A Smile is The Light

About a month ago, Zion celebrated his 3rd birthday. It was celebrated at a local fastfood joint near our area. I only invited my a few close relatives and my closest friends. The birthday party was just held to give way to my parents' request that their "unico hijo apo" was given a birthday party since children his age love celebrating parties and opening gifts. And I must agree they were right. Zion truly enjoyed his birthday party, as seen from most of the pictures that were taken during the celebration, just like the one used in this layout. I must say this is just one of his naughtiest and most "pilyo" shots. I'm planning to feature the other cute shots in future layouts.

Journalling: A Smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you are at home.

Credits for this layout: Happy Mommy Kit from jadydaystudio.blogspot.com; Spring Mini Kit by kevinandamanda.com; WordArt from Scrappy Pony designs at
cesstrelle.wordpress.com.

Of Motherhood and Understanding

If there's one thing motherhood has taught me, it would definitely be patience and understanding. I must admit that before Zion arrived, I am short-tempered and tend to lose my patience over petty things. Zion's naughty and playful nature has tested my patience. Over time, I have realized that, as his mom, I should be the first to understand and show him patience. My patience-understanding-and-compassion project is still a work-in-progress. There are still those instances when I just want to gag and hogtie Zion just for him to be still. However, I guess, mother's love always takes over.

The picture used for this layout was taken last May 1, 2009 during our trip to Tagaytay. I remember taking a bath before leaving the house, so I guess I am not the reason why Zion is covering his nose (defensive si mommy! heheheh..). We had a hard-time asking him to remove his hand from his nose. So just to finish the shot, I just imitated him and covered my nose as well.

Journalling: It's not until you become a mother, that your judgement turns to understanding and compassion.

Credits for this layout: New Dream Kit by Carla Holf Designs; Spring Mini Kit by kevinandamanda.com; Wordart by Motherhood quotes by vivaartistry.blogspot.com.

Zion Turns 3

A few weeks ago Zion celebrated his 3rd birthday. We held the children's party in a nearby fastfood chain. I only invited close family and friends, those who know Zion's "history". I just paid for video and photo coverage since it would be a waste if the children's party was not recorded. As of writing, I am still waiting for the video and the pictures.

For this layout, I made use of the pictures I was able to take after the party. Zion was very excited during the opening of his gifts so most of his pictures appeared distracted or irritated (hehehe.. he wasn't able to open his presents right away because his mom always wanted to take his pictures... hehehe.. ).

Credits for this layout: Birthday Collection from scrapbookflair.com

Zion's Prayer

Everytime my family and I go on an out-of-town trip, I am usually the family photographer. But I always make it a point to take or request someone to take a complete family picture. This is not an easy task since most of the time, I am not satisfied with the picture taken. More often than not, I ask that person or ask Zion's nanny to re-take the shot. I guess one of the reasons for the family picture would be, when Zion grows up, I want to show him and let him feel how much the entire family loves him, despite the circumstances that surrounded his birth 3 years ago. He may lack "things" other kids have, but the things he can always be assured of is the family's love, care, and appreciation of him.

The picture was taken during our trip to Tagaytay last May 1, 2009. It was taken at the Taal Vista Hotel. May 1 was a non-working holiday so the family had planned to go on a roadtrip to nearby Tagaytay to relieve ourselves of stress and to spend some quality time with each other.

Journalling: Dear God, I thank You for entrusting me to a wonderful and loving family. It may not be the usual family setup but nevertheless, my Mommy, Lola, Lola, and Ninong has showered me with the love, joy, and affection, any child could wish for. I may lack things other kids have, but I am lucky to be part of my family. Amen. Love lots, ZION.

Credits: Cosy Spring Kit from Bea & Jill Creations available at digiscrapbooking.ch.

May Calendar Layout

Since Mother's Day falls on the month of May, I chose to feature a picture of my mom, together with my brother and I for my calendar layout. The picture was taken at the Harbour View in Hongkong during our vacation there last March.

Definitely, my brother and I are very lucky to have a cool mother like our Mama. She is definitely a mother, an older sister, and a cool buddy rolled into one. She may be overprotective at times, but I guess (being a mother myself) all mothers are like that, varying only the degrees of overprotectiveness.

To my Mama and to all the mothers in the world, Advance Happy Mother's Day!

Credits for this layout: Mom's Day Collection from scrapbookflair.com