These Two....

Awwww, found these two passed out in the family room... 

So precious....

Of course Diamond is snoring.....LOL

~ 2 0 1 6 ~

New Chapter

New Beginning

5....4...3...2...1  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Welcoming 2016 ~

We are ready to welcome the Year 2016.

* Food is ready ✅

* Hot chocolate bar is replenished for the last time ✅

* 12 kinds of fruits are present ✅

* Rice bin is filled ✅

* Salt dish container is filled✅

* House is cleaned✅

* Coins in everyone's pocket✅

* Wearing polka dot clothes ✅

* All lights are on ✅

* Ready to play board games until the midnight strike ✅

Relax

There is nothing as rewarding and healthy

 as doing what you love and loving what you do. 

And the whole month of December has been crazy busy for me, 

yet inspiring and satisfying. 

However, it is now time for me to wind down a bit.  

After all, relaxation is good and necessary. 

My First Gift from God ~

My Monica Isabella, my first born, my only princess turns 20 years old today. I look at her and I can’t believe how much she has changed.  The baby girl that took my breath away and stole my heart forever is independent, courageous, and determined in pursuing her dreams.  My love for her is immeasurable.  Every year I try to quantify it, in some way, but it always fall short because how can you express the true meaning of “to the moon and back” plus “infinity and beyond” with all that I am or will ever be? 

Last night, while she was at work, I sat in her room and looked through her baby pictures, christening and first communion gowns, art works, middle school plays memorabilias, talent show awards, cheerleading uniforms, soccer awards, football and basketball uniforms and gears, prom dresses, and high school adventures ~ hmmm….my heart ached.  Time truly went by so swiftly. Then repeatedly, I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, I could still smell that perfect baby smell. And no matter how many times I looked around the room, her current photographs, her things ~ the remnants of her baby face was still the only thing I saw….. 

To my Kweng-Kweng, 

You came into my world and have been my happiness and strength ever since. On this 20th anniversary of your birth, I wish you a lifetime of love, the same wholehearted, all in love you give to others. To this day, your smiles still soothe me, your tears tear me down and your sadness destroys me.  Your laughter is contagious and infectious. I love the way you go after everything in life with such flare and optimism. I hope that you always allow your wonderful self to shine. Remember; do not let others tell you how or who to be. Do not let others let you waiver from your own path that God has carefully designed for you.  Above all, do not let anyone make you feel anything other than amazing. You are intelligent, sincere, caring, generous, funny, creative, and oh so kind.  Know that you have been blessed with everything you need in life to succeed and to find happiness. This world is an amazing, yet a challenging place. It is yours to savor, navigate, learn, and enjoy. Always live each day with a sense of gratitude and God will honor your heart.

I love that you stick up for what you believe in and for the underdog.  I love your stubbornness and your follow through.  I love that your heart compels you to get involved when you see a homeless person, sick person or a sad child.  I love you for being exactly who you are and I would never change a thing about you.  You are perfect in every way.

You have shadowed me. You have mimicked me. You have, and still do, sit on my lap and played with my hair. You have dressed me up. You have made me sit down and snuggle with you, watching and crying over love stories and drama movies. You have always wanted to know, in maddening detail, what I thought about everything. But, mostly, you have watched. And you have seen me as no one has seen me. You read my face and my body as if it were a map to your future. And you listen. You hear every self-directed negative muttering, every frustrated sigh. You’ve noticed my tired voice, happy voice, sad voice, and angry voice. Whenever you noticed I was crying, even though I made no noise, from the other room, simply by the sound of my breathing, you knew and you were there to comfort me with your warmest hugs and silence.  For all those times, thank you for simply being my strength and direction.  

Now, as you continue to venture into your new world with independence, always remember that I am here, for today and always, to hold your hand, to wipe away your tears and yes, to kick anyone’s behind if need be.  Even though you drive me crazy with your sense of independence, particularly when it’s in direct opposition to mine ~ inside, I am so proud of you for standing your ground.

May you continue to be completely and totally you. May you know how deeply and truly you are loved...by me, by your family, and most of all, by God.  May you dream big dreams, and have the courage to follow them.

So today, I celebrate you and all that you have become.  But most especially, I celebrate the day that I met one of the most amazing person I have ever known, YOU.  I wish you a lifetime of love and acceptance of yourself, I want you to see and love yourself the way I see you; perfect, just the way you are.

Happiest 20th Birthday my sweet Kweng-Kweng, my forever baby girl, my precious gift from God. 

I love you deeply ❤
Mom

Key Ingredients ~

Three of the key ingredients to our happiness are FAITH, FAMILY, and FOOD. Ergo, this Christmas Day, with everyone present, we are sitting down together, chatting endlessly about everything, and enjoying our Christmas dinner while thanking God for ALL the blessings He's provided for us, especially for our families, relatives, and friends across the globe and for our Brothers and Sisters In Arms who are faithfully and unceasingly serving our great nation and protecting our freedom. 

