Many Things to Celebrate!!!

In my life now, there are many reasons to celebrate and be thankful for. Last August 8, we hosted a 5 in one simple party in our Bedford home. This i dubbed as the First Party as i am very sure there will be lots of parties i will be hosting on this lovely home.




We had been thinking to baptize Baby Ali in the Philippines but the schedule was so tight by then with all the paperworks and other stuffs and we figured it out why not?Since Coco was baptized in Scotland and Cam in the Philippines why not Baby Ali be baptized in Canada? So, we did it, baptizing Baby Ali in the Bedford's St. Ignatius Catholic Church.



The Christening was officiated by Father Pat Cosgrove and attended by Godparents and our supportive family and friends. The community welcomed Baby Ali and together with his Baptism, we also renewed ours. His godparents are: Mr. and Mrs. Al Brown, Mr. and Mrs.Nathan Scott, Amanda Hillier, Naty Agdeppa, Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Craig, Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Donasco and Mr. Salvador Senarillos. May Baby Ali grow up to be a good boy, full of love and full of wisdom.




Now, another reason for celebrating is the blessing of our new home. In Canada, they call this a Housewarming. In my country, when we transfer to a new home, we invited a Priest and let him bless a new place and offer a prayer. We call this House Blessing. I did both --- we had housewarming and house blessing! I would like to thank Father Pat for coming to our place after the baptism and blessed the Father (and mother) of the house, blessed our home and our new van. I feel so blessed after that!



Now, another reason to celebrate is the birthday of my husband, Scotty and our middle child, Cam. Cam's birthday was actually July 28 but since we don't know anyone as playmates for Cam for now (we are only here for over 2 months), it is not practical to have a kids' party for him. So, we decided just celebrate his birthday on the same date as Baby Ali's christening. He did enjoy that day --- opening lots of presents and eating his birthday cake before the dessert time!!! For Scotty's birthday, it was August 10, but since it was very close to August 8 and since he don't want to do anything on his day, we celebrated his day on the 8th.




The last but not the least reason to celebrate is that: August 8 is always a special date for us. It is a date we had been engaged last 2002 in General Santos City, Philippines and wow it was 8 years ago!!! Two years ago, we had a second wedding in Canada dubbed as the 8-8-8 wedding. So, August 8 is a very special date and it is just worth celebrating!!!!

Before i end this post, i just would like to say thank you to all the people who made the party a success --- our chef extraordinaire, Winston; my sister Phoebe; my friends Coney, Ate Lourdes and Kuya Chris. Thanks to the Godparents, the Officiating priest, Father Pat Cosgrove and to my ever-supportive family and friends. Most importantly, thank you, Lord for letting me experienced a wonderful family life. There are just so many things to celebrate and You let me experienced it all!!!

Discovering Discovery Center

On Cameron's 3rd birthday,we did not do any fancy party. He still did not have many friends that we can invite, so we'll have to wait until next year for that children's party. Also, i don't feel having a party and Scotty is not here. But Scotty is coming and he and Cam can have their birthdays together!





Here is Cam turning three last July 28. On that day we did the following unforgettable things: kids rode on the bus for the first time, we ate at the Filipino restaurant, we walked in some parts of downtown Halifax, and the most special thing of all --- we learnt many things in the Science Discovery Center at Barrington Street. Yup, we explored science and technology through exciting and interactive experience.




I first heard about this Science Discovery Center from my son who loves science, Coco. Their Grade 1 class had an educational tour here before the school ends and many times he'd been urging me to go back there. I keep on telling him that yes, we'll go back. And so, we did and yes, on Cam's birthday!

The Discovery Center is a non-profit organization fostering interest in science and technology. Me, Phoebe, Coco, Cam and Baby Ali had a virtual science tour. This place houses three floors of hands-on exhibits where the emphasis is on informal learning through play and fun.

They have an exhibit about Diamonds on the first floor, specifically the Canadian diamonds which are highly valued in the world. Now, me and my sister really wish we'll gonna win that grand prize --- a Canadian loose diamond from Charm Diamond Centres valued at 19,000 dollars!!! I can only wish...

The second floor consists of many things but the best one is the Bubble Room where you can blow huge bubbles and watch them levitate around you. It was cool! The kids really liked it! They also went on the Suspension Bridge many times and Coco looks like a scientist at work while using the microscope!





This Galaxy 2 Oil Platform is located on the 3rd floor. Also on that floor, there is this Arch bridge, a maze, and a hall of fame section. Phoebe and me had a hard time cycling while powering a lightbulb! It looks easy but not really. So, it was nice, we had a work-out.







The best experience on that day is the Fire and Ice Showdown on the Theatre Room. It is an experiment where fire made interesting colors and ice(liquified nitrogen) can affect the size of the balloons or do lots of bubbles with the combination of a dishwashing liquid.

All in all, we had an enjoyable time. The kids can run around without getting much attention from other people because kids have freedom to move around as they wish on this place! Thank God! Plus, they really don't know that they are learning lots of stuff! So, yes, it is fun, educational and interactive.

I cannot think of any other activity that can top that on that day.

Cam becomes 3!!!!

