Spell JEALOUS??? haha!!! I can spell it even when I'm sleeping. LOL Jealousy is one thing very common to all couples, as in ALL! I doubt if there's even one couple who will say that they never get jealous sometime in their relationship. This jealousy is bitter for some, but can also be sweet. It can ruin relationships, but it can also strengthen it. In my case, it's the latter. GOOD! =)

We are each others' 2nd loves. I think it's normal. God doesn't always give the 1st to be the last, sometimes the first is only the training ground. I had a 5 years relationship with my 1st and he also had a relationship with someone I believe he wasn't serious of, so that girl is out of my jealousy zone. =) My 1st was my classmate in High School and we lasted until 1st year college, just the time I met my dear hubby. And yeah, I left that long relationship and chose to be with him. While hubbydubs had this pretty (as in super pretty!!! haha!!! mala Kristine Hermosa at Lucy Torres ang dating) childhood crush and I know she was the one he wanted to be with for the rest of his life. (I'm insecure, I know! LOL Sino bang hindi eh super ganda eh!)

Last year (can't remember the exact date), the girl popped up in YM for the first time (in my eyes! baka nun ko lang nakita ng harapan.. haha!!!) and they chatted like I'm not there. =( Kumustahan and kwentuhan.. though it was not very long, but with me on his side and him chatting with her, I didn't feel very well. In a few minutes, I stopped talking and started acting cold again. He keeps on asking why, but I stopped myself from answering until the next day. I don't know what to say. I know it's one stupidity and childishness, but what can I do, I'm jealous!

Another thing was the facebook. I just discovered they were friends in facebook and I said, "Siguro naman kasal na tayo bago pa pinanganak ang facebook na yan! Bakit kailangan pang maging contacts kayo dun? Sa friendster ba may narinig ka sakin, wala dba? Dahil alam ko nauna yun bago pa maging tayo." Oh dava?!?!?! =)

Then of course, it's not only me who gets jealous. Anything about the ex is something for him. I remembered last year also, I chatted with my high school classmate without knowing he was with the same house as my ex. Then the ex chatted with me and make kumustahan as well, but I chose not to tell it to hubby because I know it will lead up to another world war and I never even intended to keep in touch, but he found out when he noticed I erased something on the message archive. I denied at first, but admitted after a few minutes. I am just preventing any quarrels it may bring. Then I realized, I was in the same position the last time, the only difference was that I was there when the girl popped up and I chose to keep mine because  I had the chance. It was a very serious fight that I thought it can no longer be solved.

But with an open communication and HONESTY between us, I believe everything were solved and all are just part of the past. We get jealous with other girls and guys too, but never the same with the 2 mentioned above. LOL Those small and not so serious jealousy are the sweet ones for me, but the others are quite bitter and aren't even good for cakes. =) However, bitter or sweet, still it is one thing that spices up and strengthens a relationship.

I am not gifted with crafty hands that's why I have to think of some other ways on how to present the cupcakes I am planning to give to Alyssa's teachers as a thank you present and a Christmas gift as well. Good thing I was able to get my hands on photoshop and learned to do digiscrapping. I'll just print them out and paste on a toothpick. (I'll post the finished product soon after I made them.)

I am planning to give 3 cupcakes each (she has 6 teacher!!! my golly!!!) with the words, "THANK YOU" "MS._____" "HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS". In addition, I am making (hope it finishes within the week) an Audi-Visual Pressentation (AVP) of Alyssa's whole year in Nursery in DVD format for the teachers to keep.

I decided to make them last night around 11pm, but untill 2am, I've done nothing. LOL So after walking Alyssa to school and doing the mommy errands, I hopped on to my bed and started working on it.

After 3 hours.. GOODNESS!!! I'm done!

For the 1st cupcake...

For the 2nd cupcake... Btw, Ms. Maria is Alyssa's favorite teacher. She no longer stays with them and is now in the big school, but she is always happy whenever Ms. Maria visits and help in Nursery.

And for the 3rd... Just wishing a Holly Jolly Christmas.

This design is ok for a Christmas cupcake, so if any of you would want to have it printed, please feel free to do so. If you happen to like the other designs as well, just leave me a message and I'll be happy to change the texts for you.

Now, my another problem is how to wrap those cupcakes. LOL... Must have to find it out very soon...

Credits:

"Happiest Season of All" Kit by Everyday Mom Ideas

Just before going to church, we all decided to dress in red and have our Christmas Photoshoot. We didn't have so much time, so we just placed the camera on top of the table and set the timer and shoot away.

Here's what we got...

Posing while Daddy tries a few shots.

This is one of the nicest we had.

We hope to do another shoot when the weather's fine to achieve a good lighting.