From all of us, MERRY CHRISTMAS

Cookies Extravaganza 2015

One of my favorite Christmas family traditions is our yearly Christmas  Cookies Extravaganza, where the kids and I make batches and batches of delicious cookies.  This year, we added two goodies (triple chocolate covered strawberries and Christmas triple chocolate covered pretzels) to the bunch.  Why so much?  Well, there are lots of parties to go to; neighbors who became friends; and teachers who needed that extra yumminess to enjoy their holiday break.  And these homemade cookies and goodies are just the perfect gifts for special people that took care of my family and I this year.  We spent 3 days of baking, starting on December 15 every year,  then we packaged it beautifully, and ready to be delivered on the 18th, which is our twin boys' birthday. So today, we delivered to our family doctors, dentists, hairdresser and barber, our sweet mailman, my mani-pedi ladies, Soup Kitchen Co-Volunteers, Catholic Women’s Group ladies, town Firemen, post office workers, and of course, our Soldiers guarding the gates of Fort Stewart Military Base.  For some, these might just be a bunch of cookies and goodies, but NOT THESE…..these are long family traditions made by KitchenElla’s and her kids...these are homemade Christmas cookies and goodies ~ made with LOVE and GRATITUDE!

My Second Gift from God Times Two

Josue and Javier,

I woke up very early today and I instantaneously went to your room.  As I sat in the chair (watching you sleeping), I couldn’t help but ponder for a bit.  I was amazed (as always) and then I realized, it’s just not possible that you’re turning 13 today.  Wow, my twin boys are now teenagers!  It was only yesterday that I held both of you as a baby.  And now, you are both on your way to a new life path that God has prepared for you.

Teenage life is a life-changing passageway.  It will be full of adventures and happiness, but it will also bring forth a lot of challenging situations, such as peer pressures, impulses, and even pimples (LOL).  That being said, I want to take this moment to give you the same advice I gave your sister when she turned 13, almost seven years ago.  

(1) ALWAYS stay close to God and your family in all things.  

(2) We live in phases; therefore, be ready to change because it will keep you busy.

(3) Continue to do well in school and enjoy the perks that come with it.

(4) On making decisions ~ always think of the 3 P’s = PAUSE, PRAY, and PONDER before you act.  Remember, every action has a consequence (Positive or Negative). 

(5) Look before you leap, but follow your gut if you have to. Be courageous.

(6) Stay on your life path, but when opportunities for successes are presented to you, seek advise from us ~ then together, we will pursue it.

(7) Always appreciate what you have, no matter how small.  

(8) Be an example of good leadership to your families and friends.  

(9) Be kind, be helpful, and be respectful to everyone, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, and status.

(10) Keep your eyes open because magic will always surround you. 

(11) Be honest to yourself and learn to love yourself more.

(12) Don’t be afraid to stand for what is right, even if you have to stand alone.  

(13) Talk to us, no matter how difficult or embarrassing.   After all, we have known you the longest!

Josue and Javier, your life has so much goodness ahead.  So much.  Your unconditional love for God and your family is immeasurable.  While I can’t possibly give you all the wisdom that you need to make it in this world, I hope that I have given you the solid foundation to build on.  As you enter this new passageway, continue to strengthen your prayers for us, our families, relatives, friends, as well as our country and the world.  Pray that life will give you enough slack in the rope to find your own way ~ to direct your path with hope, courage, and determination ~ to learn and grow from your own mistakes ~ and to spell out and achieve your own successes.  And when things get too tough and confusing, I am here! Always! NO ONE else will ever know the strength of my love for you.  After all, you both know what my heart sounds like from the inside.  

Happy 13th Birthday my Twin Tornadoes, my Twin Panganay and Buncho…May you always dream big and fulfill them one by one.  

I love you deeply

~ Mommy

Life is.....

(Late Post)

Early morning planning

for my yearly Cookie Extravaganza, 

Twins' 13th Birthday Sleepover/Party, Xmas Dinner, and Kweng-Kweng's 20th Birthday

Lots to do...and LIFE is definitely BEAUTIFUL

Long Weekend

Finally.... a long weekend...

Finally....

It's finally S E P T E M B E R

.....my favorite time of the year!

Fountain of Youth

Fountain Of Youth

Aging. We are all going to do it no matter who we are, where we live, or what we believe. Yet I have found there is much intense fear and shame around the most human thing we can possibly do. What exactly is “getting older”? Chronologically and physical changes, are objective markers. Yet I have noticed the biggest mental distinction between someone who is “old” or “young” has to do with how they measure the present against the past. They start their sentences with, “it used to be like…” or “in my day….” More often than not, the present can’t hold a candle to a romanticized illusion of the past, and the statement takes on a woeful frustrated tone. People of any numerical age can do this, and anyone can choose not to.

