strict mama

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I'm going to be very strict again. My being lenient, since June - the start of the school year, has made my son irresponsible. The trial period is over. As much as I don't want to be a very strict mom, I don't have a choice. My being a very understanding mom, seldom gets angry, has turned my son into something that we both don't want him to be.

 

 

He has tried my patience more than a dozen times. He doesn't copy his assigned homework and the schedule of quizzes. This has happened a lot of times, I talked to him calmly, explaining what it will do to his class ranking. Maybe because I was sooo understanding, he tried doing that a lot of times. Mama won't get mad anyway!

 

Today, I just had enough. I will not allow him to be an irresponsible child because I don't want him to be an irresponsible adult. From now on, when he does something wrong, I will make sure he understands the gravity of what he did and I will make sure that he doesn't do it again.

my mom would like to invite you

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Leave your links on my Mom's blog directory page. Don't forget to make friends with her through Google Friend Connect or you can subscribe to her RSS Feed.

See you there!

fight his own battles?

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It's very important for kids to learn how to fight their own battles. Dealing with their own little problems will help them become stronger emotionally and physically.

But I am one protective Mama. As much as I want to ignore it, I can't help defending my son RJ whenever I see him getting bullied. But no matter how the school tries to make these little bullies good, if they have tons of practice being a brat in their own home---they will forever be bullies.

As for letting my son learn how to fight his own battles, I think I should just close my eyes and cover my ears whenever he's with other kids. He can defend himself when I'm not around. I should let him do that too when I'm around instead of being as fast as a tornado in bullying the bully.

Or should I just homeschool my son so he doesn't have to get acquainted with bullies?

if the shoe fits

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My son left his rubber shoes in the car. He was supposed to bring it up in the house but he forgot as usual. His dad has a client meeting the whole day and is not sure if he can make it in time for RJ's basketball practice. Because RJ's feet practically grows an inch every single day, based on a cheapeskate mom's observation, I thought of letting him borrow my shoes just in case his Dad couldn't make it.

I got the surprise of my life when he tried it on. Well, not that surprised actually. I have always known that he will one day have the same shoe size as mine but not this early!

The older the kids grow, their needs and wants become more expensive. I now have to double my efforts in looking for online coupons.

I can't wait for the time when he can borrow his Dad's clothes already or the other way around. We'll surely save money on clothes when that time comes.

happy birthday Mama Mary

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Hail Holy Queen

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy!

Our life, our sweetness, and our hope!

To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve;

to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us;

and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

what do i want for mother's day?

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Mother's Day is just around the corner. It's on May 9, mark your calendars. Make sure you don't forget to greet your Mom on her special day. Surprise her with a cake or better yet with something that will last for a long time.

I have a suggestion. Give her a "Double Charms Name Necklace in Silver" from Bliss Living Jewelry. This necklace has two 3/4 inch sterling silver pendants, each can fit 7 letters, that can be personalized with names or your choice of words. It includes a sterling silver chain and it can be accented with a birthstone crystal or a freshwater pearl.  More charms can be added.

Don't you think your Mom will love it?

Or maybe, this "Mom's Name Charm Necklace" will make her feel more special. Your Mom is special so she deserves a one-of-a-kind gift. This necklace is handmade and it includes one dime-size 9/16" Sterling Silver charm connected by a tiny authentic Swarovski crystal birthstone on a sterling silver chain. Your Mom's name will be custom inscribed on the charm in a unique handwriting by Bliss Living Jewelry's artist. First names can be written in front and Mother's Day date (May 9, 2010) on the back.

Your Mom will definitely feel special with this gift, don't you think so?

rj's mama is anonymous? not anymore!

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My mom is formally introducing herself in the blogging world (blogosphere or whatever you may call it). Join her and other bloggers, she is hosting a party and you're invited!




Don't forget to invite a friend (or two) to also follow and join in the fun!

meet my mom...

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Online Journal of RJ's Mama

Please also follow my mom's blog to better know my mom more. Her blog is totally different from mine. To find out what exactly is the difference, visit and follow her blog now.

Katherine Heigl is making the right choice

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Katherine Heigl: 'I Am Done' With 'Grey's Anatomy'

One of my favorite show to watch, when I have time, is Grey's Anatomy. I will surely miss Izzie Stevens, but she is making the sacrifice "to spend more time with her newly-adopted daughter Naleigh".

"I know I'm disappointing the fans," she told Entertainment Weekly's Michael Aussiello, "I just had to make a choice. I hope I made the right one."

You are making the right one Izzie...Katherine.

i refuse to have wrinkles!

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My son had a very happy Christmas break last December. Imagine, three weeks of not doing any homework! Unlike him though, I basically had a stressful holiday. "I promise I will stop playing the videogame when you tell me to stop." As expected, we always argue everytime I tell him to turn it off.

