Monday, May 30, 2011

Leaving pieces of my heart

One of Aena's birthday presents was a Dora dry erase board.  While Arnold and I were busy cleaning up after the party, Aena was busy drawing on her new board.  When we arrived back at the house, I discovered Aena's drawing hanging on the door of our room.  It instantly brought tears to my eyes.


She considers me, with my crazy curly hair, part of her family.  Even now as I write this the tears fall from my eyes.  In part, because I am so blessed and honored to receive the love she so freely gives and, in part, because I miss her and Aeona so very much.  Those beautiful faces, those sweet little voices became part of my daily life and now there is this big void that only they can fill.  I am the luckiest woman in the world to have their love and the love of their father. 


It was heartbreaking to leave them at 3am to catch my flight back to the states.  Not a day goes by without thinking about them.  They are such a blessing in my life.  I never expected to have more children.  I was always content with having just my one son.  But they have changed everything for me.  Falling in love with their father has changed everything in my life.  My world is so much bigger, my love is so much deeper and I am so much happier than I ever knew.  Until we can all be together again, I will keep them in my thoughts and in my prayers.  Aeona and Aena, I love you so very much.  Thank you for letting me into your hearts.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Aena's 8th Birthday

you Arnold and I were so blessed to be able to celebrate Aena's 8th birthday with her.  We thoroughly enjoyed having the family over for a big birthday celebration.  Arnold has such a warm family that loves to spend time together.  I am truly blessed to be able to call them my family too.


Nica helping Aena get ready for her party.


Miss Bianca ready to celebrate!


Aeona deep in thought.


Aena, such a beautiful birthday girl!


Playing Uno while waiting for the party to begin.


Time to eat!


Xennon has his plate!


Bianca and big sister Bea. 


Britzy hiding with her Mom Juvy. 


Missy and Aena


EJ, Brian and GK doing such a great job of helping out with the dishes, Thanks guys!


Myself, the happy birthday girl Aena, Arnold and Aeona.


Proud Dad, Arnold, with his beautiful daughter Aena.


Aena with her new digital camera.


A beautiful new dress for the birthday girl.


Such a happy day and such a happy face.


Bianca, Bea, Aeona, and Zaira.


The heart and soul of my trip, Aena, Arnold and Aeona.


Aena blowing out the candles on her Disney Princess cake.


Arnold sharing a piece of cake with his Mom.


This is not what she had in mind! She has such beautiful spirit, she just laughed about it!

Aena's 8th Birthday

you Arnold and I were so blessed to be able to celebrate Aena's 8th birthday with her.  We thoroughly enjoyed having the family over for a big birthday celebration.  Arnold has such a warm family that loves to spend time together.  I am truly blessed to be able to call them my family too.


Nica helping Aena get ready for her party.


Miss Bianca ready to celebrate!


Aeona deep in thought.


Aena, such a beautiful birthday girl!


Playing Uno while waiting for the party to begin.


Time to eat!


Xennon has his plate!


Bianca and big sister Bea. 


Britzy hiding with her Mom Juvy. 


Missy and Aena


EJ, Brian and GK doing such a great job of helping out with the dishes, Thanks guys!


Myself, the happy birthday girl Aena, Arnold and Aeona.


Proud Dad, Arnold, with his beautiful daughter Aena.


Aena with her new digital camera.


A beautiful new dress for the birthday girl.


Such a happy day and such a happy face.


Bianca, Bea, Aeona, and Zaira.


The heart and soul of my trip, Aena, Arnold and Aeona.


Aena blowing out the candles on her Disney Princess cake.


Arnold sharing a piece of cake with his Mom.


This is not what she had in mind! She has such beautiful spirit, she just laughed about it!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Videoke

The big blue box behind us is a videoke machine.  Basically it's a wooden box on wheels with speakers, a tv on top to display the lyrics, loaded with tons of songs and it's delivered to your house for your party. They are extremely popular in the Philippines and Arnold's entire family are GREAT singers!


Sister Juvy, Cousin Kristine and myself relaxing after the party.



Leo and his San Miguel beer.


Sing it Feliza!


Nica showing us how it's done.





Feliza getting the crowd pumped up.


Arnold, Aunt Vic-Vic and Juvy singing together.


See it's a family affair, everyone sings! Sisters Julie and Juvy singing with baby brother Arnold.


My darling, looking so cute as he sings.


Sis Julie singing from the roof tops (or while standing on a chair.)


Get it girl! 


One on my personal favorites, Miss Kianne, entertaining us.

This family is loves to have fun.  They value the important things like God, family, love and laughter. I am extremely proud to be considered part of the family! Thanks to each and every one of you for making me feel welcome.