Anniversary @ Midas

Aside from my birthday month, I also look forward to October. It is our anniversary month. I love that my hubby wanted to celebrate it with me. 2015 was our ninth year of marriage. It fell on a Thursday and we had dinner. I was excited to wear my new dress I bought from Zalora. Here's my OOTD taken by the hubby using his phone.

Dress: Zalora | Shoes: H2Ocean | Bag: MFTote201 by mymomfriday | Watch: FitBit

There was a discount coupon from Deal Grocer for Midas Cafe at Midas Hotel and Casino that I snapped up. It was located in Manila and that's where we went.

Having King Midas in mind, I expected the hotel to be gilded, shiny and shimmering. The lighted wall in the photo above seemed promising.

Well, it was different from what I was looking forward to. We were seated at an area with lots of green that I felt like I was in a forest. While the nature-lover in me was happy, I felt like the interior design was disconnected from the name Midas. At least for me!

While I was getting food in one section of the buffet, the wind from the A/C was so strong my skirt was blown upwards. Good thing I had shorts on! I felt like Marilyn Monroe! Haha! It was so weird!

We were not yet finished with the main course when a staff brought this out together with a greeting. We were not informed, but the gesture was appreciated.

The food was alright. I am not sure if we will return, though. There are a lot of hotel restaurants to try in the Metro. Anniversary is a great excuse to sample various food selections. :-)

U.P. Town Center Day

It was Sunday and that means it's bike day. My hubby and I started riding our bikes in February almost every Sunday morning. We went to U.P. Diliman and joined the other bikers & the joggers. After maybe 3 times around the oval, I suggested that we bike to look for U.P. Town Center. Yikes! I was actually nervous about the idea of biking on an actual road. But, I really wanted to see the new place. So, off we went! 

The street outside U.P. had lots of ups and downs that normally couldn't be felt when riding a car. But, on a bike, wow! I had to fight in maintaining my balance while pedaling upwards with all my might until we reached the end of the street. We then turned right on Katipunan Avenue and started down the road for a while before Rix stopped to ask for directions. Turned out, we were going in the opposite direction. Uh-oh! We had to cross the wide street with fast on-coming cars to make a U-turn. Twice! 

Imagine my relief when we finally reached U.P. Town Center. Too bad J. Co wasn't open yet. We just rested and had breakfast at Family Mart. I felt quite tired and my knees were kind of like jelly. Rix understood my predicament, so after the food was finished, he biked back to U.P. to get the car. Yes, I waited for him there. Pathetic, I know!

I walked my folding bike around to explore the place. I waited for him afterwards so we could go home.

That afternoon, we were deciding where to go to get donuts and have dinner. We promised the kids we would take them out if they had their naps. And they did! Guess where we ended up?

At U.P. Town Center again! It was swarming with people when it was bare that morning. Nary a parking space was available so we opted for valet. Dinnertime found us at Dulcelin Gourmet. Of course, I wasn't able to take food pictures (frustrated food blogger)! Ella asked for dessert after the meal and cannot wait to head outside to buy.

Donuts for dessert! I fell in line for almost forever and was a bit sad to see that some flavors were out of stock. Is it always like that in J. Co? This was my first time to try this brand. We always buy KK. 

On the way out, I felt tempted to buy a striped shirt from Cotton On. But, with three kids in tow? I pushed the idea out of my mind.

So, that's how our Sunday went. We visited U.P. Town Center twice in one day. Have you been there? What did you think of it?

Sharing: Infographic on Spouses/Partners Staying Connected During An Argument

Having an argument with our partners or spouses doesn't mean that either one should be angry and very disconnected with one another. Like you hate each other for the moment. Well, if you cannot help it, this infographic I saw from Wifely Steps should help you stay connected with your partner during an argument. It really would be wonderful for married couples to respond to each other in love, even if they don't agree with each other.

