Spoiled Daughter- In- Law

In the recent reunion I had with my childhood friends, the talked about topics was mostly family life. What's new, the fun part as married women and the ups and downs of sharing a new relationship with people we didn't grow up with, yet, are there to complete our families. I'm talking about our "in-laws".  I was the last person to share in the group about my experiences with my in-laws.

My friends asked me on what kind of relationship I share with my mother-in-law in particular. All I blurted out at that moment was "I'm a spoiled daughter-in-law".  Over-all, my relationship with my in-laws from my mom-in-law, my sister-in-law and brother-in-law and even cousin-in-laws are close to perfect.

 We all have our stories to share, all are expected to be different and all relationships are bound to be created depending on the person or what defines both us and our in-laws. I realized in the end, it's all about respect. It's all about finding your spot in the family and by being sensitive or being aware on what's happening around you.

 My in-laws give importance to my part in the family, which I really appreciate. They respect my role as the mother of their grandchildren and nephews. They never bypass my role as the wife of my husband. 

My parents taught me well in order to have a smooth relationship with my in-laws: pay respect by recognizing their positions and their roles in the family, radiate self-respect and  by being simple. Personally, as much as possible, I try to be the one to adjust in any given situation. 

Honesty is also part of a successful relationship, especially with your other half. 

It is given that we all have our ways in running our own households. On my experience,  being open about the things I prefer matters. Don't be afraid to share your thoughts on certain things. We all have our perspectives so honesty and sincerity will help both sides meet in the middle, agree on something without stepping on each other's roles in the family. Well so far it works for me.

I am very happy, thankful and partly proud to share with my friends the closeness I have with my in-laws. It kinda shed a new light to something where the in-laws (particularly the mom-in-law) plays the villain.  I guess for some it might take time, like a lot of time. Hopefully for most of us, everything is running smoothly. 

If there's one thing to learn when dealing with others in general, it's always to be respectful and understand our differences.

When I said that "I'm a spoiled daughter- in-law", it became a spot- on realization that made me even more grateful for meeting and marrying a man with such a lovely background and family. If my husband is a nice person... my in-laws are nicer. 😁

10 Years

I can't think of a better title to this post but the digits itself that marked another milestone in my life.  5 years ago, I was just day dreaming of the future with my other half. Where will we be on our 10th wedding anniversary? It's normal to think ahead and see yourself how you like it or the way you plan it.

I'm proud to say that in our 10 years as partners, all I can think about are happy memories. Sure, we had our down times, especially when we were still starting... And these turned as motivating factors that brought us to where we are at the moment. We are also surrounded by people who help us go through adversities--- our parents, our siblings and friends, the added colors to our rainbow. 

Thru certain situations, unforgettable moments, down to the most embarrassing experiences, together,  we've matured, we respect each other even more. We learned to meet in the middle when it comes to decision making. We shrug off anything that can cause an argument. We compromise and sacrifice. If there's another thing to be proud about, it's the fact that my husband and I work everything positively because we do things together. We're always together.

Because we know we have each other, we've learned not to look for contentment and happiness thru material things or live life around money.  But we still surprise each other in our own creative ways, just like what happened a few weeks back...

We didn't have a grand celebration for our 10th year, but my husband arranged lunch with a few people at Conti's. It was kinda a surprise for me too... and yes, I was shocked because I really thought that we're not going to prepare anything at all. We opted to keep things simple and discrete because we're presently preparing for something more important. So my husband reserved a function room, had food prepared and a short video presentation was shown. The video was composed of the times from the moment we got married up to the present with our 2 kids. 

10 years may look short and young but I gotta say... we feel that we've  lived and achieved more than the number of years that's indicated, or let's just say we're on the right track.

We have a 3rd grader.

We have a toddler who can say thank you and please...

We have a lovable Beagle named EMO.

We will be moving to our brand new place which is now our own to decorate.

We are planning to get an SUV and restore our old Honda Civic...

I can bake!
We travel as a family.

My husband's career is growing...

We both have white hair. lol! (now, that's aging)

We're all healthy.

What we did not have 10 years back, are the ones that make our life now beautiful everyday.

As we land on our 10th year being married and as we head towards our 14th year of being together, my husband and I both learned how to be flexible towards anything life will throw at us and will remain grateful and humbled for the small, simple moments that's given to us (forever...).

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.

source

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

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

Welcome To The Christian World Mikee!

Here are the bits and pieces of a well celebrated occasion. It was an intimate gathering with our close friends and family. 

Welcome To The Christian World Mikee!

The name Mikee was derived from his first name Michael. There are 3 reasons why Michael.

