Our "Firsts in Canada" Photobook

I have been waiting for this moment to arrive. The long hours spent on the computer on my vacation this Christmas week and dried, tired eyes are worth it. Here's the finished product of my labor of love (only selected 30 pages are shown, the book's total pages = 200) - Our firsts in Canada Blurb photobook:

A first time for everything | Make Your Own Book

Alvin and "my" Chipmunks

Today is movie day. We spent the day after Christmas watching Alvin and the Chipmunks - Chipwrecked at Cineplex Odeon. It was a movie for kids it but I found Lex and myself sleeping in some parts of it hahaha. It was fun. The Chipmunks are so cute especially Theodore. Here are my Chipmunks:

Boxing Day

The day after Christmas, December 26th, is statutory holiday called Boxing Day across Canada. Boxing Day like the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, in the U.S. is THE big shopping day in Canada. Stores, malls and most retailers are open and generally continue till New Year's. it's the day that shopaholics like me look forward to grab great deals.

When I first came to Canada, I thought that boxing day meant boxing your way to the shops in lining up to the door before it opens, or when getting the items and lining up for the cashiers. The crowded shops meant rubbing elbows with other shoppers, and literally boxing them to be the first to grab the deals. LOL! Advantage sa mga Pinoys yun because of Pacquiao'sFame, right? But I found out it has a different meaning. Several theories exist on how Boxing Day got its name. It may come from a tradition in the U.K. in which household employers boxed gifts for their servants. One thing is for certain, the name comes from storage boxes, not the sport.

So what did I get from Boxing Day? Ikea Frames for my 3D artwork and crosstitch which we got for 50% off..I didn't brave the crowds at the shops but wanted to try shopping online. I later decided not to because when I shopped online at http://www.bootlegger.com last week, the deals I got were already good only to find out that the prices went down on the boxing day/week. I got disappointed hahaha. Anyway, some deals are valid for a week, I might head to the shops later on, who knows?

On boxing day, after IKEA, the whole family headed to CINEPLEX ODEON to watch Alvin and the chipmunks - chip wrecked.

Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday Jesus!

I got this from Nhel Miranda's Facebook Wall and I agree with her and I felt that it deserves a space in my blog so here it is:

“X” means wrong…in expressing our greetings by writing an “X” in place of the name of CHRIST in the word CHRISTMAS is totally wrong; JESUS CHRIST is the righteous (1 John 2:1); and it is HIS birth that we are celebrating this time of the year…so please do not replace CHRIST with an “X”…let us give HIM the honor HE truly deserves.

It was a busy week prior to today. I enjoyed the parties, food and being with friends and family. There were a few gatherings in the Philippines that I was able to join virtually thru webcam and skype; Boy,I am so glad to see my family back home. I miss them actually.

Today, I prepared Christmas dinner as early as 6 am to brine the turkey. I think I was standing the whole day and busied myself in the kitchen. The Mabini kids arrived before dinner and we had a Bible Study to honor the celebrant - Jesus Christ. Anyway, it's been a while since we had a bible study with these kids; it was at their place in Rochefort where we all started with their mom - Regina facilitating and guiding us with God's words.

We had fun starting because we can't decide on the Praise and Worship song, whether it's with Christmas theme or just plain worship songs, we had a couple then we started reading in 2 Kings 4:8-37. I was so happy that after reading my son Aloysius asked questions. That means he listened intently and I hope he was blessed. The story of the Shunemite Woman and God's faithfulness will forever be etched in our hearts. We were blessed on Christmas Eve.

Of course, the celebration is not complete without food. So after feeding our minds with God's words, we feast on the Turkey, Sotanghon, Potatoes, Pasta and Salad plus sweets. They all loved the turkey..the recipe is in here if you want to try it. This time, I used cooked rice stuffing with chopped pimiento, carrots, bacon bits sprinkled with salt and pepper and butter. They said, my version is delicious, not bland or malansa.