[Via: 7 Steps to Stay Connected to Your Partner During an Argument]

Our Praise Book

I had this natural-looking notebook for the longest time. I even forgot where and why I bought it. I'm glad I took this with me after I got married. One day, I had this idea to put it to good use. I wanted to record encouragements from the people in my life and why they make me happy. I wanted to savor the moments that inspire me. I wanted to write down the blessings from the Lord and our goals as a family.

There's a page for each one of us. I have listed down the things I love about my hubby and the kids. But mine is still blank. I hope to get my partner to do the same for me so I'll know what I'm doing right. 

Then I put down sections like:

• God's Wonders
• Prayer Requests
• Goals

As time goes by, as I discover more traits individual to my children, the list in their pages will be added upon. They will also add to each others' pages so they would not forget how special and how loved they are by their siblings as well as their parents.

Cherishing Her

As a stay-at-home-mommy, my days are all about the children. Having a new baby, she gets the bulk of my attention so even when I rest, she's still with me. How do I rest then? I lie on our bed with her beside me (because she doesn't want to be left alone). And that's the way we hang out!

So, what do we do when we lay side by side on the bed?
I talk to her.
I sing to her.
I copy her facial expressions.
We engage in a staring contest.
I let her touch my face and she pinches my nose.
I lightly tickle her or do a silly face so I could listen to the sweetest music of all: her laughter!

I used to wonder why babies are cute. Now, I know that it's because being a mom is very challenging. I am trying to savor these times when they are still little. Children grow so fast!

Receiving End of God's Love

A blessed new year to you, guys! The holidays have come and gone by quite fast. So, what did you receive last Christmas? Did you accept the greatest Gift God gave to mankind?

source

Now that 2012 is here, have you decided to open your arms to something new that God is going to give you?

source

Here's to a more peaceful and prosperous new year ahead of us, for we are always at the receiving end of God's unconditional love.

Not Just A Mother

Giving birth to a son/daughter doesn't just make a woman a mom. She also has to take on other roles and responsibilities at the same time, too. Some moms even have to be dads to their children. To my 4-year-old daughter, I see myself as a/an:

• Guide - not just a tourist guide, but the mentoring kind. This is a big responsibility, for what I teach, not just through words but also through actions, is etched deeply into her mind, thus she reflects how I am as a person. I really need God's help on this one as the immensity of molding another person is quite overwhelming and challenging, a really big job! It must be done right.
• Stylist - having a daughter is sometimes fun for the moms to dress up, not just with t-shirts and pants, but with dresses, hats, hair accessories, cardigans, girly socks and pretty shoes. But, I am not into dressing up little girls as mini adults, it should be age-appropriate.
• Entertainer - kids really do get bored very easily so I need to devise ways to keep her occupied. Also, during car rides to far places, it is hard for her to stay still so it is wise to keep toys, picture books and imaginations handy.
• Teacher - the one in school is not enough, at home, I need to help her do her homework. Elle calls me "Mama Teacher" sometimes. 
• Referee - as early as now, Elle and her baby brother Caleb fight like cats and dogs already. Aside from breaking them up, I need to be objective, too. But sometimes, they said it's OK to let them resolve conflicts on their own, I just don't know if it's applicable at this stage.
• Nutritionist - for someone who doesn't really watch what she eats, this is difficult as I need to come up with dishes that will be beneficial for my kids. Plus, I don't really cook before I got married!

How about you, mommies? What other roles do you take on since becoming a mother?

http://www.zulva.com/images/mother/images/1-mom.gif

The Bad, The Good and The Ugly

The Bad.
When I thought that everything was already good to go, something goes wrong to cause stress. After all, the plan was simple. Around 11am was supposed to be baby Caleb's dedication, and afterwards, to the birthday lunch venue. No programs, no clowns, no etcetera.
But...

• The person from the parish office told me that my schedule was 9am and that the reverend had already left.
• The other pastor needed to attend some anniversary gathering and cannot substitute.
• He had lots of excuses when I have already called twice to confirm!
• He suggested we re-schedule.
• Then, we were a bit late for the lunch party. Guests were already waiting for us.
• I was reprimanded because there were more tables than guests.
• I was reprimanded for letting the nanny go on a day-off that day.

