366 Blog Photo Challenge #25 [Playing Doctor]

Entry #25 for 366 Blog Photo Challenge

When our DD1 was 3-year-old every time she will be asked what she wanna be when she grow up, her answer is to be a doctor. I think she was influenced by our constant visit to the hospital for her sister's checkup. She will always tell me once we are inside the doctor's office she wants to be a baby doctor. I told her if she study and go to school she can be a doctor when she is big. Until now that is what she want to be.

We went to the Hands On Children's Museum here in our place and the kids were very delighted. They have all sorts of activities the kids can enjoy. Our DD1 enjoyed playing a doctor to her friend B. They're patiently taking turns, pretending to be the doctor and the patient. It was very fun looking at them. We just let them explore what they will do, and it's very impressive. I am glad there are places we can bring our kids to and they can pretend to be somebody. It is very educational and hopefully can give them inspiration of what they want to be in the future.

Movie Prices

Posted by Gaylord Campbell.

Are you kidding me? I took my family of 5 to the movies tonight to see the new Chipmunks movie, and it was almost fifty bucks for just our tickets! When did the prices go up so high? That is just ridiculous. I guess they are a little cheaper during the matinee, but not much. Then, of course, everyone wanted popcorn and candy, and after it was all said and done, we spent about $75 dollars to see a movie. $75! There is something seriously wrong with that, especially when we’ve got Texas Dish Network TV at home. From now on, I’m going to say that we either wait until we can get the movie at home, or we go see it at the Dollar Theater. In this economy, there is not room for blowing $75 on one movie, in my opinion. Before we had kids, my husband and I went to the movies all the time, sometimes twice in one weekend, but that was before it cost an arm and a leg. There are better things to spend that kind of money on.

366 Blog Photo Challenge #24 [Slide]

Entry #24 for 366 Blog Photo Challenge

I can't forget this experience. Our DD1 was around 2-year-old that time. We brought her to the park. This slide is straight and high for her so I volunteered to slide with her. Hubby waiting at the foot of the slide and decided to take a picture of us. I was holding our daughter and did not bother to hold on to the side of the slide. We shoot downwards like a rocket [exagge], really it was very fast I didn't had the chance to blink. Good thing hubby was so fast to catch me or else I would have shoved my face on the mulch. It could have been a disaster :-)

Park Equipment

I can't wait for spring or summer. My kids need to have an outdoor activity because I can sense that they are already bored staying inside the house most of the time. Don't get me wrong, winter is nice but if it's too much snow, rain, and freezing temperature, it is just lazy to go out. During sunny days our eldest daughter will ask if she can go out to the park. If it is windy and chilly I don't let them go. It is freezing outside even if there is sun. They catch colds easily if I let them stay out long.

In as much as I want to bring them to the big park or the athletic complex near us, they will not enjoy it because of the temperature. Good thing our house was built near a small park in our community. They have nice park amenities, like an aluminum bleachers and portable bleachers under a shed where we can sit while waiting for the kids. Even if it's cold I can let them play for a few minutes and walk home after.

I am also glad that housing communities here built parks for the residents. For some, it is one consideration when looking for a house, that is if the location has some kind of recreation for the family. Another thing I like is that the pet waste stations and dog exercise equipment that you can see in most parks here. Every morning or early evening I see lots of residents from the neighborhood walk their pets. With these park equipment I mentioned, they can just easily dispose of their pets' poop. It maintains the park free from pet's wastes.

I hope tomorrow the sun will come out. I may let them play out at the mini park here after church.

366 Blog Photo Challenge #23 [Little Chef]

First time I let our DD1 helped me in the kitchen was on her 4th birthday. I let her helped bake her cupcakes. She was very excited she got to fill the cups with the batter, though I have to hold her hand so as not to spill it. She also helped in putting the icing and the sprinkles. I think the icing and the sprinkles is what she liked the most to do.

She is very sweet. She told me she will be the one to cook when she is big enough. Me and daddy and baby sister just wait and eat. I hope it's still the same when the time comes. This is my #23 entry for the 366 Blog Photo Challenge.

