Lord,  we rejoice on this day, our wedding anniversary. We invite You to fill us with Your Presence. May we always remain grateful for the sanctity of this holy union.

Our path has not always been strewn with roses. We have had our share of difficulties. But they can never outweigh the blessings that You have bestowed upon us.

Thank You, Lord for drawing us together.

Thank You, Lord that our love has grown each year of this union.

Thank You, Lord that our respect of You and each other has increased with each year of our togetherness.

Thank You, Lord that we are both committed to our wedding vows.

Thank You, Lord  for the time You have granted to us, and we humbly ask for continuance of days.

We celebrate Your wisdom in designing marriage and we thank You for each other. Grant that we might continue to be supportive and respectful to one another.

As we honor Christ as the head of our household, we can freely ask for Your blessings.

We thank You as we recognize the value of our spouse in Your Kingdom and how we contribute, and we pray that You revitalize us day by day to keep this marriage strong and Godly. May we never fail You or one another.

We are praising You for this wonderful celebration and we are thanking You, in Jesus’ name for this day, this year, and all that is yet to be. Amen

Petitions for today’s rosary prayer :

for the complete and speedy recovery of my mother who is sick;

 for the good health and happiness of my parents;

for a happy and successful future of my son;

for financial assistance;

for a happy, peaceful and prosperous family life;

for the health and happiness of all family members;

for the repose of the soul of my aunt Adalia;

blessings and forgiveness for all who wronged me ;

for all those who are less fortunate than us, for the sick, the old, the orphans, for world peace and for the clergy and all religious people.

Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us .

I’ve been away from the blogosphere  for some period of time  due to work and domestic chores. On the last day of 2007, we had a chance to move around the city and spend the day at the park. 

Year end at the park, enjoying the warm sun, cool air and watching pigeons.

JM happily chasing pigeons.

Chatting with dad at the end of the day’s trip at the park.

I had no access to the internet on your birthday yesterday, the 14th , but better late than never. Happy, happy birthday mom and many more to come ! We love you !

Below is  my Christmas wish list. I hope and pray they all come true.

1. that I have a chance to go and visit my parents and siblings in my home country next year ;

2. that the Lord may continually grant my family happiness, peace, health and prosperity in the coming year ;

3. that orphaned and abandoned children all over the world be loved and cared for and not forgotten especially this special time of the year ;

4. that the Lord grant me and my husband a long , healthy life to be able to support and care  for our only  child and guide him in his growing up years ;

5. that my son grows up to be a good Catholic and a  well educated and successful individual with a compassionate heart for the less fortunate ;

6. long life, health, happiness and prosperity to my parents and siblings ;

7. a stable and happy married life ;

8. worldwide peace ;

9. physical and spiritual strength to face life’s daily problems and challenges ;

10.  many Happy Christmasses to come

This gigantic Christmas tree dwarfed me as I knelt  taking its picture. Beautiful !

Delicious looking ginger bread house . Yum !

My son JM has grown this much from a nine month baby boy I held in my arms nine Christmassses ago.

I treasure every moment spent with my son,  a few years more he won’t be the same as this nine year old boy posing in front of the ginger bread house.

 To my dearest son. Here are the things that you always do that makes me truly happy :

1. when you come home from school and immediately do your homework without being pushed ;

2. when you eat the vegetables served at every meal without complaining ;

3. when you comply with your bedtime and say your prayers before sleeping ;

4.  when you oblige to help in house chores during your free time ;

5. when you clean up every mess  you make and keep your toys at the designated place after playing ;

6. when you assist at Sunday masses ;

7. when you watch movies with me on weekend evenings ;

8. when you talk to me when you have problems and difficulties ;

9. and lastly , when you give me a kiss and a hug to tell me that you love me.

I have a new nephew ! My sister Belle gave birth last November 15th to a bouncing baby boy named Uriel. His birth gave a total of five grandchildren (4 boys and 1 girl) to my mom and dad. Baptism is scheduled before new year and I’m one of the godparents. Welcome to the family and God Bless Baby Uriel !

JM’s toys and books shelf.

How do we motivate our children to read ?

1. Think Outside the Book

Your goal is to get your child to think of reading as a useful, fun activity, not a chore.  If you have a comic-book lover, introduce him to graphic novels. Books that combine illustrations and text, often with sophisticated visuals and storylines motivates reading in children. Other ideas: Print out interesting articles from Web sites or share movie reviews — as long as it’s a sustained reading experience, it counts.

2. Get the Card

“Rediscover your local library,” If you haven’t been in a library recently yourself, you might be surprised: Today’s libraries are vibrant places. Many have special programs for children , offer lists of recommended books, and are staffed by specialists who are just as invested in getting a great book into your kid’s hands as you are. And remember, it’s totally appropriate for 9- to 12-year-olds to select their own reading material.

3. Create a Reading-Rich Home

“Choose a specific time — after dinner, on a Sunday morning, or before bed — when everyone in the family reads. “  If you don’t put reading on the schedule, it will get lost in the shuffle of your busy life. And reading should be for everyone, not just the kids. Keep in mind, however, that this doesn’t have to be quiet time. “One sad fact is that once kids learn to read independently, parents usually stop reading to them,” Buck that trend by starting a family book night. Vote on a book (or rotate who gets to choose) , then take turns reading it aloud by paragraphs, pages, or chapters. Finally, make sure books, magazines, and newspapers are available throughout your house.

4. Write a Happy Ending

If your child reads four or five books on his school break , chances are when he returns to school he’ll be reading on grade level . If, as a family, you make reading an integral and valued part of your daily life, you’ll increase the chances of having an avid, passionate reader.