8th Anniversary - 50th Anniversary

I just visited a site that specializes in making personalized 50th anniversary wedding favors and I love their products.If I have to wait for our 50th wedding anniversary to have a simple renewing of vows ceremony just like most people do, I will have to wait for quite a long time since we're still going to celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary next year. And if I do the maths, we'll be so old by then..hehehe!

Anyways, this site doesn't just give cute, personalized shower favor ideas. I like browsing thought their products and it also inspire me to create creative stuff like they have here. I'm just reminded that during our wedding, ( since we were in a budget) my Hubby and I made our own wedding favors and invitations. It was quite amusing because we were in two different countries during our wedding preparation so, made the invitations and wedding favors halfway, then send the stuff to Thailand for my Hubby to finish it. But then, they turned out to be beautiful even if they were inexpensive. I remember that a lot of our friends loved them because the materials we used were not found in Malaysia. Our Wedding invitation and token was actually made of capiz shell which I bought in Cebu.

Thankful Thursday 30

For this week's Thankful Thursday theme: Change

I thank God for a wonderful week! We are actually on a holiday now and it's such a welcome change from our daily routines. But even if we are on a holiday, there are still some stresses involved especially we are first time in this country, on a tight budget and we're traveling with kids. But even with these experiences, we are learning a lot of things from our loving Father. He is indeed changing us and molding from glory to glory whether we are working or even on a holiday - in whatever circumstances we maybe. But that is indeed such a comfort because we know that God wants us to be the people He wants us to be and never letting us just go on our own way.

Here are my other TT list:

• I Thank God that we're in Hong Kong right now and giving us a chance to visit Disneyland tomorrow.
• I Thank God for letting us avail of Airasia's Zero far promotion last February and just paid 560RM ( about 7000 pesos) total fare for the whole family from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong.
• I thank God for our generous and hospitable cousin who allowed us to stay in her beautiful apartment here.
• I thank God for his provision that we could go around the city and see different sites.
  
• I thank God for a very pleasant trip from KL
• I thank God for seeing the beauty of this place and HIs creation.

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TSMS- Wedding Song

We've just attended our friend's grand wedding last night and while we were there my Hubby and I can't help but beautifully reminisce our very own wedding. It was indeed one of the most special days of our lives and even if it wasn't that grand or expensive but it was indeed a blessed one.

The following song is the song that we've played ( the instrumental version) while I walked on the aisle with my parents and as they gracefully handed me to my groom. Wow! The feeling of joy was indescribable! :) But before I babble on and become too excited.. please take time to listen to this beautiful song, The Gift by Jim Brickman.

Lyrics | Jim Brickman lyrics - The Gift lyrics

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Excited for Homeschool

I haven't done any physical preparations to homeschool my li'l girl yet, but I'm now mentally preparing myself and so with my li'l girl. From the very beginning, she already knew that she'll be homeschooled so, she's actually looking forward for it already since last Friday was her last day in Kindergarten.

I'm planning to start her Homeschool in the middle of January once we're all settled back in Thailand. Hopefully the house that we will be renting in Thailand will have ample of space so, I could set aside a space or a homeschool room for her. It'll be nice if that room would be like a mini classroom with children's furniture, children's book and education toys and games.

For the meantime, let me continue reading some articles and materials to help me with my new homeschool jounery with my daughter.

Friday Photo Flashback - Maid of Honor

I had the honor to be the maid of honor for my older sister, Laureen's wedding on October 26, 2000. So, that means my sister and brother in law will be celebrating their 9th wedding anniversary on Monday. To those who doesn't know my sister is Laureen from Words from My Heart . I would like to take this special privilege to greet my sis and her Hubby a Blessed 9th Wedding Anniversary!! God bless you both and your 2 adorable and cutie kids!! Love you!

Back to my FPF entry, here in this photo I was still 9 years younger here and maybe 9 kilos lighter too! LOL!! This is one of my fave photos because I was still slim here and my sis' make up artist did a very good job in making us pretty ! :)

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To Those With Charter Digital

Are you a Charter Digital Subscriber? Then, do you know about the free On Demand service that they have? With this free feature, you can have access to over 6,000 movies and shows and you can watch anytime you want. So, if you're fond of watching 24, Prison Break, CSI Miami, The Biggest Loser and all those other series, all these can be accessed in your Charter Digital, a day after they're shown in TV. Cool huh?

And if you're a Mom with kids who are fond of cartoons like Spongebob, Dora the Explorer and other shows, your kids can also get to watch all these shows during the TV times.

We don't have Charter Digital here in our place but if we have, I would love to watch all those Travel and Living shows. They actually have these shows in the cable TV here but then, by the time I'm free to sit and watch TV, all my favorite shows have already ended. So, having an On Demand feature on Charter digital must be so cool! You can browse their site and learn more at charter.net/ondemand or you can also get updates and fun extras on Charter’s Facebook page .

