Joshua's SnapShots - joshandme

Josh at 4

Josh at Sea World 2011

Josh 2010

Josh at 3

Josh 2009

Josh at 2

January 2008

9 Months Old

2007 Photos

Josh at Birth

Harrison Township, MI

A Momma's Journal

A Momma's Journal

Bows for Instruments
Until I read about it more online and learn that it is that stick when they play violin, viola, cello, and double bass. This is crazy, but that was called Bow!  Some of these bows were made of horse hair? Can you believe that? That was special or what! I also found some famous brand of quality bows such as premierewhich is a top seller.

Now, I wanted to think about playing a violin someday. I wanted to try it, maybe someday.
Mommy and Me on Mom's Birthday


Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?  
It’s time for Mommy and Me Monday! It’s a weekly meme where we can able to share out from behind that camera and capture in action with our kids.

Last week, I celebrated my 30th birthday! I can’t believe it how times went by so quickly. I couldn’t believe that I’m 30 now! No holding back anymore. Never be 29 anymore! But, that never troubled me in anyway. I know life is so too short to worry of me getting older.

Now, I just need to enjoy life and with my kids, I know life is worth living. Anyway, last week, we went to celebrate my birthday at a restaurant with my kids and we took a lot of pictures but none of them was good as I want them to be with my kids. My son won't just smile for me in front of the camera! :( I would never get a good picture of him and me. Maybe next time...



Safety Pool for my Family
My husband and I were planning to go to Florida next month. Also, during this trip, we’re planning to visit my father in law, to go to Tampa as well for our trip to an adventure park and then later to go to a job fair for teaching jobs. I was seemed crossing my finger here that hopefully could find a better job there so we can move out of the state of Michigan and live in the nicest place with warm weather, the sunshine state, Florida. I’ve wanted to move out in the cold state Michigan for the past few years now, but hubby’s work is here. It’s hard to just move out you know and look for a new job somewhere but we’re crossing fingers here! I was hoping that everything will go smooth. If my husband could get a job there, we will have a chance to get a house, then have a pool which I would love to have in a warm weather. I already read about what are the requirements of tampa fence and safety net in order for a household to get a safety pool for the whole family. Thinking just about it made me so excited already! I can’t wait to move down to Florida!
Fun times in the Philippines

Kaputian Beach, Kaputian Samal Island

When we had our Philippine vacation last two months ago, my daughter and I were having so much fun. One of the best things we went to is the beach. This is my first time going to the beach in the Philippines since I came home. It’s been a while since I had a lot of things to do while I was there. If I could have only a way to do it, I could love to be in beach every day! But, of course, things aren’t the same there compare here. When I went to Florida last year, we were almost going to the beach almost every day! Unlike in the Philippines, it is a lot of work to go to the beach in the Philippines. It was like an occasion or something.

Anyway, the first beach I went to when I was in the Philippines is Blue Jazz Beach Resort. It was a nice beach resort but it was just congested. Most people would just not go swimming, yet they just hang out and eat and drink alcohols. It was just not a fun place to go I guess for a person like me who likes uncrowded areas. Though, there are no people in the beach though. So we went swimming and my daughter loved it! When my mother was holding her, she seemed like wanted to swim. She loves water.

swimming time

The second time I went swimming is at the pool. It’s in Forest Hill Beach resort. It was in the middle of the forest! It is a very simple yet nice place to go to especially for kids. My friends went there to celebrate friend's birthday though. It was a memorable moment for us. We loved it.

Lastly, the beach I went to was Kaputian Beach Resort. It was indeed a paradise! There are only few people in there even though it’s the weekend. It might because it’s far from the city proper. The beach was nicer than I thought compare to the east side of Samal Island. It was the best swimming experience for me. I would love to go back in Kaputian someday. Maybe, go to Talicud too.It was just a few miles from Kaputian. Some people said it's nicer down there too.

