Trust Yourself

Last Monday (April 26) was the start of my one-and-a-half vacation leave. Well, it was supposed to be a 2-weeks leave from work, and we were supposed to visit some relatives in Canada. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances, we had to postpone the trip to next year. It would be quite a hassle on my part, since I wasted PHP6000 (approximately $120) just to get this Canadian visa. Oh well. I am hoping that I could still get one next year.

As a consolation, I still took my vacation leave. I just shortened it to a week and a half (instead of 2 whole weeks). I still have a lot of things to take care of, including my Solo Parent ID, my son's enrollment, and of course, a short trip to a local spot here in the Philippines. I took leave off from work, as a reward to myself - a much-deserved reward after going through some stressful and grueling things at work. Well, I hope that this long break from work would give me some time to unwind and spend some time for myself and my family.

Journalling: You can Trust Yourself. Other people's opinion are driven by their needs and emotions - not by magical insights about your worth.

Credits for this layout: Back N Why Kit by Caroline B. available at KreativeKreationsKorner; Photomasks Pack2 by Brouille; WordArt by Bethany Elegant WordArt

One Lucky Baby

When Zion was around 1 year old, he has this naughty habit of biting/eating small foods from someone else's hands. I'm not sure if he does it on purpose, or he simply can't reach the table and he can't talk straight yet during that time, making communication with us grown-ups quite difficult for him.Zion's usual victim had been my Dad (his grandpa) who is usually caught off guard because he is watching tv or reading the newspaper while eating. The pictures I used in this layout were taken while Zion attempts (and successfully) grabs a piece of bread from my Dad's hand. Notice how he first eyes his "prey", afterwhich, he opens his mouth wide enough (as he attempts to scare his potential victim), and finally goes for the kill. He has done this "stint" several times, and I can say that he has always been lucky to bite off the food from my Dad's hand. :-)

Credits for this layout: Bright Springtime Kit by Alba Eire Creations available at KreativeKreationsKorner; Luck WordArt by Dora's Lemonlove Creations available at Scrapstreet.com.

Thank You For Having You

My apologies for not being able to post some layouts last week. Aside from being busy with my regular job, I was busy with my son Zion's 4th birthday party celebration. Well.. the party is still a month from now, but knowing how venue reservations are here in Manila, I had to scout for the possible venues for his 4th birthday party. I tried to beg off from having his birthday party, but my little man's pleas were too much for me to take, so poor me had to give in to another birthday party this year. Aside from Zion's pleadings, my mom and dad were giving me their usual "pangungunsensya" (guilt sermons), telling me that when I was a kid, I always had a birthday party each year, until I reached the age of seven (7). So it was a 3-against-1 thing, and I lost. :-)

Come to think of it, I am happy that Zion came into my life. I admit that our condition is not that easy. Raising a child is not an easy task, but being both a mother and a father makes the task more difficult and complicated. There are those moments wherein I seriously think how will I be able to make ends meet if my parents are no longer around. There are those moments wherein I'm soooo pissed with my work that I just want to walk out of the office, but then I think about how will I send my son to school, and I just endure everything at work. Nonetheless, at the end of the day, after a tiring (and sometimes frustrating) day at work, I go home to Zion's laughter and hugs. His laughter and giggles is like a breath of fresh air after a suffocating day at work. His hugs and kisses are like doses of power vitamins after a draining day.

Journalling: Thank you for being in my life.

Credits for this layout: Love Cutie Tagger Size Kit by Wicked Princess available at KreativeKreationsKorner; Love WordArt by Thaty Borges Designs;

Prom King & Queen

Last week, my brother had their Graduation Ball / Senior's Ball, as part of the activities of the 4th year High School students. Of course, his date was his girlfriend, Nella. Both of them are graduating from High School this March. My brother was very excited for this graduation ball. He was preparing for this as early as February. Next school year, he will be starting a new chapter in his life, as he enters college. Second to the his actual graduation, I guess his Graduation Ball is one of the most memorable events in his high school life.

