Important in the Life of A Child

Last March 26, 2011, my little man "graduated" from his Nursery class. I made sure I had no appointments that day, made sure that no phone calls to come in for work will happen. All my attention was on my little man, my son, Zion. And it was a good thing, I made time for it. My little guy was awarded the "Mr. Pure Energy" special award for his energetic and active participation in class activities. I surely blushed when I heard cheered and applauded when his award was announced. After I pinned the ribbon/award on his shirt, I hugged him tight, and joyfully whispered "I'm so proud of you, my baby". I guess I will never exchange moments like those for any amount of treasure or wealth. Even if my son only graduated from Nursery, as his mom, I felt it was also my achievement. And though I know there will be rough moments ahead as Zion enters a big school next year, I know that WE CAN make it through. :-)

Journalling: A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child. - Forest E. Witcraft

Credits for this layout: Dream Big by Scrap Indonesia / Aprilisa Designs; Wordart from Bethany's Elegant WordArt;

February 2K11 Calendar Layout

I was asking my brother if he could spare me a picture of him and his current girlfriend for my February calendar layout. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to get the picture from his girlfriend. I thought of using a picture of my parents. However, since they will be celebrating their anniversary this coming March, I just decided to use their picture on my upcoming layouts on March. So, this left me thinking what picture I could use for my calendar layout. I scanned through the pictures in my computer to check if I could find any. I chanced upon a picture of me and my son Zion. Hmmm.. the month of February is indeed the month of love. But I guess, Love is not limited to the romantic kind. A mother's love for her son can be considered one of the most beautiful and most priceless kind of love. ♥♥♥

Credits for this layout: Strawberry Nirvana Kit by Maurine Stettler; WordArt by Word Art World;
Calendar Template from Miss Mint 2011 Calendar Stamps .

You Are My Dream

I was taking care of Zion today, as he is not feeling well. We went to his pedia earlier and found out he has sore throat. No wonder he was complaining about his painful throat the entire day. As I was giving him his medicines, I tried to look closely at Zion. At almost 5 years, Zion has grown a lot. He has developed physically, emotionally, and even mentally. As I listen to him speak, I realize that I am truly blessed having Zion in my life. As I am a dreamer, my son Zion is my greatest dream.

Journalling: How fast time flies, my son... To me it was only yesterday, when you were still a baby, cuddled in my arms, finding peace and happiness in my simple and hushed lullabye. In a span of four years, you have grown so much. Now, I look at you with wonder and amazement. In a span of four years, I see the grace of God unfold. In you, I realize why life is beautiful and why it is worth living. I thank God for you. I am a dreamer and your are my greatest Dream...

Credits for this layout: Imagine Kit and Simplicity Kit both from Little Angels Designs .

Under the Christmas Tree

I had the rare chance to stay at home today, rest, and do some digiscrapping. It was a miracle to think that Zion's nanny was on her day-off today, and we had to go out earlier just to attend the 4th day of the anticipated Simbang Gabi mass (i.e. Midnight Mass). And since Zion's nanny was on a day-off, I had the chance to spend some quality time and bond with my Zion. How fast time flies. Just some 3 or 4 Christmases ago, Zion was still a baby whom I had to carry just for us to have a picture under or near the Christmas tree (see this layout when Zion was still about 6 months old). After 3-4 years, I don't need to force him to pose near or under the Christmas tree. Since then, there is no need to beg or prod Zion. He voluntarily poses in front of the camera. In fact, he is the one asking me to take his picture. There are even those moments (like the picture I used in this layout) wherein he asks me to join him in the picture.

This picture was taken during our visit to Vista Marina in Subic, Zambales last November. There was a giant Christmas tree in the hotel's reception area, wherein everybody had their pictures taken. As expected, Zion was a very willing model/subject in my attempt to play with my camera. And since Christmas is a time for love and family, I didn't hesistate to have my picture taken with my little man.

Credits for this layout: Christmas Cheer Kit by Connie Prince available at Gottapixel.

Everything About You

As I've mentioned in my one of my most recent posts, the main reason why I bought a DSLR camera was my son, Zion. For this reason, when I got my DSLR camera, he was also one of my first subjects in trying out the various features of the cam, especially the continuous shooting mode. I really find the continuous shooting mode a very great help especially if I have to take pictures of Zion while he is performing in school.