Word-Filled Wednesday: Romans 8:28

Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose."

A recent event this week has left me regretful of one thing I haven't done. I thought that it was because I was negligent that I missed one 'blessing' for us. But then as the days passed by, I soon understood the reason why that 'blessing' has been missed. There was actually a greater one that was in stored for us. If we didn't 'missed' that 1st opportunity, then we wouldn't have taken hold of God's higher plan and purpose. Indeed, God works for the good of those who love him..even if at that specific time we would have thought otherwise.. and at the end, only His greater plans and purpose that truly prevails! Amen!

Lyle's Birthday Bash

Yesterday must be our li'l boy's happiest day. It was his birthday party! Unlike his first birthday when he still couldn't understand much of what was happening, yesterday was entirely different. He somehow knew that it was a party for him and was dancing and giggling the whole time. It was such a joy to see him filled with such excitement and delight!

Oh, I just praise God for our li'l boy. I could remember the joy in our hearts when we found out that the life inside my womb was a small cutie boy. I always get amused whenever I recall the time when we asked our Thai doctor to confirm whether our baby is a boy or a girl, he didn't say a word but just smiled and pointed at the cute thingy sticking out. LOL!

And now, he our boy is already 2 years and we continually thank God for letting him grow up well, for protecting him and he is just a joy to us.

We praise God for giving us wonderful kids and it's our prayer that we wil be able to nurture them and train them the way God wants us to.

So, before I get more sentimental here, I would like to share our li'l boys kiddie party yesterday.

No, he's not doing karate, he is dancing!!:)

New Wardrobe !

Just a few days ago, I was looking through my closet and was quite confused what to wear. It's not that I have a lot of clothes but I was more confused because most of my clothes were either too old or not appropriate for the hot weather. At the back of my mind, I was just hoping to have new clothes. We don't regulary buy clothes, most of our clothes are given to us and if we do buy, we buy more for our li'l ones.

And true enough, God does meet even the simplest desire of our hearts because just yesterday a friend of ours came and she brought us clothes! She actually brought 2 big bags of clothes but only 9 blouses ( including blank t-shirts) and a skirt could fit me. LOL! So, now I have new shirts, blouses and a skirt which I really love the designs and the styles. Thank You Lord!

Now, it's about time to say good bye to some of my old clothes ( blank t-shirt and other blouses) and find a new home for them. Actually, we really need to do some sorting out and give away some clothes and items before we go back to Thailand in December.

And speaking about clothes and shirts, there's this site which I've come across that sells t shirts wholesale. It's a pretty cool site especially for those who might want to go into t-shirt business or those who need to have blank shirts for company uniforms and the like. I've also read that this site is also the best place to find big and tall hip hop tees. Finding these sizes are quite difficult so getting a site with these sizes are quite a relief to some. You might want to check out the site now.

TSMS 2- Every Move I Make

As I am writing this post, the music that we had this afternoon for our li'l boy's 2nd birthday party is still ringing in my ears. This song has actually been my kids favorite song and they always wanted this to be played whenever we are in the car.

I love this song too, because it reminds us that the only reason for our being is God... our every move, our every breathe, our every step is in our God.




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Free Vs. Paid

I love free things! I guess that is why I like to join contests and give aways because I could get things for free. But sometimes free things are not always the best. Most of the things you get for free somehow have some kind of limitations. Take for example the free business cards offered online. Because it's free, the designs are limited and you won't actually get the specifications you've always wanted. If you are one of the perfectionists, then free things are not for you. So, for your business card needs, you can always check on some sites that has affordable rates but with endless variety of designs.

Word Filled Wednesday- Matthew 21:16

Matthew 21:16

.. From the lips of children infants you have ordained praise.

It's amazing how children can be easily taught how to pray and worship God. But that's simply because God has already ordained praise in their lips.

For more Word Filled Wednesday entries please visit Lori at www.allyouhavetogive.com

The Bible Through SMS

' Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light on to my path'

Do you want to be encouraged through God's word even through your handphone? It is possible now with today's technology. You can sign up through TheBibleNow.org, pay a small monthly fee and you'll receive daily verses from Bible.

Getting started is easy, all you need to have is a cellphone and you're off to a start with daily encouragement and inspiration through God's word. And by the way, 90% of the proceeds from your monthly membership fee is donated to other faith-based organizations. It's indeed a great service as you can also be a blessing to other faith-based organizations. So, check out www.thebiblenow.org .

