Mother's Day

Mother's Day is next Sunday, the special day for all the wonderful mothers out there. My husband and I always see to it that every time Mother's Day comes, we celebrate it with our "mom-mom". Actually, we hate to say it, but we won't be around with her on that actual day due to travel schedules. But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate that special day with her. We planned to celebrate it a week after the occasion, but she loves flowers, so we will be sending her some on the actual day. Honestly, my hubby uses 1800flowers.com few times before in sending her flowers. (I received ones too!) Well, I guess it's time to visit them again :).
1800fowers has been in the business for more than 30 years, providing its customers around the world fresh flowers and even some of the finest selections of plants, gift baskets, gourmet food, confections and plush stuffed toys perfect for every occasion. I was able to browse on the carefully selected collections of their mothers day gift baskets and they are beautiful...perfect for our mom-mom. I'm sure she will love it. Some of the selections are orchard-fresh fruit baskets and gourmet snacks, luxurious spa delights and more. There are lots to choose from, and prices are reasonable and affordable too. It's worth it!
Well, really a perfect timing. We can avail of their free shipping offer or no service charge offer as an early buyer. Hhhmmm, why not? So, if you are planning to send your mother one, order today at 1800flowers.com and grab the promo offer. This is only good until May 7, so be sure to visit them today!

Designer Baby Slings

I must say baby slings nowadays seem too cute to see, and at the same time one of the most natural and intuitive ways of caring your babies. And where can you see these various designs of at least 10,000 baby sling products but only at slinglings. This company offers fashionable and affordable baby slings which are made from high quality snuggle-ready stretch cotton fabrics in various prints and designs, perfect for newborns up to toddlers weighing up to 35 pounds. For mothers, this would be very convenient to use...no ties, buckles or snaps to worry about. Aside from that, it is always a good feeling to snuggle up close with that cuty little baby of yours, right? :)You can forget the stroller once in a while, and do that baby slinging! lol! And for your little tots, doll slings are also available still at affordable prices. For sure your little kids would love playing at their little doll with the slings too! :) So don't forget to browse the complete baby sling collections and choose the designs perfect for your babies.

Press Release:

Who: Sara Gower
Contact: www.slinglings.com info@slinglings.com 1-800-887-1461

The rest of the nation is finally catching on: babywearing is one of the most natural and intuitive ways to care for babies.


And Seattle's Slinglings.com, a home-based three-year-old company run by Sara and Stephen Gower, is one of the most innovative baby sling businesses out there. The company has more than 10,000 pouches in stock and ready to ship.


“I started by making a few slings to carry my son around the city. People were so interested in the pouches that I started making more to sell locally,” said Sara. “The reception was so phenomenal that my husband and I started our Slinglings website and from there, the business just took off.”


All of Slinglings' pouches are sewn by Seattle-based seamstresses and can be ordered in more than 80 fabrics, some of which were designed by Stephen himself. A line of 12 designer prints, 5 of which are exclusive Slinglings’ designs, was just added to their collection.


Another feature that sets Slinglings apart is its interactive sizing tool. By entering height, weight, bra size, measurements, or any combination of these numbers, Slinglings' advanced sizing calculator recommends a sling size based on the feedback of more than 15,000 previous customers.


“From the beginning, we've collected sizing statistics. We're always adding to our database and it's resulted in an incredibly accurate sizing tool,” said Sara. “It takes the guesswork out of ordering pouches.”


Babywearing, an art practiced for centuries, allows parents to resume their usual activities like walking, socializing, cleaning, and cooking while their babies get the incomparable benefit of close contact with their caregivers.


“Wearing my children has been one of the best parenting choices I've made,” said Sara. “I'm so fortunate to be able to bring that same experience to others.”


Slinglings offers competitive pricing—prices start at $36.95-- and welcomes all wholesale inquiries.

--Megan McKee

"Will you give this to my daddy?"

The title is an eye catching phrase. I am sure most of you would automatically think before you read the story, that this short phrase is coming from an innocent child longing for her daddy...so much powerful and touches your heart. I am always moved by this kind of story. This message was shared to me by a friend. So, I guess I would have to share it to everybody here as well.

As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support "Red Fridays."

Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I
was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me
beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed
one of the greatest
acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they
began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly
to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and
cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young
unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so
we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our
service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran
up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi."

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy
for her.

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself,
said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then
suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the
biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was
Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had
been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her
daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all
of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the
other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They
started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to
Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he
told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that he
had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying
"your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and
he is coming home very soon."

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young
soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was
standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people
resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around,
there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in
one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and
thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's
good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing
Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to
be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and are
voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

We are not organized , boisterous or over-bearing.. We get no liberal
media coverage on TV to reflect our message or our opinions. Many
Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize
that the vast majority of Americans supports our troops.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity
and respect starts this Friday and continues each and every Friday
until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that. 'Every
red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear
something red.'

