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DIY Down Syndrome Entertaining at Home Gather

December C’s

I haven’t been able to post as much as I would like this past month, but hopefully, I’ll be able to address that little issue with one of my New Year’s resolutions. December is always a busy month.  One thing I know, is that with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the birthdays, the Christmas parties and all the small gatherings in between that it’s hard to take the time for some to savor each and every one of those moments. I was trying to be mindful during this past month of celebrations and parties so much so, that instead of snapping pictures or taking quick little notes of things to remember I wanted to write about,  I was doing my best to live in the moment. I did SO well at living in the moment this month that  I was completely lax in my posting. But the beauty of that fact is that I was able  I to drink up everything about December. I savored the wrapping of the presents that were carefully made for each recipent. I relished in the smell that wafted through my house when the gingerbread was baking. I watched in awe as my children played and giggled once their final exams were complete and CHRISTmas vacation lightened their hearts. I enjoyed the yummy Noche Buena feast that my mom and Nino’s mom prepared for us. I sat in the quiet of the night when the children were sleeping admiring the lights and ornaments we have collected through out the years that adorn our CHRISTmas tree. I enjoyed the busy parts of my days and I savored the quiet moments with each of my kids.

The end of the year always always makes me reflective. I think back to some of the things I could have done better (i.e. parenting, taking time for myself and for my friends, organizing my life and putting things in order, reading more books, researching more fun things to do with my hubby) and some fo the things that I think I did pretty ok with. (i.e. parenting, taking time for myself and for my friends, organizing my life and putting things in order, reading more books, researching more fun things to do with my hubby) Truth of the matter is, 2012 was a pretty good year for me. I grew up a lot. I took in a lot. I definitely made some mistakes but I’m not going to beat myself up over them. It’s all part of the process, and I have always said I’m a work in progress.

Recapping the whole year seems a bit tedious, so instead,  I will recap the highlights of my  December with four activities that begin with the letter C.

Cookies

COOKIES: I love kicking off the month of December with my Annual Cookie Swap.

This year the theme was to mix it up with new friends. And that we did. We all enjoyed the company of our new found baker-friends over a light lunch after sharing a little bit of ourselves thru our baked goodies. I do think everyone enjoyed the new friends that they met, and I know that they definitely enjoyed the cookies.

CHILDREN are the whole reason I enjoy this time of year. The wonder in their eyes when we talk about Santa, (even if some of my kids have outgrown the “idea” of him) and the excitement of the surprise left under the tree on Christmas morning.  It truly is the most wonderful time of the year and it always leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy. Of course, my children are what make this holiday most special for me…even if everyone can’t look at the camera at the same time!

CHILDREN 1; Loving the fact that each of my kids has their own idea of where they should be looking and what they should be doing for the pic in front of the tree.

But, I was lucky when we visited our favorite brunch venue! In Makati Shangri-La they were asking guests to sponsor seedlings for planting in areas that needed to be reforested. So, we had angels walking amongst us for our last Sunday Brunch of the year.

CHILDREN 2

CHILDREN 2: All the angels who were soliciting donations for a reforestation program were wearing huge feathered wings…They surely got everyone’s attention in this picture.

Because we are so blessed, it is important for Nino and I to teach our children that we should also give back. Call it Karma, call it paying it forward, call it sharing our blessings. No matter what you call it, it is CARING for others. We are all in this together. (I’m hearing High School Musical in my head) We are here on this planet to live together. Many of us are in places where living isn’t all that easy for some. I know that if I can make something better for someone, I’m not just doing it for them. I’m doing it so that my kids see that life can be made more beautiful by sharing your talents, your blessings and your time.

CARING 1

CARING 1: DSAPI is a wonderful organization that helped us find our way in those first few months after Evangelina was born. Nino is pictured with Tony Pasia. Tony is one of the founding members and the Chairman of DSAPI, thanks to his daughter Vickylou.

