Preparing for a 7th birthday!

My eldest son's 7th birthday is coming soon.

I was hoping I could DIY the party details, and I'm trying to find most of my options online.

I just want to share my list, and what has been done so far.

Venue - Check! It's going to be a pool party to end the summer before the school year starts.

Give-aways - 50% check! Buckets are ready, but goodies are not.

Magician and entertainment - Check! Booked for the party. Yey!

Food - ??? Mama's job! hehe

Tarpaulin and backdrop - Check! A gift from my loving BFF and Ninang of Kuya E. Thanks Mare!

Pabitin and prizes - 50% Check! Still gathering prizes and goodies on every mall trip.

Drinks - ??? Daddy's job!

Balloons and Decors - ??? Planning to do this on my own. But still have to buy materials. :(

Chairs - Check! We have a lot from our catering business before.

Tables - ??? Who's lending? Still looking for tables to rent.

Cake - ??? Mommy's job! Just a simple cake for everyone to enjoy!

Swimsuits for the kids - Check! Already bought the kids new swimming suits.

Guest list - Check! And I want to end it now too! haha

Invites - 50% Check! Will be sending online invites to friends living away from QC. Will hand invites to friends in the area. Have not printed any yet!

Still a lot to go...but I'm not in focus of these yet. Still working on start-of-school year stuff. Once everything's in order, will focus on the DIY part.

 I need suggestions for templates and downloadables for menu cards, gift tags and invites. Please help!

Ciao,
Joyce

MRT Scene: Chuvachuchu

Last Sunday, I got off from work a bit late. Having the semi-closer shift on weekends, I usually share the fastest elevator in the Universe with the station's service masters.

3 service masters were waiting by the elevator door when I came about 9:45 pm, Sunday.

  

I felt safe upon riding with them, because I knew they won't do me any harm.
 

Service Master 1 is texting, sneaking on his mobile phone while the MRT admin were not around.
 

Service Master 1: Tetext ko lang siya, sayang naman baka eto na nga.

( I'll just text her, she might be the one )

Service Master 2: Bakit mo naman yan nasabi?

( What made you say that? )
 

Service Master 1: Pakiramdam ko kasi kami na talaga.

( I can feel that we are meant to be )
 

Service Master 3: Huwag mo nang pakawalan, sabi nga ni Jolina..."Chuvachuchu".

( Do not let her go, as Jolina said "Chuvachuchu" )
 

I'm holding the laughter inside of me that time, the elevator may burst when I start laughing.

I held it for 3 straight minutes! Good thing I didn't fart.
 

Btw, good job Jolina! 

You're such a trend-setter.


Ciao,
Joyce

MRT Scene: The Banana

I'm one of the 'avid' fans of the Philippines most popular mode of public transportation, the Metro Rail Transit. I ride these trains everyday because it makes my travel from Novaliches to Shaw blvd. faster than the usual traffic Edsa route. 

I used to be so pissed of the jam-packed coaches and the inconsiderate commuters, but as I ride on a daily basis, I got to enjoy the scenarios that I encounter each day. That's why I decided to add a 'portion' to my blog where I can share the bits and pieces of the my crazy MRT rides.

This one's on top of my list, that's why I decided to put it on number 1.

I usually walk from the popular Manny Villar bldg. across Star Mall to the train station. But since the MRT admin forgot to fix their escalators forever, I decided to walk the long route from the bldg, crossing to baby mall to be able to ride the fastest elevator in the universe.

As the elevator door opened, a well-dressed beggar with a nasty attitude was manning the elevator controls. 2 ladies plus I went in, and the crazy guy closed the doors.

Since the elevator is the fastest, we were stucked in a 3-minute ride with this guy. Since were all ladies, we managed to be as polite as we can to the beggar as he may freak out and attack us.

Crazy beggar: Pahingi naman ng barya. ( Give me some coins )

Lady 1: Pasencya na, wala pang sweldo eh. ( Bare with this, it isn't payday yet ) 
Then handed the beggar with a few coins.

Lady 2: Ok na yan. ( That'll be enough )

Crazy beggar: ( checking and counting the coins )
The ladies were looking at me, as if asking me to give my share of the alms.

Me:  ( Searched for something in my bag, I found a sandwich bag filled with goodies, 2 Quake cakes, 1 pack Cream-O cookies and 1 Dole banana ) Eto kuya, para me dinner ka na. ( Here, for your dinner)

Lady 1: O ang dami nyan, mahal yan, may pagkain ka na di ka na bibili. ( That's a lot, that's expensive, you can eat that and not buy anymore )

Crazy beggar: ( Looking very UNhappy with my gift )

Finally, the elevator doors opened. Time to get off at last. I was the last to exit the elevator.

Crazy beggar: ( very sarcastic ) Ayan o! Ayoko ng malamig na saging! ( I don't want a cold banana! )
Then handed back my Dole banana but took the other goodies.

Me: Choosy ka ha!

Oh yeah, you are indeed crazy.

Ciao,
Joyce

My Cheap but Effective Beauty Regimen

I was never meticulous with beauty products. As long as they look good on me, or as long as it delivers what it promises, I use it.

When I was younger, I used to buy whatever is expensive thinking that branded products will work better than the cheaper ones. But when I became a mother, I realized that whatever I purchase should be worth every buck that I spent for it. I cannot afford to waste money on expensive cosmetics or beauty products anymore.

This started my search for effective but affordable beauty products. These items worked for me, I'm not sure if it will do the same for you, but since they are affordable, you might want to give it a try.

