A Wonderful Journey 2014

As for my wishlist for 2014... all I ask for are continuous blessings: Good health for the whole family, more milestones as an individual and as a parent, a stronger form of protection against harmful elements, lots and lots of laughter and love...

2013 was a productive year for me. I learned a lot of new things. Though I kept on saying that starting a business is way away from my thoughts, it seems like opportunity itself keeps on knocking. A business may work but not in the near future. I see 2014 as a year for improvement, still a lot of things to learn and to experience, as I also need to establish knowledge and my foundation as an entrepreneur. The important thing right now is that I have my family's blessings. From my husband, my parents, my siblings, my in-laws and even our friends. The shower of support is just overwhelming.

It's really hard to point out what I want in terms of material or monetary blessing because time keeps on changing and so these things. For me, the best option for now is to work hard then later on reward myself with something I really want. It doesn't have to be in an instant, but the thought that I'm able to save up for something is already rewarding enough that maybe later on, will make me decide to keep it and save some more.

To sum things up, all I want is a continuous happiness and contentment. With these two around, life with surely grant one of a kind experiences as I grow for the next year/s to come. A wonderful journey worth remembering and meant to be shared.  Whatever is in store for me, I will love it and welcome it with open arms.

My Sisters Are My Best Friends

I've dedicated an entire post for my siblings, but I've never created anything for 2 of my best buddies, my SISTERS. I grew up with my sisters and my 2 brothers in a closely- knit family. When we had none, we have one another to keep each other company. As as time goes by, age, lifestyle changed, our relationship bloomed even more. We grew closer.

I tell my sisters everything. Aside from my mom, my sisters are the trusted individuals whom I share my life's stories with. No matter how busy, now that we don't live under the same roof anymore, they're still there ready to listen to me. When I say "listen to my stories" I'm not talking about problems and all sorts of trials, just stories of events I encounter in the world I'm in, which is obviously, different from where my 2 little sisters are right now. A decade ago, they were just little girls, like literally. Thought that there will never come a time, when we get to bond as friends because of the age gap. But even if time flies so fast, we were able to keep up with each other. Now these 2 girls are not only sisters to me, but they're also my best friends.

We share a lot. From girly things such as fashion, peers, cooking, we joke around as well, we  talk about our parents. We go out have lunch or dinner, shopping with our mom. We have our nails done together. We give friendly advices to each other. Family bowling started with the 3 of us.

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In times when I feel like I want to unwind or take a break from my usual routine, I call them, we plan something. Since we're sisters, we practically grew up in the very same simple environment which doesn't require to have an expensive form of bonding time. We're happy to stay at home, cook something and talk about life and with our dad sneaking up on us  ;D

Reflection: First Sunday of the Year 2014

This entry was inspired by the homily from the Eucharistic Celebration first Sunday of the year 2014.

Gospel: Mt 2:1–12 Epiphany of the Lord

The reflection from last Sunday's sermon was very timely. As most have already set their New Year's Resolutions, each year that passed from the time we were born, it has been filled with surprises and challenges. Good, bad, big, small, new or even some old memories brought back into our lives--- It's the flow of life, nothing new. The only difference it can give is the manner, how these things are presented to us and most of the time,  that becomes our basis if it's going to be difficult or easy to handle.

I wanna share my view as I also set my goals for the years to come. I've let go of setting expectations since I got married. Yes, it was hard at first because I needed clarity with the new beginning I was about to face at that time. I didn't really know what's going to happen to me as an individual, will I be able to give what's best for my family? do I have the right skills to become a good mother and a caring wife? It's human instincts, but it doesn't mean that I'm not capable of making these things happen.

I surrendered everything to faith, fate, patience and love. These characteristics strengthened my over- all Being to meet the right answers to the questions that once bugged me when I started a family. For every new year, I welcomed whatever life's going to shower me, as I also prepare to what life's going to throw at me.

