Gratitude

Birthday Blessings Vintage Love Children Family Gratitude

To My Daughter

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read718 views

“I always thank God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus.” ― 1 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)

My little girl. My amazing and affectionate little girl turned 3 today! She came down with the stomach flu and a slight fever a few days ago and has recovered in time for her birthday, which she has been looking forward to celebrating. She has been straightforward about what she wants and postponing 2 and 3 on her list is the right thing to do, as she can be contagious for a few more days after recovery. Here’s her wish list:

  1. No Cake this year, just pink Cupcakes
  2. Go to the Movies
  3. Go to Disneyland (and meet ‘Mimi’, again)
  4. Pink and White balloons

I am blessed to be the one she calls “Mom”. I feel tremendously blessed to have a beautiful, healthy, smart and happy daughter that the Lord has blessed me with. Even though I birthed her, I know she belongs to the Lord and I am eternally grateful that He would trust me with her life. I hope I can live up to some of His expectations.

For her third birthday, we added a lot more to her Strawberry Shortcake collection by bringing in some gorgeous vintage dolls and accessories. She loved them all, but not as much as she loved her Just Like Home 40 Piece Pearlized Tea Set which we bought from Toys”R”Us®. We got something for big Brother too, who was so helpful in planning the surprise and doing the countdown. The party has been postponed …

I bought her first Pendant necklace: a Lamb! It’s a beautiful and fun Pendant necklace in a matching velour hinged Lamb box. The pendant hangs on an 18″ chain, it’s made of genuine European crystals and 18 kt gold finish. The pendant is part of an Animal series collection and you can get one for your child on PetCollection.com.

Lamb Pendant in matching velour hinged Lamb box.
Lamb Pendant in matching Lamb box.
1984 Rose Petal Place Doll & Rose Petal Roadster.
1984 Rose Petal Place Doll & Rose Petal Roadster.

We were blessed with a beautiful, warm and peaceful day; filled with love, laughter, gifts, loving memories and lots of hugs and kisses. Everyone is grateful and content. There will be some storytelling in a little while and then we will watch movies for the rest of the night. Today is a good day.

Hello Kitty Cake and Cupcakes.

A heartfelt Thank You, to Family and Friends, who made her day so special and fun!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ― Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

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Anniversary Love Gratitude

Our 12th Anniversary

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read672 views

Twelve years ago today, I married my better half. Every day since then has brought new adventures and the last thirteen years have been filled with great joy as well as some challenges and growth. When we first met, we made a promise to do all it takes to stay friends and when we began our journey as a married coupe, joined together as a single entity; we made a covenant before God and to ourselves to love each other for the rest of our lives.

Us, Before Parenthood.

He brings out the best in me. He supports, protects, provides, comforts, inspires and encourages me on a daily basis and I have watched him turn into an incredible man. He makes me laugh, he keeps me humble and sane. Twelve years ago, I decided that if I had to pick a husband, I would pick him.

Us, After Parenthood.

The best part about being married to my husband is that he has an unconditional love for me regardless of my shortcomings and he supports me in everything I do. We are very grateful that God connected us to each other. As we grow older, I pray that we continue lifting each other up. He is an amazing Dad to our children, he has a great sense of humor and he is a compassionate being. I am blessed to have him in my life.

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Music Christmas Strength of The Small Family Gratitude

Sweet Sound of Music

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read547 views

Sunshine, cool breeze and the smell of freshly baked cookies in the air. Oh, what a beautiful day!

My Kindergartener returned from his end of year Christmas Party at school and together with his sister, they are having fun in the playroom. We will be having him home exclusively for the next three weeks, moments which I am looking forward to create and treasure. I have completed my morning chores and I have made myself comfortable on the loveseat, all relaxed and worry free. I am blogging and sipping a warm cup of coffee while listening to the sweet sound of Benise (“Spanigh Nights” album). We bought his first four CDs in 2002, while he was performing with a group of friends at the Ontario Mills® Mall. We couldn’t resist his unique style of music.

