Lighthouse Place Premium Outlet Mall We Went

I have always been afraid to drive on the expressway. I am afraid that I will get lost and not find my way back. I have only driven the expressway twice when I didn't have any choice. There was a train stuck in it's track and I have no other way in getting to work but to drive the expressway. It was only less than 10 miles but it felt like a drive of a lifetime. So when we decided to head to Michigan City after Thanksgiving I was so static. I have known Jenny to be really adventurous when it comes to driving and as I said in my other blog we went with just an instruction on where to go and we got there safely.

Photo grabbed from premiumoutlets.com

I have been to the outlet mall so many times but never bothered paying attention on how to get there. Most of Ryan's relatives lived around the area so I can say that I am familiar with the place. The outlet mall has 120 different outlet stores even popular names such as Gap, Banana Republic, Liz Claiborne,Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike, Maidenform (my favorite) and a whole lot more. We first stopped at Bass and they were having 50% off in all purchases that was made that night. We then head out to look for stores that we are more familiar with. There were so many of them that we didn't get in to each one of them. There were even stores where people are in line in the cold just to get in. At least we went home not empty handed and most of all our husbands are glad that we went out together without the kids. We should do it again. :o)

Cavenders

Do you know someone who likes wearing cowboy hats? Unfortunately I don’t. These selection of Stetson hats that I found at Cavenders.com would have been perfect to give for the holiday. I used to know someone who enjoys collecting and hanging hats in his home but unfortunately we lost contact. What I like with Cavender.com is they also carry western wear for women and children not just for men, from women’s boots, outerwear, western belt and kid’s cowboy boots, hats and more. It is even better with Cavender.com is when you order $50.00 and above, shipping will be on them and for boots too and if in case for some reasons you are not satisfied with the boots you got, you can return it free shipping. Don’t forget to check them out.

Simala

Last Saturday Papa, Mama and Ging-ging went to Simala, Sibonga where the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist church is located. It is also where the Monks of Mary live. When I talked to mama when they got back she was telling me how lovely the place, the view and everything. I have heard about it before when I was teaching but never thought of visiting there. It wasn't that popular then. The place is the home of the miraculous Virgin Mary that is why thousands and thousands of people visit the place to pay homage of Her, not only locals but also visitors from all over the world. The next time we go home that will be one of the places that we will definitely visit besides touring Bohol.

Inside the church.

Papa and Mama

A big statue of the Mother Mary

The Church/Monastery

*Pictures from my little sissy Ging-ging.

In The Blood?

Ging-ging, Nonong Tonette, Manoy Gayfed and Resty

Since I left my siblings they have been to so many places together without me. Unfair right? I guess when I was still there we were still busy trying to be where we are at right now. Working and going to school that we regret to bond as much as we wanted to. We bond at home of course but it is way different when you go out and just have fun. I am glad that even if I am not there anymore they still managed to have fun and that is what is important. My two elder brothers just love old houses, churches and history of course. We must got it from Papa who just loved history as well. Here are the old houses and churches that they have visited so far. I think all 4 of them toured Cebu in this picture while my two elder brothers have toured Bohol.

Because She Is Our Mama

If it was any other person, she would have jumped to the opportunity right away when we told her that Ryan and I would like to petition her and Papa together to live with us here in the US. But mama said No... not yet at least. Her reason? She wants to let Ging-ging our youngest (in a semi-turtleneck top not looking at the camera) graduate college first, get a job, get married or whatever comes first. It seems too long right? To think Ging-ging is still in third year college. She wants her children to be all good before she would leave them. I even asked her that since Papa, Frankie and I will be coming home for Ging-ging's graduation, I could petition her then after we come back but she said after Ging-ging is in place whether living with my Aunt and Uncle in Australia but as long as she knows that she is in good hands. I really wish I can force her but I don't want her to be unhappy here if I do. I am sure she will not be at ease while she is here with us knowing that she left the two girls behind. She is not too concern with Resty because Aron is there but not yet for Ging-ging at least. She's special isn't she? Of course she is, because she is our Mama.

iPod vs. MP3 Player

I honestly don’t know the difference between an ipod and MP3 Player before. I thought they are exactly the same because you can store songs in both of them and portable that you can take it wherever you go. Then I see the difference in price between an iPod and a MP3 Player. iPod is a lot popular and higher in price compared to a MP3 player but would you believed that MP3 players these days are keeping up with iPod because they now offer great features with a much bigger storage memory? All you have to do is know how and where to get them.

I remember when iPod first came out I thought they were a little bit pricey but not anymore because at www.savebuckets.co.uk you can now find cheap iPods. They are a great price comparison site that allows you to search and compare prices to help you decide which one to get, which I find very helpful especially with the up coming holiday. Who wouldn’t want to have a new iPod nano, iPod Touch or a creative Zen Mp3 Player? I would. So you better start shopping at www.savebuckets.co.uk today.

Flood

Remember the entry I had below entitled Those Were the Days? Well this picture above as something to do with it. We are invited to attend a wedding in one of Papa's best friend's daughter. We met them at church and they rented jeepneys to take us to the bride's house after the wedding. It was alright going there but on our way home the water from the river had over flooded and it completely covered the little bridge that they have. The house of my father's friends are on the foot of the mountain with two rivers surrounding it. The two rivers meet at the foot of the mountain going to the sea. I was so hesitant in the beginning when Papa told us that we don't have any choice but to walk into it because I was afraid to fall off the edges but my brothers told me that we are going to be ok. If we wait any longer, it might be more dangerous because the current can take us and we will end up stuck there. I was holding Papa's shoes while he rushed to take us a picture. It was scary but fun and had to stop to pose.