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every
Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the
bleachers.

If every one of us who loves this country will share this with
acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troop s know the
once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever; certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make
things better for you?" is...We need your support and your prayers.

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.

Golden Words To Live By (Part 7)

BE PATIENT

This is a true story which happened in the States. A man came out of his home to admire his new truck. To his puzzlement, his three-year-old son was happily hammering dents into the shiny paint of the truck. The man ran to his son, knocked him away, hammered the little boy's hands into pulp as punishment. When the father calmed down, he rushed his son to the hospital.

Although the doctor tried desperately to save the crushed bones, he finally had to amputate the fingers from both the boy's hands. When the boy woke up from the surgery & saw his bandaged stubs, he innocently said, "Daddy, I'm sorry about your truck." Then he asked, "but when are my fingers going to grow back?" The father went home & committed suicide.

Think about this story the next time someone steps on your feet or u wish to take revenge. Think first before u lose your patience with someone u love. Trucks can be repaired.. Broken bones & hurt feelings often can't. Too often we fail to recognize the difference between the person and the performance. We forget that forgiveness is greater than revenge.

People make mistakes. We are allowed to make mistakes. But the actions we take while in a rage will haunt us forever.

Golden Words To Live By (Part 6)

PERSONAL PERCEPTION

Different people have different perception. One man's meat could be another man's poison. A couple bought a donkey from the market. On the way home, a boy commented, "Very stupid. Why neither of them ride on the donkey? "Upon hearing that, the husband let the wife ride on the donkey. He walked besides them. Later, an old man saw it and commented, "The husband is the head of family. How can the wife ride on the donkey while the husband is on foot?" Hearing this, the wife quickly got down and let the husband ride on the donkey.

Further on the way home, they met an old Lady. She commented, "How can the man ride on the donkey but let the wife walk. He is no gentleman."
The husband thus quickly asked the wife to join him on the donkey. Then, they met a young man. He commented, "Poor donkey, how can you hold up the weight of two persons. They are cruel to you." Hearing that, the husband and wife immediately climbed down from the donkey and carried it on their shoulders.

It seems to be the only choice left. Later, on a nar row bridge, the donkey was frightened and struggled. They lost their balance and fell into the river. You can never have everyone praise you, nor will everyone condemn you. Never in the past, not at present, and never will be in the future.

Thus, do not be too bothered by others words if our conscience is clear..

Golden Words To Live By (Part 5)

RIGHT SPEECH

There is a Chinese saying which carries the meaning that "A speech will either prosper or ruin a nation." Many relationships break off because of wrong speech. When a couple is too close with each other, we always forget mutual respect and courtesy. We may say anything without considering if it would hurt the other party.

A friend and her millionaire husband visited their construction site. A worker who wore a helmet saw her and shouted, "Hi, Emily! Remember me? We used to date in the secondary school." On the way home, her millionaire husband teased her, "Luckily you married me. Otherwise you will be the wife of a construction worker." She answered,"You should appreciate that you married me. Other wise, he will be the millionaire and not you."

Frequently exchanging these remarks plants the seed for a bad relationship. It's like a broken egg - cannot be reversed.

Golden Words To Live By (Part 4)

NO OVERPOWERING

Many relationships fail because one party tries to overpower another, or demands too much. People in love tend to think that love will conquer all and their spouses will change the bad habits after marriage. Actually, this is not the case. There is a Chinese saying which carries the meaning that "It is easier to reshape a mountain or a river than a person's character."

It is not easy to change. Thus, having high expectation on changing the spouse character will cause disappointment and unpleasantness.

It would be less painful to change ourselves and lower our expectations..

Golden Words To Live By (Part 3 )

CREATING PERFECT RELATIONSHIPS?

A person visited the government matchmaker for marriage, SDU, and requested "I am looking for a spouse. Please help me to find a suitable one." The SDU officer said, "Your requirements, please." "Oh, good looking, polite, humorous , sporty, knowledgeable, good in singing and dancing. Willing to accompany me the whole day at home during my leisure hour, if I don't go out. Telling me interesting stories when I need companion for conversation and be silent when I want to rest." The officer listened carefully and replied, "I understand you need television."

There is a saying that a perfect match can only be found between a blind wife and a deaf husband, because the blind wife cannot see the faults of the husband and the deaf husband cannot hear the nagging of the wife. Many couples are blind and deaf at the courting stage and dream of perpetual perfect relationship. Unfortunately, when the excitement of love wears off, they wake up and discover that marriage is not a bed of roses. The nightmare begins.

