3 Gifts Every Grandparent Will Love

Sometimes it's hard to think of gifts for a grandparent. Many are set in their ways, so buying them the newest gadget isn't the best idea. It is important to remember that grandparents have seen it all. They are not going to be impressed with big fancy gifts. They value your time and your love more than anything.

Say It With a Picture

Grandparents still love pictures. An updated family portrait Pittsford NY, in a new frame is the perfect gift for most grandparents. If that sounds a little boring to you, then consider getting a picture printed on something else. Pictures can be printed on just about anything from pillows and blankets to phone cases. Think outside the box when it comes to poses. Instead of a formal pose, have a family portrait taken around your busy kitchen island, craziness and all. This way, your grandparent will remember all the times spent sitting around the kitchen.

Keep It Warm and Cozy

When you get older it's harder to keep warm. You can never have enough blankets and slippers. For a twist on this idea, look for a blanket with your grandparent's favorite sports team. If you want to personalize this idea even further, have a quilt made using baby blankets or t-shirts from your family. The blanket will smell like you and remind your grandparent of happy memories. Instead of plain slippers, get them funny monster slippers. They can have a laugh wearing them and think of you.

Give a Little Helper

Get your grandparents a robot vacuum. This may seem like a strange gift but think about it. Vacuuming the floor is a difficult task when you get older and have trouble moving around. This little helper will keep the floors clean, and your grandparent will get a kick out of watching it bump around the house. Robot vacuums are very durable and easy to operate. This is the type of gift that keeps giving.

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Hard Lockdown at Christmas in Germany

The year 2020 is about to come to an end. We were all looking forward to the Christmas season but due to an exponential rise in COVID-19 cases here in Germany, the federal states have decided to go on a hard lockdown beginning December 16. For some states, it started last Monday, December 14. What does the hard lockdown mean? For our state it means closing down of schools and kindergartens, and shops and retail businesses too. Beauty salons are also closed. Bars and clubs too. Restaurants are only allowed to sell food and beverage for takeout. There is a curfew from 8 o' clock in the evening until 7 o' clock in the morning. Shopping malls, garden centers and hardware stores are closed. Supermarkets, drug stores, pharmacies, gas stations, pet stores among others remain open. One can only go out when one goes to work, or to buy basic commodities and medicines for the family, walk the dog, or go to a doctor's appointment. Only two households are allowed to meet with a maximum total of 5 adults, children below 14 years old not counted. On Christmas days, the number allowed to meet is additional four adult persons but that's it. Fireworks sale and use are also not allowed on New Year's Eve.

It is going to be a very silent Christmas night for some but I think this is an opportunity to spend more quality time with the family, to sit down together and share Christmas dinner together, to reflect on what is really important in life, to pray together for healing and world peace and to be thankful for all the blessings received this year.

I wish you all a blessed 4th Advent Sunday and a beautiful and merry Christmas.

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Last Day High

Today is my last day at work before I go on my maternity protection leave with subsequent parental leave. The day started as always, I came in later than my supposed official time, but my colleagues understand my situation and I am very thankful for their flexibility. This momma is getting slower and slower, as the day of her due date nears. Anyway, I checked on my emails first to see if there were some urgent matters that need attending to. There was none. Then I went on as usual with my work: inputting orders into our system, making sure orders are made, and confirmed orders to customers. There really wasn't that much work, except to have my email account set-up so new messages will officially be forwarded to my colleague so that she will not always have to look into my incoming mails. Then I made some calls in the office in relation to my leaving, so that all will go well. I also got some calls from colleagues who were on home office, wishing me a good and safe delivery and a healthy baby. I also started doing my "farewell" rounds, so that I wouldn't have do a big round at the end of the day and exhaust myself doing it.

Then it was time for lunch. I always look forward to lunches at our canteen. The food is always served fresh, cooked and served on the same day. And for a very good price at that. Some colleagues also came by my table to wish me well. Atfer lunch, I went do some quick farewell to our boss and to the management. 

