Images of Our Christmas

A beautiful Christmas day to everybody!
From my family to yours, we wish you peace, good health and prosperity!

We always spend the holidays with family, and this is only our second Christmas spent at home since we moved in here exactly a year and seven months ago.  Having our own home is truly one of the greatest blessings we could receive.  One would expect that with a fairly new house, it would be decked out to the roof...well, maybe next year  =) 

Green, red and gold.  Traditional Christmas colors and symbols are what you will find in our home, and very minimal at that. Gradually, I will collect more decor every year to achieve, as what designers call, a 'finished look' for our house.

The Christmas Tree has been our ultimate symbol of the season.  Just having a tree in our home is enough for us to feel the spirit of Christmas. This brand new 8-foot tree found a place in our living room this year.

Fresh evergreen trees have been used since the 16th century, and the first decorated tree originated from Germany.  The custom was then brought to England by Prince Albert in the 1800s, which eventually found it's way to America.  Now we can find so many ornaments in all shapes, colors, and sizes decorating Christmas trees all over the world.

I have always fancied poinsettias for the holidays. It is seasonal in nature, which makes it more 'desirable' as its leaves will only turn red starting October and may last up to February.  Afterwhich, the leaves will turn green, dry out and fall off, then wait until the next cycle begins.  I was only able to buy fresh pots this year and it truly adds a punch of color and life to our house.

This plant was named after the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Dr. Joel Poinsett, who brought it to America over a century ago.

 

Santa Claus. Kris Kringle. Saint Nicholas. I just call him Santa, and he will greet you as you enter our home.

He is know in so many different names and with so many legends and stories about him.  But I grew up knowing he is the magical and mysterious old fella that puts candies and favors in my stockings, and brings us gifts the night before Christmas...IF we were good boys and girls! Ho-ho-ho-hoo...

This is our Holy Family.  Mary, Joseph and Jesus are the main characters in the Nativity Scene, where the birth of Jesus in a manger was witnessed by the shepherds and the Magi.  These three wise men brought gifts to the new-born king, which was believed to have started the tradition of gift-giving every Christmas. Some call this the Manger Scene or, locally, the Belen -- adapted from Spain which translates to Bethlehem.

 

The Advent wreath hangs on our door which is believed to bring hope and light in our home.

Traditionally, the wreath is made from evergreen branches with five candles, which are lighted every week leading to Christmas day to symbolize the birth of Jesus. And like the Christmas Tree, this tradition originated in Germany as part their Christian beliefs.

Our wreath is quite unique as it features gold branches and a whimsical butterfly fairy, maybe to bring us good luck!

 

More ornaments such as glittery balls, a centerpiece with pears and pine cones, and twinkling tivoli lights that add to the sparkle and cheer of Christmas.

For sure, I will have more to share with you next year. 
Have a wonderful and memorable holiday season!

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Santa Came To Town Early!

I was supposed to have a Mom-Cook entry today but got immediately side-tracked by a wonderful surprise. So here goes my quickie post for today...

As we prepare for lunch and packing all sorts of stuff for my boy's class party this afternoon, the doorbell rang.  I was told that a man stood outside the gate with a big brown box. It's what we've been expecting to arrive early next week!  But maybe Santa knows we've been good boys and girls and thus granted us our early Christmas wishes!!!

Before I got the chance to whip out my digicam, the ubiquitous big brown Forex balikbayan box was already opened and out came an assortment of goodies, household items, DVDs, shoes, books, gifts from my sis-in-law, and the highlight of them all ...(drum roll...)

... MY Christmas wish -- a brand new Canon 500D (Rebel T1i) digital SLR camera! Woohooo!

Among my many interests, learning photography is the most achievable for me at the moment, and ever since I got hold of our first digital camera almost seven years ago, I got hooked. For months, I've been researching online for the most value-for-money, user-friendly, fit-to-my-needs camera model.  Now here it is at last.

It may take a while before I get the hang of using my new 'toy'. Hopefully, before the wedding next Sunday, I can be comfortable enough to take better shots, and maybe give the official photographer a run for his money, hahahaha! Definitely, you will be seeing future posts with images captured by my first DSLR. I can't wait!