Through It All

Through it ALL

This song always brings tears in my eyes because there's a memory that is attached with it. We sang this once for worship in the church 5 years ago. That was the time when my father was still sick with cancer. He was still able go to church but he couldn't talk nor sing anymore since his cancer has already spread from his throat. I was worshipping God with the congregation and singing this love song to HIm during that difficult season in our life when my father was sufferiing and sick. When I opened my eyes, I saw my father who was just standing in front of me. He was lifting his hands high, heartfully 'singing' and worshipping God even without his voice but with complete peace and joy. I could never forget that image,.. even without his voice, even in times of pain and suffering, my father was still able to lift his hands, worship God and declaring that our God is faithful.

I was just so blessed to have a father whose faith was so strong and whose and heart was just so near to GOd. Indeed, God is faithful and he carries us with His loving arms..never letting us go... no matter what season we are in our lives we may be right now. And now, my father is with God experiencing the truest form if worship to God in Heaven.

iLASIK Video Contest

You could win a 5,000$ worth of prizes by simply joining the " You Gotta See This" iLASIK Video Contest contest. All you have to do is to make a video showing the impact of improved vision, for a chance to win cash and prizes. There are 3 video categories to choose from:

• “My contacts are getting in the way of my good time”
• “My favorite sport or activity would be so much cooler with better vision”
• “You should see life after the iLASIK® Procedure”

And once you've created your video, you can spread the word and ask your friends to vote for it. The video with the most votes win the grand prize of 5,000 $ selected from all video categories. While there will also be 3 First prize winners who will win an HDTV package(a $2,500 value) — one per video category. Lastly, three Second Prize winners will win the Flip UltraHD™ camcorder (a $199.99 value) — one per video category.

With a lot of prizes waiting, I'm sure there are more chances of winning. So, get your camcorders ready now, stir in a bit of your creativity and start shooting your way for the " You Gotta See This " Video Contest. If you're planning to join, just buzz me and I will surely vote for you!:)

Sick But Still Active

Our li'l boy is sick again. He has been having cough, fever and flu for the past days. When we went to have him checked in the clinic, the doctor said that he has mild asthma.

Actually, when we were in the Philippines a few months ago, another Doctor also suspected him to have asthma but she really didn't confirm and just asked us to just observe his condition.

So, for our li'l boy we have to avoid a number of things now so, his condition will not worsen. We have to avoid dust, powders, lotions, extreme cold, extreme activities and etc. I'm just praying that he will be healed because it's really difficult if he grows up with asthma. He's a very active boy and his actions will really be limited.

As of now, our li'l boy is feeling much better compared from two days ago. One thing with him, even if he is not feeling well, he can still jump around and move a lot. We'll.. boys will be boys..:)

Looking For A Job? Then, Update Your Look First

Is there a connection between getting a job and updating your looks first to get a job? Yes, there is. I've just read an interesting press release from Gillete which explains the relation between both.

Just recently a survey was conducted of more than 500 HR professionals revealed that 84% of HR professionals agree that well-groomed employees climb the corporate ladder faster than those who are not well-groomed. When it comes to first impressions, ninety percent of HR professionals place more importance on being well-groomed than even a firm handshake. Hmm.. and all the while, I thought that the hand shake was the most important 'first impression'.

Why? It's from the fact that being well groomed projects self- confidence and interest in the job while those who appear on an interview being unkept projects lacks of professionalism and is uninterested with the job.

Updating your looks doesn't mean you have to wear an expensive suit but by being well groomed, clothes to have great fitting and a clean shaven face. Anyways, there are more great tips on getting a job or getting ahead on the corporate in the Gillette Career Advantage site. You can view great Gillette Resource Center to really keep you ahead with the others. You might want to check it out yourself.

Happy Birthday to My Nanay!

Proverbs 29: 29-31

29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Today is the 69th birthday of my Mom and I would like to dedicate verse above for her. Today's Thankful Thursday is also for her as I'm just thankful to God for giving me a Mom like her and I'm most thankful to God for giving him more fruitful years.

--

My Nanay has indeed been a great mother not just to us but as well as to our cousins, friends and church friends. For she truly has such a loving, motherly and generous heart. I think that's why it's easy for other people to call her Nanay as well. Can you imagine that even the people who deliver our drinking water call her Nanay as well? That's how motherly she is to everyone. :)

One very attribute that I admire from my Nanay is her strength. Her faith and commitment for God is just so strong that even though what circumstances may bring but she would be unwavered. She is even my constant encourager whenever I share to her some of our family's concern. Indeed, she is not just a Nanay but a friend and prayer partner at the same time.

I believe that Nanay's strength comes from God alone. I see more of it even after my Tatay passed away. A few years ago she visited us in Thailand and willingly traveled all by herself from Malaysia to Cebu. It was her very first time to do that but she did it and we are so proud of her. I'm sure my Tatay would also be proud of her courage and strength.

No one can surpass my Mother's heart of generosity too. Even if she only has enough but she is willing to share what she has to anyone who needs something. That is one very reason why God has blessed her so much.

