December 07
Sunday, December 30, 2007

Can you believe we are at the year's end? I can't. This month went by so fast. I don't think I have to recount where it went. We're all in the same boat this time of year...christmas shopping, wrapping, cards, newsletter, parties. I will recount anyway to account for some other exciting things that happened. Let me start where I left off...cabinet painting. well, I had to put that on hold ( I stopped with 2 doors left on the 1st half section).

1st week - started newsletter, Christmas cards and Christmas shopping
12/6 (Thu) - van trouble (radiator cracked)
12/7 (Fri) - Russ arrived early morning
Belle's award recognition at school
Owen, Josh & Troy arrived around 5pm in time for holiday festivities at the pier
12/8 (Sat) - Avila Valley Barn & Morro Bay
12/9 (Sun) - Body Jam class with Owen, church, then mom drove back to U.C. w/ Russ
2nd week - Christmas preparation continued (mom missing in action)
12/14 (Fri) - Ian stayed home
12/15 (Sat) - Russ arrived
12/16 (Sun) - church with Russ ( I have to account for this...special:)
12/18 (Tues) - Immanuel arrived around 2:30 via grandma's Mazda Tribute for Psych finals rained really hard, flooding at AG High, Phil picked up Belle (also at Ballet later)
12/19 (Wed) - Ian minimum day; we went to DMV in Santa Maria (I was able to renew my license but was not able to apply for Ian's learner's permit as we did not bring along the necessary requirements)

Here's the highlight of this month (besides the birth of my 2 Immanuels of course, The first Immanuel, my Shepherd, the second, my sheep)

after I picked up Isabella from school she asked if Immanuel is home. I said yes but he went with Phil to the beach. She got sad because she wanted to play with him. So I said we'll stop at the beach to watch them surf and boogie board. As we were walking in the sand we spotted Ian and Immanuel playing volleyball. Isabella was so happy and started running towards her brothers. As I was watching them play I wrote on the sand "a little piece of heaven".

12/21 (Fri) - finished the remaining 2 cabinets left on the 1st half section
12/22 (Sat) - picture taking at Coastal Dance
drove to Union City (1:30-3:30)
12/23 (Sun) - church; car shopping with Immanuel (trading his Supra)
get together with ate Edna and family and Paz and family at our house
12/24 (Mon) - last minute Christmas shopping; Christmas Eve party at the Magcale's
12/25 (Tue) - opening presents with the whole family (including Krystal)
Krystn came over then Isabella spent the afternoon with the Janiceks
12/26 (Wed) - sleep over with Krystn at our house
12/27 - present - PMS then the thing after pms; Russ and I got sick (Russ is battling a very bad cough; my usual asthma, recovering a little bit today)

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/30/2007 01:13:00 PM 2 comments  

life begins at 40
Saturday, November 24, 2007

Wow I can't believe I haven't blogged since I turned 40. Well, it's been said, life begins at 40...and, I guess for me, it means decorating; starting with repainting the kitchen cabinets. That's what I've been enjoying these days...or should I say laboring at these past couple of weeks. I didn't know it was going to be so very time consuming...but I'm halfway done and I can already see it will be all worth it. Stay tuned for the photos once I'm done (too bad I wasn't able to take a "before" photo despite friendly reminders from my BFF...sorry I couldn't find my camera and I was so eager and too excited to start my vision...my kids say it's the result of watching too much HGTV). The thing about starting some sort of renovation or redecorating, sometimes it's hard to stop as you begin "seeing" other "possibilities"...there's the "vision" of stone countertop and tile backsplash, sink and faucet, refrigerator, mosaic effects, etc., etc....wish me strength to carry it to completion (to think that's just the kitchen not to mention the holiday season...now why did I pick this time of year to start my projects?...well, my life is just beginning, right?!). I have a tendency to get overwhelmed... thank God for the discipline of solitude and silence when I can refocus and be reminded not to lose my balance, my joy along the way...as my new life begins...at 40!