Right after hearing the mass, we strolled around the mall and Alyssa spotted a very nice My Little Pony Theme Park and asked if it could be her Christmas gift instead of the Peppa Pig Play House she requested first. Then I said, maybe Santa will be kind enough to give it to her as his Christmas present because she's been a very good girl the whole year.

At night, while we were getting ready for dinner, she said "mum, dad, maybe I can write the letter for Father Christmas now".

Ever since the reading horror (forcing her to read and we both get upset), I stopped forcing her to read nor write and told myself that she'll soon learn in her own phase.

But then, I see to it that when she insists on doing so, I will always be there to support her. This is the first time she got interested in writing, and so I was amazed to see her sit still and write those words. It's her name that she only loves to write with the inverted "s" and nothing else. I didn't even think she can write the letters "e", "g", "p", "f" and the others not in her name as she's really been very lazy when it comes to writing.. LOL

Note: Please excuse my "WELL DONE". Kahit ako natuliri nung pinanood ko eh... hahaha

We've been receiving reward vouchers from Marks & Spencer by using their credit card. I was hesitant to use it because I thought I still have to reach a certain amount for it to be accepted in store. Then, just the other weekend hubby cut all the vouchers and we tried if it really works.

And... IT DID!!! Hooray!!! I can't believe that we bought a total of £7.83 and just paid £0.83 at the till. Since then, we decided to use M&S credit card more and set aside the others that doesn't give any kinds of rewards. It's true... Every little helps.

In connection to last week's topic, misunderstandings, let me share how we patched things up.

I can't exactly remember the main reason of that misunderstanding, but as far as I can recall I wrote a letter and left it on the cabinet he used to open every morning. He read that and right after he arrived from work, we sat down and talked things over.

My husband is not afraid of saying sorry. Every time he knows I am not well, though he may not know exactly what upsets me, he'll always approach and ask. When he asks, I see to it that I honestly say what's bothering me. I can't keep it to myself because until I do so, I can never be ok. I may act as if nothing's wrong, but I can't help but show it at the end of the day. And if he noticed something's not right, good thing he minds. It may mean a deeper conversation again, but what's important is we fix things up. He don't make anything special for me unlike daddy rodney of mommy liz, but to feel my husband's sincerity and care for my feelings, for me that is more than enough. And every kiss and make-up, you all know what comes after.. LOL ;)

Since then, I told myself that whenever we have misunderstandings, no matter how serious it may seem, I'll always remember to set my pride aside and just like my husband, I will always say sorry and never be afraid to accept my mistakes. We are both not perfect, and as mommy liz says... NO ONE IS. But we both strive to make our relationship as smooth and as stable as possible.

Taken just the day before my bday last Nov. 8 (he can't stop from singing..)

Days fly so fast. It's Wednesday again and time for Couple's Corner meme. I'm not really very busy, I just have these KATAM mode so if you can recognize, my blog consists of only CC and nothing more. =) It's just that I love this meme much and I can't let Wednesday pass without writing about the week's topic.

This topic seems to be the hardest to write for me, so far. It's because we've been through a lot of misunderstandings and I can hardly remember which one was the 1st or the 2nd or the 3rd.  Majority are really very petty though ;) There are actually a lot, but I believe those were brought about by immaturity and lack of trust. I was only 19 when we got married and he was 24. I might have been thinking maturely then, but not really matured enough to handle things right.

My hubbydubs is one quiet man. With my ex, I was like a noisy, uncontrollable, broken megaphone. =) Upon meeting Mark, it seems that I was transformed into someone I was impossible to become. I learned how to shut my mouth out. How can you shout at the person who is so quiet and seems so kind? LOL.. As much as I try to recall, I can't really remember what that first misunderstanding was. All I can remember is that  there was one serious case then and I was really hurt and even talked to my Tita (who's my adviser) and told her that I'll be leaving Mark already and that I'm ready to start a new life only with Alyssa. I even asked if I made the wrong decision of marrying this man. Since he always keeps quiet, the best communication I thought then was text messaging. When he leaves home, that's the time I will send him messages regarding the things that are bothering me. Then, he will try to make things up by saying sorry. And that time, for me, sorry is not enough. I need an explanation and even an assurance. Then I remembered writing him a very long letter (damn! I can't remember where that letter is now..) and that was how we fixed things up.

