CAN

this video really sends me extreme emotions of happiness, guilt and hope (all at once). before, i never really knew the essence of my existence and the reason why i must go on. i kept complaining and asking for something more.

this video is a story of a father and son. who, despite of all the constraints and obstacles they have in order to live a life that others might say as normal, obviously managed to have a positive approach in dealing with their circumstances.

i have been moved, shaken, and even pinched by this film. it gave a lot of realizations in my life. that whatever circumstances i may have in my life right now, it actually isn't a problem or a burden at all. in fact, it is a privilege to prove myself and release the inner strength that i truly have inside of me ever before i was born.

i began to reflect on my relationships. first, was with my relationship with my Father in Heaven. then, my relationship with my kids, my family and those people i claim that i care for and i love.

the father in this film, is just an ordinary man, with ordinary skills and emotions. but he made it. he has proven his love to his son through his sacrifices. and so i asked, there's no reason that I CAN'T. what more does, my Father in Heaven, who's so powerful and has the greatest love of all.

this film gave me hope. that i know I CAN truly, wholeheartedly, without any doubt claim and believe that my Father in Heaven will not leave me and always guide me along my journey. He is the one driving my life, carrying me in times of trouble, and keeping me right in track. no matter how long, how narrow or steep the road is, everything will just come out fine and we will surely reach the finish line. all i have to do is put my Trust in Him and remain strong in love and Faith.

i know i am like the son, who cannot move on my own, who must always depend on my father. because my victory also depends in Him and my faith in Him. all i want to do now is go back to His feet, and claim that i have wronged Him, that i forgot how He loves me and thought i could make it on my own.

Lord, now i claim. i am Your daughter. i need You. I place all my Trust in You. I let You take over Lord. and with my Faith, i know...

I CAN.

Ice is Turning One

another miracle has come our way.

ice is turning one this april 9, 2009. it falls on a maundy thursday. so we are planning on a more discreet celebration with respect to the lenten season. but still it is such a great blessing that ice has finally reached 1 year old. anyways, in the Bible, the Last Supper was on a thursday and it was supposed to be the time for the "Passover" where the jews would have a feast in their tables in celebration to the time when the Lord saved the Israelites from the slavery of Egypt. the first year of a child definitely is not easy --considering the adjustment, teething, walking developments of a child. it definitely is a big reason to celebrate.

for the dinner menu. we are planning to serve mostly seafoods, like shrimp, crabs and squid. there is gonna be seafood pancit, soup, breaded chicken, fish sweet n sour, and chao pat chin. i have my officemate as chef assigned for that time (thanks, ate bebie!). most of my other officemates say that she really cooks well. well, we'll see. lols. but i actually already had the pleasure of indulging into her dishes in the office, and they made everyone happy. so it's gonna be a great dinner i am pretty sure. but my husband plans on serving the legendary "Lechon" (Roast Pig) for that day. i mean why not, right? as a form of sacrifice. for dessert, i plan on making ube jam, leche flan, buko pandan, fruit salad and birthday cake (of course).

i may also set a simple kid's party in the afternoon. to entertain ice. she likes to see lots of other kids around her. causing her to be restless at times. wanting to follow the other kids around (and the watcher hold and follow her, lols). but it's ok, it's her birhtday!

this is definitely a great time to give thanks so the Lord for the wonderful blessing of life and health to ice and the whole family. and a perfect time to share this happiness to loved ones.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ICE!!!

Daddy, Mommy and Ate Rain loves u soooo much!

we all love you!

Ice Finally Had Teeth

In the morning of March 23, 2009, few days before her first birthday, i noticed that ice's upper gums are turning into white. i couldn't say if it was teeth that time coz it could also be just traces of milk she drank. but when i went home in the evening, her teeth appeared. there were three of them. but the other one is still not very clear.

i know that this development is quite late than the other kids. but i always say what is the rush. i think that it's better this way on her latter months so that she won't have a hard time dealing with teething symptoms and all. we all know how hard teething could be for a child at times.

Smilestones

i really admire the tv ad featuring Kris Aquino and her son with James Yap, baby James. this is about getting a motherly smile from witnessing the milestones of your baby. i really can relate to this, especially as i watch my second daughter, ice, learn lots of new things at ten months.

now, she can respond if we tell her to clap hands, say "bye-bye" and when she hears music she moves her hands with the sound as if dancing into the tune. she also is developing her motor skills as she is now very active in moving around crawling. she can now also walk her way as we put her in a walker or hold and guide her ourselves. i can say that ice is a happy baby because she really smiles and laughs back if we try to tease her. she can also follow few syllables that we speak like, papa (her first word), mama, tata (for ate) and several others. i am also very contented to say that she is not hard to feed. she eats well as compared to her ate rain who is a picky-moody eater.

as i am writing all these, i can say to you that i am carrying a very sweet smile. being a mother, is really tough and challenging. but it's the only thing that makes me feel complete and i've never been happy & contented my whole life. my two daughters give me so much joy like never before. and i know i will always have a smile as long as i watch my kids grow and take their milestones. that's why it's called...

smilestones.