3.31.2013

Hooray! Jesus is risen! {wiws Easter edition}

The church is packed!
We had to give up our regular pew and had to be in church not 2 minutes early or late but 30 mins early just to get a spot. So nice to see this many people dressed up for Christ praising and worshipping him. I wish it's always this packed during regular Sundays. Like Sundays of ordinary time.
God will be thrilled!

Here's what the D-crew looked like:



















Ootd:
Mum of the house
Dress: banana republic
Cardi: jcrew
Heels: corso como via Nordstrom rack similar
Handbag: Burberry
Bump: baby D3


Isabel:
Dress: iris and ivy from Nordstrom
Cardi: united colors of Benetton
Boots and tights: target


Daniel:
Shirt: Janie and jack
Tie: janie and jack similar


Linking up with:
FLAP
Camp Patton

Go see more Easter outfits!


3.28.2013

Triduum

It's Holy Thursday, the first day of the Triduum. The most Holiest days of our Lenten season. I'm gaining more and more appreciation of our solemn celebration of our Lord's paschal mystery.

To help me prepare for these holy days, I found this great resource via a Concord pastor.

Study the scripture readings
Meditate on them
Explore early church theologians and their writings

A few Picts to share till we blog again on Easter:




The snow bunnies enjoyed the last snowfall (I hope) till December 2013! (Wishin' and hopin')




I stayed inside the warm, cozy house (hence the glare of our sliding door)




Isabel's done --- obviously! Or is she making a snow angel?

Now off to a silent peaceful Triduum.....

Ciao!


3.27.2013

Five Favorites -- Lenten traditions

1.
Stations of the Cross



In the Philippines, we have a procession with the stations of the cross spread throughout the town. It's basically an entire afternoon deal. There's usually a young man who volunteers as Christ and carries the wooden cross in a hotttt, hottttt summer day. {March, April, May are the summer months in the Philippines}
Be forewarned when you google "stations of the cross and Philippines". You might end up looking at images {parental discretion please} that are quite gruesome.
There are re-enactments of crucifixion in the Philippines {NOT one of my favorites}

2.
Fish Fry

Source

My husband and I went to Fish Fry Friday night as a date night. This was before kids. We definitely know how to have fun {insert sarcastic grin}.... And support our parish.

3.
Last Supper- Holy Meal during Holy Week

Source

Another Filipino tradition. During weekdays of Holy week, a family or two is in charge of a meal served after Mass. My grandma made pancit and parishioners and non-parishioners were invited. I remember serving the little kids in our town. I enjoyed it.

4.
Seven last words of Christ



Another tradition from my home parish in the Philippines. From 12p-3p, seven speakers reflect on the seven last words of Christ.

Here are some reflections I found browsing around:
From OSV
From NCR
From Patheos

5.
Best of all: Easter vigil procession
Salubong
Welcome, reception,
Verb: to meet or receive someone who has just come







Source




Source

Caption:
Filipinos watch a black veil being lifted from a statue of Mother Mary (R) during an Easter Sunday 'Salubong' procession in Manila, Philippines 04 April 2010. Filipino Catholics mark Easter Sunday with the 'Salubong', a re-enactment of the biblical account of the Risen Jesus Christ reuniting with the sorrowful Mother Mary. EPA/ROLEX DELA PENA

Holy Week is definitely growing closer and closer to my heart. I used to associate it with sacrifice, sadness, death. And thats it. I stop there. I never go beyond the fasting. I used to wonder when priests say it's their favorite season ---- over advent! Come on, really?!

Now I get it. And still getting it.

We don't stop at the cross. We don't stop at death.

Lent culminates on Easter Sunday. Our savior died on the cross but on the third day, he defeated death and rose from the dead.

That's the beauty of Lent. So rich and full of meaning. Finding strength and peace in the midst of fasting, abstinence and sacrifice.

Then our Easter Sunday comes. Our reward at the end of the race.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7


Have a blessed Holy Week.

Follow on Bloglovin

Disclaimer:
No link ups this week because of Holy Week. I went ahead and posted one five faves edition this week to share my favorite Lenten traditions.