We've been married for 4 years already and are planning to renew our vows on our 5th year. With all those misunderstandings, world wars, LQs and whatever you call it, there is only one thing I always keep and remember. It is an advice from my Tita who's been married for more than 15 years now and they still  look like newly weds each and everyday. And here it goes, "IN MARRIAGE, PRIDE SHOULD ALWAYS BE SET ASIDE. MAKING THE FIRST MOVE TO PATCH THINGS UP SHOULDN'T ALWAYS COME FROM THE ONE WHO MADE THE MISTAKE, IT CAN COME FROM THE ONE WHO UNDERSTANDS"

 

The Marriage Proposal was done and all we have was 3 months preparation for the Big Day. How it turned out? I'll continue...

The date was set to April 23, 2005 by the oldies. =) They said it was full moon and lucky. We have a couturier friend who's been doing our gowns years back, so gowns are not at all a problem. We've got gay super friends who can do all the decorations and planning. I can't thank them enough for giving so much of their efforts for FREE. My gown was supposed to be 15k, but my dear Kuya Ronald only charged us P5k and the rest were his gifts. The wedding and venue were coordinated by my dear Kuya Lawrence and his pals, Kuya Julius and Kuya Bob. I've got great angels who made the day possible. And of course, about 97% of all the expenses were shouldered by my supah kind In-Laws. My mom (aunt) was really mad and wasn't interested in taking part of the wedding preparation. I also thought she will not be there on my wedding day. She lives in Japan and hasn't talked to me ever since she knew about my pregnancy. My Tita Arlene was the one who took what is supposed to be my mom's part.

My lola said, my gown can be the simplest and rented, but it should be new. =) It should be held in our province (Laguna) and even wanted the reception to be held in our house. That, we already disagree. LOL. All the guests can't fit in our house, so we decided to just rent a place and it was the resort where my debut was held, more than a year ago.. =)

It was a literally a BIG DAY! The entourage was like a Flores de Mayo. It was the first wedding in both our sides, so Mark wanted to include EVERYONE!!! if only possible. I can't remember how many bride's maids, secondary sponsors, junior bridesmaids and flower girls I had. What I am sure is they are more that 20! ;)

I was happy that despite my mom's anger, she still chose to attend and even brought her kids along.  My lola walked down the isle despite her difficulty to walk. Everything was going according to plan... until just before the reception ends. Everybody are getting ready for the overnight pool party when Mark's brother shouted and said "Si Tin-Tin nalunod". I was 6 months pregnant  and on a 2 inches heals and I didn't care. I run and hoped to see our dear 7 year old cousin, but she was already rushed by the gate and ready to be brought to the Hospital. Mark was able to go with them in the hospital and she was declared "dead on arrival". This incident brought a gap between Tin-Tin 's parents and us. They were blaming us for what happened. I know there's nothing more painful than losing a child, but we never claimed it our fault. She has parents that should be taking good care of her every minute of her life. They are 3 siblings and all of them are included in our entourage. The mom was not ok with his husband's side so she decided not to go. The father was there and they got 2 yayas, so why put the blame on us? All we wanted was for all our guests to enjoy that's why we chose to have a pool party. If they didn't want to, they can opt not to bring their kids to the pool, but they were already swimming just before the reception ended. It was so hard to accept that the supposed to be happiest day in our lives became the most tragic day.

Please also read our First Year of Being Married and see how God worked on the 1st 365 days or our lives as a married couple.

 

This should come 1st before the First Year of Being Married. I know it's too late, but I don't care. I wanna complete the Couple's Corner Meme. I just love it! Come and join us too. I tell you, it's so much fun.

The first thing that came to my mind upon reading the topic was, "Was there really a Marriage Proposal?" Geez!!! I can't remember! LOL.. We've been living together for about a year already and I know being pregnant is 100% possible, but we didn't know it will come that early. I was only 2nd year college and just celebrated my 19th birthday. I knew I was pregnant because of the morning sickness I was experiencing and all I need then was a confirmation. It was Christmas break so I went home in our province and there's no way I can have a test there. I still waited for school to resume for me and Mark to check it. Funny thing was, we both don't know how to use the pregnancy tester and so we almost damage it. Still the sign was positive, and we were just indenial about it because we thought we broke the tool. Then another test with a friend a few days after and still, it was positive.

Forgive me when I say that I thought of the most stupid thing to do that time. And THAT I am regretting every time I look at my daughter and I tell myself, "Where could this baby be if I did it?" and I know I will regret forever. My good gradeschool friend was the one who convinced me that everything will be ok in the end and that it's hard only at the beginning. Thank God I listened. I even researched about the different ways on how to do it, and it only led me to all the negative outcomes which made me decide to better face the problem and accept all the consequences. I believe, that's the bravest and wisest decision I have ever made in my life, so far.

It was never easy, knowing that I will disappoint everyone who's looking up to me. I am the eldest cousin who's considered as the eldest sister of all and everyone wants to be like me. I've got everything I wanted in my life, all the love anyone could ever ask for. And only for me to ruin it. I have a choice. I can pretend that everything's normal, but I chose to accept my faults and face the world.

