CC: Sweet Gesture

According to Wikipedia "gesture" means a form of non-verbal communication in which visible bodily actions communicate particular messages, either in place of speech or together and in parallel with spoken words. Gestures include movement of the hands, face, or other parts of the body. Gestures differ from physical non-verbal communication that does not communicate specific messages, such as purely expressive displays, proxemics, or displays of joint attention.Gesture processing takes place in areas of the brain such as Broca's and Wernicke's areas, which are used by speech and sign language. Gestures allow individuals to communicate a variety of feelings and thoughts, from contempt and hostility to approval and affection, often together with body language in addition to words when they speak.

Sweet Gesture is this week's theme for Couple's Corner. And here is my share...

For me, the sweetest gesture my husband does is when he kisses me in front of his parents and friends before going to work. Why? Because he is not shy to tell them that he loves me so much enough to show how much he cares and loves me. My husband is the sweetest person I've known; he holds my hands when we are walking anytime (whether at grocery store, hospital, etc...) anywhere. And when he is hungry, instead of only preparing his food, he would prepare some for me, too (hungry or not). At church, he always rubs my back or shoulder. On the other hand, I make him his fave foods, take bone out of fish before he eats it, we both share the foods when we dine out, spoon feed him/me when one of us is sick; I sometimes sit on his lap and kiss him all over his face (which he really likes), buy him something he likes but wouldn't want to buy it for himself because it is a little bit pricey. Well, if I write all his sweet gestures on this page, the space wouldn't be enough for them. Anyway, if you want to read more about sweet gestures, head on to Liza's blog or click the badge below :-)!

I Need New Laptop

Modern technology has come a long way especially when it comes to communication using phones, computers and more. I, for one wouldn't be able to live with out these things particularly computer. My husband teases me every time I tell him that I need a new laptop. I want an Apple iMAC and told him if he would buy me one, then that would be the last time I would ask him for a new computer. For now, we need to save for it since we are in the process of buying a new house. A new laptop can wait; for the meantime, I will continue using my old one since it is still working. I am absolutely sure that my brother who wants a hand me down computer will need to wait just like me :-)!

Girls Talk: I Would Rather Hide This Photo

This is a photo of me and my son when he was about five months old. Taken by my husband who thought this was kind of cute; but it was not! You know how a mother with baby like this one...needs to wake up and feed the baby every three hours, and that was the reason why I fell asleep while feeding him :-).

How about you? Do you have something you would prefer to be hidden? Share it with us by clicking the badge above :-)!

CC: Sacrifices for Loved Ones

Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. Without sacrificing for someone we love, we cannot show that we really care. Throughout the scriptures, we can read many great examples of sacrifices that showed how much we care and love God. The same thing Jesus did for all of us. He died for our sins because he loves us. Anyway, sacrifice is this week's topic for Couple's Corner and like you, I would like to have my say about it.

Back to the Philippines when I was still single working in a garment factory, I have sacrificed job promotion and the chance to be trained abroad due to my love to God. I chose to serve HIM through Missionary work when I went to Mindanao to serve as a missionary for the LDS church (Mormon) for 18 months. And because of that I was blessed with friends, came to know more of God and myself and my role in His plan. I gained greater understanding of God's plan for us. Those 18 months of my life will be cherished and remember for as long as I live.

As my parents daughter, I chose to leave the country so I can help them financially which I still do even though am just a plain housewife. For me, that sacrifice led/took me to the man I love, my hubby whom I consider a great blessing to me and my son. It is hard to be away from your family, but God has sustained me on those days where I missed them so much. Yup, to us who are married to a foreigner is a sacrifice....that is what my husband always tells me....and he appreciates this sacrifice because I wouldn't leave my family just to be with him in a foreign country. He knows that I love him so much! And in return, he also sacrificed a lot just to make sure that I am happy and that all my needs (even wants) are met.

