LIFE IS WHAT WE MAKE IT...: May 2006

Sis, CONGRATULATIONS!

...my sister, Sandy, who have just graduated from Adventist University of the Philippines...

Sis, congratulations! I'm proud of you!

I got your picture only today so I am late in posting it here - - Actually, I just grabbed your picture from sis julie's friendster. I hope you'll email me your graduation pictures.

We haven't talk/chat lately. I know you're busy reviewing for your board exam. Just remember that we're praying for you!

I miss you so much, sis! Take care always...

GOD BLESS!

When answers aren't enough...

We all have questions in life that we long to be answered... Sometimes we found answers only to end up more confused! But this one thing is sure - - when answers aren't enough there is Jesus! Let us seek Him... let us learn to surrender our life to Him completely for He is the only one who could give us the answers to every life's question. He's the only one... and no other!

Mama, I miss you so much...

Today is my Mom's first death anniversary! When she died, 'twas the most difficult time for me and my family.

I just can't stop my tears - - thinking about the last days I had with her... and I'm so grateful to God for allowing me to see my mom during her last days ...to the Royo's Clan, my heartfelt thanks - - because of the reunion I was able to go home and be with my mom! ...to kuya Harem and ate Celia - - thank you so much! ...to my eversupportive husband, Leo, my deepest gratitude!

Now, I would like to share the lyrics of the song "Does Jesus Cares?"... I could still feel the pain ... and I know everyone in my family feels the same way, too, especially my dad! To know that Jesus cares - - brings hope, joy and comfort to our brokenheartedness...

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained

Too deeply for mirth or song,

As the burdens press, and the cares distress

And the way grows weary and long?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

Does Jesus care when my way is dark

With a nameless dread and fear?

As the daylight fades into deep night shades,

Does He care enough to be near?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed

To resist some temptation strong;

When for my deep grief there is no relief,

Though my tears flow all the night long?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”

To the dearest on earth to me,

And my sad heartaches till it nearly breaks,

Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

Daddy in Action!

Hey, who's that on the green uniform? Oh, I almost didn't recognized my hubby playing basketball! lol! ...he plays good and he's good at shooting! Don't ask me why! lol!

Well, he's practising for the next Lakers game! - - and when is that???!!! hahahahahah!

Alheli's Artworks...

Alheli was 4 1/2 yrs old when she had this drawing.

and...

this evening I'm surprised when she said, "Mom, I'm going to draw something for you because it's Mother's day soon". She asked me to spell out the Happy Mother's Day and the word Love so she could write it on the paper - -

while she knows how to write her name and philip's

...and this is what she'd made for me.

I miss all my friends in Romblon... I wish I could write their names here but they're too many to mention!

Mother's day is on the 14th, that is Sunday... but I don't have a mom anymore to greet a "happy mother's day"... I lost my mom almost a year now coz she passed away May 20th of last year. I did called her last year's M-day and I really never thought that - - that would be the last time I'd be able to greet her "happy M-day"and a week after M-day, I gave her my final hug... This is the first M-day that we don't have her anymore - - I could no longer greet her and tell how much I loved her... all I have now is the good memories we have shared together. When I was leaving Romblon in 2004, I could never forget the words she'd said to me when I bid her and papa goodbye. She told me to be faithful in the Lord as I live my life here. I couldn't stop my tears everytime I remember those words... and also when I imagine seeing her kneeling beside their bed - - praying for papa and for us, her children -- esp for her two boys! It's painful to lose a prayerful, caring, loving mother... and it's really hard... coz a mother is irreplaceable! So for those who still have their mothers today... enjoy the days while you still have her so when she's gone you will have good memories to keep in your heart and share with your children and grandchildren. Few days before my mom passed away, she kept on repeating Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things." 'til her final breath, she was sharing us God's wisdom for us to live with each day... To my dearest mama, you may not be with us anymore but you will always be remembered... and for all the good times that we have shared together - - forever I will cherish it! I miss you, mama!

Beautiful Sunset at Hermosa Beach, CA

The PEACOCK...

What u doin', titoy?

"Imaw na problema ni dadi?" lol

ok...

Happy Riders...

Do you know that Alheli's no longer camera-shy? By the way, Alheli would like to thank her sponsors! heheheh! ...aunt minda - for her blouse ...aunt halden - for her sunglasses!

Philip's enjoying d field trip, too!