The Ex Factor

Barbara and Jeb's 15-year marriage had its share of differences, but the last two years had seen their relationship deteriorate significantly. Each day ended with heated arguments, leaving their children, Kevin (11) and Katy (7), emotionally burdened.

When Barbara and Jeb decided on an annulment, their custody battle prolonged their emotional strife. Barbara's busy work schedule left her with little time for her children, leading to academic decline and the kids becoming shadows of their former selves.

Katy's poignant school assignment revealed her fears of abandonment, prompting Barbara and Jeb to put their children's needs first. They assured Kevin and Katy that the annulment was not their fault and that they would always be loved.

Barbara gained custody, but Jeb moved nearby to remain involved in their children's lives. Two years later, they could take a family vacation without reopening old wounds, and Kevin and Katy were on their way to healing. This book offers ideas, strategies, and tips for those facing annulment while prioritizing their children's well-being.

When facing challenging situations like annulment, it's essential for parents to make their children's emotional well-being a top priority. By maintaining open and empathetic communication and by committing to placing their kids' needs first, it's possible to promote healing and ensure a positive outcome for all family members involved. Regardless of the difficulties encountered, love, support, and understanding can help children navigate the complexities of family changes and emerge from the experience stronger.

The Sunday Currently vol. 12

Recapping the week 

As a work from home mom, some days are a whirlwind of mystery, games, and tackling a never-ending to-do list. This week was one of those, and it was nothing short of an adventure. Let me take you through how the week unfolded.

Our youngest, Dime, treated us to a delightful surprise – a YouTube game of "Mystery and Would You Rather." The creative questions and offbeat scenarios had the entire family in stitches, including my husband and our eldest son. Questions like, "Would you rather live in a treehouse with no Wi-Fi or in a high-tech house with no windows?" had us all laughing, turning even the dreariest morning into a brighter and more cheerful one.

We took Cheeky, our 3-month-old female husky, to the vet. I'm excited to share that she's gained some healthy weight, and the vet confirmed she's in great shape. To top it off, she got her 6-in-1 vaccine. It's all part of our little husky's adventure!

I found myself feeling under the weather, delivering a dose of cold and gloom. I'm not one to stay in bed often, but that day was an exception, a sign that I really wasn't feeling my best. Yet, it didn't succeed in dampening my spirits.

I had the opportunity to unbox the online deliveries that had piled up. There's something oddly satisfying about tearing through packaging. From everyday essentials to a few indulgent treats, it felt like Christmas morning, even in the middle of the week. Maybe that's the reason I got better. 

Aside from being a full time work from home mom, I run a small business that revolves around creating and selling scents and blends. I did some refilling 10ml decants of different blends and signature perfumes. Mixing and blending, each one telling a unique story. It's a labor of love that keeps me connected to my creative side that I didn't know I have.

This week was all about embracing the unpredictability of life, from kid's games to juggling the everyday grind. The weather might have been a bit of a party pooper, but we managed to create our own sunshine. It's the mix of mystery, adventures, laughter, and handling the grown-up stuff that keeps life exciting. It's these small moments that makes it a memorable journey full of surprises and insights.

CURRENTLY 

Reading

Got some scent and blend orders from friends and resellers for Christmas.

Writing

Due dates for my upcoming deliveries. It's a busy time, and I want to make sure everything arrives on schedule.

Listening

to the soothing hum of the air conditioning. It's a simple pleasure that helps me  find some peace in the moment while I plan next week.

Thinking

I'm figuring out how to jumpstart the marketing for my remaining perfume blends, scented candles, linen sprays, diffusers, and sanitizers. TikTok ads are a no-go, so I'm on the hunt for the right social media platform to maximize sales conversion. It's time to navigate the digital landscape and find the platform that can turn clicks into actual sales effectively.

Smelling

the sweet aroma of the vanilla ice cream room and linen spray I blended. It's a small pleasure that adds warmth to our room. Creating these scents is a passion of mine, and it brings a cozy ambiance to my surroundings.