Well, next time! I'm already excited!
Time to Solve Serious Problem

5000pc Jigsaw Puzzle by Ravensburger

Have you ever bored of playing too much of computers and some other interactive toys? If so, then maybe a jigsaw puzzle is right for you. Kids would love it and even adults too. They have over 5000 plus pieces of puzzle which absolutely will fill up your boring days fast! This is absolutely a must for those who hated waiting, you know wherever you are! I wish I had these when we came home to my country and the trip was so boring. For more than 19 hours of flying, I wish I bought something that will get me busy and this jigsaw puzzle is the best thing to carry on with me. Maybe next time I would definitely do it!

Anyway, if you are looking for something that will keep you busy and enjoy at the same time, then visit this link above. You can also get some brain teasers too and even money puzzles which I thought is interesting and definitely a fun thing to do! It’s time to getting serious by solving a real problem!
First Day of School
Last two months ago, my son just started going to school for the very first time. It was his first actually after being in the day care for a long time. I thought being in pre-school is quite different experience for him. I’m quite excited to know that my son was finally a “big boy” now! Being in school is another thing for him, another experience for him to enjoy what school has to offer. I was quite so excited for him. However, I was in the Philippines when he started going to pre-school. So, I asked my husband to make a video of his first school experience and maybe take some pictures too. Well, he did take some video, but not pictures though. Well, maybe next time I could have some good pictures of him.


Anyway, so far, he has been doing well. He got so excited of riding the bus for the first time until today. He has been loving school. I think the thing is he figured that in school he can do a lot of things. Playing, making arts, colors, learning numbers and letters, reading books and a lot more. He also got excited when he came home from school to show us what he did at school which made us so proud of him. He is going to be in school until this coming June.

Well, he will be in pre-school still until next year. I’m hoping that he could able to pass some of the things that they required for him to be in grade school for the next few years. He’s learning though. He eventually developed academically and physically.
Saving Energy
Two nights ago, I was watching news on TV when I found about a new bulb that will last for over 30 years. I was like, amazed, of how technology can able to invent such a power tool. I thought I wish they also made for interior light fixtures particularly in different sizes because I’m tired of buying bulbs every 2 months. Nonetheless, if being used the whole time, the bulb will last for only a month. I’m tired of it. I’ve been buying bulb for our basement too it has single light fixtures in there for about 6 bulbs. So, instead of buying its required own bulb, I bought those economical bulbs, instead. Then, a few days ago, we also bought a bulb for our kitchen. When it’s going to end?

Anyway, I think the only thing I can do right now is to save energy. If it’s not being used, make sure the lights are turned off. Then, this way I could save money on buying bulbs and even saving energy.
Back Home

At Davao International Airport, Davao City, Philippines

It’s been three weeks since I came home from my 2-month vacation from the Philippines. Event though, I only been here in the US for three weeks, I already missing my family and friends back home. Particularly those delicious, fresh seafood I’ve been indulging myself into for about two months. Also, my all time favorite fast food chain, Jollibee. I also miss those foods such as squid balls, barbecue French fries, banana cues, fresh aninikad (shell), and of being in the mall the whole time. Then, eat meals at one of my favorite restaurant Mang Inasal. Oh, I wish I could back home and I wish Philippines are just a few hours away. If only the time permit me, I would love to go back. Maybe, wait a little bit until my kids are getting older. I don’t think I would go back with small children with me. I would definitely not bring them. For being in the plane for 17 hours is crazy with children. It’s better to just me then.


Anyway, the return home flight was actually good yet tiring. I’ve been holding my daughter for almost 17 hours. It was crazy! Good thing she is a good baby. She was just looking around when she’s awake, sleep the whole time. Then, when we got home, we actually got sick from being in the plane, I guess for a long time. Then, the weather changed drastically when we got here. From hot to cold weather. Our body was still adjusting the time difference. It took us about almost two weeks to get back on our sleeping routine.

