The Mommy Journey

The Rubber Ducky is Here!

2010-03-21T15:25:00.000+08:00

Medical Gadgets

2010-03-20T13:43:00.001+08:00

If you have extra money, it would be good to invest it on some health gadgets that are useful in the house. Gadgets can include:
- digital thermometer
- pulse oximeter
- glucometer

Here are some of the recent digital medical gadgets experiences we’ve had. We had a baby ear thermometer since my eldest was born. It has been really useful but for the past months, I have noticed that it has been giving me temperatures which are quite low. I remember last month, I used it to get Kyla’s temperature and it registered below 37.5 but when we got to the doctor, the doctor said she has a fever of 38.3 already so that triggered me to purchase a new digital ear thermometer, not only for babies but for adults use too.

Another gadget we use often is the glucometer. Because hubby has been diagnosed with diabetes recently, the doctor advised us to check his blood sugar everyday for the past month to see if body is responding to the insulin shots. Thank God that his mom has a glucometer and she lent it to us. But soon, I want to purchase one for my hubby’s personal use too.

More Sponsors

2010-03-19T23:19:00.002+08:00

Here are the list of secondary sponsors for My Thoughts, My Heart, My Turf!

Chris Chronicles - 2,000 EC credits

Cornyman's Blog Reviews - 2,000 EC credits

Cornyman's Money Blog - 1,000 EC + 10 x Spikes from CMF Ads worth 1$ (250 visitors)

Earn Money Online with Red - 2 months AD space

Earth Friendly Momma - 1,000 EC credits

Fashion Explorer - 1,000 EC credits

Gene + Experiments - 1 month AD space

Health and Beauty Diva - 1,000 EC credits

Her and History - 1,000 EC credits

Here Anything Goes - 1,000 EC credits

Home Buddies - AD spaces in her PR3, PR2, and PR1 blogs

I Empower Myself - 1 month 125x125 AD space

Inspirational Insights - 2,000 EC credits

Life Can't Wait - 1,000 EC credits

Life of a Filipina Blogger - 1,000 EC credits

Liza's Online Journal - 1,000 EC credits + 1 month 125x125 AD space

Mariuca Wishing on a Falling Star - 1,000 EC credits

Mariuca's Perfume Gallery - 1,000 EC credits

Meow Diaries - 1,000 EC credits

Moms Write Stuff - 1,000 EC credits

My Daily Thoughts and Ramblings - 2 months AD space (winner can opt to have 1 250x125 AD or 2 125x125 AD)

My Journey to Life - 1 month AD space

Pinkville - 1 month 125x125 AD space

Proud Mommy and Wifey - 1,000 EC credits + 1 month 125x125 Ad space

Runaway Blogger - 1,000 EC credits

Samantha’s Own - 2,000 EC credits

Simple Pero Rock - 1 month AD space and 2,000 EC credits

Spread the Word - 1 month 125x125 AD space

Tasty Exploration - 1,000 EC credits

Teaching Moments - 1,000 EC credits

The One Minute Guide - 1,000 EC + 10 x Spikes from CMF Ads worth 1$ (250 visitors)

The Pinay Blogger at Home - 1,000 EC credits

Up Now and What's Next - 1 month 125x125 Ad space

Wonderful World of Peachy - 1,000 EC credits + 1 month AD space

Bambie's 1st Anniversary Contest

2010-03-19T22:53:00.003+08:00

Here is another contest in the blogsphere you need to watch out for! Bambie of My Thoughts, My heart, My Turf is celebrating her 1st anniversary in the blogsphere!

Here are the people who made this contest possible!

A Woman Remembers - 1,000 EC credits, 1 month AD space and $5.00
Azumi...Lil Dolly Princess - $5.00
Best Vacation Places - $5.00
Brisbane Hotels - $5.00
Diva Fabulosa - $5.00
From this Side - 3,000 EC credits
Girls Rule! - $5.00
Just About Anything - $5.00
Live for Life - 4,000 EC credits and 2 months AD space
Living Life to the Fullest - $5.00 + 1,000 EC credits
Momma Wannabe - $5.00
My So-Called World - $5.00 + 1 month AD space
Niko's Blog - $5.00
Stalking Minds - $5.00
The Hunger Games Trilogy - 3,000 EC credits
The Mommy Journey - 5,000 EC credits
The Snoring Queen - 5,000 EC credits
Travelin' with Marie - 8"x8", 20-page Photobook ($20.00 value) and two 1 month AD spaces
Wahmaholic - Wordpress or Blogger template based on the winner's choice of theme and color

Inspirational Insights is Almost 1!

