Daddy's 40th day

It has been 40 days since Daddy passed away.  Family and friends have been asking how we are holding up.  Well, there are good days and bad. . .and there are worse.  Until this day, everything seems unreal.  At home, it feels like he is still there. .  just in another room.  

One time, I was at the mall and I suddenly thought of buying hopia (just like I always do) because it is Daddy's favorite snack.  He's going to be happy with his pasalubong!  Then it hit me that Daddy isn't here anymore (physically, that is).  Sometimes, it only takes little things like this to remind me that he is really gone.      

There are days when we remember the things we planned on doing but we weren't able to, the "if onlys", lots of "I wish" and the "what could have beens".  And personally, I had to deal with some "regrets".  All of us have our own way of dealing with the pain, the grief, the loss.  

But there is one thing that we all do. . . we celebrate him everyday.  We talk about him . . .we talk to him!  We remember how he lived his life, how he made us laugh, how he took good care of us. . .how much love he has shown us.

What is life like when you lose someone you love?  

It hurts. . . and it is life changing.

You learn to be strong, to keep the faith (always), you learn to appreciate (more) the people you love and who love you.  You value each day you live and make the most of it.  You learn not to take each day for granted because life can throw you a curve ball and surprise you.

We started going through his personal things and we saw a letter which he sent to us when they went overseas for a trip (when I was 12 years old).  He wrote a message for each of us (my siblings and I). In it, he asked me how my "slimming lessons" are. . . (not swimming. . .slimming!)  and if I lost weight already, hahaha!  Daddyyyy!!! Oh well, some things never change!

Daddy, we miss you everyday.  And I know we are going to miss you and think of you everyday of our lives.  We love you so much! 

And that will never change. 

The Saddest Day in my Life

These past few days have been . . . heart wrenching to say the least.  I haven't cried this much in my life.  I have been crying so much for the past two days that my eyes have run dry.  But then when I remember that I won't get to see and talk (no more hugs and kisses) to the first man I've loved, the tears just start coming again.

My dad passed away yesterday and it hurts. . . A LOT.  I wasn't ready to let him go.  He passed away just when we got back to LA last Thursday.  It hurts that I wasn't there when it happened.  I had to deal (still do) with so many feelings. . . denial, regrets, guilt.  There's a certain emptiness in my life right now.

So I will be taking a blogging break.. . . but I promise I'll be back.  

To honor my father, I've listed down some blog posts which I've written in the past about him.  He has left so many wonderful memories which makes writing his eulogy a little bit harder.

I hope that through these posts, you get to know a little bit about him. . . this man who taught me valuable lessons in life and who helped me to become the person that I am today.

I miss you Daddy (so bad). . . .I'll be home to see you for the last time.

I love you. . . you will forever live in my heart. 

Our Modern Bahay Kubo

Jaihouse Rock

Lolo's Girl

Happy Birthday Daddy

Happy Mother's Day!

I'm looking forward to celebrating Mother's Day tomorrow because it's going to be the first time I'm celebrating it with Hubby! =)

To celebrate Mother's Day, I want to share with you videos (which you might have seen already since both of them went viral) which made me cry as they both describe Motherhood the way I see and feel about it.

One thing that Motherhood taught me is to strengthen my belief about being selfless and loving unconditionally. 

Just like this beautiful woman, Ms. Paddy, she gave up her dream of becoming a dancer (she started dancing when she was just two years old! to get married and take care of the family.

But after everything she had to do and went through, I am so happy (for her) that she chased her dream and did something about it.  

Yes, Motherhood isn't easy. . .it is definitely a tough job to do!

I love this video because it's heartwarming to see grown ups who suddenly remembered how great their Moms are =)  

And there's another side of Motherhood. . . there are just times that even when your love for your kids is overflowing and that they are your pride and source of joy. . . sometimes. . .sometimes. . .you just want to say . . .

Image from antoniarolls.blogspot.com

Haha!

Motherhood entails a lot of hard work.  It can be tiring and stressful.  I thought I was a patient person. . .until I became a Mom. (Haha!)  But in spite of all the "drama", the rewards are truly immeasurable!  

