I remembered, I just made my CC entry about Our Favorite Place and now, it's CC time again? Days are passing by very quickly that I can't even finish my to-do list in a day. =) Oh golly! I know now why... I was too late for the previous topic and instead of posting it Wednesday, I posted it Sunday... No wonder why I'm now writing about CC again... hahaha!!! Silly me!

This sweek's topic is about watching movies together. Well, as far as I can remember, he got my resounding YES while we were watching a movie. =) For about 2 years before we said our vows, movie house is one of our favorite places since it's a place where we can just be in each other's arms. I can still remember one day in November 2003 when we stayed in the movie house ALL DAY and didn't understand even a single scene. LOL! Right after our organisation's (JPIA) bar party, we didn't go home and went straight to the movie house and there we slept. hahaha!!!

When Alyssa was born, we still go to movie house once in a while since there's someone who can watch over her while we go on a date. But these days, we just watch movies at the comfort of our sofa or bed. LOL! Hubby likes romantic movies too, but not too much unlike the ones pertaining to politics or war. He will watch Pinoy romantic movies with me, but only when we're at home. He is not so into Pinoy films as much as I'm not into foreign films. LOL But he enjoys Pinoy comedies (yeah! the corniest ever of Dolphy, Vic Sotto and the side kicks!) hahaha... He likes having a good laugh.

It's very rare that we watch movies alone. When he likes something, I should be there and watch with him because it's been tried and tested that as soon as the movie ends, I'll say... "hhmm... it's nice huh!" and so when I want to watch something (of course a Pinoy movie) he also needs to watch with me, fair enough right?

And our position? Oh, we never watch any movie without cuddling. No matter what movie it is, we should be hugging each other. Most of the time we sit, but other times we lye down and squash each other on the sofa, his arms wrapping around me and my head resting on his chest. =) *sweet*

How I wish I can share a picture of us while watching movies... But I guess this one counts. It's in Realto in Enchanted Kingdom, not a movie house, but it resembles none the less. =)

Another entry for Mommy Liz's Couple's Corner which once again flashes back kilig moments from the past... =)

For couples, it's common to have sweet and unique gestures. Sometime's it's a language only them can understand. Showing sweet gestures of the other half is a sense of comfort to the other. It can be visible to the public, but to most, these sweet gestures are best when done in private.

Personally, I like both public and private sweet gestures. But I believe, sweet gestures in private are the most intimate and meaningful. I've known some who's been very sweet, but it's only a way of "show-off" and the partners tend to change colours when others are not around, if you know what I mean. 

Well, in our case, we show sweet gestures both in public and private. When we're in public, we know that people like seeing us that way. Deep inside of me, I feel proud not because other people are commenting on it, but because I know for myself that even though we've been married for almost 5 years already, we are still able to keep the love in our relationship burning. If there's an audience who we want to witness those sweet gestures of ours, it would be our kid/s. They'll surely be the proudest of us. 

But those public sweet gestures are only a little of what we can show when it's only the two of us or when we're at home. 

To give you an idea of the sweet gestures that we exchange to each other, read on...

• When we're walking, most of the time, we do HHWW (Holding Hands While Walking).
• When we're sitting in a train, car, sofa, airplane, etc., we do HHWS (Holding Hands While Sitting)
• When hubby's having breakfast (I don't, but I join him on the table), he'll request for a hug. I'll go and hug him from behind.
• When I wash the dishes, he'll hug and kiss me. (Yeah... It's disturbing! But I love it! LOL)
• We will just hug tight when we are both standing at the kitchen.
• When I ask for a kiss, he will grant it. Then I ask again and bring my tongue out so it touches his lips (he hates it! LOL). When I ask for another, I will then have to use force to get it... =)
• I rarely give him massage, it's not sweet for me... LOL! It's tiring!!!
• He carries all the heavy bags when we do the grocery. (That's sweet, right?)
• I just say I love you with a kiss and he does the same, that happens any time. 
• He brings my drink inside the room when I don't feel like standing up. (Yeah... Lazy me!!!)

And there's a lot lot more!!! Reading back, I just realised, hubby's sweeter than me, huh? =)

Come and join us again for this week's Couple's Corner.

Taken April 2008 at Leeds Castle - 1st week of our arrival in London (see the difference "then" and "now"? LOL... Hubby must see this 'coz he can't accept the fact that he's gained so much now.)

Oh, cuddle, cuddle... This is one thing we will never get tired of doing. Hubby hugs me most often when I wash the dishes and surely there's tickling on the side, then right after I finished washing or cooking I will hug him back and there, we cuddle. We just embrace tight and exchange "I Love You's". Our daughter loves seeing us do so. 

