Just another blog...

There's not much for me to blog about or maybe I'm a little too exhausted right now to even think. But, I do have a layout to post and maybe a few photos of my kiddies. I think I mentioned in a previous post that I wanted to also give away freebies but, that is still in progress. With all the setbacks that happened in the last few months, I kinda just forgot about them. So, I promise that they will appear SOMEDAY! Hopefully this long weekend will free up some time for me to do some work and more scrapping. I just wish I had more time in a day to just scrap all my memories of my little ones before I lose all the fresh details. Well, I'm gonna leave it at this and call it a night. Hope everyone has a blessed and safe weekend and may our brave soldiers be honored and remembered on Memorial's Day.

Credits can be found here.

The Cousin Bunch

Desma's girls - Akaela & Arielle - and mah boyz - Josiah and Lucas

Don't these kids make you smile!!! They are all so precious and I love them so!

The Gift Of A Mother

My mother was and always will be that strong pillar of faith, that loving, softspoken, forgiving, selfless, and nurturing mother that has given so much of herself to her family and to those that were dear to her. I've been thinking so much about her lately and wonder what life would be like if she were still here. My children remind me everyday of how blessed I am to be a mother and I am thankful to God that they're strong, healthy, and happy. I know if my mother had a chance to see her grandchildren, they would brighten her life and give her so much joy. Well, there will be a day where we'll meet again....Happy Mother's Day Mommy...

My Beloved Mother

Read credits here.

In Loving Memory

Rev. Ed Stewart

I was going to post a LO I did in honor of my late mother and I also was working on a freebie kit to post tomorrow but, I received news that my dear Pastor has gone on to be with the Lord today. He was such an amazing Pastor who has done so much for me and my family. Alot of his time was invested in us, believing in us, praying for us, just being that spiritual Father that never gave up on us. I know it's all God's perfect timing and it may be our loss but, it's his gain because he is now at a better place, no longer suffering all the pain and sickness. I will never forget his strong will to preach up at the pulpit regardless of all the chemos and radiaton therapies, surgeries, and countless emergency situations he's faced battling for his life against colon cancer. He always managed to smile and greet everyone like he never felt more alive. Shock, is all I feel right now. So, I'm going to take some time off to just allow myself to grieve and let the healing process take place. Plus, I need to be strong for my husband who is taking it harder than me since he has been with this church way before we met. My DH shared a lot of memories with Pastor Stewart and has such utmost love and respect for him. Well, it's way past midnight and as much as I can't sleep, I know sleep is what I need right now. Goodnight and keep me, my family, and our church in your prayers. God bless....

Don't Forget About FAMILY...

The Incredible Sisters

Meet my sisters -- the 3 D's -- Daisy, Dahlia, and Desma. That's me on the far left. I don't know why I decided to post this at 3 minutes past midnight but, there's been this constant reminder that's been in my heart that no matter what, don't forget the importance of family. The value of family these days are taken for granted and not many people out there really understand how we need our families to thrive in this world. Not only do I cherish my husband and children but, I cherish my parents, grandparents, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunties, and uncles. In my culture, you'll find that filipinos have BIG families that go all the way to 3rd and 4th generations. Since I could remember, anytime we gathered for a special occasion, I would be amazed that there was so many of us and would wonder how would it be like if it were not so. What if it was just me, my husband, and my kids? NOT to say that they don't complete me, but I think of every single one of my relatives and they each hold a special part in my life that has made me who I am. Without them, I probably would be less forgiving, less understanding, less wise, less LOVED. Whether or not, my relationships with them are close, the thought of losing them would be like a thread being pulled out from the tapestry of my very being. I thank God for my family, from those who are no longer here with us to those who are. I just hope that I've been a blessing to them as they have to me. That although, seasons change and time passes quickly between us, I have always kept them in my prayers, in my thoughts, and in my heart. Because I know as we grow older, our lives get busier, our families get bigger, and the distance gets further... and we tend to lose touch. That is when I stop and I listen to that voice in my heart, "remember your family". so, that is what I will try to do no matter how hectic and chaotic my life can be. I will try my best to be at every family party and choose to make the sacrifices to help them with anything they need done...like cook, or decorate, or make invitations. I will make my family a priority over work and personal leisure (although I do need to make time for myself once in a while). I will learn to forgive others as well as forgive myself. I will love unconditionally and mercifully as Christ has loved me. I will always try to see the good in others despite their weaknesses and faults. I will take time to kneel down and pray for my family because I believe in the power of prayer. I will last but, not least tell them as much as I can, when I can, and in any way possible, that I love them. I don't want to ever regret not ever being able to let them know if God forbid something should happen to them. Love conquers evil. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love heals. Well....it is almost 1 AM. My husband is asleep on the couch waiting for me. He worked in our garden for 6 hours straight trying to create that special place for us to relax and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. He is truly a master in the art of gardening. I am so proud of him and can't imagine not ever marrying this man I love. He says, "Honey, watch this summer and fall will be beautiful." I can only imagine.... Well, I better go and say goodnight. Today was National Scrapbooking Day and I didn't get to shop for sales because I was in Hercules celebrating my niece Akaela's 6th Birthday!!! She has grown so big and so wonderfully smart, not to mention extremely beautiful!! I will post pictures of her asap but, for now I better go! night, night, and God Bless!!

Josiah, Arielle, Lukie, and Akaela

Me and My Love

Short, but sweet...

Today I finally finished one of my classes at Sessions--Photoshop Basics. It seemed like I was taking forever to complete it not because of my lack of determination but, just all the random and unexpected events that took place within the last month. My aunt passed away from Leukemia, I had a shockwave treatment for a kidney stone, had to design a program for my church's 35th anniversary, AND my two kids came down with an illness both at the same time. Whew...I didn't know how I survived. Only God knows what I've been through but, I do realize I could've had it worst as many others who are less fortunate than I am out there. Despite the twists and turns of life, I have become humble enough to say that I am THANKFUL for each and every day. There's so much I have to be thankful for, too many blessings that I can count. So...to you out there who's had to go through some storms, there's always sunshine after the rain....