Such a sweet and wonderful surprise from my colleagues at work.

I went back to my work desk, and then my colleagues from our department came with a surprise gift in hand. It was really a wonderful, beautiful surprise, I was so moved I had to stop myself from crying. I will truly miss my colleagues in my department, they have always been so supportive of me and they taught me a lot. Although I have a different background, I was really able to fit in with the group and formed a harmonious relationship with all of them. To think I am the only one with an Asian background and all of them are Germans. 

This was the content of the gift package: a stuffed toy, a card with my colleague's signatures,
a set of overall and bib, and two gift cards loaded with money.
I was so happy, I can use it to buy my baby's diapers and Co. 

Soon it was time to say goodbye. It felt exhilerating and at the same time sad to be taking my leave. Don't get me wrong. I am very happy and excited to face this new phase in our life but it just felt weird somehow to leave as if I will not be coming back. But I will be back, when all goes well after a year. It is weirder because of the pandemic. You cannot just give your colleague a hug or shake their hands as a gesture of thanks and saying farewell. But I will be back. It is just a brief farewell after all and not a goodbye. 

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Soon To Be Four

Babies will always be miracles. For women like me who only have one child, it could be that you are content with one or you long for more. For my case, it is the latter. I grew with 3 siblings, and it was always a delight to be playing with them and going on adventures and getting into mischiefs. I also want my daughter to experience that love, that bond between siblings. She is now almost in her teens but she has also hoped to get a sibling or two someday.

My journey to a second pregnancy has not been an easy one because we are only using natural methods. So many factors also affected my conceiving or non-conceiving a child: my menstruation cycle suddenly became irregular a couple of years ago, we are both stressed from work, we are too busy, we are getting older as the years pass, etc., etc. And just when we thought it was not meant to be, He answered our heart's prayer. We just learned that we are pregnant! I am very happy and grateful, I am doing a happy dance! I want to share it to the entire world but I am keeping it quiet just until we are sure that this baby, this life growing inside of me, will make it through the crucial first 12 weeks. Please Lord, let him/her be develop into a healthy one!

And yes, He has His own way and own timing. So many new changes are coming our way this year... I pray that He will continue to guide us in our new journey. That He will continue to guide our decisions and pave the way for us, as He always faithfully does. 

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Time to Party!

The Christmas season is that time of the year to celebrate parties. Almost everyday, there is an invitation to attend this gathering and that party and this reunion and that Christmas market. Whether you are the one invited or the one inviting, it is customary to observe some rules as a courtesy to the host or as host to your visitors.

If you are the invitee, appropriate items that you can give to your host may be the following:

• bouquet of flowers in a vase or potted plant
• a bottle of wine
• home decoration such as candles, photo frames, holiday ornament
• baked goodies
• guest soap, guest hand towels

If you are the hosts, it is always a good idea to give your guests any of the following:

• a bouquet of blooms that you decorated the table with
• flavored oils and vinegars are a trend these days, your guests will appreciate getting one
• card games which you used to entertain your guests while waiting for the food to be served or as an ice breaker
• handmade gifts for those who are crafty outside the kitchen - this is a surefire way to delight your guests

Oh, and never ever forget to say THANK YOU! For the invitation if you are the invitee and for coming if you are the host!

So there you have it. Now that you know a thing or two about good manners and party etiquette, it's time to party! Enjoy the Holidays everyone!

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All is Calm, All is Bright

I have always loved the Christmas song "Silent Night" for it speaks of that one cold night when the little child who will save us all was born in a humbly and lowly manger. Whenever we get the chance to play for the Christmas mass, we always include this song in our repertoire. 

