We did it!

The night the kids will always remember..

My two boys did a great job!
My 13yo overcame the bullying of the kids
and my 17yo overcame all the tough tragedies that he faced while in High School.
Congratulations to Mr. Magoo I and Mr. Magoo II!

In the beginning of the High School graduation ceremony...

Congratulations, Mr. Magoo I!!
You did it!
We're all proud of you...

We are lucky to have a wonderful (and colorful) family...

..having fun...

..despite the ominous clouds...

Graduating class of 2009...

Oh...Downpour!

Lovely day..

My son and his special someone...
She flew all the way from San Diego, CA!

Our littlest Mr. Magoo - came prepared for the rain with his booksox!

Happy 46th Anniversary, Grandma and Grandpa!
This year's super-special since Dad survived his heart attack this winter!
We're looking forward to our week-long get-away with them;
I should be packing right now!

We got soaked, but it was worth it!

Way to go, Mr. Magoo!

When it rains, it pours!

An hour ago, my 8yo’s agent/manager called us! I get excited every time I see their caller-id on my cellphone! My 8yo got the call-back for the South Pacific! Remember Dites-moi Porquoi ?

Hurray! I'm so proud of him. He did tell me that day that the directors told him that he did awesome and he's coming back for a call-back. But I didn't hear from them for over a week..

So finally...

The casting directors and producers wanted to meet my 8yo again.

Unfortunately, we’ll be in Williamsburg, VA!

And then just few minutes ago, I got another call from them!

So I got excited because maybe the directors wanted to work around my schedule (haha!)
But it wasn't. A prominent agency wanted my 8yo to audition for the national TV commercial for Walmart and GNC National.

Guess when they want my 8yo to audition?

Oh yes, it’s when we’ll be in VA for a week!
Maybe it's not his time to shine in showbiz yet!
(So I reminded the kids' manager/agent of our schedule, not sure if they'll call again)

Congratulations, Jonathon..He'll be in High School this fall!

Oh, I'm thankful I have such loving children...

Me and my boys..

Congratulations, Mr. Magoo II!

Oh, how I wish my family's around...
I miss them so much!
Dad, please do stay healthy - let's fight this thing together.
I am thankful for my brothers and my parents.
I don't know what I would have done without them.
When the kids were little, and I was working in the city,
they all helped me in raising them
- changing diapers, guidance, driving, everything!
I wouldn't have made it without your help!
The grandkids are all growing up and we all miss you guys so dearly!

Next stop - Historic Powhattan Resort in Williamsburg, VA.

We've rescheduled this timeshare week three times and finally, we're going!
Mom and Dad (honey's parents) will be joining us!
More fun memories to keep!

To my Mom, Dad and brothers in the Philippines,

I really wish you can be here with us!
Here's Mr. Magoo II's graduation speech.

It was an awesome ride for my 13yo - a kid who got picked-on a lot as a kid!

Completed my first 16 Week IsaBody Challenge: Believe You Have A Purpose

My family is what matters most to me. I’m 51 and a mother of 4 (ages 14 – 26). I wanted to be healthier, more active and stronger not just for me, but for the people I love. I wanted to set an example for my family that we each possess the tools to master our wellness and vitality. I've always been petite except when I was pregnant ( when I gained an average of 50 pounds per pregnancy - 4 times!) Over the years I had tried various diet and exercise regimens, and I did enjoy a degree of success, but the results were not to the level I hoped for, and they were somewhat short lived. Achieving stable, long-lasting results proved stubbornly elusive. Then when I hit menopause everything became more difficult. My body stopped cooperating altogether, and I was constantly grumpy. My waist and hips expanded and I found myself napping in the afternoons. I started to accept the idea that there would be this new, less vibrant ...

SPICE-up a young child's development: social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional

Children are the precious gems of a family. When they’re young and innocent, they are like sponges that willingly and quickly absorb any knowledge and emotion. That’s why at an early age, we encourage our children to read, be creative, be happy and feed their curiosity. With all the technology and instant gratification that children get from playing video or computer games, asking a child to read a good book has been a challenge for some parents . “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, And though they are with you, and yet they belong not to you. You may give them your love but not your thoughts, For they have their own thoughts. You ma...

Immigration and Family: Will my mom ever get to see my daughter walk down the aisle

Last year when my father passed away in the Philippines, I went home and took some time to visit the U.S. Embassy in Manila to ask what the options are for my mother to return to the U.S. The consul reminded me of the 10-year travel ban. That on or after November 8, 2015 — not earlier – or 10 years after my mom, was deported in 2005 for overstaying her visa, I can email the U.S. Embassy and inquire about my mother’s approved petition. I asked if I need to file another petition, and she informed me I didn’t have to. I asked if I could… and she stopped me and said to ask everything on or after November 8, 2015. This is where I am, and where my thoughts are drifting as I celebrate this month my 16th American birthday. I am counting the months, the weeks and the days. My daughter is getting married in January 2016 and I would love to have my entire family, especially my mother, to be here when that momentous occasion happens.

Helping others surpass their goals and expectations

"It's not about the end goal. It's who you become by consistently pushing to the edge of your limits." - Robin Sharma Do you ever wonder why you stumble on new things? Do you ever wonder why unsuspecting strangers cross your path? Do you ever wonder why your mind takes you to a direction you didn't think exist? I was walking to StarBucks to meet my husband when I noticed a sign...

Still shaky, skidded in snow, but so blessed my guardian angels are looking after me!

"Never again wonder, what to be thankful for..." - Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life It’s yet another snowy day in New Jersey. Beautiful, yes but dangerous! In line with my goal for this month is to get back on schedule. I got up around 4am to get my 15yo ready for his Model United Nations conference. (Thankful that our neighbor offered to drive him to school by 5:30am ) I got my 9yo ready for school and I'm thankful that my other neighbor offered to drive him to school. I then drove my husband to the train station to Manhattan. I decided to stop by the Community Center and decided to run a fast 5K on the treadmill. I was 1 mile short because I was so sweaty and hot. (Note to self: dress lightly next time) While cooling down inside the car, I read Day 14’s chapter of Rick Warren's the “Purpose Driven Life” book. I felt really good because it just reminded me that there is always something to be thankful for no matter how awful yo...

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