it's actually Christmas morn as of this writing, and i haven't slept yet after a day's preparation for the Christmas dinner. it was fulfilling, though, inspite of the exhaustion. cooking for my family is always like a wish fulfillment on my part. i wanted to become a chef one day (aside from the many other aspirations i have for myself that I wanted to come true) and so i practice by cooking for them, especially on special occassions. i've been doing this since i was in high school and i will continue doing this until God brings me home. :)
These past few days, before the holiday mode sets in, i've been pessimistic of what this season would bring. recently we were worrying on making ends meet, and celebrating the holiday was a bit of a burden. for several days i quarrel edward for complacency (or irresponsibility). but as the day sets in, i realize my mistakes. i err on most things and it's like blaming him for the fault i made. it was a difficult time but I thank God He has changed my view on things and everything ended well.
i went to the mall this afternoon and hordes of last minute holiday shoppers were bustling in the supermarket. it was late that i noticed a long line in the cashier station, and i managed to budget 2000 for 5 dishes. how i did that was a miracle- all i knew is that God was with me, guiding me all the way. good thing i found a shorter line which people failed to notice and took advantage of it. i was able to be back earlier in time for the dinner preparation.
i did everything on my own- shopping and cooking. i carried 5-7 kl of items in one hand and another 3-6 kilos on another. i rested for a while and decided to cook.
cooking and photography :)
yum yum!
my mom prefers the fruit salad
we celebrated ahead of the others for 2 reasons: first is to not break my kids habit of sleeping early. second is to avoid the fireworks (disguised as the big drum parade :) ) for my eldest daughter. she's so frightened by the sound of the fireworks and she cries everytime she hears one. she's under occupational therapy to help manage her fears but she still has a lot of therapy to undergo. unfortunately we didn't avoid the inevitable. but at least we're seeing good improvements in her. she only cried a little unlike before that she is getting fever because of too much fear. thank God for the healing.
the many presents under the tree
ate shareign's big present
my present :)
rizia's present!
the wrappers from all the Christmas gifts
my sister's present
the kids enjoying their new toys
these are what i received this year :)
today was a different Christmas i have experienced. it may not be as grand as last year's, but this year was the year when i have learned a lot of things in life that will be useful for the betterment of my life next year.
Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