3.26.2013

Taste-y Tuesdays {Ginger honey salmon}

One of my go-to entrees is anything baked/broiled salmon. I have 4-5 recipes now with salmon that I pretty much rotate. My husband likes salmon. Even my picky Daniel eats salmon. Winner!

We always have frozen farm raised atlantic salmon from Costco. Or if there's a good sale of fresh salmon from our local grocery then I definitely get a pound or so.

Here's my take on a Costco recipe. We don't have sake but we sure have a lot of white wine. It Turned out yummy when I did my modifications. I made it for Sunday lunch. However I didn't get a chance to take a pict to share. The family was hungry and ate it all.

What I used:
3 oz of white wine (honestly I was very generous with my marinade) ie I used more.
3 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tbsp grated ginger
Pepper
3 4-6 oz portions frozen salmon (thawed)
Honey
Lemon wedges

How I did it:
Preheat the broiler

In a shallow casserole dish, mix white wine, soy sauce, ginger and pepper.

Pierce salmon with a fork. Place in the casserole with the marinade. Drizzle generously with honey.

Place casserole under broiler on top oven rack. Broil 3-5 minutes until salmon begins to brown.

Remove from broiler. Turn the salmon. Generously drizzle the other side of the salmon with honey.

Broil 3-5 minutes or until browned.

Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over salmon.

Another easy recipe for the Delima family.

Try it!






3.25.2013

Belly bump week #14

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Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart...
Jeremiah 1:5

How far along are you?
14 weeks
Best Moment this week?
Pacers game with my boys Daniel and Derrick. We sat next to a family of four. Also with a firstborn son and a baby girl. They made it through the first quarter then had to leave. Baby girl was fussing.
{hence we haven't included Isabel to our Pacers nights out} there's no way we could have made it to the final quarter.
Prayer requests?
Prayerful Holy Week for all
Safe travels because of the winter storm
Baby's growth?
He or she measures 3 1/2 inches – about the size of a lemon – and weighs 1 1/2 ounces {source}
Symptoms?
My nausea is almost nonexistent. And results showing on my appetite and weight gain.
Weight gain (or loss)?
+8-9
Cravings?
Nothin' really
Food Aversions?
Nothing too major.
What Made Me Cry This Week?
The book I'm reading right now:

I grieved for all those unborn babies
I rejoiced when Abby Johnson saw the truth and became a pro-lifer
I finished the book in 2 days! I googled her quickly to see if she joined the Catholic Church and she did! I cried again.
Praise God!
Sleep?
I seem to have a headache if I sleep past 9 hours. But I don't have a problem taking naps.
Maternity Clothes?
Bella band. Not giving up those skinnies or work pants. Though they're getting tight. My belly getting bigger is not the baby. It's fat.
Gender?
???
Movement?
I'm imagining flutters.
What I miss....
warm weather.
What I'm looking forward to....
warm weather
Thoughts from the family....
Daniel wants a baby brother. He hasn't changed his mind.
Something I'm Excited About....
Holy Week!

Linking up with Sarah and other growing bellies.

3.24.2013

Go I. U. {wiws vol 18}

This is what I wore to the vigil Mass for Palm Sunday. (So technically what I wore Saturday)
Inspired by march madness and Hoosier pride color.
Also it's the start of Holy Week. Red reminds me of Passion of our Lord. And yes, I matched the priest's vestments.




Caught off guard here. My firstborn knows how to work the iPhone better than my father in law.




This week I was fortunate to capture cuteness. The kiddos and hubs are joining me.


At Lolo and Lola's {grandpa and grandma} house.
Isabel's outfit:
Tunic: gift
Tights with bows: old navy
Lips: my true red L'oreal lipstick (I just dabbed a little bit!)



My Daniel:
So cute with his skinnies!
Sweater: circo via target
Skinny jeans: old navy
Spider-Man shoes: stride rite
Smile: all Derrick




My outfit:
Details:
Sweater: express
Tights: VS pink
Moccasins: Minnetonka

The accessories:

Earrings: from the Philippines. From Isabel's GodMom
Bracelet: from a boutique in French Lick
My wedding set: emerald cut sapphire as my engagement stone, middle band is my wedding band with chanel set diamonds, and anniversary band with more sapphires.
{who loves sapphires?}

For more outfit inspirations: check our favorite hosts: finelinenandpurple and lily among thorns.

