Children vs Husband

I find these pointers so helpful and it really reminds of not neglecting my being wife because of me, being a mom...

by Michael Webb
A lot of my readers commented that a big mistake made when they became parents is forgetting they were a husband/wife. It is very tempting to let this cute little bundle of joy become the center of your world and to identify yourself first as mom or dad. Your husband or wife should always come first. While that might sound unloving to your children, it actually gives them a great deal of comfort and stability knowing that their parents are very much in love with each other.

The following are tips sent in by readers.

Be sure to let your children see you kissing, holding hands and snuggling. They might find it gross at some stage in their life but it will be an invaluable lesson as to the importance of intimacy in a relationship.

Spend time making memories instead of spending money making clutter; children enjoy the boxes more than the toys that came inside.

Schedules breed security; it's is really nice to know what will happen next, especially, when you're talking about food, or parents coming home.

Church is important. Go as a couple and continue after the children come along. Start early by taking the child and establish the pattern of going as a family. Church fellowship and others giving encouragement is needed, especially in this day and age when families are so fractured. We need the mentoring of older godly men and women.

When the children misbehave, be united in your discipline! Even if you don't agree with a particular decision, stand united. Kids learn quickly how to divide and conquer and play one parent against the other.

If at all possible be a stay at home Mom all through their schooling. The first thing teens yell out when they come home is "Mom." It isn't only the young ones that need a parent in the home to meet them, the teens do too even if they would never admit to it. A smoothly run home and a sense of calm at home are worth a great deal more.

Limit what the children can be involved in. They don't need to be doing every activity or sport that comes along. Especially don't start too early. Let the kids be kids and let them have child's play. You may want your child to excel at some particular activity, but remember it is you that will be taking them to all the practices and going to all the games, bringing the snack and buying the coaches gift at the end of the season. These activities all have their place but shouldn't take over family life.

Do not let the kids interfere with you and your husband’s sex life. Do not say, "We can't do it now the kids will hear." So what if they hear, how did they get here? In all actuality if the children happen to hear you, and are old enough to realize what is going on, they will be happy knowing that their parents love each other.

Children learn by example. Even though they may cry when you go out to a movie, plead that you take them with you, even find ways to try to make the two of you feel guilty, DON'T give into that! The example of being a loving couple to your spouse will far outweigh the fear they have when you go out on your 'date'. Reassure them, make sure they are comfortable and safe with the person you are leaving them with, you may even give them a call before they go to bed, but do not ruin your marriage to save a relationship with your children. It will only backfire later. They will see that if they whine enough they will get their way and become spoiled by you.

We have consistently put the children to bed together, keeping a routine that they can count on through the years. As the children have gotten older the routine is Daddy doing the "flying bananas into bed" routine while Mommy prepares to read a story or hear bedtime prayers. Once the children are in bed, we know we have time to steal away to our little "haven" to enjoy recounting the day and listing the blessings together.

My husband and I have been together for 6 1/2 years; combined we have 5 children ages 3-12. We home school full-time in addition to the many various extra activities that the children belong to. Everyone knows that Friday nights belong to Mom & Dad! We may go out to eat; take in a movie; or just go to the bedroom and lock the door! Just these few hours alone seem to recharge our batteries to keep the FAMILY a healthy & happy unit.

I have been divorced for twelve years and one of the things that might have helped us keep our relationship strong would have been to leave the kids with a babysitter once in a while. We never did that, we never even thought of doing that. Once the kids were born we never went out as just a couple. Again, we never even thought of it, too bad, because, even though we love our kids so very much we lost touch with each other.

The very first thing we decided was that our bedroom was off limits… not only children, but mother/mother-in-law, friend, guests...and so on. It is our peaceful haven from the world. We decorated it in a pleasing manner to both of us and we can both relax after work and kid's bedtime with disruption.

The kids know they will be going to bed at the same time every night. If a television show comes on after bedtime we will tape it for them. There is not discussion or argument on this issue. This in turn allows my husband and me at least 2 hours of 'child-free' time in the evenings.

Although schedules are wonderful, it is important to also teach your children early on to be flexible. Otherwise, it is impossible to travel or do other things that might make them miss a nap or eat a couple hours late.