2010-03-19T16:11:00.000+08:00

My other blog, Inspirational Insights, will be turning a year old this May! I can’t believe that its been a year. I certainly hope that I was able to bring inspiration to some people through that blog. My main purpose for creating that blog was to share inspiration and encouragement to others.

I am thinking of ways to celebrate its 1^st blogoversary! Should I put up a giveaway or contest? Would anyone be interested to join and what would be the prizes? Should I check out promotional products which can serve as giveaways? So many thoughts running on my mind. .. I hope you can give me some suggestions.

Mommy Moments - Field Trips

2010-03-19T00:00:00.000+08:00

Its Friday! How fast the days pass us by.. our theme for this week is Field Trips.

Here are some of the pictures from Kyla's recent school field trip. I went with her this time and we had a great time bonding together!

This was taken before we left the house early in the morning

This was taken from Monde Nissin Noodle Factory here in Sta Rosa.
Kyla is the one in dark blue right in the middle.

taken at Rizal Shrine at Calamba

picnic on Bluroze Farm in Batangas

fun moments in Bluroze

witnessed actually milking of cows in Badeco Farm

Now, its your turn to share great field trip memories with your kids! :)
Join us at Mommy Moments!

Powerbook's AiR Summer Workshops

2010-03-18T19:57:00.001+08:00

The AiR (Artist in Residence) SUMMER WORKSHOPS 2010: PICTURE Books!

PICTURE Books! takes children on a unique visual arts adventure, by allowing them to create art works inspired by stories, fairytales and legends from around the world. New media and fun alternative techniques with paint and other materials will be explored to foster an atmosphere of both learning and creativity.

10 sessions (2 hrs/session) exclusive of 1 culminating exhibit
Workshop participants: children ages 4 to 14
Workshop fee per student: Php 3,500.00 for 10 sessions.
Per session rate is also available at Php 500.00
All materials and equipment included
Workshop venues: Powerbooks Greenbelt and Alabang Town Center

Course Outline:

April 8 / Session 1: "Aesop's Fables" (Greece)?Charcoal Drawing
April 12 / Session 2: "Peter Pan" (England) Colored Pencil Drawing
April 14 / Session 3: "The Little Prince" (France) Oil Pastel Drawing / Mixed Media
April 16 / Session 4: "Ali Baba & the 40 Thieves" (Middle East)Ink Drawing / Mixed Media
April 19 / Session 5: "Ang Sarimanok" (Philippines) Drawing / Painting
April 21 / Session 6: "Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang" (Philippines) Watercolor Painting
April 23 / Session 7: "Coraline" (USA) Tempera Painting / Collage
April 26 / Session 8: "The Little Mermaid" (Denmark) Arts and Crafts
April 28 / Session 9: "Pan de Sal" (Philippines) Arts and Crafts
April 30 / Session 10: "Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs" (Germany) Arts and Crafts

True Beauty

2010-03-18T00:44:00.001+08:00

With all the craze about women diet pills, I think it is important for us moms to know more about the products before we take them. I know the unneeded pressure that society sometimes brings us. We need to look like we have never given birth or we need to look like those sexy hot babes out there otherwise our hubbies might look elsewhere. Of course it is important to look good and presentable, but we must not let society pressure us and change us. God has made us unique and each of us have our own gifts. With the recent themes of Girls Talk, I have learned to appreciate more and more what God has given me... I used to be very insecure but I have learned that tere is really more to life than just our physical bodies. Beauty is not measured by what our eyes can see.