At Trafalgar Square, April 2008 as well. PDA??? hehehe... sabi ko pakiss eh.. kaya pala deadma, pumose sa camera... LOL

Then as we sit on the sofa and watch movies, we squash each other and arms all wrapped up. Same goes when we sleep. So much cuddling first before really falling asleep. These are the precious moments I can never afford to lose. 

Not to mention the special cuddling times in bed, oh those are really extra steamy! LOL! Hey, don't let me spill this out. I better shut up and just stick with the wholesome cuddling moments. =)

There's so much cuddling stories at Couple's Corner. So hop on and share yours too.

Oh, I'm guilty!!! I'm sorry, but I am a good liar. I make people believe in my lies, most specially my Lola, Papa, Titos and Titas and I do it every time I don't want to get scolded.*BAD* But not my husband (DIFFERENT HIM - in Tagalog, IBAHIN NYO SYA!) LOL... I have tried to lie so many times to Mark when we weren't married yet, but there's NO single thing that he wasn't able to catch. I am bad, I know and I hate myself for it. For those of you who have been an avid supporter of Couple's Corner, I'm sure you already know what I mean, but if you're lost with what I'm talking about then my story's HERE. Hey, don't get me wrong... I've graduated from that way way back... I'm GOOD now! Promise! =)

About our marriage, I would say I have nothing more to hide. I already confessed everything to my hubby and I believe by doing so, I was again able to gain his trust. With regard to issues in marriage like money, physical features and most specially, FEELINGS, I would say that we've already mastered the art of it that those things no longer count as issues at all. 

Just like all the other SAHMs, in our family, only hubby brings home the bacon. Good thing he earns enough that I can afford not to work. I hope every family can just be like us - moms stay at home and dads work and earn enough for the family. Sending money to our loved ones back home is never an issue. He provides for my father's medicines and he supports his brother's education. No matter how much he gives to any of our families are all agreed by us and I believe nothing's wrong with helping or just giving.

Physical features? Oh well, basically we're honest, but on his part, I'm not so sure...LOL. I can say freely how big his tummy is and how much weight he's gained as compared to when I met him. Quite different though when it's about mine. I believe he still can't tell me directly if he noticed my belly fats, more so my amazona arms. Every time I ask him if i'm getting as fat as my family, he'll only say, "Hhhmmm, medyo?" hahaha!!! I think it's already in his character that if he knows he can hurt me or any person in any way, he better not tell it at all. You can seldom hear him complain or even comment even if he knows something's happened and it's my fault. And we're very opposite, because I tell what I want and I keep on nagging, "You see? I told you...la..la..la.." Oh how lucky I am to have such a loving and understanding husband.

I believe being honest with our feelings is really important. We have to say how we feel, but it's the manner of saying it that actually matters. Like if I am feeling cross about him not listening to me or anything, I say it, but I make sure I won't raise my voice. It's something I learned from my hubby. He never raised his voice on me, not even once so I think it's just right to do the same. And if he wants me to know how he feels, most of the time he jokes about it. I'm the one who's easily hurt even though nothing's really needed to get serious of (oh, I believe most girls are, right?), while as I said, my hubby's so understanding and that he's so good at controlling his temper, because if not, I'm sure no more glass things are left and everything in our house are all unbreakable. LOL!

If you think you have something to share about your married lives, may it be fun or not, please feel free to join us. We, at Couple's Corner, don't judge each other's lives. We share and we learn from each other's experiences and views. So what are you waiting for? Hop on and enjoy the fun. Our host, Ate Liz of This is My Life, is one great wifey who'll surely lend a helping hand if you think you need one or can just be a friend who's always willing to listen and talk. =) Love you Ate Liz! 

After our sooo cheesy Valentines celebration, I believe our answers to that question are both "YES!". We've been together for almost 7 years now and married for almost 5 years, but I can say that our love for each other has just gone deeper throughout those years.

I am proud to introduce to you the women in my life. 

My Tita My on the left, Tita Arlene on the right and my Nanay Ba (Lola-Nanay Ba short for Nanay Taba) in the middle. They are all sexy (not just slim) years years back... =) And my Mommy (my Tita whom I call Mommy - they are sisters) is the only one who isn't gaining weight. But no matter how fat or thin they are, I love them just the same.

And on brotherhood...

Only my Ninong Obet is slim.

Can you guess why I am showing them to you? LOL... They will kill me when they see this. =) Well, because this is of the things my hubby and I joke about. I always ask him, "Dad, will you still love me even though I get as fat as Nanay Ba? And he'll answer, "No!" *laughing* I am just lucky to get my desired weight back after giving birth and breastfeeding is my saviour. =) I also don't do any kinds of diet, so I hope and pray that I will be like this forever. LOL

Another funny question I ask my hubby is, "Dad, will you still love me kahit na uugod-ugod na tayo?" and his answer is, "Tingin mo aabot pa tayo dun? Sa dami ng hindi healthy foods na kinakain natin eh di na tayo aabot dun." wahahaha!!! He's right! We both don't think that we'll still reach the 70s age. We're very lucky if we do and if that happens, we know for sure that we'll carry on the love and sweetness we managed to built throughout our younger years.