1. I am a St. Michael the Archangel devotee, I truly believe in the power of his prayer.
2. My eldest son Franky was born on the feast of  St. Michael the Archangel.

3. In memory of my husband's younger brother named Michael who passed away a few days after he was born.

Our close friends graced us with their presence. Being able to celebrate with them is such a blessing. Most of them are the Godparents of Mikee.

The Baptismal Mass was short but it was filled with moments contemplating on the purpose of the Baptism, how sacred it is and the importance of our obligations to the Catholic Church and as parents. As always, my husband and I always make our celebrations simple yet worth remembering just like our wedding. Being in the presence of the people close to us and the people we love makes everything special. Lunch followed in a nearby Max's Restaurant.

Sunday Spent At The Ayala Triangle Gardens

I was out with my family last Sunday. We met up with our relatives at the Ayala Triangle. The kids had fun running around, while the adults savored some moments of catching up. We chose Ayala Triangle over the weekend because there, you will find peaceful mornings and afternoons compared to its usual busy evenings. It is also the perfect place to take our pets for a walk.

Just like what Kat told me, Ayala Triangle is the "Central Park" version of Makati. It's like an oasis in the middle of the city.

It was pretty humid when we went out last Sunday. Boy, this sudden change of weather is making it even worse. Good thing that there's a lot of restaurants to choose from. To cool down, we decided to chill with some gelato from Caramia Gelateria.

As always, I like something minty, rich, thick and chocolatey. Mango Mint and Cioccolato: perfect combination.

My Gelato Moment

We spent the rest of our cool afternoon strolling around and taking pictures with our phones. For Mothers Day, I want to treat my family including our Beagle Emo for an early morning walk at the Ayala Triangle then breakfast. But this time, I'll make sure to bring a camera.

Ayala Triangle Gardens Guidelines

Revisitng Eastwood Early In The Morning

It was a lovely sunny  morning when my husband and I decided to have breakfast in Eastwood City. It's been a long time since our last breakfast adventure.  We agreed to lessen our frequent dining out. And it's been almost 2 years since I last posted a related food trip. As part of the adventure, we would often just get in our usual clothes then drive around looking for the perfect restaurant, whatever we feel to eat  at the moment.

Since Franky didn't have school that day, we took advantage of the time so we can try it again.
Along the way...

When everybody was stuck in traffic on their way to work, here we are, also in traffic but taking our time thinking of a good place where we can have breakfast. Sometimes it feels good to be exactly the opposite.

As always, Eastwood was our choice of location. It's very near our house. Eastwood City is a nice place to visit in the morning, coffee shops are open and most restaurants are also ready to serve heavy meals. It is also my kind of area where I can go for a relaxing stroll on a cool morning, especially when there's not much people around.  What a great way to start the day right?

Picture: Eastwood Mall at 9 o'clock in the morning; breakfast buffet @ Something Fishy

A Previous Breakfast Adventure

The 10th Photo Tag

Thank you Chris of The Mommy Journey

This was the 10th photo I posted on Sweet Nothings all the way back in December 2008, which explains the Christmas lights behind us. Taken in Trinoma.

Here are the RULES:
1.Look through your photo archives for the chosen blog and pull out the tenth photo you posted. 
2.Tell us a little about it. 
3.Tag five more players. 
4.Let the fun begin!

Tagging: 

Happy Home-Making with ACmumCee
My Written Xpressions
Simple Happy Life
A Time To Weep and A Time To Laugh
Smart Mommy
Mommy's PlayPen

Love and Quality Time

Spending Quality Time for me is bonding time for the whole family. Me and my husband, with my husband, our son, with my parents, my brothers and sisters, with my in-laws, relatives... friends... It's making the most out of the given time being with eachother's company. I just noticed that I never really shared anything on how I spend quality time with the people I love. My life's full of it. 

Quality Time is all about sharing moments. Unforgettable moments. Memories we always look back to and makes us smile. It is actually living each day to the fullest. Not a second wasted. 

A simple conversation makes quality time, all we need to do is to listen... A kid showing -off his artwork  to you is quality time, acknowledge and praise for a job well done. A joyful hello from your neighbor is quality time, wave back to make their day. A smiling face sent online is quality time, call or send a message back...

On how I spend quality time?

I often enjoy cuddling with my 2 boys in bed. We tickle each other, I love the warm feeling it brings. The laughter makes the whole scenario worth remembering.  Quality Time with my other half is very simple. Warm massages, watching tv or a movie together, having tea together, helping out each other, being the king and queen of the kitchen, we often ask questions if want to know something (honesty), doing pranks on each other is fun too. My husband and I also likes straying off from the usual... Sometimes, I drive for him and he cooks for me. HOME is where I share the most of  it.

