For This Friday's Mommy Moments...=(

Hallu fellow mommies...for this Friday's Mommy Moments, I may not be able to join because we'll be going out of town. Yey!!! We're going to Laguna to celebrate my Mom's and Tita's birthday. Both of them will be celebrating this May so...since May 1st is a holiday, it'll be the best time for us to get that bonding moment. But I'll try to post one once we get back. Better late than never! And I'll be visiting your entries as well also...

See yah!!! Mwuah!!!

Golden Phone In Churches

I just received an email from an old friend of mine and it really fascinated me. I just want to share it with you guys. And yes, the title is "Golden Phone In Churches".

A man in Topeka, Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the world. He started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there. Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes.

He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read 'Calls: $10,000 a minute' Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to GOD.

The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in Paris, France; Cairo, Egypt; Hong Kong in China, and around the World, he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.

Finally, he arrived in Philippines, upon entering a church ln Manila, Philippines, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, behold - he saw the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign read 'Calls: 35 cents.'

Fascinated, he asked to talk to the Priest, 'Father Ricardo Baumberger, I have been in cities all across the world and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to GOD, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads only 35 cents a call. Why?'

I love this part.....

The priest, smiling benignly, replied, 'Son, you're in the Philippines now ....... You're in God's Country, It's a local call.'

Wehehe...So what do you think?

Missing Him...=(

I'm just thinking, this is part of my pregnancy. You know the "KSP" stage when you're pregnant? Or maybe I'm just new to this marriage world and I'm just at home that's why sometimes I feel left out. Before, my hubby and I ALWAYS go to work together...we go home together...basically we do everything together. But because of the recent turn of events which are: (1) I got out of the hospital days before our wedding because I had premature contractions, (2) I needed to file a Leave-Of-Absence from work since I needed complete bed rest to avoid further spotting, and (3) my hubby got promoted and is SOOOOOOOOOOO busy after that...so after all these, I'm always left at home. I really miss him. And I know sometimes he visits my blog when he has the time when he's at the office (sana!).

Beh...If you're reading this, I want you to know that I'm missing you every single minute that I'm not with you and I hope that in everything you do, I'm always on your mind. I know this is tough for us since you have to work alone for now and the times we spend together is really minimal compared before, but I know that we'll get through this. Just don't forget that I love you so much and I'm so excited for us since I'll be giving birth to your son anytime soon! I really miss you so much that's why when we're together, I cherish every moment that I'm with you. =)

Share ko lang...hahaha! =)

Monday Movie Meme

To join this weekly meme, click here.

This week's movie topic is all about Steamy Love Scenes...

Here are my top 5 movies

Killing Me Softly (2002)

Wild Orchid (1989)

Cruel Intentions (1999)

The Notebook (2004)

Original Sin (2001)

SMILEY SATURDAY!!!

 

Every Saturday at LighteningOnline is “Smiley Saturday”. Why? Because Lightening likes to make people smile.

This is game that everyone can play.

Write you Smiley Saturday post - smiling is the theme. How you interpret that is up to you.

Link back to Lightening Online so people can find where Smiley Saturday is.

MY WEDDING CAKE

This is the first time that I'll join Smiley Saturday and I'm so excited to share what made me smile! It was the day of my wedding and I can't forget my wedding cake! It was so memorable for me because it was my Mom's gift. Thanks Mama! Most of the guests actually made comments that it looked so nice and perfect, and delicious as well! All of them were right. It was very plain and simple. It actually had 74 little cupcakes and the base was the cake itself. I know our guests enjoyed it so much! Some of them actually had more than 1 cupcake. Haha! =)

To join Smiley Saturday, click here.

Keep on smiling!

i was brought to tears...and i know you will cry too

Since I'm new at the blogging world, I spend most of my time blog hopping so I can view other sites and also, get tips from them on how to improve my page. Because of my blog hopping moments, I came across a site called "Life of Logan - a boy who has cerebral palsy but cerebral palsy does not have him". This really caught my attention. I really took the time to pause and read the posts on the site.

The blog posts literally led me to tears. I just want to quote some of Logan's mom's, Keri, posts. These are the lines that brought me to tears.

- "He's very observant and sees what other children are doing. He wants to do it too, but his body won't let him. Can you even imagine the frustration? I can't."

- "Logan will never know what it's like to be different, because he isn't. He's just Logan."

- "I can't even begin to explain what a toll this takes on my patience, my heart, my soul. My child can not speak one word. He can't tell me what is wrong, how to help. Instead, I sit there completely and utterly useless. Nothing I can do, nothing at all."

