The thing is, we don't have any decent family photos. We can't get one but we always try.

Of course I'd like to have a perfect shot but with unsuccessful tries, we always end up just being us, the so-called candid posers.


To have a perfect family photo doesn't have to mean hauling everyone off to the photo studios or hire a professional photographer. Digital cameras (SLRs, and point and shoot) have become better and more affordable. Photo editing softwares are now available online. Tripod is ideal whether or not you want to be in the photograph (thanks again technology)

You just have to be creative and feel like a pro.




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IT's been awhile. It's nice to be back on track. I don't wanna make excuses but one thing is for sure, I'm pretty much pre-occupying myself with something very important us --real content about it coming soon.

Anyway, I didn't realized that last week was Grandparent's Day. My bad! I should've planned something for Azumi's grandparents-- well there's always next time. Besides, we always spend some quality time together, no matter how busy our lives may get.

Azumi is truly blessed to have all her grandparents. They are all awesome and they love Azumi so much. Having different personalities, interests, and lifestyles could be actually fun and interesting.

Anzu calls her grandmother "Baba" while she calls her grandfather "Jiji". She gets to hang out with them almost every week. Her Baba always gives something for her --clothes, foods, toys-- generally shop for her. She's a cool grand mom. On the other hand, Jiji plays with her. Sometimes he gives her money. He cooks delicious dishes for us whenever we visit them. He's a retired chef of one of the five star hotels here in Tokyo. Anzu definitely enjoys being with them because she's being spoiled.


Here's Azumi with my loving mom. She calls her Mamu. We get to see her almost everyday because we are neighbors :) Anzu gets excited whenever Mamu comes to our house. She adores her. I'm thankful because my mom is living nearby. I can call or talk to her anytime. I feel secured.


Anzu is also blessed to have a great grandmother,whom we all call Okasan. She adores Azumi so much eventhough they're not actually related by blood. She's my mom's Mother in Law. There are so much good things to share about her...

I can't wait for next month because Azumi will be going to see her loving, cool, and handsome Lolo for the first time. We're all anticipating for that first meeting. We're all excited. I've been praying for this to finally happen. I'm hopeful.

Hubby and I are very thankful for how much these people have helped us figure out parenthood. Althou we pretend to have it all figured out lol. Honestly, we are learning so much from them.

Grandparents make life easier.

Related post: the grannies, Okasan,

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How did our father's day went through?

Usually, honeyb gets up first in the morning. Me and my dolly got up together, went downstairs with a "Happy Father's Day" Banner wrote by Anzu with my help of course, then greeted him a "Happy Father's Day" while Anzu was holding the banner. SO funny how she said it. Anzu is really good in repeating whatever I ask her to say. She did it with a funny gesture.

We snuggled for awhile then I cooked a delicious breakfast. I sent a lovely text message to my Dad ( I miss him ). We just kind of hung out around the house. Anzu wouldn't sleep for afternoon nap so we went out and drove around, had our drive thru foods when she fell asleep in the car. We headed to the park when she woke up, then a little shopping at the grocery and went home.

We celebrated the Father's Day in simple way but fun. I wish I could've done more. It's so nice to get to know my hubby in a whole new way everysince he became a father. Wishing for a good health and stress-free life to him, who is a fabulous daddy to a little girl who loves him a lot.

I am an avid moviegoer, i mean I used to be. During my college days, my girlfriends and I would sometimes cut class just to catch the last full show. I miss those crazy and yet fun times with my forever Bff.

When I got here, I still watch movies with Mom or with some friends from work. When there's no one available to be with me, I watch alone. Tickets here are quite expensive but for me, nothing compares to the sound effect heard on cinemas, it makes any movie more fantastic and entertaining.

Anyway, eventually, I found a movie buddy when I met my honeyb who wasn't really much of a movie goer ---can't he say NO to me?!

I can't remember how many movies we already watched together. Even when I got pregnant, we still go out for last full shows almost every friday (when there's a good movie showing) Friday is Couple's Day, cheaper tickets for couples.

This is our last Purikura taken on our last movie date together. We usually go to Amusement Game Centers before/after the movie to take Purikura Shots.
I was 40 weeks pregnant. Just 4 days before I gave birth.

OH I miss my movie buddy =( Things have changed. We prefer to rent DVD and watch at home because of our lil Patootee..

For me, Azumi is lucky to have the best dad in the world because he loves us all so much. He is a nurterer, sweet, and a role model. He provides for our family so I can stay home and take care of our girl while he's at work. He has always been an active part of his daughter's life. He puts the family first, take us out almost everyweek, and loves us all to pieces, including my extended family.

