Cake Art Collections 6

Happy Holidays Everyone.  This season is one of the busiest days in a bakeshop.  A time where our family takes our chances to earn extra even if it means to spend more time working rather than having a vacation. We can have our vacation later.  

My Christmas Decors for 2015

As promised, I am now posting the Christmas decors that I have worked on to decorate our house, business place and our church.  And as mush as possible, I tried not to buy stuffs to make these decorations to save money. So I have to recycle and re-use to finish my Christmas decors. 

Notable November

Rushing for this post cause a lot of things made this month a remarkable one.  Being unable to make a regular posts, I'd rather compile a summary of my month's highlights so not to miss them.

I started this month working with Christmas crafts for our decorations and that occupied my free time.  I'll make a separate post on the Christmas decors.

Running the Race

This morning was a break on our daily routine. We wake up so early cause we needed to be at the Patikarun's venue by 5am.  I encourage pakner4lyf to join this fun run, because I know he may have a chance winning this race. If he wins we can have extra money for EJ's first birthday.  For us this is "Run for EJ's birthday bash."  

This fun run was organized by the Cooperative Union of Batangas.  Of course, our cooperative invited us to join.  Pakner4lyf used to join this kind of competition in his early age.  Last few years he started to run as his form of exercise then loads of work stopped him to continue running.  In this event he only had one week to condition his body again.  I am glad he didn't refuse to join and was positive to join the fun run. 

Cake Art Collections 5

Here are another batch of cakes designs. I want to upload to keep my photo collections updated. I know have been too much busy offline that I do fail to spend time in this blog. I do wish I could have more time to be able to blog (regularly). The cakes I design makes my sanity in its rightful place and its fruit is adding a little income for the family.   

Raising Catterpilar to Butterfly

This quest started one day when I found out a caterpillar last year in my new grown calamansi plant. I decided to take care of the caterpillar and transfer it in temporary container since the plant was too small that there's no enough leaf for him to survive.

Should financial difficulties limit the ministry work?

Every activities costs money there is no such thing as free.  If you get to have something free, then someone paid the price so you can enjoy it freely.  

When the funds are limited what should I do then? It makes me feel sad how our own financial status limits us in doing our ministry work.  A number of times we had these experiences but I didn't give in to the situation not to continue an activity but rather we find ways and be creative to pursue a church project even in a very tight budget. Before, I am not used to encounter financial difficulties when I was living with my parents.

Throw Back Thursday - From Employee to Employer

I used to be an employee for some years before I started to run my own business. This is one of the chapters in my life I'd like to reminisce -  my days working at Pioneer Clinical Laboratory. I took the Medical Technology Board just few months after graduating and was blessed to have passed the Licensure Examination on my first take.  Few days after having the result. I was undecided if I should look out for a job, the other question was where would I go to work but definitely not abroad. You might wonder what limits me working outside the country. I was a PAMET-Safeguard Scholar and one of the agreement was I needed to serve my country for at least two years. This is also the reason why I am forced to look for a job as a Registered Medical Technologist, a sign of my gratitude and sincere appreciation for the privileges I had and it's my time to give back to the organization and for the country.

Going back, I remember I didn't have a hard time to do job hunting.  As soon as the results were released, a lot of employers called me to submit my resume and work for them.  To cut the long story, I chose Pioneer Laboratory because some of my classmates are already there working.  Others say I could have chosen a better job applying in hospitals where opportunities are greater but I know it was God's purpose why I was there.   

I hit a motorcycle and this is how I feel

I found myself to be weird tonight after accidentally hitting a motorcycle in the parking lot. Weird because instead of worrying, I started to feel comfortable and more relaxed after the incident.

This whole day and even the past weeks were very stressful. Maybe one of the reasons I can't concentrate on driving. I don't have a choice this morning but to let my husband leave the car with me since I need to go in the supermarket and shop for groceries. Leaving the car is an additional work since I have to look and care for it.

I have successfully taken care of the car from supermarket going back home. My dilemma going back is where will I park the car. I didn't have a good spot to park the car in the market. I was called twice to move the car because I am blocking other cars when they needed to go out.

Living Every Day

I am grateful now that I am learning to how live everyday without worrying about the future.  Going through difficult times made me stronger and these lead me to see how the God I serve and know is capable of doing miracles.  Still my everyday life gets so busy and busy; I face greater challenges ahead;  but the difference now is that I am starting to handle every task lightly as I learn to effectively communicate with God and trust Him. 

EJ and I have been to his doctor last month and he's doing great.  I know the next visit his complete blood count will all be normal.  Thank you Lord for the miracle of healing.