My first born is now 10 years old

10yrs ago on my way to buy food for noche buena, my water broke and then after 6 hours, my first child was born and celebrated my first Christmas as a mom in the hospital..Happy Birthday to my son Aloysius Miguel. Thank you Lord for his first 10 years full of blessings.

Our New Toy – iPad 2

We wanted to buy the Blackberry Playbook when it was on sale but since the demand is high and the supply is low, we were not able to grab that chance. We even tried asking for Irvin and Faye to buy for us in the US but to no avail. They got the Apple iPad 2 and we were green eyes when they were showing it on chat. On Lito’s birthday, we went to Best Buy just to look around and the kids were glued to the Apple iPad station trying on the games – Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja. Kyle and Aloysius were even fighting and want to be first. While there were no available demo iPads to use, (there were lots of people trying it too) we went to the Samsung Galaxy Tab demo unit and let Aloysius play there. The 2 tablets were almost the same and the gap on the price tag is not that substantial. Samsung Galaxy is priced at $ 449 while the 16GB Apple iPad 2 costs $519.

Lito left us to check out other sections and when he came back, the four of us are already occupying the whole Apple station, using all the demo units including Lex who sat on the table and were busy with his artwork using the Drawing Pad. He asked all of us to stop what we’re doing and leave the place but the kids are not moving. I heard Lex said “I want the big iPod” (he is using an old iPod Touch for his games at home) and the 2 older boys agreed so it was not a long time for us to decide and consent to the idea. We came home with our new toy as our All-in-one Gift this year (Birthday, Christmas and Anniversary) and everyone is happy. Lex turned out to be the most addicted because he slept while holding the iPad and while I was trying the apps when they were all sleeping, he suddenly woke up in the middle of the night and asked me “Mom, where is the big iPod?” then went back to sleep. Imagine, my 3-yr-old talking in his sleep about the iPad, he probably dreams about it too LOL!

The Gift by Jim Brickman

Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary to my dear husband. Thank you for the 12 blissful years and 3 beautiful children. I Love You!

Sweating hard with Zumba

I got my Zumba Fitness game for Kinect from Lito on Mother’s day but it was only when the Flores came that we were able to play the game and I realized it was so addictive. Kelly was so good and even Tita Lorna danced to the salsa tunes. The following weekend, I tried it myself and I was sweating hard after just finishing the Calypso lessons. Zumba is a combination of Salsa dance, Belly dancing and exercise all in one. Since I am using Xbox 360 Kinect, I needed to follow the instructions and movements to the detail in order for me to win or finish the game.
I took the next lessons in the following days and by doing it for 30 minutes a day I think I lost pounds through all the sweat coming out of my body after the workout. This is timely because I will be eating a lot in all the holiday parties and get-togethers. Oh, by the way, this game makes me fart a lot so I think even the toxic gases are coming out of my body too. LOL!

What is Christmas without Christ?

I feel sad everytime I see people putting an x in place of Christ when signing a greeting card or gift card.

Let us not skip Christ this Christmas. Here's Kutless "This is Christmas" video and lyrics...Let the song move you.

How was your 2011 Qs?

I got this from my favorite e-group and because it's really timely- the year is about to end, I'd like to say that God has poured out His blessings to me and my family exceedingly and abundantly. With these blessings, I am very thankful. Here's a quick glance at year 2011 through these Qs:

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
SKIING

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Sorry but I don't make new years' resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my sister's friend ANI.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No

5. What countries did you visit?
USA (New York, Washington DC)

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Time to do my scrapbooking

7. What date/s from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 25 - Encounter God retreat
May 6 - Mama and Dadilo's arrival here in Canada

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Joint Effort with hubby - we bought our own house this year

9. What was your biggest failure?
I wasn't able to sort/organize our picture files.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No

11. What was the best thing you bought?
The House, Flavor Wave

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My youngest son who is more sociable than his older brothers

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
An officemate who thinks she knows everything and bullies new employees like me

14. Where did most of your money go?
The house, travels

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Our First Ski Adventure
All our travels-in and around Canada with my mom and dad
My Sister and Sister in Law being pregnant
My getting to know God more

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Desert Song

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? happier
ii. thinner or fatter? just the same
iii. richer or poorer? Richer :) we are blessed more this year

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Exercise

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Eating sweets!

