2012 marks a milestone in our marriage. This year, we are entering our 2nd decade of being together as husband and wife. Back in 2001, 10 years seemed such a long time and looking back, that first decade went by so quickly. It marked so many firsts for us and we experienced many challenges and trials during that time.
As our family grew, so did we, as a couple. There were a lot of issues that we had to settle as well as storms to weather. In every challenge, we took with us precious wisdom and learning.
In reaching our 11th year, the challenge that we are faced now is fortifying our relationship to ensure that we provide a good and loving example to our children as they grow up. Another facet of change would be working as a couple to inspire others to value their relationship and continue to work on being committed to each other.
For my dear hubby...may this simple gift express all of the love and gratitude I have for you for all of the love you've showered upon me and our children. No amount of words can suffice to thank you for all of the sacrifices you've made for me and our family.
Happy 11th Anniversary Ga! I'm excited to spend the next decade and many more decades to come with you...
Hubby's trip back home had already been booked several weeks ago...the plan was to spend a brief weekend home for our son's 8th birthday. However, in the middle of last week, his work schedule changed and it would be impossible to come back home. Although the kids had no idea about the homecoming, I did and it certainly dampened my spirits.
Not wanting the fare ticket go to waste, hubby already planned to have it refunded over lunch break last Friday. Lo and behold, a couple of hours before their break, the trainer announced that a business meeting would require her to go to work the next Monday and so their days off had to remain in status quo. Hubby's teammates who knew of his homecoming plan couldn't help but cheer him on and be happy that his plan could push through.
A prankster by nature, he thought that it would be wonderful if he would just surprise everyone without letting anyone know about this great turnaround of events. I was attending the FREE TO FOLLOW Weekend the whole day that day (which hubby was supposed to attend with me originally before the change in his work schedule - apparently, a delay in the flight home and a turtle-speed of a bus caused him to arrive a couple of hours after noon which made him miss the scheduled formation talks that day)...so guess who got the biggest surprise upon arriving home that evening? I felt as if I too was celebrating my birthday with my son that day.
Knowing that the trip home was very brief - barely 24 hours, the entire family made those few hours count. It was a day full of love, hugs, kisses, and needed heart-to-heart talks. Time flew very fast and before we knew it, it was time for him to leave once more...the goodbye at the terminal was bittersweet...with the baby bawling her eyes out the minute her Dad left the car...
...I reassured the kids that they only had to count 12 days to our own trip - this time spending the Christmas and New Year holidays with their Dad and family.
This small packet of surprise came in the mail today. It's the 2010 W@W (WeddingsatWork) Wedding Primer. Skimming over the pages made me reminisce my wedding preparation days back in 2000-2001 (civil rites) and 2006 (church rites).
W@W became my best friend in all things bridal. I was able to scout many suppliers through the site and later on developed friendships with other would-be brides through the W@W e-group. To this day, these friendships have endured time and distance as most of us have graduated from being W@Wies to N@Wies, exchanging our wedding planners for marriage counseling, pregnancy tips and childcare concerns.
It's so wonderful to see how W@W has evolved over the years and continue to assist all would-be brides and grooms to prepare for their wedding and marriage. Thanks to Abet & Benz for making my day today. Cheers to W@W!!!
It's been exactly nine years ago today when hubby and I said our "I do's" to each other back in 2001. On March 16, 2001 we capped our nearly three-year-old friendship by tying the knot in a civil ceremony at the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City. Twelve years of friendship, nine years of wedded bliss and three children later, we are going strong in our relationship and family life. It has been a great roller coaster ride - one I'd definitely ride over and over again. Looking back, I can see how our marriage has blossomed and matured to what it is now - We've transformed ourselves to the best persons we could ever be to each other; we've tried our very best to become the parents our children need and deserve; and we're constantly evolving and growing spiritually as a couple. I can't wait to spend decades upon decades of love and quarrel, joy and sorrow, and peace and chaos with that one person whom God has chosen for me - my best bud, my confidante, my financial guru, my lifestyle coach, my parenting partner, my dance instructor, the love of my life - my palangGA, Jerome...Happy 9th Anniversary!!!