When your life is endanger because you are hemmorhaging in your labor,when that baby on that labor died and brought you so much grief,would you remain the same person? Would you try for another baby?

I was fearful, i was indifferent,i was bitter, for a little while only, until,my husband said,"you are not living at all if you live a fearful life!" I was,until, i gave another try and until, we have CAMERON JOHN MACPHEE in our lives.


My husband wrote this on his facebook status : July 28th, 2007 Baby Cam entered this world and changed our life forever. His dimpled smile, laugh, enthusiastic waves, and magnetic personality have gained him so much adoration everywhere he has travelled so far (and he loves the attention). Happy 3rd Birthday Cameron!!! Wishing I could be with you today but won't be long now until I see you again. Love you Wee Man!




Born July 28,2007,Davao City,Philippines,Cam weighed 7.5 lbs and measured 52 cms. When i first set his eyes on him and heared his first very loud cry, i am complete. The pain is worth it.

Today, he is 3 years old, very well-loved, very well-taken cared of. I love you so much,my everdearest boy! Please grow up to be a God-fearing, kind, sweet, smart fella as you are.

Lastly, i wanna share here what i had put in my Facebook: Time flies and time heals. After losing a baby girl, i had this fear not to be pregnant again. But as my husband said, no point in living if you are fearful,so,we tried again & the next baby is healthy & handsome & smart & charming. Lord,thank you,Cam is now 3 years old!Happy,happy birthday to you,my darling Cameron!!!

Grandad's 80th Birthday!

This is Grandad Larry, 80 years old last April 15, this year. He is the grandfather of my husband Scotty and i considered him as grandad as well. Gramie Joyce, on his birthday party wrote lots of adjectives for him such as : Darling husband, Good neighbour, Sweet Uncle, Radical dad, Awesome great grandad, Good friend, Loving grandad, Terrific brother, and Bestest brother-in-law. Probably, i would add, the Blueberry guy, the survivor, and although he will not show it, an affectionate Grand-father-in-law.


The first plan was: made a big party for him in a hall, but he declined that idea. He is not really up to a big party. He just wanted to stay in the house and have a nice, simple, more personal lunch or dinner with family members . I cannot blame him for that, as he preferred a very low profile occasion and he is really not up to talking to lots of people on that day. He wanted a very relaxing birthday, not a
stresssful one! At 80,he survived lots of health problems even a cancer. So, he is really so lucky and well-blessed.
We know how special is the 80th Birthday for everyone, especially to Grandad Larry who we loved and adored, so our birthday gift for him is for us to be on his birthday. Hence, we flew from Scotland to Canada, most especially to be on his special 80th birthday. We know Grandad was very happy and we had a wonderful time. To you, Grandad Larry, many, many birthdays to come. Cheers to goodhealth, goodhealth and goodhealth!!!

For more photos on this day, please click http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=120141&id=734535184&l=69b8d31800

Scott and Prily's Octoberfest!

There are two major occasions last October that we had celebrated --- my birthday and our wedding anniversary. So, i invited my close neighbors and good friends here in Scotland to join us with our simple feast and "get together". My good friends, Mario and Sally helped me with the cooking. They are good nurses but equally good cooks. So, we feast on Filipino dishes such as Pancit Canton(Noodles), Afritada, Caldereta, Chicken Curry, Vegetable Lumpia(Springrolls), Beef steak, Fried Rice, Biko, Seafoods --- succulent big prawns and escabeche (sweet and sour fish), arroz valenciana, paella, chopsuey, maja blanca and pininyahang manok(chicken with pineapple). The party started at 6 pm until almost 2 in the morning. We had lots of fun. We had videoke and lots of dancing, and of course, lots and lots of eating. We are lucky to have a big lounge area to accommodate lots of guests.

Here are some of my beautiful friends who stayed until the wee hours of the morning: Cheryl, Joy, Sally, Mario, Tenny, Shiela, Mark, Jane and her daughter Isabel. Thanks for those who joined us until almost 12 midnight: the loving couples Ruchelle and James and Auntie and Uncle Derek. To my neighbors who got kids and stayed until 11 pm, thanks so much for coming. I am so pleased they loved the Asian/Filipino cuisine.


Here is our Anniversary cake. Prisco blew it for us while Cameron is busy playing with the other kids... What a party!!!! Not only that the grown-ups had lots of fun but also the kids as well.


Before i end this entry, i want to give special thanks to my husband who made this party possible and i want to thank him for doing dishes after the party is over!!!! My everdearest, you rock!!!!

Officially 33!!!

Over a week ago, i said goodbye being 32, although i am not really bothered how old i am since the time i turned 30! But now,i am double 3 and as my husband said, "you're catching up on me and you will never catch me!." My husband is over 34, going 35. But, oh well, it is not a big deal.

The big deal is this: i am 33 and is happy, is content, has peace of mind and on the best of health. I am 33 with no debt or financial liability. I am 33 with possessions i do not imagine i can have.

I am 33 and i got a wonderful, very loving husband who spoiled me to bits, caring me so much, beholding me as his equal. I am 33 and got 2 adorable boys who blessed me in many ways unimaginable.