We are very grateful and thankful to my sister-in-law who's living in the U.S. of A. for having painstakingly prepared and boxed all these beautiful things and had it shipped in time for Christmas.  Just like any Filipino families with relatives abroad, having balikbayan boxes is customary, an annual thing.  For our family, we order quite a lot of stuff online, thru Amazon.com, so we get them all packed in one box. Our current camera was also purchased online and shipped to us a few years back, at a very, very good price.

I've been a trying-hard photographer for so long, and now I hope I can better myself with the new cam. You can browse through some of my earlier related posts, as 99% of the images in this blog was taken by me with our handy digicam, currently Lumix TZ3.

If you're a pro or an enthusiast, your photography tips and tricks would be highly appreciated!


Taking inspiration from my favorite subjects, kids and food! :)
Sepia Moments On A Cloudy Afternoon
In Living Color: Double Take
Weekend Cheap Thrills



I do hope you all get your Christmas wishes too!

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Mom-Finds For Girls: Thea White Cotton Dresses (Limited time only)

Just a day late for Mom-Finds. I know it's not Friday yet and believe me, my days are still so full. And though I recently committed to blog only on Fridays in the next several weeks, I needed to put in some time to post this one now as these lovely white things are available for a limited time -- until Saturday only.

White Cotton Dresses

After a fruitful meeting with my soon-to-wed couple, our last stop was a visit to the church where they will tie the knot after Christmas. And just outside the office, I found myself drawn to the rows of dreamy, white dresses on display.

As if tempting me here, the future bride knew me so well...I just can't leave without buying an item or two and she was right. How could you resist these pure, white, cotton day dresses, baby baptismal gowns, teddies and night gowns for girls, babies, and ladies? Love, love, love whites!

They looked so cool, light, and oh so comfy to wear. I only left with two for my little girl and stopped from getting one for myself.

P250 @ : Sweet details of eyelet lace edging, pin tuck bodice and mandarin collar in white cotton make this a charming day wear.  I was told these are sold for P400 at bazaars and trade shows.


My girl, always the independent, insists on doing things her way, on her own. This makes us so proud as she most often succeeds, like dressing and undressing, and buttoning her shirts -- and she's not even 3 yet!

I'm just so pleased that the girl quickly tried them on as soon as she saw them hanging on the cabinet doors.

You still have a few days to finish your Christmas shopping, and these adorable dresses may complete your list.

This is Mom-Friday signing out.  Check back on Friday  (",)

If you liked these dresses, you may ask for a Thea representative by calling the church office to inquire on future selling dates, and other exhibit venues. Details below:

Thea Cotton Dresses
c/o The Church of The Holy Trinity Compound
48 McKinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati City 
Tel. (632) 8179440

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Seeing Yellow, Black, and White: Prelude to a December Wedding

Christmas is just 2 Fridays away!  And all around me I see shiny and sparkling golds, reds, silvers and greens...and then there's bright yellows, blacks and whites.  Okay, that last three colors are really not for the Yuletide cheer, but rather for my upcoming event. 

This time of the year is a true test to my being a Mom-Friday, multi-tasking to the max!  Since late October, I'm neck-deep into the holiday rush. So, while I do have a line-up of entries I wish to share with you every day, I can only promise brief Fridays-only posts for the coming weeks leading to the new year. And if you were following this blog, you would already have an idea of what keeps me pre-occupied.  I am currently struggling to manage my time between the kid's year-end school activities, punching a few hours in the office, rushing some home improvements, aside from wedding planning with my overseas couples, among others. Whew! I'm already stressed just thinking about my To-Do List!  Now, about the yellow, black and white...

Amidst the dizzying days of December, I have devoted much of my "me" time in preparing for two unique weddings that are exactly 19 days apart, pre- and post-New Year's. Both couples are based abroad, hence, long-distance online planning. Can you feel my stress now?

