Christmas 2014

I can’t believe that July is almost over and before I know it, we are already in the “BER” months which in the Philippines, signals the start of the Christmas season, which only means that 2014 is again almost over.

Last Christmas, I was pregnant with our 3rd child and so I was a bit lazy to move around and do some Christmas decorating. But this Christmas is extra special with a new addition to our family so we are all excited to decorate the house so we can really feel the Christmas spirit. That is why as early as now, we are already checking at christmasplace.com for department 56 as we wanted to buy Christmas village as a new decoration for Christmas in our living room.

But I am sure with or without these Christmas decors, we can definitely feel the Christmas spirit because of the love and joy that is overflowing in our home.

My Brave Girl

Just look at my brave girl:

 

This picture was taken when we went to Tagaytay 2 weeks ago. We went to Residence Inn so the kids can go horseback riding. And when Bela saw the zip line, she did not think twice and she tried it.

It is actually just a zip line for kids but Bela has tried the longer and higher zip line in Picnic Grove. I am glad that he is as adventurous as his dad and she is not like me who is scared of almost anything. LOL.

New Drum Class Teacher

Bela has a new teacher in Drum Class. He is the former drummer of Sponge Cola. Bela loves his former teacher, teacher Elmer, and she is already comfortable with him. But Academy of Rock has opened up their new branch in Megamall and Teacher Elmer has to take the weekend class for drums there. I asked Bela if she wants to follow Teacher Elmer in Megamall, but if I were to choose, I prefer Rockwell than Megamall as I find that mall too crowded.

Bela agreed to try Teacher Chris. During her first two sessions with Teacher Chris, she was just quiet and would even go out of the room or would request that we be with her inside the room during class. As per AOR’s manager, Teacher Chris has a different teaching style as he is stricter than the laid back style of Teacher Elmer, so maybe that's why Bela is having a hard time adjusting.

Bela completed one month session with Teacher Chris and Teacher Chris said that he noticed a big improvement with Bela. Bela is also comfortable now with Teacher Chris and Teacher Chris is even teaching her advance drum skills so Howell and I are really excited and happy with this big improvement.

And since we can really see that Bela is really serious with her drum lessons, Howell is thinking to really convert one of our spare rooms into a band studio complete with all the equipment like speakers and the like.

I am sure Bela would love this idea as she always enjoys spending time in her room, playing with her drums.

Skylanders Fan

My Bela is already 8 years old but she is still into toys. Her current addiction: Skylanders.

Every time she gets a good grade from school, or last Christmas or her last birthday, she requested that we give her any of her favorite Skylanders characters. This toy is actually played with an Xbox or PSP as it interacts with the game but Bela is just interested to play with it as an action figure. LOL.

I was checking her stack of Skylanders last week and I was surprised because she has a lot already. This makes me think that we should get a durable trunk like those Military Footlocker to keep her collections.

Bela's First Gig @ SSC Family Day

Last Saturday was Bela’s Family Day activity in school. I was part of the committee who organized the event and one of the activities that we included was a presentation per class. And for St. Walburga, Bela’s class, I asked teacher if she can help the kids practice the song Roar while Bela plays the drums.

I was actually hesitant at first because the logistics will be complicated as I either have to bring the drum set of Bela in school or I would have to rent. I asked Bela and she is really eager to perform so who am I to say No to that kind of request of my daughter.

And I am glad we pushed through with it because I can see the joy in Bela’s face as she performs. She played the song Roar while her classmates sing and dance to the tune. Here is a full video of the presentation:

And it gave me and hubby so much joy and pride that we were both teary eyed as we watch our princess rocks.

Her Gala Uniform

I was looking for lingerie here for a bridal shower that we are preparing for a friend who will be tying the knot soon but I have to do that some other time because I realized that I have to look for a doll shoes to match the Gala uniform that Bela will be wearing for her First Communion rites on February 23.

Look at how their Gala uniform will look like:

I need to find an ecru colored doll shoes to match the uniform. I thought that I still have a few weeks since the First Communion rites will not be until February 23 but they will have their pictorial next week. Hopefully we can find one later at SM. Any leads?

Skylanders Shirt by MB Project

Bela’s current favorite toy is Skylanders. It is actually an action figure that integrates with an Xbox or PSP. She does not want to play with the Skylanders game but she just like to play pretend with the action figures of the Skylanders, especially the dragon characters. Her favorite is Flashwing and when she showed me the new variation of the Flashwing character, which is the Jade Flashwing, I immediately thought of ordering a shirt with a print of Jade Flashwing for her from MB Project.

