Mother's Day Celebration 2014

I am thankful that in a year I get to celebrate two special days just for me; my birthday and Mother's Day. This year was my third time to celebrate Mother's Day. I am not the type who would always want to get all the attention (but it doesn't hurt to be noticed once in a while) to myself, although I must admit that I really love to be surprised (happy surprises of course). Yesterday was just one of the few and simple (but meaningful) surprises I received from my husband. It was Mother's Day Celebration. He just came from his out of town trip that morning. He didn't tell me whether he had plans or what his plans were on that day. He even forgot to greet me (hahaha) when I came out of our bedroom to greet him "Good morning" and welcome him back. Sweet thing though was, he bought pancakes and coffee for me.

It was a Sunday so we went to church. While listening to our pastor's sermon, our daughter asked me to accompany her to go outside. My husband went with her instead and allowed me to just relax and enjoy listening to the preaching of God's Word. After sometime, I heard my daughter calling me, "Mommy, look! O-pop (referring to her lollipop, given to her from the Sunday School class). Look Mommy, flower. " as she handed me a white tuft of crepe paper with green handle/stem. It was a "project" from the SS class which was done by my husband and our baby (for mothers). It's nothing grand but for me it was the best "flower" I have ever received yet for the simple reason that it came from them and lovingly made by them.

the best Mother's Day flower

Then after the worship service, my husband asked me where I wanted to have dinner. I told him, it's up to him, though I was tempted to say, "Surprise me!" Haha! We got that from Ratatouille. So he asked me if I would like to eat at Chilli's. Wow! I said, "Sure!" For some, Chilli's might be their everyday go-to for lunch or dinner. But for us, we go there once in a blue moon, that is, during special occasions only.

Chicken Crispy Salad and Chicken & Beef Combo for hubby and me; Crispers and Fries and Orange Juice for our li'l fashionista

It was a very simple, special and sumptuous dinner. It was a meaningful celebration. Celebrating Mother's Day for the third time now has made me realized that it's not the fancy dinner (although there's nothing wrong with it) nor the lavish gifts (let me say it again, there's nothing wrong with it) that make the celebration special. It's the reason/s why you are celebrating it. As for me, I celebrate Mother's Day because:

After 4 years of marriage and 2 miscarriages, God remembered me. I have a God who has never forgotten me.
He saw my tears. He heard my cries. He gave me a promise. He opened my womb. Mother's Day for me, is a celebration of thanksgiving, an offering of praise and gratitude to the Giver of gifts, the Promise Keeper, the Miracle Worker.

I have a husband whom God has chosen to be the father of my child.
My husband may not be the handsomest, the brightest nor the richest (all according to the world's standard but of course for me, he is the -est of those adjectives, heehee. Yes, I'm in love with him. Haha!), but He is God's best for me. I celebrate Mother's Day because I have someone to call "my husband" whom I share responsibility with in raising our daughter. I am blessed and glad that I get to celebrate this occasion with a husband by my side. I am not alone. I am a mother and he is a father. :)

I have a daughter who calls me "Mom".

I am a mom because of you.

These three things are my reasons why I cherish every Mother's Day; celebrating it with thanksgiving to the Lord and with the loves of my life. For me, that's what matters most.

How about you, moms? How did you celebrate our special day? I would love to hear from you.

I Heart Being a Mom

Hello there! I'm back to blogging world after what seems like forever. I definitely miss writing. And though my hands are full right now (hubby is out of town for work), I know I need to right. What better way to start my blogging adventure again after a long hiatus than to write a topic that is very close to my heart... Being a mom. So, here I go!

Last month, I shared with you why I love being a mommy. I gave my top three reasons why it's great to be a mom. Also, I mentioned about an event that would allow me and other mommy bloggers to meet up with expectant moms of Nazareth Home. Three days ago, I was privileged and blessed to be a part of this gathering. 

It was conceptualized and organized by JLo, a mommy blogger herself. It was a pre- Mother's Day Celebration cum baby shower for the new moms and moms to be under the care of Kaisahang Buhay Foundation. KBF is a non-government organization that offers different programs and services for the welfare and development of expectant single moms and their children. Aside from providing the basic needs of these moms (like shelter and medical necessities), KBF also meets their emotional and spiritual needs by rendering counseling.

Food, Give-away, Donation, Etc.

I was happy to be able to meet great people and adorable babies. I would say that everything (food, give-away, donation, program) and what transpired that afternoon were good. Two special people (mother and son) though tugged at my heart, made me cry and gave me these insights.

It matters not whether it's your first or eighth baby; a mother is always a new mom when a new baby comes.
 
Mommy H is not a first time mom. She has already 7 children from a previous marriage.She entrusted them to her mother's care back in the province so she could work in Manila and provide for them. Then it happened. She got pregnant by another man and although the man was man enough to take full responsibility for what had happened, she couldn't agree with him to live with him and "leave" her 7 children. More than a week ago, she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. And just like every "new mom", she wants the best for her baby; has big dreams for her little man and wanting to give him the best that she could give.

A baby is always a blessing.

I believe that babies are like mornings. They are God's way of telling us that He has not given up on us (mankind) yet. Therefore I say, a baby is always a blessing, no matter what. The newborn babies were the first one to greet me when I entered the door of Nazareth Home. My heart melted as I looked at them. So precious. Then I got to meet and hold the little man of Mommy H. He is so handsome! As much as Mommy H loves him, sadly she cannot keep him. She has lots of "what ifs" in her mind. However, she is thinking of entrusting him to someone or a couple who will be able to provide for her little man. With this thought she is also hoping that one day she will see him again. As I listened to her, my tears just welled up in my eyes and began to trickle down my cheeks. I could feel the pain inside. Looking at her baby I felt like he was my own and couldn't bear the fact that he'd be taken away from her. All I could say at that time was, "You know, baby ____ is a blessing to you. Let's ask the Lord to show you what His perfect will for you and baby ___. I know He only wants the best for both of you."