Before, I always thought that spending quality time is actually shutting oneself from the rest of the world. 

Marriage and family woke me up from old realizations and introduced me to better ones. Just a moment ago, I was cuddling with my husband, we were just seated in our small couch whispering sweet nothings, sweet whatevers. It's the moment when I felt again that I am so blessed to have married a good man and it made me love him more...

Good Morning Neighbor!

Today is officially our second week in our new home. Of course, it took time to blend in the community. We were a bit shy, but everybody (our neighbors) were very helpful and hospitable. Back in our old condo, I think we were the only ones who never failed to greet everybody everyday. The rest, they were just too busy and too occupied. It's different this time around. Our new neighbors were very happy to help us go about some rules around the subdivision. They showed concern asking how are we doing. Most of all, it was very polite of them to greet us every morning, lunch and even at night.

Good Morning! Good Afternoon and Good Evening!

I never thought that "such wonderful neighbors" still exist. What an inspiring booster to start the day right and happy.

It's just great to be part of a good environment. A good environment for me is a place where people don't mind you but you know anytime you can approach them. A good environment is a place where intrigue (intriga, chismis) does not exist and are not even welcome. A good environment is a place where people respect privacy. A good environment is a place filled with simple people with simple minds. A good environment is a place where our children can play and just do their adventures.

-photo source-
A good environment is a state that makes a person happy, inspired and complete.

Sweetest 16th

My sister celebrated her Sweet 16 birthday yesterday. She personally asked me to buy her a Red Ribbon cake. This was the moment I have been waiting for. For days, after The Chocolate Heaven launching and the announcement of the Chocolate Heaven contest, I have been thinking of ways to create a one of a kind entry.

Sweet @ 16, surrounded with friends and having a fun time with the Chocolatiest cake that made them feel like they're in Heaven... The new Red Ribbon Chocolate Heaven cake.

It made them treasure the bond that unites them. It made them happier in each other's company and it developed the person in them by projecting positivity, joy, fun and excitement. It made me miss my high school days. Watching them made me treasure the moment itself and the moment that was during my time. It made me miss my own friends and our activities together. I was just literally holding the camera looking at them in awe and wonder.

For me, to be able to nail a good photo, everything must come out naturally. Candid. I can go' til forever waiting for the perfect time just to capture that certain image on my mind.

0o0o

Regardless of what camera I have, regardless of the picture quality as long as the moment is captured, I'm happy.

A Blessing In Disguise

Today, God showed some light on us once again. Early this morning I called the building owner of our chosen new place. I'm suppose to make an appointment in order to finalize the deal, fix the terms and contract. To my surprise, the wife who is a doctor was the one who talked to me. I started with a nice greeting and followed by some refreshing thoughts of our last visit 2 weeks ago. As I was asking for the availability of the unit we liked, she started ranting about some issues with regards to the division, the first come first serve agreement, and the price increase she had to make. Why is she ranting? I only asked if the unit was still available.

I became very irritated that I had to raise my voice a bit to remind her that "hey you're talking with a client". Raising my voice didn't really stop her, she went on and even asked questions to who I will be sharing the unit with, questioning if were capable of paying on time and she was even pushing for some unit changes that will eventually lead to another price increase.

First of all, we will not get into a deal or anything we cannot afford. Second, it doesn't go that if I'm a housewife, our income is not going to be enough. Third, the mere fact that I have the luxury to stay at home, the ability to always pay on cash and live without relying so much on some credit card. I think I don't even have to explain, and for me, "that's how life should be".

The most irritating part was when she told me that she doesn't prefer having kids around, especially the small ones because they have the tendency to color the walls and stuff. That really turned me off. In an instant, I turned down our every intention of going for that place.

Yes, the place was perfect for us. That condo was brand new, it is right beside a church, a SM Save More supermarket, still near Cubao, accessible for all types of transportation and most of all, it is near my son's school and it doesn't flood. But if the owner is going to be so selfish and cold-hearted, I would probably prefer an old apartment with a very, very nice landlord.

With what happened early this morning, we're back to square 1 and we only have 1 week to go. It was very disappointing, but we handled it very well, we didn't feel bad because we know something better will come up.

Here's the catch of the day. After lunch, we went to Meralco, from there, I asked my husband to drive me to the bank, then we took a shortcut at some back street near Cubao. On our way, I saw a sign 'condo units available'. So we stopped and checked, and to our surprise, the unit was very big, exactly what we wanted and for a very reasonable price. Security is guaranteed, it doesn't flood, it is owned by a company so it is well managed, still near Cubao and my son's school.