When I told her about it, she got really excited and she every minute she will ask me when she will the shirt. That is why when I got the shirt last Wednesday, she was really giddy with excitement. And she got to wear it yesterday when we went out. Of course I also ordered one for Cobi.

Here are the shirts made by MB Project:

They make all kinds of personalize shirts. Check them out in Facebook in Instagram.

No Longer a Baby

Just look at my Bela:

I realized that time flies by so fast and I no longer have a baby. This picture was taken a few weeks ago when they were asked to come in their Sunday dress in school because they will be watching the MidSummer Nights’ Dream play.

I super love the blazer that she is wearing in this picture. I bought it for her for Christmas but she was not able to wear it, that is why I got really excited when I found the perfect opportunity for her to wear it.

Her Own Drum Set

Just look at what we got for Bela for Christmas:

She has been attending drum lessons at Academy of Rock for more than 6 months now and we can see that it is really something that she likes. So hubby and I decided that it is about time that she gets her own drum set at home so she can practice whatever she learned from school.

Her drum teacher was even the one who went to our house to help us setup it up.

And now that we have the drum set, hubby is really keen on turning one of the rooms into a music room complete with high quality musical instruments, amplifiers, speakers and more.

I am sure Bela will enjoy playing with his new toy, especially after her dad finishes the setup of the music room.

Ocean Adventure Fun with the Santos

Last December, our good friends from Canada spent their holiday season here in the Philippines and we are happy that we were able to spend time with them even just for one day. We took them to Ocean Adventure in Subic as we know that their kids will love it there.

Ocean Adventure is one of Bela’s favorite place and she really enjoyed all the shows (even if she has seen it numerous times already), with Cobi, Alijah and Aaron. The highlight of our trip was the kids’ interaction with Tonka the whale, the dolphins and the Dakila, the Sea Lion. Here are some of the pictures:

Fabulous Floor Length Prom Dresses

Many shoppers spend a great deal of time searching for the best prom dresses and when they find one that they think is perfect, it turns out that it costs so much. When you shop at Dress First, that kind of problem will not arise because all their items have incredibly low prices. Their wide selection of prom dresses assures all girls that there is something for everyone, whatever body type or preference you may have. Like for instance, you do not like showing off your legs then floor length prom dresses are what you should buy. I have taken note of some of them:

A-Line/Princess V-neck Floor-Length Chiffon Prom Dress, 157.99 USD - This dress in watermelon color is stunning. I love the neckline as well as the style and design. The sequins in the waist and neckline make the prom dress more elegant. The layered hemline is also pretty. However, women with big busts should refrain from wearing this because the ruffles will make your top look bigger.

Empire Sweetheart Floor-Length Satin Prom Dress, 190.99 USD - Vintage is what came to my mind the first time I saw this. It just has this old-Hollywood kind of vibe. It is very elegant and beautiful. The empire cut hides problem areas in the body while the hemline is perfect. I love the design especially the black sash around the waist.

Sheath Sweetheart Floor-Length Taffeta Tulle Prom Dress, 186.99 USD - This looks pricey in every way. The fabric (taffeta and tulle) along with all those embellishments - ruffle, beading, and sequins make the whole outfit classy. The bow at the side is cute. This sheath prom dress is available in many colors.

These floor length prom dresses are indeed spectacular. Nowhere else will you see these wide variety of gowns, only at Dress First.

Happiness in a Box for Bela

What’s inside the box?

Finally, we were able to pick up the drum set of Bela from Audiophile in Mall of Asia last Sunday. We reserved it last week and informed the shop that we will pick it up the following Saturday. But we decided to go to Subic so we were not able to drop by the shop.

Thankfully, we were able to go back to Manila the next day and so we were able to go to Mall of Asia to pick up the drum set. I called every branches of Audiophile and they are the only one who has the Imperial Star model in Vintage Red which is the color that Bela likes.

Now we are complete for the Christmas gifts for the kids. 

RockStar Bela

This is one picture of my daughter in one of her drum lessons at Academy of Rock:

She is really in the zone. And would you believe, she can already read notes and she said she can play the song Roar already.

She has been attending drum lessons at Academy of Rock for more than 6 months now I think and I must say that the tuition fee that we pay is really all worth it as we can really see big improvements with her drum skills.

She is enrolled for this month again and we plan to enroll her as long as she is still interested to learn new tricks.

