Today would have been my late father’s 63rd Birthday but the way we count it just had to change and instead we keep track on how long we have been missing him all these years. Well it has been 10 years. I wonder how different our life would have been if he was still around here with us.
Earlier, Mama and I went to visit his grave, offered him some prayers, flowers, lighted candles and told him “Happy Birthday.” I wish I could hand him a gift like I used to do but I know now he already got more than what he deserve long time ago because he‘s exemplary and a great father, he will always be to us.
I know I’m late again (things has been crazy these days) but still I want to thank some people (friends and families) who took time to flood my Facebook wall with warm greetings and messages during my birthday four days ago (that’s on the 18th), thank you so much.
Mr. John Knopp, a friend of mine made sure he won’t miss it so off to my Facebook page he said “happy birthday” way ahead of time which I find so sweet. A day before I also got this greeting card from Jobstreet.com – an Asian job portal site where I am a member for years now.
And on my birthday, Vix Parungao – a blogger friend sent this cute e-card my way.:)
All these are unexpected and I thought they’re very heart-warming gestures so for that I am grateful.
I didn’t have a fancy celebration... never have had any from the past, in fact; I only stayed home and spent almost the whole time exchanging words with online friends. To give highlight for the day, my family and I had lunch together. It was Saturday so everyone was there. And though it was nothing festive, I still enjoyed it somehow. Above all I am grateful to the big guy up there for every bit of grace he had given me for thirty four long years now. Praises are all HIS.
It's my late father's birthday today. It has been 9 years since he passed away and he could have turned 62 already should he be around.
So like the usual we went to visit, lighted some candles, offered flowers and prayers for him earlier today. We've had lunch together after at home. Thanks God for the gift of memory and compassion. It has been 9 years but he is still remembered in exactly the same way as we did in the past.
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Today also marks the 3rd year of this blog's custom domain - onlinememorylane.com. This was the very first and the only custom domain I bought through Google Apps - that's before I've learned about Godaddy.com where I bought all the rest of my domains.
I quite have issues remembering important dates like blog anniversaries. That's why buying custom domains is much easier for me when done during significant dates like birthdays or the country's official holidays like Labor Day, Philippine Independence Day, etc... So three years ago today, on my dad's birthday came also the dawn of Onlinememorylane.com [the former onlinememorylane.blogspot.com] in the blogosphere.
Just sharing here some new pictures of me and my girls. Today my second daughter, Naureen is celebrating her 9th birthday... everybody sing a song... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! That's it! I love you so, dear.
Naureen - the birthday girl
The proud mama and the birthday girl
Lastly, there's Naureen with her older and only sibling, Kate
She's still in school right now but tonight is gonna be her night. I know not typical for kids of her age to hold a birthday party at night but that is it. That's how she used to celebrate her birthday since she will be in school for the whole day and none of her birthdays really fall on weekends or holidays, LOL!
She's my niece, Elijah. We used to call her "jaja" back in Cebu. Now everyone in the house calls her "Onin". The new name comes from my other niece, Inah who was still learning to talk at the age of 3. I can't remember where exactly the word came from but everyone seems to adapt it well anyway.
At two she's already very chatty. And because she's fun to listen to, she has everyone's attention every time she speaks. She loves to mock a lot.
She can be the sweetest but like any other child she has tempers too at times. However, what I enjoy and love about her most is the comfort she can (effortlessly) bring each time I feel bad about something. I don't need to seek it from anywhere or to no one else because having her alone is already comfort enough. I believe the rest of my family also feels the same towards her. She's such a sweetheart!
Among us three she has the sweetest tooth so this sweet love box of sweetest goodies is obviously for her. Along with the sweets are two multi- purpose pouches... actually one for her and one for her Ate Kate.
Here's a quick story about the gift box... During her Ate Kate's birthday last year, I also gave her exactly the same box just with different contents. When we shopped for their school supplies at the mall about 2 weeks ago, we passed through the section where this box and lots of it were displayed. I didn't know she noticed it until she whispered something on to my ears... she wanted the same box on her birthday. Hahaha! She didn't even request for what she wants inside it... it's just simply the box! Anyway, can't blame the girl for wanting it. I, myself admired the way it is made too... durable, functional and decorative so she can use it anyhow she want after consuming all the chocolates in it.
Sshh! I just call him big bro but he's actually my younger and only brother.
At home, he's our cook (an excellent cook), my nieces' best friend and our protector since he's all the man that our family has after Papa left us years ago.
He turns 31 today. To celebrate, we just had lunch together earlier (courtesy of big sister) and he went out with friends shortly after. Hmm, what should we expect? Boys will always be boys. It's nothing new to us. He's an adult and can take care of himself fairly well.
What else could I wish for him aside from good health? I know everyone in the family wishes him the same.
Last night I asked what her wishes are for her birthday tomorrow... "Stickers (lots of stickers!), baked mac & cheese, cake and ice cream!" she whispered back. Hmm... (thinking) no fried chicken?
