Turning 40

My birthday falls every third week of November  (23rd) which is very near Thanksgiving Day celebration. It always remind me to be grateful for all the blessings God has been showering me all these years.  There may be trials every now and then but I have learned (and still learning) to turn my burdens into blessings. 

This year is a milestone, I just turned 40!  

I am sharing a very special message from one of my closest friends who is now residing in the US.   She also turned 40 last August. 

Welcome to the club ;) ! I wish you a ton of cakes as beautiful as the ones you make, and blessings as numerous as the ones you bring to others. Stay beautiful my friend, because you are one good case where age is only a number. Wishing you good health, happiness, and new hope every day. Happy birthday!!!

These beautiful words really warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes! She writes very well since our college days and I always feel good whenever she sends me notes of encouragement. These words came from the heart of someone who really knows me inside and out.  Thank you so much Mild!

I usually bake personalized cakes for loved ones and friends but this time I had my day off away from my mixer and oven.  I was surprised when a mommy friend baked me an Apple Pie.  She came all the way from Bacoor, Cavite to deliver it at home right after it came out of her oven. So sweet!

I received special birthday greetings thru texts, emails and private messages from family, relatives and friends who really truly remembered not necessarily because Facebook reminded them. My best friend Hazel even set her alarm at 12mn just to be the one to greet me on the first hour of my birthday. Thanks and God bless your hearts!

I am also treasuring a short but very special note from Matt's teacher aide.  I was touched by her thoughtfulness in her own small way and very honored when she mentioned that she always think of me whenever she reads Proverbs 31:8-31 (The Wife of Noble Character.)

I got lots of hugs and kisses from my kids.  Matt even announced in school that it's holiday last Friday because it's his mommy's birthday! My sweet Belle wanted to be closed to me the whole day but she's like this most of the time.  Hubby went home early with flowers and a birthday card with lots of "Thanks for the ..."  The exciting part is the last line that says "PS.  I don't know what to give you, pang-shopping na lang!" Hugs and kisses to these three wonderful people and  "Thank you" for completing my life. 

My day ended with a simple dinner with very, very close friends from church, our bible study group of almost 10 years.  We never fail to meet every Friday.  We've been through thick and thin and we're like paper and glue that will be forever attached to each other no matter what.   They are our family's JOY and CROWN (Philippians 4:1)! The people who gives us joy here on earth just like a prize or reward from God. We pick each other up when we fall and help each other to walk faithfully and fruitfully all the days of our lives. 

Birthday Sundae from CPK (my favorite resto)

Let me end my post with a poem by Victoria Sullivan.  I had to change some of the lines to make it very personal. 

Turning 40 

I just turned 40 and as I reflect on what my life has seen, 

I have accomplished quite a list; 

fulfilled most every wish. 

I have welcomed two beautiful kids who are my life, my loves, my joys.

A husband so loving, patient and kind.

What would I be without them in my life.

I've climbed mountains and run through streams,
but I'm not done chasing my dreams, 

going on adventures and trying new things.
 

I am teaching my kids what I've learned about life,
To share in their laughter and 

help them through times of strife.

I have a few wrinkles, my bodies seen more youthful days,
But all this shows that I have really lived 

and for me - that's ok.

Turning 40 is a gift, a gift some never live to receive
I will make the most of the next 40 years - 

that, my friends, you had better believe!

Kota Keluarga

This is another late post but still worth it.  Just want to remember our family getaway during the semestral break.  We always try to bring the kids somewhere (the beach if possible) so they can also enjoy their short vacation.  We usually go to Anvaya Cove in Morong, Bataan but I got very interested in this place when I saw pictures of my cousin's family spending a day trip in Kota Keluarga last summer.  It's two and a half hours away from Alabang, somewhere in Laiya, Batangas. 

Klub Keluarga Resort is part of Kota Keluarga. The Klub is the community’s precious gem in the treasure chest of Costa de Madera. It is the gateway to the panorama of a long coral beach line laced with crystal clear sea water.(Taken from their FB page)

As early as mid-October, I already booked our reservation for an overnight stay.  I also asked my sister-in-law if they would like to join us since their son (Alon) wishes to go to the beach too. Here are some photos sent to me by their staff which made them (my sis-in-law's family and my in-laws) decide immediately to come along.

Beach-front Cabanas

It can accommodate a family of 4

Entrance fee is P1200 for adults and P600 for kids & yayas which include buffet lunch, dinner and  breakfast and use of the resort facilities. I think the rates are reasonable and they served good food too!

Day 1 - Nov 2:   The kids woke up early (without complain) even if they were so tired the previous day.  We came home very late from my hometown Rizal, Laguna for our annual family get together. They also had a long day during the Trick or Treat last October 31. 

