To my Ex-Boyfriend

They say that friendship is a good foundation in any relationship.  I guess I'm lucky because this friendship brought me love.

And in all the years that we've been together, we had the best times.  We had our highs but we also had our lows.  I don't know if you still remember that night I gave up on US (feeling ko, you don't). You didn't say anything, I was waiting for you to say something!  I watched you walk away but deep in my heart, I wasn't sure if I did the right thing. But I took back my words (I think that same night when you got home, haha!) because I didn't want to lose you.  

But I did. 

I wanted more than what we had . . . and you gave it to me.

Thank you for giving me forever, my happy ever after.

To my Ex Boyfriend (now my Husband),

Thank you for making me the happiest!

Happy, Happy Birthday!

Other Party Details

I wish I can be that mom who is good at DIY projects and Arts and Crafts!  I wish I am so I can do more personalized stuff for the family especially when there are special occasions like birthday parties.  But the truth is, I'm not and I think I will never be one, haha!

So for our little Prince's 1st Birthday party, though I have entrusted almost everything about the party to Jollibee, there were two things that I want to work on: the cake and the loot bags.  

CAKE

After looking for some Prince-inspired cake designs online (got a little bit of something here and there), I asked Zendy's help again (she made Ate's Birthday cake last year) and she came up with another beautiful cake!  (Thanks again Zendy!)

PARTY BAGS

I read about Name on Print on a mommy blog I'm following (Thanks to Mommy Fleur!) and fell in love with their muslin bags (just one among the many things that they can personalize, you should seriously check them out!).  I like to give something that will be useful even after the party.  Since we only have a few guests, I thought it would be nice to personalize each bag and put the initial of the guest's name on it.

I sent them an email two weeks before the party (I know, I am a crammer, haha!).  I was so happy that they accepted my order!  Rollet was helpful, easy to work with and efficient that everything worked out in time for the party!  (Woohoo!)

So pretty and dainty =)

The closest thing to a DIY (for me!)  includes---- buying and putting the goodies in the bags, haha!

And printing gift tags =)

Free Party Printables from catchmyparty.com

The Party Bags!

I still hope that one day, I get to bring out my inner Martha Stewart (if I have one!).  

Thank you to Zendy and Rollet for helping me make our little Prince's birthday party more special =)

For more details, please visit their FB pages here:

Zendy's Slices and Customized Cakes

Name on Print

Betcha my Jolly Wow!

Last week, we celebrated our little Prince's 1st Birthday Party.  We chose to celebrate it with a small and simple party (with less than 30 guests---kids included!) and held it in Jollibee.  

Why Jollibee?  Because we love the food and it's stress-free!  Haha!  They offer party packages (which you can customize) that include almost everything you need (balloons, party hats, invitations, a few game prizes)!  It also includes a Jollibee mascot appearance (definitely not just a simple meet and greet!). 

The dance number by Jollibee definitely made the party more fun!  It's the dancing that actually sealed the deal, heehee. 

The Party Host also prepared games which the kids and adults enjoyed.  I think this was one "children's party" where the adults enjoyed more!  Haha!  (Actually, there were only 7 kids during the party!)  

Everything was done in 2 hours!  The "party" may be short and there were only a few guests but we had a blast! =)  Keeping a party simple doesn't mean it can't be fun. What makes a great party?

Good food and great company! =)

To know more about Jollibee's Party Packages, please click this link.

Someone turned One!

Someone just turned 1. . . .a few days ago =)

I can't believe how fast this bouncing baby boy . . .

grew up to become a little man!

Our own little Prince

To our Dearest Little Prince,

Someone asked me what my birthday wish was for you and the only thing that I can think of that moment was for you to always feel blessed and loved.  Because when you do, you will just be so happy with what you have that you would want to share yourself and your blessings with everyone. . . and hopefully by doing this, the world will become a better place.

I also wish that you thrive in life and find its meaning .  The journey will not be easy but always remember that we have your back.

Happy 1st Birthday Sweetheart . . .We love you to the moon and back! 

Hubby Birthday! =)

To the person who loves me unconditionally . . .who gave me my most precious treasures . . . and who makes us happy in more ways than one (as a father and as a husband). . .

Happy, Happy Birthday!!!

Honey, I know it sucks to be celebrating birthdays away from the family . . . but hey, at least you get to have two birthdays!  Thanks to our different time zones, haha!

I know what your birthday wish is (it's the same wish you have for the past four years), and I know it will come true soon!   

I am already counting the days until your next birthday  . . .because I know I will be holding your cake while you and the kids blow your candles =)

I love you my Dearest. . . .

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Image from www.bhmpics,com

My Father loves, LOVES watching war films.  I guess because he is a frustrated Military man.  Sometimes he would say that he could have been a General by now (and we tell him, OR you could have been dead too!) but he chose to give up a promising Military career because of us.  At that time, his family was growing and he just couldn't imagine being away from us.