I may be and still am frightened of different things that are to come but instead of concentrating on those fears, I now pray to have the courage to go on because I also know that nothing will harm me.  I am happy to have accomplished so much things that I guess this post and the attached photos will have me remember the event highlights.

As usual my life is always busy teaching and taking care of the kids. Having four children is not easy. Pakner4lyf and I aims to increase our standard of living so we can support their needs - the whole family needs.  Part of our everyday life is working to improve our business. Because of that I still accept cake orders - sayang ang kita.

We have been busy also with our church's special event last July 28.  The greatest challenge was to lead the congregation to worship.  I had been out of the team for a year but I appreciate their encouragement and patience with me. All in all it was a successful event; it is just because of God's grace.

As I mention a while ago, we are aiming to increase our financial resources so we decided to have a new business venture.  We couldn't do it on our own due to limited funds (we actually don't have the funds). Thankful to have a cooperative who trusted to give us the capital and another business partner sharing to meet the funds.  I have a very supportive father who administered the building construction that made work load easier.  Another great thing was the franchiser is not different to us being our family friend.  I can see that this new business is promising as how it is operating since we opened it last July 4.

Yes, the massage business is very different from our existing bakeshop business, but we'll do everything to keep this growing.  It not easy to be a business owner (entrepreneur) but we don't regret choosing this path.  Pakner4lyf and I we'll do whatever it takes to be successful entrepreneurs, first is for the glory of God and support the growing needs of the family.  

Ending for a new beginning

It is the first day of June and this means that half of the year is almost over.  We couldn't say we're in the beginning 'till something has ended.  This morning, I decided to have a baking activity with the kids to start the month. Of course they all loved the activity specially working with fondant.  May, the previous month, was a very busy month for all of us here.

Celebration Cakes

Cakes makes occassions a lot more special.  That's why a more people wanted to have decorative cakes whenever throwing out a party.  Below are the cakes I have previously designed and was able to capture behind my cellphone camera lenses.

Failure To Thrive and Anemia

One of the things every mom would want to make for her child is to be sure that he's growing healthy. The hardest part of motherhood for me is when my children are sick especially when they are still so young.  Infants couldn't tell if something is painful or wrong with them.  We moms just feel when something isn't right with them. 

It is sweet to have a baby in the house.  They gave such joy and vibrant feeling in the home.  But I tell you they grow very fast, that at times we'd wish that they'll stay as babies that we can cuddle for longer more time.  In our case, hearing from the doctor that our baby isn't growing right made me so worried.  Every day I would pray to God for miracles to touch my baby's body so he'll thrive and grow as fast as he can.  What an irony!  This journey wasn't easy to accept. We've been through a lot of specialists to consult about his health to make his condition better. 

After months of work-ups and series of laboratory examinations, there are no significant laboratory findings rather than his anemia.  He has low red blood cell and hemoglobin count.  Healthy red blood cells are the ones who carry oxygen and nutrients for the nourishment of our body cells - the smallest unit of our body. So once the red blood cells are impaired it can cause retarded cell growth affecting all our bodily functions.  A number of reasons causes anemia. We had to consult a pediatric hematologist for EJ's case.  We are blessed to have one good doctor just near our place.  

Normal appearanc of RBCs under a microscope

The doctor needs to look at his peripheral blood smear.  I had an idea how it should normally look like under a microscope.  A normal red blood cell looks like a donut; it has a central pallor.  See the above photo. Any difference would mean abnormal results.  EJ's peripheral blood smear shows slightly microcytic rbcs (slightly small in size),  hypochromia (rbcs with lesser color because of low hemoglobin content), fragmented rbcs (broken cells), target cells (the central area has colored pigment) and crenated rbcs (this case can also be due to technical factors). This type of peripheral blood smear is typically seen in Iron Deficiency Anemia and Thalassemia. Our doctor told me not to worry or think further of our baby's condition. We will first consider Iron Deficiency Anemia and see how he will respond with iron treatment.  He was given high dose of iron supplement and Vitamin C. Vitamin C will aid the body's absorption of iron.  According to our doctor, patient should respond to iron therapy after two months but there are also cases as based in her experience that it takes four months to see more improved results.

Target Cells - Note of the colored central area

At times I don't know if I should be thankful that I am a Medical Technologist. A pro is that I can better understand what my child condition is. Cons are I go too far and end up worried thinking about my son's health. One thing I need to keep in mind is to be still and put hope on God because I know He's in control of everything. Though there are times I don't understand why we have to go through this kind of experience. It does hurt me so much and I do ask God why? In the Hematologist Clinic I see a lot of children undergoing chemotherapy their hairs are gone due to treatments and my heart breaks to see them and do feel their pain. In the part of the parents I know it is not easy to help their children fight to continue living. It is a real life's battle every day and fight to live.  Having me go through this understands how hard it is for parents when children go through difficult times like terrible diseases. If I could only take and bear that pain and disease I could have done it for my child.