This morning she woke up with a bag full of surprises from Nanay (that's how she calls her lola, my mama). There's her stickers, chocolates, and assortment of kiddy stuffs. The other day I bought her a new pair of clothes that she can wear today and before leaving for work this morning, Tita Joyce handed her some cash for her ice cream so wishes are at least now half granted as early as 6am today, LOL! Tito and Tita will be working for the rest a little later. This time, the birthday girl is busy dallying with her cousins on what her special day would be like today.
Ops! Bernadette's her name, by the way and she says thank you ahead for who so ever would drop by and wish her a happy birthday :D
"Hi baby, I'm home! " "Sitting here waiting and thinking of you" "I miss you" "You sleep well" "Hugs and kisses"
These and many more heart-warming offline messages are what usually greats me each morning I rose from bed to turn my computer on. Coming from a man's so passionate heart that's deeply care for her girl. I'm talking about no less than my dearest JK.
Today, it's my turn to compensate not by sending offline thoughts but by making a space here in my blog to let him know that he's so much loved and that every little effort of sending me short notices every now and then is very much appreciated.
And here's more for you, sweetheart on your very special day...
Ssshhh! there's going to be a surprise birthday party that is waiting for him when he gets home from work today so I better get my alarm set now. I don't wanna miss the fun!
Happy birthday, kid. I knew this is your favorite, lol...Love ya!
Just for the information of everybody, JD is the author of Out of Nowhere. He loves car a lot so basically, the page is all about vehicles. By the way, JK and I also co-authored the page and we hope you can visit us there, too :-)
I have read an interesting story that talks about "attitude" in general. This morning, as I rose from bed, I remembered one line from the story that says: "Each morning when you wake up, you have two choices... whether you wake up in the good mood or you wake up in the bad mood".
Thinking of so many things that I need to get done today , I decided to wake up in a good mood. At this time (3:26 pm) I already have at least 70% of my pending online activities done. Before I finally jump to my last agenda for today which is blog hopping, let me plug some interesting activities here first.
I'm sure many of you have known Lainy better known as Scotty's Princess. One of the so many blogs I love to visit. Aside from the fact that we both came from the same region and we speak the same native language, it is her way of articulating herself, her opinions and brilliant ideas that draws my interest to visit her blogs as often as I can. Not to mention her warm accommodation every time I vent some blogging issues to her on some occasions. I think many of our friends here have already proven her kindheartedness...In fact, her Birthday Bash Contest which she and her generous sponsors had prepared for everybody can justify it further!
Yes...you heard it right! Everyone is invited to join @ Lainy's Birthday Bash Contest. Deadline of submission of entries will be on the 28th midnight, (Philippine Time). Join now and let us make Lainy's day an extra special one.
By the way, for the information of everybody, Lainy also authored these blogs:
Someone's very dear to me is turning a year older and celebrating his birthday today. I feel a bit sad coz we could have had celebrated this occasion in one place together if only things happened the JK and Nancy's way. But I always believe things has to happen in its own ways and time. We still have each other, tho. We still somehow had some fun talking online, sharing same thoughts like we always do.
Once he asked me... what made me love him... and I simply told him... it's because he is what he is. I knew he wasn't satisfied with the answer I gave him. But sweetheart, you are a very wonderful person, with a soft and a very warm heart. I know you're not perfect... No one is! You got every share of life's miseries no one could ever imagine but still you manage to teach me how to live a hopeful life. You taught me how to take things and and let them happen the positive and the subtle way. For me you're truly a man and I love you... I really do!
Maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had, and what you've learned from them, and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated... Happy Birthday!
Over time, this page has been filled with postings on several topic. Today, I would like to spare a special space on this page for one of the most important little one... KATE, my daughter on her 7th birthday today. You had brought so much incomparable joy to me that that no one could ever give. I'm so honored to see how much you have grown into a real darling and how you responsibly take care of your sister...Happy, happy birthday baby... Mama loves you so much!
If there is something one cannot do without, it is mother. Father loves her, daughters imitates her, son ignores her, salesmen thrive on her, motorists hurry around her, teachers phone her, and the woman next door confides on her. She can be sweeter than sugar, more sour than a lemon, all smiles, and crying her heart out - all within any given two-minute period. She likes sewing, detective stories, having her birthday remembered, church, a new dress, the cleaning woman, father's praise, a little lipstick, flowers and plants, dinner out on Sunday, one whole day in bed, crossword puzzles, sunny days, tea, and the newspaper boy. She dislikes doing the dishes, father's boss, having her birthday forgotten, the motorists behind her, spring cleaning, Junior's report card, rainy days, the neighbor's dog, stairs, and the man who has supposed to cut the grass. She can be found standing by, bending over, reaching for, kneeling under, and stretching around, but rarely sitting on. She has the beauty of a spring day, the patient of a saint, the appetite of a small bird, the memory of a large elephant. She knows the lowest prices, everybody's birthday, what you should be doing, and all your secret thoughts. She is always straightening up after, reminding you to, and taking care of, but never asking for. Yes, a mother is one thing that nobody an do without. And when you have harassed her, buffeted her about, tried her patience, and worn her out, and it seems that the end of the world is about to descend upon you, then you can win her back with just four little words, " Mom, I love you. "
A belated piece for my mama on her birthday (October 9). I love you, Ma!
