A Fil-Am Journey

OUR FAMILY UPDATE

2009-12-02T20:19:00.014-05:00

I think we have settled into a routine for the time being.....we are obviously back home and everyone is doing well. Dylan is growing and growing, Mommy is getting stronger and stronger, Daniel is warming up to his brother so much and Daddy is happier than ever! Here are a few photos of our growing family.

Mommy and Daddy enjoying some special time together!

Daniel and Dylan actually sleeping at the same time!! Small miracle!

Here is Dylan - wide awake, beautiful eyes and looking all around!

Daniel kissing his little brother - we're so proud of him for loving his little brother so much!!

Daddy and the boys both sound asleep.

Daniel is warming up to the reality of having a little brother. He runs to Dylan whenever he cries, he kisses him endlessly and he will even give him a little headbutt just to remind him who's the oldest!

Another pic of our precious anak.

Caught in the act!! Always hungry and always sleepy!

Dylan drifting off the sleep in his swing!!

ONLINE DEGREE FROM USC

2009-12-02T19:49:00.005-05:00

Earning a degree is just as important now as ever before. But with our busy lifestyles, it is sometimes difficult to ever think about going to college and devoting so much time on the road going to and from classes. That's why online colleges are fast becoming the standard in education. So many schools now allow you to take a course of study right in the privacy of your own home. You can actually go to college online, get a degree, and professionally market yourself in the workplace for a better job! And, like it or not, we know that sometimes a bachelors degree is not always enough, especially in the field of education.

One of the best online graduate programs in the country is the USC Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC. They offer current educators and aspiring teachers the prestige of earning a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from an elite research university with the convenience and flexibility of studying online. USC offers a School of Education which has been ranked #22 in the United States, and #9 among all private universities by US News and World Report. You will have access to all of USC's top ranked faculty and every available resource just as if you were attending in person! And they have an incredible tuition reimbursement program which makes it financially feasible for almost anyone. Imagine enrolling and graduating from such a school and being a part of the Trojan tradition for life!

For program information, simply click on the preceding link and you will be able to see for yourself the wonderful and unique opportunity of getting your Masters in Education from USC!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.

DYLAN GLENN IS HERE!!

2009-11-23T17:38:00.031-05:00

The big day arrived and our son Dylan Glenn was born on November 20th at 11:30am!! He weighed 8lbs 9.2 oz and 21.5 inches. His Daddy was 21 inches when he was born so Dylan will be even taller!?!! He and Mommy are doing so very well and everyone is back home now resting. Thank you Lord for our beautiful baby boy!! Here are some "before and after" photos - enjoy!!

Here we are about 10 minutes from being taken back to the C-Section room for the delivery.

I took this picture while waiting outside the delivery room. They were giving Debbie anesthesia and allowed me in the room once everything was settled.

And here is Dylan about 30 seconds after being delivered!! He arrived at exactly 11:30am. Since he was delivered by C-section, he had more fluid in his lungs that needed to come out so the nurses are working on him here.

Here is our angel resting just shortly after applying the antibiotic cream to his eyes.

Proud, proud, proud Daddy holding Dylan in the nursery.

Mommy and Dylan back in the room after the delivery!! Tired but oh so happy!!

Our precious Dylan sleeping soundly after the big day! Looks like his Kuya!!

Daniel is now a Kuya and as expected, was a little jealous. He will come around and we are sure they will be the best of friends.

Daniel giving his little brother a nice kiss!!

Daddy and his boys!!

Here is Evelyn, our Filipino nurse - we met her when we had Daniel and were lucky enough that she was working while we were there with Dylan!!

Our little angel, sleeping peacefully!

Daniel was intrigued with the remote for the TV....see the red button at the bottom of the remote? He pushed that about 15 times - it's the call button for the nurses!!

Mommy and her boys!!

Mommy rocking Dylan right before we left for home.

Our good friend Annie paid Dylan a visit!! She is Daniel's Ninang. A special thank you to Annie for getting up at 5:00am to cook and deliver to the hospital Debbie's favorite soup. Thank you so much!!