My sister was born on Valentine's day of 1975. Being born on love day, she was aptly christened CHRISTINE MARIE VALENTINE. She doesn't know this but I've always envied her for having such a long and unique name. I felt a little left out among us three since she and my brother both had 3 names each and I guess this is the reason why I ended up giving all of my children two names. Today, as the world celebrates Valentine's Day, allow me to pay homage to my one and only sister on her 35th Valentine birthday...
To my dearest Shobe,
First of all, let me greet you a very happy 35th birthday (forgive me for broadcasting your age...hehehe)! I am sure you will be celebrating your special day with a bang...hmmm...I wonder what Ray and Trei will be up to today. One thing for sure though, they'll give you a day to remember.
VALENTINE...As I mentioned in the caption above, I've always envied you for having such a long and unique name...yes, dear, even up to now. I know that growing up you didn't really like having that name and sometimes resented whenever friends jokingly call you "Val" or "Valentina". Being born on Hearts Day and carrying the name must have been a tall order for you. You know what? You've done St. Valentine proud (not to mention all of us in the family)! Let me tell you that you are living your life worthy of your name. A quick search on name meanings turned out your full name to mean "Christ's bearer of love in the bitter sea". You have showered all of us around you with so much love and affection. In times of bitterness, anger or sadness, all you had to do was bring out that beautiful smile and it never fails to lift us up. Your infectious laughter and cheerful ways make life easier despite all the problems and difficulties.
We weren't very close growing up but I will never forget that one year prior to your migration to Canada. It was the year we made up for all the time we treated each other like strangers. If you'll recall that was one of the most difficult times in my life. You saved me from being taken over by grief and sorrow. You were the jester who could bring smiles even if only to my eyes. You became the big sister, teaching me how to enjoy life even if at times it involved being naughty. You made me see the rainbow after the rain. So you see, you became God's bearer of love during my time in the bitter sea. Those 365 days will be forever etched in my heart for they are very special days of friendship and sisterhood.
When you left the country in 1998, I felt a part of me was taken away. It was painful to miss you every single day. The only thing that kept me sane was knowing that the reason you left was to follow your heart. It was four years later when we saw each other again. This time, we were both married ladies already. I had recently given birth to my firstborn and I knew you had to be his godmother. You showered us with your love, both in deed and in kind. Your generous heart is always at work in our lives. I was one proud Ate when you gave birth to Tristan a year later. I knew then that you'll be one great Mom to him. Whenever I see and hear Tristan online, I know that you and Ray are doing an awesome job raising him. It is not easy raising a family there and maintaining a career at the same time. I salute you for doing very well in both.
It's been 7 years now since we've last seen each other and though I thank God for Facebook and Skype, it's still not the same as being with you face-to-face and chatting away like we used to. I just pray that we can get together soon and for our families to finally meet each other.
I didn't know what to give you for your birthday. I wanted to give you something special, something you'd remember...so I wrote.
Happy, happy birthday Sis! Thank you for your love all these years. I love you and I miss you very much!
For my Hearts Day post, let me go back in memory lane to the time when hubby and I were still going steady. Before prenuptial photos made a big hit, we already snapped up our very own prenup pic taken by my brother using a conventional point and shoot camera. This was taken during Christmas holidays in 2000 at Fontana Leisure Park in Pampanga. Wouldn't you agree that this is one smokin' hot photo of us?
A special Valentine's shout out to my hubby...Happy Hearts Day Ga!!! Love you so so much! Mwah!!!
I love spicy food! In fact even my dipping sauce always has chili peppers whenever I'm serving fried fish. There's something about heat exploding inside the mouth that has got me hooked.
However, this post is not about food but rather about the spice of life - the things in our lives that make living exciting. These are the stuff that make us look forward to waking up each day.