How Do You Love Me?

I have read this story a number of times, but there is always this kilig moment whenever I skim through it. I could see how my hubby has given his everything to me and for me, as I relate to this article.

Here it is...

My husband is an Engineer by profession, I love him for his steady nature, and I love the warm feeling when I lean against his broad shoulders.

Three years of courtship and now, two years into marriage, I would have to admit, that I am getting tired of it. The reasons of me loving him before has now transformed into the cause of all my restlessness. I am a sentimental woman and extremely sensitive when it comes to a relationship and my feelings, I yearn for the romantic moments, like a
little girl yearning for candy.

My husband is my complete opposite, his lack of sensitivity, and the inability of bringing romantic moments into our marriage has disheartened me about love. One day, I finally decided to tell him my decision, that I wanted a divorce.

"Why?" he asked, shocked.

"I am tired; there are no reasons for everything in the world!" I answered.

He kept silent the whole night, seems to be in deep thought with a lighted cigarette at all times.

My feeling of disappointment only increased, here was a man who can't even express his predicament, what else can I hope from him?

And finally he asked me: “What can I do to change your mind?"

Somebody said it right, it's hard to change a person's personality, and I guess, I have started losing faith in him. Looking deep into his eyes I slowly answered: "Here is the question, if you can answer and convince my heart, I will change my mind. Let's say, I want a flower located on the face of a mountain cliff, and we both are sure that picking the flower will cause your death, will you do it for me?"

He said: "I will give you your answer tomorrow...."

My hopes just sank by listening to his response.

I woke up the next morning to find him gone, and saw a piece of paper with his scratchy handwriting, underneath a milk glass, on the dining table near the front door, that goes....

My dear,

"I would not pick that flower for you, but please allow me to explain the reasons further.."

This first line was already breaking my heart. I continued reading.

"When you use the computer you always mess up the software programs and you cry in front of the screen, I have to save my fingers so that I can help restore the programs.

You always leave the house keys behind, thus I have to save my legs to rush home to open the door for you.

You love traveling but always lose your way in a new city, I have to save my eyes to show you the way.

You always have the cramps whenever your "good friend" approaches every month I have to save my palms so that I can calm the cramps in your tummy.

You like to stay indoors, and I worry that you will be infected by infantile autism. I have to save my mouth to tell you jokes and stories to cure your boredom.

You always stare at the computer, and that will do nothing good for your eyes, I have to save my eyes so that when we grow old, I can help clip your nails, and help remove those annoying white hairs. So I can also hold your hand while strolling down the beach, as you enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful sand... and tell you the color of flowers, just like the color of the glow on your young face...

Thus, my dear, unless I am sure that there is someone who loves you more than I do... I could not pick that flower yet, and die…"

My tears fell on the letter, and blurred the ink of his handwriting... and as I continue on reading...

"Now, that you have finished reading my answer, if you are satisfied, please open the front door for I am standing outside bringing your favorite bread and fresh milk...

I rushed to pull open the door an d saw his anxious face, clutching tightly with his hands the milk bottle and loaf of bread....

Now I am very sure that no one will ever love me as much as he does, and I have decided to leave the flower alone...

That's life, and love. When one is surrounded by love, the feeling of excitement fades away, and one tends to ignore the true love that lies in between the peace and dullness.

Love shows up in all forms, even very small and cheeky forms, it has never been a model, it could be the most dull and boring form.. ..Flowers, and romantic moments are only used and appear on the surface of the relationship.

Under all this, the pillar of true love stands... and that's our life... Love, not words win arguments...