Help at the Touch of a Button

This post brought to you by Zeitghost Blog Network. All opinions are 100% mine.

We are at the age of high technology where everything is so easy to do because of electronic gadgets. One specific thing that I am talking here is, you can get help by simply touching a button. Yes, this is through the 5Star Urgent Responder. The thought that whatever the situation may be, if you have this compact, discrete, and GPS enabled gadget, your loved ones will surely assured of anything that could have happened.

This 5Star Urgent Response works great by just pressing the button and it can connect you to live agent who is very helpful and knowledgeable on what to do. They can then dispatch 9-11 responder to your location wherever it may be. If you don't want the help-agent, you can press and hold it to connect to 9-11 directly. How convenient is that? Because it is small, you can attached it to your keychain, purse, backpack, and other item that you have easy access to. 

As I have said, everything is now being simplified. Many things have its shortcuts and easy how-tos. There is no reason why we have to procrastinate and reject changes. I find this gadget very helpful and in time, when our daughter will be in school and responsible enough to use this, I don't mind giving them one so I will be worry-free if they are out and about.

366 Blog Photo Challenge #21 [Jacuzzi]

[Jacuzzi] 366 Blog Photo Challenge

When it is cold I can't help but become lazy too, especially if it is gloomy outside. I wish we have a jacuzzi to hop on to and just submerged yourself in a hot spa with the water massaging your tired muscles. I a telling you after a jacuzzi bath, you feel rejuvenated and relaxed. I remember when we were still living in an apartment, where the complex have this amenity. We used to dip in the pool and when the weather is not that warm, the pool water will get colder. We just transfer to the jacuzzi pool and relaxed in there. The above picture was our DD1 trying the jacuzzi last summer before we move here in our house.

A Pool Would Be Lovely

When we were still looking for a property last year we were thinking if we also wanted a pool or not. We love to watch house hunters on HGTV and some buyers are really hesitant to having a pool because of the cost of maintaining it. I've seen also an episode of flipping houses wherein the flippers put too much money to replace pool covers as well as getting all pool plumbing supplies. This is the reason I was so adamant of having a pool. I also thought that maybe when we live in warmer state, where it don't rain as much here in the evergreen state, then a pool would be a nice addition.

But since we chose a single family home in newer community, the lot area is not that big and putting up a pool is not a good idea. Maybe in time when we can have a nice deck or covered patio, I will just opt for a jacuzzi that won't take much space. There are nice ones nowadays that is functional and enough for a family to enjoy while having barbeque in the backyard.

366 Blog Photo Challenge #18 [Sleeping Beauty]

My entry #18 for 366 Blog Photo Challenge.

Our DD1 sleep anywhere when she is really tired from playing. The picture above is only one of the pictures that I took when she's sleeping just about anywhere. We were at our apartment and she was about 3-1/2-years-old then. I believe it was her growth spurt moment that made her a sleepyhead that time. Now she don't take a nap anymore except when we are traveling and get bored in the car then she will dozed-off to sleep.

Coffee Drinker

How many cups of coffee you can drink in a day? Since I am still breastfeeding I do not drink coffee except just when I am going to taste when I brew hubby's coffee or if he buy a cup while we are out and about. This past days we had a really bad weather and had power outage. I wish we had a bunn coffee brewer that we could have stored coffee in to keep it hot. We did the old way, boiling the water in our gas burner grill every time hubby wanted to drink coffee, like early in the morning. It was really difficult since it was snowing outside and we don't have a back patio cover. We survived it though. From now on we need to make some changes and be more prepared so that incidents like this happened, we are at least covered and ready.

One thing that I will buy in the coming days is an airpot where we can store hot water. We use this back in the Philippines. My Mom boil water and transferred it in the airpot. It will last 2 days and it is still hot. But my parents drink coffee like 3 to 4 times a day so my Mom would replenish the airpot with hot water twice a day, one in the morning and before she goes to sleep at night. This surely can help once our power will be out again. I know we have hot water in the faucet but I still prefer to boil mine. I don't know, it may be just me.

