Happy Birthday DS

Today marks my dear son, Migs's birthday. We are blessed because God has given us a son like him. Though he is already called a "tween", he is still the same, sweet son I bore 12 years ago. Halloween wonderfully became Hallelujah to us, becuse God blessed us with a son that memorable day on October 31st.



All that he wanted to do for today was just to eat out. But we surprised him by bringing him first to IMAX to watch a good movie -- Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole.



It was quite expensive, but well worth it when we saw the kids's wide smiles and excitement glued to their faces. The kids long wanted to watch an IMAX movie, but DH and I somehow always stalled that request for its price. We wanted our IMAX experience to be more special than just catching a movie on a huge screen with movie images flying out to your seat. So today was a very special day, and we went all out for Migs.



We ate an early Pizza, Pasta and Caesar Salad dinner afterwards in Sbarro, and later bought Migs's favorite, to-die-for Mango Tart from Conti's Pastry Shop and Restaurant, before heading home. Of course, we also wanted Migs to blow his cake. :) The kids wanted to have something to go with the dessert, so we took out yummy KFC to go with it. See what having someone celebrate his birthday in the family can do to our appetites!



After our post-dinner chicken snack and candle blowing, Gina gave her big brother a card she made. It was very sweet of her to give him a self-made present. Look at the smile on Migs's face. :)



I wanted to publish what the inside of the card said, but Migs would not allow it. So I respect his wish. But for now, this is how the card looks from the front...



...and the back. "Kuya" means Big Brother in Filipino... :)



I praise and thank God for this day. Dear son chose it to have it simple, but the simplicity made it more special because we were together as a family. Times like these I treasure a lot in my heart.

Happy 12th Birthday, Migs! This is our prayer for you: "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for everyone else, just as ours does for you." ~From 1 Thessalonians 3:12. Always remember that we love you very much. :)

This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

My Dancing Queen

Dear Friends,

I would like to introduce my dear daughter, Gina to you. She is 8 years old, and is just starting to learn how to blog. I would appreciate it if you could join me in welcoming her by visiting her own site, DANCING QUEEN. Am sure leaving a kind note of encouragement would thrill her. :)

Yes, she is our little dancing queen. She has been into ballet since she was 4 years old, and is currently studying the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet syllabus in STEPS Dance Studio.

She is happiest when performing onstage, and that is why we always remind her that someday, she must use her talent in giving glory and honor to the Lord. May she grow up to be a woman beautiful in God's eyes. :)

A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
Proverbs 31:10-31

Stories From My Garden

I thank God for this special day. Once again I feel nostalgic and at the same time hopeful for more blessings to come after this year.

One year ago today I celebrated my birthday and opened Like Showers On New Grass. I had the wonderful opportunity to bond and fellowship with some of the most amazing Christian ladies around the world through cyberspace. Seems like only yesterday, but I actually completed 52 weeks of writing about my hopes, and dreams, and prayers to the Lord.

I am celebrating my birthday again today. And I am also opening this new blog; this time, to share a slice of my simple life with you. My name is Anne, and I am a Wife, a Mother, and a Teacher.

Like my site's title, I want to tell you about Stories From My Garden. And by that I mean from where I am planted by the Lord. Though I do not really have a real garden in my home, I am always praying to have one someday.

Hence, this garden is a virtual one. I always daydream about sipping a tall glass of iced tea and sitting on a white wicker chair in a wooden porch, overlooking a garden filled with fragrant flowers.

I am hopeful. I know that someday, God will grant me that elusive garden. For now, this virtual garden will suffice. May you be blessed, may you visit again, and may we be friends forever.

In my garden there is a large place for sentiment.
My garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts and dreams.
The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers,
and the dreams are as beautiful.
Abram L. Urban