If Only

I'm almost done moving stuff in my new home. I only have a few more stuff left at my old house which I will transfer here by next week.  I could say that by April 1, I'm fully settled in my new home sweet home.

Life has been bittersweet for me. I lost some and then gain some more.  You know, I'd say that I have been truly blessed in life in spite of all the trials I went through.  I may have lost a great deal - losing a husband and both my parents, but God carried me through it all. He gave me loving siblings, a nice home, a new car, health that's continuously improving everyday, loyal friends, a caring yaya, a sweet cat... the list goes on. And He's continuously blessing me with so much more.  As I always say, the Lord is not done with me yet.  He plans to prosper me and give me a beautiful future.  I am highly favored, greatly blessed and deeply loved.

With Cousins at my my niece's first birthday celebration

I miss my Mom and Dad very much.  If I could only have a day with them again... If only...

Anyway, I believe I received an instruction from the Lord last night on how He wanted me to start this new chapter in my life. I still believe that 2014 is going to be my year of favor and blessings. This is going to be a year of healing.   I'm very excited to walk in to my Promised Land already.  I think I'm more than ready.

I'll leave you with this beautiful song which I always sing lately. I sing this with all of my heart.  God bless y'all!

Remembering Mom

Last February 10, we went to visit Mom and Dad. It's Dad's birthday. And this year, he celebrated his birthday in Heaven with Mom.

When everything's settled, I will be posting old photos and beautiful memories to remember them by. I'm just very busy with the transition that's happening right now. In the mean time, let me share with you two of Mom's favorite songs by Patti Page.

We love you, Mom!

A Quick Update

Finally!  Our August Champ is over.  Whew!  Now I have some free time to post and update my blog. How's everybody doing?  Hope y'all are fine.

Nothing much has happened except that I was busy with work.  I feel like I've been saying that all the time, but that's the truth.  Okay... Alright, alright!  I've also been a bit lazy.  There.  I said it!  But for now I'm back so I'm going to make the most out of it.

Aside from my regular check up, which by the way, I'm grateful to God for the good results, I was also actively posting on my cat's blog.  I just find it very cute and relieves me of stress.  It was my cat's first birthday yesterday.  Here are some photos.

Me & Sushi

Here's something really cute.

Tada!

I will again be very busy WITH work by October and that will also be my birthday month.  Christmas is getting closer and closer.  I'm excited! Wow! Can you believe that 2013 is almost over?   Sigh... I miss Dad.

Well, this is it for now. Have a great weekend y'all!

Happy Father's Day

To all my daddy friends...

To Dad whom we love very much and who's now in heaven...

To my Heavenly Father...

Remembering Dad

I remember when my siblings and I were still kids, my family would always go to church on Sundays then go to Greenhills to have dinner at Dad's favorite Chinese restaurant, Sun Moon Garden. He would order chicken, pork, crabs, fish, veggies and plain/fried rice

I remember how Dad would plan our out of town trips. He loved to travel and explore new places.

I also remember how Dad would cook his Italian spaghetti with meatballs (Mom makes the meatballs) on Christmas eve and the whole family would stay awake to celebrate Noche Buena together. Sometimes he'd prepare Beef Stroganoff for the occasion which is my personal favorite.

There are so many other stories I can tell you of how Dad was when he was still with us. Memories we will forever keep in our minds and in our hearts.

We love you, Dad!

This was taken on my 3rd birthday

This was taken December 1989 in Baguio City

This is one of Dad's favorite movies, The Student Prince, who's lead character was played by Edmund Purdom. And one of Dad's favorite singers, Mario Lanza, who's singing voice was used by the lead character in this movie.

Today is Dad's first year anniversary in heaven. We miss Dad very much, but we know that we'll see each other again... one day.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

It's Dad's birthday today. Should have been his 68th...

Mom & Andre

With Andre's mom, Mel

We miss you, Dad!
We love you!

Happy Birthday!!!

My sister wasn't able to go because she just gave birth. So after going to Dad's, we went to visit my sister and my new niece, Robyn.

Proud Grandma

It's also my nephew's birthday today. Happy birthday, Michael!

Oh and Happy Chinese New Year to all my Chinese friends!

How Has Your Year Been?

In two days 2012 will be gone.  How time flies.  

Today I asked myself this question - How has 2012 been to me?  There are definitely so many challenges that happened this year, but I've also received so many blessings and miracles.  