The Bible... by Great Leaders

"Here is a Book worth more than all the other books which were ever printed." Patrick Henry

"That book, Sir, is the Rock upon which our republic rests." Andrew Jackson "The more profoundly we study this wonderful Book, and the more closely we observe its divine precepts, the better citizens we will become and the higher will be our destiny as a nation."
William McKinley

"The best religion the world has ever known is the religion of the Bible. It builds up all that is good."
Rutherford B. Hayes

"There are a good many problems before the American people today, and before me as President, but I expect tofind the solution of those problems just in the proportion that I am faithful in the study of the Word of God."
Woodrow Wilson

"The whole inspiration of our civilization springs from the teachings of Christ and the lessons of the prophets. To read the Bible for these fundamentals is a necessity of American life."
Herbert Hoover

"I say to you, Search the Scriptures! The Bible is the book of all others, to be read at all ages, and in all conditions of human life; not to be read once or twice or thrice through, and then laid aside, but to be read in small portions of one or two chapters every day, and never to be intermitted, unless by some overruling necessity."
John Quincy Adams

"We cannot read the history of our rise and development as a nation, without reckoning the place the Bible has occupied in shaping the advances of the Republic."
Franklin D. Roosevelt

"Within the covers of the Bible are all the answers for all the problems men face. The Bible can touch hearts, order minds and refresh souls." Ronald Reagan "In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength."
Robert E. Lee

"I have read the Bible through many times, and now make it a practice to read it through once every year. It is a book of all others for lawyers, as well as divines; and I pity the man who cannot find in it a rich supply of thought and of rules for conduct. It fits a man for life —it prepares him for death."
Daniel Webster

Are You a GOOD Person?

Try this one and search yourself... Am I good?

So, What do you think of Payday Loans?

Getting Away Yet Uncostly

I've been thinking about our January 5 celebration... It's our 2nd Anniversary, and I want to surprise my hubby without spending so much. But of course, I would like something special, cozy and romantic; yet not pricey. I had this idea of reserving a room in a hotel so we could bring our li'l boy with us, but I don't have enough for it.

I would like a place that is inviting... I've read some ideas from Michael Webb, and I might consider doing them... the closest place ever… our bedroom!!!

* First, clear away all the clutter, the ironing board, the pile of clothes to be mended, the stacks of magazines. If you can't move those items out of the room, buy an inexpensive storage cabinet and either paint it or throw an attractive sheet or cloth over it.

* Add an attractive cozy armchair where you can sit and relax. Shop consignment stores or look in the classifieds if you need a bargain.

* Invest in some coverings for your bed to make it look like what you might find in a magazine. A thick comforter or two will give it a cozy look and throw on lots of pillows.

* Put a nice magazine rack next to the bed or armchair for all your magazines and books to go in instead of piling up on the floor or bedside table.

* Purchase a liberal amount of candles and place them throughout the room. Use them!

* Hang some attractive artwork on the walls.

* Bring in a radio or small stereo into the room for relaxing music.

Now, the next time feel the need to go away to a B&B, just bring some snacks into your new bedroom, lock the door and enjoy your getaway.

10 Habits for a Longer and Healthier Life

Here are some practical habits we can acquire to be healthy.

1) Eat six small meals a day. Most nutritionists recommend that we eat six small meals a day. For example, you can have a light breakfast at 7 a.m., light snack (a banana or an apple) at 10 a.m., lunch at 12 noon, snack at 4 p.m., dinner at 7p.m., and bedtime snack (tea and cookies) at 9 p.m. This schedule will help reduce sudden surges in your blood sugar. It will also prevent you from overeating because of hunger. It’s easier for the digestion, too, and can prevent stomach ulcers from missed meals. Eat several times a day, but just a little. A banana or an apple can be considered a snack already.

2) Drink 10 glasses of water. Doctors have to tell patients again and again the importance of drinking enough water a day. But it seems many patients, especially women, don’t listen. Drinking water can prevent kidney infections, kidney stones, migraine headaches, and constipation. My wife, who only drinks three to four glasses of water a day, learned a painful lesson. She developed severe back pains from kidney stones. Now, she drinks a whole lot more. And did you know that water can prevent wrinkles and make your skin soft and glowing? Drink water for beauty, health, and long life. It’s the best advice, so take it.

3) Rest at least eight hours a day. Sleeping and resting is the best way to boost your energies. If you feel tired, take a 15-minute rest to replenish your strength. At night, try to go for eight hours of sleep. If you can’t sleep, just lying in bed and thinking happy thoughts can relax your mind and body, too. It’s not as good as sleep, but it’s the next best thing.