I am in a place where I want to be, happy and contented. =)

Happy Mother's Day!

Inspiring Quote

I saw this quote while I was on the road . . .

Photo Source

There was a new girl who joined our class (I think when we were in third or fourth Grade) who was shy and anxious because she didn't know anyone in class (most of us in class have been classmates since the first grade).  But we proved to be actually nice (hahaha!) that we developed our friendship until we graduated in High School.

The next time we saw each other was when we were already married (with our own kids) and when we were reminiscing about those days when were still in our pigtails, she told me about one classmate of ours who she will never forget (and she is till grateful about it) for her act of kindness. . . .all because this classmate talked to her when she was a newcomer in class!   And just like that, she felt better and felt that she belonged.  (So to that classmate of ours, thank you for representing the whole class, haha!)

An act of kindness doesn't have to be grand because even a small one goes a long way (as long as 30 years!).

Have a nice day ahead!

Happy Easter!

The Princess is now at a stage where the "Whys" are starting to fly here and there. . .

Why she shouldn't put her fingers in her mouth
Why she can't play with the Rosary
Why do I have to use a sanitary napkin
Why she shouldn't eat that "stuff" from her nose
Why she has to love her baby brother

and the questions just keep coming. . .

Last Good Friday, we went around our City to see flagellants whipping themselves.  Some of them do it as an act of repentance for the sins they've done and some do it as a form of religious devotion.

I tried to explain to her (in a way that I hope she would understand) that they do this because they want to say sorry to Jesus.  

Princess:  Why?

Me: Because they did something bad and Jesus wasn't happy.

Princess: Why?

Me: They did something bad because. . . .(and I stopped, not sure of the answer!).  

And I wanted to tell her that God created us in His own image and likeness.  And that He loves us so much that He gave us the gifts of free will, intellect and choice.  But sometimes (probably most of the times!) we don't put these special gifts to good use that's why we fail ourselves and ultimately, we fail God for the choices we make.  But I have to make it simpler! 

It was not an easy thing to explain to her.  But it was a question that I wanted to ask myself too.  Why do we keep on doing bad things?!  So right there, while inside the van, in the middle of a busy street, I got a few minutes of personal reflection and repentance.  Thanks to a toddler who simply asked "Why"? 

As we celebrate Easter today, I wish that you find in your hearts the meaning of Easter in your life.  It may mean a new beginning, a chance to be a better person, a healing you've been praying for. . . or something that puts Hope and Love in your heart.  Whatever it is, I wish you a joyful heart today and always! =)

Happy Easter!!!

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!

I'll miss you Tita E . . .

Life has two faces.  We experience the good and the bad, happy and sad.

A couple of days after welcoming the New Year, an Aunt of mine (an elder sister of my Dad) completed her life's journey and has gone to a better place.  Her heart may have given up on her but she left a piece of it to each person she has loved.     

Image from www.mrwallpaper.com

I would like to believe that my Aunt and I have a "special bond".  We have a special fondness for each other, and I hope I was able to show and make her feel how much she is dear to me.  I don't know when it exactly started but we got closer as I grew older.

Growing up, I remember receiving Birthday cards from her.  She always writes her personal messages and wishes in each of them which makes these store bought cards more special.  She always has a smile on her face, the kind that pushes up in the eyes.  I actually wonder if she was ever in a bad mood!       

She gave the best of herself.  She was a dutiful daughter, a good sister, a devoted wife, a caring mother and a thoughtful lola (grandmother) to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She may be 88 years old but she was one cool lola!  Her innate goodness just showed  in every little thing she does for everyone.

It's ironic how I am talking about Death at a time when we should be celebrating the start of a New Year. But sometimes, hearing about the Death of someone makes us look into our own lives and see if we have lived our lives fully or if we have loved enough.  Then we become thankful that we are still alive because we still have a chance to start again, do and make better of the life we have.

Also, Death doesn't necessarily mean it is the end.  For the departed, it means we are celebrating the life they lived and celebrate the start of another one. . . .the eternal kind of life.

*********************************************************************************

Dear Tita E, 

I know you are in a happy place and that you are smiling from up there.  You will always be in my heart.  Thank you for showing me what Loving is all about.