I never forced Mark to marry me, and I also told myself that marriage is not what I want. I know Mark will never leave me, may we be married or not. But when I told my family about it, they explained things to me in a way that I will still be the one to decide. They told me that it is always better to have a whole and complete family. I don't have that, do I want it to happen to my baby as well? Then I thought about it. I told Mark that I want us to get married. He just started his job and was just starting his life. He didn't agree the first time. Then I said, I will never beg for him to marry me. But being turned down was painful. I got hurt, I admit. So I said it's alright, but he will never have the right to us. We will live alone and he can go on with his life. I told my tita what I decided on and she respected it. Until...

My one brave man arrived in my Tita's office and explained his side. He said he loves me and he wanted to give me a nice and decent wedding, but he can't do that yet because he just started working. My tita called me up and asked me to come to the office and didn't tell me Mark was there. I never had the chance to introduce him personally to my family because they don't want to. The EX was the only guy my family wants for me then. It was a brave move for my dear BF to face my Tita whom he knows never liked him.

Then, there... He said we are getting married. How? He don't know. LOL... I guess that's the proposal. There might not have an engagement ring, but I think that counts as the "Marriage Proposal" for us.

I thought having a happy and complete family was already impossible to achieve. Please continue and witness The Day We Said "I DO".

 

OMG!!! OMG!!! OMG!!! talaga... I missed a lot!!! But I'll make habol.. Please wait for my posts bout the previous topics on Couple's Corner and I am telling you, whether you like it or not, I'll do the previous topics! LOL

Alright, I will concentrate first on this week's topic and it's all about our first year as a married couple.

Being with hubby 24/7 was no longer a FIRST since we've been living together for about a year already. However, it's somehow different when we are already earning and working for ourselves. When we were only living-in, everything was provided by our parents. Good thing, hubby was already working then and I stopped schooling to give birth and to personally take good care of our baby. Until now, I can't believe we passed that stage of our life where hubby only earns P10k, with our house rent that costs P5.5k, with a lovely baby to support and still managing to live a normal and happy life. Well, GOD IS GOOD! Want to know how we did it? Alright, it's like this...

1. I fully breastfed Alyssa for 10 months. We tried to give her formula milk, but she refused until I totally stopped breasfeeding her as I have to go back to school.
   
2. Pork, beef and fish are being transported from Masbate to Manila almost every month by my super kind mom-in-law, PLUS Alyssa's diapers and biscuits (Nissin Wafer and Marie).
3. My lola gives us rice every time we go to Laguna.
4. My aunts give us cooked foods every time they know I want them and also lots of Pampanga's Best products for our breakfast.
5. We live just a few steps away from hubby's siblings and from time-to-time, we get cooked meals as well.

WWWEEEEWWWW!!! That was how our first year was. Lots of blessings and gifts from our families. Indeed, we were sooo lucky to have them! =)

But, it was not always happy moments together. That was the year where we had the most LQ (Lover's Quarrel) only for me to realize after that it was all my fault. Goodness!!! I was so paranoid then that hubby might be looking to other girls because he's been surrounded by ladies who were with the same status as his - graduate, working, CPA... while me, at home and useless. That was some kind of self pity and maybe post-partum depression as well. I always throw tantrums and he never gave up on me.  He was always there explaining things and making everything clear and that happened so many times.

Then, when we had a serious talk a year after, we were able to clear things out and yeah, nothing's right among all my thoughts and suspicions. LOL! He was never been attracted to any other woman (he sworn).. =)

It was an exciting 1st year. It really was. My aunt (Tita Arlene) played a great role in that year. If not for her advices, maybe I already gave up and stepped out of our relationship. And only to kill myself after realizing that everything was only made by my suspicious mind. ;=)

Please do come and join us too. We would love to know your love stories as well. Just click on the pic on this post and join the fun!

 

Today's theme is "We're In Love" and I would be very happy to share our love story. I believe these moments are the sweetest. The moment when everyday of being together seems very precious and each wishes for the day not to end. And until now, I can still feel how in love I was with the man I wished and prayed to be with me for the rest of my life.