The Good.
In hindsight, even with the setbacks and the emotional rollercoaster that I have gone through, there were many things to be thankful to God for that day. Like...

• My hubby who talked with the person from the parish office.
• Accompanied by my friend who was bent on making the dedication happen, the person from the parish office had to make a way. Thanks, Beth!
• It didn't rain, praise God!
• My daughter Elle who looked so pretty as a little princess and she seemingly enjoyed the party playing with lots of kids.
• Aunts who were concerned about me and my children are blessings.
• Thankfully, Caleb did not cry at the sight of many people. Family and friends were able to carry him.
• I'm grateful for the guests who did attend and I think it was not right to worry over those who should have come.
• I was the one excited for Elle to open her gifts, teehee!

The Ugly.

• The grown person who was weeping: ME!

Pregnancy Thoughts + Ads

 I was wrong to think that my "diaper duties" would end with my second baby. God has blessed my hubby and I with another one. So, purchasing diapers would be part of our lives for around two or more years. Thank God my 4-year-old had been completely weaned from wearing them even at night. Our burden on diaper expense had been lightened considerably.

With such closely spaced children, I feel as if I am perpetually pregnant (and fat).

So, after I give birth, I think I will need this IF I don't lose weight through breastfeeding:

Speaking of breastfeeding, I really want to sustain it, as I have blogged about on Cymplified. And associated with that is babywearing, which I am also considering since it was suggested to breastfeed on demand, so there'd always be a tiny mouth near my chest.

Almost three children to our household and sometimes I still cannot believe that I am a mom. It would still feel surreal when my daughter calls out "Mommy?". Sometimes, I would wonder if I am truly deserving to be a mother of such wonderful and squeezable children. But, maybe God thinks so that's why He's given me more than I expected to have.

 

My Hubby As A Dad

Even though my hubby Rix is no financial expert or doesn't know which are the best penny stocks to buy, one thing I admire about him is that he's a wonderful daddy.

Being a father seems to come naturally to him, something I am envious of at times, but very thankful to God to have as the head of our family. It is amazing to see him play out the guidelines written in some parenting books that I have read, and he's not reading anything on parenting at all.

Rix connects with the children deeply and in a fascinating way. Daddies do really bring out the playfulness in kids.

It seems that he has this innate ability to know the perfect timing in situations or know the exact thing to say to our daughter Elle.

He also is great in disciplining Elle. In fact, she listens more to him than to me. I am glad to have him as my partner in raising these beautiful kids.

We did nothing special on Father's Day, read more on my post here. But, I wanted to write a tribute to my hubby as a dad.

I pray that our children will be closer to him as they grow up, especially our daughter. And that they will look up to him as a hero and role model, a representative of God the Father.

Mushy After Valentine's

Why do I love thee?
Let me enumerate reasons.
First, is for loving me,
Through different seasons.
You talked with my parents,
Even though you were nervous.
You are smart yet simple,
Proof that you're unfastidious.
Your promise to take care of me
Is evident in your deeds.
One way you show your love
Is meeting my many needs.
I love how our thoughts jive,
Finishing each other's sentences.
We also differ, but complement each other,
Our personalities in many instances.
Being hands-on with the kids
Makes me love you even more.
I hope they acquire from you
Your kindness and sense of humor.

There'll be more of you
To love in the future,
As we journey a life together
Hand in hand and each step sure.
Moments of joy and difficulties
In my heart I will treasure.