I am missing you already!

Love you and til we see each other again. . . 

Dear Santa

One of my fondest childhood memories was waking up on cold December mornings and checking my red Christmas stocking (which has a Snowman I think) for my goodies from Santa.  Our stockings were full of chocolate treats and colorful candies that would have rivaled Willy Wonka's Chocolate factory (in the eyes of a 4 yr old, that stocking was a Candyland!)  One Christmas, I remember receiving an orange cookware playset from Santa  and my elder brother got a  robot.  In our young minds, we think that Santa Claus was just the greatest!  

Until one day, a cousin of ours just blurted out that there was NO SANTA CLAUS (Gasp!) and that our parents were Santa! (Nooooo!!!)  Our cousin probably doesn't even remember doing that (and what he did actually changed our lives, hahaha!)

But you know what, I still believe in Santa Claus!  My idea of Santa Claus may have changed as I grew older.  He may not be wearing a red suit anymore, doesn't live in the North Pole and that there is actually more than one Santa!  But one thing remains, I believe in what he stands for =)

I am sharing with you a video (which I've seen in several of my friends' FB Wall) of a nice Holiday surprise that WestJet Airlines pulled off for its passengers.  It is so heartwarming that I am going to ask Santa for my own gift, haha!

Dear Santa, I've been nice this year.  If there's one thing I can ask for this Christmas, it is for you to bring home our Daddy for the Holidays because we miss him so much. =)

What's on your Christmas Wish list?

On Making a Difference

It has been over a week now since tropical cyclone Yolanda (recorded as one of world's strongest typhoon, if not the strongest) hit our country (Philippines) which greatly affected Eastern Visayas (Leyte, Samar, Capiz, Iloilo, Palawan).

It is truly heartbreaking to see the devastation brought by this Super Typhoon. . . most especially the pain and anguish of the survivors brought about by the loss of the their loved ones.

Heartbreaking . . . yet heartwarming at the same time.  Amidst the chaos in this tragedy, one gets to see, read and hear stories (and there are many!) that are inspiring and uplifting.  

I am sharing with you one of the many stories which I've read in FB that tugged my heart strings.  

These kids don't have a lot (may not even have enough) but made a way to contribute and empathize with the survivors.  These kids have shown that there are more ways than one to help those who need it the most. 

As what a person close to me said, "The needs are enormous; no matter how much we can do, it is a drop in the bucket.  But many "drops" can help make a difference."

Wishing everyone a great week ahead!  Here's to making a difference! 

****************************************************************************

PAANONG HINDI TAYO TUTULONG KAPAG GANITO?

A touching story from MAYETTE CINCO. Even street kids donate what they can to the typhoon victims, despite their poor conditions. How can we not help?

Bigas, Sardinas at Trenta Pesos...

The boys and i decided to drop by the grocery after church this afternoon to buy the stuff we would be sending to Tacloban City tomorrow. Nearing our house, We saw five Tawi kids waiting for us at the gate. With a smile they greeted us and handed me a small paper bag and said ' Pakisama nyo pa po ito sa ipadadala nyo bukas sa mga binagyo. Nangalakal po kami para din sa kanila..Sana po makatulong.' I opened the bag and saw a kilo of rice, 2 sardines and three ten peso coins..Ung trenta po pambili nila duon ng tinapay para hindi mayupi sa byahe.' I held the precious bag so tight & assured the boys that their donation will surely help kids in Tacloban. I know how hard they worked today just so they could share. It's not easy being chased by dogs & cops and be bullied by all sorts of 'tambays' in the streets of Rizal..Not easy to walk the entire day looking for scraps in every street garbage drums..but they braved the heat of the sun and all other challenges just to come up with what they think would be of help to others..I said to myself, nahihiya ako sa kanila..hindi ako naaawa, humahanga ako kasi hindi lahat kayang magbigay ng may kalakip na sakripisyo..so often we give from our spare..but these kids gave out of the only things they've got..Reminds me of the poor widow who gave 2 pennies for the Lord..She gave her all for the Master and that made all the difference... God bless, beautiful children of the Savior..."