Update on Hubby's Health

2010-03-17T23:54:00.000+08:00

Here is another update on hubby’s health condition. He was advised by the doctor to continue with his insulin shots for the next months until he reaches 12 months. His body doesn’t produce enough insulin. Aside from this, he is also taking some maintenance medicine for his cholesterol levels. I know that these are all costly, but health is precious. We need to take care of our bodies so we can perform our roles and responsibilities. I also want to buy him the best vitamins for men.

Life has been tough. But I am just glad that God is always there to remind me that He will not give us anything we can not bear. I can’t imagine going through life without Christ in our lives... it would be devastating and hopeless. Thank God there is hope in Christ!

Plans for the Holy Week

2010-03-17T00:30:00.001+08:00

In a few weeks, it will be Holy Week already. I am really looking forward to it since it would be Kyla’s vacation already by then and hopefully, hubby will also have time off from his work. I have been thinking which is the best way to spend the Holy Week and here are some ideas that I thought of.

1. To go to beach resorts and see a multitude of people

2. To go to a hotel and spend one night there and enjoy amenities.

3. To stay home and open our inflatable pool.

4. To visit Tagaytay since it is quite near our place.

I am glad that my mom has a complimentary stay at a hotel and that she allowed us to use it! The hotel allowed us to book that stay during one day of the coming Holy Week so that is where we are going! It would be great to stay away for a night and enjoy without having to clean up the place :)

Now that we finally have a plan, I can check out www.zitremedy.org to find out more about how to remove zits! With the really hot weather we are having now, pimples and acne are so common. I usually get all sorts of rashes on pressure areas during summer. It can really get annoying and irritating!

My Body

2010-03-17T00:09:00.000+08:00

After giving birth to my 2 kids, I have not loss my belly fat yet. In fact, I have been reading and researching for best ways to lose belly fat! I am envious of those mommies who gave birth but still look sexy and slim. How do they do it?! Every time I look at the mirror, I also notice that my arms seem to be growing and growing. So does it come with age? Or is it just me?! Sheesh! Anyway, I am just glad that God blessed me with a healthy and strong body for my family.

Art's Cool!

2010-03-17T00:00:00.001+08:00

Another exciting summer activity for the kids especially if you live in or near Manila.
This is Museo Pambata's Art's Cool!
Check it out!

Book Blowout!

2010-03-16T13:51:00.003+08:00

I saw this while visiting Everything About And Around Town. If you are a mom like me and you live anywhere near Quezon City, you might want to check this out! More details here.

Art Day: Letter h

2010-03-16T12:00:00.000+08:00

We followed the instructions we found from No Time For Flashcards. Toby really enjoyed doing this craft. The simple materials needed were marker, paste, art papers/construction papers.
And he was the one who wrote his name! :D

Babyhaler for Asthma

2010-03-15T23:24:00.003+08:00

My daughter has been coughing again since Friday so we brought her to the pedia-pulmonologist today. The doctor told us that he thinks it is time for us to upscale her asthma treatment... since the maintenance medicine doesn't seem to be working, he prescribed an inhaler for her. He also advised us to get a Babyhaler to make sure that she gets the medicine from the inhaler correctly. I haven't seen a Babyhaler before so when we bought one earlier, this is what I saw.

(image source)

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The doctor said that she will be using it for at least a few months. I pray that may God use these medicines to help her be healed and let her Asthma attacks become less and less frequent.

Toby

2010-03-15T00:00:00.000+08:00

The first line is my handwriting while the second line is Toby's.

This is the first time my son wrote his name... so what do you think?

Mommy Moments - Cars and Kids

2010-03-11T21:00:00.000+08:00

Our theme this week is about cars and kids. You can post about your car and your kids in the car or your kid's cars. As for our family, my kids love to ride our car. They treat it as their second home. They eat and play and are so comfortable in our car. Our car has been with us since 2002 and it has witnessed several milestones in our lives.

I can't seem to find pictures wherein my kids are on the driver's seat with daddy.. but when they were younger, they love to sit on daddy's lap and drive with him. This picture I am posting is taken a year ago inside our car.

Toby loves to play with cars. He has lots of them. I actually have lost count already.
This is his biggest car so far.

If you have a picture of kids and cars, join us here at Mommy Moments!

