Our February Best Bits (2018)

Lesson # 1: Self- Love
The month of love came by so quickly. However, I started a new lifestyle that teaches me to slow down amidst the fast-changing phases of life. I did yoga on the first day of the month. The newly-opened yoga place near our house was an unexpected blessing for me. Yoga is helping me in so many beautiful ways, (1) relieves my stresses because it teaches deep breathing. I learned that most of us today are short breathers. We inhale and exhale fast and shallow. Every time I do yoga, I can imagine the air coming into my lungs while the abdomen expands. And when I exhale deeply, my lungs get empty as the air comes out through my nostrils. Meditation combined with proper breathing is so powerful. The muscles on my shoulders are softened after a yoga session.  (2) Yoga transforms me into a refined woman. It lengthens my patience and empowers self-control. I am becoming more quiet and loving silent alone time. (3)Strengthens my body by developing stronger muscles and finding balance.

Lesson #2: Love in Marriage
Michael also joined the LDs Riders Club last February 3, 2018. I am happy to see him explore all activities available in the community. It's amazing how early in marriage I adjusted to being with my husband most of the time but then now after three (3) years, I am used to having a companion 24/7. It's so hard to be away from him. It's true that in marriage, we should never lose ourselves. We have to keep our own wings and confidently fly.

We had our first formal dinner as a couple for Valentine's Day. Sister Dian a churchmate who recently graduated as a Chef organized a romantic Valentine's Dinner. I absolutely loved this experience when I was able to talk to my husband intimately while enjoying a night filled of great food and sweet music. Overall the experience was very good. (2/10/2018)

On Valentine's day, my husband surprised me at home. He cut out hearts and pasted them on the wall like a wallpaper (in the states it's called the heart attack). He also decorated our doors with crepe papers in colors red and pink. I got three heart-shaped balloons and a bouquet of red roses.

Intermission: We got new tire mags for our baby Lucky last Feb 17th. ***

Lesson #3: Love for Others 
We had our Ward Valentines' Party ("Couples' Night") on the 23rd of the month. We had a great dinner. We danced. We laughed. We cleaned the chapel afterward. It was very touching because the members helped us prepared the Cultural Hall for our stake youth activity the following day. It always amazes me how service brings us closest to the Spirit of joy and peace instantly even if we are feeling down. Service is a gift!

The Stake Youth Lds Prom and Workshops on empowering Self-Esteem were very successful. It was held on the 24th of February. We divided the youth into two groups, 12 - 15 years old and 16 to 18 years old. The first group attended series of workshops about how to study the scriptures in fun ways, physical attraction, grooming and career planning. While the older group learned how to dance the waltz and we had a lesson about proper dating. I love the youth of Zion! I feel so blessed each time I had the chance to share with them some of the fondest I learned from my youth as well.

I also spoke at two (2) Young Women New Beginnings! I talked about my testimony of the Personal Progress with the Angeles 1st Ward young women on the 9th while I discussed about Goal Setting for the young women of the Angeles 2nd Ward on the 17th. Nakakaganda ang maging youth leader. :)

Lesson #4: Love for Family
Ate Val's Birthday Week! We attended church in Bulacan because the Dulam Family was here. We had our birthday dinner for Sister Val. Then on the 26th, ate Val, Bernie and Chum slept over at our house here in Pampanga. We went to SM for a quick shopping and ate at a Korean Restaurant. We enjoyed this place a lot because they have a play area for the kids while we were enjoying our meals!
I love my family. I love my husband's family. When we are with our families, we feel complete. They are the strongest influence on our self-worth and confidence. I am grateful for their unconditional love and acceptance.

This photo was taken at Tabang Chapel. I and my daughter are loving the twinning game! <3

ALL ABOUT LITTLE Z

Zephrine learned how to wear her slippers! She loves to go outside. She loves to eat more rice and soups. She also learned the colors. She loves to write and she immitates everything that I do. She reads when I read. She plays the piano when I play. And all of the above. We love to run in the park. 

Zephrine also calls us daddy, mommy and nanay distinctly. She started to smile at everyone but still very clingy. She loves to play with other kids especially with her cousins. She loves to wear my shoes. She loves to disorganize my bags. We love her a lot!

BIG NEWS!!!!! 

We got promoted at work! I am now the Seniore Vice President for Quickstrike MNFG. (Phils) Inc. while Michael is now the Compliance Officer for all our partner factories! Well, I think we are ready for baby #2. Let's see!!!!