Weekend Hangover

Image from www.slodive.com

And I think there's some truth in this, haha!

What do you think?

Let's not look at Monday as something that dampens our weekend high.  Instead, let's look at it as a new beginning . . . that gives us that one chance we're asking for . . .that give us the opportunity to correct a mistake . . .a day that gives us a lot of possibilities!

As they say. . .LIVE, LAUGH and LOVE.

Have a great Monday!  

Stop Yelling!

Image from www.momlogic.com

This is what I've been telling myself these past few days. . . .

I just find myself yelling at Ate these past few days.  I yelled at her yesterday when she didn't want to brush her teeth.  I yelled more when she started crying.  I raised my voice again this morning when she didn't want to eat her breakfast. . . and those times she spilled something on the floor or wiped her paint-covered fingers on the clean bed sheets.        

Why was I yelling?  Because I thought I can have my way if I did, that I can show her who is in charge.  Or because it's the easiest thing to do when you get frustrated (because I don't know what she wants)  . . . or because I was just too tired and didn't have the energy to handle her at that moment. 

What did I get out of it?  Nothing!  

And I felt like the worst mother in the world!  

I feel guilty after I tell her off.  I've seem to forgotten that I am dealing with a toddler who is naturally active and inquisitive and who can't fully express herself yet.  

So no more yelling, I will stop, I will change, I will be better in handling and understanding my toddler.  Oh yes, Parenthood is a continuous learning process.

As I am typing this, Ate is beside me and wants to play with the keyboard.  

I was about to . . . so I am stopping myself, I am biting my tongue.

And I know. . . that it's time to end this post.  Haha!

My Earliest School Memories are made of these. . . .

I'm sooo glad I enrolled Ate in her Pre-Nursery class.  She is slowly coming out of her shell and is enjoying her class a lot!  She has familiarized herself with the names of her classmates (sometimes, she just suddenly does a roll call at home, haha!).  Her most favorite part is the singing and dancing in school.  She has also become comfortable with the environment that there is no need for me to say with her in school anymore. (So proud of you Ate!  You are truly my little Ms. Independent!)  Seeing her in school brings back fond memories of my own.

I remember attending a Nursery class where the only things I can remember doing were having recess and nap time!  Probably because I was too young to remember . . . or they were just really my most favorite things to do in school perhaps?  Haha!  The one big thing I remember was when L, a girl classmate of mine (oh yes, I still remember her name!) hit me in the stomach (it was a light punch) just when the photographer was about to get our class photo.  Yes, I had proof!  You should see our class photo. . . it was written all over my face!  (Poor me, haha!)  It was the closest thing to bullying which I've experienced in school.

Then I attended Kinder and Prep classes in a Montessori school.  I remember going to Clark Air Base (when the Americans were still occupying it) for a field trip and met "Santa Claus" riding a sleigh.. . . a carabao!  Haha!  I remember doing a Hawaiian and Tahitian dance for a school program, being a Narrator during a Cinderella play, being Mama Mary in a Christmas play, attending Advanced Reading classes in the morning, setting the table for Recess . . . and receiving (for the first time) a flower from a boy (C). . . and three green leaves (??? Haha!) from N. . . I threw the flower in the trash can which made C really mad but I held on to the green leaves because . . . N was actually a nice boy with a beautiful pair of eyes. . . he is cute actually. . . though I'm taller than him, haha!

During our graduation from Pre-School, our Class Adviser, Ms. A, asked me to deliver the graduation speech (which they wrote).  It was not a short speech!  It was pretty long that even my parents asked my teacher if she was sure I can do it. . . And I did!  I think my parents had more butterflies in their stomach than I did!  But I know it was one of their proudest moments too.  

And if there's one song that makes me remember my Pre-School days, it is this Carpenters song.  When I hear it, I still sing along and sway to its music. . . just like how Ms. A taught us.

I am so excited for Ate . . . and for all the good things that are yet to come.

And I hope she remembers the happy (and sometimes, even the not so happy) and funny moments that make going to school exciting and memorable!

That Could Have Been . . . Them!

