Last December

so, finally- the autumn breeze came. But hey, it isn't too late to recall what happened last summer.

Carefree. Sunshine. Swimsuits.Water. Beach. Blue Skies.

my favorite Things.
Long Drives. LoLs. Sitting in the Passenger Seat.That's it!

A Summer to Remember.
Short and Sweet.

Now, Autumn and the most awaited Winter. Brace yourself!

I am not a perfect mom

When I saw this note in my child's bedroom , reality strikes me.  It was for me. Oh yeah, I have a feeling it was addressed to me.

So, I take the note as a reminder to be gentle with my Cheyenne. Forgive me darling if I am too pushy.  If you have looked at me with the impression of a perfectionist mom, I apologize. I actually wouldn't want you to be perfect.  I want you to make mistakes and keep learning. And NO--don't try to be perfect for you will never be.  Only through your mistakes that you learn and become a better person.

So ,relax----I want you to enjoy life to the fullest. If making mistakes is what it takes, then let it be.

I love you even your stupid mistakes will not change that.

REMINDER - I am not a perfect mom so maybe you need to remind me that sometimes :-)

4 years ago, we stood still

We did stood still,  made a very important decision and never looked back.

We are moving to Australia. The year was 2012. Although we got our Permanent Residency confirmed in 2009, we delayed the decision to move because life in SG was super convenient. Who wants to move from a tax haven, affordable lifestyle, traveling back to Philippines is cheap and you can get a maid!

How ironic it would be when you are willing to drop everything because you feel that it is the best thing to do for you and your family. I couldn't find a concrete reason just that gut feeling of an unexplored future. We were at that sliding door in our life - where we either succeed from it or fail.

Fast Forward>>>> 2016, and getting used to the lifestyle here! The past 4 years had passed like a bolt of lightning. We had Kylene , our second bub who brings so much joy just like her Ate. We couldn't ask for more.  Lord, we are blessed with the best in the world. Friends.  Family. Health and Australia.

There will be more important decisions to be made as we live our life here. And as a family, we stand together in traversing this LIFE joyfully , prayerfully knowing that everyday is a blessing and an opportunity to be Thankful, no matter what!

This year, we will be entitled to get the citizenship , hoping and praying will go in smoothly. There are heaps to be excited about this year. Goals would be;

- completing the CPA
- passing the driving exams
- Cheyenne's high school plans ( whether she goes to Selective or Private Catholic school)

Sussex Inlet, Feb 2016

my Cheyenne is on her last year in elementary.

I feel elated about her excitement! I am one proud mom looking at her now. In charge of herself and so much enthusiasm about life. I am beaming with mixed emotions.

Of infinite Joy- for pro-creating such beautiful soul.

of Fear- of becoming too independent that sometimes she gets really over-confident

of Gratitude - that she is such an easy little girl to manage

of Anxiety- of what lies ahead.


Dear Lord, you know what is best for us. Only in you that i entrust my family. I know you are going to guide us along the way. I love how you gifted me with children that keeps my heart so full, happy and alive! I wouldn't live this life any other way than what you have provided for today. Our life is a blessing, And everyday is a miracle.

She is back from her 2- night, 3 -day camp and she did have a ball! I am very glad she enjoyed it to the maximum!  She came home very exhausted and told me how she misses home! And now she has the best mem'ries of camp especially the love letter that made her cry. Will post it soon!

Gracy & Agie's No. 2

is coming soon.

This family had given so much inspiration to me. Yes, Heaps!
Happy to see the excitement of the roller coaster ride ahead!
Cheers to the Cellacay's !

From 2

To becoming 3 with Abie.
Trivia: Gracy was on her family way with Abie when we came to Australia. So, this little sweet kid will turn 4 soon!

And more to come for the Cellacay's beautiful family.

and beautiful friends.

and I am becoming better with this events planning thing. 

How awesome I have pulled this off with last minute planning. Oh, the jitters.

with the help of my sis of course!

C H A N G E S

Some unexpected changes did happen to us.

We changed  our address in 2015, without even planning for it. See, our God likes adventures---- I certainly got what I wanted. Spontaneous & unplanned.

