Happy New Year!

So 2015 was a blur. Seriously, last year, right after the holidays, I was promising a recap on that family cruise we took. Now, here I am, in the year 2016, and I haven't even written much on what went on the past year.

2016. Feels like the future is here.

Photo from Star Wars

So we spent the holidays with family. I spent it cooking, baking, and taking A out on quality momma and daughter bonding dates - something we both really, really need.

Bonding over good Xiao Long Bao at Din Tai Fung.

And I didn't bother much about seeing other people, except for Mish, Mia, Candy and Shar for Holiday Tea on the 23rd.

Holiday Tea-ing with the girls.
Incidentally, Mish will be selling these really pretty table linen for #MotherWhoBrunch.
Check them out on Instagram at @motherswhobrunch

After getting myself stuck in traffic for three hours driving home, I decided I was going to shut down my phone and spend my Christmas and New Year incommunicado.  So I am sorry if you were trying to reach me. I had my phone on DND - really needed a little peace and quiet.

So no, I didn't even bother going to class reunions (oops), and I didn't see any of my girls (nope, not the BentoMommas, not the Chinese Mafia Moms, none of the SoMoms, or the So-so-Moms, hehe - nada).

For Christmas, we spent the evening at my parents' place. I prepped Tri-Noodle and Russian Salad, while my brother cooked Bistek. We didn't have the usual, as the helper was out for Christmas, so we cooked what the kids and the folks wanted to eat.

My raclette cheese plate from Christmas Eve dinner.

Tri-Noodle!

Russian Salad with ManMade Matcha Finishing Salt. 

In between Christmas and New Year, RL spent the whole time with KY, so A and I got to bond some more. For the New Year Countdown, we got to stay at Marriott.

RL ready to attack his fresh mangoes at the lounge on the first morning of the New Year.

It was a good break from the hustle and bustle. And a great chance to separate myself from all the negativity and stress. I am thankful beyond words for the year that has passed.

But yes, I am ready for 2016. I say, bring it on!

Little Boy, No More.

My little boy got a haircut to welcome the new year. No, not my choice as I love, love, super love his long hair. Alas, my mom had a different opinion. So the other day, to mark the new year, she took the kids to Greenhills for a haircut.

RL now has regular hair. LOL!

This was New Year's Eve! Still with his long do.

January 2 - Bah! Short hair. :( He doesn't quite look like my son. Sob!

Haha! In bed yesterday, before he dozed off, we discussed his new look.

K: Do you like your hair?
RL: Yes. Why? You don't like it? (emphasis on DON'T)
K: I liked the long hair better.
RL: But now I can wear gel and look like Uncle KA. 
K: I thought you hated hair gel...
RL: I like it now. It makes me look handsome.

LOL! Where did my little boy go? In other news, Pot and I were discussing this little boy's capacity to understand situations at his age. We've been keeping a big secret from his older sister, and he was so concerned with how we were too obvious and how we could have spoiled the surprise. At four (he turned four last month!), my little boy is no longer a baby!

Itty, bitty baby boy*...
Daddy's dream, 
Momma's joy. 
Smallest in the family,
But great is the love that you bring... 
To your Daddy and me. 

And, yes, it's true
That you will not always be small. 
And, yes, I know 
You'll grow to be strong and tall. 
But my little guy, 
You're just the right size today 
To hold in my arms, 
To look in your eyes and say...

Itty, bitty baby boy...
Daddy's dream, 
Momma's joy. 
Smallest in the family,
But great is the love that you bring... 
To your Daddy and me. 

*Itty, Bitty, Baby Boy by Rita Baloche from the CD Bless My Little Boy (Available at House of Praise stores)

Happy New Year!

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19

Hello 2013!

The past month and a half has been crazy. But God is faithful, and I rejoice in difficulty (it's time I beat the devil in his game of discouragement!). December brought many "firsts" for this little family of mine, but I shall not go into detail here. Forgive the silence, but it is better this way. You will know soon enough, I hope.

I shall attempt to memorize and keep Isaiah 43:18-19 in mind and heart. It is a promise I need to be reminded about! Oftentimes, when life gets hard, and trials abound, we forget that God is God, and that He is in control. The size of your battle doesn't negate the fact that God is bigger than it. In fact, He is strongest at our weakest. Isn't that something to be thankful for? Imagine, the bigger your problem, the greater God is? WOW.

So this year, I pray I find my peace in knowing He holds my future. Nothing else for me to do but trust in My Maker. I pray the same for you.

Happy New Year!