4) Climb one to two flights of stairs. Exercise for your health. Moderate exercise has been proven to prevent diabetes and obesity, and reduce arthritis. If your office is just on the second or third floor, use the stairs. It’s good for your heart and your joints. It also helps you get some exercise in between your work. As you grow older, try to avoid high-impact exercises like basketball and badminton. Swimming, taichi, walking, and climbing stairs are gentler for the body.

5) Live a clean life. By “clean” living, we mean not just physically clean. We should also try to avoid unhealthy behavior like smoking, drinking alcohol, using illicit drugs, engaging in risky sex, and gorging on fatty foods. Smoking kills. Alcohol destroys brain cells. You may have tried them, but it doesn’t get you anywhere. So why continue the habit? Avoid risky habits and prolong your life.

6) Be a veggie and fruit lover. You are what you eat. And the healthiest foods out there are vegetables and fruits. Green leafy vegetables, such as cabbage, pechay, kangkong, camote tops (talbos), and spinach, contain so many vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant chemicals. Vegetables can prevent heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, bowel problems, irritable bowel syndrome, various bowel cancers, and kidney stones. Eat veggies every day.

For the healthiest fruits, we have bananas, apples, carrots, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6. and folic acid. Likewise, tomatoes have high amounts of antioxidants, including lycopene. Citrus fruits like suha (pomelo) and dalandan are teeming with healthy vitamin C.

7) Laugh 15 minutes a day. Laughter is, indeed, the best medicine. A study from the University of California Irvine College of Medicine reports that after watching a funny video, the viewers’ mood improved dramatically. Depression and anger dropped by 98 percent, fatigue fell by 87 percent, and tension was reduced by 61 percent.

What happens inside our body when we laugh? The level of stress hormones, called cortisol, decreases, and the good hormones, called endorphins, increase. Endorphins are natural substances in the body that make you happy and boost your immune system.

8) Be enthusiastic about your work. Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life. Try to find ways to enjoy your line of work. A nurse’s job can be messy and tiring, but at least you are caring for someone. A secretary’s job may be just about setting appointments, but without her diligence, the boss would never be as successful. Be creative. Think long-term. What does your job really mean to you? An enthusiastic attitude can make a difference.

9) Have a lifetime partner. Statistics show that married persons live longer than single persons. If you have someone to share your burdens with, it will lessen your stress. Single persons living alone may have no one to attend to them in case of an emergency. To compensate for the lack of social support, single persons can acquire a circle of close relatives and friends.

10) Share your blessings. In President Bill Clinton’s book Giving, he explains the whys and the hows of giving. Give big or give small, and the benefits will come back to you. Similarly, Prof. Peggy Thoits’ study at the Vanderbilt University showed that people who volunteered and helped others had higher levels of happiness, self-esteem, and better physical health. If you want to receive P2,000 worth of health and happiness, try donating P2,000 to your favorite charity. Helping the poor and the sick will surely give you a different high. It may not make you live longer, but it can surely make life worth living.

We Won...

Our Christmas Tree won!!!
I knew it!!!

First Class

How faithful are you?
Would you do everything without complain or would you do it but with grudges?
How far can you go when asked a favor by your loved one?
Would you do your best or would you do whatever it takes to comply with the request?

I realized that all this time I have been so concerned with my family’s welfare that it wouldn’t matter if it hurts or not. I don’t mind the struggle and the effort just to accomplish something for them. I know I am not so generous but I’m not selfish either… well, that’s how I see it. I tend to get stingy especially when I don’t have anything to offer. But how much do I give? How far do I go just to show my love to them? Is it in giving alone that we are tested to prove our love? What is it with giving?

For me giving is something that is extraordinary because when you give you allow the other party to experience you, since you present a part of who you are. But have you ever tested someone you love to give you what you want? I did!!! And he has not failed me that he even goes beyond my demand… it’s because he loves me and he wants to prove his faithfulness and love to me, right?!.

So, it means that giving is the byproduct of love. I’m sure everybody would agree.

This is the same with our relationship with the LORD. How much we give to him is equal to the amount of love that we have for him.

How much have you given, so far, to the LORD?
Is it just the amount of what he is asking for or you go beyond his order?
Have you ever tried his love and faithfulness to you?