366 Blog Photo Challenge #17 [Camping]

DD1 was very excited and said she love camping!

This is my #17 entry for the 366 Blog Photo Challenge.

Okay, I am back now! We had 2 days and 2 nights of power interruption due to the inclement weather. I am thankful the power is now back on but sad to say there are still thousands of people across the state who do not have power. I know the energy company are doing their best around the clock to restore the power. It is really very critical not to have electricity at this type of weather. It can get very cold and is not good for anybody.

So, during the 2 nights that we do not have electricity, we camped in front of our fireplace in the bedroom. Thankful that there is a battery back-up for the fireplace. During the day after we do the house chores we drove to the mall or stores that are open so we will not get bored and get stuck in a cold house.

366 Blog Photo Challenge # 16 [Snowman]

I just had the chance to sit and face the computer. We were outside shoveling the snow and the kids were playing. We have almost knee-deep snow and it is still snowing until now. Our shovel broke so hubby chained his truck's tire and went out to home depot to buy another shovel. I hope there is still left considering it is badly needed at this time.

Okay, my # 16 entry for the 366 Blog Photo Challenge is "snowman." Hubby and the kids were making it while I was shoveling.

But of course, I have to stop from shoveling and pose along with the kids and snowman. We could have made a much bigger snowman with all the snow that we got today. Our neighbors' older kids are even sledging. They hook the sled to the car with a rope and pulling it while driving around the neighborhood. It's like we have an outdoor ski resort here :-)

Keeping Warm

This was the scenario yesterday outside our house. The snow stuck on the ground but it wasn't deep. Regardless, the kids loved walking and playing while me following them ready to rescue them in case they fall.

I wish I can just sit down on the patio, watch the snowflakes fall from the sky, and sipping freshly brewed coffee. But even my desire to just keep warm in the sideline, it cannot be. I have to make sure they are safe while playing especially in this weather.

I saw a neighbor plowing their driveway and another neighbor puffing cigar. I think that is their way of keeping warm as well. Speaking of cigar, I have heard about Acid cigars. I don't know what it is but it may have something to do with the flavor. I bet cigar aficionados know more about it.

Anyways, since I don't smoke I may just settle with drinking a cup of coffee to keep me warm in this winter snowy weather. We'll see tomorrow if we get a knee-deep snow then I may have to bring the kids out again and make a snowman.

366 Blog Photo Challenge # 15 [Winter Gear]

Another day for 366 Blog Photo Challenge and my # 15 entry is entitled "winter gear." In the picture are the boots that I and the girls use in this snowy winter weather we have. My husband asked where are his, He has lots of it, his military boots :-)

Among the gears that we need for winter, especially if it is snowing are boots. Wearing a regular shoes may not be good in protecting your feet. I know back in the Philippines I only wear rain boots [rubber] when we go to our farm, plant rice, or plow the fields. But here, since the weather can get nasty at winter/snow time, a pair of boots is really a must to walk comfortably in a snowy streets.

Playing Yoyo

I was in high school then when I was also hooked with playing yo yo. I am not a pro though that you can find in any contest but I know how to play the basics. I remember my brother made a wooden one that he used when he goes out with some of the boys in our neighborhood back then.

Then later on there are yo yo for sale in stores in different colors and sizes and now the more that it became more modern. You can buy a customized one and you can choose what picture you put on it. When our DD1 had her 3rd birthday, I put a plastic yo yo in the goodie bag that we distributed for the the boy guests. I though girls won't play it but when they opened their goodie bags and don't see a yoyo, they were asking why the boys only have it. Good thing I have extras that I gave to the big girls that wanted to play.

Have you tried playing yo yo? It is a fun game and a stress-reliever too.

