An Abundance of Little Blessings

I am happy that recently, a "positivity or gratefulness" challenge  has been going around social media. I am a pessimist by nature so it takes extra effort for me to see things in a more positive way. Since coming to terms to my being a pessimist I decided to do and act on it. After a difficult and very slow start I am happy to say that I have made progress and I am also happy to see that more people are in the same boat as me. I feel that in a world where so much negative and sad things happening,  people really need to see that there are still a lot of good things out there. There are still so many things to be thankful for!

Little blessings are abundant each and every day. To wake up each morning. To say my prayers. To have quiet times. To be updated and be connected with my friends all over the world. For the opportunity to eat healthier. For good books and finally having the time to catch up on my reading! To finally able to blog again! My kids hugging me when they sleep at night. My kids saying very beautiful and sincere prayers not for themselves but for other people. For movie nights with popcorns. For the opportunity to cook home-cooked meals on the weekends for my family. My veggie patch becoming a reality. The beautiful little flowers that blossomed in my garden. To do gardening with Sam. For Liam  getting used to doing his weekend chores minus the complaints. For warm weather. For extra time on Saturdays. To play in the park with the kids. For an ad which I saw which can help raise red flags for breast cancer.  For the kids to climb trees. For playing basketball at the park with Liam and Sam. For the physical sustenance hubby and I get every week working full time and being full time parents. For the opportunity to visit and get ideas for our future home.  For the travels we've had this year. For the opportunities to make friends. To start new friendships. To maintain old friendships. To dry my laundry under the warmth of the sun. For the music that fills the home every time Liam plays the keyboards and Sam sings with him. For the Family Daily Rosary prayers coming a reality. For the good food.  For the good reflection articles I get to read. To be up close and chat with one of the greatest OPM singers, Gary V! For not worrying about my studies and my requirements which I haven't touched for two months now!  For the full time job I have. For the affirmations of my students and my colleagues and even parents! For the beautiful sunshine. For the clear skies. For spring time. For the service. For the giggles of my children. The opportunity to ring up a close friend from overseas and be with her during a very difficult time. For parenting styles I learn from friends. For the opportunity to see, appreciate and be thankful for even the smallest things I have, around me, within me, everyday! Believe me, my list can go on and on! But aside from these, I am also thankful for the worries and stress I experience everyday which leads me back to God.

Please do not get me wrong. Of course, we are thankful for the blessings we receive. But admit it, more often than not, we tend to see the bigger blessings and overlook the smaller blessings. Personally, it took extra effort to see the blessing in the smallest of things. But believe me, once you get the hang of it, it's a piece of cake!

Everyday is an opportunity to give thanks to different things! This practice has made me become a more appreciative person and yes, less whiny. Still working on having lesser complains, but with His grace, I will eventually get there.

Let's continue to spread positivity and love to make this world and our children's future a much happier place!

What is Your Purpose?

Two weeks ago I had the chance to do an on-line retreat in preparation for the feast of St. Mary of the Cross Mackillop (Australia's first saint). The theme for day one was The Potter God.  We used the material in one of our HHPMs and it allowed me to ponder more on the message of that session.

I found myself asking these questions:

First, have I already achieved my purpose in life? I am now a mother and a wife -- two of the biggest dreams I had which were given to me with God's grace. Is this my purpose? Which actually led me to my next question: if this is not yet my purpose, then what else does God want me to do? What is His purpose for me? Is being a mother, a wife and a teacher only a part of His bigger plan?

Have you asked the same question to yourself? I am pretty sure, like me, you are also at peace and happily contented with what you have now, but have you ever thought of, what if God wants to still use you in a different way?

It has been two weeks since I have asked those questions to myself and I have found myself not even being close to answering it. I know it will take rime. I need His grace and wisdom for me to find out. As for now, I am continuously asking and seeking His will during my me-times and quiet moments. May He soon lead me to the answers. May He soon lead me to where He wants me to be.

What about you, do you know what your purpose is?

My Cup Oveflows

Today, like the previous days was another gift. Both kids are under the weather. Before, I always dreaded the time when they are both sick. But today was different. I am thankful they got sick because it paved the way for other blessings to come in. It was what I focused on more. Maybe that is the reason why I don't feel exhausted or grumpy even if I spent the whole day being a doctor and nurse to them.

The past couple of weeks have been really challenging for me, juggling my time with full-time work, work at home, studies and service. It's been chaotic alright, but I have never been at peace, have never been contented.

Everyday, after I drop off Kuya at my brother's home (my parents are currently bringing and fetching him from school), we get to pass this high spot. From there, you can see the mountains over the horizon. I am at awe. It's a special moment I look forward to seeing and feeling every morning. It is a reminder and it is at that point where I always feel so thankful. That moment when I marvel at the view, I feel God's presence. The things that I am thankful for all come rushing into my mind.

