My Man's Love Language

If your man doesn't give you flowers, well, you are NOT alone!

My husband and I have been together for twelve years (5 of those as a married couple) and I don't remember him giving me flowers.  I don't remember because he never did!   Haha!

But before you judge him, please hear me out. 

One thing that makes our relationship work is he listens when I have something to say (he really does!). Like when I tell him if something he did (or didn't do!) bothers me, he actually does something about it.  And I really appreciate it when he does.  So you can say that this "giving of flowers" thing didn't go unnoticed or it's not something we haven't talked about.  I've tried different kinds of approach to present "my case", haha!  But he just won't do it.  Period.  So through the years, I've learned to let go and accepted the fact that it I'll never receive flowers from him.  Sometimes I wonder if he is allergic to them, haha!  But I know he is NOT! 

My man and my wedding bouquet =)

He is simply a practical man, one who remains steadfast in his belief that he doesn't need to give me flowers to show his romantic side.  As they say, all of us have our own language of love.  With him, he shows his love best when he does something for me (or for the family).  

Like the time he surprised me with a video he made for my birthday or the fact that he remembers the things I like.  He also makes me feel I'm beautiful (Yes Honey, you do) when I wake up and I catch him staring at me (or was it because of my loud snoring, haha!).  He doesn't complain when he had to run to the grocery the second time because I forgot to buy an ingredient (and I'm not a happy cook if I have a missing ingredient) or that he packs (and unpack) everything for us when we travel (I know, I'm a lucky, girl.  I'm spoiled that way, haha!).  

Flowers will never be his thing but he has given me more than I've asked for.  One of the most precious gifts he has ever given me is the gift of being a stay at home Mom.  And for this, I am forever grateful to him.

Honey, thank you for showering me with your love and care.  My life is sweeter and brighter because you are in it.  I love you. . . .

Happy Valentine's Day!

Summer Love

Another Iya story to share =) 

 My younger sister went to Boracay (also called "Bora" by locals, a small island located in the South of the Philippines which is known for its beaches) over the weekend with her friends. 

Photo source: www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com

Yesterday, Iya thought of calling her Nang-nang (that's what she calls my sister).

Iya: Tata, can I use your phone?

Me: Why?

Iya: Tatawagan ko si Nang-nang, tanong ko sa kanya kung nakakita na siya ng boyfriend sa Bora

      (I'll call Nang-nang to ask her if she already found a boyfriend in Bora) 

So if you're single, Boracay might be a good place to find love, you'll never know!  Haha!

Well, I didn't find love in Boracay, I brought mine =)  

Boracay 2009

Have a nice weekend!  Ready for Summer?!

Of Dreams and Prince Charming

I usually forget my dream is all about when I wake up in the morning.  But there was one dream that I'll always remember.

I dreamed that I was a princess, dressed in a gown (similar to that of Snow White's).  I was in the garden  with My Prince Charming (whose face I couldn't see) . . . we were so happy, we were dancing and he was twirling me around.  Just as we were about to end our dance, he held my back and gave me a dip!  My world stopped, my heart beat faster . . . as he was about to kiss me on the lips!  AND then I heard my mom's booming voice, trying to wake me up!!!  Haaayyyyy!!!  

I actually tried going back to sleep, hoping I can pick up where I left off . . . just so I can have that kiss!!!  (I really tried!  Haha!)

 

And as Snow White said, "Some day my prince will come, Some day we'll meet again."

I'm happy we both did . . .

I married my own Prince Charming and got that kiss!

He still owes me a dance though, haha! 

Happy Valentine's Day Hun. . . we are thousands of miles apart but know that you are always in my mind and in my heart. . . 

We miss you. . . Love you =)

Affected Much?

Photo Source

I guess everybody is talking about this "hot" news in the Entertainment scene and i'm sure Twilight fans are up in arms against Kristen Stewart for her act of infidelity (a "momentary indescretion" as she calls it)

Though I am not really a fan, I feel sad and my heart goes out to Robert Pattinson.  I can just imagine the pain that he is feeling right now (I've read that he was ready to propose to Kristen) . . .the disbelief, the hurt,  the anger, the unanswered questions.  I know because I've been down that road (BUT not with Zola's Dad! Haha!)

I know how something like this literally crushes your heart (it really does!), the sleepless nights, waking up at 3AM asking the "Whys" and trying to find the answers.  And then you cry until you fall asleep, only to cry some more when you wake up . . . until your eyes become like Garfield's! (Haha!)