Have a prayerful Holy Week!

3.22.2013

7 quick takes vol 23

It's Friday = 7qt with Jen.

1...
Woe to the cold winter days.
It's not even winter anymore. We have officially celebrated the vernal equinox -- which means spring is here! Oh. Really.
Grace hates the cold. I hate it more. I'm a warm blooded girl born in the tropics. Please oh please let the 28F windy days gooooo away. It puts me in the bad mood and I'm sorry to say I take it out on the kids when I buckle them in their carseats. Well, it's my fault anyway for wearing a skirt when it's this windy. Tights, knee high boots and long puffer coat do not block the wind when my knee and an inch or two of my leg are exposed!

2...
This is when a blog really helps. I can vent about this big man who was not happy with my parking skillzzzz.
From a block away I saw the closest empty slot. Usually I don't mind the walk but it's a blistery day in Indy. {see quick take#1}
So I park.
Then I heard a Va-room from a car next to me. You know that sound they make when they taunt each other in drag racing. I look over and saw a man next to me. In his red car.
I ignore him. The sound couldn't possibly be directed at me.
Or so I thought.
On my side mirror I see the red car backed up on another spot behind us. Pretty much.
That's when I knew the va-room was directed at me.
Next I realized I parked an inch next to the white line. Of course my deductive skillzzzz figured out the problem. Or his problem.
I was one of those women who drives a big truck and can't drive. That's what he thinks of course. I got out of my truck {not really a truck but I call my full-sized SUV a truck!} and he shouted at me: "I don't want my car getting dinged. You parked really close."
And my mouth just said: "oh yeah"
He mocked me and repeated: "oh yeah?!"
So now in his mind, I'm one of those women who can't drive and is stupid too.
I got the kids out of the truck. Daniel kept asking: "who's that guy? What's he sayin'?" Over and over. Really loudly too.
I finally covered his mouth and said: "that guy is mad. Stop asking ques. He will hear you."
The big man didn't say anything anymore after that. He was several paces in front of us. We didn't ride the elevator with him. He was already on the public computer when we arrived inside the library lobby.
He acted like I already dinged his car. His red car with a black bra on the grillzzz. I don't think that's even the right term but an ex-boyfriend called those black covers 'bras'.
Thank goodness! My children probably saved me from being gunned down due to my parking skillzzzz.

3...
On a happier note. I got to see the replay of our Pope's inauguration Mass. Thank you EWTN for replaying the broadcast.
A few things that moved me:
--- the pope riding his pope mobile making all those stops to kiss and greet the crowd
--- pope praying in front of St. Peter's tomb
--- the choir singing the Gloria
--- the young cantor who led the responsorial psalm
--- of course the Pope's homily
--- the prayer of the Faithful in several languages {cool}
--- the hymns!
--- everything

4...
Ever think your parents were superheroes when you were young?
My son thinks I am!!!
Meet the lady I was named after. Yes the all-powerful, mighty goddess! Best of all: I'm a TV personality!



My mom saw this show in the 70s and vowed to name her child after this goddess.
Fast forward 7 years: Born and named Sarah Isis!

And I'm a cool action figure! How awesome! Saw this at the children's museum. Coolio

5...
March madness.
I'm infected by this virus! The B-ball virus invading the nation. The Hoosiers actually stand chance. And even Potus has the Hoosiers winning the championship!




6...
I've been at work for two lock-downs in the past 6 months. It's scary stuff. I thought I was gonna have a panic attack.
First: Chemical spill. This past week: another threat on campus.
All I could think of was this face:



And this:



And of course this:



And I did come home. Safe and sound. Thank you Lord.

7...
Picture I'm sharing:
She's a superhero like her mummy:




"Don't mess with me. I'm not in the mood."

Happy Friday y'all!

3.20.2013

Five Favorites (Food edition)

I am quite picky with my food when I am nauseous. I usually eat lean meats and salads. I can minimize the carb intake (I am Asian, we eat a lot of rice!)
But all my strength and reserve always go down the drain when I am pregnant.

So I have to find yummy nutritious meals that won't make my stomach churn or my bottom too big.