This is in (late) answer to Lizz's question (and giveaway): Why do I love my guy? I was going to submit my entry last weekend but my daughter and I got sick, and then my hubby also then my baby boy. Until now, I am still coughing my lungs out and cannot eat chocolate. :-(

A Grateful Heart's Poem

There's so much to be thankful for.
I cannot list them all!
First is the One who
Catches me when I fall.
Not literally, of course!
He is Jesus Christ.
The love He has for us
Shouldn't leave us surprised.
Next is my husband
Who understands and cares
All about me,
Even wears and tears.
Third is my daughter,
Who's sweet and strong-willed.
Lets me learn patience
In the mommying field.
Fourth is my baby boy
Whose smiles I treasure,
So cute, lovable. Brings
Happiness I cannot measure.
Fifth are my family
And friends who really
Are there to inspire
And support me.
Lastly, I'm thankful
For each blessing received,
For each morning, a chance
That dreams may be achieved.

Can Relate

I know I'm way behind, but I just watched SATC 2 recently then I saw this quiz on a blog just now and decided to give it a try. I took the quiz here.

Quiz Result:

You are Charlotte York.

(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema)

You’re a prim and proper princess and a straight-up girly-girl. You’ve fantasized about your perfect wedding ever since you first laid eyes on a bridal magazine as a tween. You are a hopeless romantic who places a lot of importance on ideals and traditions—and, unlike other women, you refuse to believe that chivalry is dead. In relationships, you sometimes want to take things to the next level way before your partner is ready to. But don’t fret, The One is out there, somewhere—you just haven’t found him yet! Your optimistic nature is refreshing and greatly appreciated by your more cynical friends (even if they’ll never cop to it). You’re going to make an amazing wife and mother (if you aren’t one already), and ‘til your dying day, you’ll remain one classy dame.

261 out of 902 ( 28.93% ) of respondents who took this quiz got the same result.

 

I could relate with Charlotte's struggle as a mom because as much as we love our kids, they do drive us crazy sometimes. She went with the idea of taking a day off, relaxing, doing her own thing and having time to miss her kids. I think this is good for full time mommies and I am thankful I have a husband who understands. He allows me to spend a relaxing time with one of my close friends. He was the one who stays with the kids when I go out. I love him so much!

 

Preparing For A Toddler

Infanticipating couples or families usually prepare for the baby by:

• Painting and decorating the nursery
• Setting up the crib, car seat, carrier, stroller, playpen, high chair
• Washing, ironing, folding, sorting the baby clothes and accessories
• Shopping for age appropriate toys
• Looking for a competent pediatrician
• Research baby names online or through books

But, how do we prepare for a toddler? The ways listed below are based on my own experience with my toddler.

• Buy sturdy furniture
• Also a sturdy bed and mattress for jumping
• Have completely washable walls as they are canvasses for the scribbler
• Watch out for paint that's starting to peel, or this might happen:

Doesn't it look like a silhouette of an animal in slouchy jeans?

• Remove fragile items within her reach, goodbye to centerpieces on the coffee table
• Expect magazine pages to go missing
• Be creative
• Be armed with PATIENCE (something I am still learning)

A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. Proverbs 25:15

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Ecclesiastes 7:8

⁵in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; ⁶in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; ⁷in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 2 Corinthians 6:5-7

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

¹⁰And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully ¹²giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:10-12

¹²Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:12-13

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:16

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2

⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Note: Bible verses from BibleGateway.com

Meet Caleb

His first name was chosen by his daddy, I chose Caleb as his second name. Why Caleb?

• I wanted a name from the Bible.
• But not a super common one here in the Philippines.
• He was mentioned by God, as in the verse in the picture above
• He was faithful to God.
• He knows and declares God's victory. (He was one of the spies sent to the promised land of Canaan.) "Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said,'We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.'" Numbers 13:30
• Know more about Caleb here and here.

The New Guy

I never thought I'd fall in love again. And it's not with my hubby.

I met him just recently, about a week ago. At first, it seems he's just a cute boy. But as I get to know him each day - observing him, speaking softly to him, and as he fixes his gaze on me, I just cannot help myself. All of these - his soft, black hair, his hairy yet smooth skin, his chinky eyes, his cherry lips, his button nose, his tentative smiles - simply captivated my heart. He even smells good, too! I find myself singing love songs out of nowhere and giggling whenever I look upon his face. To have him in my arms is bliss! It doesn't really matter if I lack sleep at night, or that my back aches, all because of him.