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
We will be staying home for Christmas

21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
If the degree is asked, I think I loved my family more this year.

22. Who got together and who broke up?
JLo and Marc Anthony, KC and Piolo

23. What was your favorite TV program?
Charlie's Angels, The Listener, Hawaii Five-O, Wipe Out

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No

25. What was the best book you read this 2011?
Have a new kid by Friday

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I learned a lot of Hillsong songs this year!

27. What did you want and got?
A new Cellphone and an Ipad, but I haven't gotten them (yet, hehehe)

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Just Go with It (I love Adam Sandler movies!), Transformers

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Celebrated it with my family plus my mom and dad. I turned 43.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
To serve God by sharing His words and inspiring others to come and accept Him as Lord and Savior.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
When I came here, my wardrobe became lean and more on classic styles. I have started to wear skirts and dresses (yes, even in winter!).

32. What kept you sane?
God and My family

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
none

35. Who did you miss?
My Family and friends in the Philippines

36. Who was the best new person you met?
None

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:
Whether we admit it or not, we need Christ in our lives.
http://www.needhim.com

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"in all of my life, in every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship."

Flores and Castillo Reunion

We had a small get together with the Flores Family for Lex' late and Lito’s advanced birthday celebration. Uncle Nilo, Tita Lorna, Neil and Kelly went to our new home for the first time and I prepared dinner for them. We had a nice chat and I’m glad they enjoyed the sumptuous meal. We had Baked Salmon, Potato wedges roasted in garlic, Roasted Herb Chicken from Flavorwave and Salad. The cheesecake squares from Costco was also a hit. Since it was also a chat day for the Castillo’s, they were able to see those in the Philippines and New York in webcam and Uncle had a chance to chat with nanay as well.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

When I was in grade school, we always have a project called Paper Poinsettia before Christmas. We used red crepe paper cut in the shape of each petal. Then we paste 2 pieces together with thin wire and tied 5-6 petals with yellow 'nectar' to form one flower. The last step is to wrap the stem with green crepe paper to complete the project. We need at least 3 flowers to submit to the teacher. It was fun doing it but sometimes when the red and green color of the crepe paper stays in my hand even after washing them, I wished I could just buy a real poinsettia to bring to school.

Now that we have our own home and Christmas is just around the corner, I thought of the poinsettia. I wanted a real Poinsettia on our foyer to welcome guests and remind them that Christmas is here. We saw pots of them on sale here and we didn't have second thoughts on buying it. Here's how it looked on our console table:





We have put up our Christmas tree and assembled the Christmas village in our living room. Lito and the kids wanted to include Thomas the Train so the village was completed with rail tracks. Our holiday has started, celebration of the kids and Lito's birthday and Christmas parties to come. It's going to be a busy season.

"All I need to see standing by my Christmas tree"

Happy 3rd Birthday Lex!

My youngest son is no longer a baby. He just turned 3 and since we didn't have a big party on his first birthday, we threw one this year with his friends and playmates. I prepared spaghetti, cupcakes, shepherd's pie, Chicken Sopas, Chicken Wings and hotdogs but what the kids enjoyed most are the games they played at the basement. All of them were shrieking and excited to get the prizes. Lex had fun because his bestfriend Lucas (and Kyle's classmate) was there, also Sophia, Jeremiah, the twins, AJ and Violet's grandsons. To top it all off, he was happy singing his birthday song:

Doing Turkey Right The First Time

This is my very late Thanksgiving post and my only entry for the month of October. My parents returned home that's why I didn't have the time to do my online stuff. Anyway, I wanted to share here what I did to make our First Thanksgiving in our new home a very special one. My turkey turned out to be very delish according to our guests...here's how I did it:

First, I researched from the internet, asked around and prayed that my first bird will be a success. I combined all I got from google, and took the advice of my officemates to make my turkey moist and kilig to the bones tasty hahaha.