The pictures I used in this layout were from the "test shots" I took while exploring the features of my DSLR camera, most especially the various scenes (including the very challenging Manual mode) and the continuous shooting mode. The set of pictures on the upper right corner were the shots I took using the continuous shooting mode. I was quite delighted with the way the camera clicked continuously and the way it was able to take successive pictures of Zion, that if I scroll through those pics, it would appear as if Zion was actually moving (like the way they create cartoons!). I'll try to experiment and explore the other features of the DSLR camera. Hopefully, I'll get to post more layouts in the future using the pics taken from the cam. :-)

Credits for this layout: Little Star Freebie Kit by Andrea of Here A Scrap There A Scrap; WordArt from Random Thoughts by Linda.

In Your Eyes

It has been some time since I created a layout which featured my son Zion. I was busy creating layouts which featured my friends from my former workplace, the places I visited last summer, and some family layouts, but not Zion solo. So for my layout today, I am featuring my son Zion. The close-up shot used in this picture was taken during Zion's 4th birthday party last summer. It was taken by my officemate-friend Shy, who served as the party's photographer.

They say that all kids are beautiful, especially in the eyes of their own mothers. I know this may sound conceited, but I really do think that there is something in my son's stare that can make me really feel fulfilled as a mother, and as a person in general. Perhaps it is my mommy-side that is speaking, but everytime I look at those pair of small brown eyes, a certain feeling of peace, happiness, and fulfillment settles in me.

Journalling:
In Your Eyes
... i can see my dream's reflections
... found the answers to my questions
... i can see the reasons why our love's alive... You and I
... we're drifting safely back to shore, and I think I finally learned to love you more....

Credits for this layout: Mango Tango Kit by Delicious Scraps; Larger Mine, Segoe Script, and Howser fonts available Dafont.com; In Your Eyes song by George Benson; Shy Arizala for the picture.

May 2K10 Calendar Layout

How fast time flies. My one-and-a-half weeks vacation has come to an end. Back to work. Back to reality. Nevertheless, I can say that I had a great time during that short respite from work. I was able to process and obtain my Solo Parent ID (yehey for additional 7-days paid leave from work!!), was able to have a foot spa, was able to watch Ironman2, was able to travel up north to Ilocos (one of the northern provinces here in the Philippines), and most importantly, I was able to have some quality time with my family and my son, Zion.

Now back to my digital scrapping world. :-) The month of May is usually devoted to one of the most important women in our lives - our mother. Today, March 9, is Mother's Day. For this reason, I chose my Mom as my model for my May 2010 calendar layout. My mom went with me during my trip to Ilocos last April 30. Despite having a hard time walking, she managed to take care of her 2 children (my brother and I) during that loooong travel to Ilocos. One of the first places we've visited was the Bantay Bell Tower in Ilocos Sur. It was really a landmark that should never be missed when one visits the said province. More Ilocos pictures to come in my next layouts!! :-)

Credits for this layout: Family Ties Collab Kit by Jak-ART-a Scrappers; Love WordArt by Thaty Borges Designs; Calendar Template by Peppermint Creative;

Put Your Head on my Shoulder

I am on the 3rd day of my vacation which started last Monday. As I've mentioned in my previous post, I took some time off from work, to relax and unwind, to take care of some things here at home, and of course to spend some quality time with my son, Zion. I remember the last time we had a real mother-and-son bonding time was during his Moving Up activity from Toddler Playschool. He was awarded the Little Mr. Newscaster award because of his fondness for talking and telling interesting and funny stories to his teachers and classmates. After the school activity, we had a small celebration. It was also my brother's graduation from high school, so my Mom and I decided to have a sort-of double celebration - for my brother's graduation from high school, and Zion's moving up from Toddler Playschool to the much formal level of Nursery (this coming June). Since it was loooong and hectic day, Zion was really exhausted at the end of the small party. As expected, after all the hustle and bustle and his being hyperactive, he would end up carrying him, as he slowly dozes off to sleep while resting on my shoulder.

Journalling: Always remember this moment.

