Her Own Space

I'm so excited I just can't hide it (Yeah I know, that sounds very 90's) that I was able to blog again after just 2 weeks! Yay! I feel this story is something so notable in my diary I just gotta write.

The past weeks, Sophie had been coaxing us to transform the other room into her own room. For a while, we weren't paying much attention. We co-sleep with both kids and honestly I can do that until they're both grown up and just abhor the thought of still sleeping with their mom. Honestly, the little girl's request didn't run through me that easy. I admitted I had bouts of separation anxiety when there were nights she slept in the other room even without her bed yet.

When friends asked how I got Sophie to like sleeping on her own, I had no answer. It was all her idea, she really has a mind of her own even as a toddler so all the credit to the little girl.

She's 7 and should have a room of her own but this poor mommy cannot endure the idea of sleeping without the kids. Their smell, their foot on my tummy and saliva-smeared faces are like my security blanket. They make the bed cozier and sleep sounder at night. On the first few nights that she slept in the other room I couldn't sleep, waiting for her to knock on the door and 'sleep with Mommy.'

We know we need to give in to a plea that had all the right reasons so 2 weeks ago we bought a double bed for the kids that's convertible to 2 single beds. The other bed's for the little boy because we now know, sadly, 'that day' will come :(

Both kids were so excited with their new lair. The little girl immediately prepped her space with all her kikay stuff and toys. She's so giddy and I started to feel excited for her too. I know this is what she wanted and there's no denying that. Now, she said, all it lacks is an AC. Yeah...right.

So this thing really comes to parents with 7 year olds along with teeth falling out and permanent ones erupting and all the other physical changes going on, friends evolving from toddlers and kids to preteen bffs. Stop! Wait! Prrrrt! I don't think I'm ready yet little girl. You're growing up too fast.

p.s.: Just so I won't get another shock, I asked the little boy if he's ready to sleep in the other room with her Ate Sophie. He said no and I know he really means NO (he wants to sleep with Mommy). What a relief :)

Sam is 5!

A few weeks before Sam's 5th birthday, we asked him what he wants for his birthday. He made a quick rundown :

• a chocolate cake with cherry on top
• a trip to Dinosaur Island (he saw the pictures and videos of Ate's field trip here and couldn't get over them),
• a trip to Thomas Land ( I almost fainted)
•  new dinosaur toys (he's still into the dinosaur fascination stage),
•  ice cream, spaghetti and chicken 
• swim and play all day!

I was too confident we'd grant all his wishes until I heard Thomas Land. We explained to him that we can't go to Thomas Land (yet) as we still need to save for that trip because it's too far from home (in UK where Tito Ian lives) and we need to take the airplane. He understood pretty well. He's happy naman na we're going to Dino Island.

Kids, as they grow older and have a good grasp of what parties and celebrations are all about, should be part of the party planning. It's also important they understand where budget comes in and what is feasible and not. This way, they'll be able to know the concept of money, manage their expectations and still get to enjoy their day.

So we're off to Dinosaurs Island in Clark.

During the trip to the park, my husband kept on joking that were going to Baguio City instead and they both squealed 'NO!' (They can read the signs 'To Baguio' along NLEX) They're so excited to go to Dino park, even our fave vacation spot doesn't appeal to them. Lol.

Finding the theme park was a little challenge since we don't frequent Clark, Pampanga and there's not much human in sight save for the guards on-duty. Thank God for Google maps and GPS.
Just want to share too that we were saddened that the town looks too forgotten - unfinished construction, abandoned buildings, hotels and houses. I love driving along Subic and Clark because of the wide roads and organized traffic system. I hope something can be done with Clark.

Anyway, we finally reached the theme park. Our little celebrant was so mesmerized by the animatronics dinosaurs. He was simply starstruck the whole time! We couldn't get him to look at the camera, he was too busy digesting everything in site.

Every time we walked to a different dinosaur on display, he would demand for me to read and explain about the creature - did it eat meat or plants? why the spikes? does it have sharp teeth or not? etc. 

Ate Sophie finally got to try the T Rex experience. She wasn't able to do this during her field trip because of the long line. 

