Category Archives: Real people living real lives.

In the realm of childhood nostalgia and nutritious choices, the concept of a Care Bear Bento brimming with fresh fruits, vegetables, steamed rice, corn, and chicken stands as a delightful embodiment of a well-balanced school lunch for our kids. With the growing concern for our children’s health and dietary habits, this creative and colorful lunchContinue reading “A Wholesome Delight: Care Bear Bento for a Balanced School Lunch”

In the world of vibrant imagination, where every sidewalk becomes a canvas, a child’s creativity springs to life through colorful strokes of chalk. One summer afternoon, our pavement transformed into a realm of wonder, as Esperanza’s hands bring forth a masterpiece that transcended the boundaries of reality. At the heart of her pavement chalk masterpieceContinue reading “Life in the Eyes of a Child”

Homeschool Science: The Vinegar Soda Experiment Amidst the journey of homeschooling during the pandemic, where curiosity thrives and learning knows no bounds, there comes a moment when education transforms into hands-on adventure. One sunny afternoon, my then 5-year-old daughter and I embarked on a playful scientific exploration that combined excitement and learning in equal measure.Continue reading “Homeschool Science: The Vinegar and Soda Experiment”

Parenting is a journey filled with both joys and challenges, and the first week of school encapsulates this rollercoaster perfectly. As the school year kicks off, parents find themselves navigating a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. The struggle begins with preparing the kids for the big day – the selection of outfits, theContinue reading “Wrapping Up the First Week of School (2023-2024)”

Being a career woman in healthcare while simultaneously raising children is a complex and demanding journey that requires careful balancing, unwavering determination, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances. This role entails navigating the challenges of a fast-paced and emotionally charged profession while also fulfilling the responsibilities of parenthood. In this essay, we willContinue reading “Women in Healthcare: The Balancing Act”

Parents today face different challenges than the preceding generation. My parents for sure did not need to constantly remind me of the length of time I was playing computer games. The only game console we had was Nintendo, which was played solely for “Mario Brothers” by my brothers. In fact, I could not remember playingContinue reading “How Long Should Children Play Virtual Games?”

The smell of our home when I’m cooking Chicken Afritada takes me back to my childhood days. It never fails to remind me of those special moments when I spent time in the kitchen helping Mom prepare food for our family. My Dad and my Mom live in the Philippines. Although we talk every day,Continue reading “Filipino Chicken Afritada”

Recently, Yzzabella and I have been volunteering at the food bank. We help in sorting out food items, packing food orders, and boxing canned goods for the different organizations that distribute the food to the community. Santi and I thought that it was best to involve our kids in community service activities, especially in theirContinue reading “What You Do Matters”