Our vacation was awesome! I would definitely miss those times I had with my mom, my dad, my brother, my sister in law, my niece, my nephew, and my friends from church, and my classmates from high school. It was a memorable moments to cherish until next time. I would love to go back someday. Yet, I’m glad I was home!
On the Love of Music
We’re a family that loves music. As a matter of fact, my sister loves to sing, though she stopped for these past few years since she got a child. My father in law sings too. I also learn that he also played guitar and piano. Actually he became a lead musician at his church all the way in Florida. We visited his church last year we went there for a visit. It was a nice church and the music they’re playing is definitely uplifting. I wanted to go and visit the church again, to listen to their music as well as the pastor’s preach.

At the church, I also noticed that my father in law played a lot of instruments one of them were electric and acoustic guitar while singing. Oh, he is good! He got the voice and talents. I was wondering if I have enough financial income, I would buy him a new guitar like of those ibanez guitars I found online lately, since I’ve been looking for a new guitar as well to bring back those time that I almost learn how to play guitar from learning basic strumming method. I guess, I still remember how to play guitar. I just need to refresh myself of something about playing guitar. I know I'm getting to the point where I will find myself on the love of music in my heart.
Brewster’s Little Helper
My 5 year old son loves trains. So, when I spotted a movie all about trains, called Chuggington: Brewster’s Little Helper, I had to buy it for him. All the Chuggington episodes are really fun to watch, and really cute. The main character trains are a group of young friends, and they are called “trainees”. They are learning from the older trains about life on the tracks, and how to do a good job at being a train.

Chuggington: Brewster’s Little Helper DVD contains six exciting episodes, featuring trainee, Brewster, and his other train friends. Episodes include: Brewster’s Little Helper, Koko Takes Charge, Nurse Nelson, and other fun-filled stories. These episodes teach children the values of friendship, patience, responsibility, and many more. In Brewster’s Little Helper, Brewster the trainee has a problem, but he receives help from his trainee friend, Zephie. The total running time for the DVD is one hour. The DVD features widescreen presentation, surround sound, plus bonus coloring and activity sheets to make the fun continue for your child, all brought to you by Anchor Bay Entertainment, a familiar name in children’s programming.

You will love showing this DVD to your kids, and they will enjoy watching it. It’s both wholesome and entertaining. Your child will thank you, as mine did. Own it today!
Fixed Scaling
Every time I went shopping to buy some groceries, I always consider using the mall supermarket’s scale especially when buying meat and seafood products because I trusted it. Unlike, when you go to the public market where they used a different type of manual scaling, you would expect that some of their scale wasn’t fair and won’t scale exactly as it supposed to be. Therefore, I decided to just go to the mall in order to avoid being cheated. There are huge differences when using manual scale and electronic scale. For me, electronic scaling cannot be altered because it was already stabilized.

Therefore, I would definitely consider getting an electronic scale, if I have a store or a business selling meat, I would invest on accurate scale. It is not for your business but also for being honest to your consumers. I think that importance of being an entrepreneur is to be honest because this is what makes you known to people.
A Snack Like Nothing Else
My husband loves to eat granola in the morning. But, sometimes he is running late, and he doesn’t have enough time to pour a bowl of granola and milk. Sometimes he needs something fast to go. He has tried granola bars, but they’re just not the same as eating granola with milk, and my husband needs the calcium and vitamins found in milk. Then, while shopping in the dairy aisle at our local supermarket, we came across MILKBITES, made by Kraft. MILKBITES are a unique type of granola bar: they are made with real milk! You store them in your refrigerator. Kraft MILKBITES come in five delicious flavors. There’s chocolate, oatmeal raisin, strawberry, mixed berry, and peanut butter. Each is a great source of fiber, vitamin D, a richness of calcium, and 7 grams of whole grain, perfect for starting out the day right, or a healthy, anytime snack.


New Kraft MILKBITES are just what my husband needed. Now he can have the same great taste and nutrients of a bowl of his favorite granola, in an easy, on-the-go bar, complete with real milk. They are also a good source of protein. We were so glad we happened upon Kraft MILKBITES. Who would have thought we would find granola bars in the dairy section! I like to eat them, too. And, the kids like them frozen, because the milk and the scrumptious flavors make MILKBITES taste almost like ice cream!