Every Dad is the best father to his children.

たたいま。。　I miss you my friends.

I've got load of stories to share but first, I'd like to share our most recent out of town get-away with Anzu's grandparents. It was actually our first time and it was long overdue. We planned to do it before japan's Golden Week to prevent the heavy traffic and overcrowded hotels and attractions. My In-Laws wanted to have an Onsen (Hot Spring) Relaxation so they chose an Onsen Hotel that serves a real delicious seafood course. We went to Chiba --one to 2 hour drive from our place.

The most excited of course is Me. I'm more excited for our little girl because it'd be another great experience and unforgettable adventure for her. She may never remember it but I definitely saved a lot of photos for her to look back in the future ... I also want to show you around Japan at the same time ...

So the first highlight during the trip was a mind-boggling experience of driving through the 10 km undersea tunnel which is actually running through the sea bottom of Tokyo bay called Tokyo BAY Aqua-Line and links western Tokyo and Yokohama with the southern end of the Chiba Peninsula. It was built to reduce traffic through the center of Tokyo that's why no wonder we were in Chiba in no time.


Isn't it amazing to think how Japanese genius Engineers could ever made a long tunnel High-way under the sea??? It's really impressive and I wonder why did I only realized it during that time. It was actually my 2nd time..

After the long tunnel, we stopped over at the famous Umi Hotaru which is literally means floating "fireflies". It is a the man-made-island where the bridge and tunnel meet



Turning around about 90 degrees from the first shot, you can actually see all that water surrounding the Umi-Hotaru island. I think this is where the tunnel high-way located.


The other bottom end of the man-made island..


I'm sharing the rest of our trip thru this slide show.. Please take your time and enjoy hihi...



much

Does your kids play pretend? I'm sure they are. Some would pretend to be a dog, cat or a bird. Some would pretend to be having a tea party with their imaginary girl friends lol (I'm looking forward to this lol).

Anzu pretended to be a dog few times. She tried to eat like a dog. She even put her drink on her plate and drank out of it. It was funny and yet I stopped her from doing that... aysus talaga!

Lately, our lil kawaii prinsesa is into cooking. She would take all those bottles (soy sauce, vinegar, etc), and other utensils from the kitchen drawer --oh yeah, I took all the pointed utensils to an unreachable place for Anzu because she gets whatever..

We may have a future chef (but i honestly wish she'd become a Pro-Golfer someday)



Day 86 of 2010's ( saturday, mar 27)

So busy doing her thing lol

with my Tito Chris and Mom....

I thought days before Christmas were my busiest days. Japan New Year's Holidays which is OSHOGATSU in japanese, were even busier. はちくち。

I've got loads of things and Japanese Culture to share. so I start with our New Year's Eve.

We celebrated and welcome the New Year in Japanese way which is usually much more like a not-so-quiet evening with loveones. During the day, we dine out to eat Soba with my inlaws.

SOba is taditionally eaten for New Year's Celebration. It supposed to be eaten on New Year's Eve. The long noodle symbolize long life. Most families prepare their home made SOba and serve it with their loveones.

My inlaws just didn't have the time do it so we went to a Japanese Restaurant instead and headed to their home after and stayed for awhile.

During the night, Hubby and I celebrated with beers and foods while waiting for the countdown. Lil Anzu has started to love Chicken since christmas. She even learned to toast by saying "KAMPAI!!!" clearly. She's really funny when she does that, especially with everybody. My lil Anzu continues to change every day and make us laugh with every new thing she learns.

ANyway, half an hour after our New Year's Kiss (azumi was already sleeping), we had the chance to celebrate Philippines' New Year by video telephone.  WOW! SOme of my cousins and relatives were there having a good time while watching my Dad jumpsparking the "paputok" (fireworks). Thanks to technology coz we felt close somehow. I missed another event in our family again. Our house is always the merriest in our street because of the party and fireworks. Hoping to spend our New Year next year with them.

to be continue....

Anzu obviously loves dogs, especially her granny's adopted pet, Maru Chan who was born a day after Anzu's birth day. As far as I can remember, the first time we introduce them to each other was when they were 3-4 months old. Maru Chan was always been a shy dog, unlike the other dogs. She's such a good dog, lovely ...so quiet, never barks.. never clutters.. I can't believe she has manners too lol.. Really!

When my baby started to crawl, all she wanted to do whenever her grannies (and maru chan) are around is to crawl over Maru and touch her. They are so cute. Anzu was always chasing her.. And Maru was just running around instead of barking her ( like what the other dogs normally do when they're pissed or being chased ). We love Maru Chan, she's part of the family. Well technically, she's Anzu's Aunt lol..

