Rapha's 1st birthday photoshoot

These photos were taken before Rapha's 1st birthday, I think this was taken December of 2019. Of course he is much bigger now. He is after all 25 months old.

I have a toddler now :) 

 

I really regret not blogging the past years. For now, I will be posting old photos and milestone of my son just so I have something to look back and read or maybe even show him someday :)

 My husband and I did the styling here, Camille took the photos :) venue was from a nearby park. I am so grateful we were able to do this just before Covid came into the scene.

Rapha's first park visit

My son is now 4 months old!

Sharing with you our pictures yesterday. Thank God for holidays :)  Because there was no work yesterday we were able to go to park just before sunset.

This particular picture melts my heart- My husband holding our very own son. I will forever be grateful for these new experiences.

Family picture

Looking forward to another holiday again next week!

Mother's 78th Birthday :)

Hi everyone! I just thought of updating my blog today and what a better way to update than to post these beautiful photos of our family taken last October 8, 2017.

My Nanay was tearfully happy :) I hope that even if her mind/logic is not properly functioning anymore (due to that very tragic accident) she still feels the same love or even more from us, her children.

It was a simple celebration in a not so fancy eat all you can restaurant but the memories we made are priceless!

the three daughters :)

we look so happy right? because we are indeed happy. Recovering well :)

The birthday girl

Finally an update

Yay! it's  actually end of the month and only my 2nd post.  Thankful that I am was able to squeeze it today.

I don't know how I am going to rate my January because there is one major heartache happened to our family.

My mothers youngest sister aged 63 years old went home with the Lord last January 16.  It was so sudden, and we were all sad. I immediately went home to be with my Nanay, we went straight to my Aunt's house which is one and a half hour away from our house in the province. My Aunt who permanently resides in the US went home also and it was a very sad reunion for them. 

The good thing with a death in the family ( yes we have to find good even in the worst situation) is that we get to see almost all of our relatives and somehow it eases the pain. It was also at this time that they started to plan for a yearly family reunion. Looking forward to our first ever family reunion this December, another reason to be excited for the holidays.

the sisters (My Mom in the middle)

~*~
Our Uber operations (naks!) meaning hubs source of living was affected for two weeks because of this, but that's ok. My principle always is that "family comes first" and "we can never out give God". We lost some income but I am hopeful we can recover in due time.

~*~
Work is even crazier than last year, I was given more loads this year. I actually declined the job offer but my boss did not accept it. So for now, I am learning new things, trying my best and surviving. Thank God. :)

~*~
We have also started the work for the annual youth mission camp this year, this work makes me excited and happy. I am amazed at how creative our youth officers are. This year will be another major experience for our camp attendees and I'm sure they are in for a big surprise.

well, that's it for now. I have yet to post our new years picture in Baguio, l hope I can make another post before my birthday this February :)

have a good day everyone! God bless you!

77th Birthday

10.10.16 

 

Great is thy faithfulness oh Lord!

It was so heartwarming to see her cry and smile at the same time. She wasn’t expecting us to come home as we  told her  earlier that we won’t  be able to come on her birthday, but obviously she has been praying and hoping that one of us would come home to celebrate with her.

Three out of her four children came home, all of us sisters.  It was a round trip, tiring as it may seem  but it’s all worth it.

I pray she’ll have more birthday celebrations with us, I pray she’ll have good health, overflowing joy and peace in her old age.  She deserves it because she was such a very good mother.

I love you Nanay to the moon and back!

10 days before Christmas

And I haven't wrap a single gift yet :( I don't want to stress my self though so I am not cramming, have bought a few gift items for our nieces and nephews and will try to buy few more for our godchildren just in time for our church thanksgiving party on Sunday. 

Like last year, I am organizing a gift giving event for our ministry again and this time our beneficiaries are the kids from San Luis,Aurora-   their area was badly hit by typhoon Lando last October. We are giving them small toys, hygiene stuff and cookies :) I hope that will make them smile and happy this Christmas.

*~*

I dreamt of my  Tatay last night, in my dreams, he was holding my hand and guiding me to a path going to our relatives place. It is in this time of season that I miss him most, because during Christmas, he gets excited, he plans for the food and whats not, he loves to open gifts from us. I guess our Christmas will never be the same again without him.

BUT, I refuse not to be on the celebrative mood this Christmas. I refuse not to be happy. I am blessed, I have family to spend the holidays and all my nieces and nephews are excited as usual.

10 more days to go and it's Christmas :) I hope you enjoy your time with your love ones!

30 RULES FOR GODLY WOMEN

Got this on facebook and thought of sharing it here in my blog (CTTO)

I checked my self and sigh. I am a wife in progress. Married for 9 years and yet so very far from being a Godly wife. 