First, I'm thankful I'm alive and get to spend another day with my kids and Alvin. I'm thankful for them and how we get to show our love for each other everyday. I'm thankful, hubby and I are continuously learning from the challenges that face us, making us stronger and closer. I'm thankful that Alvin is also growing in his faith everyday.

I'm thankful for the beautiful prayers of my children in the morning when we start our day. They pray not only for themselves and their wants, but they pray for other people. I almost cried when they prayed for the kids affected by the war in the Middle East and the victims of MH17.

I'm thankful for the challenges that are making me more mature. I am still in the process of growing up, but I think I have again improved when it comes to choosing my battles.

I'm thankful for the clean air that we get to enjoy that allows me to marvel at that beautiful creation which are kilometers away from where we are! I'm thankful for the clear blue skies we have here!

I'm thankful for the safe and peaceful country my kids are growing up.

I'm thankful for the inconveniences that I meet everyday.

The last couple of weeks may be very tiring, physically exhausting for my part, but it has allowed me to appreciate more the things around me, whether big or small. I may be dealing with sick kids (like now) or a problem over at work or my on-line studies or my accreditation, thinking of how to finish off all my back log of duties at home -- but with God's grace I have now come to that state that I know all these shall pass and I need not stress or worry about it.

My cups overflows with thanksgiving.

While Waiting

I'm waiting for my files to be uploaded and I just decided to write while I'm waiting.

I've missed blogging.

I have so much to write but other things are obviously more important to spend time on.

I have missed writing Kuya Liam's half-yearly letter. I have missed writing my journey to career blessings. I have missed writing about our Snowy adventures even the lessons we've learned when we were selling our property in Manila. My adventures with the parents of my students, my accreditation, my studies...tralalala...the list goes on!

As I was just driving home this afternoon, an overflowing feeling of gratitude and peace came over me. Yes, I'm physically tired, everyday. I have never been this tired in my life! But there are so many things I'm learning along the way and many things I am cherishing each day, which I am more thankful for.

I hope to get the chance to write all of them.

God willing.

Things To Look Forward To

The last week of the term came with a lot of surprises and blessings. I was not prepared to receive them but I am just in awe on how our good Lord really works.

A week before the term ended I was actually looking forward to the school holidays. I had a chat with the boss and he said that my full-time contract expires on the last day of Term 2 as the Asst Principal will be coming back next term. I was already planning of what to do during the school break and was ready to embrace a more relaxing terms 3 and 4. But our good Lord had a different plan for me. 

In the middle of being stressed over "stage parent" with unbelievable expectations of their kid I was again called again to the Principal's office 4 days before the term ended. To make the long story short, I was asked to continue with my post not only for next term but up until the end of the year! I was overwhelmed! I didn't have any chance to think it over as they were expecting me to give my answer straight away. I knew I was in for a more challenging term since my in-laws are due to fly out mid of this month but I said yes anyway, not only for me but for the kids who are under my care. If I said no, it would only mean a new teacher will be coming in and it will already be their 3rd teacher for the year! I think I owe it to the kids.

I am just thankful that when I had the parent-teacher interviews, most of the comments I got from the parents were positive. They liked my strictness, they liked the way I am handling the class and the changes they see in their kids, their kids like me (well, I can actually sense that because I can see them responding to me and my challenges) and they like my class management. The feedback I got boosted my self-confidence and it made me accept the offer much easier. Not to mention that the set of kids I have now is such a group of beautiful kids (they are not perfect but they are sensible most of the time).

Now, aside from this huge task that awaits me, I have busied myself planning and preparing for our forthcoming trips! Yes! Even before the position was offered to me, the trips were already in place. We have one this winter break and one in Spring break. We'll go back to Snowy this winter and we're going to Perisher this time. We'll be bringing my parents and my in-laws with us. We hope it would be a more enjoyable trip this time. As for Spring break, I'm really looking forward to our New Zealand trip! Took a while before hubby and I finally decided where to go. He now wanted to go to Japan but I was not up for it especially after viewing the documentary about the government's news blackout on the real status of the radiation in the country (effect of the Tsunami). In addition to this, we will be spending more money when we go to Japan. During the time that we were deciding where to go, my contract was still not extended and with the settlement of our lot getting nearer, we needed to be more practical. I did try to convince hubby to try Cebu Pacific and fly to Manila for Christmas but hubby is not keen. He said the next time we will be going home to Manila is when one of our younger siblings finally decides to tie the knot!

I am nervous. Yes, I know that it will be more difficult and challenging for me and hubby running our household when both of us are working full-time but more than that I would like to focus more and put my energy on the other blessings we get to enjoy. I am happy that we get to travel again as a family and fly as a family. I am thankful and grateful. I am happy and excited!

