in a few words and a lot of pictures:

Audiologist Jobs may sound appealing but I am so happy that we were able to spend everyday of December together unlike last year. One thing I terribly missed is the 9 days of Simbang Gabi. It just isn’t Christmas without having to block off dates from December 16th because we will be attending mass

Matthew turned 11 a few days before Christmas. He grew so much this year – his growth spurt made him taller and he now has the hormones of angry tweener, a voice of croaking frog and a shadow of a moustache I think.

We went to a party in my husband’s side of the family:

And come Christmas Eve, the obligatory Christmas PJs:

It was low-key celebration compared to last year but the magic was never lost with the kids. WOW. I’d do this every Christmas until it’s their turn to bring magic to other children. I promise

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As you’re raising your children in an “on demand” culture where they can access almost any information or data they want with a few clicks, it may be difficult to teach your children the virtue of patience. It may be an especially tough lesson to convey in the context of saving money and waiting to buy something. However, putting the effort into teaching them this lesson will pay huge dividends for your kids when they become adults. Here are some creative ways to teach your children to appreciate earning, saving, and spending money.

Help Them Find Part-Time Employment

The age at which your children can hold a part-time job will depend on the laws in the state where you reside. However, many young people can begin earning money at a fairly young age by babysitting, cleaning houses or mowing yards with an older sibling or parent, and selling handmade crafts. Encourage your child to pursue a “business opportunity” that’s age appropriate and ignites their passion so that they will learn the joy of earning money.
Read more… »

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December 17th:

It was a grateful day because I got to settle our annuities and then some in the morning while preparing the kids for their Christmas party. You can see how the kids have grown in this picture. Matthew looks like such a teenager and Marts just is herself – ladylike and in love with P-I-N-K. *dress made with love by MIL too*

At night, we went to support a show my Dad was in to raise funds in the building of our movement’s center. It was really a work of love – so proud of my parents and their pink army!

You can see how the apos were happy to pose with their Lolo too:

And yes, Marts was still wearing pink, albeit a different dress.

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December 14 & 15:

We managed to go to the city to buy presents for the kids (They had specific wish lists for Santa ya know!) They didn’t wish for ski racks or anything but they toys & books they requested were out of stock at the mall near our place. We were done shopping in an hour and a half, plus got some little things to give to their classmates and teachers.

We are sticking with one gift per child this year – since they requested big ticket items to begin with! Haha!

The next day, we went to the mall again, this time with the kids. Martha needed to go to the dentist and we looked for their Christmas outfits. We are going to go black, white and grey again this year. (Kami na festive family eh!). Hopefully, we can squeeze in a pro family portrait after Mato’s birthday.

They gave away cute little pencils to their classmates this year. (Thank you SM, you truly got it all).

I also was able to get our Christmas card done:

(Hurray!)

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*Missed Day 9th.

Day 10:

Finally able to finish a huge workload thanks to friends who helped. Now I have money for Christmas shopping! (I did not sleep for almost a week because of this).
Mrs.BNP 2011

Day 11:

Watched ELF the movie

Day 12:

Attempt at Christmas shopping – FAIL. Obviously, otherwise I would have taken a shot at my Christmas shopping loots

Day 13:

Fruit Tree.
Grocery Shopping Day

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Day 7:

Made the kids letters from Santa (go to www.portablenorthpole.tv).

Day 8:

Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Ultreya

My most favorite of my Mom’s cooking:
Her macaroni:

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We had a very busy month last month but since I knew that December is going to be busier, I bought our Christmas outfits earlier than the usual. I was also too excited so I did my shopping early. When we went to the mall it wasn’t too crowded even on a weekend. I loved it because we were so relaxed and we were not rushing at all. We took our time in checking which dresses would be nice for my kids. When they realized that we were actually shopping for a Christmas outfit, they were ecstatic. They knew that Christmas is just around the corner.

This is one of the reasons why I LOVE the Christmas season. Ever since I was a little girl, my Mom would make it a point to have new clothes for Christmas. It was sort of a big deal for our family. If we have extra money, she would buy new shoes for us too! So now that I have my own family, I want to continue on with the tradition. I want my kids to know that this is a special occasion worth celebrating. Not only we will give gifts to our loved ones but we will also make sure that we go to the church to thank Him for all the blessings for the past years. So far my kids are getting really excited for Christmas. One reason is that they will receive gifts from their Grandparents. I guess, I will have to work more to make them realized that they should be excited in giving gifts instead or receiving. Because of that, they get to appreciate more the things that they currently have and hopefully would not ask for more.

Ysabela is a mother and freelance content writer who loves traveling with her family. She’s currently working on gulvafslibning (floor sanding) articles and other home improvement tips.

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1. Work came in which guaranteed me not worrying about our first month for 2012 (Thank You Ama!)
2. In conjunction with number 2, I am close to zero-ing our CC bill (after four months!). — I do solemnly swear to steer clear of coupon buying sites in 2012.
3. Victoria’s Secret Angels Fashion Show 2011. I like em long legs! Whoa!
4. Excited to complete our shopping later – just buying presents for the little kids. If you are a big kid (read: 12 and above) and are a parent/sibling/working/even if not working – you still get a present from us! LOTSa LOVE!! Sorry honey, we need to save for important events in 2012!
5. I am so excited to give my presents to my husband and son! Wooot! If only Martha is old enough to appreciate one, but when she is older, she will get one too.
6. Matthew is turning 11 next week! 11 years since my life has changed for the better! I became a Mommah!
7. New tunes on my iTunes.
8. Some life lessons on marriage and self-improvement learned the past week. It’s a bitter pill to swallow. But I was able to take it in! I may need continuous bitter pills for maintenance, just in case.
9. Sunshine this week! WOAH! I never knew I’d miss the sun this much! After almost a week and a half of gloomy skies and endless rain – we have sun! And what is so good about it is it’s not hot where we live! It’s just wind, clear skies and sun in the mountains!
10. Lunar eclipse last Saturday. I have not seen an eclipse since I was 6. When I was 6, I saw the moon and sun eclipse each other in broad daylight. Last Saturday I witnessed it at night, but the moon turned bloody red and there was this large white halo around the moon in the sky. It was eerily frightening, if you are superstitious, but very beautiful.

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