This year, Nino and I have become more involved with DSAPI. It feels good to be with other parents who might have some of the same worries and concerns that you do, especially in a country where information on parenting a child with special needs is not readily available. This is not just an organization where we can voice our concerns, we also share the triumphs of our children was well. Those mundane milestones that parents of typical children take for granted are the same ones that we celebrate our children achieving. Doing it together makes it all the more fun. I was happy to help out with the Christmas pARTy this year and I actually, had a lot of fun preparing for it. This time we were able to help the CHILDREN, by CARING enough to volunteer our time.

CARING 2

CARING 2: Making macaroni necklaces as part of the Christmas pARTy activities. This year, we set up stations for the kids so that they could make ARTS & crafts to take home.

 

CARING 3

CARING 3: We also set up a station for kids to make their Meditation Bottles. I’ve used these in yoga classes and at home with my own children. They are fantastic. (Thank you Tina Jurado of Water Market for donating all of the bottles that the kids used. Thank you Stephany Fair for inspiring me to share this craft over and over again with so many different children.)

CARING 4

CARING 4: Thank you Nestle for you donations of ice lollies. The kids absolutely loved the ice cold treats.

CARING 5

CARING 5: The Siblings Support Group (SSG) was pivotal in making sure that each of the stations had enough helpers to assist the children with their crafts. Each child was able to make an ornament if they chose to.

 

CAROLERS are most probably my favorite part of CHRISTmas. This year our family was included in the exclusive number of houses that the children’s choir of our local parish visited. They serenaded a small group of our friends and family. Tita Ivy was sure to include  Filipino Christmas songs that made the festivities all the more special for me since I had not heard some of the carols before.

CAROLERS

CAROLERS: The St. James Children’s Choir lead by their Choral Teacher, Ivy Sahagun.

My favorite part of the evening was when one of the young girls, Erica Perez, sang Payapang Daigdig. To say that she sang like an angel would surely do her justice. I was quite sensitive to begin with because of the shift in energy that took place earlier that day, but her singing humbled me. And to end the year serenaded by an angel…feeling humility…well-that’s not such a bad thing, after all-is it?

Be an Angel/Adopt a Seedling

Makati Shangri-La was soliciting donations for reforestation with their Be an Angel/Adopt a Seedling program

We all have angels in our lives. It’s a nice reminder, especially during the holidays, that we have angels all around us…watching over us, maybe even singing to us, helping us care for the environment, and sometimes reminding us of all we have to be grateful for.

Who are the angels that have come into your life?

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Comments

  1. Uncle Paulie says

    January 6, 2013 at 11:33 pm

    Beautifully written from the heart.

  2. neva | manilamommy says

    January 11, 2013 at 3:08 pm

    i love this post! 2012 was a challenging year for me and dan (i don’t think i’ve cried so much in my life!) it was also a year that we were the most thankful for. it was very humbling to be on the receiving end of so much love and support. i’m also thankful for your family and DSAPI. i think day 1 of our new normal officially started after the nov. 9 IES 🙂

    have a great 2013 to you michelle!

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Waterside @solaireresort’s BBQ Brunch Buffet has Waterside @solaireresort’s BBQ Brunch Buffet has all the southern fixings and more.

Grilled and smoked meats. Seafood and mixed drinks. Fried chicken and fish and chips. Starters include fresh salads, corn bread, nachos and more. But the kicker comes in the form of a Make Your Own Milkshake bar, and YES, you can order it spiked with your favorite liquor! 

Waterside is only one of quite a few restaurants that you can enjoy  beautiful weekend brunches with your favorite person, the fam bam, or your friends. 

Check out www.mommanmanila.com to see the full menu and what Nino and I enjoyed most.
Creating food together is one of our love language Creating food together is one of our love languages. We flow in the kitchen. I get excited and move too fast, and she grounds me, and slows things down. We can move around one another while still staying in sync. In our own kitchen, there is music that guides us and sets the tone for the meal. Gelli would be in the mix, the boys will set the table, someone makes dessert, and maybe @manila.gent  makes a drink. 

When we prepare our table together there is so much that goes into the process and the ingredients. This mindful movement brings me so much joy when we are all together.