I didn't say yes to him which made us a couple. It was just so quick that right after I told him my break-up, he held my hands tight as we walk along Roxas Ave. and as we search for a place to have dinner, he rested his head on my shoulder and told me, "wag ka ng magdiet, kase hindi malambot pag nakahiga ako sa balikat mo". (That's the reason why until now, I'm having a hard time controlling my food intake...LOL)

We rarely spend times together for about two months because he was very busy then and I was staying at the dorm so curfew was really strict. Then maybe he can't stand it anymore and asked me to get an apartment. I thought one of my dorm mates was joining me so I told my mom and aunt and insisted that it's gonna be good for me as I'll have much time concentrating with my studies. And they agreed. Hurray!!! LOL

Come December 2003, I moved in and my dorm mate backed out. weeew!!! A great sigh of relief for Mark, I'm sure. ;) Since then, we lived together. My parents learned about it when we already have Alyssa. (we're good!!!) Mark was about to graduate by March 2004 and will be taking the board October of the same year, so he was busy reviewing and doing all the officer stuffs. His aunt and the whole household thought he was staying overnight with his classmates because that was what he told them. And he will come to my place with two shirts, undies and pants on just not to be caught. Until most of his clothes are already in my wardrobe. =)

Then knowing him as the "SURPRISE MAN", he never failed to surprise me even though we were already living together. Come Feb, we were so excited to celebrate our 1st Valentines Day together when we were told that our school retreat will fall on Feb. 14. What D?!? During the retreat, an envelope was being distributed to each student with surprises inside. We have no idea that enclosed are our parent's letters to us and that made us all cried. In each envelope, there's Mark's common letter to each student (being the org's pressident) wishing us all luck and God's guidance as we have our retreat. Right after I emoted on my parent's letters, I built an anger on him. I told myself, "How could he? Not even any sweet note from him? And it's Valentines Day???" Then as the lights opened, a brother called my name while handling a huge white envelope and he handed it to me. To my surprise, It was a card from my dear boyfriend! GOSH!!! Then everyone cheered up for me. (shyness) I opened it, and saw a huge card filled with his hand writing. You will not believe it, but he wrote his message clockwise with the smallest handwriting from the edge of the card until he reaches the middle. Goodness!!! It was difficult, I can imagine. Then, with the card was a CD of Jim Brickman. Right there and then, I just knew that our theme song is DESTINY. He mentioned it a lot of times on his message then a CD with the song Destiny? That must be it, I said. And until now, I'm holding on to that word.

His surprise didn't end there. When I reached the apartment, It was dark, only a candle and a cake and HIM. A day to celebrate Valentines after the Valentines Day. And he asked me to close my eyes, and another gift came out, it was a very nice bag. Holy cow!!! Am I dreaming??? LOL

Then that incident continued. Every month was special. Too many to mention, really. We both think of a surprise every month to celebrate our Monthsary. And no special occasion passed without me having a Red Ribbon Cake from him and that continues until now (though not Red Ribbon at all). I bought a huge box and every chocolate wrapper he gives, I put it there. I keep every cake board from him and all the letters were there. Can't wait to show that box to Alyssa and the future kids.

We were just so in love that everyday means so much to us. I hurt him a lot during those times when I still meet up with my ex. He knew about it, I don't know how, but he just knew if I was doing something wrong then. He confronted me every time and I all I did was denied. He never asked for a break-up. All he said was "I'll never leave you and I'll always love you." And I asked myself, and is asking until now, "What did I ever do to be loved like this?" I am just so blessed.

We lived in for a year and January 2005 came, I discovered I was carrying Alyssa. Then the continuation is on next Wednesday. LOL. See you then!

 

Yes indeed! The very first tree - we bought for our family. We have a very small house way back in the Philippines and that our budget is just enough for our daily needs so we decided not to buy Christmas tree on the 1st two Christmases (2005-2006), then hubby left the country and we celebrated Christmas 2007 apart and we were ready to stay with him in London after six months so we thought buying one isn't practical at all as we'll be leaving it behind after.

Last year, we were living with friends and they have a tree so we just helped in buying some decorations. But this time, we moved in to a new house and only leaving as a family, with extra budget and we're all together so we thought this is the right time to buy one.

Alyssa's just so excited with it as much as hubby and I do.

We've been wanting to buy this tree since September, but the store just made it available last week (17 October) and we put it up right after it reaches our home. We don't decorate for Halloween and as Pinoys, we welcome Christmas when "ber" month starts.

We just realized after that the tree was too big for our house. LOL

Alyssa was goofing beside the tree and she said, "We've got a very lovely tree!'

The finished product. ;)

 

My gosh! I can't believe I almost miss this week's meme. I CAN'T!!! I JUST CAN'T!!! This is one thrilling moment we had and this one's really unforgettable. Please join us too and share your love stories at Rodliz's Nest.

This time, I'll copy-paste hubby's story telling about the day he laid his eyes on me. He posted this on my friendster account as a comment. Weeeee!!! Can't help it, I'm getting so kilig.. again!