For today's post, I am dedicating to C & C.  I am honored to be planning this very mod, super cool, and awe-inspiring post-Christmas wedding for this dear couple whom I've met more than 6 years ago, and whom I have gotten to know even better during the last 11 months. Coincidentally, this is my second December 27 wedding -- last year was G & J's intimate affair, both of whom are also friends with C & C, this year's couple. C & C are both young, spiritual, and highly creative individuals with a clear vision of how they would want their wedding to be -- which has made planning so much easier for us. But not without your usual share of supplier kinks, couple's squabbles and family-related issues, all very common and totally anticipated.

After months of sharing great ideas through YM chats, emails, a couple of tightly-scheduled trips, and D.I.Y. projects for the wedding, we are almost at the homestretch.  I just can't wait to see the fruits of our labor. I am leaving you with a few of the elements the couple has allowed me to share, as a preview to the upcoming formal fete. Enjoy and be inspired.

Cute "Quotes" buttons for guests, designed and produced by the couple

Practical attendants' gifts (back view)

Wedding Program with the theme quotation from the bible, also personally designed and produced by the couple

I am leaving you a list of some related topics that may interest you, and hope you can browse through the previous posts in the coming days  :)

Of Diamond Rings and Weddings
Color Your World
Bling It!
7 Years After 'I Do'...part 1
7 Years After 'I Do'...part 2

Here's PART 2:

THE YELLOW-BLACK-WHITE WEDDING

Note:  Top 4 images are inspiration pegs culled from wedding websites

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Women's Favorite E-mail of The Year

Allow me a humor break for today's post before I get into my three-part series on a recently concluded parenting seminar at my boy's school. I found myself grinning from ear to ear as I read this message from my inbox sent by one of my mom-friends. Maybe some of you have already received one yourself.


For sure, most women out there, especially stay-at-home-moms, could relate to this and may find the story quite amusing and vindicating.

I am posting the email here, verbatim, so hope this puts a smile on your face as well.

A man was sick and tired of going to work every day while his wife stayed home. He wanted her to see what he went through so he prayed: 

"'Dear Lord,
I go to work every day and put in 8 hours while my wife merely stays at home. I want her to know what I go through. So, please allow her body to switch with mine for a day."
God, in his infinite wisdom, granted the man's wish.

The next morning, sure enough, the man awoke as a woman...
He arose, cooked breakfast for his mate, awakened the kids, set out their school clothes, fed them breakfast, packed their lunches, drove them to school, came home and picked up the dry cleaning, took it to the cleaners and stopped at the bank to make a deposit, went grocery shopping, then drove home to put away the groceries, paid the bills and balanced the check book. He cleaned the cat's litter box and bathed the dog.

 

Then, it was already 1 P.M. And he hurried to make the beds, do the laundry, vacuum, dust, and sweep and mop the kitchen floor. Ran to the school to pick up the kids and got into an argument with them on the way home. Set out milk and cookies and got the kids organized to do their homework. Then, set up the ironing board and watched TV while he did the ironing.

At 4:30 he began peeling potatoes and washing vegetables for salad, breaded the chicken and snapped fresh beans for supper. After supper, he cleaned the kitchen, ran the dishwasher, folded laundry, bathed the kids, and put them to bed. 

At 9 P.M. he was exhausted and, though his daily chores weren't finished, he went to bed where he was expected to make love, which he managed to get through without complaint. 

The next morning, he awoke and immediately knelt by the bed and said:
"Lord, I don't know what I was thinking. I was so wrong to envy my wife's being able to stay home all day. Please! Oh please, let us trade back. Amen!" 

The Lord, in his infinite wisdom, replied:
"My son, I feel you have learned your lesson and I will be happy to change things back to the way they were. You'll just have to wait nine months, though. You got pregnant last night."

This has been voted Women's Favorite E-mail of the Year!  If you agree, send it to all your friends who would enjoy this!

(",)  As I typed and read this again, memories run through my mind of what I have been doing for the past few years as a homemaker.  In this country, we are much fortunate to have helpers at home to share in the daily grind. Nevertheless, the "job" as a SAHM is a tall order and not every woman is cut out to be one. But being one is a great blessing, and which I consider more of a privilege. So guys, dads, don't complain!

