Just the way it is...

Where did the days go? I can’t believe we’re on the last Monday of the month already. Just two more leap and here comes jolly December! Yea, kids around never fail to make December a merry one. Personally, it is what Christmas is all about – the kids.

It’s funny because I really don’t feel like putting up a tree this year. I have in the past with wrapped presents for everyone under it. This time, this lonely wreath is the only adornment I can think of using so far. It’s an old wreath from last year and I am hanging it on the same door again this year.
Oh geez, I am just feeling so lousy again that I couldn’t get motivated to do things that needs done. Or is it probably because I have been hinted I may not be getting anything this Christmas? Ha-ha-ha! Oh but come on, isn’t it just disheartening? I’d rather not hear it!

No but seriously, it doesn’t matter if I get something or not from whoever this Christmas really. I am so used to it… but not the little girls. I promised they will have what they wanted for a gift this year and that is what I’ve been so hardly trying to work on. My girls are everything to me and there’s no way I will break their hearts on purpose. And as for the decors, I may still have to add some to it. I just can’t figure out what yet… maybe lights. Oh well… let’s see.

Hello and Happy New Year to you all (though I'm a bit delayed). 2009 has finally ended but my leftover posts for that year have been piled up and were still left unshared. Like I said I didn't get a chance to blog so much about the past season so before I begin with my 2010 entries, let me give way first for this one time post featuring my month-long holiday celebration along with my family.

Like any other kids and kids at heart, I got a Christmas present too. But mine came in way earlier... as early as 11th of the month. As shown it's a 10 megapixels Kodak Easy Share M1033 camera. Along with this in the package are Christmas cards for me and my family and of course presents for my daughters and nieces too. Thanks to the ever generous and big-hearted JK for being our Santa last Christmas.



Then there was our tree! Not my typical type of tree but the nearest store available runs out of white trees so we had green with white tips instead. Silver and blue for the ornaments but these colored poinsettias fascinated me so I picked them as well.

On the 12th, we (my family) except my brother went out to see lights and nativity scene display right in front of our municipal hall. It has been a tradition that people here in our locality do look forward to each year because it features a grand fireworks display during its opening night.

The girls super enjoyed everything they saw around. Thank God my new camera came in just right on time. I didn't know it would make me pretty little models, LOL!

I never asked them to pose like that! Hahaha!

Mom and I were on our way to hear a rooster mass or commonly known as Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi here in the Philippines during its first morning on the 16th when I took this picture below.

I was hoping to see clouds but this is all what my camera could capture.

Sick and not feeling well but still I attended the Avon's party for mom on the 19th. It was a whole day event she could have just let through but her ticket entitles her for lots of prizes and giveaways so I went as her proxy and I was so glad I did.

I brought home with a roughly hundred dollar worth of prices plus Avon products for giveaways. I also received a special award for mom.

She didn't know about it so it amazed her as soon as I handed her the plaque.

Finally here are some pics of our kids on Christmas Eve...

The girls enjoyed no longer the food but the lights they lit and the fireworks they heard and saw around.



Of course we fired crackers too having big brother as the in-charge.

Welcoming Christmas will never be complete without them. Not a safe practice though but we were always praying no one would get hurt.

Well that wraps up our December 2009.

True that Christmas really means family and I am grateful that somehow my prayers were heard and that's... not to celebrate Christmas alone ever again.

Assumption Academy of Compostela (my beloved Alma Mater and my mom's second home) for bagging the 2nd place in last night's final judging of Christmas Belen (nativity scene) contest sponsored by the Local Government Unit of Compostela. I believe the live performances of the characters from Mother Mary, Joseph to the baby Jesus and the angels was their winning edge.

Hello there! 7 days to go till Christmas. Am I really excited about it? Okay, call me a doomsdayer but I really wish it's over before it could even start. I so wanted a perfect Christmas with my family, that's it... and I have a feeling this time it's not going to be what I've hoped for. My family's been what Christmas means to me and if I have to take risk at any rate, I would for them. But yea, like I said there are still 7 days and who knows... things may change along the way. I just have to be hopeful about it.

I felt unhappy I wasn't able to be here to wish everyone a Merry Christmas yesterday. Though I have said, I am not looking forward for a merrymaking, deep in my heart I still thought of peaceful and safe celebration for everybody.

I was thinking of letting it pass just like one of those ordinary days but last night my boss surprised us with a little get together party. Obviously, we don't know about it. We shared dinner together with her family, had a drink and she gave us holiday favors as well. As soon as I came home, JK was there waiting to spend his time with me so it was nothing awful at all.. and that wrapped it all up. I get to spend Christmas with some nice and special people. Plus, I got to talk to my mom and my daughters back home as well and I'm glad to know that they're all fine, healthy and happy.

There is nothing I could ask for...

