TOPAZ HORIZON

My magazine's associate features editor Joanna Tuazon recently wed T3's deputy managing editor Elijah Mendoza. Since Vince and I are the editors of these wonderful magazines, of course we both had to go! It was a lovely day--the afternoon was cool and crisp, the beautiful bride was stunning, the groom looked like he can't believe his luck (click on the photo to see what I mean).

To Joanna and Elijah (or, in the tradition of Brangelina, the newly dubbed Elijo), congratulations and best wishes!

This Christmas was fantabulous. For a while, we worried we wouldn't be giving away gifts because of the terrible credit card theft last month. But God is good! Not only did we receive a ton of gifts, but we were also able to give a whole lotta material love!

Exhibit A: This push cart filled with 7 huge bags of gifts. I spent an entire two days wrapping gifts but gave up and just piled everything into paper bags.

Exhibit B: We took this photo at the parking garage and as we piled the bags into the truck, we said, "Eat your heart out, Santa!"

Our families were so happy. Truly, while Vince and I enjoyed all our gifts, we delighted more in giving. Really! I'm not trying to be cute here. A thief almost ruined our Christmas--we almost didn't want to give any gift at all since all we thought of was the expense. Then we kinda overcompensated in our attempt to fight that fear. And, to our surprise, we really enjoyed seeing everyone's face light up.

Here we are at the Sales family dinner at White Plains. Since Vince and I don't have kids yet, the niece and nephews were an adorable substitute.

Here we are at the Amper Noche Buena at Antipolo. We almost didn't celebrate Christmas, too, because this is our first Christmas without Mama. But we actually had a wonderful time just being together. We miss Mama of course, but her absence made us cherish each other more so that really made Christmas more meaningful.

I got a ton of gifts! And I always love the cards that go with them. I read the cards before I rip off the wrappers, chortle or squeal over the gift, fold away the wrappers, pile up the gifts, then I pad off to bed with my Christmas cards and read them all again before I sleep. Happiness.

Then the Internet happened and I got eCards! I love these:


Oh, and I even got my very first blog award! And I am thrilled to bits! I've always wanted one, actually wanted to campaign, even beg for one (or two or three), but always stopped myself from total embarrassment. But I won't shy away now! I love my Lemonade Award from the dearest darling utterly creative blog Lovely Purses! Thanks, Duni. I appreciate the award.


Thank you all so much! Merry Christmas and God bless you!