Fitness Goals

(Posted in Facebook, 2018)

I have a physiological disability. Thanks to a nothing-short-of-a-miracle time in my life, having surgery and physical therapy, the only sign of it left is that I’m a little short. Ok fine, a LOT short 😂 Heck, I love being called Thumbelina or Polly Pocket. 😁

But the pain was still there, it would sneak up unexpectedly, cracks and pops that have become part of my everyday existence, crippled me to nearly immobility during pregnancy and post partum, and as I healed, eventually became invisible to everyone except those closest to me who’ve seen me at my weakest point. I am extremely grateful to my family who were the source of my strength, and now my Muffin Man, whose unlimited patience and love sees me through my worst moments, 24/7. ❤️

But now... God knew I needed to be strong, and He is healing me inside out. I can honestly say I am stronger now than I’ve ever been in all my years even before my boys, and they are now what fuels my desire to keep going strong. Sure, my disability will always be there, and I am keen to be two steps ahead of it. There are days my back aches and my ankles still hurt, but I’m now thankful to think this is actually the norm! You spend a few hours cooking 3 different meals and deal with 3 rambunctious boys and tell me how you feel afterwards 😂 #strongmommagoals #metabolichealth

Manic Monday

Electric fan mishap

Nosebleed...

Taking a break

All in a morning's work.  😜

To my dear husband, on our 3rd year anniversary,

Three years ago today I walked down that beautiful garden aisle, and not as a lone bride to meet her groom at the very end of it -- as most weddings traditionally go -- but with you by my side, holding my hand.

Just like other brides on their wedding day, I felt that day to be as perfect as perfect can be... never mind that I was a little late in arriving, or that we were both a little (okay, a lot) stressed.  Never mind that we couldn't find the song for our "first kiss" moment, or the chaos and confusion of the pictorials with friends and family, that we didn't have a mic stand for your dad, or even that we didn't get to enjoy the wonderful buffet as much as we liked because of the busyness and the blur of it all... everything still turned out perfectly because God had His hand in every single detail of our wedding -- from the day we first met to the moment we said "I do".

I thought that I already knew what to expect on my big day.  I knew that I was going to cry, and that you were going to cry more.  I knew there were probably a lot of things I might forget, and anticipated the moments I knew I would remember forever.

But what happened at the altar was something that I never would predicted, a surprise I would never forget.

That moment you gave your vows, kneeling down on one knee.

Like a knight in humble reverence, pledging his service, his loyalty... his very life...to me!  You made me feel like a queen, with words that still ring clear and true to this day...

"I, Gabriel Gabriel, pledge to you, Diane Sipin, before God and in the sight of man...to be the best husband that I can be...

... to love you as Christ loved the Church...

...to protect you from harm while there is still breath within me...

...to take care of my health, and to be with you as long as humanly possible ensuring to the best of my ability, that the grief of losing a spouse will be mine to bear...

...I vow to lead our family under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, seeking the Lord at all times in every decision...

....to raise our children in the ways of the Lord and to love them and cherish them as I love and cherish you...

...I vow to remain faithful to you...fleeing from any circumstance that may compromise our unity...

...I bind myself to you from this day forth, to be yours and yours alone as long as we both live."

I thank God for you everyday, my Muffin Man.  3 years down... forever more to go.  Happy anniversary, my love.  I love you. :)

Merry Christmas from The Muffin Family!

Guest posting!

Not here, I meant me!  Who wuddathunk?  :P  Check out my Father's Day post over at Oh No Daddy of Paolo Punzalan, one of the coolest dads I know :)

Mother's Day, take 2!

I would sometimes get roller-coaster thoughts on being a full-time stay-at-home mom (and one with no yaya / helper at that!)... my up days I feel like I wouldn't trade anything to be anywhere else in the world, especially when the boys are perfect angels, on schedule with their feeds and naps, and I have that "supermom" feeling at the end of the day.  Then there are days where I feel so worn out from the tips of my hair down to my toes, juggling my hyperactive toddler and my fussy newborn as the chores pile up undone that I look back fondly on my "carefree" days at the office, even with OT hours and long production shoots. (yes, some days are that bad!)

Then this morning I read this, -- "All mothers are working mothers" - Author unknown.