...though it's a bit late, still Merry Christmas to everyone around here:-)

This year's holiday, Sears along with the various non-profit organizations has established a charity program called Sears Heroes at Home Registry. This program is especially designed to provide support to over 30,000 military service members, veterans, and their families to help them make their Christmas wishes come true.

It often is difficult for our heart to remain at peace when some members of the family is far away from home. When we know our loved ones are in constant danger. So even if they are not physically with us on Christmas, let us try to include them in our prayers and in our plans so that they will feel as close as possible to us this holiday season. And since Christmas is all about love and family, I am encouraging you to donate at Home Registry. Let us give thanks to them and for their service and ultimate sacrifices by sharing what we have and what we can do to make then feel important part of the celebration. All donations made are not tax-deductible so rest assured that the accumulated amount and items will be equally given to each registered families.

If you want to read some heart-warming written stories from these people, you can visit the website and you can as well leave some comments to their testimonies for them to read. Their stories might motivates you more to help bring the holiday spirit right into the hearts of our soldiers and heroes.

Thanksgiving week has been celebrated and now it only means that Christmas is really getting more and more closer now. Have you ever experienced what it feels like sitting on Santa's lap while making a wish? Well, I did. Yes, you read it right and it was indeed so full of fun. Of course my wish is something beneficial not only for myself but also for other people. Plus I was able to upload my photo using the new CEIVA digital photo frame for free with the help of the so generous dear Santa and his buddy Ali. It was really amazing. I feel like I'm young again. I know you maybe curious how do they make it possible, huh. Well, you can see it for yourself here.

Going back to the photo frame, you may also wonder what makes CEIVA different from other digital photo frames. Using this gadget, your friends and family can share photos with you instantly from anywhere in the world using either your cellphones or computer. With Picture Plan, even the most technically challenged person can receive cherished photos sent directly to the frame without having to do a thing. Not only that, you can also get a chance to win from Got a Wish Sweepstakes. Check on the details here.

I don't even mean of making a holiday wish for this year due to finances nowadays is really tough but the big red guy proved it again indeed that Christmas is not just about money and spending. It's about sharing the most precious gift one can ever give and receive, and that's LOVE.

There are many traditional activities associated during the Christmas holiday season: There's the Christmas light display and trees decoration which is commonly exercised. People are starting to get busy with their Christmas shopping lists. Not to mention the strain it may cause them on how to maximize their funds for gift - giving. Dense shoppers loitering around malls and supermarkets. Even little kids now are having their own Christmas gift ideas as early as their age. The price marathon of the related products such as meat, pasta, bread, fruits and etc... And let me add the congested main road and highways due to heavy traffic is a holy mess that we are to come across...These are only few practice that we believers have patiently been doing every year simply because we want to somehow celebrate Christmas in our own ways. But how do we really define the significance of the celebration?

Kevin Coolidge says: " Christmas is not a time nor a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."

We may have the capacity to bring in the Christmas Spirit right through our own home and arrange a decorative feast on our tables on Christmas eve; but we should not forget that the nativity of Jesus marked a crucial message for all of us. Let us look Christmas a new way this year. The joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you.

May we all have a gratified Christmas merrymaking!

I can run swiftly and silently when you want me to stay still,
I can move slowly and cautiously and am yours to fill.
You look at me often and yet you always forget me,
I am the most feared killer, yet you can't live without me.
Sometimes you have me for all to spare,
Yet when you need me, I am not there.
You can waste me, or cherish me, you choose the track,
But once you're done you can never get me back.

*** hey..riddle #1 is still unanswered. Care to give it a try?! See it below.

DECEMBER - the twelfth and the final month of the year.

Few more weeks to go and VOILA! its Christmas time once again... But more than any time of the year, Christmas is a time of beauty. the senses are overwhelmed with the sights, sounds and smell of Christmas. Not only that...It is also a time of bliss and merrymaking .

Here's how my house "just the way it is" starts the celebration and cheer! Below is a christmas riddle for you to read and answer. Everyone is invited to join. You can leave your answers thru the comments/shout box and a special early Christmas reward awaits for those who can make it correctly. So, c'mon ... let's have some fun!

Riddle #1

You will know that I am coming
From the jingle of my bell,
But exactly who I am is not an easy thing to tell.

Children, they adore me
for they find me jolly,
but I do not see them when the halls are decked with holly.

My job often leaves me frozen,
I am a man that all should know,
But I do not do business in times of sleet or ice or snow.

I travel much on business,
But no reindeer haul me around,
I do all my traveling firmly on the ground.

I love the time of Christmas,
But that's not my vocational season,
And I assure that is because of a sound economic reason.

The countdown says: "its 57 days to go before christmas..."Huh!" and its indeed getting closer and closer! Yesterday, after attending the Sunday mass at the Sta. Ana Church, we went to G-Mall and took home some Christmas Decors ( an evergreen tree and some accessories). Doing so really pleases me.