Category Archives: Family

Happy 41st Birthday Daddy!

15 years…

That’s how long we’ve been together.

5,479 days
131,496 hours
7,889,760 minutes
473,385,600 seconds

We had 15 birthdays celebrated together and we had our precious treasures…

Gabby and Nicco

Now you’re 41!

I’m not good in Math, I know. Ginoogle ko lang yung calculations. Haha!

Our love story is another one for the books. We really had nothing when we began and decided to build a family together…

Looking back, I know that our faith in God next to our faith in ourselves have saved us during our trying times.

Prayers has been my weapon every time during our lowest point in life. Hindi naging madaling mahalin ka, pero ikaw yung pinagdasal ko. Alam kong hindi rin naman ako yung gugustuhin mo nung una, pero alam kong ako din yung ipinagdasal mo. So quits lang tayo. Haha!

Everything happens for a reason, we learned a lot and saw how we both matured as we grow into a family.

I’ve been always your critique and sounding board for all your musings. Remember how I listen to your stories abut your friends?! I know them since day one even if I haven’t met them yet.

I’ve been a witness to all of your struggles and proud that you’ve overcome everything.

Thank you for fighting and always not giving up on us.

I know how happy you are for having Gabby and Nicco. They are your answered prayers…  How you long to have a family of your own…  I am happy as well that your dreams have turned into a reality. Your kids are now growing up too fast.

I love you for being a selfless father to your kids. I can always see and feel your happiness whenever you talk about them, how you’d do anything for them… For us,  for the family!

I love you because you never hold grudges to anyone no matter how they’ve done you wrong.

They can say anything against you, but I saw the goodness of your heart  (Though is getting weak lately)

Your childlike attitude towards life… So simple yet so real…

I love how you value friendship and be of help whenever you can, with or without favors in return…

You are our best cook! I see your joy in cooking for others and how you love to see us full and enjoyed the foods you prepared for us…

 

Thank you and we look forward to celebrating more birthdays in the coming years together…

Happy Birthday and WE LOVE YOU! 

Winter Blues? Plan a Trip to California That Will Entertain the Whole Family

Long months of snow and cold can really take a toll on one’s wellbeing. Many families are looking for a way to escape it, even if it’s just for a little while. California is one of the first destinations that comes to mind, as it allows for warm temperatures even in the winter months. And what’s not to like about its cinematic sunsets and relaxed atmosphere it became known for?

Atmospheric diversity at its best

While most of California’s regions are warm, there are some spots where you can find snow during the colder months. This allows you to mix it up to your heart’s content, and choose the appropriate setting for whatever your current mood may be. In any case, your kids will love some ice-skating activities, and whenever they feel tired, you can always pack up and drive away to a warmer place. How cool is that?

Whales

During the winter months, something marvelous happens along the California’s coastlines: they become a freeway for migrating gray whales. Since they travel relatively close to the land (a couple of miles, give or take), it’s easy to spot them from the shore, and seeing such marvelous creatures with your own eyes will make a trip your entirely family will treasure until the end of time.

Skiing and surfing in the same day

As crazy as it sound, in California, you can ski and surf in the same day. This will require you to put in some miles by either traveling by car or some other means, but it’s indeed doable, and it will certainly make for an unforgettable trip. Of course, you can also combine it all together and enjoy Christmas under a palm tree, which is as original as it gets.

Bike rentals and sightseeing

It’s important to allow yourself to experience everything California has to offer at your own pace. Virtually every corner in San Francisco has a place that allows you to rent a bike, and your whole family should take advantage of this to explore this beautiful city in peace. That way, you can cruise around Fisherman’s Wharf and other places of interest. When you’re done for the day, San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf, one of the most popular local hotels that’s located nearby, is always there for you to rest your feet.

California’s cuisine

Name a kid who doesn’t like a good hamburger. It just doesn’t happen. Luckily, California is full of fast food places that will make your mouth salivate at the thought of biting into that fresh piece of meat. In January, there’s also a cheeseburger week, a festival that’s dedicated to the burgers we all know and love. If you come by at just the right time, you will be able to stuff your mouth full of these almost for free.

Conclusion

California can either be an escape from the winter’s grasp, or an enhancement of what winter can offer. In any case, gathering your whole family will make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience full of adventure that is soothing and relaxing at the same time. Have you mapped out your trip to California yet?

Great Family Friendly Outdoor Exercise Ideas

Family-fitness

Nothing beats spending some time outdoors when the weather is gorgeous, but if you have kids it can be difficult to find an activity that suits everyone. Younger children will not be able to do as much as older kids and teenagers, plus you need to take differing levels of fitness into account. But don’t worry because there are lots of fun outdoor pursuits the whole family can try – whatever the weather!

Family Cycling
Cycling is great for kids of all ages. Toddlers and babies can sit in a child seat on the back of mum or dad’s bike while older children can speed along under their own steam. If you like the sound of a day out on the bikes, make sure you pack plenty of snacks and plan a suitable cycle route. It is also important to dress appropriately – and that includes cycle helmets for everyone!

Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is just as much fun for novices as it is for more experienced riders. There are riding stables in many rural areas, most of whom will be happy to organize family friendly rides along local trails. Riding is good exercise and even younger children will be able to head out on a ride. You may even find that your children are bitten by the horse bug and start clamoring for their own pony. If so, you can invest in horse tack from the onestopequineshop.com.

Hiking
Hiking is a good way to spend quality time in the Great Outdoors. If you live close to some areas of natural beauty, pack a rucksack with snacks and drinks, and take the kids for a hike. You can enjoy a bit of fresh air and exercise, plus some great views if you hike up a hill or two. Younger children won’t be able to manage long hikes, but older children and teenagers should have no problem covering several miles on foot.

Soccer in the Park
When you don’t have the time to travel far, a quick game of soccer in the local park is great exercise and an important family bonding session. Everyone can take part – even mum! So take your children for a kick-about at the weekend and burn off all those extra calories you piled on during the week.

Nature Walks
Nature walks around a local park or nature reserve are perfect for families with younger children. Smaller kids can be wheeled around in a buggy or pram if they aren’t able to walk. You can stop to examine flowers, plants and insects, or just take the opportunity to have a chat about things. And if the weather is nice, take a picnic.

Surfing and Body Boarding
If you are lucky enough to live near the beach, you may be able to go surfing or body boarding if there is enough swell. As long as it’s hot, or the kids have wet suits to keep them warm, fun will be had by all.

Exercise is important and we all need to do more of it, so instead of letting your kids sit in front of a screen every weekend, encourage them to spend a bit more time outdoors with the rest of the family!

Divorce Rates in the US

Falling in love and building up a family is a part of our life. One of the saddest part and challenge that every couple face in their relationship is going through a break-up and ends in a painful divorce. As we progress came the increasing rate  of it in the US.

familygamenight.net

As you can see in the infographic above, the divorce rate in the US goes up.  73% of third marriage ends in divorce. Oklahoma has the highest rate at 13.45 and 32% of their adults who have ever been married have been divorced.

In every separation slash breakup slash divorce, kids are most often affected in such cases. There are many factors to consider why a couple opt for it, but we all do hope that whatever it is, the kids welfare and both parties should deal with it in a mature manner.