Daniel, relaxing and taking it easy before taking Dylan home.

Another good friend, Trina (Dylan's soon to be Ninang), visiting Dylan - a special thank you to Trina for keeping Daniel for us during the first couple of days. She also spent the night at the hospital with Debbie so I could be home with Daniel. Thank you so much!!

Our sweet Dylan sleeping peacefully in his crib for the first time!

Dylan is all bundled up ready to go to his first doctor's appointment.

Here he is at the doctor for his first checkup!! Perfect bill of health!!!

Wide awake at his doctor's appointment - beautiful eyes just like his Mommy!!

Uncharacteristically sober picture of Daniel - still thinking about being a Kuya for the first time. He has such a loving heart and we know he will love his little brother so much. It's an adjustment for him too!!

Dylan receiving his first visitors at home. Barry, Vilma and Jhona came to visit him and we appreciate them so much!!

LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN

2009-11-18T20:36:00.008-05:00

The countdown is on and Daniel's baby brother will be here soon! He is getting the most out of every day as very soon his little brother will be here taking up a lot of Mommy and Daddy's time! Here are a few pictures before the big day gets here.......

Debbie looks so gorgeous whether she is pregnant or not. Here she is at 9 months and ever so close to the big day. Your prayers are appreciated for a safe and perfect delivery!

Daniel and Daddy enjoying one of the few quiet moments he will let us have. He's all boy and very soon will be a Kuya...........we know he will set a good example for his little brother.....right?

Our handsome anak and soon to be Kuya......Daniel is such a happy boy and we are thrilled he will be a big brother very soon.

We are coveting your prayers at this time as the big day draws near........we will certainly post pictures of our Dylan Glenn once he is born and he and Mommy are resting.

IT WAS SOOOOOOO WORTH THE MONEY!!

2009-11-18T20:30:00.004-05:00

We broke down and spend $55+ dollars to watch the Pacman defeat Cotto on HBO On Demand!!! It was thrilling to say the least and Debbie almost went into labor during the first few rounds. I remember us looking at each other and commenting on how tough Cotto was and that maybe Pacquiao was in for a difficult fight. But after the "first" knockdown, our blood pressure started to rise and we watched with unbelieveable excitement as he totally dominated Cotto and finally finished him off. We actually began to feel sorry for Cotto hoping they would stop the fight sooner but...........that took care of itself. Can't remember who the undercards were.........

OH' THE CHANGES WE'VE BEEN THROUGH

2009-11-18T20:27:00.001-05:00

This video takes about 4 minutes but it will blow your mind in terms of what we have been through and all the improvements and innovations through the years. It's actually very inspiring - enjoy!!

TAPPING YOUR FOOT TO THE CLASSICS

2009-10-19T19:38:00.002-04:00

This lasts a little over three minutes but it's fun to watch and if you are a movie fan, you will certainly enjoy it. Be patient as it starts out slow but the catchy tune will soon captivate you. Enjoy!

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

2009-10-19T19:16:00.005-04:00

New and innovative ways to fight medical diseases are being born everyday. Research is showing over and over that one of the keys to fighting these diseases lies in our blood. Stem cells in our blood are proving to be one of the more effective ways of fighting diseases such as leukemia, anemia, lymphoma, diabetes, cerebral palsy and now research shows it can fight breast cancer! Which is why Cryo Cell, the leader in stem cell research, has teamed up with the National Institute of Health (NIH) to explore the potential utilization of menstrual stem cells to treat breast cancer. The partnership is underway to better understand the C’elle stem cells and their potential benefit for the treatment of breast cancer.

And right now for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cryo-Cell is offering contributions to the Susan B. Komen Foundation as follows:

$50 for each purchase of the “Protect Baby, Protect Mom” service
$25 for each purchase of the “C’elle Menstrual Stem Cell” service

This C'Elle Breast Cancer Donation and Cyro-Cell Breast Cancer Donation will go a long way toward finding the most effective treatments for breast cancer. As noted earlier, the key within our blood is the stem cells which means this subject can be controversial - but as you can see, the benefits of such research are numerous. The value of menstrual blood and the stem cells within cannot be overstated. To learn more about this important subject, simply click on any of the above links. The information found is life-saving.