01/1/2004 2:51 pm
There are many things to describe this very lovely lady, but what I like best on AC is that she's not only sweet, cute, graceful, charming and sexy, but she's a smart and responsible person. You could always count on this girl. And whatever she does, she always gives her best shot. She is a soft-spoken girl with a very wide understanding. This girl has earned the admiration of a lot of people, including me (I was no exception). With her lovely looks, no man could ever afford not to turn his face on her. I remember the first time I saw this girl. I was then looking for a representative for Miss San Beda (Integration'03). And I went to Class 1-AAC to look for one. And I saw her in the classroom. I immediately notified my first year batch representatives and ask them if they could convince her to be the Department's representative. Unfortunately, she declined. I would admit that I was attracted on her from the very beginning. But I did not show it in the campus. I kept it all to myself with a hope that our paths would cross someday. Days and weeks passed. We did not have any occasion where we had even a simple conversation. I was busy then and she was busy too. Until came the last week of September. I texted her if she could be JPIA's face of the month (October). Gladly, she agreed to be one. We went out for a lunch... and a dinner... and a dinner again... and another dinner... and the rest is history... Thank God I found this woman. She's incredibly beautiful and is very sweet. Everyday I love her all the more. She is the source of my inspiration, and she brings out the best in me. She makes me smile even when I am in despair. She has captured my heart. Just I have told her over and over again, I promise to love her with all my heart and with all my life. I would always be her man and I swear to God to love and protect her now and always. If there is one thing now that I have asked from God, aside from graduating on March 2004 and be a CPA, it is that He allows us to be together for the rest of our lives...

Baby, I love you so much po and promise, I will love you until the end. I will always be here for you no matter what happens. I will never leave you. BABY, YO TE AMO CON TODO MI CORAZON... 

AWWW!!! a big AWWW!!!!!!!!!! LOL

Now, here's my version:

02/1/2004 1:02 pm
SEPT.26,2003;11:00pm I received a message from an unexpected person. He was my organization's president, Mr. Mark Lim Saldua, asking for a picture to be used for the next Face of the Month. My dormmates asked me to agree and i did.. (though I'm not really aware who he really is)

SEPT.27,2003;8:00pm My dormmate accompanied me to the studio for the said pic.

SEPT.28-30 I never passed a day without any text receiving from the JPIA president.

OCT.1,2003 Mr. Saldua, whom i used to call "Kuya Mark", asked me for a lunch having the reason of interviewing me for the write-up he's going to post for the "Face of the Month" thing.

OCT.2,2003;11:00am We met in school and went out for lunch with my dormmate with me and with his about 10 officers with him. ;)

OCT.4,2003 While he was in Antipolo for a meeting, he called me up and ask me if he can fetch me after the affair in Jade Valley and to take me for dinner. I accepted his offer. (and really prepared for it! LOL.. I spent the whole afternoon fixing myself)

OCT.5,2003 Right after the affair, I saw him standing somewhere, where no one could see him..(for some reasons...we both know - he's the president of the org and I know he has to focus on the org...then)  and I was dead cold all over! It was the 1st time I'll ever talk to him in person..alone. We went to Starbucks-Intramuros and there, we had the chance to know each other more.He took me home before my curfew...we went out for another dinner..and another dinner..and another dinner..and the rest is history.
OCT. 11,2003 - WE WERE ON! Fast??? NO! VERRRYYY FAAAASSSTTT!!!

OH MY!!! I'm always happy to share the story about how we found each other. And I'll tell this story to our Alyssa and the future kids until I get tired of doing so (which I don't think will ever happen).

This picture was taken while we have our lunch at KFC Mendiola (where he also brought me and our friends for the write-up for JPIA's Face of the Month thingy)

By the way, I have a boyfriend then - for 4 long years and Mark knows about it. But still, he makes his way just to have me. So I broke up with my bf and 3 days after, we became couple. LOL! 

My second time in Mommy Moments and I really love doing it. You can join us too. Just click the Mommy Moments Badge.

Huge malls are not common in London and we were only able to visit 2 so far, one is called Bluewater Leisure and Shopping Centre and the other one is the Westfield London Shopping Centre.

It was my birthday last year when we experienced the best day ever and it was in Bluewater. So much FUN indeed!

Alyssa had the first face painting experience that day and it was FREE!

 TADAH!!! Isn't it nice? My litte blue butterfly.

And of course, the stage mum in me can't be set aside.

And for our last hurrah for summer this year, off we go to Westfield, a new-built huge shopping center.

We passed by the NEXT shop and saw this lovely coat, but knowing me, I won't buy it at it's actual price. So I said, "Alright, that's enough. Let's wait for it to go on sale." LOL

It was also lovely outside the mall. Refreshing.