Credits for this layout: Love Cutie Tagger Size Kit by Wicked Princess available at KreativeKreationsKorner;

Mama and Me

I don't always have a 100% perfect and smooth-sailing relationship with my Mother. In fact, when I was younger, we've had our share of arguments and fights. I was the silent rebellious type of daughter while my Mom was the perfectionist type who always wanted things to be on schedule and in order. But as I was growing up, and when I eventually became a mother myself, it was then that I understood my Mom. It was then that I realized that Mama was not an enemy, but instead, she was an ally whose heart was always with her children, despite our being little monsters and silent rebels. She had that soft spot within her, that wasn't present in my disciplinarian Dad. And for this, I am slowly looking at my Mom in a different way. I am happy that it didn't took me years to see these things. Iam thankful to God for giving me Mama. She may not be the perfect Mother, but the heck, I am not a perfect daughter, and nobody's perfect in the first place. Despite of her imperfections, I am still thankful for her for trying her best to raise me in an upright manner, and for never giving up on me, despite my imperfections.

Credits for this layout: My Mother Tagger Size Kit by Tootsie's Creationz available at Kreative Kreations Korner.

What Is A Mother?

I was watching my parents earlier as we were strolling in the mall. Today, they are celebrating their 33rd wedding anniversary. Supposed to be, only the two of them (my mom and dad) has room reservations in a posh hotel here in Manila. But with the recent earthquake attacks in various parts of the world, my Mom urged (and even nagged) my Dad to book another room so that the entire family (i.e. my brother, moi, Zion, my cousin, and even Zion's nanny) can be with them in case an earthquake occurs this weekend. *God forbid!* My brother and I were initially laughing because of my Mom's paranoia, and my Dad was quite irked because he was paying the additional room. But now that I am creating this blog entry and relaxing here in our hotel room, I am thankful to my Mom for bringing us here. Well.. not really because of any earthquake.. but just for the simple thought that she always remember us, her children (and her grandchild Zion as well). My brother and I are all grown-up now, but somehow, my Mom's love and concern doesn't fade as we age. We are still her children, deserving of her love and concern, regardless of what age we're in. And for this, I want to thank Mama, not only for letting us enjoy these simple luxuries, but for the genuine concern and affection she shows us.

Journalling: A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. ~Washington Irving

Credits for this layout: My Mother Tagger Size Kit by Tootsie's Creationz available at Kreative Kreations Korner.

Friends For Life

I love my high school girlfriends. If there is one set of friends I would like to keep and stay in touch with all my life, they would definitely top my list. My high school girlfriends and I have actually known each other since we were in the 5th grade. My best friend, Weng, who's part of this high school circle of friends, have been my bestfriend since we were in the first grade. We have, literally and figuratively speaking, seen each other grow and mature. We know or at least have a good idea how one would react given a particular situation. We know each other's trip, likes, and dislikes. We have loved and accepted each other despite the personal differences.

Journalling: We have known each other since our first day in grade school. We have been together for the longest time. We have seen each other roll in laughter. And we cried our hearts out together. We were witnesses to how love made each one go insane. And we were there to bring back one another to reality. We have seen each other grow. We have loved and accepted each other despite the differences. Thank you for always being there... Friends for Life...

Credits for this layout: Cherished Kit by Kat's Creations available at Kreative Kreations Korner; Rai font available at Dafont.com.

By Your Side

As I've mentioned in a previous layout, I really treasure those moments wherein Zion and I have a picture together. The picture I used for this layout is one of those pictures that I like. It was taken during our weekend getaway in Clarkfield in Pampanga last September 2009. Zion and I was having a fun time rolling and jumping on the hotel bed, when I decided to take a picture of us together. One of my friends who saw this picture commented that Zion and I look like "pinagbiyak na bunga", that if I didn't have pimples on my face, Zion would be my male-mini-me version. Of course, as Zion's mom, I'm happy with comments like these. :-)

Journalling: LOVE... is having you by my side always.

Credits for this layout: Cherished Kit by Kat's Creations available at Kreative Kreations Korner.

Erick & Ching @ 33

If there is one reason why I still believe Love exists, despite my not-so-nice experiences in it, it would definitely be my parents. I have seen my parents literally and figuratively grow old and mature together. Of course there is no perfect relationship, and even my parents have had their share of fights and arguments, but the good times always outweighed the bad. They may have had their rough moments, but they somehow managed to make things work, raise two stubborn kids (and now helping their daughter raise another stubborn kid, in the form of their grandson Zion), and keep the house strong. Come March 6, my mom and dad will be celebrating their 33rd wedding anniversary. It may be a long way to their golden anniversary, but I am proud to say that 33 years is not a bad number of years to say that my parents have definitely shown what Love is all about.