I was very horrified one day when I discovered a line between my eyebrows! Yes, I am afraid of lines on my face! I don't like wrinkles! Who wants one anyway?

I right away doubled the amount of the skin care products I put on my face, particularly moisturizer and eyecream.

Would you believe it disappeared after a few days? Yes it did.

I believe it is because of the INGREDIENTS and the SCIENCE behind skin care products nowadays that makes these products more effective in combating aging. More and more key ingredients are being discovered which work better than the ingredient's in the skin care products our mom's were using years ago.

Clinical trials revealed that Matrixyl temporarily produced a highly significant reduction in the deep and moderate wrinkles. In fact, researchers documented changes as high as 68% .

The research left no doubt: Women who had used Matrixyl throughout the study experienced dramatic results. Further, it was proven that the longer they maintained use of Matrixyl, the more dramatic their results.

Another one is RENOVAGE. It helps maintain telomere length, and thus the lifespan of cells, by promoting the skin's natural protection and repair factors involved in anti-stress, detoxification, and telomere maintenance and DNA repair. Aging begins at the cellular level within the DNA. Telomeres, part of the DNA structure, grow shorter as cells replicate, and as they shorten, cells begin to enter a senescence state. By increasing the lifespan of the cell, cell function is enhanced, tissue quality is improved and the skin's youthspan is extended, reducing all visible signs of aging- not just wrinkles!

I am so glad we have scientists who continually research ways to improve our life. And I am so glad the wrinkle between my eyebrows hasn't resurfaced.

What about you, do you refuse to have wrinkles?

how to lose unwanted weight after pregnancy

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I never thought I will ever see myself fat since I was stick thin my whole teenage years. I gained so much weight while I was pregnant with my son. But since I want my son to get all his needed nutrients while inside the womb, I didn't think of myself that time. I gobbled all the milk, food and vitamins my Obstetrician prescribed to me. I was getting heavier yet I was happily convincing myself that it was just the growing baby inside my tummy. Imagine my mixed feelings of horror and disappoinment when I stepped on the scale a few days after giving birth and discovered that my weight didn't change much.

Friends suggested for me to use, a female hormone diet, Xenical. Being the mother of a newborn requires lots of energy therefore the body also need lots of nutrition. Xenical helped them shed the extra post-pregnancy pounds while keeping the much needed energy.

 What worked for me though was a healthy diet combined with regular exercise. I removed carbohydrate rich food, like white rice and bread, from my diet. I stayed away from meat. I ate lots of vegetables, fruits and fish. A newborn just sleeps most of the time. I used the time, while my son takes his afternoon nap, to do my aerobics exercise. Sometimes I also do it while he sleeps at night. That's what worked for me.

To all pregnant mom's , use the Weight Gain Estimatorto help you have a healthy pregnancy weight.

so sweet!

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My son gave me this post valentine card during the Mother and Son Kab Scout Activity last Saturday.

Hot pink! He must really love me, his classmates saw him holding a pink paper!

this sunday? really?

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February 14 is known to humankind (not sure with aliens) as the day of the hearts. This 2010 though, on Sunday, Cupid has to share the day with the Tiger. Yes people, if you still don't know, this Sunday is Chinese New Year also. 

My son, who is enrolled in a Chinese-Catholic school, had an early Chinese New Year celebration today. He gave me a card when I picked him up -- not the Valentine's card that I was expecting though. He said he will give the "other" card next week. Looking at this card gives me an impression that he likes art and drawing so much, he doesn't have the time anymore to perfect his chinese strokes. Is it just me or did anybody noticed that too.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

surprise, surprise

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RJ's classmate ruined his valentine's surprise for me. "RJ made something for you in school today. He made a valentine's card for you."

My son got so angry.

Will post the card here on hearts day.

Advance Happy V Day to everyone!!

curvaceous body, you want?

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What is your definition of beauty? Do you think you're beautiful? If a person has a pretty face and a "healthy" body, do you think that person is beautiful? After giving birth, a woman's body changes. Most of the time, if not always, new mom's feel that they have gained more weight than they intended to have. Insomnia, lack of appetite, insecurity - these are some of the bad effects of not feeling secure with our body.

Women and men alike have been taking advantage of newly developed technologies to have a better body. Most often than not, more and more people turn to liposuction to solve their weight issues. Laser Assisted Body Sculpting is more requested than the traditional liposuction. The overall benefits of laser-assisted liposuction are the following: smaller incisions can often be used; large, unsightly scars are not common; quicker recovery times; less pain during recovery; possibility of helping with cellulite reduction; increased skin retraction and elasticity.