1...
I am super crazy for this Greek Yogurt! When my friend (Isabel's GodMom) introduced me to Fage, I know there was no going back. I love the Greek yogurt with honey.




There was a super sale at our grocery this past weekend and all the yogurt with honey were gone! So I decided to mix my own. I bought this (from France!) and added to a regular Fage yogurt and I AM IN LOVE.

2...
This one's not for everybody.
Amazing enough with my super sniffer (which cannot tolerate stir-fry or slow-cooker meals) I can tolerate TUNA! But it has to be the herb and garlic version though. The pouch used to hold 2.5 servings. Now it's only 1 serving. Honestly that's not enough for me. (the bigger version was a bit much) I want something in the middle....




3...
My go-to beverage (water) leaves a metallic taste on my mouth when I am pregnant. I end up not drinking as much so I get lightheaded and orthostatic. So I give in and drink "empty calories". If I have to find something --- it's definitely this:





4...
This is my favorite fruit. Whether I am pregnant or not: I love mango. My number 1 favorite is the soft Manila mango type. They are close enough to the ataulfo type. Soft, juicy oh-so-yummy. I like the crunchy ones second.




Ataulfo below. Tommy Atkins (crunchier ones) top.
My loot from Costco.

5...
And to get rid of the weird after-taste of my meals during pregnancy, I found this!
I have tried the blueberry, goji and pomegranate. I love them all!
I just need 3-4 of those dark chocolate circles and I am good to go. I won't have the sugar high headache either.





Head over to Hallie's for more!

Happy mid-week y'all!


3.18.2013

Belly bump week #13


Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart...
Jeremiah 1:5



Lilypie Pregnancy tickers

How far along are you?
13 weeks
Best Moment this week?
Capturing Isabel's fake smile which is a duplicate of Daniel's and Derrick's
Prayer requests?
Heard about the furlough?

If the federal government doesn't make a budget deal many of the 2.1 million federal employees could be furloughed from work starting in April. In the Defense Department, 800,000 civilian federal workers would have to take one day a week off without pay for 22 weeks starting the last week in April. Other departments are also expecting furloughs for civilian workers. - source <

My hubs is one of those employees that could be furloughed, having to take one day a week off WITHOUT pay. So far our budget will be able to accomodate this cut-back in pay. But it will be tight. I have to do my part and STOP shopping. Asking for some prayers that whatever the decision, I hope it's for the best. I trust God's plan.

What scripture is speaking to you this week?
It's not scripture but Christ's words to St. Francis of Assisi. "Francis, go repair my Church, which, as you see, is falling completely to ruin."
We have a new Pope!
Baby's growth?
Size of a medium shrimp: almost 3 inches long and weighs nearly an ounce.
Symptoms?
It has been a good week. The headache I have is from my congestion. i only have nausea in the morning.... But please don't let me smell anything too strong. I'm still super-sniffer!
Weight gain (or loss)?
+7!
Cravings?
Nothing really
Food Aversions?
I make crock pot recipes for the fam --- and I don't eat them. I guess I see the meat uncooked, I smell the food then I'm turned off.
Sleep?
Looooootttttttttssssssss!
Maternity Clothes?
Bella band
Gender?
Hubs thinks it's a girl
My mom thinks it's a boy
We will just have to see
Movement?
None yet
What I miss....
My other skinny jeans that won't even fit my thighs..... Yes, I'm giving them up this early in my pregnancy.
What I'm looking forward to....
Feeling the baby move and finding out the gender
Thoughts from the family....
My firstborn has been kissing my tummy before going to bed. What a sweet boy. I don't ask him to. He just automatically say good night belly.

Linking up:
With the ladies at MyJoyFilledLife.


3.17.2013

Pinch me.... {Wiws vol 17}

Happy St. Patty's weekend!

I wasn't feeling the green clothes today. But to save my body from some pinching, I wore this bracelet and pair of earrings {both gifts from my mom 2 Christmases ago}.