Well, I choose not to ~ for I believe in the freedom of embracing change and focusing on the NOW. I am very aware of the past, of people I have known, choices I have made, and how decisions and experiences have led me to where I am today. But I don’t use those events as a ruler against the now. The past is helpful to me only if it offers perspectives and insights of how I can enjoy in the present. By fully comprehending that there is no one moment better than another. I am free to live my forty-six year old life with novelty, interest, and investigative curiosity. Nevertheless, I find aging in a clearer context rather than summing it up with a number ~  

I am aware of all the physical changes happening in my body, not to mention my endurance level, capacity, and reactions to all environmental factors. I remember this quote from Samuel Ullman when I celebrated my 40th birthday, “Nobody grows by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.” Nowadays, I find humor in naming few of my wrinkles around my eyes; they are Innie, Minnie, and Moe, etc... And probably in the next few years, they will multiply and dominate not only my face, but my neck, chest, etc. And no matter how much face cream or moisturizers I use, my own wrinkle population will breed exponentially.

No doubt, I have aches and pains too, not only from the overall physical demands and injuries from my years of service in the military, but also from the day to day regenerating physical activities related to my normal living. But I know that’s part of aging. I also remember somewhere hearing that if all the people in a room could lay their aches and pains or problems out on the table and then choose among those laying there, most folks would pick up the ones they laid down. Chances are they’ve learned how to live with the problems they have, and wouldn't want to have to learn to live with new ones. Remember the adage; the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence? If you cross over to the other side and look back, the grass is greener on the side you came from.

I remember writing about change and  mentioning the phrase “Age is only a number” few years ago when I turned 40. I’ve received numerous comments on some of my pictures about having a secret of staying young. Well, there is no secret at all.  I just learned that the trick of being “young” at any chronological age is to embrace and accept changes, and conversely, to be surrounded by the people who loves me.  Moreover,  in every acceptance, I found gratitude for the ability to live without having to resist them. I just turned 46 last week (Aug 14 to be exact),  and these past few days, hours, and minutes, life has shown me that I will continue to have a much easier and happier time if I dance with impending changes once again instead of trying to step on its toes. 

So as I begin another chapter in my life, changes are coming at me on a more direct line of fire. Am I dodging them or putting on a protective gear to avoid them? No. I am not doing that, rather I am accepting them wholeheartedly. Change itself gives us the opportunity to age not only gracefully, but happily. In every decisions, we are presented with the chance to become more confident, more at peace with ourselves, to be happy, and to feel blessed and content. I also realized that change itself is “not bad” and it is “not wrong.” Am I worried about the criticisms of others and concern for the need of approval from everyone? No! I am strong enough and wise enough to understand that my choices are my decisions. They don’t know my whole story and my plight. They don’t know my pains, struggles, and discontent, therefore, they don't have the right to judge me. My story and my past belong to me! It goes along with my mantra for this year, which is  "I NO LONGER" by Meryl Streep...(posted in my blog).  I only have the time and patience for those who truly respect me, understand me, and love me unconditionally.  

And on my birthday, as I looked at my birthday cake, surrounded by my Lovey, children (that includes my dogs Chanel and Diamond), listening to the Birthday song, and slowly closing my eyes, I did not make any wish or wishes this year…. I simply prayed:

“Heavenly Father, a year has passed and as I do every day, I commit my life to You, under Your Kingship and wing. Guide, forgive and empower me this year to make it a victorious fulfilling and awesome year, all to Your glory! Thank you for my life ordained and set out by You! Thank you for choosing me – to come to the earth and be an instrument. Thank you for the GRACE, SALVATION, MERCY, LOVE and all the other many things you bless me with everyday. I realize that health, strength, sanity, ability, relationships, experiences and trials are there to bless me and keep me close to you. Thank you for the privilege to Praise and Worship You! I love you!”

Goodbye 45 - H E L L O  46

Happy Birthday to me!

Favorite Escape

Bookstore, my favorite escape has a thousand books. 

The colors, hues, and touch of every cover suddenly turns into a door with magic hinges. ❤ 

— at Barnes & Noble Booksellers.

Hilton Head, SC 2015

Life is Good....

The Beach

  

God is truly amazing....

HE created this beautiful masterpiece called THE BEACH ❤ 

— at The Beach on Beautiful Hilton Head Island.

Oh May Oh May

Disney World

For a week, I've enjoyed the wonderful adventures of Disney World @ Orlando, FL.  I will come back one day Mickey for you have brought me soooo  many memories, laughter, fun and made me feel the little girl in me still wants to be a Disney Princess forever!

Jolly Christmas

                    Peace on earth....goodwill to men! 

Blogging time

Chores are done. Christmas decorations are up. Baking cookies and doing the laundry while updating my blog.  A productive day indeed!

Saturday

It's raining outside, 
I'm still in bed, 
watching a movie, 
and sipping a hot hazelnut cappuccino...
a perfect Saturday morning indeed.