Adorable Babies

One can always extend a helping hand.

Although I brought some "gifts" for the "girls" of Nazareth Home, at that time I felt like those were not enough. More than the material blessings, I believe they also need emotional support and spiritual guidance. Before I said goodbye to Mommy H and her little man, I offered to pray for them. I knew it was the best gift that I could give them. I also assured her that I would be praying for her and the baby even after that event.

When I came home I told my husband about the event and my one-on-one moment with Mommy H. I expressed my desire to go back to Nazareth Home and give whatever we could to Mommy H and her little man. I'm so blessed to have a husband who does not only believe in me but supports me. One of these days I'll go back to Nazareth Home together with my husband and our baby.

I Heart Being a Mom event was a new and first one for me. I am so thankful that I had been chosen to be one of the mommy bloggers to witness (and blog) it. Thank you JLo for making this possible. Heartfelt gratitude also goes to those who helped and supported this event.

Sisters' Sweetness

M Catering & Fine Foods
Party Boosters
King Sue Ham
KidiKraft
Tickled Moms
Digital Filipino

Mommy Bloggers together with Ms. Mae (Resource Speaker)

I hope that this is not the last. I am looking forward to seeing (and being a part) of more cause-oriented and blog worthy events.

Why I Love Being a Mom

I am a fan of beauty pageants. Ever since we had a television set, I together with my Ate would always watch beauty contests (international or local) on TV. One of the Ms. Universe pageants that I have seen was in May 1994. The most coveted beauty title and crown was given to Sushmita Sen. Does anyone of you still remember her? I have never forgotten the question put to her: "What is the essence of a woman?" I believe she gave a most poignant answer. She replied: "Just being a woman is God's gift". The origin of a child is a mother, a woman. She shows a man what sharing, caring, and loving is all about. That is the essence of a woman." 

As I have understood it, the essence of a woman is being a mom. Being able to carry life in your womb, protect that life and give birth to a tiny (not to mention cute) living creature that will change your life because at that moment when you see her/him and hold her/him in your arms, suddenly love, care and sacrifice have new meanings. That was what I felt when I brought forth my daughter into this world. It was a special and beautiful birth. And I know that she is mine and I am hers.

Being a mom is not just having a kid or kids in tow. As I have always said, it's not an easy job; it's hard work. But as someone said, you don't consider a job work if you love what you're doing. So, you don't consider mommy-ing a work if you love doing it. Well, I love doing it. Although sometimes, as a human being, I still need to take a break just so to keep me sane (You can read here how I stay sane as SAHM). So, if it's not easy why do I still love being a mom? Here are my reasons:

Being a mom is a miracle.
I don't know if you have read my post on breastfeeding. I mentioned there that I didn't get to be a mom right away after the wedding. I had two miscarriages and my third pregnancy was not without prayers and tears before it happened. So when the day finally arrived that the Lord remembered His promise to me, my husband and I were in tears. We treasured every single day of our pregnancy journey because we knew it was a miracle.

Maternity Photo by Great Image

The other night, right after our dinner, I looked at some of my stuff and saw one of my preggy pictures (photo above). Our baby saw it and began asking questions. One of the questions was, "Baby, mommy (where's baby, mommy)?" "You're inside mommy's tummy, baby.", I replied. Then she looked at it again and looked at me. She said, "Ahh, mommy? Amazing!" And I believe she is right, being able to carry a baby inside of you, that is, being a mom is indeed amazing.<3

Being a mom is a privilege.
I always hear our church pastor say this, "Hindi po lahat ng babae ay mabibigyan ng pagkakataon or pribilehiyo na mag luwal at mag aruga ng sanggol. (Not all women are given a chance and privilege to give birth and take care of a baby). I agree with him. For me, when I was told by my ob-gyne that I was indeed pregnant, aside from feeling so ecstatic about it, I felt so honored and privileged to be chosen as the bearer of this wonderful baby. It's not because she is someone special or great. It's just the thought of carrying a child in my womb. What an honor! <3

Being a mom is a blessing.
From the olden even biblical times, it was always thought that married women were considered blessed if they were able to bear a child and give birth even to just one. Remember, Sarah (the mother of all nations), Rebekah (the mother of Jacob and Esau), Rachel (the mother of Joseph and Benjamin), Hannah (the mother of Samuel) and Elizabeth (the mother of John the Baptist)? All of them had been barren and then eventually blessed with children.

Simple baby shower given by office mates

Gifts for my little fashionista

I consider myself blessed because I am a mom to our little fashionista. In fact, I feel like I have never been blessed before the way I am being blessed now. From the time of conception until today, everything has been faithfully provided to us and to our little one. But more than the material and financial blessings, it's the blessing that you can't see or touch but you can feel. It's the unexplainable sensation you perceive inside. That kind of blessing cannot be compared or even paid. <3

Smart Parenting Baby Shower

Bringing home some freebies

My loots from Pregnant Pause sponsored by Mommy Mundo

Felt so blessed to be bringing all these stuff home

On May 7th, a group of mommy bloggers will gather together to meet and support the expectant mothers of Nazareth Homes. We are enjoining everyone specially mothers out there to promote and endorse this cause. If you are interested to be one of the event sponsors, please contact Jennifer Lopez Gana for more details. Thank you so much and I hope to see you there. <3