I have!!! And HE has demonstrated a number of times HIS faithfulness to HIS faithful children.

Giving, for me, is something that should be done with a cheerful heart, not doubting or questioning if the recipient deserves it or not. So when GOD says that HE will give abundantly to those who will be faithful to HIM, I said to myself, “I will do it and I’ll go where you want me to go.” (haha… that’s from the song my hubby composed, I’LL GO!!!). Up to this very moment, GOD has not failed to prove HIS wonderful miracles.

I have been sharing this to Dadi Knowles and I really praise GOD that HE gave him the heart to understand the goal of giving. We might not have abundance YET but we are confident that GOD is supplying our need just IN TIME, never early and never late. Never early, so we could walk by faith. Never late, so HE could display his faithfulness. Now, we feel HIS hands on our finances. I believe that HE’s teaching us something so when the time comes to prosper us, we would know how and when to use HIS blessings. We see HIS amazing move in our lives when it comes to faith that increases our dependence on HIM.

We may feel lacking for a moment, but when HE provides we can’t help but be astonished!!!

Another evidence of HIS grace was when I faithfully yielded to HIS order to go back home from the land of milk and honey, not looking on the things that I might not be able to enjoy anymore. Up to this very moment, not a single regret has taken place since from the time I left the US.

I never had anything when I returned home, just the hand of GOD. I simply asked the LORD to lead the way because I didn’t know how and when to start. I was astounded when HE turned everything in its proper order. HE showed me surprises that no one could comprehend.
I told GOD to provide for me financially because I didn’t even have enough even for my one-way plane ticket to Manila that costs almost a two-way ticket. But HE made a way and led me to people who had become HIS vessel of blessing. The price was surprisingly affordable but what’s more flabbergasting was when HE allowed me to experience the first class service of Northwest Airlines… and mind you, it was one of the greatest experiences, so far.

For $300, I was able to feel how the prominent people experience… importance, having the best of everything. I had choices of food, immeasurable variety of drinks, chocolates and fruits. I had the best cot in the air, and had all the facilities and amenities…

GOD GRANTS THE BEST… THE FIRST CLASS FOR HIS CHILDREN!!!

Priceless Words

A husband wakes up at home with a huge hangover.
He forces himself to open his eyes, and the first thing he sees is a couple of aspirins and a glass of water on the side table.
He sits down and sees his clothing in front of him, all clean and pressed.
He looks around the room and sees that it is in perfect order, spotless, clean.
So is the rest of the house.
He takes the aspirins and notices a note on the table.
"Honey, breakfast is on the table, I left early to go grocery shopping.
Love You!"

Totally shocked with the note, he goes to the kitchen and sure enough there is a hot breakfast and the morning newspaper.
His son is also at the table, eating.
He asks, "Son, what happened last night?"
His son says, "Well, you came home around 3 AM, drunk and delirious.
Broke some crockery, puked in the hall, and gave yourself a black eye when you stumbled into the door".

Confused, the man asks, "So, why is everything in order and so clean, and breakfast is on the table waiting for me? I should expect a big quarrel with her!"
His son replies, "Oh, that! Mom dragged you to the bedroom, and when she tried to take your clothes and shoes off, you said, "LADY LEAVE ME ALONE! I'M MARRIED!"

Moral

Self-induced hangover - $ 400.00
Broken crockery - $ 800.00
Breakfast - $ 10.00
Saying the Right Thing While Drunk – "PRICELESS"

There are truly some things that both money and Mastercard can't buy...

The REAL Reason for the Season

With a few before Christmas REMEMBER:

Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.

May the Lord Bless and Watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas 2008
And may He prosper and bless the work of your hands in the New Year

Cheer and Fear

How's Your Wife?

50secrets

I'm regularly asked how Athena is doing. I'm asked at church when she's not by my side. My family asks the question when we talk on the phone or over the Internet. Friends pose the same question when our paths cross running errands. Business associates want to know how she is doing.

I'm certain that you are asked the same question about your loved one on a regular basis. How do you answer it?