366 Blog Photo Challenge # 12 [Pansit]

One of our girls favorite Filipino dishes is pansit. This food is not of Filipino origin. This dish was introduced to the Philippines by the Chinese. From its introduction until now this is being incorporated as one of the Filipino staples and not absent when there is big gatherings in Filipino household. The pian i sit according to Hokkien dialect means "something conveniently cooked fast." [source: Wikipedia]

True to it's literal meaning, this dish is easy and fast to cook. Whenever we have leftover chicken from dinner, I will usually cook pansit in the afternoon, the day after. You can buy broth or stock, chopped onions, peeled or chopped garlic, shredded carrots, and cleaned celery. [My lazy-style] So you'll just really do the cooking and, voila you will have cooked pansit in less than 30 minutes.

I made this last week for our lunch. This #12 entry for 366 Blog Photo Challenge supposed to be yesterday, but we were out and came back home around 8pm, thus posted late.

366 Blog Photo Challenge # 11 [Kabit]

Okay, disclaimer: no pun intended on the title of my # 11 entry for 366 Blog Photo Challenge. It's just that I can't figure out what proper English term to use. We call it in Visayan dialect "kabit" to hop on top or at the rear of jeepneys. This is very common practice in the Philippines, especially in the provinces where transportation is scarce.

I remember when I was in high school, we were forced to do just like it going to school to avoid being late. I know it is dangerous but most of us don't mind it just so we can go to school and have education. My husband took the picture on his first time to visit my place. He was so amazed how we do it in the Philippines. I am not sure right now if there is a law banning it, but I know this is still being practiced in provinces.

366 Blog Photo Challenge # 10 [Tindahan]

One thing I miss from my place in Philippines is if you want to go to the store to get something you need while cooking, you can just go out of the door and with few steps you can buy vegetable, produce, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, etc. But here, it will need you to do too much effort and not to mention burn gas since you have to drive. I know there is no comparison but simple living in a barrio is sometimes the best living you can imagine. Nothing to worry and you don't have to keep up with the hustle and bustle of living.

Above is a picture I took when we went to the Seattle Children's Museum. They have different culture and houses showcased for the kids to learn. Because there are too many Filipinos here in the Northwest, thus they also exhibited the typical Filipino bahay kubo and sari-sari store you can find in every corner of Philippine town or barangay. I felt nostalgic when I saw it my husband jokingly asked me if I want to stay there :-)

This is my # 10 entry for 366 Blog Photo Challenge.

No More Express Scripts for Walgreens

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

It was already announced by Walgreens management on their press release that the contract between Walgreens and Express Script has ended on the 31st of December. This means effective this month those patients with Express Scripts plan and uses Walgreens pharmacies to get their prescriptions can no longer do so. 

Negotiations were already done but to no avail. Express Scripts did not accept even if Walgreens offered to hold rates for a new contract flat and expressed not to increase rates. Because Tricare, the military insurance provider, uses Express Scripts program, Walgreens took an unprecedented step of guaranteeing that they will match the prices or beat the average costs per adjusted prescription of all pharmacies in the Tricare network just so the military personnel and their dependents will not be caught in the middle.

All effort by Walgreens to prevent disruption of services to the consumer rendered negative result, thus, they are tying their best to minimize the inconvenience by offering discounts on membership fees through Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. If you are going to enroll this month of January, you can avail of the discount in membership fee which is $10 for family with dependents 22 and younger and $5 for individuals.

For me, as much as possible, I want to use the services where I am comfortable with. I know million of patients don't want to be uprooted to where they get their prescriptions from, because by doing so means you have to establish again another relationship with a new pharmacist and you have to start afresh, record-wise, in that new pharmacy. So if you want to support Walgreens and receive updates about issues, information, and promotion, like Walgreens on Facebook and follow Walgreens on Twitter .

Check Engine Light

We are now in dilemma. Both our vehicles are fully paid already, and we enjoyed almost 2 years of not having car payments. The problem now is we may have to decide on getting another vehicle. The reasons, too high mileage for hubby's truck 160,000+, some parts needs to be replaced, and yesterday the check engine light came on. He went to an auto shop to diagnose what's wrong and some wiring fired up. It could be the spark plug or one of the cylinders.