1. Brine - while the bird is being thawed (a day before you intend to roast it), prepare a brine - Put 1/2 cup salt in 8 to 10 cups water with slices of carrots, celery, onions and thyme (I used dried because that's only what I have but fresh thyme is better). Soak the bird for at least 2 hours but overnight is recommended.

2. Prepare the Turkey - Rinse in running water for 1 minute. Wipe with paper towel to remove excess water. Brush with Butter or Herb Paste (see recipe below) inside and outside the turkey. Put the bird in a roast pan with rack and include the carrots, celery and onions under the rack. Put the stuffer inside the Turkey. I used Stove Top Turkey stuffing. Tuck the wings and tie the legs to keep it intact and perfectly formed. Cover with aluminum foil.

3. Bake at 350F for 3-4 hours depending on the weight of the turkey. Baste every now and then. Basting means getting the juices and pouring it again on the turkey. On the last hour, remove the aluminum foil to make the skin golden brown until done. To test if the turkey is done, use a thermometer or check the meat by inserting a bbq stick or fork on the leg part. If the stick comes out clean and is not sticky, the turkey is done.

4. Prepare the Gravy - While the turkey is roasting, boil the neck, heart and liver in 4 cups of water with salt, peppercorn, bay leaf, onion and garlic. Simmer for 3-45 minutes then cool. Strain the broth. Puree the insides in food processor. Next, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a sauce pan and added 6 tbsp of flour, stirring to remove lumps. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until the mixture turns light brown. Pour the broth little by little, stir continuously. Add water little by little until thick. Season with salt, pepper then add the pureed giblets and simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside.

5. After the turkey is done. transfer to a serving platter and serve with gravy.

Herb Paste Recipe
3/4 cup butter
3 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp rosemary
1 tbsp basil
1 tbsp sage
1 tbsp thyme
1 tbsp italian seasoning
1 tsp ground black pepper
salt

Pictures coming soon.

Salmon Migration in Port Hope

Salmons are amazing fish that live in fresh water during their early life, mature in salt water, and then return to fresh water to breed. Before reaching the area to lay their eggs they have to make an effort to jump and make it across a strong opposing current. This is a challenge for them but after moving up, there is a calm water waiting for them then they will lay their eggs and die. The eggs they laid will start a new life and the cycle goes on.

We went to Port Hope, Ontario (a town east of Toronto) to witness Salmon run last September 22. It was a long drive from Toronto but the trip going there was worthwhile because we started to see the fall colors. We got excited upon seeing the fishes jumping up the stream. Before heading to the beach for our picnic lunch, we checked out Canada Firefighters Museum and saw old firetrucks. Our lunch was superb not only because of the food but also because of the view - blue skies, calm lake and seagulls everywhere. Here are some of our pictures:

Epic Apple Picking

As soon as we found out that Henry and family will go to Brampton to do some apple picking, we got excited. We attended a morning service at The Queensway Church, had a short tour at Ikea then headed to Carl Laidlaw Orchards for our early fall adventure - Apple Picking.

Our tour guide Ray chose Carl Laidlaw Orchards because of the attractions for the kids. They were tasting wagon, a hay barn, a barn beam walk, a grainery and a labyrinth. The kids had fun at these attractions. But it was only icing on the cake. The real fun is seeing the apple trees and picking the apples and of course, eating all the apples our tummys can hold.

We were all smiles when we boarded the wagon going to the picking area but the kids were screaming Epic Apples when we came to a spot where the trees were full of red apples. I believe those were Royal Gala, my kids favorite so we started munching on them as we move from tree to tree. Even Lex picked his own apple and ate them.

Sharing our East Canada tour photobook

It's been a year since our trip to Kingston, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City and 1000 Islands and it's about time I post our photobook. Enjoy viewing!