Stay-at-home, work-at-home, working and overseas --- Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing working moms out there. :)

Second year, second son.  It doesn't get old, and probably never will :)

A funny surprise for me this morning!

Kuya takes a peek :P

Two years later... :)

Happy Anniversary, Mr. Muffin Man :)

from the album The One With Two Curly-Haired Boys
by Oh Happy Day! Birth Photography

Merry Christmas!

Here we go again!

Muffin Baby #2!

Baby's first food!

It was a hilarious time for both mommy and daddy... maybe not so funny for the Muffin Baby. :P  For his first venture into the world of "solid" food that is really just all mush, we are at the moment loving two very helpful resources :  the book "Good Food For Kids" by Dr. Penny Stanway (author of best-selling "Breast is Best") and the website Wholesome Baby Food.com.

The Muffin Man and I knew from the beginning that we were going to make wholesome homemade baby food for the Muffin Baby, with the exception of organic baby cereals for outings and trips, for easy travel, hehe.  Having recently been "converted" to being more conscious about the food we eat -- thanks to Jamie Oliver's controversial documentary "Eat To Save Your Life" -- MM and I try our best to keep our junk food and fast food intake to a minimum, and we want to do the same for MB.

Happy Father's Day, My Muffin Man :)

Just when I thought I couldn't be any more in love with you than I already was... I woke up to this that fine December morning... :)

Happy Father's Day, my love ♥

Linkshare: Can you afford to be a Stay At Home Mom?

photo by www.catilo.net

Sharing a great article today by Rhee of Rainy Days on Mom Days : Can You Afford to be a Stay-at-Home-Mom?

She made a table that you fill up to help you calculate if you can afford to be a stay-at-home mom, or even a stay-at-home dad for that matter, hehe!  You can tweak it to match your current lifestyle and situation but overall it's a pretty good list of what to expect in terms of budgeting and child-related expenses.

When you become a parent, you are faced with a lot of decision-making -- Breast or bottle? Carrier or sling? Home-school or regular school? Cloth or disposable? And so on...and so forth. 

Mother's Day blues

Being a new mom... the feeling is indescribable.

So many emotions all at the same time.

To love to hear him laugh, and see him smile...
 ... but feel my heart break when he cries.

 To ignore the sore feet, tired hands, or aching back...
 ... to lovingly tend to his that are much, much smaller.

To bring him outside, let him travel, and show him off to world...
 ... but at the same time want him home with us instead, safe and sound.

To want to give him anything and everything he will ever want or ask for...
 ... but to be mindful not to spoil him.

To teach him what is good and right,
 ... and to discipline him when he does something that is not.


To be so excited to see what he's like growing up...


and yet...

to wish that he could stay just like this, forever.

Song of Ruth

Ruth In The Fields by Merle Hugues, 1876

"Wherever you go...I shall go. Wherever you live, so shall I live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God too."

We used to sing this song at church, and sometimes during weddings. At the time I just understood the lyrics as they were, but now knowing the story behind the song, it seems a bit odd (?) singing these verses at a wedding, now that I think about it... but I digress.

Have you ever been at a difficult situation... I mean a REALLY difficult one, one that took you out of your comfort zone, and clinging to God seems to be either your only option, or the last thing on your mind?

Goodbye, Mr. Muscle

And no, I'm not talking about The Muffin Man.  Although he's quite worried about saying goodbye to HIS muscles soon if he doesn't start working out again.

Have you ever tried cleaning your sink and faucets with baking soda? Nothing short of amazing! @_@ It gets all nice and shiny and squeaky clean like new. Also works great on stained pots and pans. The Muffin Man also recently used it to clean the bathroom and shower area. He claims he's never seen the shower floor so clean before. I also have a spray bottle with a solution of half-n-half vinegar and water that I use as a general kitchen cleaner for the stove, countertops and fridge.

Why all of a sudden this green-cleaning shenanigan?

Just so you know, I'm not a PETA-maniac or tree-hugger fanatic who'll judge anyone carrying Alcogel or go around naked protesting on the streets, okay? But, from experience, I can tell you I'm quite happy with these 2 home-based cleaners so far.  Our stove has never been as grease-free and clean, and the kitchen sink no longer clogs up or gives off this weird sewer-like smell it used to do once in a while.