Nothing Beats Having Your Own Place

2010-03-11T13:42:00.002+08:00

This April, we are celebrating our 5th year since we have moved here to Sta Rosa Laguna. Those who live in their own homes would agree with me in saying that it is not easy maintaining your own place. The appliances get broken and needs to be replaced, garden needs to be taken care of, house repainting should be scheduled and the roof should be checked every now and then. The faucets need to be checked if there are any leaks as well. I want to change our bathroom faucets to Grohe Bathroom Sink Faucets since they look sturdy and easy to maintain. We also need to buy a new sofa and bookshelf.

Though there are many responsibilities, nothing beats taking care of your own place. I am really blessed and thankful for our house.

Easter Fun

2010-03-11T00:00:00.001+08:00

Note: This is a guest post from GBA Events Asia.

In our hectic days of juggling between work and home, we sometimes forget the essence of family time. Take a breather during the holiday weekend and bring your whole family to a classic Easter fair.

On Sunday, April 4, 9:00am-2:00pm, take part in The Big Easter Egg Hunt at Whitespace. Located at 2314 Chino Roces Avenue Extension (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension) in Makati, Whitespace will transform into a captivating Easter wonderland replete with a delightful Easter Brunch by Cibo d’M, an interactive storytelling musicale by Clowning Around, and not one but two Amazing Easter Egg Hunts.

Kids will take part in Egg-and-Spoon Races and vie for the Treasure Chest of Gold Chocolate Coins at the Egg Painting Competition. At Enchanted Kingdom’s Easter Playground, everyone can snuggle up with the lovable Wizard and Princess Victoria. More fascinating activities and photo opportunities await kids at Jollibee’s interactive Jollitown.

Daddies who wish to take it easy will cozy up with doughnuts and coffee at the Krispy Kreme Lounge, while Mommies will be delighted with their fabulous finds at the Kiddie Bazaar Lane. There will be loads of goodies to please every type of foody. And for the dynamic guests, there will be awesome Minis to test drive. Even dog-lovers will enjoy chilling-out with their pets at the Urban Doggies’ Spa and Lounge.

Kids will surely head home with plump goody bags and heaps of memorable experiences. The Big Easter Egg Hunt is presented by Whitespace and GBA Events Asia in partnership with Enchanted Kingdom, Jollibee, Mini Philippines, and Cibo d’M Signature Caterer for the benefit of the Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation.

Tickets now on sale at Whitespace and GBA Events Asia: Penthouse Unit 7 Manila Bank Building 6772 Ayala Avenue Makati City. Call 556 0774, 556 0533, 0920 211 3878 for free ticket deliveries within Makati City.

If you’d like more information about this topic, please contact Ms Kassy Pajarillo, Event Coordinator, at 556 0774, 556 0533, 0915 316 2252, mktpajarillo@gbaeventsasia.com.

I Need Some Help

2010-03-10T15:42:00.004+08:00

With heat outside, we really need electric fans in our house to keep cool especially in the afternoon. Sadly, one of our 4 electric fans bid us goodbye last week when my son pushed the fan and it fell down. The blades broke and the machine was damaged. Now, an electric fan is included in our must-buy list once I get some money. It seems like my list is getting longer and longer.. I really need to work double time just to earn some extra money for our family. Finances are really tight for the past 3 months. We also need to pay graduation fee of Kyla and our car's registration is due this month. Whew!

That is why I am hoping to win in Pehpot and Kaye's contest. With the recent update of scores, it seems like I won't win the top prize but I am hoping to win even the last prize or the special prizes... this would really be a big help. If you haven't joined yet, I hope you can help me by joining and telling them that I referred you. Referrals are a big help to gain some much needed points.

Thanks.

Obey First...

2010-03-10T00:00:00.000+08:00

Here is another parenting tip I have received from an email. It is a good reminder for us parents to teach our kids obedience....

Hope you find it useful.

Obey First Then We'll Talk About It
When parents give an instruction but children don't want to comply or it's not convenient for them, sometimes they need to learn to "obey first and then we'll talk about it." This emphasizes obedience.

