Day 6: Fairy Godmother

Little CeeJae got a little surprise in the mail today. Her Ninang Farah sent her a lovely burgundy dress with matching white tights. 

It was indeed such a Christmasy gift...CeeJae said "Wow!" upon seeing the package...

Thank you Ninang!!!

Day 359: A Roden Family Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year to remember the birth of a very special baby...the Messiah, our Savior Jesus Christ, who was sent by our heavenly Father to redeem us from our sins. In years past, I've been engulfed by the commercial value of the season, only looking at the lovely decors, lights and presents and never truly understanding the real reason for celebration. 


In recent years, I've been gradually stripping off the material girl in me and trying to live sufficiently on the most basic of necessities. I find that I can be happy as long as I can make my family happy - by simply being wifey and Mommy. I find joy in preparing gastronomic delights for them, seriously looking forward to their verdict ala "Iron Chef". "You're a good 'cooker', Mom!" is always music to my ears. 

This year, there is no tree, no decorations, lanterns nor garlands...in fact, you won't find wrapped presents anywhere. Even the kids were conscious about prevailing economics and did not ask what they were going to receive but focused on what they could give.  On Christmas day, the most they got were loot bags of candies and small party favors. Their Titos gifted them with shirts that they were obviously very thankful for.  And yet, their joy was not any less compared to Christmases past. If, at all, they seem to have more fun this year, being surrounded by family.



It is all about family...love and togetherness...the very reason of Christ's humble birth. May your own Christmas holidays be filled with Christ's love, joy and peace.


From our family to yours....MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Day 185: Turning a new leaf

This is the first day of my new life...I cherish within me the gifts lovingly shared by God.

Day 119: My Princess

It wasn't too long ago when I held Cailie as a tiny baby in my arms. I remember being thrilled to see how fair-skinned she was, with lips that could rival that of Snow White's. For a long time, she remained tiny and small for her age. There was a point I was alarmed about her size but many friends assured me that as long as you see her active and bright, there was nothing to worry about.

And how right they were! My princess may still be on the petite side but she has grown so much over the last few years. She's certainly taller (which explains why her long pants now look like capris) and heavier. Whereas before, she would burst into tantrums when asked to wear dresses and skirts, she now looks forward to dressing up and being fashionable.  It was just a matter of time before she discovered the world of being "kikay".

Cailie is very expressive, "malambing" and thoughtful yet she's tough and formidable when she needs to be. With her Kuya by her side, she was able to take advantage of learning the English language painlessly. I could see that she got her love for school and learning from him too.

She's a doting "Atchie" to Shobe, CeeJae, many times helping Kuya take care of the "bunso" in the family. I guess she's pretty secure in her place in the family that's why our initial fear that she may resent having a new baby never materialized. Cailie adores CeeJae!

Sometimes, I do wish time would not pass by so quickly...I still want to enjoy my babies as they are now. I'm sure before I know it, my little princess would be all grown up and ready to face the world.

Day 84: Christmas in March

The fam bam had a wonderful surprise today - after more than 6 months, the 2 balikbayan boxes sent by Shobe and Mom finally reached our doorstep.  It was only this week I was able to have them sent over from Manila even though they arrived from Canada last August 2009.

After unpacking everything from inside the boxes, our living room was strewn by mountain piles of children's clothes, toys, household items, toiletries and food stuff.  The three kids had so much fun exploring the toys they received and gamely posed to show off their loot.

To Mommy, Shobe and Ray and of course, to cousin Tristan....thank you very much for your unending generosity and kindness!  May you be blessed tenfold!

Day 47: Good Samaritan

My son came home from school today carrying a sealed shoe box with his name scribbled on top.  He said that his entire class received a shoe box each and that they were gifts from God.  With much excitement, he opened the box and it revealed the following:

• a large box of crayons (48's)
• a Hotwheels Monster Truck
• a Lightning McQueen colored marker set
• a set of modeling clay
• a pair of socks
• 2 packs of dental floss
• a twin pack of Spiderman toothbrushes
• a Vaseline lip balm
• a small rabbit stuffed toy
• a children's book on Perseverance
• a pack of Bubble Yum
• a pack of Nerds candy
• a handy pouch with a pad of stickers

A closer look on the box revealed marks on the packing tape that says "Samaritan's Purse: Operation Christmas Child".  On the flap is a label indicating the word "BOY" with a check mark on the age range - "5-9 years old".  Before allowing my son to open the goodies inside, I confirmed with his teacher first if my son was indeed the recipient of such gift.

I did a quick search online for the name on the box and this is what their website says - "Samaritan's Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world."  One of their ongoing projects is called Operation Christmas Child wherein people pack shoe boxes with goodies for needy children and distribute them worldwide.   The organization aims to bring happiness to children and their families by living the life of the Good Samaritan.

And so, Jarred was right...it was indeed a gift from God. Thank you, Lord!