Dad left this imperfect world to be with Jesus last April... I got sick two months ago, but I'm recovering pretty well. I received miracles after miracles of healing and divine provision... I deleted "friends" from my life who are toxic; turned out to be a blessing in disguise... This is also the year when I became debt free.

I didn't see the beauty in these seemingly tragic events while it was happening, but now I do.  

God is good.  

Although 2012 is marked with tears and sadness, it is also marked with joy and happiness. God sure knows how to balance things. 

So, how has your year been?

Here's looking forward to a year of abounding blessings, grace and favor as we welcome 2013 with great expectancy and hope.  

Remembering Dad

We went to visit Dad last Saturday to bring flowers and candles. Then we went to Papa John's Pizza for lunch.

We miss you, Dad! Love you very much! See you someday in heaven. 

Thank You for the Blessings

I'm very happy that Mom spent two nights in my house this week.  We went to watch a movie last Saturday and ate out.  We also did the grocery shopping together.  Early this morning, before leaving, she cooked for me again.  I thank God for Mom.  I'm really excited for Mom's new condo unit.  Construction is starting on October 1.  Hopefully it'll be ready for Mom to move in before Christmas.

Last Tuesday, I attended another award's ceremony.  I thank God for this award I got for the second consecutive year.  Here are some photos from the event.

The Philippine Star

Cross Pens for second year Macaulay qualifiers

 Me!  Thank you, Lord!

 Red Spruce

Red Spruce

On a different note, I think grief over Dad's passing is catching up with me now. There are nights when I would just cry because I miss Dad very much.  When I hear songs that I know Dad really liked, the water works will just start automatically.  I know Dad is with Jesus now, but I just miss him very much.  Next month I would be celebrating my birthday for the first time without Dad.  Sigh...

Thankful Thursday

Many years ago when things went wrong, I couldn't see past the wrong and so I couldn't thank God for the other blessings He's been showering me with.  But because of those ugly experiences I've had, my character was painfully molded.

This 2012, so far, has been full of both trials and blessings.  I couldn't complain because I know that when a trial comes, there's a corresponding reward when I pass the test.  This is now how I view ugly things that come my way --- a test.

I've already had quite a few the past months, but looking at them at a larger scale, it's great to see how God never failed to show up at once.  What Satan and his followers thought would destroy me turned out to be a character building experience for me.

This week I thank God for his love, protection and blessings that He graciously showers me with consistently.

Another thing I thank God for are the memories I have with Dad.  I thank God that He allowed me to spend time with him in China when he was being treated for cancer last year.  God certainly knows best.  He knew I'd be looking back at those times now.

Lord, thank you. Thank you for loving me with all my imperfections. Thank you for the good memories with Dad I can forever treasure and keep.  Thank you for your protection upon me and my family. Praise God!


What are you thankful for this week?

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Laurie over at Women Taking a Stand.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

It was Mom's birthday yesterday, but we celebrated it today.  We went to visit Dad first and brought him fresh flowers then we headed straight to my sister's.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!  

I am so happy despite all the trials that my family went through, and thankful because Mom celebrated another year with us.  My nephews did something really cute: they made balloons for their grandma! That really made her smile! See those pink balloons by the door? Yup, those are theirs. :)

Come to think of it... it's these little sweet gestures that you treasure all your life. From all of us, Happy Birthday, Mom! We love you very much! 

Blessings

Mom is listening to her fave radio station which plays music from her and Dad's time.  I miss Dad.  He had a very peculiar laugh.  I got the chance to record this when we had a family outing at Fontana last 2010.  Mom and I listened to it and although we both miss Dad, we end up laughing at the sound of Dad's laughter. I'm glad Mom's with me because I get to feast on crabs and shrimps.  Haha! 

On a different note, I shared this verse with a friend at church because she's going through some tough times right now.

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Joshua 1:8

This powerful verse ministered to me too.  If we meditate on God's Word and carefully obey then blessings are inevitable.  

I have so many things to thank God for this week.  Too bad I wasn't able to join in the Thankful Thursday meme.  Anyway, just the same, I'm grateful to God for allowing me to pass my licensure exam two weeks ago.  I got the result last Monday.  I thank God for my friends including bloggy friends who prayed for me. Thank you, guys!  I passed!  Woohoo!

Another thing I'm thankful for is my latest DVD of the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn part 1.  My friend gave it to me two days ago.  Thanks, Dee!