I was watching a TV special about "Friends" and they've mentioned that the role of Rachel (played by Jennifer Aniston) was first offered to Tea Leoni.  With the commercial success of Friends, everyone has fallen in love with the whole cast that I'm sure we can't imagine other actors playing the roles of Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, Ross and Joey.   (If you want to read more about the other actors who were considered for the cast of "Friends", please click on this link )

Then I found this online by chance--- a list of actors who have passed up on Iconic roles.

*All images are from espressogossip.com

Will Smith as Neo (Matrix)

Dana Delaney as Carrie Bradshaw (Sex in the City)
This one, I cannot imagine AT ALL!  
SJP is Carrie and Carrie is SJP, enough said, Haha!

Molly Ringwald as Vivian Ward (Pretty Woman)

John Travolta as Forrest Gump

Bette Midler as Sis. Mary Clarence (Sister Act)
Bette Midler turned down this role because she thought her fans
would have some concerns over her playing the role of a nun

Tom Selleck as Indiana Jones
I think Tom Selleck is a good choice for the role and I can see him playing it actually.  
But I just love Harrison Ford more =)

Jack Nicholson as Michael Corleone (The Godfather)
It's been said that Jack Nicholson turned down this role, not because he didn't like it.
He just felt that an Italian should play the role.

Sandra Bullock as Maggie Fitzgerald (Million Dollar Baby)
The story goes that there was a delay in the production so Sandra "packed her bags" 
and dropped out from this movie project 

Julia Roberts as Leigh Anne Tuohy (The Blind Side)
Julia turned downed the role because she is set to do a movie (Valentine's Day) 
with Garry Marshall, the director who gave her break in Pretty Woman

As I was going through the list, I have picked up  a thing or two from the stories behind these what ifs and could have beens:

1. When we give too much importance on what other people have to say, we end up losing because it stops us from doing what we want.

2. Patience is a virtue . . . and good things happen to those who wait =)

3. Giving up something doesn't mean we are weak, it means that we know ourselves better and that we acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses.    

4. You cannot put a price to the relationship you have built with the people who have made a difference in your life.


These actors have their own reasons why they passed up on these roles and I'm sure that somehow, there is a feeling of regret to most of them (if not all).  Just like them, I'm sure we have our stories to tell.  But we shouldn't dwell on these regrets.  Instead, let us learn from them.

Here's to more opportunities to come our way. . . and the courage to take our chances!

If you want to read more about the actors that passed up on iconic roles, please click on this link.

Words That Matter

We heard mass yesterday and were standing at the back of the congregation when suddenly, I felt somebody wiggling his way through, between me and my sister.  (Okay, I used "wiggle" because it sounded better kinder than "forcing his way", haha!).  But really. . . it was. . . (sorry for the word). . . annoying!  I was annoyed (and disappointed) that this young man (he must be around 16 years old) didn't even have the decency to say "Excuse Me".  At his age, I think he should know better. Some of you may find this incident trivial (that I let it affect me, haha!) but I must say that having good manners is important.  Having good manners show that you are polite, you care, you are considerate of other people's feelings and most importantly, it shows that you respect them.

My parents taught me early on in life that there are words, though they may sound simple are words that matter and can make a difference.  

They emphasized on the importance of saying "Thank You", "Please", "Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening" and probably the hardest word to say (yes, even for us adults probably, haha). . ."I'm sorry".

In the Filipino culture, we use "po"  (usually put at the end of a sentence) and "opo" (means "yes") to show respect when we are talking to someone who is older than us. 

Image from www.teachthis.co.uk

Janina has learned to say "Please" and "Thank You"  and we are still working on "I'm sorry" and "Excuse Me".

Just like how my parents taught us, I want her to learn the importance of having good manners and take these words by heart.

There is no "too early" to teach manners. . . and no "too late" to learn either. 

To the young man who "wiggled his way". . . it's not too late =)

You are Beautiful! =)

I saw this quote in a blog (Fab After Forty) that I was following and got struck by it because it's true. . . and we all know it.

I think it's not that we don't see it.  I think it's hard for us to acknowledge it!  