Kraft MILKBITES are a healthy, delicious snack you and your family can take anywhere. So, enjoy some today!
Sunless Tanning
Last year, my family went to Naples, Florida for a family vacation to my father in law. At his place, we enjoyed a lot of things, aside from the nice, warm weather; we had a chance to enjoy their beaches too! Since there are no nice beaches in Michigan and the weather is not warm most of the time, it is very memorable if we came to a place like Florida, the sunshine state!

When I came to Florida last year, I got tan. I was then pregnant of 7 months. I got tan so easily, yet, my husband was still white. Every time he went to the beach he only turned pinkish red but not brown or black. He eventually hates his skin color. So, I told him what about he will consider using sunless tanning products? It is safe, plus, he can have the tan he wanted all the time.

Actually, my aunt used to spray tanning lotion in order to be feeling safe from actual sun exposure. We all know that sun exposure can cause skin cancer. So, in order to prevent cancer, I think sunless tanning is the answer. Don’t you think? So, if you want to get the flawless tan you’re always wanted for? Then just link above to learn more!
KRLY Hair Products means Bye Bye Tears!
When I was younger, one of my hair problem as a teenager was having frizzy curly, wavy hair. Therefore, I never hesitated to use flat iron just to calm down my curls and even my frizzy hair as I get older. I'm tired of using pony tail. It makes my hair worsen than it was before. As the years went by, I tried a lot of things on my hair including hair rebinding. I know it is too hard to do it because it can damage hair, so I decided to just go with the use of flat iron.

Unfortunately, my children got my hair’s genes. Both of my children have the same textures of my hair and the quality of frizzy hair. For this reason, I need something to calm the hair down by making sure to cut my son’s hair shorter to avoid frizzy long curly hair. Sometimes, it takes s awhile because we need to make an appointment to get his hair done.

Good thing, I have the opportunity to try KRLY Kids No Time For Tears shampoo and conditioner for my children at no cost to me. After two washes I noticed difference on my son’s hair. It’s softer and shinier. I really noticed that my son's hair is now less frizzy and it is also smells good after a long day  being at school. It has a gel spray too which I used on him after each time he took a shower. My husband love the product too because he likes looking at our son with short hair particularly the get spray which leave my son's hair in control and in volume. Since its frizzy, it needs deep moisturizer and KRLY gel spray provides the moisturizer my son's hair needs. I think I need to use Ouidad too for my frizzy hair.

Now we don’t have to worry when it takes a long time for my son to get his hair cut. What I like most about Ouidad KRLY shampoo and conditioner is its ingredients that are gentle on kid’s eyes. NO MORE TEARS is what the relevance of it all to make the bath more fun and exciting for kids and stress free for parents!

So, if you are looking for a shampoo that is not harmful to your kid’s hair and eyes! Try Ouidad now!
Business Solution: Web Conferencing System
One time I was watching this movie which all their electronics and gadgets were so modernized. One of which was during those time when they have to have universal meeting which when they have their CEO out of the country. In order to be part of their meeting they used the web conferencing system which enable their CEO to be in part of their conversation the whole time the meeting was on progress. I was so surprised that in real life, web conferencing is already a part of today’s world of business correspondence. It makes the business solution much easier and accessible. If the company has its liability and asset through the use of Internet, the web conferencing is much possible to use particularly now that wireless fidelity system is available. Therefore, if I have a company, I would definitely put web conferencing as my line of communication. It’s faster and easy.
Beach Experience in Samal Island
Yesterday, we went to the beach finally after a month of being here in the Philippines. I’ve wanted to go to the beach but somehow it is not accessible. So, I have to wait until yesterday. We went to the new beach resort. Within 7 years, I never thought that Samal Island, Philippines has lots of beach resorts now. Some were new and the old one like Paradise was still there though. I still vividly remember Paradise Island Beach resort was the first one in that island but now there’s about 20 beach resorts that I never been before.