At first I would spout the very general response of "she's fine." Over the last few years I realized that I could be a little more specific in my answer. Now when people ask me how is my wife, I am likely to respond more enthusiastically with one of these replies:

"She's as beautiful as ever."

"Getting cuter every day."

"Adorable. Thanks for asking."

"She's the best."

I feel great boasting about my incredible wife to our family and friends. Athena deserves a lot more than "she's doing ok." She's the best wife in the whole world and I'm not ashamed to let everyone know it.

Occasionally, Athena will get wind of my little comments and it will make her day even brighter. She'll sport a bigger smile, give me a few extra hugs and low and behold, she'll get even more beautiful.

So tell me, how's your sweetheart?

Enemies of a Growing Church

James Meeks, founder and senior pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Chicago, built his church up from 200 people to a church of over 22,000 now, baptizing thousands of new believers every year. He plainly says, "Everyone can have a growing church," and warns church leaders about the enemies of a growing church:

ENEMY #1: Lack of Faith. Leaders need to not just believe their church will grow; they need to expect it to grow and act like it will.

ENEMY #2: Lack of Knowledge. In Hosea, the people perished because of a lack of knowledge. What you don’t know can kill you!

ENEMY #3: Expecting God to Treat You Differently Than Everyone Else. All the laws of growth apply equally to everyone. He can do a great work through you just as easily as He does through Billy Graham or Rick Warren.

ENEMY #4: Thinking that Growth is Not a Goal. Growth is ALWAYS the goal of the New Testament church. Don't be afraid to count people; God does.

ENEMY #5: An Unsure Pastor. The speed of the leader suggests the speed of the team. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice and know Me." Do not lead ambiguously.

ENEMY #6: Failure to Build on Small Victories. Use every victory to win the next one..

ENEMY #7: Failure to Preach the Announcements. Don't just tell people about what's happening after your message; give an invitation to involvement!

ENEMY #8: Lack of Corporate Fasting and Prayer. "If there was a check for $5 million taped to the ceiling, you'd skip lunch to try to reach it, wouldn't you?" Meeks says. Some things are never possible without fasting and prayer.

ENEMY #9: Failure to Get Started. Don't wait for everyone to "get it." Do your best at research, pray, then just do it.

ENEMY #10: Poor Motive. Ask your team, "Why do you want to grow?" Discuss your answers with grace, and move forward with a unified, godly drive.

I'm Back...

Well, I haven't posted anything for the past days or even weeks, not because there were no "happenings" but because there were a lot of things to attend to. We simply call it "BUSYness."

Mondays are our bonding days, since Dadi and Momi are both on RD. We were supposed to visit MOA yesterday because we haven't been there, but something came up that made us change our plans. So we went to Trinoma, instead. We really had wonderful moment, taking pictures and just walking and talking and enjoying Nijo's amazement to things around. But the most exciting was when Nijo found his fave instrument. Like his dad, he loves the drums. We saw this drum set for kids, and he couldn't help but try it out. We gave him time to enjoy it, but when it was time to leave he had a hard time letting go. He cried, really cried. But thanks to Dadi the he was able to sway Nijo's attention to other stuff. He really has this inclination to music... it runs in the blood.

On Dec 10, I went to Concentrix's Christmas Party at Silver City in Pasig. I didn't intend to attend the party, but Noel was able to convince me to go and I thank him for doing so. I enjoyed the night; though, sleepless but fun.

Last December 6 was my hubby's birthday and our li'l boy's 1st Birthday celebration, and we got a kick out of it. Nijo stayed with us late in the evening of Dec 5, which happened to be Dadi Knowles and Momi Kewol's monthsary, to welcome the birthday of Dadi. Nijo's birthday celeb was held at Shakey's Loyola, full of fun and excitement not just for Nijo but for everybody who celebrated it with him.

I'm sure Nijo had fun on his birthday party that he even stayed super late, amazed with all the gifts that he received. He was so excited with all the new toys, particularly cars, that he got. He is really into cars, big and small. He loves to drive and just looking at even the smallest details of a car. The wardrobe that he received were all great!!! He looks so cool wearing each of them. And of course, all the other presents were all very much appreciate.