With these things, i am so grateful. Nothing more i will ask for. I have families that care for me. I have friends that greet my day.

On my birthday, although i keep telling them, i don't need anything, still i got something --- cards, cash, jewelries, perfumes. Thanks for the best wishes from my families and friends.

I thank God for all the blessings i received. I am very grateful for everything. I know that there are lots of uncertainties in life but i would say i am a very lucky woman who had faced lots of trials and tribulations beginning at an early age and had survived those.

I am 33 and i am taking things easy, one day at a time, one step at a time.

Again, i am so grateful and thankful. Thank you, Lord for making me the kind of person i am now.

I am now 33 and the journey is still long and although sometimes the road will be bumpy and rough, i will remain happy and confident because i know there are lots of happier, more exciting times ahead.

Happy Birthday, Papa!

Today is my Papa's birthday in the Philippines, so i am missing it. To you, Papa, i wish you good health, good fortune, good family, good relatives and goodfriends! My Papa is now 54. He had been to many ups and downs in this world but it is nice to see him happy in this photo. Here is his photo together with my Mama and us during the GrandParents Day of November last year.




Again, Happy, Happy 54th Birthday, Papa dearest !!!!

Likewise, i want to say Happy Birthday also to my very close friend and relative, Ate Babes. I miss you,my dear. Wish you all the happiness in this world! To all the June 10 birthday celebrants, enjoy your day!!!!

Happy Birthday,Mama!

If mothers were flowers, you would be the one i'd pick.

If there’s somebody who made our nuclear family intact, it’s my Mama. Born April 6,1952 in Obogon, Tanjay,Negros Oriental, Philippines, she turned 56 yesterday. She had survived abused from battered beatings, survived the backbites and selfishness of her community, survived extreme poverty raising eight siblings, and most of all survived the hardheadedness and stubbornness of some of her children. She had been into deepest hardlife you can possibly imagine (I don’t wanna talk about it now ‘coz you might be crying reading it. Probably some other time...). And I don’t want her to go back to that unstable life. I want her to experience the good life because she so deserves it. She deserves to be pampered in the saloon. She deserves to be adorned with jewels. She deserves to be served with special food. She deserves to age gracefully. She deserves to be healthy and proud. Because she’s my mother. Because I owe her my life.


Yesterday we celebrated her 56th birthday. We gave her a cake and wished her more birthdays to come and more candles to blow. My Papa and Mama are a picture of happiness. Oh,how I wish they always stay like that? You know,they do sometimes quarrel! Hehehe!


We love you,Mama.! Happy Birthday from your loving children most especially from me and Scotty who both love you and care for you so much!


And here’s the picture of ever-sweet lovebirds who hadn’t seen each other for ages! Hehehe! Looks like it! We’re very happy to be here witnessing Mama’s birthday. God bless you,Mama! God bless our family!

The Night Sky of Paris

With the panoramic view of Paris all around you,with the enigmatic,vibrating charm of the sights and sounds of the city plus the mesmerizing view of the Eiffel Tower plus with someone who holds you tenderly forever(not mentioning the succulent dishes!)---all these and more are more than what anyone can wish for in celebrating a natal day. Yes,my 31st Birthday(October 2006)--- another surprise from my darling husband---a special fine dining at "Le Ciel de Paris" right at the top of the city's tallest building --- the Montparnasse Tower. The name of the restaurant is synonymous to that of "the Sky of Paris".It was my first time to eat "hare a la royale". And oh,Yes, i wouldn't forget the foie gras!

Happy B-Day to the Coolest Father-In-Law!

Today is a special day for a man who is handsome,passionate,sturdy,resolute and smart. He is a jack of all trades and a master of many things. I am a proud daughter-in-law to have him as my dad. I know that sometimes he's quite tough and strong but i know that deep inside he's a lovable person who cares so much for all the people closest to him. I know you think he's on his 40's but no and i'm not telling how old he is! He is always young at heart.

Dad, if you are reading this blog, you know what's my wishes for you. I just wanna thank you for accepting me to be a part of our family. I wanna thank you for treating me as your real daughter. Dad, we care for you, love you and think of you today and everyday. Have a wonderful birthday!

A-Days,B-Days and C-Days

ABC's may sound like very basic things but they are also very important. Call us corny, lame, cheesy, tiring, uncool or whatever but me and my husband's secret for keeping our relationship on the go is remembering special occasions and celebrating them as much as we can. Or if we could not be physically together on that date, we celebrate them on the date that is more favorable, although it is a must that we greet each other on that particular day.

Anniversary days are very important and so are Birthdays and Commitment Days(the day we commit ourselves with each other even before we got married! i know it sounds corny!). V-Days(Valentine's Days)...uhmmm...not really that much because for us everyday is a heart's day and that each day is a courting day(uhmm,i know it sounds corny again!).

We got married 19th of October and so, every 19th of the month is a special day . Same is true with Commitment Days and the date of our birthdays.

Well, since today is 19th of February, today is an A-Day. We already greeted each other. It might be corny or tiring for some, but for us it is sweet,passionate,real and one of our secrets to keep our relationship on the go. I love you,my Scotty! God bless our relationship! God bless our family!