Hubby sacrifices to work on a graveyard shift just to make sure that we won't get hungry....he is not used to that schedule, but he accepted that job anyway, just to show that he cares. I love my husband for his great love and devotion to me and my son. In short, all the blessings we have right now is because of the sacrifice my husband and I made and are still making.

For more great stories about sacrifice...head on to Liza's Blog by clicking the badge above.

Her Hobby is Horse Back Riding

The other night, we have watched a slideshow of my husband's old photos at my in-laws place. I have learned a lot about my hubby's childhood as well as the many family gatherings and activities he had enjoyed when he was young. I must admit, hubby's body was very slim and he was a good looking young man...but of course, he is still handsome guy to me :-) though he gained weight since. Then last night, we watched a video of him and her siblings when they were born and also growing up. It made my eyes teary seeing him and learning how life was when he was young. Anyway, hubby has a brother and a sister who are cute, too! Hubby was a middle child who look exactly like his Dad now. His siblings on the other hand look like more of his mother. His sister's hobby back then was riding a horse (equestrian). I noticed on the video that she wears quite expensive but quality made breeches. My mother- in law said that those breeches lasted for years because of its quality and the fabric has leather patches. Being an equestrian can be very expensive, but it's worth the money if you love and enjoy your hobby just like my sister in-law.

From the Bottom of My Heart....

...to all (you guys know who you are) who made my birthday a special one...my friends and family. A special thanks to Dhemz of My Life's Perception and Inspiration, Rose of Nostalgic Marveling, Sheila (Shy) of Simple Happy Life, Clarissa of Kizuna, and David of Basic Bloganomics for posting a birthday greetings on their respective blogs. Please do visit their blogs and get to know these wonderful friends who never get tired of expressing their genuine love and friendship; their blogs are very interesting and informative. I tell you they are blessings from God.

Our Spring Break Vacations

Exactly one year today for my birthday, my family and I went for our spring vacation at Virginia Beach, VA. That was my husband's present for me. We had so much fun! First, we stayed three days in one of the hotel near the beach where we did a lot of things. My son enjoyed the beach as well as the bike ride and foods. After that, we visited two island in North Carolina; one is The Cape Haterras and the other one was the OcraCoke island. While there, we toured the island and found restaurants that serve really good foods. We also enjoyed the old light house as well as the shops that sell unique souvenirs. One thing I noticed was the many places to stay with. Outer Banks rentals in the island are very affordable and the amenities are great! My hubby and I thought that someday when we go there again, we would stay for a night or two for our visit there last year only lasted for a day. Talking about spring break vacation, we just got back from a week of vacation in New Mexico where we enjoyed the beautiful scenery such as the White Sand Dunes at Alamogordo, Carlsbad Cavern, Carlsbad and a mountain hike with my in-laws at Bandelier National Forest, Los Alamos, NM. I will be posting our photos later :-)!

Girls Talk: Sexiest Part of my Body

My eyes are the sexiest part of my body (they are the mirrors of my soul)...there you have it :-)! Head on to Niko's Blog or click the badge below for more entry of the sexiest part of their bodies :-)!

Hehehe, after my last entry...no more showing of flesh :-)!

CC: Bedtime Routine/Habits

Just so you know, I am still on vacation, but since this is the first day I turned my computer on after almost a week of not having an internet connection, I'd like to congratulate myself for being able to live without it. ..yay!!!! Yup, I didn't go to bed without checking Liza's blog to read her entry for this week's Couple's Corner. So, here is my share for this week.