Can't Wait!

It's been a very busy and hectic term.

So many new lessons about life to be shared.

So many new things to blog.

So many things to look forward to.

Can't wait!

My hands are warming up :-)

Sam 3 1/2

My ever dearest Sammie,

Mama's first letter for you this year is a month early because come next week, Mama might become a bit busier.

The last couple of months have been really special for the two of us. I have seen you grow from that little bub, slowly moving away from our shadows and now slowly having your own personality.

Mama will be starting her full time work in a couple of days and I feel guilty. I know that after my teaching block last year, I said that having a full-time job will not be an option for me, until both of you are already in the big school. That is why I feel guilty, most especially for you. Part of me is saying I am being unfair to you as when Kuya Liam was your age, I was a full-time mum. Believe me when I say I want to be as fair to you and Kuya, spending the same amount of time and attention...but our circumstances have changed. The opportunity which came two weeks ago was too good to pass and was a big blessing not only to me but to the entire family! I thank you and your Kuya for allowing Mama to get the job. For assuring me that we will all handle it and as always, all shall be well.

Let's try to make the best of the remaining precious days, okay?

How about recapping the hi-lights of the last six months?

Here are the things that I have observed, things that you did, that made me thank God everyday for giving you to us!


You are growing up to be a fashionista! I can't count anymore the number of times we had an argument all because of the clothes you wanted to wear! When you have set your mind into something, there's no making you change your mind! You are into dresses and boots at the moment. You feel like a princess everytime you wear one. Can't blame you because indeed, you are our princess.

You have started with you Physie classes and you have enjoyed it to bits! I remember there was one instance when you didn't want to do one routine because you had to shake your bottom. You were so close to tears, but you muttered enough courage and did it! Well done Sam!

You are very observant and you remember stuff with precision! I always get into trouble every time I promise you something and hope you won't remember it, because you do! I have ran out of excuses!

You now understand that rules will always be a part of growing up. I am happy that you try your best to follow them especially when you are at school.

You became a Frozen fanatic! I can't count the number of times you've watched the film, sang the theme song, and pretended to be Queen Elsa! I love your mini-shows and concerts! :-) You've even wanted to dye your hair blond and wanted to grow your hair instantly just as so you can have the same hairstyle as Elsa!

This blew my mind off...one day, after picking you up from school, you told me you had a boyfriend, Darcy. You told me a LOT of stories about him and even told me that when you grow up you are going to marry him! Alarm bells went wang! wang! wang! You didn't want to open and share the stories involving Darcy to your Papa. For you, it's a girl thing! Ha! Well, I'll try my very best to keep all our secrets, safe.

There was a time when you kept on bugging me for a baby sister. There was a even a time when you requested that our family have 5 girls and 1 boy. As if it's that easy! You were assuring me that you are going to help Mama take care of the kids, you even said that you'd skip classes so someone can change the nappies of the kids! hehehe

You are a sweet girl and I know that you are always on the look out for all of us. You might be a bully at home, but when we're out, you are always there to protect your family. When you hear me say ouch or I get into a small accident at home, you come running or ask straight away, "Are you okay mama? Do you need help? Be careful!" You will then kiss that hurt part and try to soothe it. You are like that with me, Papa and Kuya. Yesterday, Kuya was getting all upset because of his Lego Chima. You painted him something so "he can be happy again" without any of us asking you. You are such a sweet girl.

You had some bleeding episodes and though it made us worry a bit, we're thankful that it was nothing serious.

"I promise" this was your favorite line when you get into trouble (like being silly, or when you again poked my eye!) and process the whole thing with you. "I promise, I will" was what you answered when I asked you if you'd still do the silly faces that make me laugh when I'm sad or say "You're the best Mum ever and I love you!" when you're all grown up. I am hoping, you would.

You definitely made my day when you presented me an award, for "shopping, painting flowers and
butterflies." With that award I realized you were aware of the special days we spent together, just bonding and enjoying each other's company.

You are one artist. You love to paint and it took you for me to learn to let go some more of my being a cleanliness freak! I love all your creations! I m a very proud of you! I plan to continue to expose you to different forms of art and hopefully help you hone this God given talent.


Sweetheart, let me just tell you some things we need to work on...you have the tendency to compare yourself to others and rely on their approval first before you can actually feel good. Lately too, you have started to become more expressive when you do not agree or when you are upset. Don't worry, you're not in trouble, yet. Remember that you are a joy to us. A breath of fresh air from the toxicity brought about by the stress or worries we have. I love hearing your boisterous laugh, your giggles and screams. I will forever cherish each moment and thank God everyday that I get to see most of these special moments.

I love you forever.

Mama