Even more so when we attend classes together to learn new dishes too.  @themayakitchen1 has regular classes offering cooks of all abilities to learn something new when preparing meals for for our families.

Check out my new article on @rappler for @kitchen143 where Gia and I learned from Chef @cocoyventura a few new Pinoy dishes that will definitely be on rotation for #TeamGellibean.

Link in my profile: 

https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/food-drinks/kitchen-143-learning-lovelokal-the-maya-kitchens-cooking-classes/
Crispy Pata. Is there anything better than perfec Crispy Pata.

Is there anything better than perfectly brined crispy fried pork? 

@manila.gent and I visited @viicsrestaurantph for simple Pinoy fare that hit the spot. Admittedly, after moving here so many years ago, I took a while to warm up to this dish that is one of Nino’s (and my mom’s) favorites. But every once in a while-I won’t feel guilty about indulging in this deep fried treat.

Happy to learn that we can also order for when Mom arrives through @foodpanda_ph too!
The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their doors! @manila.gent and I were privileged to visit the hotel on Friday night with some new friends and we were both so excited to explore some new digs in Manila.

Looking forward to bringing the family back soon!
We were a little early for therapy this morning, s We were a little early for therapy this morning, so @gelliaventajado got to spend a little time with @grace_loedin!

@thevanguardacademyph is still open for enrollment in their summer program, and has a full staff for all therapies and interventions. We really love her school and all of the faculty and staff. It makes a huge difference when you have confidence in the people you leave your child with for learning!
Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappl Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappler now!

Link in my profile!

https://www.rappler.com/nation/kitchen-143-dreaming-greece-try-making-easy-whipped-feta-dip/
Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGu Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGuardia, was picked up by one of my dearest friends and spent the entire day at the beach just catching up on LIFE.

It was a breezy day. Overcast. A little chilly to be in a suit, but it was perfect to catch up with my girl Candy. Sometimes, if you have chosen your friends well, you can pick up where you left off, as if no time has passed at all. 

Just like I did, sitting in that beach chair, feeling the mist of the Atlantic Ocean, and watching the seagulls pick and the seaweed.

Thank you Candy! For the friendship, for dropping everything to come and pick me up. Drive me around and have dinner with me and Fayth. 

Wishing I was sitting on this beach with you right now!!!
Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of ma Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of many dishes that we enjoyed during #SundayBrunch at Waterside in @solaireresort .

From cornbread, to mom’s potato salad, melt in your mouth whisky cured short ribs, homemade sausages and more. This #BrunchBuffet had @manila.gent and I rolling each other out the door!

Hard to choose which was our favorite from the feast that was set before us!

Brunch is inclusive of some delicious drinks, some Southern smoked and BBQ Fare, and a most colorful sweet dessert buffet by way of Milkshake Bar!
Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy by @lumosprojector_ph!

Summer Lovin’ ain’t over for #TeamGellibean. Hop on over to www.mommanmanila.com to read my full review on how easy this #homeprojector is to use when you want to watch your favorite family film!!

Gelli and I have watched Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Grease, and BTS Videos. Up next? The Sound of Music! 

Want to have your own #LUMOSRAYProjectoe delivered to your home? Stay tuned for an upcoming giveaway, too!

Link in my profile!

https://www.mommanmanila.com/lumos-ray-projector-review/
Missing my @migaventajado The short time I had w Missing my @migaventajado 

The short time I had with this guy in Florida was definitely something I will look back on. Wish we had more time to explore and do some fun things on our own.

Gah. How is this kid 20 years old already?
I remember when he was little and he loved peanut butter, chicken nuggets, Kylie Minogue, and sitting on my lap. He was squishy, in tune with my feelings, and I was always worried that he might have an asthma attack in his sleep so I would nebulize him every few hours. He always looked at new experiences with gratitude and wonder, much how he did while we were in FL together.😍

Praying he continues to strengthen his faith as he grows. 🙏🏻👨🏻🙌🏻

Miss you Miggy!
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