Credits for this layout: My Romance Kit by Caroline B. avaialable at Kreative Kreations Korner.

Neo & Apple

Last January 2, 2010, my officemate Apple got married to her fiance' Neo. Prior to their wedding, we gave Apple a bridal shower last December. We rented a hotel room in Makati, and connived with Neo so that the bridal shower would be a surprise party for Apple. It was good that Neo was cooperative and was a fast-thinker, because he was able to convince Apple to accompany him to the hotel room. Of course, there was some hesitation and doubt on Apple's part, but Neo assured her that the hotel room they were about to check was for Neo's balikbayan aunt and cousin. When they got to the hotel room, Apple was so surprised when she turned on the lights and a bunch of ladies shouted "SUFRISE!". We deliberately said SUFRISE as a tease or pang-aasar for Apple because she mispronounced this word before. To Apple and Neo, belated congratulations and best wishes!! :-)

Credits for this layout: My Romance Kit by Caroline B. available at Kreative Kreations Korner.

Simply Adorable

Last week, my family had a weekend getaway at Vista Marina in Subic, Zambales (Philippines). We spent the weekend there. It was great respite from the busy and hectic work week. I was able to spend quality time with my family, and most especially with Zion. I guess even Zion had a great time last week, as seen from the photos I used in this layout. These photos were taken at the hotel lobby of Vista Marina. Zion enjoyed the shoot and he almost dipped his hands into the mini-fountain behind him. His nanny had to rush during the picture-taking because Zion suddenly dipped his hands into the fountain.

Journalling: You simply Adorable.

Credits for this layout: Pistachio Page Kit by Tamsin McAtee Studios at Kreative Kreations Korner. Evening Sphere WordArt by Lien Clickphoto Designs.

Strike A Pose

Last December, our office had our yearly Christmas Party celebration. This year was held at the SMX Hall near the Mall of Asia here in the Philippines. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend the said celebration because of responsibilities here at home. To have an idea of what the party was like, I asked my officemate/friend Shy for some pictures taken during, and even the before-and-after shots. Here's two of the pictures she took before the party. These photos were taken at the lobby of the SMX. I was literally laughing my heart out when I saw these pics. I never realized my friends in the office had that potential (and desire!) to be models. So to Joann, Apple, and Cae, way to go ladies! Strike a pose! ;-)

Credits for this layout: Pistachio Page Kit by Tamsin McAtee Studios at Kreative Kreations Korner. Dreamer One from Dafont.com; Photos from my officemate Shy.

Home * Family * Blessing

Here's another layout which features some more pictures which I took when the year 2010 ushered in. It featured my mom & dad, bonding moments among the "tres Enriques" (my dad, my brother, and my son), my grandfather together with his great grandchildren (i.e. Zion, and my niece and nephew), my grandfather together with his grandchildren (i.e. my brother, I, my cousin and his wife); and at the center is a picture of me and my son. I must say that this new year is one of the happiest new year celebrations my family had. The kids (i.e. Zion, and my nice and nephew) were not even scared when the firecrackers started to explode. My grandfather laughed with his great grandchildren. My mom and dad were, as always, cheerful as the new year entered. My brother was quite sleepy minutes before 12MN, but we managed to "drag" him out of his bed and celebrate with us. As for me, well, I made the necessary superstitious preparations to bring in good luck for 2010 - wore red, had coins and bills in all of my pockets, and was munching on a bunch of grapes (round fruits). Hopefully, 2010 would be a lot better than 2009! Let's all hope for the best! :-)

Journalling: Having some place to go is HOME; Having someone to love is FAMILY; Having both is a BLESSING.

Credits for this layout: Home Kit by Just Jessa Designs available at Kreative Kreations Korner; IOTW Extras WordArt by Tina Chambers available at Creating Keepsakes.

Happy Family

When the year 2010 ushered in, I took pictures of our family. I try to do this every time the new year sets in. Somehow it reminds me to be thankful because my family and I had survived another year, and we are together in facing whatever comes in the new year. It is also nice to compare how we look, how we grew (or aged... hehehe...) in just a span of 12 months - most especially Zion. It's amazing to see what 3 years can do to my little angel. *sigh*...

Journalling: A happy family is but an earlier heaven. - George Bernard Shaw.