A letter from Carlo Cruz

Still remember that Ayala Mall explosion few months ago? Here's a heart warming letter from a husband, whose wife was a victim on the incident. It quite touches me reading it. So, I might as well share it.



I admire his courage and strength withstanding one of the toughest trial that came his life...most of all, I admire his FAITH to God, still strong as ever! God bless you and your loved ones, Carlo. Temporary death is not the end of it. Sooner, there's a place of meeting and reuniting called God's haven. :)



"I wish I were writing under different circumstances.


I would like to inform you that my wife Leslie Cruz was part of the casualties in the Glorietta 2 Mall bombing in Makati City , Philippines . She was supposed to have a minor out patient surgery at Makati Medical Center at 230pm.



I had taken a leave from work to accompany her there. We dropped off our daughter, Amber, at my parents place in QC to babysit at around 10am. We then proceeded to Makati and was there at 1230pm. Since she had been fasting in preparation for her procedure, she wanted to move around and listen to some music while I grabbed a bite to eat. We parked at the basement of Park Square 2, and headed for the Glorietta 2 entrance. We parted at the top of the escalator, she turned right towards Filbar's while I went left towards the restaurants. That was the last time I would see her.


Around 120pm, she had called me so that we can meet at the Glorietta 2 exit just in time to make her appointment. As I made my way there from Glorietta 1 through the connecting hallways, and was about to turn the corner, I heard 2 deep thumps and the shock-wave from the blast hit me. At that moment my heart dropped as I knew that the origin of the blast came from the same place where we were supposed to meet. I tried getting to where my wife was, but the dust was too much and it was as if I was staring at a white wall.



I still tried to convince myself that she was able to make it out, and that after ringing her mobile without a response only meant that she dropped it in the confusion. After 6 hours of searching from Makati Med. to Ospital ng Makati , the blast site, and back again to MMC - with the help of all the people I could get hold of, that I was able to get confirmation in what the state of my wife was.



My Dad and Uncle signaled me in from the ER of MMC. My Uncle (who's a doctor) asked me to describe Leslie's appearance to another group of doctors. I saw in the eyes of one that the description made sense. Instead of confirming it to me, they huddled together, then brought me to a small examination room. It was only through a digital camera that I was able to confirm (and deny) that she was indeed gone.



I have so many regrets. I should have met her sooner. I should have ran instead of a brisk walk. I should have not chose to park where I did. I should have braved the dust and went in the blast site. I should have ...

Today's the 4th day. It is still terribly difficult to breathe, let alone wake up realizing that your source of strength, your best friend doesn't lie beside you on your bed. That my deepest worry is when Amber starts asking for her Mama.



I am glad that Amber's too young to understand the loss and pain. In time I would like to tell her the details of how her mother died, but more importantly I would like to raise her as how her mother lived - a loving person, strong willed, decisive, caring, and nurturing. She has always cared for her family and friends, and sacrfied her career for being a full time mom and home maker.



As with all couples we had our ups and downs - none of which I regret not going through. The sweet is never as sweet without the sour. For almost 4 years of marriage, we've finally hit our balance in life only to be taken away in an instant. I have no regrets about our marriage. She has loved me and Amber beyond her capacity. I will always love her.



It is my first time to write to egroup as I've lurked and watched emails being sent to and fro. All I want now is that for each of the couples here is to cherish each moment that we spend with our loved ones. Pretty simple to say, very easy to take for granted.



Thank you all for the prayers. I would still like to ask you to please include Leslie in them until her 40th day so that the path to God's kingdom is well lit and she is no longer in the dark. "



Sincerely,

Carlo Cruz

"ENOUGH"

Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged, and the mother said, 'I love you, and I wish you enough.'The daughter replied, 'Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom.'They kissed, and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?''I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead, and the reality is - her next trip back will be for my funeral,' she said.'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?'She began to smile. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.' She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and she smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.' Then, turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting..

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

Then, she began to cry, and walked away.

They say, it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but an entire life to forget them.

TAKE TIME TO LIVE.....

To all my friends and loved ones,

I WISH YOU ENOUGH........

My God Children

This came from Mabelle.

I am tagging this to Chari, Jasevox, Cecil, Del and Lisa.

This meme was created to remind us “Ninongs” and “Ninangs” the number of our godchildren and our responsibility towards them as they grow and mature as better Christians.


Here are the rules:
* List all the names of your godchildren
*Tag at least 5 bloggers
* Update the Tag Train

My godchildren:
Kristynn Shane, Mayleen, Lean Grace

The Tag Train Started Here - Bluepanjeet - Joy - Scarty - Yen - Peachy - Jenny - Denz - Eds - Jhona – Nova - Pretty Life OnLine, Norm , Mabelle, Angelnoah