Slow it down, make it stop, or else my heart is going to pop

So one day we took a break from the usual white pambahay onesies and dressed the twins up for a photo op. I guess we were too excited to be stage parents we forgot that 3-week old babies (and prematures at that!) don’t exactly pose and intentionally smile for the camera.

So my husband and I ended up just watching them flail their arms, drool, and fall asleep in their colorful onesies and tiny ribbons while we went trigger-happy with our cameras. ‘Guess our babies are not ready for their modeling careers just yet. Haha.

I’m sooo in love!

[audio https://chasingdreams.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/theshow-kerrisdorsey.mp3]

Love as I see it

We’ve come a long way. For years we were in a long distance relationship, bridging the timezone and the distance between New York and Manila with Skype calls, online flower deliveries, and lots and lots of prayers and patience. But now we’re finally together, in our second year of marriage, and awaiting the coming of our twin girls!

Love is such a broad term, and in my life I’ve experienced it in various forms and ways. But nothing has given LOVE more human meaning to me than thisGod bridging time and distance, and making a family out of two people in love.

Thank you Island Rose, for being part of our love story. 

This weekend on Instagram: our first wedding anniversary

Obligatory instagram post of our weekend at Canyon Woods Resorts:

(1) For the first time the whole week, the sun was shining brightly and we spent our weekend without a hint of dark skies and rain! (2) We woke up on our first morning with sun rays through our room’s glass windows, what a sight! (3) We had our breakfast of eggs and bacon with a beautiful view on the side; (4) ..and we can’t help but stare at the two empty seats in front of us, thinking that soon enough, two little girls will occupy those seats; (5) I’m so thankful my husband is a good swimmer. I’ve always loved swimming, and I’m glad to have someone who’s game to swim anytime! (6) The indoor pool was practically the highlight of our stay, we had it all to ourselves the whole time we were there! Seriously, no other guests but us! (7) My big bulge didn’t stop me from swimming, yeah! (8) Posing by the highway, just because; (9) Pretty casitas by the lake, one of which was our love nest for the weekend; (10) Gotta love having a husband who’s ready with a camera all the time; (11) Waiting for our ride back home, after 3 days of rest; (12) Pasalubongs from Tagaytay.

We couldn’t help but compare how different this August was from last year. How we were surrounded by lots of people, family and friends, on our wedding day and on the days before and after it. This time, celebrating our first wedding anniversary, it was just two of us. And it was really just the two of us, literally, as it seemed like we were the only guests in Canyon Woods that time. The only times we’re reminded that we’re not alone were those moments when I feel tiny kicks in my belly, and we realize that we have two little girls tagging along wherever we go.

The place was beautiful, the moments were precious, and it was just the kind of weekend where we keep marveling at how huge and how wide God’s love is. And yet, in His Greatness, He’s still mindful of the personal details and the little things in these small and short lives we live.

525,600 minutes

It’s been a year since that day. Being in a long distance relationship for so long, we used to count days ’til we’re together again. But now, we’re counting years together. How amazing is that? More so, how amazing is This God who brought us together; who’s continuously making all things beautiful in His time? Our gratitude is beyond words.

I don’t usually embed videos in my blog, but this one is worth the exceptiona beautiful remembrance of our wedding day:

Rhiza and David SDE:) 13.08.11, made by the awesome Marvin Barbarona.

Every time I watch this video, I still swoon like it was just yesterday.

Last Sunday we dined out with my family to celebrate our anniversary. And last night, our simple home-made dinner for two became a small celebration with our disciplers, our Pastor and his wife, who dropped by to surprise us.

But the week has just begun, and something tells me this is going to be one long week of celebration and thanksgiving. :)

Long, Exaggerated, Happy Sigh

I posted this photo on Instagram and Facebook this morning, and I can’t resist posting this here too.

I was just about to leave for work this morning, it was drizzling, and I watched as my husband busied himself in that little corner we call our garden. Soon, he came back with a big smile on his face, a scissor on one hand, and this freshly-cut single-stemmed rose on the other. I didn’t know he was growing rose bushes out there until today!

What a sweetheart, this guy. I fall in love everyday!

I know I sound like a lovestruck wife in every blog post, but everyday I’m also reminded that surely something as beautiful as this married life has got to have some greater purpose than just making two people happy!

Gary Thomas said it best,

“What if God didn’t design marriage to be ‘easier’? What if God had an end in mind that went beyond our happiness, our comfort, and our desire to be infatuated and happy as if the world were a perfect place? What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?”

I agree. I definitely agree.

Caramel sundae & some Mcdo lovin’

Last Saturday we found happiness in a cup of caramel sundae. Yep, all for the price of 25 pesos! (Hey, that’s way cheaper than Magnum!)

We practically stayed in bed the whole Saturday morning, and since the husband had to prepare for a message he was going to preach in Youth Worship the following day, we had to stay at home the whole day too. Hey, I have no complaints. I loooove staying at home on a Saturday, and I find it so endearing when my husband ignores me because he’s too engrossed studying God’s Word. Even more endearing when he finally stands up there and shares what he learned. <3

That was an awesome Saturday as it is, but later in the afternoon, he decided to take a study break and grab some sundae. Ang saya ko lang! It’s like the icing on my cake, or, shall I say, the caramel fudge on my sundae. (Haha I’m so witty!) So yay I brought the camera with me and took photographs. After all, I’m starting to get bored with my Saturday-at-home shots!

I’ve been learning a lot about simplicity and contentment these days. Last Saturday was one of those days when you realize that happiness doesn’t have to cost too much. Sometimes, they even come free.

So hey, do yourself a favor, take a break from whatever you’re doing, satisfy that craving, and make sure to bring along someone who makes you smile!

(Friday na! Ang bilis!)