After cleaning my face, brushing teeth, putting jammy on, taking meds and giving myself insulin shot...this is what happens before bedtime...wherever we are whether...on a vacation, camping or just being home, part of our nightly routine as family is to pray as family and as individual. Then afterward, read to our son, tuck him to bed after we say "i love you with a hug and kiss." Hubby and I would hug and give each other a smooch before we jumped into bed followed by "i love you's" of course. We seldom go to bed together; he usually goes to bed early since he is a morning person and I am not. I don't go to bed till I am done with what I am dong in my computer. But when we go to bed the same time/together, we would cuddle for a while and normally I would fall asleep into his arms when I am very sleepy and tired...if not then after the hugs, we would sleep in spoon, pursuit, and sweetheart cradle positions (see the attached photos). I can never sleep feeling his breath on my face though -:)! Anyway, neither one of us sleeps naked. I wear a pair of cotton pajamas and sometimes hubby's comfy shirt on top. Matt on the other hand wears short and t shirt and can't sleep without his CPAP machine for his sleep apnea. No matter how early or late we go to bed, we would always wake up an hour ahead of time before our son goes to school.



Visit Liza's blog for more couple's bedtime habits/routine

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment for Her!

Couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine from church had gone through a surgery due to her knee that was broken from playing with her kind on the snow. She was worried that the surgery would give bad side effect on the baby in her tummy since she is due to deliver next month. The doctor did the best for her and the baby which was the slow but sure way to heal her knee. Her family has a history of rheumatoid arthritis and she will most likely to have it anyway, that is why her doctor did what he knows is best...no surgery and no anesthesia for the baby's safety. Now, she is looking for rheumatoid arthritis treatment just to be ready when the disease attacks her. I sure am glad that I was able to helped her watched her daughter while she was at the hospital and during the process. My son and her daughter had so much fun playing together.

Salted Pork On St. Patrick Day!?

Today many families will engage in the frivolity of St. Patrick’s Day—wearing green, attending parades, and of course, eating corned beef and cabbage. But why is this dish the generally accepted fare of St. Patty’s Day?

Well, it’s not because the dish is an Irish tradition. Corned beef is rarely eaten in Ireland (except perhaps on Easter). In Ireland, salted pork is much more common than corned beef; indeed, when Irish immigrants came to the U.S., they used beef as a substitute for the bacon they would normally salt. Over time corned beef became a staple of the Irish community in America and became associated with Irish heritage. For this reason it is served on St. Patrick’s Day—at least in the U.S. Don’t count on seeing many locals eating corned beef in Ireland.

Do You Need Diet Supplements?

Removing extra fats into our body is not as easy as accumulating it. It is very easy to gain weight not doubt about it, but taking it out is another. I am saying this based on my experienced, so if one of your hobby is eating, you better stop! Why? Because it is not good for your health. And if you are trying to lose weight, then you better start exercising and eating a healthy balanced diet. Some people had trouble losing extra weight that is why they decided to take diet supplements and thankfully, it worked for them. But if you want that natural and healthy way to do it, exercise and self control is the key. I have heard many success stories from some people close to me who used diet supplements. They are now healthy, lean and happy! Why don't you try it to see if this works for you?

What Credit Card Reform Means for You (and Your Debt)

According to what I have read online, the New credit card legislation aim is to protect consumers. Now, we need to find out how the rules apply and tactics we should still watch for. At the end of the day, with or without the new regulations, we are still in debt. And creditors will continue to make a hefty profit--they'll just do it in different ways.

The Pros:
There really are benefits to the new legislation. Here are a few of the highlights:

1. Minimum payment warnings.
2. New restrictions on interest rates for existing balances.
3. Notice of rate increases and fees for new charges.
4. Standardized billing procedures.
5. No more automatic overdraft protection.
6. Tougher qualifications for people under 21.

The Cons:
There are a lot of things that aren't covered in the new legislation:

1. No restrictions on fees.
2. New customers and new purchases aren't as protected.
3. There are a lot of exceptions to the new rules.
4. Legislation doesn't cover prepaid cards or payday loans.

The Reality of Debt:
There's no overnight fix when it comes credit card debt. While the new legislation will help you avoid some nasty extra fees and surprises, you'll still have to do your part to get out of debt (and stay there).