But you know, during that point in my life, that was when I felt how much I am loved by the family, by my friends, by everybody who knows what I'm going through.  There's just so much love going around me that made the pain worthwhile.  And then I realized how blessed I am to be surrounded by good and loving people, who were just simply being there to hold my hand, to listen to me (lines from a drama queen!).  They taught me to be strong but allowed me to grieve on my own (except for one guy friend who simply told me to just STOP and get over it, haha!  Men and their simple solutions!).  It's true what they say, time heals all wounds . . .one day you'll just realize that you're ready to live a new life and to love again.

A wise man (Thanks Boss!) told me that there will always be unanswered questions on my mind but down the road, all I'll do is just laugh about it. . .and you know he's right!   

Looking back, I am just thankful that lowest point in my life happened (as heartbreaking as it may seem) because it actually paved the way to finding my Happiness . . . a life full of love, blessings and contentment. 

Wishing all of you a nice weekend with your loved ones!

Our Ilocos Adventure

One of the things Zola's Dad and I want to do is bring the Little One to Ilocos Sur (Northern part of the Philippines) to visit his grandparents (both of whom are in their late 80s).  The last time we visited them was two years ago.  They have only seen the Little One through the photos I've been sending them.  Now that Zola's dad is back home for a vacation and that the Little One has turned one (a better time for her to take a long trip), we decided that it's time for his grandparents to meet the Princess.

So we took the 316 kms road trip a couple of weeks ago (Point A to Point B on the map below). . .

 I usually travel light. . . but since it's my first time to travel with the Little One, I would rather over pack than hit myself for NOT bringing something I need!  I have yet to learn the art of packing for a family vacation, Haha!  

We left home at 6:30 AM and traveled for 8 hours (we had 4 stopovers). . .and I'm so thankful that the Little One was manageable during the trip!  (She slept for the most part of the trip!  Must be the rainy weather that day)

We also had a great view of the South China Sea along the way. . . 

Upon reaching the grandparents' ancestral home, we were welcomed by an excited aunt and grateful grandparents.

 

Never mind that we weren't able to do some touristy things we were hoping we could, like trying out Ilocos culinary delights and sightseeing (save for a super quick stop at "Baluarte", a zoo/wildlife sanctuary), but knowing that the Little One has brought so much joy and smiles to her grandparents (such priceless moments) makes the trip worthwhile!

8th Month!

The Little One is turning 8 months tomorrow!  It's true what they say . . . Children grow up fast.  Sometimes it scares me that she is growing up too fast that I won't be able to keep up.  

It only seems like yesterday when we brought her home from the hospital.  She was so tiny that I was afraid to carry her (and to give her a bath! Haha!)  Time flew so fast and as I look at her today, she still sleeps through the night (Thank God!), can hold her bottle, drinks from the cup (we skipped the sippy cup stage), sits upright, crawls a lot, tries hard to stand up, just learned to say "Mama" and she is just curious about everything.  Every sound she hears and everything she sees or touches is a source of wonder for her.  

Yes Little One, it's a big world out there and it's waiting for you.

All parents only wish the best for their children.  I would like to share with you a song by Rascal Flatts entitled "My Wish".  Just looking at the lyrics makes me emotional . . . the song just captured everything we wish for her.

To our dearest Little One, this song is for you. . . . 

 

Please click here to listen to the song.

My Wish by Rascal Flatts

I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,


But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.


I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.


But more than anything, yeah, and more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.


My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.


This is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big

Happy Valentine's Day!

Since it's Valentine's Day tomorrow, I would like to share with you my favorite line from the movie "He's Just Not That Into You" (love this movie!)

Photo Source

Girls are taught a lot of stuff growing up. If a guy punches you he likes you. Never try to trim your own bangs and someday you will meet a wonderful guy and get your very own happy ending. Every movie we see, Every story we're told implores us to wait for it, the third act twist, the unexpected declaration of love, the exception to the rule. But sometimes we're so focused on finding our happy ending we don't learn how to read the signs. How to tell from the ones who want us and the ones who don't, the ones who will stay and the ones who will leave. And maybe a happy ending doesn't include a guy, maybe... it's you, on your own, picking up the pieces and starting over, freeing yourself up for something better in the future. Maybe the happy ending is... just... moving on. Or maybe the happy ending is this, knowing after all the unreturned phone calls, broken-hearts, through the blunders and misread signals, through all the pain and embarrassment you never gave up hope.