Logan's story really touched my heart. This is something that should be a lesson to us. We should learn to appreciate the simple things that we have in life, sometimes those are the things that we need to value, but oftentimes we just tend to neglect them. I just hope that you guys can find time in reading this very wonderful blog site. A MUST READ. And Logan is so lucky to have such a strong mom like Keri. Not all mothers will do the same for their kid. And I'm so thankful that I came across her blog site.

I've read his story. Now it's your turn to be touched by this precious angel.

Mommy Moments - Daddy Moments

My husband and 1st born aren't biologically related, but you'll see for yourselves that Mel is even more than what a biological father has to be to a son. I am really thankful that Mel loves Lance so much, and I can see that Lance also looks up to his stepdad a lot. This is really a wonderful blessing for me because I know that not all stepdad-stepson relationships are like theirs.



This picture was taken when Mel got home from work. Lance just asked me (out of the blue!) to take a picture of them.




This was taken at the playground in Market! Market! We were waiting for the mall to open so the two decided to hang around a bit.



This was during Lance's 7th birthday at Storyland in SM Fairview. The lion was Lance's mascot for his party.



This was at Time Zone Trinoma. They didn't know that I was watching while they were playing. This is a really cute pic!



Lastly, this was also taken at Trinoma. We were about to go to the parking lot to end the day and I just decided to take one more shot of them. =)

once upon a dream...

Last night, I was browsing thru the TV channels because I was waiting for 10 PM to strike so I can watch my favorite anime. I'm so addicted and fascinated with them. Anyway, while I was browsing, a familiar song caught my attention

"I know you I walked with you once upon a dream..."

And I KNOW that this line will only come from one...ONLY ONE...Disney movie that I know by heart. It's "The Sleeping Beauty". It really brought back memories. When I was a kid, my Dad used to buy Disney movies in BetaMax. Just imagine! DVD's weren't known back then. Aside from this movie, I've always loved "The Little Mermaid", "Cinderella", "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", to name a few. But my most loved Disney movie up until now is "The Little Mermaid". I've been curious since I was a child if they were true, curious about the life under water because it's something that you don't normally see. But nowadays, thanks to National Geographic and Discovery Channel (and the likes...), people were able to see how it's life under the sea.

I still believe that Disney has this unexplainable magic to everybody, regardless of age. "Timeless" is the best word to describe Disney classic cartoons. I'm already planning on downloading a few Disney movies on my computer. =)

An Inspirational Book

When I got married, one of my colleagues gave us a gift. It was a simple book entitled "Happily Married for Life: 60 tips for a fun, growing relationship" by Dr. Larry Koenig. As I've said before, it is very simple. Since I'm new to the "marriage world", I know I need all the advices and help that I can from other people already married -- and from books as well. I haven't actually finished the book yet but it's actually a fun read. It gives you tips on how to handle day-to-day basics from the moment you get married. Dr. Koenig actually researched these ideas on different couples to see what's working or not for the marriage itself. The book gives you insight on how to handle stress, how to "fall in love all over again", how to handle money matters. It also gives you "Love Potion" tips on what you can do for your partner, be it a simple letter that you insert in his/her wallet, just to let him/her know that you always think of your partner, tips on how to spend your evenings alone with each other, what is and what is not considered "quality time", and a lot of things.

I know that books and people giving out advices will just give me an insight on what to prepare for and expect when it comes to married life. But as they say, nothing beats first-hand experience. I'm just starting and still on that what they call "the honeymoon stage" and sooner or later, I will experience the same problems that most couples face. But, so long as you guys face the future hand in hand, and so long as couples don't forget their prayers, I know that those obstacles won't get in the way of one's marriage.

Monday Movie Meme

This week's movie topic is all about Concessions...

Since my husband and I love to watch movies in Trinoma, automatically, we order our favorite things in Taters. Mine's the Onion Rings Grande and for my husband, it's the Butter-Drizzled Popcorn. Always the biggest size of course. =)

"The Woman Who Shut Up Simon Cowell"

I was chatting with one of my colleagues when he mentioned that he saw this news on the Yahoo home page about a certain woman named SUSAN BOYLE. I never heard this woman's name before so he gave me a link to watch. It was in youtube. When she first entered the scene, she was really funny. She made funny faces and comments that also made the audience laugh. When she was asked by Simon Cowell what she wanted to be, she said she wanted to be a professional singer but she just didn't have the chance to do it. People were really laughing hard at this dream. But, when she sang, my God! That was the only thing that I was able to mutter to myself. I was shocked. I was in awe. She was darn good! I am a big fan of shows like this. Finding someone who people think is just a commoner but has great potential inside of them.