Best Back Acne Treatment

I am a firm believer that for us to have a healthy skin, we need to take care of it, which means cleaning of it everyday. Taking a shower or bath is one thing, but washing our faces at least twice a day makes a big difference. Using the right kind of skin care products is very important for different skin types need different skin care products. There are products made for dry, normal, sensitive and oily skin. In order to know which is the right one for your skin type, you must need to know first your skin type. If you do not know your skin type, you should see a dermatologist first. Anyway, if you do not take care of your skin, skin problem can occur like acne or pimples for instance. Acne can grow in any part of your body; it can grow on your face or even on your back just like my husband before. And so we use some kind of back acne treatment to treat it and thankfully, the skin product for acne we chose worked for his acne. His back is now acne free and is very happy! I once became very busy with my online part time job and had neglected cleaning my face as often as I should have, the result, acne grew on my face. I used an acne treatment that cleansed my face...it is a little bit pricey but it was effective. I am glad I have found that acne treatment through one of the television advertisement.

When Your Kid/Kids Are Sick

Sick days don't have to be torture for you and your kids. If you use them right, sick days can allow for some great parent-child bonding time. There are whiners and spectrum kids. Spectrum kids are those who refuse to be sick...just like my son. Even when they're feeling under the weather, they insist on running around instead of giving their bodies time to recover. Keep these children busy with fun, low-key activities throughout the recovery period.

Activities: Fun and Fruitful
Be sure sick days aren't an excuse for your child to veg out on TV and video games (which might make him more likely to trick you in the future). Sick days can be a chance for children to be creative and spend some one-on-one time with Mom or Dad. But how do you entertain both the whiner and the wild child? Here are some ideas:

1. Challenge your child to a draw-off.
2. Choose crafts.
3. Let your child explore artwork
4. Hands-on activities are always fun for kids.
5. Dig out those classic games
6. Get out.
7. Let your child create her own story book or comic book.
8. Speaking of reading.

Keeping Kids Healthy
Of course, each child will have a different activity level depending on how sick he is. Helping your child return to health should be the top priority.

If the doctor prescribes medicine, make sure your child is informed about how much medicine she needs and how it will help her. Tell your child when she needs to take the medicine and have her remind you when it's time. This helps children become responsible for their own recovery.

For colds and flu, make sure your child drinks lots of water and juice. And feed children soft foods like the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer close to the bed will also prevent your child from passing germs to other objects and teach your child about the importance of sanitation.

Once they've recovered, children should be reminded of good health habits like washing hands and eating healthy foods.

We Need Diets that Work!

Eating out a lot with my family is taking its toll on me and my hubby now. Despite of the fact that we eat healthy foods, we cannot help ourselves from eating more than we should have. It is true that no matter how healthy the foods you are eating, but if you do not watch the portion of every foods you put into your mouth, you will never lose weight. Hubby and I have tried different kind of diets that work according to other people...from fad diet to diabetic diet, but none of them worked because of inconsistency and lack of motivation. I wonder if diet pill would work for us. I need to consult hubby about it to see if he will agree since he is not a big fan of diet pills and weight loss supplements. Who knows, he might considers it this time...there is no harm in trying anyway, as long as you consult your physician first, right!?

Girls Talk/Rule: It's Flesh Time!

It's been so long since I posted my last entry here. Now, I came back to join, the most first meme that talks about women created by Niko. This week theme is about showing some flesh...I decided to join once again though am not a sexy person...forgive my tummy that shows extra fats, lol!

This was taken during our summer vacation last year at Virginia Beach, VA

While this one was at Cape Hatteras Beach, North Carolina.
For more sexy flesh...click the badge above :-)!

Avail Your Family of Disney Vacation Packages

One more day and spring break is here. We planned on going for a vacation since my son is off for a week. I would be nice to take him at Disney World where he would be able to see his favorite Disney characters like Sheriff Woody of the Toy Story movie, Winnie the Pooh, Spongebob, Mickey Mouse and so much more. Right now, they have Disney vacation packages which would be great for all who would be going there with kids. Maybe next year we might be able to save money for that trip and get one of their Disney vacation packages. Oh, boy, I am sure my son would be very thrilled to see his fave Disney characters when the time comes. For now, we will just go visit his grandparents in New Mexico this spring break.

