Brevard Zoo - For The 2nd Time Around

My parents-in-law are here with us for three weeks already. I feel a little guilty that I haven't had time to go out with them just like what we do on the last time they were here. So, I had decided to make myself available this day. I don't have anywhere particular place for go. All I know is that I want to go out and have fun. It took us a while to figure out where we should go, and my husband suggested that we go to Brevard Zoo. My initial reaction was a little hesitant because we have been there on the year 2008, but then I realized that it was 2 years ago, and maybe there are changes and improvements that took place then. After all, my main intention on this outdoor activity is to spend time with them while having fun.
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It only took us 2o minutes to get there from our house. That is the good part in it. As what I had hoped, there were really some changes that took place. They have improved it, and we have seen more animals this time than we did before. To my surprise, I was not bored at all given the fact that we have been there already. In fact, I was as excited as I was before. My parents-in-law were glad that we went there, too. It was really a good zoo with so many animals that you can see and touch; considering, too, that the entrace fee is very reasonable. Too bad, that we had not the chance to bring there our grandkids because Ciara was not feeling very good then. We are hoping that on this summer that we can take them there.
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Sure, we missed something by doing this. My husband had to move his study time, and I had to move my laundry time, but it was not a big sacrifice at all, because the most important is the bonding moment that we were creating as a family which is very essential in our lives. We thank God for the very wonderful day.

"Grandpa-hood"

Our grandchildren, Ciara and Corbin was here on Christmas day and had the chance to stay with us for a week. My husband didn't had the chance to spend quality time with our grandkids because they live far away from us, and... the truth is, my husband thought that he don't get along too well with kids.
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However, I believe that my husband is improving in this area of his life as a "grandpa". I saw the effort that my husband was trying to make while the kids was with us by playing video games with them; by taking them to parks; by watching with them some kiddie movies, and of course, by giving them gifts... and gifts... and more gifts.
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Fathers, and grandfathers often feels that they don't have the privilege of bonding with the children than the mothers and grandmothers have, because they feel that women understood children better than men from the moment of conception, and that is why, fathers and grandfathers often feels they are starting on the outside, trying to work their way in.
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Men don't always realize how important they are to their children. They sometimes feel they are only there to provide materially for them. But the importance of a father or a grandfather's influence can never be underestimated. How he relates to his children and his grandchildren will shape their lives for bad of for good. It will change his life forever, too. For if he fails as a father of a grandfather, he will always carry that sense of failure with him. If he succeeds, there will be no greater measure of success in his life.
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Paraphrased from the book of "The Power of a Praying Wife" by Stormie Omartian pp. 138 & 140.

Family Christmas Party 2010

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We had a successful and happy Christmas party last Saturday. There were 20 people in the party. These are few of the pictures that I took during the party. We had a very sumptuous dinner prepared by everybody with the special mention to Annette, Aunt Sallie and Mary.
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We had exchanged gifts after the dinner. Everybody was busy giving, receiving and opening gifts. I believe that was the most exciting part... especially, at least to the kids. I can't wait to see what I got and I can't wait to see what was the reaction of the person who got my gift. I hope Annette is happy with what I gave her. I like the gift that I got. It gave me inspiration to do something to myself for this new year to come, because it is what I always neglected to do. I always wanted to have it, but felt guilty to buy it for myself. Now that somebody gave it to me, I feel happier having it. Thanks, Aunt Sallie.
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To my husband and I, the best part of the party was having Danyale (our daughter), David (her boyfriend), Ciara and Corbin (our grandkids) with us. Danyale and David came from Michigan, took Ciara and Corbin, and made it halfway to the party.

A New Move For Game Time

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

61 days to go before Christmas Day. It means we better start planning about gift giving. Sad to say that we missed to give gifts to our grandchildren last Christmas because we just moved in here, and all that expenses involved left us financially drained. We thank God that we are able to recover gradually, and we (my husband and I) hope that this time, we can give our grandchildren something that they want for Christmas. We are looking forward to have them with us for the holiday. It would be a good chance for us to bond with them again.