If little Brian has pulled a chair over to the counter and is climbing onto it, you may say, "Brian, we don’t climb on chairs."
"But I was just…"
"No, you need to get down. Obey first and then we'll talk about it." Once he gets down, discuss the problem and find a solution together.
"Karl, go get your pajamas on."
"I don't want to go to bed."
"No, obey first and then we'll talk about it."

To some parents this may sound like blind obedience. We've all heard stories about people who were led into cultish activity because they couldn't think for themselves. No parent wants a child to fall into a pattern of blindly following a leader's instructions, but evaluating instructions is an advanced skill.

Many parents have gone too far in the other direction ending up with children who can't follow simple instructions without a dialogue. Parents sometimes believe they have to talk their child into wanting to obey. Inadvertently, these parents teach their children that if you don't like a request then that's enough reason to resist it. These children make poor employees, develop selfish attitudes about following someone else's leadership, and have a difficult time in relationships because they haven't learned how to sacrifice their own agenda for others.

Talking is important but sometimes even we, as adults, must obey first and then understand later. God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son without fully understanding and then considered it faith for him to obey. Peter didn't know why he was to go to Cornelius' house but went anyway only to discover that God wanted to bring salvation to the Gentiles. Philip was asked to leave a revival in Samaria and go out into the wilderness, not knowing why, but when he got there he led an Ethiopian man to Christ.

Evaluating instructions is an advanced skill and will become important later on but children need to learn that sometimes we all must "obey first and then we'll talk about it."

This parenting tip comes from the book Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, In You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

Lover Mushroom Review

2010-03-09T23:30:00.000+08:00

Why Lover Mushroom? I was wondering that myself when I first visited this site a year ago or so. I found out that they called themselves lover mushroom because when Niko and Yobib first started out, they had to hide their relationship, just like mushrooms, their love sprouted and endured the test of time. Romantic isn’t it? Just as I thought! True enough, this site revolves around their love story and most of the posts are about relationships and their personal stories. One of the post that I vividly remember is the one about how to affair proof your relationship. And I thoroughly enjoy reading their entries to Couple’s Corner every Wednesday. It definitely shows the ups and downs they have been through as a couple.

As for the layout, the site uses a brown and white colored template. It utilizes a 3 column layout. I like it that the 2 sidebars are on the sides while the posts are on the middle, it allows the readers to really focus on the posts rather than on widgets and sidebars. I also took note that this site has a page rank of 2!

So, if you want to read some true to life love stories, this is a site you wouldn’t want to miss!

Girls Rule! A Review

2010-03-09T23:00:00.000+08:00

I just love Girl’s Rule! Who wouldn’t? It is a site for us blogger chics! This is also the home of the famous meme that runs every Thursday, Girl’s Talk. I have joined this meme since it started and have learned a great deal about other women. We have discussed all sorts of things about ourselves, our Christmas experiences, our special firsts and this Month, we are being daring by divulging about our physical bodies! So you might be wondering who came up with this idea? Niko is the beauty and brains behind this great site. She is a loving wife to Yobib and wonderful mom of Yena.

When you first visit Girl’s Rule, the header greets you and is a definite eye catcher as it embodies women empowerment! I love the way the header shows different types of women and how each of them is unique and special. The site utilizes 3 column layout which gives lots of room for the different widgets. I like it that the site has archives which allows me to look back at the different posts but I think it would also be great if there is a tag or label widget which categorizes the posts.

If you are a girl blogger, this site is for you!

Art Day: Little Girl

2010-03-09T00:55:00.003+08:00

Kyla's recent drawing of a little girl!

You Still Have A Few Days...

2010-03-08T23:50:00.006+08:00

If you haven't joined the biggest blogging contest yet, you still have chance to join since March 18 is still a few days away....

Step 1: Open your dashboard and create a new post, titled it with anything you want

Step2: Copy the codes that can be found HERE

Step 3: Publish your post and copy the url or link location then comment the url HERE

Step 4: Create a new post in your blog and copy the codes that can be found HERE .

Step 5: Publish it and copy the url and comment the url HERE .

Don't forget to mention that you were referred by Chris.

Let me know if you joined by leaving a comment here. Thanks!