Ate Liz is right, we girls are all concern about our looks. Well, maybe because that's the usual reason why husbands look on other girls. That's why no matter how old we may be, we all have to take good care of ourselves and it will not only magnetize our hubsters, but it will also make us feel good about ourselves. *Oh, look who's talking... I don't even comb my hair after waking up* =)

Come and join the fun on our Couple's Corner community by hitting the badge.

Oh! Let me introduce to you once again My One True Love who also happens to be My Valentine's Date for this year and for the last 5 years.

TADAH!!!

Of course, he's non-other than... DADDY MARK!!!

We don't really go out on a date on Valentine's day. We believe it's corny! LOL.. and it's too crowded. Lovers here and there are scattered on the day itself. We prefer to just stay home and give each other little somethings like flowers, cards, chocolates and some nice feast. I planned to prepare a candlelit dinner on Sunday and prepare a nice family movie to watch. Since there's no one who will take charge of our little girl, let me introduce my other Valentine's date...

Another TADAH!!!

 Our Little Princess, Alyssa...

Let's head to Mommy Niko's Girl's Talk by hitting the badge.

It's Valentine's Day once again in a few days time. This is one of the many days we don't fail to celebrate. It started on the year 2004 when we first celebrated it as a couple. You may read the full story here, where I told the story in detail. It was one of the sweetest days of my life.

My super sweet hubby always comes up with a surprise on this special day. No matter how simple or grand the surprise is, still he doesn't forget. I wonder what's in store for me this Sunday. *wink wink* Since the first week of Feb., I am telling him not to give me flowers anymore because what I want is a card just like the one I received 6 years ago, on our 1st Valentine's together. Oh I doubt he'll do it, but let's see...

On my part, I still don't know!!! =( It's a Sunday and preparing for a surprise is very hard. Just like last year when V-Day falls on a Saturday, all I was able to do was prepared a breakfast in bed for my two sweet Valentines - Dad & Alyssa. Oh crap! I still don't know how to make a pancake then without my one and only Maya pancake from the Philippines, so I bought an instant mix from the local grocery and... Tadah!!! It was NO good! haha!!! My pancake turned into a black pig. We weren't able to eat it. And the ready-made red icing I used for decoration also went straight to the bin. =( What a shame!!!

And since hubby said, no more gifts... I wrapped my special card. =)

And since V-day was a Saturday, when Daddy got home from the office Friday night, as usual... I have very pretty dozen of roses - only the color changes every year. =) And in exchange of the traditional cake is a chocolate - a super yummy M&S Chocolate with the words "MUM". 

Our original plan for this year's V-day is to go to our dear friend's place and watch Avatar together. I hope it pushes through, but I know I still have to think of something special for my Mr. Surprise Guy.

Have a Happy and Sweet Valentine's Day Couple's Corner Lovers!!!

Weew!!! Love is overflowing... It's love month indeed! After writing down a few reasons why I love my husband, here I am again describing to the world my one true love. It's my first time to join Girls Talk! meme and since topics about exes are done, I can now freely join. =)

Let me first introduce to you my ONE AND ONLY TRUE LOVE...

Daddy MARK!!!

My one true love...

...enjoys politics, for real or on screen. He particularly likes The West Wing Series wherein the setting is The White House. So when we visited the United States and stayed in New York, he made it a point that Washington D.C. is in the itinerary. (See his smile? Oh, I tell yah.. he loves his picture taken many times on that view.)

My one true love...

...is fun. He joins fun games and is not a kill joy.

My one true love...

...is not a good drinker and I always push him to drink every time there's a special occasion. I just love it when he's drunk, maybe because it happens very rarely. 

My one true love...

...helps in household chores. With visitors or none, he helps. He cooks, cleans the house, sets the table, constantly empties the bin and washes the dishes.

These are only a few descriptions about my one true love which I don't think I already mentioned in my Couple's Corner entries, aside from his being so kind to help in household chores. =)

Come and join us too in Mommy Niko's Girls Talk! Hit the badge!

Dear Dad,

Loving you is one of the greatest feelings I have ever felt in my life and God has been so good that He not only let me love you, but He gave you to me and allowed us to share the rest of our lives together. When people ask me why I love you, my answer is no longer "I don't know, I just do", because in each and everyday that I am with you, you have given me all the reasons to say:

I love you because you do the grocery when I don't feel like going out and is not shy about it.

I love you because you are one great family man who value family bonding very much.

I love you because you manage to become a very sweet husband and father and is not afraid to show how much you love us.

I love you because you don't have any vices.

I love you because you are proud of me.