1). Never raise your voice for any reason to your husband. Its a sign of disrespect.(Prov 15: 1)

2). Don't expose your husband's weaknesses toyour family and friends. It will bounce back at you.You are each other's keeper.(Eph 5:12)

3). Never use attitudes and moods to communicate to your husband, you never know how your husband will interpret them. Defensive women don't have a happy home.(Prov 15:13)

4). Never compare your husband to other men, you've no idea what their life is all about. If you attack his Ego, his Love for you will diminish.

5). Never ill treat your husband's friends because you don't like them, the person who's supposed to get rid of them is your husband.(Prov 11:22)

6). Never forget that your husband married you, not your maid or anyone else. Do your duties.(Gen 2:24)

7). Never assign anyone to give attention to your husband, people may do everything else but your husband is your own responsibility.(Eph 5:33)

8). Never blame your husband if he comes back home empty handed. Rather encourage him.(Deut 3:28)

9). Never be a wasteful wife, your husband's sweat is too precious to be wasted.

10). Never pretend to be sick for the purpose of denying your husband sex. You must give it to him how he wants it. Sex is very important to Men, if you keep denying him, it is a matter of time before another woman takes over theat duty. No man can withstand sex starvation for too long(even the anointed ones) (SS 7:12)

11). Never compare your husband to your one time sex mate in bedroom, or an Ex-lover. Your home may Never recover from it if you do.(SS 5:9)

12). Never answer for your husband in public opinion polls, let him handle what is directed to him although he may answer for you in public opinion polls.(Prov 31:23)

13). Never shout or challenge your husband in front of children. Wise Women don't do that.(Eph 4:31)

14). Don't forget to check the smartness of your husband before he checks out.(Prov 12:4)

15). Never allow your friends to be too close to your husband.

16). Never be in a hurry in the bathroom and on the dressing table. Out there your husband is always surrounded by women who took their time on their looks.( 1 Sam25:3)

17). Your parents or family or friends do not have the final say in your marriage. Don't waste your time looking up to them for a final word. You must Leave if you want to Cleave.(Luke 21:16)

18). Never base your love on monetary things. Will you still submit to him even if you earn more money than him?

19). Don't forget that husbands want attention and good listeners, never be too busy for him. Good communication is the bed rock of every happy home. (Gal 6:9)

20). If your idea worked better than his, never compare yourself to him. Its always teamwork.(Gal 6:10)

21). Don't be too judgemental to your husband. No man wants a Nagging wife.(Eph 4:29)

22). A lazy wife is a careless wife. She doesn't even know that her body needs a bath.(Prov 24:27)(Prov 20:13)

23). Does your husband like a kind of cooked food?, try to change your cooking. No man jokes with food. (Prov 31:14)

24). Never be too demanding to your husband,enjoy every moment, resource as it comes.(Luke 11:3)

25). Make a glass of water the very first welcome to your husband and everyone entering your home. Sweetness of attitude is true beauty. (Prov 31:11)

26). Don't associate with women who have a wrong mental attitude about marriage.(Prov 22v14)

27). Your marriage is as valuable to you as the value that you give it. Recklessness is unacceptable.(Heb 13:4)

28). Fruit of the womb is a blessing from the Lord, love your children and teach them well.(Prov 22:6)

29). You are never too old to influence your home. Never reduce your care for your family for any reason. (Prov 31:28)

30). A prayerful wife is a better equipped wife,pray always for your husband and family(1 Thess 5:17)

Thankful

Last October 10, we celebrated Nanay's 76th birthday. We went home to be with her, we did not have any grand celebration like what we had last year but it's still meaningful. What matters most to me is that we got to spend time with her, letting her know that she is loved by us.

She said days before her birthday she dream of my Tatay, in her dream, he was asking her to come with him and stroll somewhere, glad she didn't go :(

When Tatay was still with us, he would always remind us of Nanay's birthday and will often ask us of what are we going to prepare for that day. No doubt, he loved Nanay, 56 years of marriage, it was only death that separated them. 

I just hope, we made Nanay happy even if we did not do anything special on her birthday, we were just there together with some relatives and her closest friends and yes it was such a happy time.

I love you so much Nanay, I am so glad you have reached 76 and am looking forward to more happy birthdays to come. May your prayers be granted. 

Her special prayer is that she be given more years, for her to see her grand kids graduate in college. My eldest nephew is graduating in 2018. I'm sure she'll be there to celebrate with all of us.

'Tis the SEASON :)

Oh hello September :) hello "BER" months.