ARNEL PINEDA ON OPRAH

2009-10-06T21:27:00.005-04:00

Arnel Pineda and the rest of the members of the rock band “Journey” recently guested on Oprah. During the show, Journey's Filipino front man could not believe that he was being interviewed by no less than Winfrey herself. "I'm facing you Winfrey right now. You are one of the biggest names in show business and I'm facing you. It's like… I'm not allowed to be here but I'm here. And I thank God for that," he said. - Yahoo News

I am always amazed at the humble attitude Arnel has even after earning millions and seeing the world doing what he loves. In spite of the sudden fame and fortune, he has maintained his "Filipino" spirit. Check out the YouTube video here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN MICHAEL!!

2009-10-06T20:23:00.001-04:00

Daniel's been a busy boy lately as he has had a couple of friend's birthday parties to attend. Here are a few photos from the birthday party of his friend John Michael who celebrated his 2nd birthday with a party at his church. As you can imagine, the day was filled with great food and plenty of fun!! And, in case you hadn't already guessed, Daniel fell asleep on the way home. Enjoy!!

Here is the birthday boy in one of his famous "cheese" moments!! Cutie John!! Daniel was a little busy at the moment.......

Daniel and Mommy enjoying the fun!!

Here, the birthday boy is getting ready to make a wish and blow out his candle!

Mission accomplished!! Now it's time to eat!!

Daniel enjoyed all the kids and especially all the toys in the nursery! He played from one end to the other!

Here, the Mommies enjoy a quick break from all the kids. Thank you to John and family for inviting us all to his wonderful party!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH!!!

2009-10-06T20:20:00.008-04:00

We had another birthday party to attend....or should I say another birthday Daniel was invited to!! We had a great time and our little son thoroughly enjoyed himself as well!! Hope you enjoy the pics!

Never camera shy, here is Daniel in the middle of a crowd enjoying himself!

My Sweetheart and her friend (Daniel's Ninang) posing for the camera!

Here are the ladies getting together for a pose - anyone notice how the guys never get together for a picture?

Cutie pie Sarah, the birthday girl, surrounded by lots of friends getting ready to make a wish and blow out her candles!

This little girl caught Daniel's attention. "Hey, where'd you get the candy? Can I have a bite?"

Getting no reaction, Daniel finally confronts her. "Seriously, let me have a bite!!"

A special thank you to goes out to Sarah and her family for inviting us to celebrate this wonderful birthday occassion!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNY!!

2009-10-06T20:08:00.008-04:00

Mr. Popular gets another invitation to celebrate the birthday of his friend Jenny! She turned 15 and she and her family are good friends of our family. Enjoy the photos!!

Daniel, his good friend William and the birthday girl!

Daniel took a moment to get away from the action and sneak upstairs. Fortunately, his Mommy caught up with him!

The "girls" posing with the birthday girl!

Jenny and some of her friends posing for a birthday photo!

Looks like everyone was tired from all the partying!

Lastly, all the kids enjoying pizza and birthday cake! A special thank you to Jenny for inviting us to celebrate her special day!!

COOKING ANYONE??

2009-10-03T09:32:00.004-04:00

The Midwest has always had a special place in my heart and the reasons are many. But one of the main reasons is the atmosphere created by the beauty of the land and the goodness of the people. One of my favorite places in the Midwest is Branson, Missouri. Branson is an entertainment capital in the Midwest and has a lot to offer both young and old. They have a variety of shows that include magicians, rock 'n' roll, country, family harmonies, comedy, variety, dinner shows, gospel, and well-known performers that make appearances. Also, it is little known that Branson, Missouri has more theater seats than Broadway. And right now during the onset of the Fall months it is the perfect time to visit.