I grow up with a father who loves to shower me with gifts on all occasion. Maybe that is how I got the same trait that my father had. I love to give gifts to somebody that I love. I want to say that, if Genie’s are real, tonight would be the right time that one should appear to me and cater to my wish. My wish would be a PlayStation® Move, where we can have a family game nights. That moment would surely patch up the past Christmas time that we missed. We would probably be playing Brunswick Pro Bowling. My husband and I both love virtual bowling, and we want to introduce that to our grandchildren. With PlayStation Move, it is an entirely new way to play. It is the only game to feature a realistic and authentic bowling experience while showcasing jaw-dropping ball and pin physics. Through PlayStation Move, you can customize your equipment from bowling balls, shoes, and clothing. It is fun for all ages.

PlayStation®Move is the latest wave of technology in the way of playing where it redefines motion gaming with the most immersive and realistic gaming experience made possible only on the PlayStation 3 system. It is simple and very easy to use, with a diverse selection of games, and new ones keep adding to the list regularly. If you already have PlayStation 3, you can bring motion gaming exclusively to your existing PlayStation 3 for only $99 with MOVE bundle package. PlayStation Move have something for everyone, such as sports, action, party, family and shooters. It is ideal for family gathering.

Remembering My Philippine Visit

I was checking my camera's second memory card a while ago to see if there are duplicate pictures that I can delete so as to save space on my MC. I saw these pictures. I can't help but be still for a while as I look through each one of them again. It was one of my happiest and the most important trip in my life and I had a blast. I realized that I haven't shared here on my blog the pictures that was taken during my visit there; and here are the summary of them.
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My trip was Orlando-Atlanta-Korea-Manila. It took me 27 hours to get to the Philippines. I could have gotten a ticket direct to Cebu, but I declined it because I wanted to stop by Manila to shop at Duty Free Fiesta Mall. I needed to buy more chocolates because I did not bring with me enough to give away because of its weight.
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I took another plane going to Cebu the following day, and there were my family, meeting me excitingly with a banner on their hands. It was so heart-warming. It took away all the stress and pain that the travel generate in me. I spent 4 hours in Cebu, in my sister's house. They served me my favorite lunch and I was so satisfied. After lunch, I gave them all the gifts that I prepared for them. Everybody were so happy.
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On the night of the same day, I was aboard a ship that took me to Surigao City, where my mother and the rest of my family were waiting for me. I miss being on the boat. Although it don't look comfortable at all, but doing the things that I usually do before gave me comfort and satisfaction. In the picture shown, I was talking to my husband through cellphone on that very minute.
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I was so happy to be back in Surigao. I was re-united with my best friend, Ann. I was re-united with my sister, my nieces and nephews. But above all, I was re-united with my Mama, the one who was patiently and anxiously waiting for me for two years. In fact, she cried the very moment that she saw me disembarking from the motorcycle. She then told me "I thought we will never see each other again." It brought tears on my eyes, too, but I was trying to hold them. My mama was so happy that we were together again.
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We set a day for everybody to come to my sister's house, to just celebrate being together. We had "lechon" roasted pig, which was part of my plan to do when I get there because I miss that food so much. It was a joyful moment of enjoying every food that was on our table, prepared by my sisters and brothers.
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Part of the plans, too, was to stay in Fiesta Resort in Surigao City to just unwind, play, eat and enjoy every moment that we were together. The place was good and safe for all of us, especially the kids. Foods, as always, is the best part of a successful reunion. It is always the best way to draw each other closer.
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It was so awesome seeing my mama, my sister Melinda, my niece Ramelyn, (Melinda's daughter) and baby Gab (Ramelyn's daughter) being together in the same place at the same time. They are the four generation in our family. My mama is just so blessed to be able to see her great-grand daughter.
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Being in that resort was our alternative in escaping the humidity in the city. Being in that resort gave us a good uninterrupted sleep. It was like having a big slumber party. It was just a wonderful moment to all of us. It was also a great bonding time for all my nieces and nephews, to know each other as they grow old and to keep that bond that they already had started. It is my wish that as we all grow old, our family bond will still be as strong as it is today.
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Came my departure day. I had mixed emotions. Sad to leave my Philippine family. Happy to be back to America which I already call my "home" and be with my husband again. But the good thing is, I can always come and visit Philippines as our financial status allows and as God permits. My hope is that on my next visit, my husband will be with me then. To my family in the Philippines: I love you all.