Do you think you need a curvaceous body? Are you planning to have a liposuction procedure done, or have you had it already? Share your stories here. Other people can learn from other people's stories.

new year, new (additional) work-at-home jobs

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I graduated from the University of the Philippines with an Applied Mathematics degree. I worked as a computer analyst (and after that as an Actuarial Assistant) for a few years. Was not happy with those jobs though, find it unenjoyable and nerdy. So after giving birth to my son (actually while I was still pregnant) I decided to be a work-at-home mom. I have been working at home for a few years already. I have a homebased travel agency, I cater to family, friends and friends of friends. I also tutor elementary students (all subjects) and high school students (math subjects only). I don't find tutoring math nerdy and boring though since I get to interact with young kids, that makes me feel young(er).

This year I am adding three additional part-time jobs to my already hectic schedule of being a stay-at-home mom (I don't have a maid and nanny), travel agent and tutor. I am now officially an online tutor and a mystery shopper, new exciting jobs for the new year!

The third job that I am also planning to try out is being a real estate agent. I have been researching about it for a few months already. I am now trying to design my business card. The hard part is designing my own logo to make it (look) more official. Hope I finish making it already before the end of this month.

Being a stay-at-home mom was the best decision I have made. I can have different jobs and be able to use ALL the talents that God has given me. I know now that I am not just a math nerdy.

it's time everyone doesn't fly...cebu pacific

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I have never availed of the low airfares offered by the airline company in the Philippines-Cebu Pacific. I am not comfortable with the 1peso (yes, you read it right ONE PESO. around $0.02), plus of course the taxes and terminal fees, seat sale offered by the airline year round.

The news yesterday about the embarrassing situation that was inflicted by Cebu Pacific crew members on a special child (and family) really made me sad and angry at the same time.

I symphatize with the boy's family, not because I have a nephew diagnosed with mild autism, but because this was so irresponsible and unfair of an airline with a motto "It's time everyone flies...Cebu Pacific".

I just don't understand why they only allow 2 people with special needs inside an aircraft. That was their reason why they wanted the family to leave the airplane. This was an international flight, is the aircraft that small that they don't have enough crew members for more than 2 people with special needs inside the plane? People with special needs will not travel anyway without other family members with them (to of course give them the care and attention they need). So, crew members shouldn't worry about having 2 0r more people with special needs on board the plane.

Given that they have rules (or whatever they call it) like that, why did they allow them to buy tickets, gave them boarding passes and allowed them to board the aircraft in the first place? (Do other airlines have the same rules also?) There were a lot of opportunities for them to tell the family, PRIVATELY since they were inside the plane already, without the not-needed-embarrassement infront of other people. Since the airport crew already made the mistake of letting them board the aircraft, why didn't they just inform the family of their rules. They could have allowed them to join the flight with the condition that next time they should inform the airport personnel that one member of the family has special needs and to please check the manifest if the flight they are joining doesn't have another special child/adult already.

Could have saved them (airline) embarrassment also and a lawsuit. I salute the mom for protecting her child and for standing for her child's rights. May she be an inspiration to other mom's with or without a child with special needs.

my son is snoring already

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I guess I had too much coffee tonight. I still can't sleep, my son is sound asleep already hours ago. I should just watch the news then.

who is rj?

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Hi friends! Let me introduce my son RJ to all of you.

My son RJ just turned 8 years old this 22nd of June. He is just a few inches shorter than me . It is very probable that he'll be as tall as me already in about a year or two.

My son may be growing up so fast, but he will always be my baby --- my little boy --- MY BABY RJ.

My son RJ, just like a regular grade schooler has lots of favorites. One of the things we have in common is collecting and reading books. He can stay in a bookstore and browsing books for hours and hours without telling me that he's bored already.

He told me when he was just in preschool that he is going to put up a bookstore business when he grows up. He already made borrowers cards as well as detailed instructions on rules in his bookstore.

He is a big fan of K-Zone Magazine also.

His lego collection is one of his favorites. He builds houses, cars, animals with his legos.

He also loves drawing, cutting and building different things with cereal boxes that we collect.

He is a very creative boy.

RJ is into sports also.

He is a member of his school's swimming varsity. He trains with his coach everyday after school.

He loves running also. He already joined marathon's and plans to join more this year.

He is into basketball, golf and soccer also.

He also loves to draw and paint also.

You can see in his drawings and paintings his creativity. He doesn't have any formal training, yet he draw and paint really well. We have been planning to enroll in a painting and drawing classes together, maybe next summer vacation we can do it already.

He also loves composing songs (and poems), loves playing chess, is very addicted to cousin toto's psp (nope-doesn't have his own).

He wants to be a paleontologist, architect, businessman, farmer (at 2 years old), jeepney driver and bus conductor (when he was 3) when he grows up.

Don't forget to always visit here. Read my posts to get to know more about my not-so-little-boy-anymore rj.