I got loads of funny videos to keep for memories. These clips are my current favorite clips among all the Anzu-Maru episodes. Because this was the first time Maru Chan actually played with her. She usually runs off from our lil dolly. But lookie lookie, Anzu was really amused by Maru Chan. Beautiful friendship has began indeed. They are now officially playmates lol.





Hope you enjoyed watching

Anyway, this week will gonna be the busiest I think, because few more days till our lil princess' BIG DAY. There was a big change of plans but definitely we are going to celebrate! We still have a whole 3 days before we graduate her to the world of toddlerhood.

My lil dolly has become more of a sweet baby . She hugs you when you ask her. She loves to be cuddled. Such a sweet baby that's why her grannies just can't get enough of her, especially my Mom who prefers to be called as "Mamu"... what's wrong with being called "Lola"? lol.. This is the trend anyway.. i love you mom

Anyway, this may sound cliche but it's really true that we would never know how much we would ever appreciate our parents until we have a kid of our own. Lil Anzu is one lucky to have her generous and loving grandparents on her dad's side within under a half-hour drive from our home, and a cool and hip grandma who lives a few blocks away...

I can't wait for my Dad to see her first and only grandchild this year (hopefully). Still planning how to surprise him and our huge number of family in Philippines =) I know they are all waiting, not for me anymore... You know who

Hello dearies. This tag has been long overdue and I got this from the lovely mommas online, Momma Clarissa of Kizuna, and Momma Kikamz of Just About Anything





MY BETTER HALF

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen?
- News, Baseball, Golf

2. You're out to eat, what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?
- french vinegar?

3. What's one food he doesn’t like?
- celery

4. You go out to eat and have a drink, what does he order?
- depends, either beer or Tea (ocha)

5. What shirt size does he have?
- Usually XL, L size for some brands

6. What shoe size does he have?
- US 9.5

7. What is his favorite type of sandwich?
- BLT

8. What would he eat everyday if he could?
- egg

9. What is his favorite cereal?
- anything plain

10. What would he never wear?
- denim sleeveless or anything fitted shirt

11. What is his favorite sports team?
- Tigers (Osaka Baseball team in Japan)

12. Who did he vote for?
- vote for president? NONE, he doesn't have to...

13. Who is his best friend?
- his bestest friend died long time ago when they were 14 yrs old due to bike accident, but the other BF's name is Eiji

14. What is something he does, but you wish he wouldn't do?
- Smoke and make Utot also when Im around

15. What is his heritage?
- Japanese

16. You bake him a cake, what kind of cake?
- chocolate or pancake lol

17. Did he play sports in high school?
- YEP. Baseball

18. What could he spend hours doing?
- Internet... Watch TV.. Read Newspaper... Play Golf

19. What is the unique talent that he has?
- He can calculate faster (w/o calculator)

20. What's his type of coffee?
- Black!



Now, the other half's turn,
7 facts about thyself





1. Im an OC =) I tend to have obssessive compulsive tendencies.... I hate clutters, I hate dirt.. I love cleaning hehe

2. I always say I'll start my diet tomorrow, but I can't resist foods. I was always like 42 to 43 kilos before, but now----51~52 kilos =(

3. Sometimes I let my tears fall for minutes when I miss my loveones and friends inside the bathroom, and when Im finished, I laugh outloud

4. I get addicted with series... Tagalog, korean, japanese, and english

5. I love photography, and my favorite subject is my baby =) Its always her her her, i don't even take my own photos anymore hehe

6. before, when im lazy, im lazy! But now, when im lazy, i should forget that im lazy huhuhu (i miss how easy my life was in the philippines, lol joke)

7. I' m a cowboy (hubby said that)


Now I'm tagging the mommas online like YOU, Momma Keiann, Momma Darly, Momma Seiko, Momma Chubs (rose), Momma Chris, Momma Shelo, Momma Beng, Momma An, Momma Genejosh and Momma Willa
(please grab it if ever you havent been tagged, this is really interesting...=)

THE AWARD

I also would like THANK Chris of Mommy Journey, and Enchie Sweet Nothings for this Award. I'm not really sure if I deserve this =) But THANK YOU so much. It inspires so much

“The Elite Blog Artist Award is given to a blogger with a superb artistic layout and written content,” says the rule.

I'd like to also give this, The ELite Blog Artist Award to the blogs that I think deserve this : Kizuna, My Everyday Blog, Our Clan's Marveling, Seiko's Diary, Smart Mommy, Just About Anything, Our Adventures Together