There will always be adjustments in order to achieve a goal, a plan, a wish or whatever it is to each of us. Tackle all with great positivity.

Life, is what I/ you/ we make it. Don't set expectations. Acceptance and hard work are both essential in this journey. Whatever you wish for, make it happen. But always remember, nothing's going to be achieved if we're to rush things, be greedy and selfish. Give room for growth and learning as well.

Year-End Family Bowling

After Christmas, our family decided to go bowling as bonding time instead of going out of town. We all met up at Paeng's Bowl at the Eastwood Citywalk after lunch and on with our fun family event. It was my parents' first time to join us. It all started with just me and my siblings. Thought it's a good way to try something new as bonding time. Then we sent an invite to our dear mom& dad to watch us play and that their presence was highly appreciated. Well, it's making the family complete with them around even if they don't play.

But it turned out to be more fun. The moment my parents arrived they instantly grabbed a pair of bowling shoes asked for assistance in setting up a lane and they started even if some of us were still on the way.

Aside from traveling , it's nice to see both mom & dad unwind this way. Most of the time, especially couples their age, they settle to stay at home, grab a cuppa or chat with their amigos and amigas. Life turned out to be different for us. As our parents grow old, they're more open into trying things they weren't able to enjoy when they were looking after our family. After a game or two, my parents went ahead for a Christmas party in our old village. But they left us with some refreshments from Magoo's Pizza.

Times like this is very important to us. We can also find joy and memorable moments even thru the simplest things like playing a fun game. And so, our Family Bowling continues... looking forward to our next, our first for 2014!

Snippets From Our Christmas Celebration 2013

Hello friends, it's been a long time since I posted something. This year's Holiday Season was a bit of a challenge for me personally. A week before Christmas, my 2 little boys got sick and I followed. The only week when I can prepare for the Holidays in terms of giveaways, final gifts to be wrapped and preparing our home for Christmas Day went pretty bad. The last 3 months of 2013 has been filled with sacrifices. But it didn't stop me and my family from pushing for a memorable year still.

December 20 was the busiest day for me. Even if sick, I prepared 2 boxes of Choco Christmas Cuppies for my son's Christmas party in school. That same day, I also made 20 sets of Chocolate Crinkles as giveaways to our friends.

When the Holiday week started, it was a boost for me to start moving again even if I still feel a bit dazed and dehydrated.

Our menu went around the ff:

Lasagna

Pork BBQ

Macaroni Salad and 

Fruit Salad

I wasn't able to prepare as much food like in the past years, but when I got to taste of what I cooked, it made me feel that it was indeed Christmas making it my first decent meal after 5 days of not being able to eat well.

 Before hearing mass, I also prepared 20 sets of meals with drinks and dessert given to the less fortunate on Christmas Eve. It has been a ritual of our family to go around nearby barangays giving out food on Christmas. As much as I don't want to share it, I know I have to because even if sick, it made me feel better. Just looking at the happy faces of the families enjoying their food, it's something to be treasured. It's not about self-fulfillment, it's for the simple reason that we want to share the blessings my family was graced with, no matter how big or small.

And of course, Christmas is not going to be complete without gifts to be given and to be received. These are just some gifts we got and I would like to thank every thoughtful heart who also shared their blessings to us.

For sometime, my parents stopped putting up a tree on Christmas and replaced it with a Nativity set.

It's true that the whole essence why we celebrate Christmas is because Christ our Savior was born on this day.

Eventually, after having a new house, the Christmas tree's back as the highlight among the Christmas decors. It's fresh, so the scent of  pine makes it therapeutic as well. On Christmas day, we went to my hometown to celebrate Christmas with my parents and siblings. We all wore red and had a picture beside the 8ft. Douglas Fir Tree.

It may be too late to greet everyone "Happy Holidays!" I pray long-term, that in the coming years, it will just keep on getting better and positively fruitful for everyone!

Cheers from the Xtraordinarymom--- Enchie