Thankful at 30.

I turned 30 on Feb 25, and I can't help but feel very much blessed and grateful for everything that I have. I decided to take this time to reflect about all the things I am so fortunate to have.

A few things I am thankful for on my 30th year:

Boracay honeymoon

1. My Husband, Santi. I am not the easiest person to love and get along with, but he does a pretty darn good job at it. I love how he gets me and complements me in areas where I need improvement. How he always looks out for our family's well-being.

2. My kids, Santino, Ysabella and Giovanni. They are my life's greatest treasures. My life is complete now that I have them in my life. My ultimate desire was fulfilled when I became a mom to these three little munchkins. :-)

My bundles of joy!

3. Good health for me and my family. As one grows older, this becomes so important. We need to be healthy in order to be able to live our lives to the fullest.

4. Wonderful and Loving parents. I am blessed to have the most understanding, generous and prayerful parents on the planet. I am who I am because of them. Marrying Santi, I was blessed twice over with in-laws who share the same values and passions as we do and who are there for us and support us unconditionally. No difficult in-laws here!

our HH (some not in picture)

5. Our Household in Community. Santi and I are fortunate enough to have a wonderful support group of fellow young couples in CFC-FFL who journey with us and give very practical and helpful advice when it comes to family, marriage, relationships and everything in between!

6. Girlfriends. When you want to spend some QT with women you can share anything with, there's nothing like spending it with real friends who get you. I am fortunate enough to have those from all parts of my life- high school, college, in community, work and in extended family.

7. Family Catechesis and Liturgical Bible Study. This was truly God-sent to Santi and I. One night we just happen to have found ourselves in this small Sunday group learning the word of God and how alive it is in our lives. Santi developed it even more into Family Catechesis and we have been blessed to see families learning the work of God and being transformed through it. Check it out here- www.liturgicalbiblestudy.com

8. Our Yayas. They are practically like our children's older sisters or second parents when it comes to care and concern. We are fortunate enough to have great, honest and loving help in our home.

9. My work. I am blessed to be part of a company that is not only fun and interesting, but is a challenge to work in and puts family first.

10. This blog. It started out as a hobby and a passion for writing. Now, I have quite a number of blog entries that tell a story or special event in my life. I am grateful for this outlet, to be able to also express my thoughts and for others to (hopefully) pick up something good.

11. Our own home. We recently moved out of the motherhouse (or my parents backyard - haha) and delved into the independent life. I am loving it. It's a lot of work but it's all worth it. This was the best decision (and most natural I think :)) we could have ever made. We are making our own path as a family.

12. Milk tea. This just makes me happy. Add on extra sago and coffee jelly and I am over the moon.
13. Shopping in Divisoria. Simple joys and great finds that are great for the wallet!

14. Nightly walks with my husband. Santi and I recently started this habit of going on evening walks around our village. It's great exercise and a wonderful time for us to catch up and talk about anything and everything. A must-have in every relationship.

Meet Gordon

15. Cooking. I have recently discovered my love (and talent) for cooking! Will share those in my next blogs... but it's pretty exciting for me making meal plans and discovering new recipes and being able to actually do it!! :)

16. Gordon, our dog. The newest addition to our brood.



PHEW that's a long list! But then again, it's always great to take the time to look at what you've got and how fortunate and blessed you are to have it. ;-)