yummy "cookies n cream" cake from "Red Ribbon"

Happy birthday to the best dad I know!

I’ve been thinking how to make my dad happy on his special day, then I realize a birthday celebration for dad need not to be expensive or extravagant. Dads are usually happy with a simple happy birthday greetings coming from their loved ones. Well, maybe because unlike women, some dads usually don’t spend much time partying.

I can’t find a perfect birthday present for him yet… but I’m sure bringing him a birthday cake will already make him happy…

Want to share this poem I like to send to my Father on his birthday,  from poemsource.com

Good Man

Dad,
Every year, your birthday reminds me
how grateful I am that you are my father.
With all that’s going on in the world today,
I’m thankful I get to watch you,
to look up to you, being an example of a good man.
What a privilege it is to observe your strength,
your competence, and your kindness.
I am so blessed to be under your wing,
your protection, your care,
learning important life lessons from you.
If all fathers were like you,
the world would be a very different
and much better place.
Happy Birthday, Dad!

Since 2 years ago… I never get tired of thanking God for giving me the best gift I could ever imagined – my one and only little girl! We are celebrating her birthday and the more I thank God for giving her good health all these years… Like all mothers feel, nothing can compare how happy I am seeing her every milestones and today is one of the highlights. My Claire understands that it’s her birthday and even if I did not throw any kiddie party, she was so happy and so energetic seeing all the familiar faces of the whole family surrounding her.

For me, it’s still a big party at home because we are a big family and everybody is in the mood to celebrate this special occasion… It is such a busy day, from malling in the morning, buying her gifts, balloons, cakes, then preparing the food at home for dinner, and of course we don’t want to miss the Holy Mass as a thanksgiving. Then the rest of the night is eating and drinking and Claire is still up playing, running and laughing with her cousin on her same age. One thing for sure, this little girl is happy!

Happy 2nd Birthday baby! We love you!

I do the shopping of materials and birthday favors myself and make use of my own creativity for baby Gab’s birthday cake, guest message board, loot bags, decorations during the event, birthday banners, games and even foods. The occasion happened and was successful even with pressure on my part, but I take pride with myself in doing it with a touch of passion. I was also able to prove to myself that we can create a special party out of a limited budget.

"I design this birthday cake with a lot of thoughts"

"...and oh! I love this banner so much, i thought of showing the beautiful face of our birthday boy in the whole banner"

"This is my idea of a centerpiece..."

It requires time, creativity and effort but at the end of the day, there is a satisfying achievement. Especially if somebody from the guest recognizes and appreciates the whole party… well, it’s all because of me!