We also tried the Jurassic Jungle Safari ride. I bought the ride tickets online and since we availed of the safari ride, we got discounts on the entrance fee to the theme park. Sweet deal! Not a sweet ride for the kiddos, though. While ate Sophie was screaming and crying the whole ride, Sam pretended to be invisible and curled up into a ball on his seat once he spotted a dinosaur. It's his way of surviving daw so he won't get eaten. I don't know where he got that but it's really cute :)

Can you guess who's more excited to be here? My crazy husband! Honey, there's such a thing as underacting in theater and you need to learn that.

Next, we took the almost 1 hour drive to Subic for lunch. Long drive really but we were all hungry for Meat Plus Cafe's burgers and ribs. Once again, Meat Plus didn't disappoint. My grilled salmon was heavenly (I'm trying to eat more fish and glad they serve seafood on the menu) :)

The highlight of our lunch was a surprise ice cream sundae with cherry on top for our celebrant. He was too ecstatic to blow the candle and eat his ice cream which he shared with all of us. He is a kid who doesn't mind sharing his food. After he tasted his very first cherry he said, 'Mommy, I don't want cherry on my cake anymore.'

Those are few wishes off his list plus a little shopping for the kids and adults hihi. 

He went shopping for a new pair of cool shades. 

Across Meat Plus we found this wall of white and red. Kewl!

Sam showing off his new loot. 

And did he say play all day? Why not! Swim all day too, they did. Well, not really all day... :)

On the day of his birthday, we got him his chocolate cake. No more cherry on top but I placed all the toys (cleaned well) he loves in those five years - Thomas and Friends, Bumble Bee and dinosaurs.

Oh and, of course, that spaghetti and chicken and some more favorites like our homemade cookies, fruits and chips for the movie night.

Yep, as a bonus, a Dinosaur movie night and mini party with his friends.

My son has always been Mr. Entertainer. Such a goofball! 

 Happy birthday to our little Mr. Energetic! Thank you for bringing so much joy in our life and for keeping our brain cells working overtime with your mind-boggling, tricky questions :) We wouldn't have it any other way. We love you much much :)

Sophie @ 7: Her Disney Frozen Themed Birthday Party

Finally! Photos of the party for our little princess who turned 7 last January 16. I tell you, even at this point I still catch myself in awe that I'm a mom of a seven-year old. It's pretty amazing and surreal. Where did the time go?

A background story: even before we decided to have a themed party, we were torn between celebrating her birthday quietly and just the family; maybe a trip to HK Disneyland instead or a birthday bash with all the hullabaloo. The celebrant chose party so we pulled up our sleeves and started working on it. It's a celebration of life and with God's providence, the little girl got her wish.

Here are (a lot) of the photos of the party. We loved how everything turned out - the party details to the compliments we got from guests. Hope you too get inspiration and ideas for your next party as some of the details here were do-it-yourself or DIY.

I got totally inspired by DIY party ideas here and here. I really wanted that kind of party look. Nothing fancy and grand, just crafty, creative and fun.

Except for the balloons, our party decors and the candy buffet were product of months of research on how to come up with a winter themed party without breaking the bank. Thank you to all family members and friends who helped one way or another. It's such a bliss to know Sophie is so loved that way.

an old Xmas decor turned stage decor

Our family pictorial before things got busy. Love these photos to bits. Thanks 5th Door Productions for capturing the special moments.

Sophie's gown made by none other than her lola (my Mom). The only thing I bought for her ensemble was her crown. We also bought Sam's blue polo and a new pair of shoes to go with the matching blue outfits of the fam bam. I'm wearing a dress from H&M and belt from Landmark.

Cake and cupcakes by cakesandcupcakes35.blogspot.com
The toppers I ordered at Shopaholic.com. It was so hard looking for Frozen items in stores after the movie hit the local cinemas, everything was sold out so I had to find a local online store. I didn't dare order from abroad because I was worried the purchase will not make it on time. Remember, we had to change theme at the last minute? We didn't have that much time in our hands.

The cake and cupcakes with Disney's Frozen gang. Isn't Olaf adorbs? :)

icicles made from styropore, glue and epsom salt. Handcrafted by husby :)

The party started off with the introduction of the whole fam and a touching prayer by my Mom. 