I can sense everyone's excitement with the arrival of the ber months, as you know this signifies the beginning of Christmas season, yes Christmas season here in my part of the world, yesterday I heard some radio stations airing Christmas songs and on the evening news are people buying Christmas decors as early as now.

I am excited for that season too. BUT before that, husband's birthday comes first-he'll turn 34 on the 14th of this this month. I have no plans yet on how are we going to celebrate, I'll see what I can do or  come up to on the day itself  :)  I am such a very good wife..hahaha!

I just  hope September will be better. Not only for me but also for all of you.

Blessings everyone! 

Happy Monday!

Starting the day right. It’s Monday, new day of the week and it is but right to start happy and positive

I need to do this or else I’ll be overwhelmed with work in the office and it would be easy to get depressed and tired which I don’t like at all.

Anyways, this week starts a new challenge in terms of work. I just hope and pray I will be able to deliver of what is expected of me.

My weekend was spent with the husband and my side of the family, this not so little girl anymore celebrated her 13^th birthday last Sunday and she had her first Starbucks coffee too. I just want her to experience it because that coffee is too expensive for us (we are not rich that’s why). She’s happy that at least she was able to try it.

Speaking of my family side, my Mom is here again in the city with us and just three days after her arrival, she is asking me again when I will bring her home in the province. She is really not comfortable here and much as we want to we can’t let her be alone in that old house of ours.  First, the house needs complete renovation, the roof is leaking, and some of the wood pillars and flooring upstairs are not safe anymore because of termites. I have long been praying and hoping that we’ll be able to do the renovation soon so Mom can see it, for sure she’ll be happy about it.

Anyways, searching for pest control brought me here, and because I am not in the US maybe those who read my blog from there can benefit, check this  Orlando critter control they specialized in nuisance animal removal . Cool no? here in my part of the world, you only hire pest control and that’s it, if it’s  wild animals I don’t know, in the province some people will just get it and make it their pet. Dead animal removal, pest animal damage repair, they can do it all.

Ok, going back, pest control is not an option for our old family house anymore. Renovation is the solution and MIRACLE because where will we get the money for that?

Maybe, if I work and work and work and work even more.  Hopefully, a blessing will come and my dream of renovating it for my Mother’s comfort will become a reality.

Well, this has been a long post. Thank you for at least getting this far.  Happy Monday everyone and enjoy the rest of the week!

Today I remember

the day I received that phone call that changed my life forever..
the day I came to face the overwhelming pain that numbed me for days..
the day I lost the very first man that loved me fully and wholeheartedly..
the day he breathed his last..

and it does still hurt..
and I still miss him that MUCH..
his text messages, his smiles and jokes
his hugs...

and I still do cry.
even if it has been two years since he left us for good

I miss you so much Tatay!! I love you..Till we meet again in heaven.

Holy Week Vacation 2015

Tonight or early tomorrow morning, we're driving home for a short vacation. Everyone is already in the vacation mood, because for us Filipinos, holy week also means vacation. Though it is a religious holiday, we often take this opportunity to spend time with the family while reflecting about the CROSS and JESUS.

I could have opted not to go home in the province because up to now, I am still in neck deep of works and stuff to do for the upcoming Youth Camp on April 7-10. But I think I need this so I can recharge and be even more ready for the event. Plus I am missing home and Nanay so much already.

I remember the last holy week vacation we spent with Tatay, he was already very sick that time but he was so happy that all of us are at home and spending time with him specially his grand kids.

This year will slightly be different but I am sure he'll be smiling from heaven if he sees us happy and enjoying

*~*

On a not so happy news:

There is a typhoon coming to the Philippines this week, this will be first time to me as I have never had experience a typhoon during summer season here. But weather bureau already categorized it as super typhoon :(  Yes, we need rain (water) here but we don't need that strong winds. The sad news is that, it will affect our camp next week. That alone is bringing me a lot of stress, imagine 150 plus youth sleeping in tents-soaked in rain. I don't even want to think about it. Look how big and scary it is

http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/typhoon-maysik-to-strengthen-i/44729062

If you are one who prays, can you include this major weather disturbance in your prayers and us please? Thanks!

If you are also going on a vacation- I hope and pray you'll have good time :) Blessings everyone!

78th Birthday

Happy happy birthday Tatay!

We will be celebrating again (our second) without you, but I take comfort that you are also having a grand celebration up there in heaven with all the angels :) and that you are truly happy.

I love you and remembering a lot about you today is not easy, it is still painful. I miss you so much.

Happy New Year!!