Credits for this layout: Sahabat Lama Kit by Jak-ART-a Scrappers; Moments WordArt by Agnieszkag;

Little Angel of Love

Zion is excited nowadays. Aside from it's summer, and he is on vacation, his birthday is just a few days from now. He will be turning four years old. Usually, the family takes him to church to attend a thanksgving Mass, then we treat him to a small "gimmick" or dinner wherein noodles or what we commonly call "pancit" is always part of our order. We do this, as a superstition or a family tradition, so that the birthday celebrant will have long life and a lot more birthdays to come.

The picture used in this layout was taken during Zion's birthday celebration last year. It was sort of a candid shot, taken without him knowing it. He's not really in deep thought in this picture, he was just starting to get tired and sleepy. :-)

Journalling: Little angel of Love...

Credits for this layout: Sweet Childhood Collab kit by Jak-ART-a Scrappers; Between Heaven & Earth Wordart by Feli Designs.

April 2K10 Calendar Layout

For my April Calendar layout, I chose my son Zion (nicknamed Zeegyboi) to be featured in the calendar layout. Aside from April being his birth month, Zion always watches whenever I create my digiscrap layouts. When I feature other people in my layouts, he would tug at me, and say "Mommy, lagay Zion picture!" (Mommy, put Zion's picture). So this time, I called him while I was creating my April calendar layout, and asked him whose picture is on the layout? He gleefully answered, "ZION!!". So to my dear son, it's your time to shine in this month's calendar layout. Advance happy birthday!! :-)

Journalling: it's your time to shine... Zeegyboi

Credits for this layout: New Beginnings Collab Kit by Jak-Art-A Scrappers

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;

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.

This Moment Together

I am really happy whenever there is a chance for me and my son to have our picture taken together. This seldom happens even during family outings because I'm the family's official photographer. I take pictures of everybody, and I'm quite meticulous about the poses and the angles from where the shot is taken. Unfortunately, there is a downside to this duty. Whenever I want myself to be photographed - either solo or with my son or with the rest of the family - I have hard time giving instructions to whomever will be taking the shot. In addition, another downside would be I have less pictures than everybody else. And the "saddest" downside would be, I only have a few pictures with my own son. Zion would have more pictures taken together with his grandpa, grandma, my brother (his Ninong - godfather), and even his nanny! This is the reason why I really make it a point to ask, or should I say require, the last person with whom Zion is photographed, to take a picture of me and my son together. I make it a point to make a deal with that last person, that I would only take their picture together, if he/she, in return, would take a picture of Zion and his mom together.

Journalling: This moment together... this moment together...

Credits for this layout: Sweet Harmony Kit by Letiscrap available at Digiscrapmania Shop; Just a Moment WordArts by Choukette (http://http//ledigidechoukette.blogspot.com) available at The French Frog (http://digital-crea.fr/shop/).

Reason for Believing

I was going through Zion's baby/infant pics, when I chanced upon those pictures that were taken immediately after he was taken out of my tummy (I gave birth via C-section). Funny as those pics may appear, it made me realize how fast time flies. The little infant before is now an active, funny, sometimes-naughty, 3 year old boy. Three years ago, I may have doubts on myself on how I would raise him, given the circumstances surrounding my pregnancy and his birth. I know it wouldn't be an easy task. But when I saw his angelic face when I first visited him in the hospital's nursery, I knew and believed God wouldn't send an angel like Zion, if He had no plans and means to help me sustain my son. As my former boss told me, "There is a reason and purpose why God sent Zion into your life. You just have to believe and have faith in whatever that reason and purpose would be.".

Journalling: Zion Enrique Gabriel * April 23, 2006 .... You're my angel... the reason I believe.

Credits for this layout: Calming Down Collab Kit available at Aprilisa Designs; Fairy Essences Challenge... Angel WordArt by Designs by Helly; Love Letter font from Dafont.com;

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.