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 11/24/2007 08:33:00 PM 0 comments  

Just for Laughs

from a seasoned shopper

whoever says money can't buy happiness
does not know where to shop

the only thing better than a great store
is a great store with a great sale

when I get tired of shopping
I sit down and try on some shoes

from a seasoned homemaker

this is a self cleaning kitchen
clean up after yourself

if you want breakfast in bed
sleep in the kitchen

both of us can't look good
it's either me or the house

...like I said, just for laughs...or as we say in the Philippines...joke only:)

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 11/24/2007 08:23:00 PM 0 comments  

I am 40!
Thursday, November 1, 2007



I turned 40 today!...and I am very blessed. I have been celebrating all week delighting in everything and everyone around me, going shopping with my mom, enjoying going to the gym, and most especially immersing myself in the presence of my Creator through prayer, meditation and journaling...I am truly blessed.

My dear husband arrived yesterday in time for trick or treating. We took Belle out with Ian while Phil and grandma stayed home to give out candies. Immanuel went out with friends (or so he says:)). Ian and I joyfully watched dad and Belle rang doorbells as we enjoyed hugging and massaging each other by the sidewalk (it was a chilly halloween night...just a bit...perfect for hugging).

I spent the morning of my birthday doing my regular schedule of taking kids to school, meditation, and some housework. Then I took mom to her physical therapy. Russ took me out to lunch at Yanagi Sushi while Phil picked up grandma. After lunch I did some paperwork then it was time to pick up Ian. Russ picked up Belle, and I took Ian to get his long overdue physical clearance for his wrestling requirement (though we waited for over an hour at the doctor's office, it was a nice mother-son bonding time). When we got home, mom was preparing pansit and there was a cake and present from Russ and Belle. Then we had a joyful family dinner when Immanuel got home from school. The day was ended with Russ and Belle singing in the karaoke...and oh! sweet well wishes from friends and family closest to my heart...what a blessed 40th birthday!

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 11/01/2007 07:41:00 PM 0 comments  

Pumpkins on the Pier
Saturday, October 27, 2007








We took Isabella to Pumpkins on the Pier, the 7th Annual Trick or Treat Extravaganza of the City of Pismo Beach. She enjoyed decorating a pumpkin, jolly jumping, and going trick-or-treating at the stores while Phil had fun boogie boarding.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/27/2007 02:47:00 PM 0 comments  

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Scary Pumpkin


Isabella and I took dad to Avila Valley Barn when he was here last week. We bought a pumpkin and Isabella enjoyed carving it with dad. The pumpkin became a scary one as it was invaded by some flying insects. According to Phil, dad and Belle were not able to completely gut it out. We ended up throwing the scary pumpkin...but I managed to take a photo...

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/27/2007 02:35:00 PM 0 comments  

Delightful time in Union City
Monday, October 22, 2007

We drove back to Union City Friday night, to spend Isabella's 8th birthday in the company of her BFF, Krystn. They went to watch Disney's High School Musical on ice, Saturday morning.

(here's some photos from ate Cecile's site)

Ate Cecile came to pick them up at 10am just in time for my chocolate fit. She brought a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate covered pretzels from her bestfriend, ate Pinky. Boy was Russ thankful...it saved his life:) i was getting ready to strangle him (no chocolate during my coffee break turns me into something not right:)

Then mom and I attended a memorial for a friend at church.

In the evening, we had a delightful dinner (courtesy of gracious ate Pinky) in the company of my BFF, ate Cecile, and her entire wonderful family (her beautiful and wise mom and dad included, and of course, the very FUN and kind ate Pinky). After dinner we had the pleasure of sweet Krystn's company for a sleep-over. It was great joy watching the two cute BFF's have fun together.

