Securing Your Baby's Future

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of CryoCell International. All opinions are 100% mine.

In my previous post, I was talking about the 4 Generations of my mama’s offspring. In the photo that I showed, four of them were there, from the great-grandmother to the great-grand daughter. In this picture are my niece, Ramelyn and her darling daughter, Gab. Her love and preparation of the future for her daughter is really obvious and with full devotion, it started right when she was still conceiving her baby.

Talking about conception, my husband’s cousin, Sara, will be due anytime next month. She is very excited since this will be her first baby boy. I would be so, too. I really pray to God that somehow we will be blessed with a baby. At least one baby. Sara have everything ready now and is looking forward to hold her baby boy very soon.

To somebody that is expecting a child, it is very important to know the miraculous benefits of saving the child’s cord blood. Cryo-Cell is no longer a stranger word to many people right now, especially to women. My mother-in-law was talking to me about that and how she had encourage every women she know to consider that. Cryo-Cell is the industry’s family cord bank leader with more quality accreditations than any private cord blood bank. This cord blood stem cells are known to treat over 75 diseases, such as leukemia, lymphoma, anemia, hodgkin’s diseases, hunter’s syndrome, breast cancer, osteoporosis and many more to mention all here in my post. They have been used in over 12,000 transplants worldwide.

I may not be a mother yet, but I understand how much thing there are to think about for the coming baby, especially if you are leaving in a tight budget. Parents are weighing the options and choices in a way that don’t compromise the quality of services and everything that involves for the baby’s future. Cryo-Cell understands all this and is there to help families to lighten up their financial worries. If you are an expectant mother, I suggest that you visit http://www.comparecordbloodbanks.com/ to check their services. Their service is cheaper for up to 31% compare to other cord bank services. Their service is guaranteed because they have been established since 1989 and is running stronger than ever.

4 Generations

During our small family reunion which was in this small resort in Surigao City, I noticed something interesting that I just can't get to pass. My mother, her daughter Melinda (my sister), her grand daughter Ramelyn (which is Melinda's daughter and my niece) and her great-grand daughter Baby Gab (which is Ramelyn's daughter and my great niece) were both there in one place and at one time. I was looking at them and the word "Four Generations" formed on my mind. So I thought it was a very rare chance and I called them all in to take them this picture. It wasn't that great, I know. I am not good in choreography, but I guess my family would agree that this picture is better than nothing at all.
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I don't have any children yet, so, I don't know how it feels to see your children having their own family and to see your children's family's family, too. But I am sure that my mama was happy to see her offspring gather together in one place to just being with each other. Although it was what we called an official reunion, but sad to say that half of the big family member were not there for various reasons. We are hoping that on the next time, everybody can be ready and can join on this big family event. Let us keep doing this to strengthen the bonds of the young generations.
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Once again, I would like to thank to those who made extra effort to have this family reunion realized. Your sacrifice will not be in vain.

Time For General Cleaning

Being still on vacation, this give me more time to do general cleaning before going back to work. I am currently working in the closet, which is not too much work to do because I always clean it up. Yes, the truth is, of all the rooms in our house, it is the closet that is the most neat, order and clean. My husband commented on me that it doesn’t make sense that I did it that way. Well, I don’t care. I am the one who did the cleaning anyway.
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There are still many things that I want to do with our little house. I want to cover the bedrooms, hallway and living room with carpet. I want to change the kitchen tiles from color ecru to color lighter shade of terra cotta with some combination, and many more other things that are too many to mention. With these things on my mind, I also need to prioritize which project should I will accomplish first.
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Talking about tiles , I started looking around, and found that GlassTileStore.com is a good site to go for kitchen tiles, subway tiles . Backsplash tiles, pool tiles and bathroom tiles. They got variety of shapes, sizes, colors and materials that will cater to your wish in beautifying your bathroom, kitchen and your swimming pool. Their tiles are durable, colored on the back, so that the color won't scratch off and they will always look flawless. Plus, they ship fast for free on every order. Check it out.

