't carry on after taking my antihistamine and antitussive meds. I finished the job today and boy, that was a task! I know this entry is gonna be a "semi-novel", so I would like to thank you all for taking your time reading between the lines. God Bless and have one fabulous week everyone !!!

You're probably wonders where I've been (I know at least one person does hahaha). Well, I've been between school and home for the last two weeks. And oh yeah! I've been to the doctor too. It all started Tuesday afternoon a week ago. It was an exam day and our instructor threw a simple house party after the test. She had fixed a lot of delectable dishes for the entire class to enjoy. I was kinda looking forward to it but that afternoon I felt a 'lil strange and decided not to go. I went straight home and had my dinner here instead. The next morning when I got up to get my kids ready for school, my throat felt dry. I was totally fine the entire day but came Friday morning, I decided not to attend the Friday mass 'coz I don't have any strength left. I became weak overnight with chills one minute and felt hot the next. Dale started calling the night clinic later that afternoon and found out they don't have that sort of service anymore due to patients with medicaid and no health insurance. So, he called out of town to "Auburn Urgent Care" and inquired about their business hours. They're open 'til 9pm CST which leave us plenty of time to get there and fill-up some paperworks. They ran a "test" on me and swabbed my nares which turned out negative. However, my blood count was a bit higher which is expected from a patient with my symptoms. The doctor said my test results are negative though my symptoms proves otherwise. He indicated a "flu virus" and went ahead and put me on four different medications. I was prescribed with antibiotic, antitussive, antiviral, and decongestant. Taking all these meds changed my appetite big time. For two days I don't eat but nibbled on something. Lucky for me, Zhen House came to town and their "house special soup" became my refuge.

When your appetite lets you down that's when your mind starts thinking of something. The whole Saturday while cuddling on the couch, all I could think of was "soup, soup, and more soup". Cockles & whelks soup in ginger and some gourd is what my mother fixed for me everytime I don't feel good. I craved for it that day and wish we were close to any seafood market that way preparing the dish is always possible.

I am back to normal and still taking my meds. I went back to school this week and took another exam. I only have this month and another sem is all over with. The kids had their SAT & ARMT for three days this week. It ended yesterday and after school I took them to McDo for the treat. And then we moved to Wal-Mart to get his bday invitations. Our firstborn, by the way, will be having his 11th bday next Sat. The remaining test dates will be for next week and after that they will have their Spring break. Josef, once again, was on the local newspaper Monday edition for making all "A's". I'll post the last couple of clippings on my next entry. Happy reading and have a delightful weekend to all !!!