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Nurture Parenting

Sweet 16

Oh dear.  

It seems like I blinked my eyes and my daughter has 16 candles on her birthday cake today.

How on earth did that happen so fast?

My dad once shared, “As you get older, the years go by even faster.” 

Gia on her birthday with God. We are so blessed that we had family and friends around for the celebration of your first sacrament.

Gia on her birthday with God. We are so blessed that we had family and friends around for the celebration of your first sacrament.

When my three big kids were very little kids, I didn’t quite understand it. You have seen these poems and posts by other moms where they relish in the simple activities because they have already figured out that…

“The days are long, but the years are short.” 

I feel like this was only yesterday.

I feel like this was only yesterday.

This quote by Gretchen Rubin couldn’t be more on point for me, today. 

Because, I feel like I blinked…and here I am, the mom of a 16 year old phenomenal young lady. 

Gia2 copy

I was a little emotional yesterday. We decided to have dinner out for her Sweet 16, with just the family. Gia’s dad ordered a feast for her in one of her favorite restaurants and while I may have not totally been in the moment when we sat down to order, I tried my best to be mindful of the milestone that we have been blessed with through our first born…

Gia5 copy

Happy Birthday Big Girl. I love watching you grow.

I said a little prayer for my little (big) girl…I shared with her how proud she makes me, and how, all those years ago when Nino and I were hoping that our first born would in fact be a little girl for us to dote on…that I never thought she would be as special as she is to us today.

GIA-with each passing year, I am more amazed of your strength of character, your intelligence, kindness, and love that you share with all of us each and every day. Thank you for being a blessing to us!

We love you, oh so much!

Gia4 copy

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Comments

  1. Phenomenal Mama says

    August 5, 2015 at 10:32 am

    Happy Birthday, Gia! Continue making your parents proud of you!

  2. Peter says

    August 6, 2015 at 11:27 am

    Love you Gia!

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It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

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Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
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@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

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Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
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10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

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Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

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Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

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Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
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