Cheers to all moms out there who strive to provide a better quality of life for your families.

Time to take a break, and have an awesome weekend!

Note: All photos taken from Corbis Images 

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7 Years After 'I Do'... part 2

Marriage = Unity = Commitment = Lifetime

Seven years and two kids after, my life has really turned upside down, in a good way of course. It was not a walk in the park, and no one said it will be. Getting hitched is like buying a one-way ticket to a great new adventure, with a few bumps along the way, and there's no turning back.

There are a gazillion things I have yet to learn and experience about marriage as every event in our lives will present so many different challenges, opportunities and rewards. What counts is what we make of those that come our way. Marriage, and now parenting, is a work in progress. And each day, whether good or bad, is a blessing.

Each married couple goes through a different experience from day one, and with unique stories to tell. It has only been seven years so I'm far from being an expert here.  As with the previous post, I will not go into the seriously heavy stuff. Come to think of it, we're not a 'mushy' couple, so no dramas here either, promise.

Different strokes for different folks. What worked for me may not work for you, so just take this at face value. Now on to the second part of my wedding anniversary post, again in no particular order:

7 Random Things I've Learned In 7 Years of Married Life

1. What's Mine is Yours, What's Yours is Mine

When it comes to money matters, be transparent from the very beginning, whether you have it or you don't. As you talk about marriage, these stuff needed to be discussed openly and objectively. There is no "Your/s" or "Mine" now, it should always be "OURS". Unless of course you're talking about your undies!

2. Home Financial Management 101

It pays to see things in black and white, and maybe red! For regular folks like us, personal bookkeeping is essential. This is one of the most important things I've learned from J. Since he is the sole provider, we need to know where we stand financially. Actually seeing and knowing how much comes in and out gives us the peace of mind and makes for better planning of our family's future. So download a Quicken now!

3. Kiss and Make Up within 24 Hours

Petty quarrels, serious fights, whatever conflicts you may encounter, talk it out and settle them within 24 hours so you can move on. I am still working on the talking part :-)

4. Cheap Thrills and Date Nights

Whatever happens, always have a few hours of bonding time, at least once a week. Say, watching a home movie, playing Wii, or just eating ice cream together. Whatever activity, simple or extravagant, find something to do to stay connected. You will need to schedule this especially with kids around!

5. Say What You Want or No-Gift-Required Policy

We don't want to put pressure on each other every time there is an occasion, and one has to think of that perfect gift for all those events. It's just too stressful don't you think?  Let's be practical and just tell each other what we want and we'll all be happy. (As of this writing, my Christmas gift is already in transit and I can't wait! You will know what it is soon enough.) Of course a few surprises in between wouldn't hurt either.

6. Be His/Her Arm Candy

Being married, kids or no kids, is not an excuse to look sloppy and unfit. Always make an effort to look good, not just for yourself, but for your spouse. Feel free to give him/her a make-over when necessary. Now I think I need a new wardrobe (wink, wink).

7. You deal with yours (parents), I'll deal with mine (parents)

Peaceful co-existence with the in-laws is ideal. But in the event that an issue arises concerning the in-laws, your spouse should handle the situation, not you.  Raise your concern to your spouse first, then let your spouse discuss the issue with his/her parent/s as the right place and time.

These are just a few of my personal insights and realizations through the years. I very much welcome some bits of marriage wisdom, so if anybody care to share some, do leave a feedback as we all need a lightbulb moment from time to time ;)

And may we all live happily ever after...

P.S. 
A window to some great moments in our seven-year-old marriage: 
In Living Color: Double Take
Show and Tell
Baby Boom, Baby Love - part 1
Baby Boom, Baby Love - part 2
Afternoon Bonding Over Zoob and Champorado
The Boy is 6

How I planned our wedding:  7 Random Things I Learned from Planning a Wedding

Sequel:
Year 2010:  8th lesson > 8 years after 'I Do'...


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