My Philippine Family Globe

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.

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.

Happy Mother's Day

Mothers are the sweetest gift from Gods to us. There is no way we can ever really thank our mother for all she does for us nevertheless we must make it a habit to keep reminding ourselves of the various sacrifices she made while raising us. Mothers' Day is the best time to say in words how much you love and care for your mother.

The picture on the left is my Mama which live in the Philippines and the picture on the right is my Mom-in-law which live in Michigan.
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Both are great mothers. I am so happy and blessed that God gave me these two wonderful mothers.
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Happy Mother's Day, Mama and Mom.

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Motherhood is tough 24 hour job,no pay,no day off, sometimes it is unappreciated, but yet resignation is impossible. A mother is a woman who created by God to bring love, joy, happiness and caring into his world. I am so glad God has created a woman to be a mother, even though motherhood is a full time job, a mother's work is never done. Happy Mother's Day to all mothers in the whole world.

Happy Birthday, Chicklets!

Today, 2nd of March is my niece, Zennie's birthday. Her mother, which is my sister, gave her a nickname "Chicklets" because she is cute as that chewing gum that was very in during the time she was born.
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I was the one who took care of her when she was a baby. She was a good girl, and never gave us a problem. She was my model when I was studying to become a dressmaker. She loved to dress up, and she loved showing off what she was wearing. I don't wonder then how she grow up to be a fashionista.
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She is currently studying and doing the things that she loves. My birthday wish for her is that her dreams will come true, and that her studies will be successful, as her key for her shining future. "Chicklets, stick to the things that are good and avoid the things that will corrupt your life. Aim for your own success, but never forget to help those that are behind you. We all love you. Keep up your good work and stay smart as you are."
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Talking about being smart, I trust that she is smart when it comes to dating, too. And talking about dating, there are a lot of dating sites online that are available. Take a look at this dating profile headlines for an interesting information.

Happy Birthday, Mama

It is my mama's birthday today, 13th of January. I called her last night (morning in Philippine time) to greet her, and my husband greeted her, too. I am so sad that I missed her birthday for the second time now. I am so sad that I was not able to go because the money that I am raising up could not be enough to make the trip fulfilling.
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Anyhow, I was talking to my mama about this few weeks ago, and she understood my situation. She even told me to take my time preparing for the trip. She knows my heart. I am so thankful to God for giving me a very loving, caring and understanding mother. I am just sad that besides of being not there, the letter that I sent her 40 days ago did not arrive yet. But other than that, she is pefectly fine and in good health. I always thank God for that. I sent her money every month for her needs, and because I want to make sure that she always have money of her own. I really miss my mama. Now that I missed her birthday again, I don't know when will be the perfect time to go and visit her.

Not A Nice Day To Us

This day was so strange. My good friend, Lynn, in Ohio emailed me, told me that the father of our late-friend Beth passed away the other day... and that an hour after that, the father of Beth's husband passed away, too. They are both suffering cancer. This afternoon, my dad-in-law were trying to call us while we were in the Church. After we had lunch, my husband called Dad and there was the breaking of another sad news, Uncle Skipper (my mom-in-law's brother) just passed away this morning.

The picture shown was me, my husband and Uncle Skipper during the Cotton's family reunion last August 22nd of this year in Michigan. He was already sick and he knows it. Uncle Skipper was such a loving person. Although he don't know me very much and we had only been together for a few times, but he showed me warmly how welcome I am in the family. My husband is very sad because he was one of his favorite uncle.

May they all find rest in the kingdom of God.

Amaneo Kids

These are the kids that I grew up with when I was still in the Philippines. Starting from the eldest to the second of the youngest, I was taking care of them. I would like to name them starting from the left: Christian, Camille, Julie, JR, Vincent, Sheila and Chicklets.
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I was not able to take care of the youngest (Julie Anne) because that was the time that I had decided to start my own life. I left the house and not too long after, I found a job in the city.
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I saw this picture from their Facebook account and I can't help but be amazed that they are all so grown up now. Although I regularly talked to them online, but I still miss these kids and I am hoping to see them very soon.