Credits for this layout: Home Kit by Just Jessa Designs available at Kreative Kreations Kornerl WordArt from Bethany Elegant Word Art.

Fun, Sun, Beach

I cannot forget Zion's first time at the beach. He was barely a year old when my family and I brought him to Camayan Beach in Subic (Philippines). My dad was quite hesitant in bringing his beloved "apo" (grandson) to the beach, because his "apong tisoy" (fair-skinned grandson) might get sunburned and or rashes from playing on the sand. So when we set Zion's beach chair, and when we got him all-dressed up with his beach getup, his Lolo (grandfather) was closely watching him. But as Zion's mother, I made sure my son had a feel of what the beach was like. I allowed him to play, walk, touch, and almost rolled on the sand. I allowed him to waddle a little in the sea water. And to my father's shock (tho' he can't do anything about it because I'm still Zion's mom), I allowed Zion to experience and have fun under the sun. Well.. I just made sure to apply baby lotion and sunblock so he won't get sunburn. A little of everything is not that bad, most especially if it pertains to the sun and the beach. :-)

Journalling: Fun & Sun @ the Beach, Subic, Phils. 02.03.07

Credits for this layout: Viva Carnaval Bundle Kit by Caroline B. available at Kreative Kreations Korner; font: Segoe Script available at Dafont.com.

Carnival Time

I guess if one would ask my son, Zion, to name those memories which would really stick on his mind, he would definitely include the day we went to the Big Red Barn in Tiendesitas, in Pasig City (Philippines). It was a fun theme park, with lots of rides for the young ones (as well as the young once). Zion definitely enjoyed the merry-go-round, the mini-ferris-wheel (wherein I rode with him - thank God it was able to handle my weight!), and the chooo-chooo-train. His godmother/my cousin Jo rode with him in the merry-go-round and the choo-choo-train.

Credits for this layout: Viva Carnaval Bundle Kit from Caroline B. avalailable at Kreative Kreations Korner.

Gigil

I joined the Sampler Challenge for January at Kreative Kreations Korner (wherein I'm also a part of the Creative Team. This was the layout I created for the challenge. Here's a link to the January Sampler Challenge.

Anyway, for this layout, I used Zion's pictures when he was just a few months old. Notice that, young as he was during that time, he already had the penchant for posing in front of the camera! And those poses weren't your ordinary poses, they showed Zion's naughty and wacky side! Truly deserving of the Filipino expression "Kagigil"!! Tee hee! :-D

Journalling: Gigil / Kagigil: a Filipino term; noun. the irrestible urge to pinch someone because the object or person is well liked or loved; adj. incapable of being resisted or withstood.

Credits for this layout: Remix Mini Kit by Wilma4ever available at Kreative Kreations Korner. Sebastian and Veteran Typewritter fonts from Dafont.com.

Through the Years

Here's my 2nd layout for the Vintage Harmony Kit (see credits below) under Kreative Kreations. This layout uses my parents' picture which was taken at the entrance of Bohol Beach Club. This breathtaking resort is located in the province of Bohol in the Philippines. The picture was taken around 2 years ago. I enjoy taking pictures of my parents.. I'm not sure why.. I guess it reminds me that despite of all the uncertainties that come with any relationships, that genuine love still triumphs in the end... :-)

Journalling: I'm glad I stayed with you... Through the years...

Credits for this layout: Vintage Harmony Kit by Caroline B. also available at Kreative Kreations Korner; Jane Austen font available at Dafont.com; Journalling comes from the song "Through the Years" by Kenny Rogers.

The Look of Innocence

This is my first layout as a the CT (creative team) member in Kreative Kreation Korner. I found the opening when I was surfing the net for digiscrap freebies and famous digital scrapbook shops. I sent an email to one of the shop owners, Ms. Wilma4Ever to ask her if they were accepting newbie digiscrappers. I gave a brief description of myself, as well a link to this blogsite and my gallery at Scrapbookflair. I was just so happy and excited that she liked my layouts, and allowed me to try being CT member in their shop.

For my first layout using one of the kits in the shop, it featured my son Zion. This picture was taken during his school graduation ceremonies last year. I'm not sure if he was nervous, or anxious, or excited. But that facial expression is surely something I would always remember and smile about.

Journalling : the Look of Innocence

Credits for this Layout: Vintage Harmony Kit by CarolineB available at Kreative Kreations Korner;