My youngest also wants to take drum lessons just like her sister. He would even come inside the classroom and watch his sister play. Unfortunately, he is still too young for the lesson so I guess for now, he can just settle in being his sister fan and we will just buy him remo lollipop drums at music123.

On Her Own

Hubby kept on convincing that it is time for Bela to stay in her own room. Hubby even bought foam crown molding from foambymail.com to prepare the bed of Bela and she even cleaned up the room so Bela can move in soon.

I guess Bela is ready already for this but looks like it is not her who will have separation anxiety, but me. I was telling hubby that I am still not ready to let my eldest sleeps on her own. I even told hubby that we will co-sleep in our room as long as the kids want to.

But I guess it will help Bela develop her independence and responsibility. I know most of my friends’ kids are already staying in their own room so I am sure soon, I have to let go. Especially now that Bela has already turned 8 years old and we really have to make room for the coming of our 3rd baby.

My Rock Star Princess

Just look at my Rock Star princess Bela:

Thanks to my friend’s sister, Jonah for taking this picture. This picture was taken a few months ago when we attended the rock star party of Margaux. Bela enjoyed the party that is why we had a rock star theme for her 7th birthday too.

I too love the concept of a Rock Star party that is why I am so excited to plan for this party too. We had Jives, the popular sing and dance trio that we often see in parties, and they really rock the house down and they did not fail in encouraging the kids to go up on stage and dance with them.

We also had an illuminated dance floor which added fun to the party. Bela and her dad of course had a presentation again as what they always do every year.

If I will to do it again, I will still go for a Rock Star themed party for Bela's 7th birthday. The theme was really fun and very much appropriate for their age that is why everybody did had fun. And all those months of preparation and stress got all paid off when Bela said this while watching the on-site video at the end of the party: "Mom, Dad, I will never forget this day."

Christmas Presents

I can’t believe that it is September already and before I know it, it is Christmas already. That is why my husband and I have been talking about our plans for the coming holiday season and we have discussed also our gifts for the kids.

Hubby said that he plans to buy a new TV for the room of the kids so they can watch in their room. He is also looking at mounts and more so he can mount the flat screen TV on the wall to save space.

Oh I am really excited for the coming of the Christmas season.

My Cutie Majorette

Just look at my cute majorette:

She got her uniform already for her Rhymizette club and she was really excited to wear it. Rhymizette is one of the clubs being offered in school and since last year, she has been telling me that she will join this club when the new school year opens.

She told me that they are practicing a dance number to the tune of one of the songs of One Direction and we are really excited to watch her perform.

Bela's 7th: Throw Back

Just look at my Rock Star princess Bela:

Thanks to my friend’s sister, Jonah for taking this picture. This picture was taken a few months ago when we attended the rock star party of Margaux. Bela enjoyed the party that is why we had ivory italian grand, guitars, rock band and more on her 7th birthday as she wanted a Rock Star themed party too.

I too love the concept of a Rock Star party that is why I was really excited when I was planning for this party. We had Jives, the popular sing and dance trio that we often see in parties, and they really did rocked the house down.

I really saw how happy Bela was during her party and she told us that it is the day that she will never forget.

Bela and her Dragon Fly

Looked mom, I caught a dragon fly:

Bela loves animals, animals of all kinds from insects to the furry hamster, to our big Labrador and more. That is why when we attended an outreach in Bulacan, she enjoyed catching dragon flies with her dad after our outreach program.

But before we left, she set the dragon fly free after her dad spent hours catching the dragon fly for her. LOL. At the end of the day, her love and concern for animals would still remain so she would rather set the dragon fly free instead of being trapped in a bottle if she will bring them home.

Order your Halloween Haunted House Invitations Now

Halloween is one of the most fun events celebrated as both kids and adults alike can join the festivities. As kids get busy going around, asking each and every home for treats, the grownups can enjoy this holiday too by sending Halloween haunted house invitations and having their own Halloween party.

For every event, the most important thing that must be accomplished first to start the party preparations is the invitations. The invitation will set the first impression of your guest for your party so you better make sure that you will give the best first impression.

To achieve this, you can order your Halloween invitations from www.holiday-invitations.com. They have the most unique and exclusive designs for haunted house Halloween invitation wordings so it will never fail you in setting the best first impression for your guests.

Haunted House Halloween Invitation

Halloween is just around the corner so better start your preparations now to guarantee that you will host the most fun and spooky Halloween event of the year.