Well, sorry for my late greeting, it's because I stayed off the internet till yesterday so it is only now that I am able to visit blogs, facebook and other social medias :)

How did you spent your holidays? My Christmas was spent with the whole family and as usual it was chaotic with all the kids around but it's super happy :)

And our new year? it was a peaceful, relaxing and quiet :) It's as if we own the whole beach resort..hehe! We were in an island somewhere in Quezon province :)

 The weather is not that good though, it was windy and it's so cold. Mr. Sunshine is such a shy those days :(

Happy new year everyone! Praying it will be a better year for all of us!

Oh December :(

I know December is a happy month but why the sad face on my title, well, it is because there has been three hospital trips for us for this month alone!!! and that is definitely not good.

First one, my Father in law who lives with us was rushed to ER due to high blood pressure. 240/160. That was not a joke, so he is on maintenance medicine and is doing fine now.

Second, my husband's niece who happens to be visiting with her mom first week of December got very sick. Health center worker suspected it was Dengue so we have her checked and stayed overnight at the hospital, It was blood infection and not Dengue, she was given antibiotics for 7 days. Good thing they are not with us anymore, they went back to Cavite after few days.

Third, just last Sunday, my brother rushed Nanay to the hospital due to very high blood sugar, she passed and for a few moments they can't revive her, I immediately hurried to hospital and saw her restless. I was worried and I myself nearly passed out because I realized I have not eaten anything for nearly 8 hours that day due to many things that we are doing. Haay talaga :(

Anyways, mom is okay now, she's back home at my sister's house, we will go back to her doctor on Friday for a follow up check up.

With all that stress and not to mention the unexpected expenses..I think I need a longer vacation and  REST. I can't wait for the holiday. Come December 23 and we're off from work and will resume on January 05. The longest Christmas vacation I will have so far.

I am still thankful though despite  of these unhappy incidents, I know we are still blessed and that we wll celebrate Christmas with thankful and happy hearts.

Christmas dinner set up

image source: http://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/school/conference-venue-hire/christmas-said-2014

I want to do this kind of table set-up this Christmas, with table napkins and dinner plates and trimmings  but the thing is, we spend Christmas eve at my sister's house in Bulacan and I know their dining table will only seat 6. but who knows, maybe we can find a way :)

This one is simple but nice. Red table napkins and mats :)

image source: http://inspiredbylilfeet.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-eve-lil-feet-style.html

Or maybe, we can do red disposable plates instead, perfect for the kids and for us who do not want to do dishes afterwards :) We just have to find a long table so we can all seat together :)

image source :http://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2011-xmas-lunch-1.jpg

This excites me!! Can't wait for Christmas with the whole fam! :)  23 more days to go!

Remembering

For us here in the Philippines, November 1 is for remembering our departed loved ones but I guess in my part, it does not have to be only on that day because as far as I am concerned, I do remember them almost any day of my life.

I also don't believe in Halloween and do not celebrate it but since my Father passed away last year, we had to go home on November 01 and visit his grave (I'll say his grave because I am very sure that he is not there anymore). This year though, we (meaning my husband and I) were not able to make it home, sad because I'll surely miss a family gathering but we had to accept it. 

Unhappy it maybe but It doesn't mean I forgot Tatay because he will never be forgotten, his memory will always live in my heart, his voice, his jokes and all of him.

Anyways, I'll visit when I go home next time.

Nanay is now 75

And I am so thankful because I know it's already a gift. I pray she'll live longer and that she will be granted more strength and peace and joy and all the love that she could get.

Simple celebration in our bahay kubo (nipa hut)

Nanay and her older sister Aunty Huling

She looks so happy but it is still a sad thought that she was not the same as before. Anyways, we enjoyed everyone's presence and we had loads of fun.

We love you Nanay!!

Abadiano Family Rules

This will be hanging in our wall soon :) Isn't it nice? A N@wie (from my online group) made this.

Father's Day

Yesterday - as it was the second Sunday of June.

We had the normal activity in the church, we recognized the fathers and let them stand in front, the congregation prayed for them and wished them Happy Father's Day. Family members hugged and kissed them.

I have two major reasons now to put this special occasion as my least favorite.

1. It's never the same and will never be without my father. While he was still with us, we'd gather and have some special food during the day or for dinner but it's been different for the 2nd time now. I have no one to kiss and say how much I love him. But I'm glad and thankful I did all that while he was still here. 

2.  Since we got married, every time this day comes and we do that normal routine activity in the church, they will ask my husband to stand along with the fathers and it hurts so bad that no child (of our own) is going in front to hug him and kiss him. For 8 long years,I've put on-we've put on a smile but I think that has to stop now. Yes, we have learn to accept the reality that we might not have children but it still hurt that much when they do that. It's like telling us a million times again-that my husband is still a husband and not a Father.

So there it is...but of course, it doesn't mean I'm not going to greet all the great fathers I know there. After all it's their day sadly though not my husbands'.