I love you because you are my number one supporter, though sometimes you don't believe in me 100%.

I love you because it's all right with you that I stay home whole day.

I love you because you are honest about my cooking, you say if it tastes good or not.

I love you because you never get mad when I don't reach your expectations.

I love you because you make me feel so secure about your love for me as your wife.

I love you because you love me despite all the things I did to hurt you.

I love you because you accepted me during the times when I am not worthy of anyone's acceptance.

I love you because you never let me go when I wanted to go away.

I love you because you always understand me even though my reasons are not understandable.

I love you more when you hug, kiss and tickle me when I do the dishes.

I love how you laugh on the corniest movies we watch together.

I love it when you wear your very old clothes and just laugh about it.

I love how you never fail to surprise me in every occasion.

I love it when you help me in the kitchen.

I love it that you are the kind of husband who shares in house chores.

Dad, I may not be able to enumerate all the reasons why I love you, but believe me when I say I LOVE YOU because You are You.

Love,

Mummy

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Taken last year in Pinas, a day before our flight back to London.

 

This one is in New York (Aug. 2008) during our 10 day holiday.

I know my husband doesn't read my blog posts, so if at some point he stumbles upon my site I hope he gets to read all my CC entries. =)

It's love month, come and share with us your 101 reasons why you love your partners.

As I read Ate Liz's version of this week's CC I told myself, I'm sure tonight's gonna be a good night. =)

It's true, saying "I Love You" or merely "Love You" is easy and we use it everyday. I can't remember a day passed without those words coming out of my mouth ever since I met my hubby and it multiplied when I became a mom. Mark never leaves the house without saying those words and I, saying them back. We never hang up the phone without the words, "Love you, bye".

As for Ate Liz's question, "When was the last time you really look into each others' eyes and say those words from the bottom of your hearts?" Oh boy, I can't recall. As far as I remember, we say those words with full emotion and yes, with tears when we just ended up our lover's quarrel. We then say how much we love each other and how lucky and blessed we are for having one another. But since we haven't had any big fights for quite some time now, those intimate moments no longer happen. Now I realized, do we have to have misunderstandings before we say those words again? I hope not and I'm changing it now.

I always had the thought of making notes and sticking it on his baon (packed lunch), but have never done it ever, yet. Tomorrow, I'll start. I think our usual sweetness needs a revamp. And because of these realizations, I really think tonight's the start. It isn't hard, really. But it takes some cheesiness to be able to achieve that. =)

And to add with that... here's our keso pic for everyone:

Happy New Year! =) (Taken before welcoming 2010)

Join us every Wednesday as we celebrate our lives of being married. Trust me, this meme helps in keeping the love alive. You're just 1 click away - the Badge is there for you to strike.

See you there!!!

They say that we can only get to know a person really well when we live with him/her in one roof and I agree. Same goes with friends and relatives, but I believe it's much different in married couples. When married couples are in one roof, no matter what they discover about their better halves shouldn't matter at all because they vowed to love each other for better or for worse.

In our 6 years and a month of living together, I think nothing much have changed when it comes to attitudes and personalities. I am still the lazy gal he used to know and he's still the Mr. Nice Guy who helps in house chores. 

Well, Mark is just one simple guy who:
- And I am the one who:

• can't eat veggies when there's no meat, like when tortang talong (aubergine omelette) is for dinner he should have a fried fish or pork on the side - I can eat all veggies alone.
• takes off pickles on his burger - I eat them.
• don't eat garlic and onion, but loves dishes sautéed in them - all garlic and onions goes to my plate.
• gets the table ready for dinner when he arrives from work - and I'm still cooking.
• washes the dishes and prepare the meals on weekends - weekends are my days off.
• gets hold of his notepad and write all things needed to be done the whole day or the next - which i never do.
• is very organized and files all paper bills or any other important documents and put them in a place he never forgets - I don't even know where our passports are and I don't take care of bills because I am really forgetful to the highest level.
• don't get mad when he comes home messy - I will just say, "Sorry, tinamad ako" ("Sorry, I was just too lazy")
• rarely gets mad and just keeps quiet when something's not right - I keep quiet too.
• never fails to give surprises on every occasion, may it be birthday, mother's day, valentine's day, anniversary, Christmas - I try to do the same though he also pays for his gifts so I prefer gift of effort.

These are just a few of what I know about him. I believe I know him from the tips of his hair to the tips of his toes and I better do, right? I am just so lucky and blessed to have a husband who never change, who helps me in household chores even though I just stay the whole day at home and can do everything myself and who just loves me for who I am and accepts me for whatever shortcomings I have. 

This is just a sample of what I am talking about. 

I am so happy to be able to share in Couple's Corner again. Ate Liz has been so good and patient to me and I thank her for creating this meme.  


Please share your stories too by clicking the badge.

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.

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!

 

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!