Our host Evelyn Peralta started the ball rolling with games for everyone. She also did magic, ventriloquism and balloon twisting for us. So much talent in one bubbly persona. I love her more because she was generous with her ideas, so thoughtful and kind. We met each other once before the party and just chatted for hours. 

 

See the happy faces especially that of the celebrant? Priceless moments captured. Our goal achieved. 

Throughout the preparation, the celebrant was involved in the planning and some of the execution of details. It's important for us that the party was Sophie-approved. We originally booked a different entertainment for the party but she wanted 'lots of magic and games' so there you go.

Prizes and loots for the quick and the bibo :) Bought most of it at National Bookstore while some from Landmark and Divisoria.

Even the adults got too competitive during the games! I swear I was laughing 'til my jaw ached that day :)

Of course, the girls bagged the prizes. Sorry boys!

Sumptuous food and flowing drinks by Verleo. Smiling faces c/o guests. The head waiter said they gave away lots of calling cards so I'm thinking that equates to better business for them.

I totally recommend Verleo - very good customer service, follows through and most importantly everybody loved the food! Even the non-pork eater ate the pot roast. It was that good haha!

And don't you just love the setup? It captured Elsa and Anna's colors. Yes, even the table linens had to be chosen by the celebrant.

 

The giveaways were personalized stickers from Booths Republic. Kids and adults alike enjoyed this :)

We also invited Nestle Ice Cream to the party! What's a birthday without ice cream anyway so we got drumsticks, twin popsies, pinipig crunch and more for everyone. 

Here's ate Sophie being a stage sister to his brother during a game while my dashing Sam busied himself with ice cream. 

Here comes our DIY projects: the stage, candy buffet and more.

The stage made up of old Christmas decors, icicles, beads, sequins and yards of blue fabric from Divisoria. My go to place is always Michelle's in Divisoria mall.The cream silk was from my Mom's fabric collection.

We also bought packs of cupcake liners from Chocolate Lover which we turned into garlands, doilies. Polystyrene for the the name and Olaf and craft paper from National Bookstore. I lost count of how many times I went back to the bookstore to buy paint, paper, glue, etc.

My sister and I separately did snowflakes and other decors and incorporated everything during setup time.

The huge letters that spelt SOPHIA and snowman Olaf was made by yours truly with some paint job help from the celebrant herself and our helpers. They're far from perfect but I got lots of compliment from making Olaf so look alike (he had real carrot nose by the way). Some posed for a photo beside our adorable snowman :0 All but a labor of love.

We covered the stage with foam, the kind that you use to make quilts.

stage base made of silver twigs with cupcake liner garlands, silver Xmas decors, oversized J&B bottle used as vase, pompons, silver confetti and more !

To complete the look, JDF Lights and Multimedia provided the lights. Found this supplier through Sulit. Got the one with the most affordable price and positive feedback.

We even got snow! Yay! :)

I know with Frozen being a hit worldwide, it won't be long before parties are gonna be themed after the movie. Snow machines will definitely give bubble machines a run for their money. 

Our candy buffet- took us weeks of finding the perfect treats for the theme and look that we wanted. I think my sister and I stressed more over this than anything else haha!

I bought white picture frames from SM and placed Sophie's photo in one and a cutout glittered S in another. 

everything looked frosted and cool!

We got them labeled just for fun. Free printable here. Candies from Chocolate Lover and various grocery stores our mileage can reach :) The mallow pops and choco almond tops as well as the jelly cups were done by the family.

Our DIY centerpiece addition. Various frosted glass and glittered snowman made by Sophie and family.

photo by Bangs Mapanoo

We had last minute addition to add more personal touch to the party: craft table (because our celebrant is big on arts) where you can make your own snowflakes, choose your coloring pages or sticker tattoo and a photo gallery of the Sophie's 7 years, from her first room in when she was born until she turned 7. The photos hang on our Christmas tree brought to the venue.

The (not so) little princess blowing her cake. Our pretty Sophie, you will always be dad and mom's baby girl. Don't grow so fast please.

Happy birthday little princess! Daddy, Sam and I love you so much. Always stay beautiful inside and out.