Eyeglasses For Less

Have you been to a mall lately or passed by an eyeglass place and you see a sign that says get 2 pair for $99.00. Well that was exactly what happened to us. I was so excited when I saw the sign that I bugged Ryan to go in and check. I have been long over due for a new pair and eye check up anyway so we thought of getting my new pair there because we were thinking that we are going to save. There was no appointment necessary so somebody was with us right away. To make the long story short we left the store very disappointed. The 99.00 were just frames and that is excluding the lenses and other things so we ended up paying everything for almost $300.00. That was actually our first time going to places like this which Ryan refer to as “retail store for eyeglasses”. It actually felt like that. We were rushed and I don’t feel like we were given enough time to shop around. This will never happen again especially now that I have my prescription because I am going to get it next time at Zenni Optical online.

What makes Zenni Optical different? They have great eyeglasses for less and when I say less, starting at $8.00. Variable dimension frames from Zenni is what they have which makes them unique and very affordable. In fact, Zenni Optical was on FOX news! Start browsing today and check out their huge selection of frames and if you want to know more about them then visit Zenni on Fox and see how one family used Zenni to save for their kid’s eyeglasses.

How Sweet of Him...

...not Ryan but our neighbor Bob. He stopped by the house yesterday and to gave me a single yellow rose. He said he has been trying to call me and wanted to ask if he can stop by but you know me, I am the queen of ignoring the phone ring because of telemarketers. Bob has always been so sweet and nice to us. They were so friendly when we first moved in and has helped me every time I ask for it. Him and Mary were so concern about me when I was pregnant with Frankie and every time I miss my mother I just visit Mary and we talk for hours. I used to take Frankie in their house when he was smaller and they both adored him but he kept going through everything now so I stopped. I love them both and I hope they will stay with us for more years to come. I placed the flower in a small glass because I couldn't find our vase.

Halloween with Tito Kenny and Tita Sheila

Frankie's First Halloween

Chunky little one giving me a mean look after putting him back in his doggie costume for his picture taking.

It is so much harder taking a picture of Frankie now that he is a little bigger. He used to just sit there and give me a mean look when he was a baby but now I have to try to take it in many angles because he was always moving. Hopefully next year he will be able to stay still and pose for the camera. Anyways, Kyle and CJ were not able to join us trick or treating because their Dad needed to pick up someone. I saw pictures of the two from Jenny and they looked so cute. Kyle was Bob the Builder while CJ was a ghost. He was also wearing a white mask and wearing all white that was why he liked the costume. There is always next year anyways. Here are the pictures of our Halloween including the Karaoke singing with Dada and Frankie. I really wish I was able to stay.

Lunch Date

Ryan took the digital camera with him to take pictures of something so I was not able to take pictures of our lunch today. It was so beautiful today and the kids played in the park. I didn't even have to wear any jacket, that is how lovely it was outside. In the beginning I thought we are not going to have enough for lunch. I made some tinolang manok while Jenny made some egg rolls and when Frankie and I got there Sheila was already cooking some veggies for lunch. We had a wonderful lunch and was catching up with things. Jenny lost some weight because of her work and so as Sheila. It only shows I haven't seen Jenny for the longest time. Sheila invited us to go out after church yesterday but I was so exhausted that I said no. We took the kids to the park and enjoyed themselves playing. I even went home to get some things that I left while they both watched Frankie. They asked me if I want to come and go shopping with them tomorrow but I said no because I have things to do around the house. Besides I will be working again and I want to have a good rest.

We already started planning for the Christmas party. Nothing really big but just the 3 families but we still need to check our work schedule so that everyone could come. Sheila is so silly, she told me that she already got me a birthday present. It is nice to be remembered. Anyways, we came home with new toys for Frankie from Kyle and some of his nice shoe that he can't wear anymore. He also gave him some hat that one look so cute on Frankie. He looked like a Japanese guy from WWII. It was an early Christmas present indeed. Thanks Jenny and Sheila for a wonderful day. Sa uulitin.

Those Were The Days!

November 1 or November 2, my family always visits Papa's friends in Naga, Cebu. They started all the way back even before we were born. Papa and Mama met them in the poultry where they both worked before they even got married. Since then they have kept in contact. One of their friends already died and they still visits the other friend almost every November. Some of their kids that were around my age already are married and some worked abroad but the friendship that ours parents have remained the same. I remember the last time I was there with them, it was so much fun. Manoy Gayfred's GF then now wife Cheryl was with us. Then nonong Tonette's girlfriend then was also with us and the rest of the family. In fact it was only Ryan who haven't been to Naga yet. I surely missed those times and I am sure it is also different for my parents too. They went to Naga last November 1st only with Ging-ging because Resty is with Aron visiting my Grandparent's grave in San Fernando. I am glad Ging-ging was able to take pictures of my favorite place. Here they are...






I can't wait to be back there soon. I am sure it will be awesome.

Look At What Frankie Got Last Friday

He got more Barney VCRs and Boz the Bear DVDs from Recel, Jon and Triz. As I have mentioned before that I really felt bad for Frankie for having to watch the same Barney DVD over and over again. He really liked it though but I felt like it was time to get something else. Unfortunately buying new ones can be very expensive and even if I checked Ebay. Luckily Recel, Jon and Triz were so generous enough to share some of Triz's Barney VCRs. Thanks guy Frankie really liked it. Ryan was thinking of getting him one Wiggles DVD because when Frankie saw one commercial song of Wiggles in one of the Barney VCR, Frankie just kept laughing. He was so cute that his laughter was contageous.

He also got this personalized book that I will be reviewing soon.