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!

Birthdays, Family birthday, birthday cake, birthday center piece, birthday party, cake, church, Family, love

I am not fond of “Tinker Bell” character when I was a kid, but when I joined my little girl watching Tinker Bell’s movie and seeing her enjoyed the colorful and beautiful faces of the pixies and fairies, and its magical stories… I find myself setting aside other important tasks and allow myself to finish the whole movie. I enjoyed it because Claire too! Hhmmm… It gives me an idea to throw a “Tinker Bell” inspired birthday party for her when she turns 3 years old.

One month to go, and it’s her 2nd birthday… hubby and I decided to throw a big party only every other year so I still have a lot of time and budgeting to prepare inorder to throw a Tinker Bell theme kiddie party for her soon… Well, while she is still a little baby, I can decide how the party will go, and by making it a point that the whole family and friends will enjoy and the most challenging part is to really grab what your baby is fond of.

My hint: she is amazed to see Jollibee, she adores her Pooh stuff toys, she shrieks and wow to see Tinker Bell, she dance and follow when the Disney princess dance and moved… and I have to choose one of those.. and I think I love the character of Tinker Bell the most… my little girl gives the sweetest smile when her dad called her “Tinker Claire” and I think it sounds good… hehe..

Birthdays baby, birthday, birthday party, cake, kiddie party, kids party, love

my birthday gift to the celebrant

I got a chance again to make my own version of ham and cheese macaroni salad today, instead of bringing a birthday cake, i thought to share my specialty during our family dinner tonight in my sister’s place for baby Gab’s birthday.

My nephew turns 2 years old today… and it reminds me that my little girl’s 2nd birthday is fast approaching too. Oh! how time flies fast! My sister did not throw a big kiddie party this year, so she invited direct family members only and treat all of us for a simple “salu-salo” with just 2 main dishes, 1 cake and 2 desserts. And it turned out to be an intimate celebration and the  2 year old birthday celebrant seems not to care that it’s his birthday and how the gathering is going. It is a simple yet a happy occasion with the family and a practical one.

Yes, i think it’s practical enough not to throw a big 2nd birthday party to your kids especially after a grand 1st birthday party, because after all… kids at this age won’t care yet. I will postpone another coming year or two for another big kiddie party for my daughter so this year should be a simple one too.

Birthdays, Family birthday, birthday cake, birthday party, cake, chicken ham, Family, kiddie party

Three months before his birthday, I already thought of making his birthday a memorable one and I wanted to celebrate it in the place where both of us can have a special bonding together away from home. Our current budget and time cannot afford to go out of the country yet so I think of a trip to Baguio City… I told him this plan and he approves it, I am so excited!

The weather cooperates to the occasion, I prayed so hard that amidst the storm in Manila, God will keep us safe and let us enjoy this special day, and thank God He answered my prayer. From Baguio, we arrived in Makati safe and the typhoon is gone although we experience some rainfalls but we ignore it, I tried my best to make him happy on his day so no room for any complaints even how uncomfortable I am with the rain… hehe. But when we arrived in the Mall of Asia, the rest of the day is already his day, we have so much fun!

We have lunch in “Burgoo” – I am amazed with their unique style of having their table covers in a blank white paper and they have coloring materials ready on top, then I found out that we can freely mess the table and write anything on it… then I write a big “happy birthday” greetings to the love of my life… hehe… perfect background which reminds us why we are here, it’s his birthday! Less than 15 minute, our food is served – I tried their chef’s choice of soup for the day – the creamy mushroom soup, it’s delicious! The main dish that my hubby chooses is one of Burgoo’s best – the Shrimps and Rib’s platter, we enjoyed our lunch up to the last rib! My mango shake is perfect too… the restaurant is cozy and very comfortable, it’s one of the best dining experience.

the birthday celebrant...

the mango shake with our inspiring background

the chef's choice of soup for the day

the best shrimp and rib's platter

Then we spend the rest of the afternoon in the Science Discovery Center which we highlighted the 45-minute planetarium show Ice World. Everything we shared together this day is first time and special to me and I’m sure he enjoyed his birthday! It is such a blessed day and a memorable one!

Happy Birtdhay, mwah!

Birthdays, Dining Experience, Family birthday, birthday party, bonding, Burgoo American Restaurant, Family, love, Mall of Asia, Science Discovery Center

What a beautiful day for a special occasion such as my father’s birthday! Every year this day reminds me of how grateful I am to have a father like him. I witnessed all the hard works, the care and love he showered to the family and most of all, I witnessed even the mistakes and the down moment of this man whom I called my father. Everybody wishes a perfect and a great dad… but a good father is also an imperfect one… and through that imperfection I see the beauty of his being a father… those imperfect moments made the two of us talk and discuss to each other and form a bonding that rekindle good relationship.

A father who loves me, cares for me, cook for me, supported me in every things I do, spank me when I commit mistakes, and bring me to the altar to step the next chapter of my life independently and call me in the middle of my hectic schedule just to say ‘I miss you and I love you‘, and a father who commits mistake and bad decision and in turn give me a chance to scold him and advice him for those mistakes…

All these moments with my father reminds me of how thankful I am to have him in my life. And because of these, his birthday is worth a celebration every year.

Birthdays, Family birthday, birthday cake, birthday party, Family, father

I remember how excited I am when my sister approved for me to do all the planning and preparations for her little boy’s 1st birthday. I want it to be simple yet special because aside from I adore my nephew so much, I also thought of working on this occasion with a personal touch.

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!

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