Going out is indeed uncommon for our famiy, but the few makes it really special. And a day the the mall was something we enjoyed together as a family.

I just started my blog a few weeks ago and I was so happy that I found a very nice community in this blogging life. It's my second meme (first was Mommy Moments) and I just love doing them. Thanks Mommy Liz for this and now I have something to look forward to every Wednesday. Come and join us too.

I'm May Ann Cherie "AC" Agbayani-Saldua. The eldest in my family, eldest daughter, eldest cousin, eldest niece and eldest grandchild. I am an illegitimate child (as how they call a child with unwed parents, then), but most loved by everyone. I'm a certified Lola's girl, Auntie's girl, Uncle's girl, and Papa's girl. My parents separated just before I entered grade 1, but that didn't hinder me from growing up as a good girl and that I owe to all the parents who stand by me up to this very moment and I know will always be there for the rest of my life. My grandmother, dad, uncles and aunts did a great job in raising me up. I don't have a good relationship with my biological mum since 2002 (if I remembered it right) and with her relatives because of some serious family problems. However, I believe that instance contributed in my being a good mother and wife at present. Both mum and dad were from Pangil, Laguna and I grew up and spent most of my childhood there.

Enough with the seriousness.. LOL Now, let me tell you something about who I am. I'm a person who is very weak in decision making. I am always in need of other's assurance on almost anything and that hasn't changed until now. I simply don't believe in my own taste. I am a very simple woman who rarely buys anything for myself. Most of what I use are from my aunts and I'm loving them to pieces! LOL I am a woman who lives with 3 pairs of shoes - rubber, peep-toed and boots for winter, wears year-old clothes (the oldest I'm still wearing is a shorts I had when I was grade 4 - woooaaah!!! it's that old, right?) and feels guilty even of thinking of buying anything for myself. I don't complain though, it's just that I'm satisfied with what I already have. I am what they call "kuripot to the bones" ;) My family said I am now able to live simply because I already had everything I wanted when I was young and that I was brought up to just live with what I have. Hubby must be really thankful for that! ;)

Now, let's jump to my husband's life. I am married to a man named Mark Saldua. He's also the eldest among 6 siblings. If I am a favorite in the family, he's no different. He's well loved mostly by all. He's a Masbateno and very proud of it. He was a seminarian back in high school and a really great achiever (wish Alyssa gets that trait). He excels in his studies and continues to excel in his chosen career. He always gives 101% in anything he does. A natural-boned leader then and a magnificent head of the family now. He is the laziest man I know, but still manages to complete all his tasks - I wonder really how he can do that LOL. I am but just one fan and supporter of this brilliant man. He never shouts and never mad. He cries and that for me makes him a real man. He just loves me just the way I wanted to be loved. And I love bragging anything about him 'cause he's worth bragging about. He's the man I chose to spend the rest of my life with and I thank God for giving him to me.

That's us.

Written: 20 November 2007

 

Actually, this is not the real background of this picture.. I just tried following one of the tutorials and luckily, I did it! Just so proud that I already know how to change backgrounds of pictures and fold corners.

The picture was taken April 22 2007 during the 2nd year death anniversary of our beloved TinTin. She died during our wedding reception, so we decided to celebrate our wedding anniversary the day after.

I am so glad to see the outcome of my mix and match design. It's so cool!

Written: 19 November 2007

My little pretty princess...ALYSSA...She looks so gurly... She likes smiling for the camera...She poses just like a lady... She wants to sit with crossed legs because according to her, it is how a girl should sit...
Alyssa has her official photographer..It's her Tito Jake! hehehe... Thanks Tito Jake!

Our family seldom have special trips. It's because we don't have a car and that we really are home bodies. We rarely go out and we just love to stay at home doing our usual family bonding - watching movies, board games, tickling, cuddling and yeah, most of all - SLEEPING! LOL

But there is one really special trip we had. Not a very usual trip, but I may say it's the first and most special trip we had so far. It was summer, it was Alyssa's 3rd birthday and it was Alyssa's special trip just before starting nursery. Good reasons to celebrate right? So off we go to United States of America...

Alyssa enjoys watching the airplanes take off minute after minute while waiting for our aircraft's turn.

As we fly, she draws and makes some doodles from the Sky Flyer Kit given to her by the very nice flight attendant.

Some kulitan moments in the Rockefeller Center with Dad...

Had fun in M&M's World...

And visited the president at the White House.

What a great trip for the whole family to explore new land and celebrate life together. This is one "Special Trip" to treasure.                       