He may look strict (he is actually, haha!) but he is also sweet.  He is a disciplinarian and can be a spoiler too. (Yes, he still spoils me sometimes).   I think children never grow up in the eyes of their parents.  He cares for us so much . . .  that sometimes I feel like I'm still in High School, haha!    

Thank you Daddy for giving up something you love just so you can give us everything.

Thank you Daddy for showing me what makes a good husband and a good father.

Thank you for the never ending love and care that you give and show us.

Thank you for EVERYTHING!!!

On your special day, I wish you good health and lots of precious moments in each day that comes.

To the first man I ever loved . . . Happy Birthday Daddy dearest!

My Day in Numb3r5

Image from www.123rf.com

15

No. of minutes to take my shower

2

No. of hours that Ate spends in class

7

No of costumes I have in mind for Ate's Trick or Treat

(Excited?!!)

1

No. of text I received the whole day!

(I don't know if this is a good or a bad thing, haha!)

3

No. of hours of sleep which Ate takes for her afternoon nap

0
hours nap time for me!

6
It's Bunso's 6th month Birthday today!

Happy (Half) Birthday Sweetheart!
Thank you for always brightening our day with your sweet smile
and for bringing such joy to the family.

We love you baby!

Ate's Birthday Cake

I've mentioned in the previous post about Ate's 2nd Birthday celebration.  Do you know what was my most favorite thing in the party?!!!  Her cake!  I think throwing her a party was just my excuse to get a cake!  Haha!  

I am a dessert person.  Cakes are up there in my list of favorite desserts!  I love looking at them . . . most especially, eating them!  

We haven't hosted a lot of parties (more of we don't, haha!) to know who makes a good cake in our city.  I could have ordered a cake from a popular Filipino fastfood chain and bakery but I wanted Ate's cake to be more special.  So I ordered it from Zendy's.

My love for Zendy's started with their cupcakes and cake balls (that were oh so moist!).

My personal fave - Cappuccino and Red Velvet

The first time I tried Zendy's sweet treats was only a few weeks before Ate's birthday.  I saw their booth at a mall and saw their pretty cupcakes and celebration cakes!  I was just satisfying my cupcake cravings and was NOT looking for a cake supplier since there were no birthday plans. . .yet!  Throwing a small birthday celebration for her was actually last minute. . . so you see, I did find an excuse to get a cake, hahaha!!!  Just kidding!

So I went back to Zendy's booth to inquire about the cake.  Since it was only a couple of weeks before the party, Russel (Zendy's brother), who was manning the booth had to check with her if she can accommodate my cake.  Because she does turn down orders if she has to.  And that's one thing that impressed me.  I appreciate somebody who is passionate about her craft and doesn't compromise her work Art for additional profit.  To make it easier, I just chose from their cake album.  But they do work around the client's design ideas and budget.  Dealing with them was really a piece of cake (pun intended, haha!)  They are one of the easiest and nicest people I've dealt with.    

Ate's Barney cake was so pretty and the cake (it was chocolate) was so good and moist (it still is, and it's on its fourth day!)  Our cake's design was simpler compared to the other cakes she has made.  You should really visit their FB page to see Zendy's work of (Cake) Art.

So guess what, I am looking for another reason to have a cake made again, hahaha!!!

For any inquiries, please visit their FB page.  Their contact details are:

Email: zendyslices@yahoo.com

Telephone No.: 0932-355-1011

Zendy's Slices and Customized Cakes has a booth at the G/F (Fiesta Capampangan Area) of Robinsons Starmills Pampanga (City of San Fernando) where you can buy their cupcakes and other goodies and see samples of their cakes.

Happy Birthday Ate!

We had a simple and intimate family celebration of Ate's second birthday yesterday at Jollibee, her favorite fast food chain.  (It is her favorite because of the restaurant's character mascot!) 

Our Ate . . . cute as can BEE

There were balloons, party hats, games and prizes!  I think the adults enjoyed it more than the kids!  Haha!  There were only 25 of us, 6 of which where kids (2 of them actively participated, there were 2 who were shy and the other 2 were too young to join). . . oh, and there was also  a special dance number by the jolly bug!

When the hostess asked me what my birthday wish was for our dear celebrant, I couldn't give her a ready answer.  I guess because there are just so many things that I want for Ate that I don't know where to start and what to say, haha!

So I am making up for it through this post =)

To our precious Ate,

We wish that you grow up to be a good person, with so much love to share and compassion for others.  And when you find yourself dreaming, we wish that you will have the passion and determination to work hard and go where your dreams bring you.  And should you have any fears in your heart, we pray that you will have the courage and strength to conquer them.  Remember that we are always here to support you.  