EJ is finished his one month iron therapy.  His recent blood test is still below normal levels but better than the previous. We are still hoping his condition is going to improve with iron therapy only.  He showed good weight gain and is achieving his developmental milestones in time.  Since then he continued to be a very happy baby giving our home with so much fun and laughter.  Everyday we need God's grace to continue and in this time of situation God taught me to give Him thanks not only for the good things that happen in our life but also in times that I don't understand His ways because He is God.  I guess wouldn't be this close to Him if my life is easy and goes just the way I want it to be.

Photo credits:

Normal RBCs

Target Cells

A Letter To My Dear Friends

I have been working on our Bible Stories to be used in our DVBS. This time God gave me the theme about friendship. While studying the scriptures, I couldn't help but cry as I was reading the passages. This is not my first time to read the stories, but this time the message conveyed were so intense to me that I am moved to tears. There are a lot of Bible men and women who showed such love and loyalty to their friends no matter what. These are very remarkable examples of friendship that we all should learn and be like.

As I study the passages, I came to a point of realization where I found myself I wasn't that good friend who I thought I was. In my mind and in my heart I know I wanted myself to be the best friend one could ever have. Now, I have seen that I needed more effort to be a real good friend to all my friends. 

Camping : Family's First

First of all again I am so sorry for making this blog silent for so many days.  I have been so busy with a a lot of matters.  Yet I am here again and excited to share my stories.

Building Blocks Party

JC, my eldest son just celebrated his 7th Birthday.  Since last year he is asking us for a birthday party. We just had a huge celebration last February celebrating SJ's 3rd birthday where we also decided to have EJ's Dedication Day.  After seeing this party he was more decided to throw a big party for his own birthday.  I personally don't know if we could still make one for him.  But in the end I still said yes to him.  You may wonder how rich we are but I tell you, I tried my very best to make these celebrations in a budget.  All I need is to do is to be creative and put all personal efforts for all of these parties to happen.  We were able to host parties even in a tight budget because, I bake and design my own cakes, I don't need to hire tables chairs and catering services, I have my mom and some church mates who helps in cooking and clean-ups, I personally make all party decors and party giveaways.  Also to mention some generous friends who added the party necessities.

Old San Juan Hotel and Restaurant - San Juan, Batangas

I was fascinated to be at Old San Juan and see its huge improvement.  This was only a restaurant before and was also known for its spa services.  Now they're getting bigger that they have just opened their hotel which was launched in December 2014.

Cafeno, San Juan, Batangas

This is a Coffee Shop located in San Juan's Poblacion Area.  Just accross a gasoline station who happens to have the same owners.  

Kota Keluarga Parasol

Klub Keluarga and Parasol

Blue Coral Beach Resort - Laiya, San Juan, Batangas

Acuatico and Acuaverde - Laiya, San Juan Batangas

Acuatico's Swimming Pool

Acuaverde's Guest's Welcome Lounge

San Juan, Batangas, Laiya Beach and Much More...

Having a husband from San Juan Batangas gave me the priveledge of exploring this beautiful town. This is one of the places we will surely go back not only because our relatives are there but because this place is growing and expanding as one of the new tourists' spots near Manila; two hours land travel.  This is such a priveledge living near San Juan that we can get to visit at times.

Why I don't consider myself poor

This afternoon I had the chance to be at Laiya Beach again.  I really loved walking at the sea shore, feel the breeze, watch the waves and appreciate the blue waters.  I also cannot resist playing with sand that I now enjoy with my kids.  I also have the habit of picking up shells, I just couldn't help it whenever I see one or if there are no shells I would go home with at least some pieces of colorful stones.  One thing I am most happy today was to have a very quiet time alone.  This was a very short time as in few minutes of walking at the sea shore all by myself.  I appreciate every bit of nature.

Heartful Celebration

This is what happened to us today; double celebration for SJ's 3rd birthday and EJ's Dedication Day who is 3month old.  Since last week I was busy planning for the party and get myself busy with crafting for the party's preparation.  It was so tiring but I am happy making all this things to make everyone happy.  It could be easier to throw up a party at a restaurant but it would be so expensive that we can't afford it.  That is why we did this party on a budget but the outcome is beautiful and made the whole family happy.

