A New Baby for Us

Finally, after a long wait..... Big Bro has a new sister.....

Alden handed me a white envelope and ask everyone of us to guess what's inside. A chocolate bar? , scrap materials?, hankies? No.... belt???? ooops..... a strap? What for? He led us to the other corner and there I found a box...inside the box is something that exactly looks like this,



Yes, Alden's Nikon D70 now has D40x as its sibling cum partner in capturing memories that our family will treasure forever. I was overwhelmed and I don't know what to say. All that I know, there'll be more pictures, more layouts and more happiness for us.

UPLB Nativity


Upon entering the University of the Philippines at Los BaƱos (Laguna) you'll see this lifesize nativity set.... and it is indeed a sight to behold..... You can feel warmth and tranquility just by staring at those wood carvings (haven't confirmed if it was made in Paete, Laguna).

Maligayang Pasko muli!

Christmas Countdown

On Dec 18 my kids started opening our christmas presents for them, with hopes that some of the items on their wishlist will be realized. We inculcate in their young minds that not all wishes do come true....some are not given because it's not meant for them and most of the time there's something better than what they wished for. Other times, we intended not to give in to their desires because we believe it's not worth the money and we can find better alternatives for the same price. But there are times, we follow their heart's desire but it is thoroughly discussed and "package" includes some certain rules and/or conditions. If it's a gadget, the do's and dont's + the responsibilities that goes along with it are explained and agreed upon.

They excitedly opened their 1st gift..... only to find out it's not on their wishlist...... but look at the smile on their faces ....

Maligayang Pasko



May the true spirit of Christmas dwell in our hearts. Love, Peace and Joy to everyone from my family to yours.

CCX 07

For SE's christmas card exchange, here's what I have made for Julie Kelly (USA). The post office personnel told me that delivery will take 10 days (classified as "special delivery"). So I'm expecting it to arrive at Julie's mailbox by this week. I'm planning to send this also via e-mail just to be sure that Julie will receive at least the pictures of the card especially made for her on Christmas Day.


Classy and Fabulous...



Bea at 12, is as shy as ever. For us to have a good
pic of her, it needs to be a stolen shot or a candid
one. It's always a challenge for her father on how to
trick her and have a picture taken. Nevertheless,
she's beautiful. And it will always be a pleasant
endeavor to have a classy and fabulous shot like this
one.

Humdrum

Been idle, passionless and uninspired for almost a month. I realized that my "magic" is my hubby. I was'nt able to create even a single LO while he was away for 3 weeks (1st time na ganun katagal since we've been married for more than 12 years). Frequent ym and phonecalls didn't suffice. But when he was about to be home, I was able to make my entry to Scrapbytes and on the following morning another entry for ATB challenge. Both were submitted few minutes before the deadline. Few days after, I made the card for CCX 07. Here's the first one:



Hidden Journaling: This Acacia tree can be found at the entrance of UPLB. For centuries, it towers with might and strength. On September 28, 2006 this tree was uprooted due to super typhoon Milenyo that hit our country.

It crushed our hearts to see the acacia devastated and almost lifeless, kissing the ground. Every time we passed by, we pay it a tribute and little by little it started to gain his life back again. Leaves started to grow. My kids were so excited – “Buhay na ulit sya!”

Now a year after, it is mighty and strong again. It tried to renew its life and live the best it can right there from the ground where it was lying down.

The Acacia will always be a significant reminder especially to my children that no matter what life brings you it can be carried well. That as long as there’s life, hope will also be there. As long as you believe, with faith in your heart – miracles will happen.