We have been discussing to let it go, trade it with another one. Not necessarily brand new but in good condition and lower mileage. With all the expenses to incur and one income every month, I really don't want another bill to add. But on the other note, it is a necessity. It will be difficult if the truck breaks down because we have a student.

My, we need to do our numbers and see where we are going to be if we add another expense. I know if it is necessary, we have to do it sooner to avoid disruption in our daily activities. I know God will provide and He is able!

Racking the Deals at NoMoreRack

One of the many things I am thankful for with our technology nowadays is to be able to go shopping even if you are in your pajamas any time of the day and night. Convenience is really up to a higher level. Adding to the convenience when shopping online is to find a line is having to discover a wonderful site nomorerack.com. I just joined this fabulous site late last year as recommended from one of the blogs that I read.

This shopping site is so incredible with all the insane deals that comes out everyday and only stays for a day. Very easy to use too. Once you have an account with nomorerack you just have to go to their site and view the deals posted every 12 pm EST. Once you see a deal you like, grab it right away to your cart because somebody may snag it from you. The products being featured at nomorerack are branded, authentic, and high quality products that you see in most magazines. If you buy these products at a regular boutique or specialty store, it will cost you an arm and a leg. But in nomorerack you can get of up t0 90% off and even pay $0, as in nada, zilch! The more you have friends, the more you can snatch up awesome free items.

Another thing to love at nomorerack are the insanity deals. If you are lucky and fast enough, you can score an insanely cheap products that if you buy it in store is very expensive. One insanity deal that I was so amazed was the Apple Ipad2 for $43.20 from $540.00 retail. A whopping 92% savings. Are you not going to be insane with this kind of deal?

Right now I have about 3 deals I am eying; a tote, a calendar clock, and a free deal grabber toe warmer. I know the clock is ticking but I am in dilemma since I only have a budget for one deal. But I am telling you, if you haven't checked out nomorerack.com yet, do so now. You will never be disappointed of the deal that you can find.

366 Blog Photo Challenge # 9 [Posing]

I don't know what is it about bending the whole body when posing with my girls. Promise I did not teach them to do it :-) I remember my eldest when she was 2-1/2-years-old my friend taught her to pose for the camera. She did as what she was told and then some. The picture below became her signature pose from then on.

Then just recently when I asked our DD2 to pose, she is overdoing it I think. She is funny little girl. She is 1-1/2-years-old and already starting to have her signature pose. She is starting early than her ate. I hope though this is only temporary :-)

This is my entry # 9 for the 366 Blog Photo Challenge entitled "posing." Our little girls pose when asked to pose for the camera.

No More Contract Between Walgreens and Express Script

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Express Script has been part of Walgreens pharmacy network provider but recently a Walgreens and Express Script press release states that this contract has ended on December 31. This means those that are under Express Script can no longer get their prescription from Walgreens instead to other pharmacies that who knows if you are comfortable dealing with.

We are a military family and military insurance provider, Tricare, uses Express Script. Now that this disruption happens, with Express Script not able to negotiate with Walgreens even if the latter already expresses no increase in rates just avoid disruption, Express Script still insist on defining contract terms unilaterally like what constitute name brand and generic medications. Military service members have already sacrificed a lot but this move of Express Script is not doing any good to our brave men and women since it does affect their families and dependents.

I am just glad that Walgreens never fail to help out and still make the process to those that are affected to still have the opportunity to do business with them by giving discount on prescriptions through Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. For this month they are offering a reduced membership fees for families or individuals., $10 for family and $5 for individual. Becoming a member will give you the privilege of managing your prescription online and set-up auto refill without any hassle and free pick up in store of your prescription as well.

If you are wondering if you are impacted with this changes, you can ask your pharmacist and even look at your prescription insurance card if it has Express Script on it. If you want to voice out your feelings on this matter you can follow Walgreens on Twitter and like Walgreens on Facebook to get first hand  info and promos from Walgreens.