When I was younger, I didn't know how to take compliments, haha!  Until I learned that the best way was to just say thank you and give them a sincere smile =)

Beauty is not all about our appearance.  There is beauty in all of us!

You are beautiful when you make other people laugh.
Or when they go to you when they need someone to talk to.
You are beautiful when you love unconditionally
And when you are loved by many.
You are beautiful when you are comfortable in your own skin
And when people go to you to find comfort when they are looking for it.
You are beautiful when you know how to appreciate the things that you have in your life.
You are beautiful when you are at peace with yourself.

All of us have our own take on what Beauty is all about.  The most important thing is to let our true beauty shine.

Here's to embracing and celebrating our beautiful selves!

Wishing everyone a beautiful day ahead!!! =)

Happy Birthday P!

I would like to dedicate this post to a very special little boy who is celebrating his 1st Birthday today!

Happy Birthday P!

We wish you a great zest for life as you continue to explore new things everyday =)

This is not the first time I've blogged about P.  I actually blogged about him and his lovable parents (E and Queen D) here . . .  when I got sooo excited when his dear Mama shared with me the good news that she was 9 weeks pregnant with him (after being married for 9 years).  It was not an easy journey for them, but the most important thing was they never gave up, remained strong and faithful.  And seeing little P only proves that good things happen to those who wait =)

Goes without saying that E and D have enjoyed the road to Parenthood since the day they learned about their little Angel.  They are enjoying P immensely as he likes playing with their car keys (get ready when he asks for the real thing!  Haha!) and Iphone.  This little boy lights up the room when he smiles but loves biting too (heehee). . . .and he won't go hungry too!  He knows how to get the attention of his parents especially when he sees them eating bananas which is his favorite fruit . . . And I'm sure his parents can't resist him when he says "Ma-mah" and "Pa-pah".

To E and D, we are sharing in your happiness as a family as you celebrate your little Angel's 1st Birthday  today!  (Have an amazing and fun-filled day!  Yes, it is but right to declare today a special no-work holiday for both of you! Haha!)

And to the rest of us who are praying for something, I hope that P will inspire us to be hopeful and faithful as he reminds us that God answers prayers. . . that he gives us what He knows is best for us =)

Have a blessed day ahead! =)

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

Baby Steps

My Precious Little Ones . . one lazy morning 

Baby step by baby step, you have what you need right now to start moving in the direction of your happiest dreams.
- Marta Davidovich Ockuly 

A few months ago, a good friend of mine mentioned that his wife (who was working in the corporate world) have always dreamed of opening her own business.  Well, I am happy for her because she is now living her dream!  She has resigned from her job and is now one of the proud owners of a spa business which is opening tomorrow!  Nothing beats that happy feeling from personal satisfaction because you love what you do and you got what you've always dreamed of =)

Let's start the week right. . . remember, it's not too late to realize your dreams!

Have a good week ahead!

Running High

My emotions are!  And no, this is not Postpartum (which I've blogged here) . . .

I know I haven't blogged and I should be blogging about something light and happy and "motherly" since it was just Mother's Day last Sunday.

But I didn't have a good day today.  I feel sad and hurt, I feel like crying. . . I feel bleh!  I wish Hubby is here to give me a hug which I badly need right now.  I wish he is here to calm me (his mere presence does) and to talk some sense into me (he's good at that!)

But it's okay. . . our precious ones are here.

I see them and I'm starting to feel better.  I'm starting to calm down.

I think of Hubby, I have these two little angels. . . I have all of them in my life.  They are all that matters.

Hope your day was better than mine. . .

As they say, "Tomorrow is another day."  

And I say it's going to be a better day!

Finding Joy

An inspiring thought to start the week . . .

Image from www.diydaily.com

Today, I tried a recipe which my father liked, prepared pasta for my sister's lunch, managed to take a nap, put up a blog post today (this one!  haha!), and drank an ice-cold Coke Light!  

We think that finding happiness is always found on such a grand scale that we miss those little beautiful things that come our way everyday.  We don't realize that no matter how small they may seem, they are capable of bringing us joy.  =)

Yes, I promise to "find joy in the ordinary" everyday.

Wishing you all so many great little moments everyday of your life! =)