It has the simplest and most beautiful message to it: that things need not be extravagant or expensive to make others happy when giving gifts. For the most precious gift comes wrapped in swaddling clothes. It goes the same with gift giving. True, while we always want to give the best gift, in the end what matters most is the love that comes with the gift. While material things give us temporary happiness, receiving and giving love and true friendship, a sincere smile and warm embrace, and yes, forgiving others and ourselves is still the best gift we can offer one another.

For God so loved the world that He gave us His only son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life... so the bible says.

So before the year ends, let us allow love to reign in our hearts. And all else shall follow.

May we all continue to enjoy the holidays and greet the new year full of faith, hope and love in our hearts.

So keep calm and give LOVE.

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It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Christmas - indeed it is the most wonderful time of the year.

Looking back at everything that has transpired this year, I can say that it has been a very meaningful and grace-filled year -- and that is more than enough reason to celebrate Christmas with a grateful heart. Despite the many shortcomings, challenges and misunderstandings that came along the way, my heart is still grateful that we were able to still find ourselves together and stronger in our convictions and faith.

Our hearts are also grateful for the friends whom we travelled with this year. The adventures, shared experiences, and that sense of being in a family will always be treasured in our hearts -these will forever be beautiful memories in the many years to come. And my heart is filled with joy and gladness because we are so blessed to be surrounded with good friends. 

For our family back in our home country, we also wish them well. There may be tough times but with His faithfulness, we are able to surpass the hurdles. Indeed God makes things possible - He always makes a way for us despite of and inspite of.

So I hope that we continue to have a grateful heart, and to give love to others who need it.

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with your loved ones, family and friends.

May you have a blessed Christmas.

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Graduation Party for my Daughter's Class

Summer break is fast approaching here in Germany. My daughter is also about to end her grade school days and will move on to another school where she will start a new and more challenging journey. As a fourth grade parent, it means that it is time to prepare for the graduation party. From where I came from, there's always the conventional recognition and graduation ceremonies at school where the children go on stage and are presented with medals and ribbons as recognition for all their efforts. Here, it is quite different. There are no ceremonies in school, only graduation parties with the class and the teachers.

As planned with the other parents, we will be celebrating it at a sports grounds near the school and will organize a small tournament for the kids. Because it will be beautiful outside, it will be grill party. Everyone will bring something to grill and drink. We will also prepare something for their homeroom teacher and assistant teacher, which the class speaker will present. A photobooth will also be made available so that everyone can have their photos taken, whether solo or with their group of friends. Instead of printing it on site, we will be sharing the digital files to all class members so they have the option to choose and print the ones they like.

There will also be a blank framed canvas with a tree trunk where each class member will print his / her thumbmark on the branches as leaves. After everyone has printed their thumbmarks, this will be given to the homeroom teacher too as a gift.

I am excited for Friday. We hope that the teachers will feel how thankful we are for their patience in teaching our children. Will post how it went in my upcoming posts. 

What are some other good graduation party ideas for grade school children do you have? Be sure to share them in the comments! Thanks!

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Happy Mother's Day!

To all my Mommy friends out there, here's wishing you all a Happy Mother's Day! Always remember that motherhood is a blessing and always be thankful for the gift of being called a Mommy, Mama, Mutter, Nanay, Inay...

My Mama with her granddaughters.

This equally goes to my mother for unconditionally loving me and my siblings all these years. Thank you for your guidance, for the lessons in life, for sacrificing for us and always finding ways to somehow make ends meet. We may not get or have everything while we were growing up but you taught us how to be diligent and resourceful and to strive for the things that we want in life so that we may one day be able to live the life that you have dreamed for us. Thank you for instilling us the value of having our own faith in our God. Before I did not understand how and why you did what you needed to do but now I guess I am beginning to understand. I know I still have a long way to go in this journey called motherhood but I count myself very lucky to have a mother like you who is with me and my siblings every step of the way. Thank you for being a good mother to me. The example you showed us will be my guide as I raise my own children.  

My only prayer is that you realize that you have done a great job as a mother. I wish only that you may live a longer and healthy life so that you grandchildren too may be able to enjoy you.