Nijo wasn't the only one who deserved the celebration. So I invited my babe to breathe some fresh air from "above." There were really no plans, again. But I know that Noel needs some pampering and stuff. Noel and I had a quixotic night at Cloud 9 in Antipolo. We enjoyed the night, listening to romantic music live right in front of us. It was one of those "mushy" dates that we ever had... and of course, there's gonna be more. We closed the day on the road, heading home... But Noel suddenly had this urge to take a trip to Makati just to see how it looks like. To our dismay, we saw the not-so-lit Makati. Well, maybe because it was already late in the evening and they had to conserve energy. You know, that's the least thing we could do to save our planet... hehehe... whatever!!! And the rest is history...

I'm glad that my two boys enjoyed that day!!!

A Year Ago...

Looking back a year ago makes me smile and say, "Thank you, LORD, for the things that you have done for me and to me... the blessing that you have freely given me."

Just about this time on a Sunday, I just finished washing and ironing my li'l angel's first clothes. I started preparing for the most overwhelming part of my life... motherhood! I knew that he was already coming, and it was really inevitable. My fear was overpowered with excitement. The pain was immobilized by my ardent anticipation. My worries were blown away by GOD's tranquil joy.

He was so cooperative because I knew that he was already prepared to come out on his Lolo Manny's birthday, November 29. But I told him that I still had until December 1 to report to work, so he waited. My last day at work was so relaxing, of course, because of the fact that I wouldn't be working for at least 2 months. My colleague who was on Maternity Leave at that time, Dulce, texted me and told me that she was bringing goods which she didn't need anymore. I praised GOD that I didn't have to buy or spend some time looking for those items like diaper for newborn, Lactacyd body wash for babies, maternity pads, etc. Can you imagine how GOD supplies all our needs? Where in the world could I get those stuff for free? Only through HIS mighty provision.

Then my shift ended that day, and my loving and supportive hubby was already waiting for me. And as my OB advised me to take some more time to walk to avoid much more discomfort during labor, Noel and I decided to go to Trinoma for a walk. Around 5PM, I was feeling strain at the lower portion of my back and I thought I was just so tired walking. Then we agreed to take some rest while having dinner. After that we finally decided to go home because the cramp was aggravating. When we got home, I went straight to bed and had some rest. Around 10PM, I told Noel what I was feeling. I knew it that anytime then, he was coming out. I still urged Noel to go to work at 12AM, that was the time I prepared for my stuff and his.

At 530AM, I woke up with that red body fluid on my undies but I remained calm. I simply recalled my OB's statement that if I see discharge of any kind, blood or water, I should take a bath first. Why? For hygienic purposes... hehe... my OB knows me when it comes to hygiene!!! Actually, it was because she wouldn't let me take a bath for days after the delivery.

During that time, my mother and popsie were already prepared for church. But when I told them what was happening, my mom stayed with me but my pop still went to church. I'm sure he asked for covering and guidance for me and his first apo. I called up Noel and in no time, he showed up. I assured him that I was alright, I wasn't feeling that much strain... well, I have high tolerance to pain. So he drove calmly... and there I was in the hospital...

They did all the firsts in my life... the usual injection of fluid into the rectum called enema and other eeeeew things. They let me eat breakfast so Noel bought pancake from Jollibee. Then the stuggle began... the labor pains started to exasperate. But then again, I kept looking at the brighter side... anticipating for the big blessing.

I was bearing all the hardships for hours and hours because I knew and believed that GOD wouldn't leave me during that time. He was attentively listening to those who were praying for me and the baby boy. His hands were upon those people whom HE used to make miracles and victory.

At 430PM, the last memory I had before they put me to sleep. At 730PM, my OB woke me up and told me that I had to undergo caesarean section. As agreed, Noel and I would say "yes" to CS for our li'l baby's well-being. And so we did!!! My whole family was there and as Noel promised, he never left me... he held my hand and kissed me before I was taken to the OR.

At 830PM, CYD NIGEL came to our world and it was indeed the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!!

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, NIJO!!! I LOVE YOU AND I WILL NEVER CEASE LOVING YOU... If I have to live my life again, I will have to remind GOD never to miss the part when I had/have you including all the pain and sacrifices because you are all worth it!!!