Last Summer Hirit at Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-lake

It will only be 2 months before my mom and dad go back to the Philippines. Their stay here is not complete without them seeing Canada's most loved attraction - Niagara Falls. We headed to Niagara early this morning to spend the start of Labour Day weekend at the falls.

Every time we go to a tourist attraction, we make it a point to go to a Travel /Tourist Information desk to get some maps and some pointers on where to get the best parking place, stores and other attractions that I missed seeing in the internet. So after going to the Ontario Tourist desk in Niagara, we headed straight to the Skylon Tower parking, passed through the shortcut and voila, we arrived at mouth of The Falls.


It was still early (around 8:00 am) so we had the falls to ourselves and some early birds too (mostly Filipinos). Although it was my 3rd time to see the Falls, it always give that special aura to keep tourists like me returning. This time is special because I'm sharing this aura with my mom and dad. Our pictures tell them all.





The trip will not be complete without going to where the action is and see the attractions at Falls Avenue. We went to the Hershey's Store, Guinness Museum, Wax Museum and enjoyed seeing the biggest ferris wheel called Skywheel. We also had the opportunity to see Dinosaurs in another park, Lex cried at the sight. It was so humid we rested and took coffee break at Tim Horton's.




On our way back to where we parked, we saw the Floral Showcase - the small rose garden we liked very much. We saw different kinds and colors of roses. The kids had fun running around.

We had our lunch at Floral Clock gardens - another attraction up north on the way to Niagara-on-the-lake. It was like the floral clock at Luneta Park but bigger.

On the way to Niagara-on-the lake we passed by Fort George and had photo opps with a soldier and an old canon. The kids had fun especially Lex.


Niagara-on-the-lake is a heritage site and this is where you still see old Victorian and Georgian houses and establishments. Some old houses were converted to Bed and Breakfasts and it was so nice to see an old town. There were so many tourists on Queen Street (Main street) so we stayed at the Queen's Royal Park and took advantage of the lovely view and the cool breeze from the lake. Our stay there was made more memorable when we met Tony - an Organito (Italian accordion) player who entertained us with his music and stories about being in Canada. We had a wonderful time at the lakeside park seeing the US Fort Niagara across the lake and resting on our picnic mat. The kids had a great time playing (or removing the centuries-old trees' bark). We had lovely time seeing the wineries on our way home, although we experienced some great thunderstorm on the road. All in all, we had a terrific summer-ending. Next time, Marineland and wine tasting hehehe.

Gardening 101

It's almost the end of summer and good thing, I really don't need to maintain our garden in the backyard and front yard. Just thinking about it, my head aches. I'm clueless at the types of plants and how to start with the vast varieties of plants here. Ang masaklap pa nito, you have to buy everything, di tulad sa pinas, hingi ka lang sa kapitbahay, haay. Everything here is to be purchased even the cultivator and grass cutters. Different styles pa rin yun while I remember back at my mom's garden, we just used "itak" or bolo. I realized that lawn mower have different types: cordless, gas-operated, electric and manual. The cut grass is either captured in the attached bag or you have to buy again a blower and retrieve the grass using a rake.

Even the fertilizer is seasonal. There is a grass fertilizer for Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Goodluck talaga sa gastos hahaha. I have to maintain our grass because we have a whole corner covered with grass and most of the backyard where my kids play. I'm glad that right now they want to water the grass and sometimes play the sprinkler to keep it healthy and green. Now my problem is they have started to grow and it now needs some mowing hahaha.

Our next door neighbor's garden is fab. It has 2 awards - 2003 Garden of the Year and 2009 3rd runner up for Toronto Environmental awards. I don't have plans of competing but I just want my garden to be nice or even neat and not too bushy or something. So I'm doing some research, asking around and found out that there are ways to have a maintenance free garden. I have to choose the perennial type of plants which will last every season. I am thinking of putting fruit trees in the backyard and flowers, some ferns in front. I just hope that some of the existing plants are perennial.