366 Blog Photo Challenge # 8 [Jelly Fish]

The photo above is my # 8 entry for 366 Blog Photo Challenge. Our "smiley jelly fish baby" at the Seattle Aquarium.

When we visited the Seattle Aquarium our girls were so excited. They loved watching different kinds of fishes and other salt and fresh water creatures. DD1 can't figure out at first what to look or touch first. She was very excited. The little one was somewhat oblivious of her surroundings. The only word she uttered that time was "fishy" in a gibberish way.

Aquariums is among the places I love to bring the kids to because it is really educational aside from zoos and museums. If kids are exposed to these places at an early age, I think IMHO, they will start to appreciate the beauty of nature and art at an early age as well. It is a practical learning experience for them as they are starting to become more curious and exploratory. What they read and see in books will be more appreciated if they see it in actuality.

Lockdown

About a hundred soldiers in one company of the 4th Stryker brigade on Ft. Lewis was on lockdown because military gears that totaled to about $600 thousand were missing. It happened after the block leave for the holidays. My husband is under this brigade but in different unit. I heard and saw on the news how some family members are not happy about it because their soldiers cannot go home. This lockdown has been a practice in the Army that when inventory comes and there are missing equipment, nobody can go home until it is found.

I wish I can do the same with our eldest :-) Every time we buy her something valuable, like jewelry, she either lost it or break it. I have pendants for her that needs gold chains because she broke the chain and can't be used anymore. Good thing she did not lost her earrings because she is so careful with it. It will hurt when she try taking it off. I can't put her on lockdown, but she'll have a time out though.

Back to the lockdown on post, I hope those responsible will come out because they are really affecting the other soldiers' lives. They have this issue now and they have a schedule for a training soon. I hope too that this will be resolved as soon as possible so that the soldiers can be with their family .

366 Blog Photo Challenge # 7 [Pirates]

Have you watched all the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series with Johnny Depp? Honestly I haven't and I am planning to get the whole 4 DVD's of this movie and see the adventures of Capt. Jack Sparrow. I've seen the first 2, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. The last 2, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End and the one just released on May last year, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, I haven't seen yet. I like this fantasy-adventure flick of Depp. It has the funny side of it. I have read from somewhere that there will be a 5th installment of this movie series.

My entry # 7 for 366 Blog Photo Challenge is entitled "pirates." The picture above was taken last year when there was a fair here in our place. There was a makeshift pirate ship and aboard were also dressed in pirates costumes. It was fun for the kids and adults alike. Our DD1 was kinda scared when one of the pirates did the infamous call "Aye, aye captain!" She did not smile at all when I cheered her to follow the pirates lead.

366 Blog Photo Challenge # 6 [Polka Dots]

I am late posting my # 6 entry for 366 Blog Photo Challenge since we just came home from church. Maybe next time I will try to do a scheduled posting so I will not be that late again. Anyways, my entry for today is entitled "polka dots." During new year most Filipinos have the belief, among others, of wearing polka dots because the round shape signifies money [coins]. I don't know if you believe such thing but I guess there is nothing wrong in believing, but the most important thing is to strive and be courageous to reach for our dreams and aspirations in life. We can't just entrust our destiny to luck, we have to work to earn it.

366 Blog Photo Challenge # 5 [My Angel Ornament]

This picture gave a smile to me when I saw it uploaded by a friend. Then a very good friend commented that she looked like she was sitting or hanging on a tree :-) as one of the decors. So I titled this # 5 entry for the 366 Blog Photo Challenge as "My Angel Ornament." She is indeed one of our angels and we love her very much!

366 Blog Photo Challenge #4 [Kabs]

One of the best things that we Filipinos have is to always find enjoyment wherever we will be placed in this world. Most often than not we easily find friends and connect with them like we have known them all our lives. My husband is always amazed how we easily connect to our kababayans[kabs]. One time I met a Filipina in a store and we just looked at each other and smile and in no time we already exchanged numbers. I think because we are so far from our place and we tend to find refuge with each other where we feel the sense of belonging.

Above is my 366 Blog Photo Challenge # 4 entry.