Wishing

Still keeping my fingers crossed for a little paid time off and that elusive lottery jackpot. It's the dream we all secretly share, that one big win that could make life a bit more extraordinary. 

Hoping

that we can finally make our dream trip to Japan. Have an absolute blast at Tokyo Disneyland. Just the thought of it gets the kids all excited! It's one of those bucket-list adventures that we've been daydreaming about, and the anticipation is building. It's not just a vacation; it's a chance to create unforgettable memories with the family, and that's what makes it even more special. Fingers crossed that our Japan dream becomes a reality!

Wearing

Today's fashion choice: a stylish gray Bulgari shirt paired with comfy pastel blue floral boxers.

Loving

Absolutely cherishing this week's break, all thanks to the kids being on a long vacation. It's a breath of fresh air, offering a well-deserved pause from the usual daily hustle and bustle. There's no school rush or early morning chaos. 

Wanting

I'm eagerly awaiting a sign to see if this opportunity is truly meant for me. Funny how life can surprise us with unexpected chances. Never imagined that such an opportunity would come knocking at my door. It's a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and curiosity, all bundled into one, and I can't wait to see where it leads. 

Needing

I'm seriously needing some antioxidants and a good dose of vitamin C, but with my jam-packed schedule, finding the time is like a treasure hunt. My health deserves a spot on my priority list, and I'm on a mission to squeeze in those essential nutrients, even in the midst of my busy routine.

Feeling

Riding the wave of positivity, firmly believing that if something is destined for me, it will find its way, and the timing will be just right. I never actively sought this opportunity; it arrived unexpectedly, knocking at my door. So, I'm eagerly waiting to see how this chapter unfolds. If it's meant to be, I'll undoubtedly embrace it. If not, I trust that there are bigger and better things waiting for me, all in their own perfect time.

Unseen Struggles

In her daily life as a full-time work-from-home mom, she faces countless challenges and pressures. Her family remains unaware of the daily balancing act between her job and household responsibilities, just as her workplace remains oblivious to the intricacies of her personal life.

Her peers, friends, and loved ones may struggle to comprehend the magnitude of the responsibilities she juggles, both old and new. Despite her best efforts to communicate, her partner often fails to fully grasp the immense pressure she experiences.

The bottom line is, she's in this journey largely on her own. Few can truly empathize with her situation, and perhaps, her efforts go undervalued by those around her.

Nevertheless, she soldiers on, fighting through each day, and most importantly, taking care of herself. 🌟💪 Because in the end, she knows that she's her own best advocate, and that's what truly matters.

Cherish the Love

It's been over two decades since I had to say goodbye, but you're a significant part of my life.

Your laughter, your quirks, they all continue to bring a smile to my face, even through the tears. Time has passed, but you remain deeply etched in my heart, leaving an indelible mark on my life.

Though you're not here in the physical sense, your memory continues to guide me. Rest in peace, dear son. Your spirit lives on, and I will always hold you close in my heart.

The Sunday Currently vol. 11

Recapping last two weeks

Sorry for not catching up the last two Sundays; life's been a rollercoaster lately. Let me fill you in on what's been happening in our world. We've welcomed two new furry family members into our home, Coco and Cheeky, who are a 1-year-old and a 3-month-old pair of adorable huskies. It took some time to decide when the right moment was to bring them home. You know, having pets is no joke, and it's a big deal.

We waited for the perfect moment to bring them home, ensuring that everything was in order. This included making our living space pet-friendly, gathering the necessary supplies, and setting up a routine to ensure they receive the love and care they deserve. We're over the moon about this new adventure, but we're also well aware that it's a major responsibility, and we're all in for making their lives the best they can be.

My stepdaughter paid us a visit over the weekend last week. It was a short break, but even with my hectic schedule, I managed to set aside some time for quality time. We made a quick detour to the mall for a short relaxing massage, swung by Jollibee's drive-thru for a tasty treat, and then dropped her off at the bus station. 