I am going to be a busy gardener and I hope my green thumb will be put to use soon. But spending is far from my plans, maybe I'll start next spring. Can you dig it? haha

A scene at the park

We visited the nearby park and the kids got excited. Aside from having the opportunity to ride their bikes, they met new friends and checked out the rides and slides. Here's a conversation between a 5-yr old boy and my 2-yr old Alexus:

Place: Eringate Park -->by the Slides (the one without the sides)

Boy: "Don't climb up here, this is too high for you. You're still a baby."
Alexus: "I'm not a baby. I'm a big boy now."
Boy turned to me and asked: "Is he your son? how old is he? I'm 5 and still small. He can't climb this high (pointing to the slide).
Irmee: "He is only 2 and a half but he is not afraid of slides."
Boy (turning to Lex): "You're only 2 and still a baby, only kids like me can climb"
Alexus: "No, I'm not a baby anymore and I can climb (started to climb and then looked at the boy telling him) See?

I could die laughing but I didn't show my son how proud I am that moment.

Mommy moments...na-miss ko maglog ng mga ganito...pang-scrapbook sana, syang walang photo.

I'm back online

It's only been a month since my last post here but it felt like ages. I miss blogging and being online. It's true that our internet connection was just recently re-connected because of our move to a new place (our own one, yey!) but I have been "offline" for sometime now. My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is attacking and I need to rest my hands in keyboarding. I have been using the Facebook more and posted some updates about me but it's still not complete without putting them here in my blog. I still have lots to share here, like our recent trip to the US, my mom and dad's own escapades and our new abode. I hope you will look forward to these updates.

So what did I do for the last month? ...enjoying the blessings that God has given us. Thank you Lord for your goodness.

Midlife - Half empty or Half Full?

It's my birthday on the 18th and I am so excited. Nothing fancy planned. I just wanted to reach my actual birthday and meditate on the goodness of God. The lifespan of an individual is more or less on the 80's and I'm so happy that I've reached halfway. This blog is a record of the ups and downs of my life and I could say that I can't ask for more because I'm blessed. Maybe what I can do is to upgrade my life insurance. And I could start looking for life insurance quote. My needs and lifestyle now are different from the time I got one 20 years ago. I could consider browsing for life insurance types to learn more about investing and making sure about having something for the kids in case something happens. I learned a lot from Insurance Information Exchange and I'm sure you will too. Careful planning and execution is the key to life's success and it doesn't hurt to be ready especially now when I'm in the middle part of my life.

What is perseverance?

What is perseverance?
Staying with the task and not giving up
Demonstrating commitment, pride and a positive attitude in completing a task
Working hard without giving up
Pursuing worthy objectives with determination and patience, while exhibiting fortitude when confronted with failure
Demonstrating self-discipline

What does perseverance look or sound like?
Spending time practising a skill
Trying something new that is very difficult and not giving up
Having to overcome personal obstacles to reach a goal
Saving money and making sacrifices to buy something
Working toward a goal for a reasonable period of time before questioning whether the goal should change
Believing a goal can be met , even when success doesn’t come easily
Learning from past mistakes and avoiding the same mistakes in the future

The heat is on...and so is the baseball game

I am privileged to join a team who find time to unwind in the middle of the work week and call it our "off site team building". We sneaked out of our offices at lunch time and went to the Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre aka Skydome at Downtown Toronto with the whole team including our Director.

It was my first time to watch a Major League game and also enter the Rogers Centre which was so huge, it took us a long time to find our seats. Since the game was held on a weekday, there were lots of schools who sent their students on a field trip to cheer on the Jays. It was so hot like in the Philippines, I felt like my skin was burning. Good thing, I wore my baseball cap to protect my face. The game was exciting, I learned a lot today because a fan in front of us was explaining to his companion what was happening in the game and his voice was like a megaphone, we could hear his explanation vividly. Although the Jays lost by a point, it was still a nice experience. I remember my first NBA game at Dallas where the Mavericks lost to Lakers but now I realized that they become champions and where did the Lakers go this time. Maybe in a few years more, Blue Jays will become champions again. Here are some photos from my first Blue Jays game: