Boy verses boy

A sneak peek what bedtime is like at our home..it's always a wrestling match between the boys. Who really wins?...you judge.



Results are posted on Jimmy's Facebook below:

What do Women keep in Their Purse?

I find myself hauling a load of stuff. Yes, my purse, also referred to as "luggage" to some... If you are a mother, you can probably relate to my dilemma.

Question is what are we carrying in our purses? What are essential verse necessary?

Every so often I empty out my purse to discard old receipts, food, find loose change and missing keys. Jimmy calls it the deep dark hole. I not only carry just my purse, but my book/laptop bag, gym bag as well as my food tote. Sometimes contents jump from one bag to another. You may laugh, but I know I'm not the only one. But back to my purse, it's where I keep everything I could possible need and then some.

Here are my contents:

1. Wallet/checkbook- YES and necessary
2. Makeup- Enough said
3. Keys
4. Work badge/keys
5. Cell phone

6. Hairspray- Yes I still carry a bottle since high school
7. Hairbrush- it goes hand in hand with the Hairspray
8. Curling Iron- It's portable now and I have about 3 of them
9 & 10 Two pair of shades.

11-24 Small items but still necessary, sewing kit, first aid with band aids, Kleenex, hand sanitizers, nail repair kit, lip balm, lotion, mints/gum, Aspirin/Tylenol, pads, stamps, mail/bills, business cards, pictures of our family members and a pocket prayer book.

25-34 And not to mention kids stuff that we also carry. Diapers, wipes, medicines, sunscreen/lotion, toys, food, spoon/fork, food liners, cups, and extra clothes. They even have Diaper Dude gear for fathers who end up carrying the diaper bags...it's convenient not just for us, but for them too. They do have man bags..so don't hate.

Okay about 34 items can be found in my purse...but at least I can say I'm prepared.
And I don't do well with small purses if all the contents can be hauled in your pocket...

JJ's Corner

We went to the Adobo Festival this past Sunday in Union City and took the whole family out to celebrate the festivities with food and music.

It had all of our favorite Filipino foods that we could not pass up. Pork Adobo, Oyster on a Half Shell, Pancit Bihon, BBQ Chicken, Longanisa, Cantalope (Melon) Juice and Ube ice cream. Normally JJ loves trying out new foods and isn't too picky what he eats...but was a little distracted that day.

There were a lot of teenagers...and a lot of cute girls that JJ noticed. One passed him by and all he could say was

"Whoa" . She heard him and smiled at his direction.

I thought I heard something else.. :-)

Family Love part 2

When you think you don't have the energy, you find the strength to. We have to pull together at times because we cannot do it alone. Not everyone agrees or even get along, but in the end we're there for one another...that's what family is really about.

I find prayers are not only powerful, but also brings light to any situation in hope that our prayers are answered. All we can ask for is love and support especially through these tough times. Through trials and tribulations we learn how to cope and deal with life changing events that makes us only stronger. We have to embrace it in order accept and learn from this experience. It will take time to heal and adjust for everyone.

Family Love

Today we had admitted my Dad into a senior home. Over two years ago, my Father was diagnosed with Dementia. A disease that is misunderstood.

I have worked at a care home facility for nearly 5 years at Salem Lutheran Home as a Front Office Receptionist part time. I was privileged to be a part of a wonderful community that services seniors of all levels of care. I was able to understand why my parents wanted me to be a nurse or even work the health industry. There's a need for people who care, who had the compassion to help others when they cannot....

I never went that route due to a fear of needles...I ended up receiving a bachelor's in art education and wanted to explore into teaching...But it's much more to me now.
In life we're either teachers or students...leaders or followers. I never thought I would take the lead in assisting in my family through this difficult time...I had to be creative in helping the family cope and understand what's needed now.

Dementia is a general term for loss of memory and other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is caused by changes in the brain.

There's 7 levels that lead up to Alzheimer:
Stage 1 No impairment
Stage 2 Very mild decline
Stage 3 Mild decline
Stage 4 Moderate decline (mild or early stage)
Stage 5 Moderately severe decline (moderate or mid-stage)
Stage 6 Severe decline (moderately severe or mid-stage)
Stage 7 Very severe decline (severe or late stage)

In the past people believed memory loss was a normal part of aging, often regarding even Alzheimer’s as natural age-related decline. Experts now recognize severe memory loss as a symptom of serious illness. At this time, there is no treatment to cure, delay or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Many people feel that their memory becomes less sharp as they grow older, but determining whether there is any scientific basis for this belief is a research challenge still being addressed.

My Dad toggles between the stage of 1-3. He's taking nearly 20 pills a day due to dementia as well as other health related issues. He can have normal conversations, perform daily activities like you and I can and still act independently. But it goes deeper than that...My parents live in Las Vegas and majority of the family lives in California. There's a great distance what we can do to support them. Luckily they came down to visit because of little J birthday in late June.

Seeing them again only emphasizes that they needed our help. The quality of life has taken a toll not just my Dad but my Mom as well. He may seem better but my Mom cannot do it alone and we've asked our Aunts and Uncles for their love and support. It is important that the family members not be in denial. They must face the fact that dementia is a progressive illness that cannot be cured.

Being a proud Filipino descendant it's unheard of turning a love one into a care home. For the indivual, it's the fear of being locked up and feelings of abandonment....

Working at a care home first hand made me realize it's a party home for seniors! It reminds me of my college days at the dorm. They socialize with people who have similar interest and lifestyle, 24/7 caregivers around the clock, activities, outdoor events, meals prepared, free transportation, room and board...and independence.

The idea was shot down not only because of cost but it was just unspeakable.
Retirement homes such as home care facilities can cost anywhere between $3000-6000 a month. OUCH. Smaller facilities such as in-home care can be from $1500-3000 but you'll end up sharing room with other seniors. There's a lot consider and research...and it can be overwhelming to handle alone. Sometime guilt as well as opinons from family members or friends can influence decision of caring for your love one...it's draining as well as stressful for the immediate family.

Because of the severity of my Dad's situation has worsen...they no longer have the funds to even consider a home facility. Working with a Case Manager with E & L Elder Care Service, I was able to find a home close to my brother and I. They provide referral for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) for families at NO COST. They provide family with the necessary accommodations for your individual needs and resources that are available. I call it "one stop shop" everything you can ask for.

http://www.eandleldercareservices.com/

We ask family and friends to pray for his health and safety. Because of the level of sensitivity we ask everyone to be supportive and loving because he needs to be aware that we're all there for him.

This is still a journey because so much needs to be done.

But it's a start....