Mommy in the kitchen

Today was our first Parent's Observation Day at Iloilo Montessori International School. 

What a treat to see Dani interact with her teachers and classmates. The little girl sitting next to her in the picture was her classmate in summer school and has nlw become her best friend. Her name is Iya and she is such a mild mannered and proper little lady. 

Today they learned new songs to dance to. New stories and named the differeny rooms in the house. 

What really tugged my heartstrings was when Miss Michelle asked the class what room mommy cooks. Dani was answering on several occassions that mommy is found in the kitchen.

It really got to me that the times wheein Dani would see me cook would actually have a profound impact on her. Without a second thought, she knows mommy cooks in the kitchen. 

So it may be little cookies, banana cakes, entrees or whatever suits my fancy, she loves watching me work. Even if its just juicing her face lights up with wonder. She ends up carrying that memory and wonder with her.

Its these moments that mold a child. Even in the times where we easily take for granted. I never saw my mom in the kitchen. I've always dreamed of preparing the kids' snacks/meals for school. So it impacts her as much as it impacts me. In this moment, my world is wonderful. 

Who knew that saying, "Mommy cooks in the kitchen" would mean so much to me. I almost teared up! 

Family Sunday

A bit rainy but nothing Annamae (the Palmares' pet pig), some mango and santol picking couldnt fix. 

Thank you, Lord! We needed this! 

The little foodies

Caleb joined us at the table today! A thrill for me to feed him his carrots with him seated in his new chair. He was such a good little boy!

I really relish these moments. I've been dreaming of them for as long as I can remember. 

For dinner, I ordered Max's delivery and Bryan's favorite, crispy pata. 

Dani took interest seeing me eating the bits on the bone and asked me if she could try. 

Lo and behold! I guess it runs through her veins! GG would be so proud! 

Really hoping my kids become adventurous eaters. Life's too short. 

Jeremiah 17:7-8

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,

    whose confidence is in him.

They will be like a tree planted by the water

    that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

    its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

    and never fails to bear fruit.”

Thank you, Yayay Jen

Jennelyn Uy came to our family the day before I gave birth to Dani. When Caleb was born she took over taking care of him. Her years of great service ended today, July 17,2014.

She has been such a blessing since day one. A prayer answered, she was the right one at the right time. 

She has been through more of the motherly duties than I have. Thats why I will always be grateful.

Wishing her more blessings. Children of her own soon. A very happy, peaceful life. 

People like her are 1 in a thousand. Thank you, Lord, for her. 

Will miss you again...

I recently read that the more responsibility or the higher you go in life, the more sacrifices you have to make.

People think that along with the promotion all the perks come your way. Becoming a leader means you get to sacrifice the most.

Its a reality that hurts and wish I could have the best of everything. But life us not like that.

As much as it hurts each day, I have to remind myself that all this has a purpose. Its not just for our family. But its for the future of the people who have chosen to trust us.

God brings us to points in our life like these so that we know where we stand. I know I stand here in this moment because God has a plan for us. A plan that has been with us through the generations. Its a legacy.

So as I pack my bags for another trip, I am reminded of our purpose.

My prayer for you, Dani, is the Lord make you stronger and brave. It pains me to leave you each time. To hear you plead for me to come home. That you want to sleep next to me. Thats one of my pains to hear you whimper.

The Lord be enough for you.

Caleb, you are still too young to know what is going on. I pray you never stop smiling and bringing joy and humor to everything and everyone. You have the smile that is so contagious. It is a gift. A gift I know Lolo Pepot had.

  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
- Jeremiah 29 :11

A first for Caleb

Caleb makes it to his first party with Achi Dani! 

Happy 1st birthday, Milli Tan!