We had no idea we could be selling the Richmond house - although I know it was of good value already, the property was very close to me. Quick decisions had to be made. Sell the existing property and move to the new one! As we move to our new place, I realized that a  house is indeed  a mere structure- it is actually HOME that we are building on. We thrive on each family member's strengths, hopes, aspirations and prayers.

It was not easy move. Took longer than I thought to sell the Richmond property so, for some time, we were paying helluva of mortgage and the tank ran out.But just before Christmas 2015- the settlement happened and whoaaah....what a very nice surprise to be in ! God, I know I should not act surprise about me being so pampered and loved. But I am astounded of the amount of HUGENESS you showered to me. Not the money actually but more importantly the kind of people you surround me.

My family is top 1. My papa and mama - they never questioned me for anything. They are just there supporting me every step along the way. I am very happy seeing them healthy and enjoying their lives. That what matters most to me. I appreciated so much the amount of unconditional LOVE they showed to me.  The kind of LOVE that is Exhilarating and you want to breath in everyday.


My sisters- who despite being independent , still enjoys time with us. No matter how chaotic my immediate family is. Despite their own priorities, they will choose to be with us on important occasions. I truly appreciate that. I am not a perfect Ate, sometimes I can be demanding and pushy but I am Ate you know.

My mom-in-law - who shows so much kindness and tolerance. I would be greatly indebted.


I changed to a new job in 2015.  It does give the money. Actually, it has afforded us a few luxury to enjoy this year!We are very blessed! The stress remained the same but I have changed the way I have approached a lot of things at work now. Which really worked well. I could sleep peacefully at night and it is good.


I changed my Attitude to life in general. And that to me, that is the biggest change that happened this Year.

I looked back and i can only find joyful, memorable times! My heart overflows!

 To God be the glory!

my 2015

are all but exciting surprises!

it feels that each year, i keep on surprising myself of moments that I would have never imagined to happen. This year has a different kind of flavor, a Year of Changes and of Relaxation.

Firstly, this year, my temper is much more relaxed. Yes, I don't explode anymore. I tried to avoid situations that makes me irate.  I think it goes parallel to the amount of stress I take in. The less stressful, the more relaxed I become. And I am thankful to God for the ability to make choices.

The choice to pick my battles,
to pick the kind of friends that will surround me of positivity, and
the choice of Job.
the choice not to set too High Expectations from Others.


Unlike, 2014- where we did a lot of long driving, 2015 - thought would be the same but surprisingly we stayed put but we were up to more surprises!

We didn't travel that much but we had adventures , mostly our firsts...

the first time we visited Port Stephens, saw the sand dunes and did sandboarding! Hot summer day but we went ahead took the camel rides!

quick visit to Pinas for Firjun and Elvie's wedding! The Baquial's reunited. It makes me very happy when my hubby's joy is elevated. He seldom shows ecstatic state such as this.

visiting Bohol means, beach life is not amiss!  Breathtaking view of  Bohol's sunrise!

Another first at Mount Wilson, best visited on Autumn day coincidentally, a 'Mother's Day' season here in Australia!

And then, August came for a trip to Goldcoast, away from the chilly Sydney! Thanks to qantas points for affording the trip. 

Did I say, we didn't travel in 2015? And yet another trip. But that was on the last quarter of the year after a very hectic , a roller coaster type at work. But, it was manageable. Short and sweet trips to Wyong and Bowral. This is what I love about Australia, you can go any direction, North to South and you will be relaxed of the unique beauty each town offers! Thank you God, for the experience. My children were very happy lounging at the pool exclusively for us! 

A quiet day with the love of  your life.  The place to be is no other than Bowral. An hour drive away from Sydney, the Southern Highlands! We rarely do the dating thing and thankfully, we chose  Bowral for our first! 

So, we actually did a lot of travels! 

Thank you, 2015. 

Thank you Lord, for letting us experience your beautiful creation of the world! For the many blessings that kept our hearts in awe. For the trying times and the challenges that kept us strong. I can never thank you enough.