Rain Clouds

It's quite true what they say about rainy days, they make you a bit gloomy. Well at least for me it does. Well today's one example. It's been raining for days actually. It's the season for storms and flooding for that matter. According to initial news, it's just a tropical depression named "Maring" and won't stay long. It's apparently more than that. It turned out to be a very incessant typhoon. A lot of areas got flooded. And relief operations started Monday. I was at church yesterday to help but couldn't stay as it was still raining heavily. Today, I am stuck at home and it seems like a good day to start a new blog.  I didnt want all that weather to affect me. Found some very interesting stuff on the net today and I'd like to share it with you. I think they can be pretty useful or at least helpful.  Excuse me for all the drama!

http://jamesrusselllingerfelt.wordpress.com/2013/08/15/beautiful-advice-from-a-divorced-man-after-37-years-of-marriage/

The author is guy who just finalized his divorce. He was married 16 years and realizes a bit late what he should have earlier. This reminds me of the book I've been reading which pretty much helps one to avoid this from happening. Sob...sob...sob...

http://loveandrespect.com/

Been going through a lot in my own marriage the past year and this was really such a huge

awakening. The book talks about how women desire love in the marriage and gives so much of it  while. The man on the other hand needs more respect than love, so he gives that but misses love. With that being said, you would already see where the problem lies and it's something you probably have never heard before. The author, Dr. Eggerichs  himself is a husband and spoke so truthfully about the issue and gets you saying, "that's right!" When Mike (my husband) and I had a huge trial in our marriage a few months ago. A friend recommended this book. It sure did so much good and lead to positive changes in our relationship. Before this book, we were in a so called "crazy cycle". We surely still have so much more ahead but by God's grace we can be victorious for sure. 

Another blog I like was written again by a loving husband. He gives us 15 tips on making the marriage work. He wrote the list with his wife of 5 years. I like how it was so honest and detailed. Here's to longer, happier and fruitful marriages! May God always be at the center of it all and be

glorified by the union. 

http://dtbradshaw.blogspot.com/2013/08/15-reasons-last-5-years-of-marriage.html

Parties! Parties!

I learned in college (European Cinema to be specific) that in Europe, they like to repeat words to emphasize. I'm repeating my title not exactly to emphasize but merely because that's just how it has been lately...so much partying!

I actually just threw a party for my son Micah's Child Dedication last October 20. I had several months to plan it so you can say I was quite prepared. But as you know, nobody can really be prepared. Here are some pictures before the guests came:

         

The Clubhouse Swimming Pool

         

    Welcome

        

     Catering Set-Up              

         

     Dessert Buffet

You're quite right if you think that I had booked for 100 people for this event. I actually had
initially booked 80 then when 100 confirmed (RSVP'd), I booked an extra 10, making it 90 pax a week before the event. And you'd think I underbooked right? I really thought I was being safe but apparently not. On the day itself, only around 50-60 people came. Most of those who were not able to come had a valid reason though. It was just sad they missed the party. Unfortunately for me, I had to pay for the plates that were not eaten. Still all good! Those who came were most important to my family and that's what matters

I was happy with all my suppliers though and I still feel it was all a success. I got Queensland to cater. They gave me four viands, salad and drinks for a very reasonable price. Their food was delish! And to me, that's the most important thing for an event like this. I had recruited my very good friend Nina, to do the dessert table with me. We both are home bakers and I knew she had an eye for pretty things. She ended up doing the decors with me as well. In fact she conceptualized most of it. 

Thank God for making it all happen!

Suppliers:
Queensland Catering 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Queensland-Catering-Services/236579109718295
Little Oven 
https://www.facebook.com/littleoven
Galindes Sound System
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000322804841&ref=ts&fref=ts
Nina Santillan