I Always Think of You...Ruth

Thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories and a picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake, with which I'll never part. God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart...With so much love....Mommy.

No Need to Downsize my Wardrobe!

Living in a small apartment means you only have limited space to live, put your stuffs up. It can be frustrating sometimes especially when you accumulated many stuffs before you moved into your apartment just like us. I personally love to shop for clothing and so I have so much clothes that don't fit in he closet. So, in order to fit them in the closet, I have to buy door hangers. I am glad I did otherwise those clothes are still on the box and wouldn't be able to wear them. Now, I don't need to do downsizing my wardrobe anymore. Door hangers are big helped!

CC: We Cuddle a Lot!

As what I said on Liza's comment box, one way to show that you love and care for your spouse is cuddling. Matt and I cuddle each other whenever we get a chance like watching TV together. I not only feel loved but also safe and secure...and he feels the same way, too. I like it that when Jake see's us cuddle, he jumps up right away on to our laps and cuddles with us :-). We call it now, a "family hug". Now, he (Jake) hugs and kisses me or Daddy every time he feels like telling how much he loves us. He is such a sweet little boy. Anyway, I don't think there is something wrong with cuddling each other when kids are present. For me, cuddling in front of our kids teach them how much their parents love each other and later in life they will treat their future spouses the same way. Okay, regarding cuddling after being intimate is normal and I think every couple does that after...or maybe I am wrong about it...maybe some sleep after ward :-)...but not us...we say I Love You while we are holding each other *wink*. Oh, did I mention that it is easier for me to fall asleep when he is holding me even when we are just watching our fave show or when we go to bed. He always tells me that he wishes that he can fall asleep like me in less than a minute! Yup, I can fall asleep that fast...snoring, he said :-)!

Goodnight Everyone!

Thank goodness, I am finally done with my job for today here in my computer. I need to go to bed now for I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore; am very sleepy and tired. So, guys, thanks for stopping by and for the sweet messages and comments you left here. I can't bloghop and visit your blogs right now...but promise to visit tomorrow. Have a nice evening, Everyone!

See you, guys in the morning!

Spring Break is Coming!

One more week and it is spring break already. I can't wait for our coming trip to visit my parents in-law in New Mexico. It's been three years since our last trip. I am pretty sure we will enjoy the trip especially our son who is now old enough to appreciate riding the RV, camping, fishing, and mountain climbing. There would be snow still; maybe Jake will enjoy the sled. Anyhow, can't think of something to write here...so I better finish the tasks assigned with me.

CC: Honesty is the Best Policy

For me honesty is one of the most important part of every relationship...be with family members, on friendship, and most of all between husband and wife. Physical appearance is not as important as being beautiful inside. The Lord looks in our hearts...He knows whether we are honest and can be trusted. For every marriage to survive, honesty is a MUST! If honesty is not present, trust will never exists.

I am glad that I am married to a man who is honest. He tells me everything, from his past, present; he doesn't care if it is embarrassing experienced or his success. And because he loves me for who I am...he tells me whatever in his mind. And in return, I do the same. I can tell him when he needs a shower or he stinks :-). With him, he is not worried that I might get angry when he says that I need to comb my hair or when my face needs cleaning :-). Small things like that can be offended to others.

Money wise, this can break marriages and homes when honesty is not 100% given. I've seen many couples broke their vows and the hearts of their kids because of a broken marriages. With me and Matt, we are honest dealing with our finances. Though he's the only one who brings bacon home, he doesn't mind that I send money to my family in the Philippines or buys them stuffs....that is because I was honest enough to tell him that I need to help them...and he understands. No wonder why we are still together for nearly 10 years.

Check the badge above for more CC's entries. Many thanks for the creator of this wonderful meme, Liza of This is My Life.