So why pinch those not decked out in green?
Thanks to trusty Google, here's what I found:
Wearing green on St. Patrick's Day is a tradition that started in the 17th century, when green ribbons and shamrocks were worn to celebrate Ireland's patron saint. The tradition was popularized by Irish immigrants in the United States, who believed that wearing green made you invisible to leprechauns, fairy creatures who would pinch anyone they could see. Pinching those who didn't wear green was meant to remind them that leprechauns could sneak up at any time. Still, only around half of Americans choose to deck themselves out in green for the holiday -- from bhg.com


Ootd: black, blue and green.
Sweater dress: ON
Belt: also old navy
Boots -not shown: Aldo's {very old}
Seashells Bracelet: from my mom
Green earrings also from my mom

Close up of the bracelet. I love it!

Also had brunch with Isabel's godMom.


Happy Sunday!
Joining Emily and Kendra and Rubi of Lily among thorns!
Check out some lovely {maybe green} ensembles!

3.16.2013

Belly bump week #12


Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart...
Jeremiah 1:5


How far along are you?
12 weeks as of 3/7
Best Moment this week?
Seeing the baby move during our ultrasound and bringing the kids to my OB appointment. Daniel heard the baby's heartbeat and he was amazed and could not stop giggling.
Prayer requests?
My URI symptoms to go away soon
Baby's growth?
6 cm per ultrasound!
Symptoms?
Morning nausea... Not so much all day anymore
Medical Stuff?
Nuchal translucency ultrasound done this week and results were within normal range.
Weight gain (or loss)?
+7 lbs
Cravings?
Green tea smoothie with boba
Food Aversions?
Strong flavored foods
Sleep?
Napped quite a bit this past weekend. My pounding headache from my cold is not going away.
Maternity Clothes?
Bella band
Gender?
I think it's a boy! But again I'm not a licensed ultrasonographer. I just wanna see what I wanna see I suppose.
Movement?
None yet
What I miss....
Sushi... Met with some college friends at a Japanese place and cannot even order nigiri...
What I'm looking forward to....
Feeling the baby move
Thoughts from the family....
Daniel has been telling everybody about "baby in mummy's belly"
Something I'm Excited About....
Looking forward to second trimester and getting rid of the all day nausea.
Pregnancy related books you are reading....



Head here and read about other growing bellies!



3.15.2013

7 quick takes vol 22

Another edition of 7quick takes Friday with Jen!

1...
I love the reminder Katie set up on her iPhone so she'd pray for the cardinals. But oh my -- was that the quickest conclave ever???? I didn't even get a chance to place the pict on my lock screen.
Nevertheless, I'm thrilled for our new Pope! And Francis too. What a cool name. My great grandma was Francisca named after St. Francis. And so's my Isabel who is {also a} Francesca after her great great grandma and grandpa who are both named after St. Francis of Assisi.

2...
This article from a catholic mom and pediatrician is just amazing. I'm a proponent of breast feeding and bonding with baby.

3...
Again back to the Pope: I'm so bummed I was not glued to the tube with CNN or MSN when the news broke out. {I was actually working on my project --- only time I could do it at work and away from the kids}
So I closed my file, pulled the external drive and logged out of my email and voila!!! breaking news! Pope Francis and this photo:

Source
I was: who is this man? Thanks to twitter I quickly figured who and where he is from! My twitter feed was very much Catholic. I agree with Jiza it was an awesome feeling.
I listened to EWTN and Al Kresta on my way home. And since I don't have the kids yesterday --- I was on my iPad researching the Net all about our new Pope.
Thanks dwija -- your link was so helpful on twitter. I found out he only has one lung. {of course I was amazed of his humility riding the bus and subway in buenos aires even as an archbishop --- but anything medical related is pretty cool fact for me too!}

4...
Even my hubby who listens to sports radio (all day if he can!) had his tuner set on EWTN. He's excited along with the other 1.2 Billion Catholics!
I certainly am.
Which is pretty amazing. How can I be so light hearted, thrilled, happy etc for a person I've never laid eyes on before and just accept him as the leader of Christ's Church. Well. I thank the Holy Spirit for that. For giving me an accepting heart. I wanna see this holy man in person.

5...
Why do I blog?
I've always journaled when I was young. Kept a prayer journal on and off. I'm not a good writer. I just love to write. And every now and then my mother reads my entries. {I know she mainly wants to see the grand kids Picts. No offense taken Mamey}
Wait till she sees I published 4 posts {oh wait 5! if you count the big reveal!) about my belly bump.

