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).