On Sunday morning, we attended the 9am service at St. Paul's. Krystn and Isabella sported a matching red dress with matching sparkly shoes that Cecile bought for them (of course I forgot to take pictures). The people at church thought they were sisters...some even thought, upon seeing Krystn, that Isabella grew in a rather rapid state. After the service, during our fellowship time, the girls had fun playing at the church playground.

Then we were off to home where they were able to spend more fun time playing..magic tricks and all...while I was busy packing for trip back to Pismo...and while my mom was busy entertaining and enjoying a friend's visit (tita Warlita and her husband).

We had planned to leave at 2pm. And normally, during this time, I start getting anxious and scared. I worry about some family "drama" (brought about by Immanuel and Krystal wanting to "stretch" their time together and dad's reaction). But this time, to my great relief, Immanuel called at 1:30 and said that they are just finishing lunch and will come home soon. I am starting to really see a little bit of light in this dark tunnel of immaturity. Praise the Lord!:)

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/22/2007 10:48:00 AM 1 comments  

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What's happenin?
Tuesday, October 16, 2007

on my mom:
She left with Immanuel last Friday and is back in Union City this week for her ankle check-up.

on Immanuel:
He enjoyed visiting Krystal for the week-end then drove back here with dad late Sunday night (well, actually, very early Monday morn). Thank God for the "no drama" weekend. I tell you, I really dread (more like a phobia) the week-ends when he drives to visit Krystal. the phobia is on: either a disagreement with dad (more like a battle where I'm stuck in the middle), or a speeding ticket. Well, at least I can see a little light at the end of this particular tunnel as he and Krystal are both showing some sign of maturity...on some decisions.

As for his schoolwork, I guess he works well under pressure...everything is done the last minute.
(You know who I'm praying for the most:)

on Russ:
Russ is here throughout the week enjoying attending Isabella's dance classes.

on Isabella:
We went to Isabella's parent-teacher conference yesterday. The teacher showed us her math chapter test for chapters 1-4 wherein she got the highest score in the class with only 1 incorrect answer. All her spelling tests are perfect scores. The teacher also commented about her obvious love of reading. She said that Isabella is one who really thinks of what is going on in the particular story as she is reading it. Isabella presented a story in the class that she wrote herself and everyone were so attentive as they really like her story. She did not get to finish it and so the teacher said that is called a cliffhanger...her classmates can't wait for her to continue her story. Russ & I were so proud of the teacher's comments: "Isabella is a joy, very self motivated and excels in everything."

on Ian:
He signed up for wrestling and asked me to sign a progress report showing A's and 2 B's. He did not want to show it to dad. This brought me to some reflecting as I was very concerned that he thinks dad only want to see straight A's, or worse, that our love is conditioned upon his performance.
Russ and I had a very nice talk about it. We are continually learning in our parenting skills.

on Phil:
He continually takes pride in his work...work that I could not read let alone decipher (it's like what the heck)...quantum physics type and some electrical engineering jargon...work where he shines... where teacher comments great work!
(as I am writing this, Phil comes in and hands me yet another perfect score test and informs me that class average is 50%)
wow! I know I have some smarts in me...but he certainly did not get that from me:)

on myself:
I am approching a milestone in my life...I can't believe I'm turning 40!...a lot of reflection as I face this milestone...a lot of blessings...a lot of gratitude.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/16/2007 01:56:00 PM 2 comments  

Revisiting some old photos
Monday, October 15, 2007

My Younger Years...
filipiniana at St. Paul's - Sept. '06
can you spot the trouble child?:)

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/15/2007 03:40:00 PM 2 comments  

Passion for Reading...
Friday, October 5, 2007

...Captured....



Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/05/2007 10:52:00 PM 0 comments  

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Pumpkins!

A visit to Avila Valley Barn after Belle's Friday Ballet Class.






Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/05/2007 08:25:00 PM 0 comments  

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A Visit from Angel friends
Monday, October 1, 2007

We had a wonderful Saturday...in the company of great friends. We were blessed with a visit from angel friends...ate Cecile, ate Pinky, Nana Lorna, Timothy and Krystn.


what a blessed time...

...to nurture great friendship

...to reconnect
...to enjoy support, laughter and love.


Nothing is as calming and comforting as conversation between best friends.


Friends are truly among the most wonderful gifts of life.


Thank you, Dear Lord, for the special friends You've brought into my life. They are a blessing beyond words. Thank you for making the bond of our frienship strong enough to withstand our distance apart. May we always continue to be close to You and to one another.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/01/2007 08:51:00 PM 0 comments  

A September to Remember

It seems like September went by so fast...where did all that time go?

A fracture on my mom’s ankle...it happened a couple of days before her scheduled trip to Canada with friends. She had to cancel of course. Her angel friends came to her rescue. Thank you so much Tita Rose and ate Lolit. You are indeed angels on earth…an extension of God’s caring hands.

An afternoon talk with Paz and Ener in an effort to shed some light, and, hopefully ease some of our emotional upheavals, regarding our relational problems with our self-willed teen lovebirds.

A visit from Krystal. She arrived Wednesday, Sept. 12th.
We all went to Isabella’s back-to-school night on Sept. 13th.
Wonderful weekend at the beach.


Visit from Pat, Sean and Alexa on Saturday, Sept. 15th. Krystal and Butters drove back with Pat and Alexa the following day.

Drive to Union City on Friday, Sept. 21st to attend my grand nephew, Jerome's, christening.

Great September ending…visit from great friends...ate Cecile, ate Pinky, Nana Lorna, Timothy and Krystn.
http://cecilejanicek.blogspot.com/2007/09/once-again-visit-to-phillips-is-always.html
http://papellephotographie.blogspot.com/2007/10/meet-our-hosts.html

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/01/2007 08:12:00 PM 0 comments  

All That Jazz
Tuesday, August 28, 2007

All That Jazz!...Coastal Dance's first annual studio revue....



...the review on the revue...true teamwork and love of dance manifested.

There were a total of 35 dance numbers divided into 2 acts. The dancers gave their best, performing with energy and enthusiasm up to the finale.

Isabella performed 5 dance numbers, 2 of which she learned in 2 days. A tap dance number, (Shake, Rattle and Roll) and a ballet dance number (Babes in Toyland/March of the Toys). Thanks to a great teacher and director, Kathy Schultz, for her passion for teaching and dance. And thanks to a wonderful friend, Sonja, for her time practicing with Isabella the day before the performance...true teamwork, indeed.





Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 8/28/2007 05:31:00 PM 2 comments  

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A Cute New Family Member


Meet Butters our cute new malti-poo. Immanuel bought him in Pismo Beach while we were in the Philippines. He knows I will not allow it but how could I refuse now. I have to admit he's cute. lucky dog.









Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 8/28/2007 05:06:00 PM 1 comments  

Philippines Vacation
Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Hello Everyone! Mabuhay!

We’re back from our wonderful month-long vacation from my fabulous homeland.


We came back last Friday, August 9th. I have been dying to tell you all about our blissful vacation but I got sick the day before our flight back (cough and asthma). Now that I am back in the world of the living, let me give you the full coverage.

Our blissful vacation started July 9th when we left from San Francisco via Philippine Airlines.

First Week - At the Condo

We experienced a slight impediment upon arrival in our condo. We did not have the keys. We called a locksmith to rescue us from this minor hurdle. The wait seemed so long as the hot weather began taking toll on our jetlagged state. Once inside our home sweet home in manila, we scrambled to look for the aircon remote. Then I was in my cleaning mode despite the jetlagged state. The refrigerator and the bathrooms were first on my cleaning list. My mom did not call anyone to come and help us this time around.

The first week was spent meeting relatives, paperwork needed for the condo, banking and just simply enjoying the condo i.e. swimming, fitness (cleaning and furnishing the condo with accessories included in the simple pleasures).