The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel has a special package they have put together just for this time of year. The weekend of October 16th and 17th at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel they will be celebrating Cooking School Weekend. The Hotel’s very own Chef, Nathan Read, will be featured as he teaches participants how to prepare the appetizers that he served at the Wine Tasting when the participants arrived. Later, the guests will experience a lavish four-course dinner paired with appropriate wines and then learn how to prepare the featured meal the following morning. It's an incredible experience for the experienced cook as well as those wishing to learn more. This is a one-of-a-kind package!!

Branson is located in a beautiful part of the country that has so much to offer. From championship golf courses, lakes and museums to 49 live entertainment theaters, Branson offers the perfect family get-away! I would encourage you to click on the above link and discover for yourself the beauty of Branson.

MORE TO COME?

2009-09-29T20:30:00.004-04:00

Hundreds of thousands of exhausted Philippine flood survivors crammed into schools, gymnasiums, churches and other makeshift shelters on Tuesday as the death toll from the weekend disaster soared to 246. - Tue Sep 29, 1:14 pm ET

And there's more to come - the World Meteorological Organization said in Geneva a new tropical depression had formed east of the Philippines on Tuesday, although it was too soon to predict whether it would form a cycle that would reach the archipelago. The only thing to do is to send our prayers and support. I heard the President opened up the Presidential Palace and allowed some of the flood victims to enter. Nice gesture.

THAT'S A HUGE BABY!!!!

2009-09-28T19:39:00.000-04:00

An Indonesian woman has given birth to an 19.2-pound baby boy, the heaviest newborn ever recorded in the country, a doctor said Wednesday. The baby, who is still unnamed and is 24.4 inches long, was born by Cesarean section Monday at a public hospital in North Sumatra province. - AFP

Evidently the mother had diabetes and the baby received too much glucose during the pregnancy. I love the way the other baby is looking at him. Can you imagine breastfeeding him? In any event, that's one HUGE baby!!!!

2010 CAMARO GIVEAWAY

2009-09-28T19:26:00.002-04:00

Have you heard about the Camaro Sweepstakes? Charter Communications is giving away the hard to find 2010 Camaro 2SS just in the nick of time for the back to school rush. This truly is the best 'back to school' deal online right now for high speed, speaking of the car and the internet service! They had been running their very successful laptop giveaway and even extended the contest for an additional two months. Many laptops were given away during that contest and now it's time to give away an even bigger prize - now they are giving away one of the fastest cars in North America, a 2010 Camaro, and this contest runs from September 15th to November 26th at 12:00 noon.

When comparing, you will find that Charter Communications has the best prices out there. When you sign up for one of their services you will receive a free gift card. In times like these, that is a tremendous give-a-way. You can get a $100 gift card when you buy 3 Charter services, $50 gift card for 2 services, and $25 gift card when you buy 1 Charter service! Simply click on any of the links in this post and you will be taken to their website where you can read all the details about this great offer.

Charter Communications offers a great deal on Digital Home™, High-Speed Internet and Telephone services plus a chance to win a valuable prize. Also, you can follow Charter on Twitter and Charter on Facebook. Be sure to click any of the above links and check out the great deals and the great giveaways from Charter Communications!

IT'S A BABY SHOWER!!!

2009-09-22T19:36:00.015-04:00

Our Pinoy friends recently threw a baby shower for us and we celebrated the upcoming birth of our son, Dylan Glenn!! Below are some pictures from the party and as, always, we had such a great time!! And, of course, the food was delicious and plentiful!! Hope you enjoy them!

A very special thank you goes out to all our friends who gave us this party. You are loved and appreciated more than we can ever say. Thank you again and God bless.

CATCHING UP WITH DANIEL!!!

2009-09-15T19:34:00.008-04:00

Daniel has been a busy boy lately having friends over, playing at McDonald's and also enjoying some time at the park. He continues to grow and I predict he will surpass his Mommy's height in about 4th grade......we'll see!! Anyway, I hope you enjoy the pictures and don't forget to register to vote, all ye Filipinos!