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;

My Christmas

Zion had their annual school Christmas party presentation last December 16. Since I was busy the past days, I was only able to upload the pictures from my camera to the laptop today. I was going through the pictures, as well the videos I took, when I noticed that how fast time flies. Unlike last year when Zion cried (or should I say wailed) during the Toddler Class' entire presentation, this year he was more cooperative. Even if he wasn't able to follow all of the gestures his teacher showed, the least he did was to walk around and laughed while the "Kumukuti-kutitap" song played in the background. Compared to last year's crying session, this year was more presentable and more pleasing to the camera. My son is indeed growing up. *sigh*... Well, as his mom, I just wish that when he grows up, he'll learn the true meaning of Christmas and why we are celebrating. :-)

Journalling: My Joy... My Love... My Christmas...

Credits for this layout: Merry Christmas Collab Kit available at Digiscrap Mania Shop; Love and Hope Kit by Jaelop Designs; Swenson font available at Dafont.com.

Motherhood: A Calling

When I was still in my teens, I never understood the arguments my mom and I were having. As a typical teenager, I wanted my freedom and I cannot understand why my mother was soooo overprotective. It is amazing to watch and know that despite of the numerous arguments my mom and I had in the past, my mom is still always there for me (and Zion). When Zion came, it is only then when I understood Mama (my mom). It is only then when I understood that motherhood is calling - a calling to love and nurture unrelentlessly. I know I could never repay all the love, affection, patience my Mama has given me. But I know that I can "pay it forward" by showing the same amount of love, affection, and patience to my own son, Zion.

Journalling: Motherhood - a calling to love and to nurture...

Credits for this layout: Mommitude Kit from Miss Mint Designs available at Peppermint Creative;

Your Smile

My 4-day birthday vacation is about to come to an end today, as I return to work tomorrow. Back to work. Back to 8am-5pm programming. Back to deadlines. Back to reality. Back to stress and tension. There are those times when I think back and regret having taken this degree back in college having known that my passion was really in writing and that the creative side of my brain was, more often than not, dominant than the logical side. I guess the only thing (or being) that keeps me from throwing in the towel is Zion, my son. At the end of a grueling day at work, I look forward to going home to see and hear my son's smile and laughter. His smiling face and naughty chuckle is a soothing therapy after a rough and tough day at work. I am thankful that I still have work that feeds me and my son. But funny (or cocky) as it may sound, I think my work should also be thankful to my son. He is the reason why I wake up early in the morning, why I try to complete my deliverables, why I exert maximum patience with my tickets, why I try to be civil with some unruly people, why I strive to work hard as I could.

Journalling: Peaceful is when I see your smile.

Credits for this layout: Calming Down Collab Kit available at the following : Aprilisa Designs; Blue Orchid Digiscrap Designs; Nona's Creations; Pixeliliy Designs; Tritya Creations; and YantiScrap

A Letter to Zion

Zion and I were left at home today while the rest of the family went out to do the grocery. I was staring closely at Zion while he was busy playing with his PSP. How fast time flies. It was only today that I realized that Zion is no longer a baby (though I still call him "baby", and he still thinks he is still a baby). He is slowly growing up to be a little boy who's eager to explore the world. I know soon, he will ask THAT dreaded question. Sooner or later, he will notice how he's different from his classmates and from other kids who have a "normal" family setup. Oh well.. I guess I'll cross the bridge when I get there. Besides, I have been preparing for it since day1.

In my layout today, I created a personal letter to Zion. He may not be able to read it now. But I know someday, he'll be able to. Hopefully, when that time comes, he'll be able to appreciate everything and every effort I have done for him.

Journalling:

Dear Zion,

Time flies so fast. As if it was only yesterday when I learned that I will be given the chance to bring forth life. It was a mixture of fear and excitement. Fear because I know this will not be easy for the two of us. After all, we've only got each other to rely on. Excitement because I know we have a lifetime of smiles, laughter, and happiness to look forward to.

Now you are three years old. The glow in your eyes and that cheerful grin had always helped me get through every grief, sorrow, and heart ache. You are the reason why I look forward to every sunrise. You are the reason why I brave all hardships at work, and why I strive to do my best in everything I do. You are the fullness and fulfillment of my being and my existence. I thank God for sending you into my life. I love you Zion.

~ Mommy ~

Credits for this layout: Fall Collection 2009 by Kevin and Amanda; Strawberry Nirvana Kit from Let Me Scrap; Happiness WordArt from Feel the Love Collection - Petit Lips;