That Big Kilig Feeling: Plants Edition

My husband isn't a big romantic guy with big romantic gestures. OK, wait. He did ask some of his then-cadet friends to paint my name on a white blanket and hang it for everyone to see that a certain Denise is loved by somebody from the academy. He also left a big, big stuffed toy in my apartment in 2007 as his Valentine's gift. Remember, Bobbie? I like that he bought a mouse to remind me of his big ears. Haha! He organized our civil wedding in 2010. As in, I just bought our clothes and went to the Mayor's office to marry him and be Mrs. Rayala. That day made me feel like a real queen, despite the simplicity of everything. Also, he bought me a pink Samsung point-and-shoot camera for my birthday two years ago. He bought that when we were having a fight. Imagine that! 

*flips hair*

I'm gonna blog my best this year!

I told myself I'd be ready for whatever challenges this year might bring but since I'm God's fave chick, He surprised me with good things instead. Faith is my word for 2014. So far, in truth, I haven't lost faith ― in my Master and Personal Saviour, in my husband, in my daughter, in my friends and in my readers. But I almost lost faith in myself a few days after I declared my word. I was thinking of going back to work [out of home] so I could feel "that fulfillment" of spending my hard-earned money, "that honor" when a stranger or a relative asks me what I do every day and "that appreciation" I get for a job well done. Really, a SAHM's life has its complexities. It comes with dedication... and boredom... and worthlessness... and sadness... Oh wait, I'm blogging! It's not that boring. I am worthy to you, who reads me every time I post something here. Sadness is a choice made by unhappy people, I am deciding to be happy because I have no reason to be sad. And perhaps, that's why God gifted me with something blissful. I shall tell you about it, soon. Ooh, I can't wait. 

6/52

"My daughter's photos, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Since my husband's car was housed in the repair shop for a few days last week, he was also at home to become a daddy-nanny. Aside from washing the dishes for me, helping me out in the kitchen and looking after Pepper, he also took charge in reading Pia her bedtime stories. Here, they're reading Piggy Book by Anthony Brown. I think, one of my daughter's favorite books that she wants her Tatay to read to her. She adores him, which I find really, really amazing! She gets kilig whenever she knows he'll be coming home. I hope when she gets to choose her boy in the future (of course when she turns 30 lol), if not better, I hope he is as good as her father. ♡

Drama Mama

"If you don't need me, let me know so I could go back to work!" 

That was what I told my daughter two days ago during my first biggest meltdown of the year. It was past midnight, she was still super active and totally ignoring everything I told her. And the icing on the smashed cake? I was really, really, really tired. Chores and PMS... who wouldn't just wish to rest? 

Sunday at the Rumble Yard in Trinoma

I scheduled our past Sunday for the second leg of Rumble Yard: The First Action-Inspired Kids Event hosted by DC Shoes and Res|Toe|Run held in Trinoma. I tagged along Lollies and Lipsticks and her son Elijah with us. While at the car, on the way to the venue, we briefed the kids that we will play there and would have fun. While we were doing that, I was secretly praying no one will go hulk (the worst would be me). 

5/52

"My daughter's photos, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Pia welcomed our new furry addition to our family with shrieks of excitement-slash-fright. She was originally uncomfortable being around dogs and cats, small or big, for a reason I'm not so sure of. So when the opportunity to own this cross-bred pup came, we didn't think twice about it. Right now, our 2-month-old furbabe and my daughter are finally playmates! They both enjoy each other's company. We named this Spitzu (Japanese Spitz and Shih Tzu), Pepper, after the character Pepper Potts in Iron Man trilogy. Can't wait to share with you more #piaandpepper stories. ♡

Let Us Help Rebuild Visayas

I was given the chance to witness the launch of one of the biggest campaigns to help rebuild Visayas after Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan, international name) hit the Philippines last year. I decided to go to the event, despite it being scheduled on a weekday, because spreading the word about the campaign is the least that I can give to the victims of the typhoon.

Coca-Cola Philippines teamed up with Philippine Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity for this project hoping that more people, in and out of the country, will donate and volunteer to help the victims of the devastation.