Will & Pam With Us On Weekend

Pam (my husband’s cousin’s daughter) and Bill will be staying here with us for Thanksgiving Weekend Dinner. They are from Los Angeles and they were just got married last September. I’m guessing that they will arrive either on Friday or early Saturday. We are so excited to see them soon.
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I would love to visit Los Angeles to see if it sparks interest on me to live there someday. It will not be too hard because there are lots of Moving Companies Los Angeles available. If you need one, call this number, 1-800-431-3920. It is toll free to get quotes for Los Angeles Moving Companies .

Thank You Dad & Mom

Second to God, my husband and I want to express our deepest gratitude to Dad & Mom (in laws). They were giving us all the support, assistance and help that we need in order to be on our own. Mom doesn't want us to be away from them, but she understood that we need to do this. Dad is supporting us all the way because he wants to see us settled down and happy to be by ourselves... before they go. I hate that last three words. That had really made my eyes teary when Dad said that to us. God bless them. I am so bless to have parents-in-law that are so loving and caring. They really treated me as their own daughter as well. I love you Dad and Mom. We will miss you and I know you will miss me around, too.

Cotton Family Reunion '09

Cotton Family Reunion

August 22, 2009

Brownstown, Michigan

.......The Cotton 3 brothers and 1 sister................................and their spouses.

...............Mom Sallie's family.............................................Uncle Therman's family.

...............Uncle Skipper's family..........................................Uncle Tom's family.

.............Bonding together.....................................................with foods and drinks.

Happy Birthday, My Huckleberry!

Today, August 22nd is the birthday of my huckleberry. I wish him God's leading for the purpose in his life in this world, good health and success in the career that he choose to pursue. I always thank God for giving to me this wonderful man. I love him so much. (The portrait shown above was taken during our 1st year wedding anniversary a couple of weeks ago. And please, excuse the quality of the picture. I had to scan the original picture because it is not in our digital camera. )
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Today, we will be going down to Detroit for the Cotton's family reunion. It is in my mom-in-law's family side. This will be the first time that I join this reunion because last year we were in Florida for our honeymoon. I am so excited about this and the thought of meeting more relatives. I will be posting about this on this coming Monday.

Happy 16th Years Of Friendship

Back in 1993, I was working as an artist-designer in one of the novelty production in one of the small city in the Philippines. June 20th of the same year, another artist-designer was hired, her name was Ruby Ann. Since we were in the same work field, we became friends right away... that leads to being best friends... not just us, but both our families were being connected, too. We became like one family because of our friendship.
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A year after that, we both resigned from that job and ventured to the big city for greener pasture. For a lot of times we work in the same company. God had blessed both of us with a good job.
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God had also blessed both of us spiritually. He brought us to a "home church" where God enriched, trained and filled us with His holy word and fellowship with one another. We became active in a separate church ministry and made us grow into usefulness on our given gifts and ministry.
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Sixteen years later, we are still best friends now. Although there has been a lot of storms came in our way and had threatened our friendship like most of the friendship, but through prayers, God covered and made it stronger than ever. We support each other, especially in times of needs in every aspect of our lives. And now that I am here, it did not gave us the reason that our friendship would subside. We talked through Yahoo Messenger almost every night here, while it is day time there (during her office work) in the Philippines. We both believe in our heart that our friendship was made by God for a purpose. To Ann: I want to say "Happy 16th year of our friendship, my best friend, Ann. I love you."
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"...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (sister)." Proverbs 18:24 NIV

Congratulations, Sara!

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This is Sara, a daughter of my husband's cousin. It was Sara's graduation party this afternoon. There were a lot of people who were there at her party and plenty of foods, too. Tomorrow will be her high school graduation day and she will graduate with an award. She is a very sweet beautiful young lady. And the card shown way above is the handmade greeting card I made for Sara.
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Congratulations, Sara! We are very proud of you.