6...
Prayer request:
For my sister and her family. She went through tough times last summer and fall. She has 2 babies in heaven. A niece or nephew would have been full term this week.....

7...
Picture I'm sharing. They have their daddy's smile.

No matter how tough the work day has been --- coming home to this is the sweetest. Thank you Lord for letting me be a momma.

Happy Friday y'all!



3.14.2013

Belly bump week #11


Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart...
Jeremiah 1:5


How far along are you?
11 weeks as of 2/26
Best Moment this week?
Saturday with the fam and a visit to the children's museum! Those geckos are fascinating.
Prayer requests?
Healthy pregnancy
Baby's growth?
Size of a lime!
Symptoms?
All day sickness hasn't left me :(
Weight gain (or loss)?
+5?
Cravings?
Nothing really
Food Aversions?
If I smell it -- forget it....
Sleep?
I should be resting more. Really.
Maternity Clothes?
Started using Bella band for my jeans.
Gender?
No se....
Movement?
Too soon
What I miss....
Soft cheeses and sushi.
What I'm looking forward to....
Feeling more comfortable to tell the world about this blessing
Thoughts from the family....
Daniel is slowly understanding the concept of a baby inside my tummy. (I think) he then says: I want a baby brother........ And just when I thought the conversation is over he continues ---->
And a baby sister, and a baby brother, and a baby sister, and a baby brother. I wants looottttssss of them!
Something I'm Excited About....
When I hit the 12 week mark. I hope the nausea disappears!

Linking up with Sarah and other ladies.


Belly bump week #10


Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart...
Jeremiah 1:5


How far along are you?
10 weeks as of 2/19
Best Moment this week?
Seeing my kids after being gone for a week!
Oh sweet reunion.
Prayer requests?
Healthy pregnancy
Baby's growth?
Size of a kumquat. If you {like me} are not familiar with this fruit: here's a couple of Picts.


Source
Read about the here
So baby is just over an inch long. Cool.
Symptoms?
Metallic taste after drinking my favorite beverage: water.....
Which is a dilemma. I haven't been drinking much so I'm a little lightheaded or orthostatic when I get up... Not good.
Medical Stuff?
Healthy
Praise God.
Weight gain (or loss)?
+5
Cravings?
Carbs
Food Aversions?
Anything too strong smelling
Sleep?
Love it. Need it.
Maternity Clothes?
My regular pants getting a Lil snug.
Gender?
Don't know yet
Movement?
None yet
What I miss....
Sushi
What I'm looking forward to....
Feeling the baby move.
Thoughts from the family....
We finally told them weekend of 2/22-23.
My father in law was speechless.
My mom exclaimed: is this an old ultrasound? {denial}
Then: "oh. Ill have to get a third carseat.. And it won't fit in my car!"
Something I'm Excited About....
My babies seeing the growing belly.
Pregnancy related books you are reading....
Prayerfully expecting

Linking up with Sarah @ My Joy-Filled life
Check out growing bellies!



3.13.2013

Five Favorites - breast feeding edition

Here's my breastfeeding edition of Five Favorites.

1...
If you're a breastfeeding mum, this is a must buy. Also helps when one is attached to the pump every 3-4 hours at work.

2...
This one is a friend of mine. I am not as talented as other mothers with their cardigans and blankets. I have to have this apron-type of thing for nursing cover-up.
I have a blue one for Daniel and pink bright "look at me" cover when I nursed Isabel. So I guess, you could say I am not discrete when nursing.

3...
Medela
Yes they are expensive. But worth it for working mums like me. Like what I said on #1, I was attached to my pump several times during the day. Even more when I worked those 30 hour shifts when I was nursing my firstborn. After two babies and one year of pumping for each one, my medela freestyle is still working.

4...
Boppy pillows
This is not just super useful for nursing but also for propping babies for their daily photo op.
See?

5...
These bras are expensive but definitely my favorite out of all my nursing bras. They need replacements. They've served 30 months of nursing for two kiddos.


Now head over to Hallie's for other Five Faves to get away from all the "boobas" as my son calls them.


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