I love you Ma... and I miss you. Happy Mother's Day! 

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Thank You!

My daughter had her 4th Birthday celebration here at home last Saturday, the 3rd of March. Our friends gathered at our house for a simple celebration and to pray the rosary since it was also the first Saturday of the month. My daughter was so excited, because she knows that she will be receiving lots of gifts on that day. She got more than what she expected.

Time to blow the candles on the cake! Thanks to Rizi for this delicious cake..
Samantha finished everything!

Aside from the material and monetary gifts, she received friendship and lots of love. Not just from us, her parents, bur from our friends as well. Her girlfriends came to play and celebrate with her. Her ates and kuyas, and "aunts" and "uncles" and "auntie-lolas" and "uncle-lolos" also came too. Even those who couldn't make it called to wish her good health and greet her a happy birthday.

There was joyous spirit on that day. And I know that although for now, she might only understand that birtdhays mean gifts and cakes and merrymaking, in her heart, she knows that she is LOVED.

We love you Samantha. We hope that you will grow to be a good child. May you always be surrounded with good friends.

The happy little princess, surrounded with her gifts. THANK YOU all!

To all those who came and who are with us in spirit, THANK YOU VERY MUCH... for your friendship, your generosity, and love.

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GT: Best Birthday Ever!

Every birthday that comes, there is always something special that comes along. And that is why each birthday that comes is special. It became more special now that I have a little girl who just knows when to push the right buttons at the right time. Just hearing her saying "I love you" in her very cute voice sounds like it is the only thing that matters. I can say that I am very blessed to have a beautiful family who is always there for me and with me. Although my husband is not very big with surprises, he still manages to surprise me in the most unexpected way.

Of course, birthdays are not complete without good friends to celebrate them with. We feel so blessed to have found our community here, who in the long run also became good friends. They have made being expats more meaningful and hectic and colorful. Hectic because there will always be something to do so that we are not bored. Meaningful because we share and have the same faith. Colorful because every now and then, we get to have gatherings that always includes Filipino merriment.

What I am trying to say is that, every birthday that comes, I see as the best. But of course, you never know what happens in your next birthday so yoou always consider the recent birthday as the best. The very fact that I am gifted with Our Creator with this life is more than enough reason to celebrate it.

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To Be Blessed

The year 2010 had been a very wonderful year for us. I never expected the bountiful blessings that came our way nor did I expect that we would be able to manage and surpass the challenges that came along the way. I am personally very thankful for all of the blessings, the experience, and the many encounters that helped me and my family to grow closer together. It is mainly thanks to the people surrounding us, who in one way or another contributed to our growth.

It has been almost two years since we became expats here in Germany and although it is not always easy, it amazes me as a look back and I wonder how we were able to come to where we are now. All the prayers helped a lot and I just feel so blessed. I feel blessed to have hubby who is responsible and always prioritizes the family. Although he may have his shortcomings, I know that he has always done his best for the family and for that I am thankful. I feel blessed to have a beautiful daughter who has always surprised and never ceased to amaze me with her ability to make me lose my wits and make me pull my hair during those "moments". I feel blessed to have wonderful friends who make us feel that we have a family. I feel blessed to have been given the chance to study again, realize my potentials and do something for myself. I feel blessed for the seasons: the cold of winter, the blooms of spring, the heat of summer, the warm colors of fall. I feel blessed to have been able to live with my in-laws even for just a short period of time. I feel blessed to have a family who thinks of us and prays for us. I feel blessed to have met very good friends in the blogging world, especially the Marce Club, who have always been so thoughtful and helpful. I feel blessed for the many earning opportunities online.

There is so much to be thankful for, I know... and as I look back and continue to count my blessings, I realize that I am more than blessed. And I am filled with hope and excitement for the new year that is to come. Because I know and believe that this journey will always be blessed.