And since I'm one who enjoys heat in my food, it's no wonder that I have quite a long list of the things that spice up my life. But for the purpose of brevity, let me focus on the top 5:
hubby and I are opposites of each other (which is why sparks fly whenever we argue and the same goes whenever we make up)
my son's stubborn streak (which he obviously got from me...it has made me realize what my parents had to go through while raising me)
my elder daughter's "allergy" to the word 'NO' (she has her means to get what she wants that gets to be irritating most of the time but it only shows that she has a very strong personality and will not take NO for an answer)
my youngest daughter's independent streak (at 9 months old, she already insists on doing things her way...I feel that she's growing up too fast but can't help but rejoice that she's quite advance in her developmental milestones
family squabbles (I believe this is normal in most families...it strengthens relationships and enables family members to exert more effort in understanding each other)
Today marks the 6th birthday of my one and only nephew, TRISTAN REI. He's the only son of my younger sister. My children fondly call him "cousin TREI". Due to distance, we haven't met him face-to-face since he lives with his family in Canada. Thank heavens for modern technology, Jarred, Cailie and CeeJae can regularly video chat with him via Skype. At times, they would spend hours online showing off their toys and actually playing with them onscreen as if they were just in one room. Isn't that awesome?
Trei is a cool and very smart kid...I love it when he says my name in that so husky voice..."Hello Tita Cathee!...where's Kuya Red?" He sent tears to my eyes when at one time he said, "Oh wow Tita Cathee, thanks so much for inviting me to your home...I'd love to go there...Mom, Tita Cathee says I can stay in their house in the Philippines!" He is such a well-mannered little boy. No wonder he's got his Mom and Dad wrapped around his little finger...not to mention his two Lolas - Lola Linda and Mommy Cecille and his Tita Ninang Kate.
You've grown up so fast, little man...and you've brightened the lives of people around you...I can just imagine a room lighting up whenever you enter it...you are that kind of child...so full of energy and joy! Continue to shower your goodness to those you meet and remember that there are people back in the Philippines who are loving you more and more each day.
Tristan, we haven't met you in person yet...haven't held you in a warm embrace...haven't kissed your head full of hair...but trust that you are loved deeply by all of us here. We can't wait for that time when we can all finally meet and be together.
Happy Birthday our dearest Trei!!! We love and miss you very much!!!
*** NOW photo courtesy of Tita Ninang Kate; THEN photo courtesy of Mommy Tintin
On February 6, 1972, Rey and Linda said their "I do's" to one another...3 kids and 38 years later...they're still antagonists of each other. Seriously, theirs is not a mushy love story but a reality of life that majority of people live. They were thrown lemons, so they made lemonade. Being their firstborn, I was witness to their early romantic years. Daddy was such a romantic Romeo (which was one of the reasons why he became my hero while growing up)...he'd always cook up something sweet and cheesy for Mom. Mom, on the other hand, was the realist...and there were times I did resent her for not valuing Daddy's efforts during her birthdays, their anniversaries and other special occasions. It is only when I got older and experienced both married life and parenthood did I realize that living their lives weren't easy, especially for Mommy. They made the best out of what they had and made sure they survived whatever storm came to their relationship and the family. It'll be 3 years straight now that they've been apart. Since 2007, Mommy has been living in Langley, B.C. with my younger sister and her family. She's there to lend a hand in caring for my nephew, Tristan while my sis and b-i-l focus on their careers. Daddy, on the other hand, is left in the family home in Q.C. with my brother. From time to time, I get trapped in between their bickerings and troubles with each other but whenever I step back and try to see what's really behind all the noise and chaos, I feel the longing and the sadness. Deep in my heart, I know Daddy misses Mom and is longing for her presence. Mommy, despite all the hardships, I know is sad to be apart from Dad. They remain two halves of a whole, one won't be complete without the other. With God's grace, they've started to work on the documentation for their migration to Canada. Hopefully, by being sponsored by my sister and her family, Mommy and Daddy can finally be back in each other's arms and the whole cycle of loving and arguing can continue... Happy 38th Anniversary Mom & Dad!!! Thank you for showing us how both love and reality can strengthen the bond of two married people...thank you for being an inspiration to us whose journey in married life is yet but starting. Here's to many more years of twogetherness...cheers!
I was searching through my hard drive for photos and I chanced upon these two here... The larger photo was taken last March 2009 during my birthday our anniversary (the two occasions are 2 days apart, hence the slight confusion) and the smaller one was maybe circa 2003 or 2004.
Although you could see very similar faces (alright, give or take 5 lbs...), the more recent one shows so much more character. Maybe we were more innocent when we were younger? Or we didn't know as much? And of course, the experiences were much different.
Ours is a love that has withstood the harshest of weather and continues to grow and evolve at present...much like the dishes I concoct in my kitchen, we've been seasoned so ever gently by time.