Can you see why I fell?

Were you wondering about the pink and white blankie? It was his sister's. :-)

God's Word is Precious

It sure is nice to go back to those times when we were happy, ecstatic, and filled with positive anticipation of what life has to give. But when things do not go the way we wanted them to, when the people we thought would make us happy didn't quite meet our expectations, we are weighed down with sorrow. It seems as if there is nothing but despair to look forward to, it seems life does not go on for us. But God says there is hope for all. There is light at the end of the dark and damp tunnel we are going through. He gives His word on that, we can rely on His precious and great promises written in the Bible. Even if the people we love seem to desert us in times of great need, God will never ever leave us. Trying moments are there to teach us to trust in Him, in His goodness, in His love. To be close to Him is what He desires. In time, I will see the reasons and the lessons for the difficulties I am going through.

I love it when...

Everyone needs to be inspired every now and then. There is so much going on around us, but if we look closely, God-given blessings are tucked just about anywhere. These blessings may take the form of a laughter from a child, a husband taking his wife's hand in his, a "Good job!" from a boss, a hug from a sibling, a thoughtful gift from a friend.  For me, it's the little things that inspire me and make my heart burst with love.

I simply love it when:

• God talks to me through the Bible. Lately, I have been reading about David. He truly was blessed by God. Although he made mistakes the consequences of which he had to face, and admitted that he was not perfect as he asked for God's forgiveness, God still loved him.
• My hubby Rix bonds with my daughter Elle when they play and laugh with each other, when Rix feeds and bathes Elle.
• My daughter attaches the words "please" and "thank you" automatically when asking for a favor and receiving one respectively. It's heart-warming to know she appreciates things given to her or being done for her. I also love it when she tries to groom me by brushing my hair or putting powder on my face. Elle likes to be helpful to us. Sometimes when I give her instructions, she'd say "yes, mom" and she also likes to say "welcome" when we thank her.
• Rix, Elle and I enjoy a simple dinner in a cozy restaurant or trying out new food somewhere.
• I'm eating yummy dessert... Heavenly!
• The people around me make me feel special.
• I am productive and ticked everything off my checklist, although there are days that I feel quite lazy to accomplish anything.
• I see works of God on out-of-town trips. These are wonderful, like the trees: the trunk, the leaves, the flowers all have different designs.
• There are so much more!!!

I hope you get to see, feel and experience many blessings even in the simplest things. I have always wanted to write about these inspirations, I'm glad I've got the chance to do so as this is my entry to Chris' blog contest.

A Twisted Fairytale

This story was inspired by watching fairytales with my daughter.

Once upon a time, in a make believe kingdom where the sky was lavender dotted with baby pink balls of cloud, there lived a fair maiden named Cazzelle with skin as smooth as flower petals, whose hair was like silk and her eyes were like two shiny black diamonds. She had two stepsisters who were twins and twice as lovely as she was. But, she had no feelings of envy or jealousy for she believed that to each her own unique personalities and abilities that define. Briana was a good cook and loved to try new recipes that she always let Cazzelle have the first tastes. Brieta designs patterns for pot holders, coasters, scarves and Cazzelle was the one who would sit down for hours and knit them all.

The dove alighted on the fence for the 25th time. Cazzelle untied the green ribbon from its leg and took the letter from Prince Andrei, her quill pal. "...looking forward to seeing you in person, Cazzellina, my princess!", she read aloud, crossing and uncrossing her legs at the ankles while seated on her favorite green lounging chair by the bay window in her room. Weaving with words and pouring out her dreams in a letter was one thing, but actually talking to Andrei was another thing. Shrugging, she knew this day would have to come. It is in a person's nature to want to know everything, to unravel the mysteries that this world presents. She would have to do all the chores and knit all of Brieta's designs before he arrived in the afternoon. He said that he would be wearing a green cloak and would be atop his white horse with a red mane, so she would know it's him.