Here is Daniel with his buddies - instead of dinner and a movie they enjoy bananas and a movie together. Little Einstein or Super Why probably.

Here he is at McDonald's enjoying some play time. In fact he enjoyed it so much he decided to take a virus home with him! Good news though, he is all better and back to himself!

Daddy and son posing at McDonald's.....soooooooo proud of him!!!!!!!!

Here I am attempting to teach Daniel the finer points of "hanging in there" so to speak. Actually he is quite the dare devil and won't hesitate to climb up the ladders and stairs at the park....definitely not acrophobic.

You can almost hear him saying, "vrooom. vrooom"....he is getting into driving more and more. The joke around the house is he will have his license before his Mommy does!! But not really.......

One final time down the slide before we head off for home.

Daniel is preparing with us for the arrival of his little brother. He loves listening to the heartbeat and even feeling his little brother move around inside his Mommy's tummy. He calls him 'baby' but tries to say his name, Dylan. We are so proud of our boys and know they will be super close brothers their whole lives. Since Daniel is the oldest, he gets to be President of the Philippines and Dylan will be his Vice President. Then when Daniel's term is up, Dylan will be President........just to be fair.

HERE WE GO!!

2009-09-10T19:48:00.002-04:00

Senator Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino the son of the late President Corazon Aquino, makes the 'L' sign for Laban or fight as he joins the crowd after announcing his intention to run for the president in next year's election....

2010 will prove to be a pivotal year for the Philippines. Based on who is elected, the country will either continue to be raped by high level politicians who actually enjoy the country's third world status and poverty OR the country will begin to dig themselves out of a situation where they rely less on government and more on their own hard work. Entrepreneurs and hard working citizens need to rise up in the Philippines and elect someone who will enable them...and not disable them as in the past.

It will be interesting to watch and don't forget to register to vote!!!!

REHAB IN LAS VEGAS!

2009-09-10T19:09:00.003-04:00

truTv does it again! They have nailed another hit reality TV show - truTV's Rehab has a new season which premiered on September 1 and airs on Tuesdays at 10p/9c.

What is Rehab? It is the hottest party in the world’s sexiest city - a party at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas! Right there you know the show gets wild. But Rehab is more - it takes place at the hotel pool and things get even more stirred up with celebrity performances, even more partiers and new Rehab security staffers trying to learn the ropes. In addition, the neighboring hotels have their own pool parties to keep the competition going! This makes Rehab the hottest party going. The show reminds me of a college party I went to near a beach. Of course there was too much alcohol which created a lose atmosphere and plenty of party goers swimming way too far out into the ocean. Life guards had to rescue three girls who lost their strength and couldn't tread water any more - the situation actually got a little dangerous, but they were rescued and all ended well.

And right now you have a chance to party like a rock star at Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas by entering their contest at the following site - you can join the sweepstakes to win by visiting: http://www.getrehabready.com/index.html#link=ssprhbswp. Be certain to read all the rules of the contest and enter for a chance to win!! Also - remember to clink the above video to get a good taste of what the program is about!

Rehab is one of truTV's hit real life shows and they are giving you the chance to join the fun! Of course you want to avoid any party "fouls" - like drinking too much and mouthing off to the security personnel - or becoming too aggressive with someone who gives you the brush off! You want to avoid these but you will surely see plenty of this on Rehab!

HOW 'BOUT THEM NORTH KOREANS?

2009-09-03T21:03:00.004-04:00

Not long ago those rascal North Koreans put the fear of God in Hawaii and their neighboring countries. Defiant as always, colored with sprinkles of evil, North Korean will get themselves in huge trouble in the not too distant future.

The picture here is a satellite view of the moment they shot their missile into the ocean. Just a test run, a "just in case" mission - but against all UN regulations and human common sense. With Kim Jong Il handing over the reigns to his son, expect their "aggressive" spirit to become even more intense. What a shame.