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Being 30 Is Not Bad At All

Yesterday was overwhelming...

I didn't expect my birthday to turn out the way it did yesterday. First, Hubby didn't argue with me or gave me a hard time. I spent my entire birthDAY with my family. Hubby took the day off, and Samantha didn't bother me much too. I was in a very good mood.

In the morning we went to visit one kindergarten inside the Universität Stuttgart where I will be studying come September 2010. Although the director told us that the biggest possibility that Samantha can get in is in September 2011 due to the very long waiting list, it didn't dampen my spirit. After that, we had our car washed and was given a FREE coupon so that we were also able to vacuum the interior of the car. Then we went home and cooked my specialty, lumpia shanghai to be brought to the novena later.

We went to our Friday novena for the Sto. Nino and then had a small salo-salo with the Filipino community. There, I also learned that another friend of ours is celebrating her birthday, just like me and Yami celebrating our birthdays on the same day!

Later that night, a couple of hours before my birthDAY officially ends, we watched the movie Mamma Mia again. I still can't get over Pierce Brosnan singing... it gave me goosebumps but over all, we enjoyed the movie immensely especially with our little girl singing and dancing and paying attention to the movie as well. She even took our hands so the three of us can dance!

Of course, there is the overflowing greetings online: in Facebook, in YM and of course in blogs. Special thanks goes to the MARCE CLUB: Chris Fedhz Gene Jade Kaye Liz Mye Niko Pehpot Seiko and to Fab Momma Bambie.

Thank You for your beautiful messages, your wonderful wishes and the very cute banner! You guys definitely made my day! May you all blessed! Hugs!

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Thank You Willa!

I received this very special Christmas tag from Willa of Smart Mommy way, way back. Thank you Willa for the very sweet thought, I really appreciate it.

Let the spirit of love gently fill our hearts and homes.
In this loveliest of seasons may you find many reasons for happiness.

A Most Blessed Christmas to you and your family!

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Thank You for The Gifts!

She wonders what's inside...

When Samantha's name was called by "Santa Claus" last Friday, she was a bit afraid and kept saying "Nein, Nein!"I had to "drag" her on the way and hold her in my arms just so she could receive her gift. When she received her gift, she was no longer afraid but curious with what was inside the wrapping.

Enjoying her butter cookies already!

What did she receive then? She got a fleece jacket from her Auntie-Lola Anita, a long-sleeved shirt from her Auntie-Lola Cita, a box of German butter cookies and money from the Sto. Nino group and some more cash gift from Auntie-Lola Lolit.

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I've Got A Parcel!

Well, it's actually not for me but for our little Samantha. And as a mom, I am just excited!

I received it this morning. Our doorbell rang and a male voice said, "Ich habe ein Paket für Sie." (I have a package for you.) So I went downstairs and opened the door. I was surprised to find that it was a package from Amazon. That's strange because I didn't order anything to be delivered to me. So I went back up and after taking a few shots (for proof, hehe!) I opened the package. A small card came with the golden wrapping and it said:

There was also a board-book for children about the parts of the body. I get to learn with Sam when I read it to her!

The main package of course is the Aquadoodle Travel N Doodle. It will be something that will keep Sam occupied while we travel. And I am sure that she will really enjoy it. She can draw and doodle without the mess!

Thanks Joe-Ann of My Life, Jerome and Johan! It was a very lovely Christmas gift. Samantha loved it! Will post photos of her enjoying her new toy at Samantha's Own soon!

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An Outpouring of Support

Last Monday evening, I was worried sick about Samantha. She had a temperature then and so I took time off blogging. After all, a mom's duty is to her family first, the others are secondary. She is getting better each day and is now becoming her usual bubbly self. She has cough attacks every now and then though, and I frown at the possibility of asthma because Hubby had in when he was a kid, his cousins have it, his aunts have it, his nephews have it. In short, it runs in the family. But I sure hope and pray that Samantha won't acquire it because it could be very difficult for a small child. But nah, worrying won't do any good. I know that God won't allow Samantha to suffer any further.