So just to give you a preview, Susan Boyle is a 47-year old single woman. She is the youngest of 9 children and she used to sing in church only. But before her mother died, she was told that she must take the risk and sing for a bigger audience than the church. Since this was her late mother's wish, she auditioned on Britain's Got Talent, it's like American Idol (only more shocking when it comes to talented contestants!). She's a really funny lady if you're going to watch the video. But you just wait once she sings! I'm not going to tell you guys what song she sang, find it out for yourself and be amazed too. By the way, she was branded "The Woman Who Shut Up Simon Cowell" that's why I named the blog after that. News also reported that Simon Cowell will be setting up a contract with Susan Boyle with his Syco Music company label, a subsidiary of Sony Music. Below is her picture after the audition.

Since the owner of the uploaded video disabled the embedding so I can post it to my blog site, just click on the link so you can watch it: Susan Boyle: Britain's Got Talent.

I would also like to quote one of her messages to the public when she was interviewed by the Washington Post. I was really moved by her words: "Modern society is too quick to judge people on their appearances. ... There is not much you can do about it; it is the way they think; it is the way they are. But maybe this could teach them a lesson, or set an example."

There you go guys. Enjoy!

SNEAK PEEK!

This is the first picture of my 2nd baby boy. We aren't actually sure yet what we're going to call him but one of the names will be "Benjamin" since my first born's 2nd name IS Benjamin also. We're planning on naming him "Malcolm" but it's not yet final.

I can't believe that I was able to conceive my 2 beautiful miracles in life. Being a mom is one of the most wonderful things that can happen to a woman. I know most moms will agree with me. Being able to set eyes on your baby for the first time is a feeling that can't be explained and can't be compared to anything in the world. We are all so excited to see him! Anytime soon baby...anytime soon...=)

a picture to remember...

I was browsing thru my computer pictures and I saw this very memorable picture of my husband, Mel, and my first-born, Lance. This was taken during a normal night after Mel got off from work. We were just testing the camera if is still has a battery. As you can see, they are very close, not like the typical stepdad-stepson relationship that you normally see nowadays. I am very thankful that they love each other so much and I know that Lance looks up to Mel just like a real father. This picture is one that's really worth remembering and I want to share it with you guys. =)

a brand new start

EVERYTHING BRAND NEW.

Although it seems like it's kind of late for me to post new beginnings for the new year, for me it doesn't matter. Having new things in your life doesn't have a specific time in a year. New beginnings are always wonderful because it's a sign that the past has been left behind but not really forgotten. The past will always remain there, as a lesson, not as something that should be buried. Painful though it may seem, we have to look forward to a good future, and that's something that I'm proud to share that I have accomplished.

I just got married this year. After how many years of waiting for the right one to come along, he finally arrived. Honestly, we haven't known each other for like "forever" like what other couples are but it's something really magical with him, something really unexplainable, and I know that marrying him is something that I will never regret. This is one decision that I'm proud of. A decision that I know is right for a change.

Another thing that's new is I'm going to have my 2nd baby boy. I'll be expecting this May. And we can't wait! I was a single mom and I had a boy as well. My first born is so excited because he always wanted to have a baby brother. And now his wish came true at last! But sometimes I'm kind of scared because it seems like this is my first time to give birth. The last time I gave birth was almost 8 years ago! I actually had to stop working because of some complications that could be bad for the baby. So there you go, another "something new" in my life, no work.

Lastly, this new step isn't for me but for my first born, Lance. He just finished his preparatory level with high honors! He was actually a Salutatorian and we're all so proud of him! By next school year, he'll be on a new level and I know he'll do well in school again. Speaking of school, he's also excited for his baby brother to go to school with him.

The past events has been very overwhelming for me. Sometimes I cry because I'm so happy. Yes, there are tough times because for every new thing in your life, there will always be adjustments. But still, those aren't hindrances to happy beginnings but it's God's means of saying that He's giving those obstacles for you to be stronger, for you to appreciate the bitterness of life.

I quote this from one of my previous personal journals that I want to share...

"Difficulties were experienced but they were most cherished because those were the times that I realized that no one will be able to taste the true taste of sweetness unless they’ve been dipped in the most sour part of life. Challenges were also hindrances but they served as the gateway to becoming a success. Closed eyes were opened to see the true beauty of pain and the evils of hypocritical pleasure. Wounds were cut deep and the scar left made its mark as a reminder to put more attention on the things and persons closest to us for they’re the ones who we hurt the most. Lost time was asked to be taken back only to realize that even if we try, will be impossible. God can’t change the past either. No matter how many tears we cried."

I always take note of this entry. We struggle but we must learn to survive to appreciate life's lessons. Again, every new beginning will always have its challenges. At the end of the day, after all the suffering, there's always the rewards of blissful moments.