The kiddos completed their creative drawing class, and I'm absolutely delighted with their progress. We've decided to keep the art train rolling and dive into the basics of drawing to really hone their skills. These past few weeks have been quite hectic, primarily because the kids had to gear up for their first set of quarterly exams. Now that they're on a nice, long break from school, I've finally got a chance to catch up on my writing – a much-needed breather in the midst of our busy schedules.

CURRENTLY 

Reading

Lying in bed, ready to doze off, I'm scrolling through my personal emails to catch up on things.

Writing

Busy making my grocery list for this week, and I've got to add items for our huskies as well.

Listening

Eavesdropping on my kiddos as they discuss the feedback my eldest gave to my youngest son regarding his short story, which scored a 6 out of 10. They're working together to improve his storytelling skills. Heartwarming to see them supporting each other's growth.

Thinking

Contemplating our family vacation plans for the kiddos long break.

Smelling

Savoring the delightful aroma in our room, filled with the fresh scent of bamboo room and linen spray that I personally blended.

Wishing

Just going with the flow, looking for a sign to show me the way. I believe in manifesting, but I also trust that if things don't work out, there's a good reason behind it. Let's see how it all goes down.

Hoping

Just going with the flow, looking for a sign to show me the way. I believe in manifesting, but I also trust that if things don't work out, there's a good reason behind it. Let's see how it all goes down.

Wearing

Rocking the all-pink look with a pink mom mode shirt and matching boxers.

Loving

Absolutely loving our huskies, and the idea of the kids having a week-long vacation has me thrilled. It means I can finally relax without the usual rush of juggling work and school preparations in the mornings.

Wanting

Still craving a chill family vacation, but this time with the new members of our family - Coco and Cheeky,

Needing

I could really use some antioxidants and vitamin C, but it's been over a month since I last made it to the wellness clinic due to my crazy schedule.

Feeling

Got a positive vibe, believing that if something is meant for me, it'll work its way. It'll happen when it's right. But if not, it's because He has bigger and better things in store for me, all in due time.

Irreplaceable Mom's Love

You know what it's like, being a mom?

A mom kind of mends her own heart while patching up yours when it breaks.

She'll quickly pull your hair back and rush to grab your favorite toy, even if it means being a tad late.

She sort of borrows a bit of her own mojo to help you reach new heights.

Even after a crazy day, she somehow finds the energy to wipe away your tears.

A mom's the one who always sees your value, even when you can't.

She believes you should have nothing but the best and will do everything to make it happen.

A mom knows that her job is more than just being there. It's about being present, about sharing in your joys and wiping away your tears. It's about providing a safe harbor in the stormy sea of life and being your biggest cheerleader on the sidelines.

A mom understands that you're a work in progress, and she's there to help you become the best version of yourself. She'll celebrate your victories and console you in your defeats, all the while helping you find the strength within.

A mom's love is like a guiding light, showing you the way even in the darkest of times. It's a love that nurtures, encourages, never gives up, never wavers, and never fades. a love that truly knows no bounds, and it's a love that you'll carry with you, always and forever.

The Magic of Being a Mom

Being a mom is a rollercoaster ride, isn't it? It's all about love, laughter, and sometimes a little chaos. But in this adventure, two superpowers shine brightly: patience and understanding.

Picture this: spilled cereal, a tantrum in the toy aisle, or crayon masterpieces on your walls. Patience is your BFF here. It's what keeps you from losing it when things get crazy. Your child is learning, exploring, and making messes along the way. Your patience? It's their safety net, teaching them how to navigate this big, new world.

Understanding is like the glue that holds your mom-and-kid bond together. It's not just about hearing what your child says; it's about getting where they're coming from. When they share their fears, dreams, and even their wild stories, being understanding makes them feel seen and heard. That trust is priceless.

Sure, there are times when it feels like patience is running on empty, and understanding seems like a distant dream. That's okay! Every mom has those moments. Lean on other parents for support, celebrate even the tiniest victories, and remember, being a patient and understanding mom is a journey, not a destination. You're shaping an incredible future, one patient, understanding step at a time.