Gratefulness of a child!

Most of the time, it's very hard to be thankful if we are in very difficult situations.  How can you be grateful when your heart is so heavy with fears and worries?  But God has commanded us and we should obey.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

 ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

The more we pray, the better we feel and the more we get used to being grateful. This is one of my heart's desires, to be appreciative of everything that I have and avoid looking for things that I don't have. I want to live my life with gratefulness in my heart in all circumstances.

I have a funny story to tell about Matt...

My son is (literally) growing up so fast!  His shirts (pantulog) are all too tight already. I went to Robinson's at Festival Mall last week to buy him white comfortable shirts and pajamas. I was rummaging through the pile of t-shirts in the men's section when I found some very interesting prints that I'm very sure he would really love.  Shirts cost only P119.95 each. I asked the sales lady if there are other artists (I plan to buy more) but she said only these four are available.

Matt is particularly interested in music.  I am amazed at his memory bank. When he read about something that interests him, he never forgets.  He's very familiar with all the music artists from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and especially of this generation. There was a time we were watching "Who wants to be a millionaire?" and he was able answer the 1-million question about the original artist who sang a particular song.

When I told Matt about the shirts, he got very excited but he was not able to see them because they're already being washed so he can wear them asap. 

The following night, I prepared John Lennon shirt on his bed (since he's the most famous and the only one I knew!)  After wearing it, he insisted to get the other three.  To our surprise, he wore one after the other and proudly said, " Hey, look at me I'm wearing... John Lennon, greatest artist of all times, Jimi Hendrix, the greatest bass guitarist in the 70's, Bob Dylan, the greatest singer-songwriter and Bob Marley, the best reggae singer!"   I said, "ano daw?" He really knew each of them! He hugged me and said "Thanks for the shirts Mom. I love them!"  He insisted that he wanted to wear them all.  Nobody and nothing that we said can convince him to remove the other 3 shirts! He was hugging the shirts until he finally slept (baka daw tanggalin ko haha!)

How appreciative is my son!  He also did not forget to thank God for his new shirts. He usually doesn't ask for anything, he just enjoys what he has and he shows it through his words and actions.  I felt so happy that night.  He was so thankful and I was reminded to be the same. Just learned a great lesson from my sweet big baby boy!

Getting ready for Christmas! (Part II)

Finally, I am 95% complete with our Christmas decorations at home.  I am so proud of myself that I was able to resist buying new ornaments even if I am very tempted  whenever I see them in stores and bazaars.  As I've mentioned in my previous post, my goal is to save and just recycle whatever I have collected the past years.

Fortunately, most of my ornaments are still in good condition even if they are more than five years old already. My secret is personally taking care of packing our ornaments. They are carefully wrapped in papers or plastics before storing. Boxes are labelled properly so I know what's inside in each box. I also make sure that they are dust-free. Thankfully I have very able helpers to wipe them clean or wash if necessary.

Our home is now all ready for Christmas!

Our facade...

3-yr old Capiz Lanterns from Pampanga

Front door

Foyer....

Angels from S&R

Carolers and Elves from Dapitan

Belle says Daddy and Mommy are the carolers while they are the elves but she stressed out that she's not fat like the them but Kuya Matt is!!!

Snowmen from Dapitan, Christmas Tee from Rustans

This Santa (and Santa Bear in the center table of our living room) are the kids' favorite because they're touch or sound-activated (even by Daddy's sneeze!) Whenever Matt comes home from school, he shouts "Santa" upon entering our house. It's like they're welcoming him home :)

Santa swings his legs while singing "Santa Claus is coming to town"

Red socks (P10@ in a mall sale)

Animated Santa Mickey and Minnie (bought this from a garage sale in 2007)

Winnie the Pooh was also bought with Mickey & Minnie

Pooh is carrying gifts for Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger (so cute!)

My favorite butterflies from Florasilk

 Living area...

Nativity scene (gift from a good friend)

Singing/Dancing Santa Bear "Jingle Bells"

Side Table with flower arrangement from Designer Blooms and Christmas Village from Gourdos

My hubby loved this! My favorite too :)

Orange-Copper poinsettias from Florasilk

 Kitchen....

 Dining area...

Dining Table centerpiece

Buffet Table

Collected over the years (half of them were gifts)

 Lanai ...

12 yr old Christmas balls (Megamall sale!)

Tiny Christmas Tree

6 yr old flower arrangement from Designer Blooms

Let us always remember that Christmas decorations are just part of our traditions. For most of us, Christmas is incomplete without the glittering lights, festive decorations and gift giving. But isn't it more important to make Jesus Christ the central focus of our celebrations?  The greatest love of all happened during our Savior's birth -- when God sent His only son so that we may be saved. He was born to die so we may live!

Matthew 1:21 (NIV)

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

John 3:16 (NIV)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

The purpose of His birth will be completed in us when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior and making Him the center of our lives.  Let's celebrate His birth everyday not only during Christmas season.  Always keep Jesus present in our daily lives through our words and actions. May we be blessings to others so that God will bless us more.

I am very grateful for everything that we have. I thank God for my family who always inspires me to be a better person. May the Lord help me in fulfilling my assignment as a wife and a mother. May I strive to be an inspiration and a source of blessings to others. I also pray for those who are less fortunate, that in spite of their situations, may they find the true happiness and joy of the season by knowing our Lord Jesus. 

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Getting ready for Christmas! (Part I)

It's the time of the year again!  I usually start decorating for Christmas right after Halloween.  My challenge this year is that I will not buy any new decors. I have to recycle and just be creative! 

Let me start with our tree. I am always fascinated by big trees, full of lights and colorful ornaments. Our first Christmas tree was only 6 ft tall. We used it for five years in our first house but gave it away to my mother when we transferred in 2006. We have a bigger space so it's a good excuse to buy a taller and more bushy tree. 

I happen to visit the showroom of Florasilk (near SM Southmall) and I fell in love with their trees and beautiful displays. I didn't realize that it would be very costly to fill up a big tree! I bought some ornaments and just re-used my old collection of ribbons, balls and poinsettias.

2008

2009

This year I bought LED lights for the tree so we can save on electricity. I usually put up the upper part first with the lights then assemble the lower part.  I always get lots of scratches in my arms after all the branches are put in place.  They say that when you're not in a good mood do not decorate your tree. Otherwise, you'll only be disappointed! I find this so true :)

Excitedly waiting for Mommy to finish the tree

Thistle and white flowers from Designer Blooms

Red and Green flowers from SM

Red berries, Red and Gold balls and butterflies (SM and Natural Arts)

Topper

After a few days, I was able to complete it and my little girl is so happy!

Finally! Our 9 ft Christmas tree + 2 " stand and topper.

It may not be as pretty as the displays in the malls but I am pleased with what I have created. Our Christmas tree is always the first one up and then the rest will follow according to my moods....

All set for Christmas with Mickey, Minnie and Pooh!