Goodbye, Elvira

Jane, Dolly and I gathered at Elvira's place this morning to say "goodbye" to her. She is the one that is wearing a blue shirt. She and her husband were leaving few minutes after my husband took this picture. They had decided to move to Arlington, Virginia for good. Elvira just got a job in Washington, D.C. and her husband will be assigned in that same area, too.
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I have known Elvira since February. It was Jane who first became her friend, then, I and Dolly were added... then later on, there were Riza and Michelle... and just recently a lot more Filipino were added, too. She is so jolly to be with, very smart and is full of good senses. She is very helpful and is willing to be around just to give you a company. Elvira is the best cook among us. She loves to cook and didn't mind doing it for us. We all love her cooking, and were always amazed at how good her experiments in cooking are. It is so sad that just when we thought we were growing in numbers, then, one of our best assest is being separate from us.
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Of course, we don't believe that it was the end of our friendship. Hey, they are still in the same country. They are only plane away. It could be possible that one of us could visit them or they can come back here anytime to visit us. All of us got cellphone and Facebook accounts, too. That is what they are for; to enable us to continue connecting to each other.
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Elvira, may God bless you and your husband in your new abode and career in life. We will all miss you dearly. We are so blessed to have you with us for a while. We love you, V.

Our Retirement Trip Out West

Guest post written by Burt Lancaster
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My wife Darlene and I have traveled for years, hopping from place to place across America. We’ve never really cared for airplanes, so we try to drive everywhere, enjoying the quality time we get to spend with one another.
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As a retirement present to myself, I recently splurged on a brand new BMW for us to ride out west in together to celebrate the beginning of our golden years. Well, a few states into our journey, I couldn’t help but notice that I was having an exceptionally hard time deciphering what Darlene was saying to me in the car. We saw a sign when we were about mid-way advertising hearing tests Las Vegas NV , which got me thinking: Maybe I should get tested.
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We stopped at the Miracle Ear location and, as it turns out, I definitely needed some type of aid. Before making any decisions, I called my sister from the road to get her opinion. She said she’d recently gone to miracle ear WA and was thrilled with her hearing aids. I was sold.
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When we finally arrived in Cali, I decided to get fitted for my hearing aids in California , right then and there. And, well, we’ve been enjoying wonderful conversations ever since!

Not Conforming To The Patterns Of This World

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12: 1-2 NIV)
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I just did yesterday a very difficult decision. Difficult, because it involves many areas in my living and would affect the lives of my love ones, too. Though what I did may sound silly to some, but looking to the Life's Manual, it was the right thing to do. I can't even believe that some people just give more importance on material things over to moral and physical matters. But, I am glad to be able to get out of it, and that is the most important thing to me. I thank God that the process was not too hard, and I had a graceful exit.
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Right now, I am praying to God for leading me to that more healthier and safer road, where I can enjoy both the blessing, the giver and the vessel. To God be the glory.

Matthew 6:28

Sending A Letter For My Mama

It has been a week since I came home from my 4 weeks visit in the Philippines. I promised my mama that I would write her a letter right after I got here. She was very anxious to know that I made it back here safe and sound. Although I called her via cellphone, I understand that she still wants to get a letter regularly. That is something that we both enjoyed doing. I might make one tomorrow, but most probably, I could mail it on Monday, and she can start expecting it in two weeks. I hope there are other ways to make the service faster.
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In a little more than a month or so, I can then start expecting a reply from my mama. Checking in our bobi mailbox everyday is always exciting. I just got a package from a friend in Michigan the other day and it made my day. I just love the thrill that I feel when I hold a package and start imagining what would be inside of it. The good thing is, I never was disappointed.
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Talking about mailbox, bobi mailboxes are becoming common around. Well, I can understand because it got style and figure that you can really say “good-looking”. Mailboxixchange.com got them a lot more of contemporary mailboxes . It is the supplier of the durable and latest style in mailboxes. Hop on in their website now to view them all.