Peace in the Midst of Trouble Part 3

Going back to my first lab

I have never thought that I would be back in Philippine Children's Medical Center again after almost eleven years.  This is where my first laboratory hands on work started.  Along with some of my classmates in Medical Technology, we spend our 1year of internship here giving us lots of experiences and memories.  I witness how this hospital served lots of sick children - most of them are very sick (grave and rare diseases) coming from far provinces of the country seeking treatment  as this hospital can cater for their special needs.

At the Pathologist Office after our last night (24-hour duty) in 2004

We are in search for a specialist pediatrician because of his weight conditions; that made me reminded of this hospital. I am also aware of the last year's news that the government is planning to shut down the facility so I wondered if we can still come there. Thank God because one of my classmates is working in the laboratory and said that it is still operating. It is her referral that we were able to find a pediatric specialist to consult about our baby's health. All specialty clinics in pediatrics are here and this is why it is very necessary that this hospital should continue and the government to continually fund the said facility. There are lots of poor and sick children needing the service of the hospital and this time we needed the services offered here.

I don't know if should be happy stepping my foot again here in the hospital.  Yes I am happy to see our previous staff in the laboratory and meet my classmate face to face after a year or more am not really sure when was our last meeting.  But the very reason I was coming back was due to my baby's health concerns that wouldn't make me too excited on the other hand.

Eve my college classmate and works at PCMC Pathology Division

One of the good things I see beyond my newborn's health condition is that he made me connected once more with my previous life .  I have a very different life now being a pastor's wife, a full time mommy and a bakeshop owner.  I somehow have forgotten my other side; a medical professional.  It was because of EJ that I have the reason to look for my laboratory co-workers and contact my college friends that I don't used doing.  He made me visit hospitals, laboratories including the private lab I used to work at.  

We were at PCMC yesterday.  As we enter the hospital premises I was happy seeing the captions on the stage that was set-up.  It was MOA signing that the land is officially awarded to PCMC.  The event just happened before we arrive.  We are assured now that the hospital will remain.  

While waiting for our doctor's appointment, we met another patient who is looking for the same doctor and that's how we started our conversation.  Their story made me inspired that my eyes get teary - I was just controlling myself not to cry.  As she tell their story I know that same feeling she was saying at the first encounter knowing your child was sick.  It was an unexplainable pain when parents have to go through seeing their child's health goes wrong.  For others it was just so easy to tell us during this trying time that everything's gonna be fine without knowing how hard is what we're going through.  I tell you we feel bad whenever we hear unsolicited advice because we already tried the best thing we know we could.  Like her, we are consulting different pediatric specialists (not only one doctor), undergoing lab tests, travel here and there, we battle with our weakness to be firm and go on, adding up the big cost of doing all of this because we wanted our children to be healthy.   I admire how both this mom and baby fight and conquer their own struggles and they keep on hoping.  They are in their two years of journey also to mention that they came from Bohol.  Yes we came also from a province and  travelled far but not as far like them. Their situation is really tough compared to us, but they were able to accept and face the challenges; then what would be my own reason not to continue hoping -  we've just started our journey.  

Back to EJ's health, he is doing good and gaining 100 grams a week now and we are hoping that it will continue and increase more.  This is a sign that he is now starting to pick up.  We are currently treating his anemia with a prayer that his body will respond to treatment.  We will go back to PCMC after two months and claiming for a miracle that he will be healed.

Peace in the Midst of Trouble Part 2

If you have read my previous  post you know how our family is struggling for our newborn's health. I previously worked in a laboratory and had my internship in Philippine Children's Medical Center.  I have seen a lot of sick patient and couldn't forget how much I pitied the sick children I've seen in that hospital.  I now better understand how parents feel when something is wrong with their child. I couldn't bare seeing EJ getting needle pricks that hurts him so bad; but we have to do it for his diagnosis.

Peace In the Midst of Trouble

EJ, our newborn, just visited his cardiologist for cardiac evaluation.  After a month from his birth, we found out that his weight gain is slow compared with other infants of his age.  Doctors calls it "failure to thrive".  We are in search of the reason for his poor weight gain. Our pediatrician considered having him undergone the cardiac evaluation procedure because heart disease can cause a child to use more calories than a normal child does. While waiting in the hospital, I have bought a book with me so I will not be bored while waiting.  I found this verse in the book that I was reading on.  This continually reminded me to be calm.

Crafty Pens

Here's a perfect pen make over.  Get yarn and wrap 'em all up.

How to make Pompoms

Making this is very easy that even little kids can make lots of these.  Pompoms can be used in a viriety of crafting projects depending in your our creativity and imagination.  

Below are step by step tutorial with photographs.