Hello blog! It's been awhile.

Something hit my heart yesterday. We had an 8pm dinner yesterday. After keeping away the dishes, husband was obviously tired for the day, a normal scenario. He laid down on the couch and napped. Our charming wee girl on the other hand was energetic and playing and wants a play mate.

And it hit me, I saw my previous myself in that scene. When my kids deserved my after work time then and I cant. Either my shoulders were just too tired and wished to nap, or I have to come home late, at times 1am. Or I need to face the laptop until 2am or even 4am. Or work during weekends. (That was not everyday though, but let's say more than half of each month).

It's been five months since I've been out of work, staying at home. I never thought I'll love being this way this much. For the longest time before (I've been in the sandpit for 10 years now) I've been conscious of how much I earn for the family -- except for the last 5 months. But realistically, I need to be back to the work routine soon if we are to survive the desert life. I blogged about this to remind me that my kids will not be kids forever, they grow and we don't want regretting missing to play with them.

And to add more charm to the reminder are these photos of my babies  (^-^)

My two Gremlins and I had our visas cancelled and are now processing the family sponsorship under the Father/ Husband. After our entry visas, we should either exit the country or pay the in-country change visa fees. Hearing some people doing the visa runs to the Hatta border (UAE- Oman), we decided of exiting the country by driving towards the border. We did so on Friday, but returned unsuccessful :-( . Filipinos did not have privilege for the visa run by the UAE border, this we learned later.

Apparently, we need a stamp from Oman, however based on Husband's previous travels, he would see fellow Filipinos unable to get a stamp. Also, we assumed that since I and the kids have no residence visas at this time, Oman may not grant us visa upon-arrival. So we decided to turn back. We actually reached the Oman border offices (to try our luck), but because Husband was avoiding the car procedures as well (and any possible hassle of entering Oman soil), we turned and drove straight back to UAE soil.

We could have researched first, yet it was an experience to call :-)

Anyhow, there was still respite for the day. We drove off-road before reaching the border and unexpectedly saw this small oasis. I thought next chance we are there, I will trace the water source. There were small fishes, bees, a pelican --  that for a hot weather and most dry land we see, this is refreshing for the eyes.

By around sunset, we were back at Lahbab. To reward the Gremlins for their patience on the long drive, we brought them into the sand dunes. By night, Husband switched the car lights. The surroundings were generally dark, hence the lights invited insects and even a white rat to where we were. We still had packed food so we had dinner under the clear skies where our Gremlin Girl pointed to the stars.

Behind the shoot

And the wifey is carrying a big smiley :-)

The Husband will be telling his stories through photographs.

He has sparked his interest in photography after winning in a prestigious competition in the UAE, May of this year. While his winning was from having the most votes, it was nonetheless a big and motivating event for him especially joining over lunch some of the biggest names (and the big winners during the competition) of Filipino photo enthusaiasts based in the UAE. Quite a group of inspiring achievers.

With the guys who are breathing photography

And so his blog would be his platform to monitor his progress. His first works are HERE .

My Little Boss turns two years old today, she who made me feel how wonderful and magical to have a baby everyday at home.

Two years went by so quick it seems, but I am trying to remind my self to enjoy each growing day of my kids.

Hello Kitty misplaced her whiskers but still pretty in pink

On our weekend desert drive the other week, the Drivers pulled over near a farm in the desert to deflate the tyres before we drive to the dunes further.

I saw the caretaker and I excitedly ran to ask his permission to take photos. He was speaking Arabic, and we settled our conversation with "mafi Arabic" as I was signalling him what I wanted to do.

I have always wanted to take photos of green things lining up the desert sands but would feel too far from them, and with that feeling that getting to close without asking permission may get me into trouble. But this time, the Bangladeshi farmer was too glad to show me his crops.





Same photos posted on Facebook page 'Disyerto'

Yes, i am contemplating on a nasal surgery, not the cosmetic one though.

Along Hatta - Oman road in between the Dubai borders. The gravel plain, and the carpet and clay figurine shops. (Photo taken with the phone camera)

It was a family date on Valentine's Day -- on a usual activity of desert camping, dune driving with friends, then another short road trip.

Temperature indicated 14 deg Celsius past 11pm on Thursday night as we drove into the camp site, so we decided to sleep in the car than putting up the tent. (Usually, the mercury drops further at around 3am.) My Gremlins were already asleep before we even reached camp so their Gremlin Dad and I had our time sitting and sharing stories instead of chasing them.