We all have our own stories to tell about finding love.  If you have found yours, be thankful and cherish it.  And if you're still looking for it, don't lose hope.  God's timing is always perfect.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day.  It is an occasion that is not only for lovers.  It is a celebration of all kinds of Love!  And it doesn't have to be celebrated once a year. . . it should be celebrated everyday.  Sometimes we take time and people for granted.  Let us make our loved ones feel that they matter to us everyday.   

Happy Valentine's Day and have a love-filled the day. . . . always!

Mmm. . .Ma-ma

Yessss. . . .the Little One (who is turning 8 months in a few days) said "Mama" today! *Woot*woot*

I mouthed the word "Mama" to her everyday and showed her how to pronounce it (in an exaggerated manner, as advised by my mommy friends C and D).  And today, I heard the sweetest music to my ears and I couldn't get enough of it!

She says "Mama" when she holds my cell phone (I hope she does because she knows she can always talk to me even if she is still babbling), or when she sees her bottle (I hope she does because she knows I try my best to be a nurturing mom) or when she holds her blankie (I hope she does because she can always feel the warmth of my hugs)       

And my next goal. . . for her to say "Dada" before ZD comes home in June!  

I have 4 more months to go . . . wish me luck!  

Thank you Little One for always making my day bright =)  I love you baby!    

Happy Anniversary!

Before I got together with Zola's Dad, I came from a long term relationship (with my so-called "first love").  And after crying my heart out (until I got pathetic! Haha!), I suddenly had fears of how my life is going to be after the break-up.  "What if I couldn't love another person with the same passion". . ."What if I can't move on and start over" . . ."What if I won't be happy ever again". . . or worse, "What if there's no one?!"

But all of these changed when Zola's Dad and I got together.  It wasn't love at first sight.  We were just friends who enjoyed each other's company.  And as we found ourselves smiling more, we realized we like each other more and took a chance with each other.  Our relationship wasn't perfect and there were times I almost gave up.  But the beauty of getting hurt is  after all the drama brought by a broken heart, you learn to accept that you can be a better person.  And being a better person meant being a better partner.      

The road to my "Happily Ever After" wasn't easy.  If getting my heart broken meant leading me to my Prince Charming, I am embracing all the pain, the tears, the sleepless nights I've been through.  

Zola's Dad and I may not be each others' first love but we are each others' last.

Dada, they say "good things come to those who wait". . . I'm glad I did.

Thank you very much for the love and care.  Thank you for showing me that I can be happy again and that I still have much to give.  

Thank you for being more than what I hoped and prayed for.

Happy Anniversary!

I love you . . .always and forever.

Our Wedding Day
February 8, 2009

Photo by Mimi and Karl

Love according to Iya

Here is another post on Iya (Zola's cousin) which is really heartwarming.  She had this sweet conversation with my dad (she calls him "Cong-cong" which means grandfather in Chinese)

Iya: Cong-Cong, ilang taon ka na?  (Cong-Cong, how old are you?)

CC: 73 

Iya: Sana umabot ka ng 100 years old  (I hope you reach 100 years old)

CC: Bakit naman?  (Why?)

Iya: Kasi love kita  (Because I love you)

Awwww. . . . *heart is melting*

As my dad said, these are the simple joys in life that money can't buy.

All of us define love in different ways.  For Iya, at a young age, I guess it means having to live for a century so you can just spend more time with the people you love and care about.  

Wishing everyone a LOVEly week ahead!

Spread some Loving. . . . =) 

Love is . . .

I was reading a local showbiz magazine that featured a wedding of a celebrity couple (Jolina Magdangal and Mark Escueta).  It was a lovely bohemian-themed garden wedding which has all the nice and romantic touches!  But what struck me more was what the Pastor advised the couple about Commitment to love.  He used the following passage from the New International Version Bible (1 Corinthians 13, Verses 4-8):

Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Loves does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always persevers.  Love never fails.

And he said to change the word Love and put the name of the groom instead. 

And he is absolutley right!  It does make a difference, it sounds nicer (and more personal)!

The next time Zola's Dad and I have our misunderstanding, I will keep this in mind.

"James is patient, James is kind.  James does not envy. . .he is not proud . . .  James is not easily angered, James keeps no record of wrongs . . . ." 

And I will go back to that special day in February when it all started . . . .

The start of our Happily Ever After

Wedding Photo by Mimi and Karl