I guess our first option was not really meant for us. Mabait talaga si Lord. Nakailang lipat na kami pero He never fails to make it a point to answer my family's every need. And we are very thankful for this wonderful blessing.

Our Kind Of Adventure

One of the family activities we have planned for this year is to go Camping. It's been a long time, we had this on plan since last year, but it was very difficult for us to find the right location that is safe. We found 2 camping grounds. One in Tagaytay and another in Subic. Camping Equipments are one of the things that we have already settled.

Tents, sleeping bags, camping tools, camping table and chairs are all ready. It took us months looking for a sturdy tent and other reliable equipments. Outdoor Clothing, the only item we have on our list. Once were able to sort on the clothes we need, we will be out camping soon!

A Colorful Start

December 30, 2009 My husband took us to Manila Ocean Park and had dinner at the famous Harbor View Restaurant.

Even our view of the harbor was already pretty colorful.

It was a relaxing night and our moment to talk into details of our goals for 2010. Very excited on what's waiting for us...

Last time we witnessed some fireworks on New Year's Eve was 2 years back, welcoming 2007. Opening our arms in welcoming 2008, we decided to stay indoors, but we made it super memorable with my father-in-law. And with 2009, it rained hard. Looking back at the events that made news this past year, the rain that poured welcoming the 2009 was a sign that a great trial will come for the whole community. But with faith and hope we're all able to stand up once again and were able to celebrate the holiday season.

We Filipinos, "we never give up, we never let anything stand in our way to spoil our precious moments".

It took 2 years for us to finally watch some colorful fireworks. We gladly accept whatever is in store in this brand new year and the start of a new decade. Watching the fireworks made us feel that the years to come are going to be delightful.

It was very timely...

• Was able to watch fireworks--- more fireworks welcoming 2010 compared to the past years

• New Year

• New Decade

• New Chapter

Rizal Fireworks

Quezon City Fireworks

We're going to take this colorful celebration as a good sign. When or How it's going to be a good year? We'll never know... It's up to us to look at things positively. It's up to us to make it work. Hopeful that it will result to something good.

On the other side of our New Year's Eve celebration...

Since this color symbolizes both good and bad, we decided to wear clothes that has a hint of it. Over-all, this color possesses good. According to Henry Dreyfus, it is popularly felt that red, the color of blood and fire, represents life and vitality. Red also signifies the color of the sun: a symbol of energy, radiating its vitalizing life-force into human beings.

Before and After ending 2009, my family and I spent quality time together. We went to places in the city which we haven't visited yet.

January 1, 2010 After spending New Years at my parent's house, we went up to Antipolo and took Franky for some sightseeing.

Overlooking Manila--- Leaonardo's Antipolo City
Another colorful sight.

Welcoming 2010 shed some light that no matter how colorful or dull life may be, staying positive is key to everything. It's the strong force to enjoy a new year and a decade for us to fill with fulfillments.

Cake and Dark Chocolate Lovers

May I take this chance to thank the whole Red Ribbon Management for the rare experience they shared with me this year. For the gift coupon, for the opportunities given in order to share my Red Ribbon moments with my family. It was truly an honor. 2009 was a great year for me. It was filled with good opportunities for SHARING and SERVING other people. And like my usual story, I shared my Chocolate Walnut Fudge Cake with the whole family.
My parents, my siblings and of course, my very own family of 3. I had to wait for December 13 so that I can claim it straight from my hometown, be with my family and have a perfect cake moment again with them. I have to say, that the Chocolate Walnut Fudge Cake with Hershey's Dark is our cake for this season. It's simple, if you're a cake and chocolate lover, this is the ultimate dessert for you. If there's a chocolate bar to look for in every ice box we have in our homes... all you will ever find are bars of Hershey's Dark Chocolate, and I'm talking about the biggest bars you will see in every supermarket shelf. My dad and I would go all the way to a PX shop in Makati just to buy in bulks. So desirable that my Dad drove me everywhere, in every Red Ribbon branch around our area just to check which one has a stock left. Lucky enough, we were able to find a branch who served us with the last cake they have.
The moment I took the cake out from the box, 2 members of our family which we consider the "kings of cake and chocolate" took the center spot.

That would be my brother Nano and my son Franky

This 2 boys... they never choose the time, the place and the occasion on when to have a piece of their favorites.

They were very excited to take a bite of this mouthwatering delight. You might notice that I don't post pictures of myself with any of the cakes I shared with my family. I'm happier seeing them and capturing memorable shots of my family satisfied and happy. That makes me feel complete.