Party suppliers:
Venue: Mapayapa Village I clubhouse, Quezon City
Food: Verleo -  http://www.verleo.com/
Cake and cupcakes: Theresa of: http://cakesandcupcakes35.blogspot.com/
Ice Cream: Nestle -  http://icecreamparty.ph/
Giveaways: Stickers from Booths Republic - boothsrepublic@yahoo.com
Photo and Video: 5th Door Productions -  http://www.5thdoorproductions.com/
Visit their FB page : https://www.facebook.com/5thdoorproductions
Everything else was a labor of love. 

Milestones

Before the year comes to an end, I'm hoping to be able to fill in this blog with the important events and moments in our life that somehow didn't make it on time. Haay, so much for making this blog a time capsule when it's not even updated. Anyway, here's a rundown of our happy moments and I'm so looking forward to more in the coming year :)

Staying Strong at 72!
We celebrated my Mom's 72nd birthday last month. Had a simple dinner at Sentro in Greenbelt where they serve great Pinoy dishes.

the whole fam bam 

Some of the delectable dishes we ordered. You gotta try the corned beef sinigang, vietnamese spring roll and dalandan juice. 

The celebrants. That's right, my sister and brother also celebrated their birthdays last month. Can you imagine a household with 3 Scorpions in one roof? haha :)

Happy birthday Mama! Thank you for always being the wind beneath our wings. 

Making Memories Last:

Another milestone for us was to finally do Sam's moulded hand print. We did this before for Sophie and attempted to do it for Sam when he was 1 year old but it was a flop.

I really wanted to have these memorabilia hanging on our walls; it's nostalgic and timeless. Sophie now wears a size 32 shoes while Sam wears a size 30 and these imprints remind me of the time when they were both mommy's pig tail, always tailing around even inside the bathroom and holding on to 'mommy only' while in the mall.

After 3 years, I found another brand in Powerbooks. With the help of Ate Sophie, we did Sam's hand mould. The little boy was pretty amazed to see the details of his hand when he saw the final output :)

My one note for this brand of mould is that it's more for older kids. The instructions said to keep your hand (of foot) on the gel mixture for 2 minutes or until the gel sets. I don't think a baby or younger kid can stay still that long. Sam's mould had some glitches because he was already squirming after a while. I like the brand I used for Sophie's hand print. I bought it at Rustan's but it's now out of stock.

Cute chubby hand trying to stay still

 the almost finish product. The pack comes with a frame for display. 

Cheer Dance Competition:
The Gray Monkeys, that's what these first graders were called during the annual cheer dance competition.
It's our first year in traditional school and watching these kids compete and my daughter being part of a big activity was exciting. I was pleasantly surprised to see her on the front row, cheer leading and being good at it. I'm so proud of my little girl and the rest of the gray monkeys. They put so much heart into their performance and the will to win was so evident. They went home with a 2nd prize trophy, beating the higher levels. Yay! All hard work paid off :)
Watching them reminds me of my school days - the cheering and dance competitions, winning and making history and having so much fun!

The gray monkeys in full action. 6 to 7 year-old kids in synchronized performance. Amazing :)

 waiting for the announcement of winners. Can you see the anticipation on their faces? 

 The winners' faces. So happy and tired 

Another Celebration of Life:

Last but not the least, husby celebrated his 37th birthday last December 16 and we had a quiet celebration since it was a weekday and exam week for the kids. We tried a new resto in our part of the hood named Alejandro's. Love the food there, we were so hungry I didn't bother take pictures but you gotta try their monggo with gata, crispy pata (the meatiest I've ever had) and fried chicken. There are two other branches of Alejandro's both in Cebu so the newly opened resto in Regalado Avenue is the only one in Manila.

Don't forget to make a wish first 

Husby kept repeating that's he's already 37 like it's as surreal as it can get.

But life is like that, in my opinion, overwhelming and surreal. It's how we handle life - age, problems, blessings, people around us and so on. Without these spices in our lives, it would be a total bore, don't you think? Anyway, I always believe in the saying, 'what won't kill you will make you stronger.'

I'm a realist, sometimes too much for my own good but I also appreciate the little happiness that comes to our life like these milestones. They maybe simple to some but they are big time to us.

As for the problems we encountered this year, I just try to remember what my mentor would say when things get rough: 'It'll all fall into place at the end of the day.'