The first beach I went to was Bluejaz Beach Resort. My daughter’s first beach experience as well since she was born last July of 2011. When we got there we never went to the ocean yet, we’ve waited until it’s not that sunny and hot for the baby girl. It was around 3pm when we finally went to the ocean to enjoy. At first I was hesitant to put her in the water but my mom and brother held her better. So, all I did was to take her pictures.

Here are some of the pictures I took from the beach yesterday. Joella was having fun. She loves it. Though she was tired, she still knows how to enjoy it. She’s really a good baby. A lot of people loved her. After she had been in the water, she fell asleep. She just wanted to get wet because she had been sweating the whole time. Poor baby girl! She had  a good night sleep though..
Gosh I love it
Thanks for the guest post by Donn Schroeder

Gosh I love being able to write my own schedule. Ever since I started this little company I’ve realized how tied downI was at my old job and how miserable I was being someone else's beck and call. I always knew I wasn't the type to try and climb the corporate ladder for years but I guess I just didn't know I would for now we big-company politics so young in my career. I've been working with small business xo getting my website up and running and I even hired to in terms for the spring semester to help me get this little start up up and running. I think there is a lot of demand for the type of products I'm offering here in my community and I already isolated some other cities where I think this business model would work well. I think of got a handle on this whole small business ownership thing but only time will tell how successful my little business is ultimately going to be.
Friday Fill-Ins for February 16th
And...here we go!

1. Finally, I was able to go to the mall alone but after what has happened.
2. Sleeping in a different time sure takes some getting used to!
3. Dad says: if you knew something just don't say out loud because you might get burn.
4. Ellah is my favorite nick name for my daughter Joella.
5. It took a long time, but it's all worth it.
6. Money is though I wouldn't have it any other way.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spend my weekend with my family by going to the mall and eat at my favorite restaurant, tomorrow my plans include going out to church and Sunday, I want to go out but not so sure about it!
Make some Real Money
Do you want to invest your money wisely? If so, then you might want to invest your money on gold! Why? Simply because investing on gold is indeed a smart choice due to the fact that gold is always rising up, therefore, it is stable. No matter what happened to the economy, the gold is always substantial that’s why you’re sure about your gain. Because of the economy, you can’t be sure about what the markets will do. Therefore, if you want to buy gold bars now, you can able to check it online. To make sure you get the best price in the market today!

If I have enough money to invest, I would definitely invest it on gold. I would never hesitate of doing it. Since having your own firm financial investment is a great way for a better future for us and for our kids. So make some real money now!
Vaccine? Really Necessary?

Is the vaccine really necessary? Or just the people are just exaggerating? No matter what for the second time around, we decided not to give our youngest child a vaccination. Due to the fact that it might trigger brain damage which some people thought that it might be the possibility of autism. A lot of parents decided not to give their child vaccines. We ourselves can be counted. We stopped giving our son a vaccine either by the time he’s 18 months old since we noticed a little bit of changes, a problem that can be trigger with immunization. We also have our own test. We decided not to give our children vaccine in order to make them naturally immunized. I don’t care what people said, but my family has been grown with no vaccination at all. I think it is the matter of genetic and weak immune system that’s why a lot of people suffered being sick of those illnesses.

Anyway, it is the matter of faith too. I think if its God’s will then, it will happen. It is not about how people work for it. We don’t know what vaccination might be able to trigger. My mom used to say that we all have cancer, tuberculosis, ulcer, and other things. If it’s being trigger then it can be worst or make our bodies immunized. Therefore, it is not advisable for babies, especially infants to have vaccination. You may never know what’s in the baby’s body. Just a thought!
Problem with Eczema
When my son was born five years ago, he had been experiencing eczema. I could still remember those times when he cries because the eczema might be itchy or irritating. I couldn’t do anything and I’m scared to put anything on him because he was still a newborn. His skin might be too sensitive that’s why I just let it go. I felt so sad about it. It gets worst during cold weather too. I wish I could do something about it before. Until we saw his pediatrician and he recommends a prescription. It’s a lotion but sometimes it just calms down the eczema. It didn’t really totally make the eczema disappear. Until I found this lotion, an egyptian magic cream which is famous to treat eczema, even psoriasis, a skin disease which not normally can be treated.