Benise, “Spanish Nights.”
Benise, Spanish Nights.

The excitement, anticipation and final countdown to Christmas is making everyone here antsy (myself being the antsiest). In just five days we’ll all be opening our gifts; reaping those beautifully wrapped presents which have been carefully and lovingly placed under the white Christmas Tree. To witness the unbridled joy and gratitude on my children’s faces as they contemplate their gifts is, oh, so priceless. In just five days, we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, to the virgin Mary. One of my favorite Holidays to reflect and rejoice.

Where has the time gone, literally? It’s hard to fathom that this year is almost over and that in just twelve days we will be starting a new year (of new beginnings and possibilities). This year has gone by way too fast. In retrospect, I think 2012 has been our best year so far and we can only hope that it takes us safely into 2013.

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Strength of The Small Gratitude People

State of Gratitude

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read630 views

Today was the annual Christmas Program performed by Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade classes. Unfortunately, the bad weather didn’t allow us to take our Kindergartener to the show since it has been cold, cloudy with high winds all last week and it rained all day today. As much as we would have loved to go, we know that it’s not the time for anyone to get sick. I would rather have my loves safe with me at home. At this point in time, we are mostly grateful for the gift of togetherness, for Life and good Health.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow." ― Melody Beattie
Gratitude Unlocks the Fullness of Life.

Our day ended peacefully and beautifully with laughter and praises. Like every other night, as I kissed my Children goodnight, I was reminded of Life’s fragility (how any moment and every breath could be our last). My heart still aches as I think of those who can no longer kiss their loved ones goodnight. My continued prayers and well wished go out to all the innocent victims in the World as well as to the families of the offenders.

The pain and sorrow we witness around the World is overwhelming. Here, at home, we pray more, we love more and we laugh more. I hug my children a little bit tighter, I spend a lot more time with them, I worry less and enjoy more. We ceaselessly remind each other how much we love them because without advance notice, life can end abruptly. Our bond is stronger and more special than before.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

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Blessings Faith Strength of The Small Gratitude

An Unexpected Blessing

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read1.5K views

No matter which time or season of the year is it, one thing I love about Holidays is that the Universe always conspires in our favor to make it a good day. A memorable day. Sometimes tragedy strikes and when that happens, we get trapped in our own gray clouds and we stop seeing beauty in the World. Words become silent. People become invisible. We feed, breathe, eat and live on our pain.

I know it all too well. Although it never comes to pass, some days are better than others. As time goes by, the emptiness gets filled with acceptance and gratitude. Tragedy is always devastating and God’s compassion’s are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). The unfathomable love of God comforts, liberates, transforms, strengthens, renews and restores.

Just because something didn't work out according to the way you planned it, doesn't mean it didn't work out for the best. Blessings are often disguised as pain first.
Image Source: SearchQuotes.com.

An unexpected Blessing to me is an answer to a Prayer said, trusting that God will get to it, no matter how long it takes. Such blessings usually come in small packages and gives so much joy to the receiver. After planting and watering my last bulbs, I decided to check the mailbox. Even though I wasn’t expecting any delivery due to Thanksgiving holiday, I felt an urge to check the mailbox. Underneath a pile of coupons was a white envelop. An unexpected Blessing. All I could do was smile and whisper a grateful ‘Thank You, Jesus.’

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:2-4 (ESV)

Prayer is a miracle waiting to happen. Pray ceaselessly. Be patient. Ask with a clean heart, with faith and with obedience. When you are frustrated and get tired of asking without getting an answer, don’t give up. After your daily prayer, remind God of your request. Giving up means you don’t need His help because if you did, you wouldn’t. Pay close attention to your surroundings (to recognize answers) as your answered prayer may come through a different source. Above all, trust that God will get to you, no matter how long it takes.

“An unexpected Blessing is an answer to a Prayer said, trusting that God will get to it, no matter how long it takes.” — Joan Ambu

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