Monday, April 22, 2013

Counting my blessings

I'm finding it more difficult to update Topaz Horizon. I've decided long ago that this will be my silly blog (which doesn't mean I'm a silly person haha) and I'll put fashion and Hollywood celebs and TV shows and glam events here. But now that my life's been devoted to hearth and home, there's really not much to talk about here (although I talk a lot about hearth and home over at Topaz Mommy!).

I've been without yayas for almost a month now. So no more events for me. Well, I've really been declining invitations for a while now, since I retired from magazines. I only go out if I really really like the brand or the person inviting me. But, as with these things, you say no too many times and they stop inviting you. The result is a much quieter life—less shrill voices, less dealing with traffic, less dressing up and putting on make up.

We spent an afternoon just having the silliest fun! 

There's more dinners with my kids, more time for LEGO and Cars and Toy Story, more chats with the toddler, more breastfeeding with the baby, longer bath times, more bedtime stories now. There's more conversations with my husband, more making love, more cuddles, more laughter. There's more books, more naps, more time with friends and family, and it's been quiet enough lately that there's more prayer for me now.
Vito and I spent nearly an hour making this!

I like this retreat from the world. I think I like it because I spent a lot of years living glamorously, loudly. I've been there, I've done that. I don't feel like I'm missing out. Although I will admit that when I do attend events now and see dear friends, I miss them. So I miss the people, but not that world.

Still, the world seems to still find its way to me. Recently, I got some lovely surprises. They were sent because I'm a blogger and they love my blogs. Hooray! I'm glad for that. I really really am. Thank you!


Gingersnaps sent the boys the cutest clothes! Here's Iñigo with the boxes of goodies. He's obviously very engrossed in LEGO to care! I'll dress the boys up real soon so you can see how cool the clothes are. What else? Go Nuts Donuts sent over their latest creation—the Cookie Butter flavor. It is so yummy! I ate 4 in one sitting! Karimadon sent exquisite Ladurée macarons straight from Hong Kong (and other fabulous surprises!) because they loved that I loved their VIP room. Taste Central sent me shopping credits. And magazines Northern Living and Real Living asked me to be featured in their mom issues!

Getting ready for my Northern Living shoot while my sister entertains little Iñigo.

My blessings aren't just material gifts. My favorite ones are from my family and neighbors. My sister, Jacqui, has been dropping by to take care of the kids. She has saved me from going insane. My sister-in-law, Anj, and her son, Zo, have also entertained the boys when I had to go to a meeting, they volunteered their Fridays to babysit, and I get to borrow their cleaning lady, too. My in-laws send over food like mangoes and nuts and caldereta, which means less time in the kitchen for me. My neighbors, Claire, Earl, Dada and Cathee, have also lightened the burden of caring for little babies with their encouragement, friendship and prayer.

So while my life recently has been less busy and stressful, it's also been more full. Too full. My heart is overflowing with love and gratitude!

10 comments:

  1. I feel blessed reading this post, Frances. Thank you for sharing the gratitude! :)

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  2. Oh wow, you are truly blessed! :)

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  3. You know, because of you, I am also contemplating on having no yaya anymore. Although I have one now and she has been a blessing, because of you, I believe I can manage our household without (or baka easier said than done?). And like you, I was also interviewed by Real Living just this morning :)

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    1. I think if she has been a blessing then you should keep her. It is a privilege to be a blessing, don't take that away from her! Plus, you're also blessing her by giving her work. Mahirap makahanap ng mabait na yaya and mahirap makahanap ng mabait na employer. So you are both a blessing to each other!

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  4. You're truly blessed, and you're also a blessing to others, Ms. Frances. For me, your life now is the best kind of life there is. I would have thought otherwise before, though. But now, who needs a "social life" when new lives are developing right before your eyes? :-)

    Davao Mommy

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    1. I still have a very active social life =) I see my friends more often now than before! So it is the best kind of life!

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  5. I love this post. Good vibes all around :) and that iñigo! So so cute

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    1. Thanks! He's sooo much cuter in real life! =D

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