Now, my son has no eczema but if I only knew about this product before, I would definitely choose this treat my son’s eczema. Therefore, if you have been diagnosed with eczema or even psoriasis? Get magic cream now.
Mommy and Me on our Vacation
It’s time again for Mommy and Me Monday. It's been a while since my last post but no matter what happened, I could still be able to post my entry once in a while. It's better than never, right?



Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

Anyway, it's been almost a month now since I arrived here in the Philippines to visit my family and to see some of my friends. I brought with me my second child whom is now 7 months old. The first time she got here in the Philippines, she's always hot and sweaty. She had been getting used to it though. I missed my oldest child though. I wish he can able to come with me here to see his grandparents. Well, maybe next time. I don't want to spoil my vacation here.

Anyway, my daughter and I were having fun as well. Although, she always stayed at home most of the time. But, we were having fun being with my mom most of the time. I missed being with her. I miss of how caring my mom was. She finally able to see one of my kids too which makes me more happier. I don't when I could able to come back here in the Philippines once again. I'm hoping it will be so soon. This time with my husband and my son.

Well, we have pictures taken during one of our good times here in the Philippines.  We're at home having fun taking pictures of ourselves. :)) Finally, we're here in a warm tropical country which I truly missed for not being here for almost 7 years!
Hair loss caused by Thyroid Imbalance
It’s been four months now that I’ve been experiencing hair loss; I always thought that it might be the cause of my pregnancy and labor. However, I just ignore this problem since I already read online that sometimes severe hair loss caused by internal surgery as well as with blood loss associated with it. Also, hormone changes are one of the main factors why I have an extreme hair loss. Therefore, I consider it to be the reason why I was experiencing hair loss severely. But, as I read along and also searching online, I also noticed that Thyroid imbalance can cause hair loss as well. I have read online that due to an imbalance thyroid problem called hypothyroidism which is common thyroid imbalance that cause by not producing enough thyroid hormone T4.

Now, I was worried that I might have hypothyroidism but I’m hoping I’m not. I also heard similar problem with my sisters in laws. They also have been diagnosed with thyroid problem. I wish I don’t have this problem. Yet, in order to find out I need to go further testing. I need to schedule an appointment soon.
Missing my Boys
When I was chatting with my husband a while ago, I found out that my eldest child was sick. He has been sick for almost two days and experiencing runny nose. He had been carrying a booger wipes for a while now since his runny nose was quite clear still. I wish he will get well soon. I felt so bad because I wasn’t there to make him feel good and for him to get well soon. I miss him too. It’s been almost a month now since we left for vacation here in the Philippines.

As the days went by, I can’t help not to see him once in a while. Good thing, there’s an internet which we can able to communicate every day before I enjoy the rest of my day and for them to go to bed. I’m sure he misses us too. He surely missed his little sister whom he only spent time for only 6 months.

Anyway, next month will be my last month here in the Philippines. I will go back again to the US to spend my life with my own family. I thought this could be hard for me but my life was based now living in the US. This is what I choose and this is what I live for. I can’t live a day without my husband and kids with me. I miss my boys so much.
Saving Money with Coupon
When it comes to shopping online or at the local store, I always love to shop at one of my favorite store, Guess. I don’t know but mostly the accessories I love to shop were their shoes and purses. Guess made a good and high quality purses and shoes which women would absolutely love. Therefore, whenever I had a chance to get a guess coupons I would never hesitate to shop at their local store or online.

Anyway, I still vividly remember when I shop at Guess online and I found a lot of purses on sale. I think as of just last year I bought like three purses and one shoes. I also bought a cargo pants in black. Isn’t that obvious that I love to shop at Guess? If you have coupons and regularly check on their website, you would absolutely save money on their merchandise. All you need to do is to invest time! Using a coupon is a smart choice nowadays. So, just use online to search for guess coupons.

A Momma's Journal
A Shopaholic Diary
Couple's Love Book
Pinay in States
Life Expressions
Garden of Moments

5/16/2012 10:53:36 PM