Looking back, we were very fortunate to have had GREAT weather, esp. since the forecast was supposedly rain.  Thank the Lord the clouds pushed down and didn’t touch our area.  Instead, it was a sunny day in its high 80s, sunny enough for mingling and running outside.  We rented a big canopy which was enough to cover the six tables and some walking room.  We also rented a moonbounce, like we did at Emma’s first bday.  Everyone enjoyed it, mostly the kids, and even the grown up kids, including my sisters and I, my friends from college, and some courageous few.  There should always be room in one’s life to jump.

I think the scariest part was the slide. Why is it that as you get older, the slide gets scarier?

I was telling some friends that although a lot of my close friends couldn’t come, I was REALLY excited to know that people who I wasn’t extremely close with were coming because it DID allow me a chance to get to know those people MORE.  It was an opportunity to become closer friends to good friends, and good friends from those I didn’t really know.  Towards the end, I was able to have some really choice conversations with people I wasn’t too acquainted with, like the guys who are doing missions in our church this summer, or some of my old college friends who I haven’t had the chance to converse with over the years.  YA, that day, I gained an appreciation to expand my conversation circle of familiarity, and hopefully will continue to foster from now on.  God definitely has a purpose for everything.

The girls REALLY enjoyed their day.  That was the important thing.  I made sure, despite the busyness of the day, I made time to laugh and hug Emma, to encourage her play without too many restrictions.  I also made sure I made some quiet time walking around with Zi, talking with her about our surroundings, because at this stage, she’s not keen on crowds.  At the end of the day, Emma was telling me stories about her friends, about her play, and Zi was still excited to finish her day by opening the plethora of gifts.  My heart was full because I knew Em would remember it.

The only thing missing was that Perze’s side of the family was not there.  I am always so saddened over this reality and sacrifice.  But we NEVER go through a milestone without them.  They are always at the forefront of our thoughts during these times and are just as appreciative with their support and every present love and prayers for us and the girls.  Thank you Nay and Tatay, and the rest!

Additionally, we are extremely grateful for my side of the family who always help out, not just at these big parties, but in the everyday.  My parents always make sacrifices for them as well, and really continue to show endless love.  Thank you Ma and Pa, and of course Ate, Kuya Sam, Kris, and even Tito who was far away, but who had cake ordered for the girls to blow out their candles.

I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves, depicting all the activities and games we played, decorations, and giveaways.  They’re all in the photo gallery under One Plus Five Equals Six.

Thank you Lord most of all, most of all, most of all, Jesus, for loving our girls.  Every year, we wish them You, to grow in You.  We praise you every day for the breath you give them.  They are an immense joy to us and to those around them.

I found this.

The left picture was the one I used for Emma’s invitations for her 1st birthday party,
and the right picture is the one I used for Zienne’s invitations.

Emma:  a boy kissed me today, tatay.

Perze:  don’t let boys kiss you emma. If a boy wants to kiss you, tell them that they have to kiss your dad, grandfathers, & uncles first.

They do this every night before bedtime, before they’re separated into different rooms. If Emma doesn’t go see Zi first, Zi will crawl off the bed and walk to emma’s room. Then Emma will get the most hugs and kisses before bedtime. It’s really something new, revealing, and amazing to see.

Em sleeps alone in her room now, so Zi really spends some time before bed hugging her sister and giving her kisses.  Then when Em goes to her room, Zi gets down from the bed and walks over to Em’s room, which basically means preparing them to actually sleep takes about an hour, because of all the visits, girlish snickering, and chasing about.

…as you can tell, they’re wearing different clothes in both pictures…this is a daily practice.

Tonight was the third night you slept in your room alone after Zienne was born. I know how hard it must have been for you, with all the initial attempts and your concerns (monsters, itchiness, loneliness, fears).  But after your Tatay read you a story, prayed with you, and after I came and tucked you in, laughed and talked with you, you mustered up enough strength and faith that we’re so close to you still. 

It must be very hard, at four years old, after days and days of being conditioned to having such the warmest comfort of being with those you love most before going to sleep, then having to sleep alone with a blanket of thoughts.  But you did it tonight.  Thank you for being so brave. It’s times like these that I am so proud of you.  And although I know it’s a step towards your independence, I already miss you. 

I love you monkey.  I wish I could keep you forever.

Here’s Emma’s Spring/Easter project.

We bought it from TARGET at the dollar section.  I love that they have stuff like this for kids, encouraging them to be productive and earth conscious.

And knowing Emma, she has a green thumb which she’s genetically inherited from all her grandparents.  Did you know that, anak?  Your lola Ruth and lola Nene both plant flowers and gardens.  Your lolo Bio and lolo Perl both plant vegetables.

Let’s see how this project pans out…I hope it does though so she’ll be encouraged to plant more.

After the prayer time, she asked me if I can show her pictures of her Lola Nene and Lolo Perl in the Philippines.  I joyfully complied, thankful that despite the enormous distance and 3 year absence, she still remembers them with affection.  She has such a big heart.