Second Week - "Beautification"

Second week was used for “beautification” i.e. hair, nails and body. We searched for a cosmetic surgeon for my mom’s long awaited eye bag removal. We also visited the Mall of Asia where the kids went for some ice skating.

Third Week - Quezon Province

Russ and Immanuel arrived Friday, July 27th and we were off for some “roughing it”. We went to a vacation home in the Quezon Province that Saturday. Russ experienced shopping in a “real market” provincial style. We enjoyed eating fish fresh off the boat and coconuts straight from the tree. Immanuel caught a bad stomach bug on their first day and was miserable most of the trip in Quezon. We headed back to the condo on Monday.

We had one day of rest at the condo before we left for Boracay.

We departed to Kalibo via PAL on Wednesday. We visited my aunt and cousins in Altavas where we stayed for one night. Talk about roughing it. Adaptable Russ adjusted very well as expected. He even asked my cousin to go out to a karaoke bar. He had a blast as my cousin’s husband bragged he’s from the group Air Supply.

Fourth and Last Week - Boracay

We woke up very early the following day to wait for the bus that will take us for a two hour trip to Caticlan…gateway to Boracay. I was not surprised to see Koreans on the bus. There are more Koreans in Boracay than Filipinos. Russ and Belle enjoyed the rough bus ride, likening it to a roller coaster ride. After the “roller coaster ride” we were off to a boat ride then a taxi van that took us to our hotel, Boracay Regency.



We had two rooms, a family room and a superior room in their newly constructed garden section.


We enjoyed four blissful days in this breathtaking island of white sand and the ever so blue and warm water of the pacific ocean.

Boating



Snorkeling



Sampaguita Gardens

We had a change of plans on our last day in the province of Aklan that resulted in a very pleasurable side trip. Our change of plans took us to a very pleasant and unique resort in Kalibo called the Sampaguita Gardens. The resort is owned by Sam Butcher, the creator of precious moments.


Everyday is Christmas at Sampaguita Gardens. Their Jojo’s Christmas Cottage is the first all-year round Christmas store in the Philippines.


Sampaguita Gardens’ Butterfly Farm is the first in Western Visayas




We were off to Kalibo airport the following day back to Manila.

Pre-Departure
I got sick upon arrival in Manila (cough and asthma) and I forced myself to go shopping the next day for their shoes and other stuff. The kids went ice skating at Mega Mall while Russ and I went shopping. Russ managed to go on another night of karaoke bar escapade. Phil and Immanuel accompanied him in this adventure as a was too sick to go out at that point. Russ and Immanuel left the next day and I was sick in bed.


Departure Day

The following day, the day of our departure, I forced myself to go out for last minute “beautification” i.e. hair, nails and massage. The massage helped my ailment a bit enough to endure the short trip to the airport and the lengthy check in process. I took a potent cough medicine with codein in fear of being quarantined due to my nasty coughing spells. The medicine was so potent that I forgot to pack and bring some important things...things we shopped for, food and presents, my video camera, belle’s glasses and other little stuff were left behind.

Well, that's all of what I can recall. I had to take a vacation from our vacation:)

Now I'm refreshed and ready to take on the next school year. Immanuel is moving with us to Pismo and wil be attending Cuesta College.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 8/15/2007 08:40:00 PM 1 comments  

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Proud Young Ninang
Sunday, July 8, 2007

07/07/07 marks the wedding of Glenna and Regin
David's Restaurant at the Santa Clara Golf Club.

We are proud to be part of this joyous occasion. Glenna is a sister in Christ and my prayer partner. Her husband, Regin, is a brother in Christ from the Faroe islands. They are blessed with love and faith and we are grateful that they asked us to be their ninong and ninang.

Isabella, a flower girl and an entertainer. She performed 2 dance numbers and a taekwondo demo with her kuya Ian.