Written: 18 November 2007

Alyssa, two years have past by so fast and I still can't forget the feeling of cuddling you and breastfeeding you. The 10 months of breastfeeding you is the most fulfilling part of being your Mom. I always feel the closeness between the two of us. And I am still looking forward to the coming years of bonding with you my dear.

~Mum

Baby, you made my life even more meaningful that I always want to go home early from the office to hug, cuddle and kiss you. You are Daddy's little princess. I am so proud to be your Dad. And I am so glad to hear from everyone that you really look like Daddy. As I always promise Mummy.. I will do everything to secure your future. I love our family and I am willing to sacrifice anything for you. Always be assured that you will have a happy and whole family forever. Daddy loves you so much.

~Dad

Alyssa, you are growing up so fast. We can still remember your angelic face on the very first day we saw you, the day when you completed our family. You never failed to make Mommy and Daddy's day. We are so proud of you. You are getting more beautiful each day. Thank you for being a good daughter. You always listen to Mummy and Daddy.

Anak, we cannot promise that the world will be so good and perfect. What we can promise is that however rough the road may seem, Mum and Dad will always be there to help you pass it through. We love you so much Alyssa. Words are not enough to explain how we feel for having you as our daughter.

Love,

Dad and Mum

Written: 18 November 2007

My promises to my dear hubby...

I will forever be your loving and caring wife...

I will always be the woman you loved 4 years ago..

I love you Bhe... I love our family...

You are my everything!

Journaling:

Today, I commit myself to you my Bheibhie... I will take good care of you and our whole family. I promise to serve you for as long as I live. May God mold me to be the best wife and mom I could ever be.

Written: 18 November 2007

I made this layout for the scrapbookflair challenge with "Inspiration in Scrapping" as the theme. I didn't got the place, but I am so happy to receive wonderful comments from scrappers from the different parts of the world.

My super loving husband and my super sweetie daughter are my inspirations in every layout I make.. I am always eager to scrap because they have lots of memories to be treasured. And I am proud to show them how artistically their pictures came out.

They are my life.. my everything!

Written: 17 November 2007

Our little angel..our princess..our pride..our joy..our LIFE! 

May - because Daddy said..if the baby is a girl, the name should start with "MAY" because it is the start of Mummy's name.. and if it is a boy.. the name should start with "MARK" of course because it is Dad's name.. and the full name should contain three names..just like Mummy's.

Alyssa - because her grandma's name (Daddy's Mum) is Alicia..

Kirstein - because Dad's cousin named Christine died the same day during Mom and Dad's wedding.

Combining them all, we got our pretty daughter's name - MAY ALYSSA KIRSTEIN AGBAYANI - SALDUA.

Written: 9 November 2007

Today is "My Day"! I never thought that this day will be as special as it has always been because I know that the person responsible for all the surprises on my birthday is not around though I know that one way or another, he will do something that will keep me going the whole day.

My hubby is thousands of miles away. He is now in London working for our family. This is the fourth time that I will be celebrating my birthday with him and in all those times, he never failed to make my day special. Midnight of November 7 2007, I checked my email from time to time expecting a heart warming message from the most important person in my life. And at 2:00AM, I got it. My hubby's message really made my cry. Though he often tells me how much he loves me, it is still so sweet to know that he never forgets the promises he made on our wedding day.

The assurance of true love made me HIGH the whole day. When I got home, I was so lazy to cook anything so I just told my in-laws that I'll just be buying ice cream. So Alyssa and I went to my in-law's house to celebrate with a little ice cream. Right after we got there, my bro-in-law arrived with a bouquet of flowers and two cakes. I was so surprised and cried in front of my in-laws. I was really touched. My hubby told me before my birthday "pano yan Mommy, hindi na kita maibibili ng cake ngayon.." It is because, in every occasion...Mother's Day, Valentines Day, my Birthday...his cake is always present.. so everytime that thought passes my mind, I feel so lonely that this birthday will be much more different including the fact that he is not here with me.

My hubby never fails to surprise me..from then 'till now..He is still the man I loved 4 years ago..

Written: 12 November 2007

I have a pretty little friend in my friendster account who has very lovely photos so I visited her account and went straight to her photos section. As I browse her pictures, I can't stop reading all the comments of her friends to each of the photos. And as I read them, there was a word that caught my attention and it is "digiscrap".

 

So, right after I encountered that word, I immediately searched it in google. The first site that I entered was amsdigiscraps and when I saw the contact details of the site, I emailed her and she helped me make my first layout through the tutorial sites she gave me. Her name is Amber and I hope she knows how thankful I am for all her help. Right after I made my first LO, I emailed it to her and from then on, I can say that I am addicted to digiscrapping...

My warmest thanks to Sam (Sophia Anne Mikaela Lozada) and to her mom (Mommy Vanj).