What an incredible picture from one of the worst countries on earth. Disclaimer - the majority of North Koreans are good people - they are just ruled by a few evil people and a military blindly obeying every order. Any thoughts?

THE VOICE OF AN HP

2009-09-03T19:05:00.004-04:00

My job is harder than it looks. People bang on me when I am not fast enough, yell at me when I am trying to concentrate and sometimes use me so much, I get tired. After a while, if I am not properly taken care of, I really begin to slow down and feel so sluggish. After a few years, if not taken care of, then I become somewhat obsolete and probably replaced. However, I am good looking and should be taken care of - my owners should provide software and operating system upgrades regularly. They should also clean and dust me once a week. However, if I had my choice, I would rather be a desktop than a laptop. Preferably one of those slim and sleek HP Pavilions. They look so sharp!

You guessed it, that is the voice of a computer. An HP computer to be specific. Hewlett Packard computers have, for years and years, had a tremendous reputation for looks and performance. And right now they have many specials on their website. One of particular interest is this offer - you can get $30 off any orders of $150 or greater at the HP Home Store. Simply use coupon code SV2132. This offer is valid through 10/31 or while supplies last. Restrictions and exclusions apply.

Simply click the above link and peruse their website. You will find the best computers at the best possible prices and with the above coupon, you can't lose!! Check them out today!

THE WEEKEND IN PICTURES

2009-09-01T19:26:00.011-04:00

We had a great time this past weekend attending a birthday party for a friend's child. The birthday boy was a happy camper - literally - as the party was held at Georgia Jellystone Park - here is the link for you to see. Mixed in are some photos of a recent get together with some friends and their kids as well - hope you enjoy!

Daniel doesn't mind being surrounded by girls!

Here is an overview picture of the party about to begin - lots of Pinoys and lots of Pinoy food!! Oh yeah, a few Americans were there as well...can't forget the husbands!

The Mommies all posing during a welcome break from the kids!

Daniel and his friend get a little daring trying to climb the fence - actually there are a bunch of ants on the ground they are trying to get away from!

Trying to gather some courage............

Once he got the courage he couldn't stop - Daniel loves the water!

Pausing for a quick drink - he already can improvise!

More fun with some of Daniel's friends!

One last pose at the end of a fun day! Everyone looks tired.....but happy!!

THE FANTASY FOOTBALL EDGE

2009-08-29T19:14:00.005-04:00

Fantasy sports these days are HUGE!! Think of a sport and more than likely their is a fantasy sport for it as well. One of the biggest, most popular and most successful of the fantasy sports is football. Fantasy football began a few years ago and today is played by thousands and thousands of people. There are some seriously devoted players of fantasy football who are looking to do one thing - win!! It pays to have an edge when playing fantasy football and the best way is to have a one-stop source for all fantasy football facts and information and that is a brand new site called WaiverWire.

WaiverWire was started by former Wall Street executives whose goal was to provide the best, most advanced fantasy sports tools and information available. They succeeded. WaiverWire has the following:

Fantasy football draft software
Fantasy football news
Fantasy football analysis
Fantasy football forum
Fantasy football research
Access to over 100 Local NFL team news feeds
Fantasy football rankings
Fantasy player comparisons
And much, much, more

My husband loves football and has been talking about getting into a fantasy football league. This site would definitely give him the edge he needs to make smart choices and decisions concerning "his" team. He could use the analysis and news found there to make informed decisions about who to have on his team, who to trade and so on. Maybe you know someone as well who loves the game and wants to play fantasy football. Just click the above link to learn more and get your man involved in fantasy football today!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DANIEL

2009-08-26T20:03:00.008-04:00

Strapped in and ready for the day!

Mommy, he bit me!! Get me out of here!!!!

Grocery shopping with a buddy! Notice the change of clothes?

Mommy and Daniel at the park! Notice the change of clothes?

Our sweet anak having a great time at the park!

Daring and adventuresome Daniel!

Daddy and Daniel going down the slide!!!!!

Now going down the little slide alone!