I'm so blessed.  Thank you, Lord!

I'll leave you with this video that Mom is listening to on the radio.  Happy weekend!

Remembering Dad and Getting Back On Track

Hi.  I've been MIA lately and I would like to apologize for that.  I've been crazy busy with work and other stuff. There are still a lot of things left to do, but I decided to take a break and do some blogging.

Dad just passed away recently, as you all know.  All of us in the family are still grieving, but the manner of grieving is different for each of us. I do miss him a lot. I miss his voice, his laughter, his presence. However, I don't wear a long face maybe because I have peace.  Sure, I feel sad sometimes, but I know that Dad is in Heaven now.

Moving on, we visited Dad again last Sunday, May 20th.  Here are some photos.

My nephews

 Michael and Mom at Little Asia 

Mel and Andre

Mom playing Tap Tap Revenge on iPad. Cool, huh?

The following day, May 21st, my officemates and I went to Anvaya Cove for a much needed break from work.  

Red Spruce

 Red Willow Unit

It was super fun!!!  I even got myself a henna tattoo.

The food served were mostly Filipino dishes.  I loved it!

I haven't been out of town in a while, so the trip to Anvaya definitely recharged my batteries! Going back to nature is a welcome respite from life in the concrete jungle.

I still have so much more to tell you, but I guess I'll save it for my next post. Perhaps, I'll talk about the jungle and its inhabitants next time. For now, I thank the Lord for the grace and love He showered on my family; that enabled us to still enjoy life even without Dad.

Happy Mother's Day

To all moms including my mom... Happy Mother's Day!  

I would also like to greet those who miscarried, who's child is now with the Lord... Happy Mother's Day to you too.

My family had a little celebration at my sister's house and went to Christ the King to visit Dad before going home.  My three nephews wrote Dad notes. Sweet!

"I love you and I miss you, Gwakong (Grandfather)." --- Michael

"I love you, Gwakong" --- Fredric

"I love you and I will miss you, Angkong (Grandfather).  I will see you next time." --- Andre

Here are some photos we took earlier.

Tita Celi (My SIL's mom) and Mom

Tita Celi and Tito... Mom and Richard (My SIL's brother)

Mom & Sissy

Lamb chops... yum!

My SIL's family and mine. 

Happy Mother's Day!

We love you, Mom!

TSMSS - I'll Walk With God

This is one of Dad's favorite songs from the movie Student Prince.

Dad, this is for you.

I'll walk with God 

From this day on

His helping hand I'll lean upon

This is my prayer my humble plea

May the Lord be ever with me

There is no death though eyes grow dim

There is no fear when I'm near to Him

I'll lean on Him forever 

And He'll forsake me never

He will not fail me as long as my faith is strong

What ever road I may walk alone

I'll walk with God 

I'll take His hand

I'll talk with God He'll understand

I'll pray to Him

Each day to Him

And He'll hear the words that I say

His hand will guide my throne and rod

And I'll never walk alone

While I walk with God

We miss you, Dad!

For more great music, link up with Amy over at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

Till We Meet Again...

Dad was finally laid to rest last Sunday, April 29.  Although my family has already accepted the fact that Dad is now with Jesus in heaven, we miss him terribly.

Dad did not die of cancer.  He had diarrhea that caused severe dehydration.  Antibiotics were administered, but Dad's body did not respond to them anymore.  Dad's passing was so sudden.  He didn't have a hard time breathing nor was he in pain.  Before Dad had a septic shock, he was able to utter these very important words --- BY JESUS' STRIPES, I AM HEALED.  Dad meant it with all his heart and might.  That's why when he breathed his last, I knew in my heart that Dad went home to be with our Lord that very night.  

It's painful to think that when we need to talk to Dad and seek his advice, he wouldn't be here anymore.  When I close my eyes, I can still hear him laugh and say to each one of us --- I love you, anak (my child).  

I wish Dad had ten more years on this Earth to be with us.  I wish...

We all prayed for Dad's healing and indeed God answered us.  It may not be the way we expected it to be, but God is still faithful.  

Thank you for praying for my family.  Thank you for praying for Dad.  Thank you for all the help and love you've shown my family.  May God bless and keep you.

Lord, thank you for welcoming Dad in to your kingdom.  Thank you for granting Dad complete healing.

Dad, we love you and we always will.  You will forever be in our hearts.  You will always be remembered.  Till we meet again...