(Note: Products that I will mention are not to advertise but to share personal experiences. I was not paid to mention these products, but I hoped I was! haha)

Morning Routine:
Upon waking up, I start by brushing my teeth using Close Up White Now. Some people told me that this toothpaste is not advisable to people with braces (like me), but I found it very effective. Having braces, it is difficult to achieve the white glow on our teeth because the metal braces does not allow proper brushing. But using this toothpaste helped me get rid of yellowish teeth. I just hope that after the braces, my teeth color will still go back to normal.

After toothbrush, I wash my face with water and soap. No it does not dry my skin even if I'm using hard soap. What's effective for me is Splash Extract Soap (the green one). I used to be dark skinned, as in dark skinned. But upon regular use of this soap, my skin color improved a lot. And it looked better on me that is why this soap is highly recommended. And take note, it only costs less than 30php each.

After taking a bath and dressing up for work, I use the Splash Extract Astringent as a toner to refresh my skin before putting on any makeup.

I use the green one.

Night Routine:
After a long day's work, I go through the same process. This time, I use the toner first to take off makeup and face powder. I do not wash my face right away because I want to give it a rest since I was tired and out the whole day. After an hour or 2, I take a quick bath using my Extract soap for the whole body.

After bath, I use the toner again (OC it is, yes!). Then I put Garnier Light Cream with SPF15, even if I'm not going out anymore (haha!). I just love the cold cream effect on my skin as I go to bed. And it helps to hydrate my tired skin.

And before I end the day, I put on my Pond's Gold Radiance Eye Cream to soothe my tired eyes and get rid of unwanted wrinkles at this early 30-ish stage of my life.

This is the simple beauty regimen that I religious follow each day. It may be cheaper than the branded, expensive ones in the market, but it surely worked for me.

Photo taken in 2009, I was the one on the far right wearing the baby blue shirt. Look at how dark skinned I was.

This is now my skin in 2010. Fairer and better. This was a photo taken with my bare skin. No makeups, not even powder.

See, it worked for me! Cheap but effective is indeed possible!

If you have some useful regimens that are affordable and easy to use, please share it with me. I would love to try out new things.

Stay beautiful guys! I hope this helps.

Ciao,
Joyce

My little silent man.

A lot of people are not aware of Speech Apraxia. 

What is childhood apraxia of speech?

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder. Children with CAS have problems saying sounds, syllables, and words. This is not because of muscle weakness or paralysis. The brain has problems planning to move the body parts (e.g., lips, jaw, tongue) needed for speech. The child knows what he or she wants to say, but his/her brain has difficulty coordinating the muscle movements necessary to say those words.

{ Definition from http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/childhoodapraxia.htm }

My eldest son have been undergoing speech therapy since he was 2. I'm sure a number of parents can identify with our situation because this disorder requires a lot of hard work and patience. These children makes inconsistent sound errors that are not the result of immaturity. Hence, this is just a result of a slight deficiency that is inborn and cannot be cured by any medicine. Proper practice and speech therapy is needed to overcome this state.

My son is a very sweet and caring boy. He is very smart and loves to dance and perform on stage. He is loved by many because of his thoughtfulness and charm. He is a NORMAL little boy. And we give him as much love and attention as his younger sibling. 

This post is to let people understand and accept that not all children are born the same. Some may be very well articulate in uttering words, but have difficulties comprehending. Some are very well understood but was never happy with what their parents' choices were. One thing that I am very proud of is that our son knows very well that we are proud of him. He was never scared to try to speak infront of many people. He was never discouraged by his deficiency because he knew that he understands his school lessons just like how normal speaking kids do. But one thing that makes him unique is that he can relay and make people feel what he wanted to express even with less words. He can work on his own, and he can understand other people's difficulties. He is more sensitive than other kids are.

This made us stronger. This made us fight the sadness that was felt the first time we found out about Speech Apraxia. We did not understand it, not until we started fighting it. We cannot erase the fact that the deficiency is there, but we were never discouraged that we had to face it. 

I have always wanted to create a support group for other parents who are having the same fight as ours. We had difficulties of finding other people who would understand us but we were lucky to be surrounded by great friends, relatives, teachers and children. They all made my little quiet man feel that he was not even less of the normal child that he is.

For other parents who needs information, doctor's referrals or even having difficulties finding therapists, we would be more than happy to give information or suggestions to lighten your burden. We are always ready to help and support parents like us, who wanted the best for our children.

My little man is turning 7 in June. 5 years and still counting, under speech therapy. But now can speak confidently and communicate well. He is a work in progress, but we are proud of him. His determination and eagerness to speak well is our strength.

Just shoot us a comments if you need help with the same situation, we would love to help and listen.

To my little quiet man (who is not so quiet anymore)...we're going on 7 years of working together! You'll make it, and Mommy is sure you'll make it big! You'll be a teacher someday, like what you always tell us. You'll be a good teacher and will help children in the future. Just like how your teachers have inspired you to be like them. We are so proud of you!

My little man's 1st ever Recognition Day from Speech Therapy 2007.

 

He made it! - 1st year in Speech Therapy

Here he is now during his Xmas presentation 2010.

He's not so little anymore. 2011

Ciao,

Joyce

P.S. My biggest dream was to be called upon by the teacher to inform me that my son was talkative and noisy in class. And last school year, she did! Though I promised I'll talk to him, deep inside, knowing that he was talking more than he should made me the happiest mother on Earth! ;)