I am just amazed at how supportive all my blogging friends are. My previous post received lots of well wishes, understanding, advice, and prayers for Samantha and I AM GRATEFUL! I am touched by your lovely messages and I count myself lucky to have found good friends in all of you. God does work in mysterious ways. We may have never met yet but the warmth of your friendship and the concern of a friend surely came knocking on my door!

Thanks everyone! Will be back to blogging soon!

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A Crown for Every Achievement

Are you familiar with the tag line "A crown for every achievement"? This is what Rolex watches are made for. For every great achievement in your life, a Rolex watch is worth giving or buying for. But sadly for me, they are way too expensive to give away, right? And no matter how beautiful or timeless they are, there is just no way that I would buy one! At least, not until www.bestoftime.com came along! They have made Rolex watches so affordable that perhaps, I might be able to save up and buy one!

I do love watches, especially Swiss made ones. The word SWISS-Watch for me equates to quality. And there is just the glory of being able to wear an authentic and genuine Rolex watch, making it more attractive and desirable to own one. I have also been longing to present my parents with a set of their own in gratitude for everything that they have done for me and my siblings. I know that they would just be the perfect gifts!

If you are dying to get your very own authentic Rolex at an absolutely LOW price, go check out www.bestoftime.com. They have been in the watch retail business for over a decade now and you can trust that they sell only genuine Rolex watches. These are NOT replica watches, but rather pre-owned or like-new Rolex watches that comes in new genuine Rolex boxes. Each watch comes with a certificate of authenticity, free shipping and a full three-year warranty too!

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A Triple Treat

This is such a wonderful day! Why, you might ask? Because I received a triple treat! Three awards just for this week! Isn't that great?

And I thank Enchie of Sweet Nothings for the Humane Award and Loyal Friend and Visitor Award:

and Bambie of Azumi for this Elite Blog Artist Award:

Thanks girls for sending me your thoughts and love! This really made my day! It felt like I went all the way around the world because of these fabulous awards!

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Mommy Moments: Sam and Tatee

Thank God it is a Friday! Aren't we all mommies glad? It is time once again for Mommy Moments and today's theme is about our kids with their beloved relative.

My little Samantha is not lucky enough to interact much with our relatives owing to the fact that we are living abroad. She only saw them for the first time when we went home last February for a two-week vacation. And I tell you, two weeks isn't enough for a baby to get to know them all. But it was better than nothing at all!

When she was still an infant, Sam always loved to sleep when cradled and swayed, sang and danced to.
Ang sakit kaya sa balikat nun!?

All dressed up for the pedia! It was time for Sam's 1st check-up!

The only relative that she had encountered at a period longer than a week is my eldest sister, Tatee who also happens to be her godmother, when she came to my rescue for the first three months when I had Sam. Although Sam was too little then, I can tell that she was also fond of my sister.

Sam's first day out. A day of discovery at Sea Paradise.

At Starbucks during one of our pitstops from our trip in Yamanashi Ken.

At Tokyo Disneyland, our last treat for Tatee. Sam was 3 months old then.

When Tatee saw Sam, she immediately fell in love with her and took care of her as if she were her own. She and Kuya Jun doesn't have any kids yet and we always pray that she will soon have one of her own, too. She is well-prepared for it na, to think that she was able to take care of two babies already, Sam and my nephew, Miggy.

One last hold... she soon she will be back in the Philippines. Sniff! Sniff!
Sam and Tatee at the departure lounge in Narita Airport.

Sam was holding Tatee's finger and looked her as if saying, "Mommytita, please don't go!"
Sigh! Parting is such sweet sorrow!

And I am most grateful to have her for my sister. Thanks Tat for coming to Japan to help me adjust in my early days of being a Mom. You are such an angel!

Got Mommy Moments to share? Join us now!

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