My Nanay is not just beautiful from the inside but from the outside too. My friends whom she has met for the first time couldn't believe that she was 65 years old ( 4 years ago) when she visited us in Thailand. She doesn't look like her age. We would jokingly say that her secret is Oil of Olay, which she has been using for decades. She's also updated with the latest trends and fashion and would always smell so nice.

That's my Nanay.. I'm just blessed to have a Nanay like her...

Happy Birthday Nay!! We love you so much and we are blessed to be your children. God has indeed given us the best!!


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Sings My Soul Saturdays

My Hubby just came from Nepal and last night we had a very long chat regarding everything that he has seen and experienced during his 9 days trip. Some of the stories that he shared were heartbreaking while some were very touching..like people are just so hungry for God's word that they would walk for 10 hours to attend an evangelistic meeting, like children during the Vacation Bible school were heart fully crying out to God and receiving Jesus in their lives.. Wow! Amazing work of God!

But as the team left, they all had the same question... truly, the harvest is plentiful..ready and ripe for harvest.. BUt "WHO will go??".

If only we have more than one body and can commit to different fields at the same time..

And from our long talk last night, the following song has ever since been ringing in my ears.



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New Furniture

This is a sponsored post.

Last week, a big truck stopped in front of my mom in laws house. In it is a big beige couch that is given to my mom in law by her friend. The couch looks very nice. And when you sit on it, it's very soft and comfortble and you wouldn't want to get up anymore. I also like the modern design of the couch.

I love furniture with modern and contemporary designs. I've just browsed through a site with exquisite Modern Furniture . You can find great designs for your living room, bedroom, kitchen and all the parts of your house.



Back to my Mom in laws couch, it's such a great blessing to have generous friends. And do you know that this is the 3rd sofa set that has been given to her by friends? :)

Homeschool

I can't believe that it's already the month of October. This means that we only have 2 months to prepare for our li'l girl's homeschool. We are actually targeting our girl to start homeschool in January.

It's a blessing that we met the homeschool teacher in Camerons 2 months ago, she not only gave us some ideas about homeschool programs but she referred a good forum for Homeschooling parents in Malaysia as well. So, I joined the Yahoo groups HomeFrontier and asked about the different homeschool programs avaialable. Several parents replied to the questions I posted about homeschool programs but I was most impressed by the 3 parents testimonials' on the Sonlight curriculum. And last night, as I went through their site until 3 am, I was drawn to the Sonlight curriculum and feel that it's a program that would most likely fit our daughter.

Though nothing is certain yet but I am very excited. I still have to take one last look of all the different programs again and then make the final decision. And for the meantime, we are praying for God's favor and provision for us to get all these materials.

Find Everyone in One Place

My Life is America's number 1 people search engine. It's the where you could find everyone in one place. So, I also tried out this site and tried to look for my friend whom I haven't seen in years. So, I typed her name, her approximate age and clicked searched. And there I found her name had 4 matches. Hmm.. I wonder if she is one of the four people matched. If I really want to find out more and view the complete profiles, I would have to pay a small amount of money. I won't do that for now but I'm just contented to know that she's still somewhere out there. But now, at least I know where to go, if I want to reconnect or find out more about a long lost friend or relative.

Do you know why MyLife is America's number 1 people search engine? It's because there are thousands of sources within this site, from Facebook to Linked In, My Space, Twitter and a lot more. So, you don't have to jump from site to site to look for a friend, a relative or maybe a lost love but My Life would do it for you. You might want to try it.

FPF- JS Prom

This is my first time to join Friday Photo Flashback. I thought that I won't have the chance to enter this meme because I don't have my old photos with me, but just recently, my High school classmate posted our High School pictures in Facebook. So, here it is..



This photo was taken during our Junior-Seniors Prom in 1992. Wow! I can't believe that was more than 17 years ago! LOL! Writing '17 years ago' makes me feel so old now. Anyways, this was High School life and it was truly a fun time.

Thankful Thursday 26

It has been quite a long week for me.. but I thank God for His grace and strength. Indeed this week has been quite challenging as Hubby was away to Nepal. As mentioned in one of my previous post, it has been a time of breaking and molding from God.

Here is my list of thanksgiving for this week:

I thank God for his grace and strength daily. It was not easy to take care of my two active kids without my Hubby. You see, you got no one to take turns with when it comes to disciplining, feeding, putting them to sleep and etc. But I survived!:)

I thank God that my Hubby is back home safe and sound. He did come back with praise reports of all the great things that God has done in the villages of Nepal.

I thank God for answered prayers are coming our way! Wohoo!!

I thank God for my kids' unconditional love, that no matter how many times I reprimanded them the past week, they continue to cling unto me and never fail to tell me that they love me.. sigh!

What about you? What are you thankful for today? You might want to join us next week.