We arrived at the resort around 1:30pm.  It should have been earlier but we had to eat lunch somewhere in Ibaan since we're all hungry already and we don't know how long it will take us to reach our destination.

Finally!

Almost there! 4.5 km from the main gate

All set to run to the beach!

We haven't checked in but these two were so excited to feel the water.

It's Alon's first beach trip.  He was so trilled play with the sand.

The view from our cabana. We were blessed to have such beautiful weather.

Super bad news!  I got my period that day boo!

Snack time before swimming

The same nice place just like in the photos

Daddy also deserved this refreshing break! Too stressed at work lately.

The first day ended with a lovely dinner then we all went to bed early. It was a long day indeed! By the way, the cabana has no bathroom.  We have to walk a few meters away to go to the common CR and shower rooms.  This was a big problem for us especially my mother-in-law who needs to pee several times during the night. I was not able to sleep well but I was glad the kids had a good night sleep. And another thing, there's no signal in the resort unless you go up the cliff! Good news to those who doesn't want to be disturbed. Haha!

Day 2 Nov 3. It was 5:30am when I peeped outside and saw the beautiful view.  I can't wait for the sunrise. I just sat in front of the cabana in awe of God's wonderful creation.  I was holding the I-Pad and reading verses from the book of Psalms.  I was also taking pictures while the sun was rising slowing in front of me. It's not everyday that you see such an amazing view like this!

How peaceful! I was the only one awake at this time

Praise the Lord.

How good it is to sing praises to our God,
    how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

Psalm 147:1

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10

 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:1

 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life.

Psalm 143:8

I woke up Belle at 6:12 am, I don't want her to miss the beautiful sight.  She has to enjoy the remaining hours as we're going home right after we eat lunch.

 

with Ate Fe and Ate Jo, our very dependable and caring helpers

Breakfast time...

Swimming Time....

Matt with Lolo Dolfo and Lola Maring

More pictures while waiting for lunch

Group pictures before we leave...

Belle was holding the artwork she did with Alon and Tito Wayie

It was a bit hard for Matt to move around but I know he was very happy with this short trip. Thanks to our helpers. Belle? the pictures showed that she had a super duper enjoyable time. It was a great bonding time with the whole family. 'Til our next adventure!

A Nice Christmas Gift

It all started when I saw this post in Smart Parenting FB page. Smart Parenting is the parenting authority for Filipino parents to help you raise bright, happy, healthy kids. For parenting tips, visit www.smartparenting.com.ph. (Taken from their FB page)

I didn't think twice, I knew I had to share our own miracle so I emailed her the link to my blog post about Matt's story.  After a few hours, Ms. Maika replied to say "Thank you for sharing your miracle story."

Two weeks after, I was surprised to receive another email from her...

Ms. Maika told me that the feature will be all about Matt's condition, the challenges he and the rest of the family experienced and how we all overcame them. Matt is turning 13 this December. My firstborn will soon be a teenager! I thought it would be nice to read our own story in a leading parenting magazine. Much better is that we can inspire other families who are also going through their own battles. After consulting my husband, I agreed and set a schedule.

The photo shoot and interview happened last Saturday, October 20 at the Summit Studio in Pasig. I explained to Matt beforehand what will happen so he's ready for the pictorial. We even practiced how he's going to smile:) Belle was also excited because they allowed her to join too.  Originally, it was supposedly me and Matt only. 

Belle had an activity in school early morning then ballet class after.  We left Alabang immediately after her class and arrived at the studio before our 2:30pm call time.  Ms. Maika started to interview me while waiting for the make-up artist and photographer. Around 3:45pm, we're ready to start the photo shoot.  I was all made-up and about to change when I realized I left my black pants at home.  I forgot to bring accessories too!  Obviously, I was not organized that day.  Tsk! I must admit I am not really used to this kind of thing.

I asked my husband to take pictures but unfortunately, photos in our camera were not so clear. I was really disappointed because I don't think I will get a copy from them. It's company policy not to give copies to the subject.

I'll just post some of the behind-the-scenes photos, we just all have to wait for the December issue to come out hopefully by the end of November.

Matt's solo pic first

Matt looks sleepy here but Alfred of Portrait Studio captured Matt's smile in his camera.

Mommy and Matt's turn

My back was aching already!  Old age!

Yey Belle's face lit up when she was called to join us!

I don't know how many times Alfred took our pics, all I know is... a lot of times!

This is my favorite!

What an exciting experience! It was our first and maybe the last. December is not too far away.  Before we know it, we'll be able to see how our pictures will turn out.  Then it would be Matt's 13th birthday which reminds me to start planning for his celebration and birthday cake soon!