We used to go gung-ho with Lysol before, and Mr. Muscle was our best friend... that is, until his kitchen cleaner literally erased all the numbers and markings on our brand-new stove...Argh! Scary huh? Anyway, except for some Pledge and leftover glass-cleaner, I've stopped buying commercial cleaners at home and switched to good ol' baking soda and vinegar recipes.

Why? I dunno... I guess now having a baby at home made me re-think all the fumes I smell from regular cleaners... that CAN'T be good for him. And cleaning with homemade cleaners isn't a new thing to me... I've been reading about them since I was a kid... while my friends read Sweet Valley Twins and Love Notes, I read my mom's Good Housekeeping and Better Homes & Gardens magazines =p. But I guess trying them firsthand made me a convert hehe. And it doesn't hurt that it's safe for my family and good for the environment, too!

Now, the bathroom no longer smells like chlorine after cleaning, and I'm at ease using cleaners around the Muffin Baby. The slight vinegar smell doesn't bother me and it goes away after a few seconds anyway, and keeps odors away too.  To keep ants and bugs at bay, we use organic Citromint oil -- you should try this stuff! works really well, and smells good!

I've tried these on laundry, too. When I received some of my niece's baby clothes, a few had some 3-year-old milk stains that just never washed off. I tried one of the tips on using baking soda and then vinegar during the wash and rinse cycles, and the stains disappeared! Like brand-new now. :) 

If you want to try out homemade cleaners, here are a few links to get you started!

Easy recipes for natural homemade cleaners

Arm & Hammer Home Tips

Natural Healthy Home Cleaning Tips

WARNING!
Do not use vinegar on hardwood floors or unsealed grout.
And don't use baking soda to clean important silver, like jewellery or heirloom silverware. Although some sites say it can clean and shine silver, you might ruin it permanently and you're better off having them cleaned or polished professionally or with a silver polisher.
Also be sure to use distilled white vinegar, or at least 5% acidity.  (actually there are some hardcore moms online who  use vodka for cleaning.  weh.) 

Time management, or rather, lack of it

It's been 3 months since I've had the Muffin Baby, and everyday I'm learning more and more about being a full time mom... nothing teaches quite like hands-on experience! Or sometimes pooped-on-hands experience! =P What have I learned this last quarter of the year?

What keeps YOUR day busy?

Last week, with the Muffinman and Muffin Baby in tow, I went to my old office for a quick visit after a doctor's appointment.  As expected everyone was THRILLED to finally see the baby!  I may have even interrupted a meeting at our CEO's office, but she was just as happy to see him (whew!). 

Undignified

Music is in my blood... my life is filled with it.  My whole family lives for it... my mom and dad and their siblings all sing and play the piano and/or one other instrument (guitar, violin, sax...you name it).  I've played the piano since I was 5...grew up singing Broadway songs thanks to my mom, learned to play the guitar and even at one point, the accordion (!), and throughout my whole college life participated and performed on stage in a choir.  After graduating, I later found

Being "just" a mom

It's been about a month since I've "officially" embraced my new job as stay-at-home-mom, and just like any new job, I am adapting, changing habits, making adjustments, doing the best I can to get an A+ status with the boss -- which in this case, is also Me.  

I've also had some well-meaning loved ones question my decision to be "just a mom" ... throwing all career plans, talents, potential and what-have-yous up in the air to change diapers, do the laundry, and tend to a crying infant.

I, of course, just

Muffin Treats for Mrs Muffinman

(let me say in advance that the following blog entry is in no way sponsored in any kind hehe!)

--------------------

Lately the Muffin Baby's been taking in a lot more milk than I can pump while breastfeeding in between, and it seems he'd wake up hungrier than ever... it's been like a tag-team marathon all week, I'm beyond exhausted!  O_o

I got frustrated especially since just the other week our pedia told us Muffin Baby's been gaining weight excellently, and that meant my milk supply was good.  I started to wonder if there were any safe medicines or something that I could take to help me with my milk supply to keep up with MB's growing demands. 

Like an answered prayer, just the other day I read about these "lactation treats" via Eliza in "Mommy Treats: More Than Just Milk and Cookies".  She talked about lactation cookies and muffins (!) baked by Paula Loot of Mommy Treats.

photo by mommytreats.multiply.com

Well well!  Of course I couldn't resist and