Two Years... And Still Going!

This month of September is my second blogsversary. Yes. I started this blog two years ago and I am very happy to announce to everybody that it is still going... not maybe as strong as it was several months ago because of my work, but my friend (thanks to her) and I still have manage to make it stay where it is. I thank God above all for this awesome accomplishment.
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I want to take this chance to express my gratitude to all the bloggers who regularly, occasionally or casually come by to read my posts. I really appreciate it very much. You are what keeps me going even in those times that I can't hardly find a time to do this. I also want to express my deep gratitude for all the paid writing opportunities that advertisers were throwing on me through various websites. You have helped me in thousands way here. It is was so great to be a part of your business and all the pleasures were mine.
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To myself and to my blog, I wish more years, more blogger friends, more readers and more writing opportunities to come. I love you all.

It Is Time For Winter Shoes Shopping

Autumn started four days ago, and before I will notice it, it will be winter soon. I will then be wearing again winter clothes and Stuart Weitzman winter boots to beat off the cold weather. I both like and hate winter season. I still agree that it is the most beautiful season of the year no matter what.

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My new Filipino friend who has just been here for six months worries about winter season. She hasn’t had the chance to gather winter clothes and shoes yet. I might have to go with her for an early shopping, or better yet, I will lead her to my favorite winter shoes website, which is the JildorShoes.com. I have a feeling that she will like Tory Burch Shoes collection.

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I love shoes. I believe it is one of the common things about girls. I found the website that I mentioned above a year ago and liked their collections of winter boots. They are just so fabulous. Their selections are just endless and to help you with it, just browse using your favorite shoes designer. If you have no favorite designer yet, I would suggest that you start with Jeffrey Campbell Shoes . His collection are just so awesome and yet, amazingly affordable. Visit their site now and start shopping for your winter shoes, too.

Have Yourself Painted For Free

It is grand to have our picture hand-painted by somebody, especially by a popular and very well-known painters of all time like Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Kinkade, Michelangelo and many, many more... the list would be too long if I will have to go on to mention all of them. Yes, it is grand because you can be proud of yourself to have this kind of painting hanging on your living room wall... and yes, it is grand because it could cost you too much, if not a lifetime saving, will depend on who is the artist/painter.

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But I want to say that I am fortunate that I belong to this generation where everything can be possible "cyber-cally" speaking. Here is my portrait. I love it. My husband does, too. Everybody agrees that it is very beautiful. Are you one of them? (he-he-he) The artist sure did a good work there and made me look so fabulous. But guess what, it didn't cost me my lifetime saving, it didn't even cost me a penny. Yes, I have myself painted for free. Now I can boast and show off my "hand-painted" portrait here in the cyberworld. How and where? I found the secret. Just go to picjoke.com, and pick your choices. I had a blast doing it. I am very sure you will have one, too. Start yours now and show it to us. :)

Socializing Is Made More Easier

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boost Mobile. All opinions are 100% mine.

I’m not really a social person, maybe because I don’t talk too much and hesitate to ask about the whereabouts of other persons, but the truth is I love to listen and I am interested about their daily activities, especially to my family and friends. That is why I am so thankful that Facebook was being created. In that way, I can socialize with my family and friends in my own convenient time and I can also get updates about their activities without too much commitments. I believe that Facebook is the most popular social media there is on the moment.

Boost Mobile phones are created beyond the purpose of communication. It is created for socializing purposes, too. Through my Blackberry cellphone, I can have access to Facebook and I can check on it anytime and anywhere I go. Whether you are a Facebook-mania or a Twitter-mania, Boost Mobile will take care of it for you. As of mine, I always told my husband that “I love myBlackberry .”

Opening a Boost Mobile account is very simple and easy. Payment options are very flexible, choose between pay on-line, in-person or pay by phone (which I prefer to do). You can use your debit/credit to make a payment or you can sign-up for worry-free automatic payments. Ain’t that cool? Adding funds to your account is never easier through Re-Boost method. Click on the given links for more information.