Enjoy life to the fullest and be happy!

Remember that you are always loved.

Hugs and kisses,

Papa and Mama

Sweets for Our Sweet

The Little One celebrated her 1st Birthday a couple of weeks ago . . . just as she makes our world brighter and sweeter, she had a colorful candy-themed party.

There were no fancy booths, no special shows, no magicians. . .just the usual party games made more exciting and more FUN by family and friends.

We couldn't have it any other way . . . it was a celebration (and thanksgiving) for the Little One's Birthday surrounded by the people who have showered us with love, who have offered us their gift of friendship and everyone (blood-related or not) who taught us how to become a family and made us a part of their own.

  

To our Dear Little One,

It seems like it was only just yesterday when we learned that we are having you.  We were happy, thankful, excited . . .and scared . . .scared that we won't measure up to everybody's expectations. . . including our own.     

Time flies so fast, you're now a year older!  You just continue to amaze and surprise us everyday!  Seeing your smile, hearing your giggles and when you call us "Mama" and "Papa" bring us so much joy.  You are the most wonderful blessing we ever received.


Happy Birthday Little Sweetie. . . we love you very much!


Hugs and Kisses,
Papa and Mama




Photo credit: Shutter Count

July 1993

This was the date written on this birthday card. . .which makes it 19 years old!  I saw this while fixing my drawer and was given to me by M, my best friend.  (She is probably my first friend too. . . EVER!  Haha!  We met when we were both seven years old while practicing for a school activity.)  

It's so nice to read her personal message (again) which I found funny and amazing at the same time.

Amazing how she foresaw all the possibilities that can happen in my life (teehee)

Betchamygollywow, I'm NOT nineteen anymore!

I got married

I got into stocks (and got out of it, haha!)

I got a job (Before I got married)

One of the things I am thankful for in my life is having a great set of friends.  They are a blessing in my life.  We may not see each other as often as we want to and we may have seen changes (major) in our lives but I know our friendship remains the same.  So . . .

To M and to my other best girls, thank you for being "a friend for life".  =) 

Wanted: Baker Mom

We always celebrate the Little One's monthly birthdays with a cake (it gives us a reason to eat cake! Teehee).  And today, for her 10th month birthday, I thought of making her cake for a change. . . just want to be clear,  I said "make". . .not "bake", haha!  (I can cook but I still have to learn how to bake)

And so I "whipped up" a birthday cake for her . . .*smiling proudly*

With Krispy Kreme Kruffins, Chocolates

and ofcourse, there has to be a candle!

Yes, it's another DIY project (trying hard!) by moi for the the Little One.  I know, I know, this is not "Baking".  It's really a toss-up between being creative or being resourceful? Haha!

Happy Birthday Little One!

You just amaze us everyday by showing us the things you learn

and making us listen on what you are TRYING to say.  

You never fail to make us laugh.

 Thank you for being our Sunshine. =)

Love always,

Papa and Mama

Zola's Dad

Janina turned 4 months today so I told hubby that the next blog post will be our letter to the Little One.  I told him that he can just give me random thoughts, ideas, things he want to say (you see, he is a man of few words) and I will then come up with the letter from both of our inputs.

But after reading what he sent me for this post, I just know that his letter (unedited) deserves an entire post in itself. 

Hello my Janina. My baby Zola. You are now four months old and you are growing up fast. By the time I get back, I might be able to see your neck better.  How I wish to be by your side right now together with your mommy.  It's hard for me to be away and it makes it even tougher when you are sick; so I pray that you grow as a healthy little girl.  I miss making beso-beso to you and I miss carrying my little darling, tiyan-to-tiyan style.  I miss you and your mommy very much.  We love you. Smile always.

I've mentioned in an earlier post that my hubby makes me laugh without even trying and this is what I'm talking about. . . . "I might be able to see your neck better?". . . "making beso-beso?". . . "carrying my little darling, tiyan-to-tiyan style?" . . .you may not find that funny but I DO (and probably my good friends M and M who are his biggest fans)! LOL . . .

And I'm sure he wrote this without the intention of being funny . . . and that to me is what makes him funny!

Just reading this letter makes me miss him more . . . (for you single ladies out there, just a friendly advice, for me, it is important that you have a partner who makes you laugh because laughter creates a bond and brings happiness in a relationship . . . and besides, you need a good sense of humor in dealing with life)

Btw, you might still be curious about the " see your neck better" part . . . . after looking at the Little One's photo below. . . I guess it's self-explanatory then  (LOL)

Happy 4th month Birthday Little One!

You have brought so much love and joy to us,
you are a blessing in our lives.
We love you very much sweetheart. . .


Hugs and kisses,
Daddy and Mommy