Russ and I...primary sponsors...proud to be ninong and ninang to the wonderful couple


Ian almost ended up as ring bearer (the ring bearer arrived just in time for his march)


Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 7/08/2007 11:17:00 AM 1 comments  

4th of July Celebration

Crazy Immanuel (as usual)....



Krystal and Belle in their comfortable "front row" viewing spot....


Immanuel's fireworks' "prop/stage"...


fun with sparklers....

the whole gang....

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 7/08/2007 10:51:00 AM 0 comments  

Broadway Baby
Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 7/03/2007 10:18:00 PM 0 comments  

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DisneyWorld Vacation

Some photos to share from our wonderful trip to Orlando, Florida
will upload the rest to our photosite

June 19 - 26th

Day 6 - rest, swimming, and shopping day

Day 5 - Revisit Epcot
Soarin' is my mom's favorite ride of all which happens to be in Epcot Center, her favorite park.

Day 4 - MGM
this is our 5th time in Orlando and I always refuse to ride on the tower of terror (or any other rides involving heights). well, this time they finally got me to ride this scary elevator ride.





Day 3 - Magic Kingdom

They also got me to ride the splash mountain (i kinda enjoyed it)



Day 2 - Epcot


Regal Palms Resort




We enjoyed the lazy pool and slide



We had a 4 bedroom 4 bath villa




Day 1 - Animal Kingdom



Our favorite ride at Animal Kingdom...Dinosaur




Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 7/03/2007 09:36:00 PM 1 comments  

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Breakfast in Bed
Monday, June 11, 2007

Ian awakened me this morning with a very nice breakfast in bed. He prepared my usual daily dose of freshly baked nestle toll house cookies and coffee. I was so touched and felt so very blessed.

My whole day was delightful after that. I was able to accomplish a lot in preparation for our upcoming trips to Florida and Philippines.

Isabella had a two hour dance practice for their upcoming show at the Pismo Beach Car Show this weekend. Her group finished learning another dance called Broadway Baby...completed in just 4 classes...in time for the show. Their teacher is so amazing having the ability to bring out the best in her students. I can’t wait to upload a video of this new very cute number.
Stay tuned:)

Thank you dear Lord for all the blessings.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 6/11/2007 09:17:00 PM 0 comments  

Last Day of School
Friday, June 8, 2007


Awards ceremony this morning at Shell Beach for the last trimester. There are 4 award categories: perfect attendance, academic achievement, physical education and citizenship. Isabella received an award for outstanding achievement in all academic areas last second trimester. This time she was awarded outstanding citizenship and outstanding achievement in Physical Education (awarded to only 1 girl and 1 boy per class).


Her teacher informed me that she is being recommended for the G.A.T.E (Gifted and Talented Education) Program. According to Mrs. McKeen "her test scores are off the charts". I received her end of year rubric test scores. On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being advanced, she scored 5 in reading, spelling, writing, and math. Her math benchmarks is 100% for both addition and subtraction. Her teacher's comments: "Isabella is a talented young learner who is intrinsically motivated to achieve in all subject areas".


Ian called me on my way to awards ceremony and informed me that there are only 2 students who got an A in his math class and he has the highest grade.


Russ and I are very proud of our children. They faced their respective academic challenges, adapted very well to their new environment, and most importantly they have remained constientious and caring individuals.


Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 6/08/2007 03:21:00 PM 0 comments  

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Talent Show
Saturday, May 19, 2007

Shell Beach Talent Show at their own MPR to give chance to others who missed the performance at Clark Center. Ian left school early to give support to his sister. By some chance Phil's afternoon class was cancelled and he was able to lend his own support. Here's a video for your viewing pleasure....


Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 5/19/2007 10:56:00 PM 1 comments  

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Kiteboarders

Glorious day at the beach...kite expo and kiteboarders in action....











Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 5/19/2007 04:05:00 PM 0 comments  

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