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Me & My Mama (Reunited)

After 27 months of being here in USA, I thank God to be finally reunited to my family in the Philippines, especially to my mama. Five months ago, she was sick and all my sisters wanted me to come home. I told them that I just got the job then and can't leave for Philippines. Through my sister's and mine's financial support, my sisters and brother's personal assistance' I thank God that she had recovered gradually and by August, I was able to come and visit my mama and happy to see that she is good and well (and her doctor, Dr. Fuertes, testifies of that, too), although she still have to maintain a lot of meds and shots which her doctor said could be lifetime.
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I was so thankful for the effort of my older sister Melinda (in Cebu) and her family (especially to my niece, Ramelyn) for coming to Surigao to visit and have our first-ever organized family reunion came true. We had fun and had lots of food, too. It was something that we wished to happen often if we can. It was so good to see the whole family gathered together, knowing each other and felt the warmth of being as one family. Although it didn't turned out as what we initially planned few months ago, but definitely, it was one unforgettable event for the family, especially to me and my mama.
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Obviously, (and I am glad to say) that my mama was very happy and feel healthy that I was there to visit her even for just few weeks. She is now looking forward for the next time that me and my husband, Gene, will come to Philippines to visit her again and for our another family reunion. On this good news, it is God who deserves the glory and thanks.

Touching Ground - My Philippine Trip (Cebu Arrival)

Since I left Florida, I haven't got the chance to blog about any updates of my Philippine vacation. I want to apologize for that and to those who wait. Anyway, here is the update for it, and I would like to start from Florida.
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My husband drove me to Orlando International Airport around 6 o'clock in the morning. I can't help but cried when we parted. I really wished he was with me on this vacation. I bought myself a cup of coffee and a slice of cake at the departure area. Two hours after, the plane I was on left for Atlanta, Georgia. Bye, Florida.
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My "connecting flight" experience in Atlanta was a miserable one. I came out from Gate A and have to go to Gate E. I made a lot of walking because 2 out of 4 trains that I was on were not working. Add to it, my two hand-carry luggage were both heavy and the worst thing was, I was wearing a brand new close shoes that really badly hurt my feet, especially the left one. The fact was, I almost missed my flight from Atlanta (Georgia) to Korea. I was really worried about it and I am glad that it did not happened.
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My connecting flight experience in Korea to Manila was a less miserable than the one I had in Atlanta. There were long walking distance, too. I was glad that there were a lot of Filipinos that were with the same flight I was on, and I happened to have conversation with some of them. It makes me feel that I was getting closer to Philippines then. I was hungry while I was in Korea, so I make arrangement to leave my backpack to a couple of old Filipino ladies that were sitting at the departure area, and managed my way to one of Korean fast food. The food was good and the price was not bad. I enjoyed my moment while I was in Korea. I bought myself a piece of key chain for souvenir, that I always do every time I came to a place for the first time. I'm happy that at least, my Korea experience was not bad.
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I arrived at Manila, Philippines at around 11:00 p.m. It took me a while before I spotted my 2 big luggage. I went out, looking for my friend, Ann, that was supposed to meet me then. She was not around. Opps, let me rephrase it, "She was not around yet." Yes, she was late. Well, I did not have to wait too long though. She was confused on which terminal to go. It happened to me before. Well, the spending started there. Taxis. Helper. Tips. Etc.
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On my flight from Manila to Cebu was terrible, too. Missed flight, tips and excess baggage charges. I actually paid more than my plane ticket. But I want to say that everything was worth it. My sister Melinda, sister Gina and their family was there at the airport waiting for my arrival. There was a welcome banner that really warmed me up. There was those little guys (Baby Gab and Ace) that really melted my heart. There was the hearty lunch that consisted of my favorite home-made meals that prepared by my sister Melinda and her husband Raul. Thank you everybody for making my day wonderful. I was so happy to be home in Cebu. It has been my home from birth 'til I was in my 20's.