No dove this morning. There was no need, Cazzelle saw everything that transpired. The feelings that exchanged. She draped herself across her bed face down and allowed some tears to roll freely down her cheeks. Andrei loved adventures, he had written her detailed accounts of his experiences at sea and his island discoveries. He loved to tinker with small objects, he told her he changed the face of one of his pocket watches and made the numbers into pictures. She would have loved to see that! He seemed easily pleased and interested in her boring life and in her boring poems. What started their writing exchange was when she wrote a poem she was bursting to share with the world, to inspire anyone with it. So she tied it to a leg of one of her doves and had let it fly. She never knew it would reach one of the princes in their kingdom. There were many things she liked about Andrei, except for his preference for the physical appearance. He didn't look back at her when he decided to pursue Brieta.

When a sob escaped from her lips, millions of tiny, sparkling lights filled up her room. When all of it cleared away, Cazzelle was astonished to find a little old lady in a yellow hooded dress, sitting beside her on her bed. "Do I have a fairy godmother that I didn't know about?", she wondered aloud. "Apparently.", the lady answered, winking. "My name is Divonne, Cazzelle. Why are you crying?"
"Matters of the heart..."
"Oh, I cannot help you with that, then. Sorry."
"Can you at least bestow on me a slim figure, like my stepsisters?", she tried.Divonne shook her head. "I thought you needed something material, things for a ball, like Cinderella." Cazzelle was disappointed. "Oh." "You could try exercising.", Divonne suggested."Or letting Briana taste her own concoctions perhaps." "So, I won't have my prince then?" Cazzelle asked with a touch of sarcasm. Divonne put a finger under Cazzelle's chin and lifted her face a bit, "In time... I suppose. I am unsure of these things, Cazzelle. I just know that you deserve someone who will love you just as you are." Cazzelle sat up and nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Divonne." They hugged. "I hope you come here and visit me more often so I could get to know you. Not just when I am crying." They smiled at each other. Cazzelle knew that this was not the 'happily ever after' that her heart had desired, but she decided to choose to be happy, even without a prince. She would continue composing poems, something that she loved to do. Perhaps, another prince would receive her poem, one who was meant for her.

Realizations

Souvenir: gallstones

Gingerly, gingerly... That's what I've been telling myself these past few days. I still could not move like I normally do; when sitting up from bed, when getting on and off the car, when picking up something from the floor. Simple actions like those. Six days after my operation and the wound still hurts. I could see a hint of disappointment in my daughter's eyes when I tell her I couldn't carry her yet. I also couldn't eat as much as I like (which is good, I guess, because I am already horizontally challenged).

Anyway, I am just glad this is over. The possibility of another pain attack wouldn't haunt me now. This experience made me realize things in my life, again. There are also some things that I saw for the first time.

• God really is super good to me. He has blessed me greatly, and is now calling me to be a blessing to others.
• My hubby truly, madly, deeply loves me!
• My daughter could be obedient, caring and understanding sometimes, even if she's just 2 years old. She knows that I can't carry her yet, so she asks her daddy or the helper to carry her out of her playpen.
• There are some people I could count on.
• There are nice nurses and nice doctors, with "nice" professional fees.
• It was hard to stick a needle into my veins on the back of my hand for the IV, they said they couldn't find a "suitable" one for the big needle.
• Antiobiotic that's injected on the arm hurts sooooo much! Because I didn't have IV yet, the nurse injected it directly.
• Nurses don't really follow all of the doctor's orders. My surgeon told a nurse to give me a head shampoo so I could feel refreshed, but she did not. She even argued that the bedsheets have already been changed.
• Celine Dion's husband was her first and is her only love. I had lots of TV time at the hospital. Good thing they have cable. I even watched Twilight again, on Star Movies. Too bad they don't have free wireless Internet so I could tweet the happenings and my hubby wouldn't be too bored, ha ha!