As you can see, the cake is compose of dark chocolate rolls on the sides. For the kids, I bet they'll feel that this cake popped- out from their dreams overnight. I share that same feeling. Imagine, a cake from the finest ingredients covered and coated with the best dark chocolate ever created, Yummy!

A Fruitful 5th For Franky

First of all, I would like to greet again my son Franky a glappy, glappy birthday! He had a good celebration with the whole family over the weekend. It was simple yet, blessed with so much fun. We were planning to celebrate it with his classmates in school. But the birth date landed on a Sunday. Plus, Monday is a holiday.

Saturday, we went out to buy his presents. This year, we wanted something artistic that will enhance his creativity. We noticed that he is not into regular toys anymore. He likes drawing, coloring and creating stuff.
And so to add a little color, we went with a Spongebob theme this year.

Prepared party food! Meaty spaghetti, hotdog on stick with marshmallows, Yoohoo barbecue, added some Ham and Cheese Calzone from Yellow cab for the adults.

Birthday Cake: Cookies and Cream c/o Red Ribbon (from the gc they raffled)

I pondered on a lot of things when my son turned 5. The 3 of us are all moving further. We are more knowledgeable about life, we will love and treasure the gift of family, a stronger relationship within and to others, and to establish a strong foundation as parents (now that our son is maturing). For the past 5 years, CHANGE has been part of it. On a personal note, I am very happy that we embraced it. Although we had a lot to sacrifice...lets just put it this way---if there's no pain, there is no gain. There should be something to be given up in order to make room for a more compatible essential for life and family.

We thank God for a fruitful 5 for Franky. He is now a boy with clear interests and hobbies. A boy filled with innocent thoughts, a boy whom we know, will love his family more than anyone, anything else.

It Was Their 34th Yesterday

Happy 34th Anniversary to my Mom and Dad!!! It was yesterday. I was with them celebrating. Consider this as a late post or an update. They went out early yesterday. After lunch, I got a call from my mom, inviting us to join them, since they were around our area.

My Mom and Dad, originally uploaded by Momachie.

You know, I really couldn't think of what say to them. I am just very thankful that both my parents are healthy, that their enjoying life, and most of all, they're happy . I am not my person today if not because of this 2 angels. Guiding me/us, helping to spread my/our wings further, as I/we move on.

Beef Strips With Broccoli

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Crispy Fried Chicken (more on my food blog)

Its suppose to be "their day", but since I was invited, I didn't hesitate to join them. I love hanging out with my parents. My husband stayed at home to rest, while me and my son went with them to SM Megamall.

We had a good meal at Super Bowl Sm Megamall Atrium. Went shopping for some kitchen materials and some Easter Eggs for our egg hunting this Sunday.

It was a very relaxing celebration. Tomorrow another plan is brewing. It's my Mom's birthday!!! and they want to extend the celebration. This time, with the rest of the family.

And Then There Were 5...

Family is my no.1 in my list of priority in life. I can live without anything else but not without them... I cancelled several attempts to work abroad before I got married, just to save myself from being homesick. I'm glad I made the right desicion. Last Saturday, we visited my parents' home and after a month, the clan got together again. It's the busy time of the year for everyone. I'm glad we're back together. We shared a lot of stories, funny ones, serious and some recent scary stories, that my sister's friends experienced in our old house.

It is one of the famous haunted houses in our area...We're used to it. Before, my mom would see a lady in black going down our staircase, and people from outside would see a white lady going in and out and later they'll find out that nobody was home. For the past 20 years, nothing bad happened to our family. Everyone was very successful, so I guess there's nothing really to fear. The family's aura helped create a pleasant atmosphere even with these elements around.

One of those pleasant-ness is having a fun night bonding with my siblings. We just sit at the dining area, eat dinner together and talk on each other's life. Note: Everything was meant to happen. One by one, the 5 of us sat down. Just the 5 of us. Usually, our parents, pamangkins or our husband and wife would join us. That night was given for the 5 of us...

Meet the Lara kids (L-R) Niño, Moi, Ella, Les, Ver

We asked our mom to take a picture of this one of a kind moment. We are looking forward for more of this bonding time as we grow old. I thank God to have given us a big family. A family who will always be there through thick & thin, happy & sad, scary or not. He!he!he!

Bonding with my siblings and my family is a very important "part" in my life. I feel so incomplete if I miss one family event. The support system is very solid. When I talk about family, that includes the people from both sides, my husband's and mine. Our families goes well together... I will say it again...

I can live without anything else, but not without them...