Things I Am Grateful for 2012

Another year has come to an end again. A year full of memories and experiences – some of which we want to forget, some of which we want to carry on and some of which we regret. But if you are to ask me about anything that I regret in 2012, ika nga sa Miss Universe: “I'd like to start off by saying that every experience no matter what it is, good or bad, you'll learn from it. That's just life.” But something I’ve done I’ve regretted is probably picking my nose. Haha! I’m just not over yet with the #MissPHILIPPINESforMissUniverse2012 trending :) Lucky Miss USA. And me, too! God has been so faithful to me as ever in 2012.

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In my year end summary for 2011, I prayed for a fruitful 2012. I asked for a glass of water and God gave me a sea! I’ve had trials too, low times and hard times that almost broke me down. But I waited, and prayed, and God eventually brought back the pieces together. God is so good!

A lot of dreams and wishes have been answered last year. When I was younger, I badly wanted to become a flight attendant. I once tried getting into an airline but was rejected on the last interview. After becoming a mother, I already accepted that my dream will only happen in my sleep. But lo and behold, God is so good – I’ve been to 12 cities in eight countries last year.  

And more than that, I've surpassed my first ever long haul flight -- all by myself. Almost 24 hours in transit to meet hubby at the other side of the world. Thank You Lord!

2012 was also the year when Lia was first hospitalized, and I am very thankful that God has finally introduced to us the perfect doctor that suits our personality and needs. Aside from that hospitalization, all our family members have been pretty well. Thank You Lord for the opportunity to welcome the new year again as a family.

And thank heavens for my parents and in-laws. Especially my Mom who has never left me since the first day that Lia came into my life. She has been there to rescue me every time a maid leaves. As of this writing, we are maid-less for a month already and has been surviving each day more happily. 

Thanking them everyday is not even enough. And this year, God has been so helpful to give us the resources to bring the grannies out on trips again. 

I am still convinced, just like last year, that travelling with senior citizens are a bit stressful but I would still want to make the most out of it while they are still able to walk and travel (Read about our trips here and here). Time will come that they will become too weak to leave the house, and I wanna make sure that I'll have no regrets when that time comes. Claiming that we'll have even more trips with them this year :)

Last year, a miracle also happened to me. I gained x number of pounds. Haha! It's already a given, but atleast at the latter part of 2012, I have received the blessing of acceptance. And I have realized that no amount of fat can make me feel ugly because I was made in HIS likeness. As long as I am healthy, everything is A-OK! Going back to the miracle I was referring to, one of the impossibles have been given to me by God -- I have finally learned how to drive! I still can't believe it, but I am really driving now! To God Be The Glory!

And how could I not be so thankful to Lord for giving me a supportive and loving husband. We are so not perfect, just like anybody else, but I am glad that God was able to let us understand that every person has his/her own wonders. How could I not love this man -- who gave me a beautiful daughter?

This little angel has made my life more meaningful. She's God daily reminder of HIS love for me. My instant stress giver and reliever. She made me a proud stage momma after her Halloween party stints and when she gives me gentle and sweet massage. Tonight, she watched our wedding SDE video for the first time and I had goosebumps when she said "Mommy" and "Daddy" after seeing us on the video -- the video that was taken years before she was even conceived. There really are reasons for everything, and we just have to wait and let God unfold His gifts in HIS own time.

And in God's own time, He allowed me to create this blog and celebrate its first year anniversary! That despite of having outdated posts, this blog still manages to get a few hits everyday (thank you to all of you who spends time and energy on my boring page) and a few likes in my FB page (special shoutout to my recent "liker" Mommy Jane Centina). And in God's own time, I have personally met other mommy bloggers who became instant friends. And in God's own time, I will meet more mommy bloggers come February this year!! Yebbah!

There are just too many things to be thankful for -- my work, my officemates, my friends, Lia's God parents, my bros and sisters in laws, my relatives and really too many to mention! I hope you don't find this post like a speech in MMFF Awards night (But if I really was a winner, I will tell all of this -- no matter how long. Haha).

Claiming that 2013 will be a better and more prosperous year! Good health and world peace to all! To God be all the Glory!

Psalm 136:1 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.