I just posted a few moments ago my super duper late 2013 Christmas wishlist. Hehe. I just can't help it after reading a few rants of the mommy-blogs I am following so I felt the urge to at least write mine even if it's awkwardly way tooooooo late! Anyway, last year brought a whole lot of baggage on me and my husband particularly in some areas of our lives (sssssshhhhhhh) but were overcome by blessings and provision unexpected - another area in life that conquers the trails of sacrifices. I will be forever grateful to God for He remained faithful in my marriage with Rex and He's making us both to grow steadfast and strong and loyal to each other. I hundred percent believe in the song, "Sweeter as the years go by, sweeter as the years go by.." Hehe. We have lots of things and plans unaccomplished last year for our family and as an individual too. Some because of procrastination, some just didn't push through, others due to lack of well-planning and funds intended were diverted to emergencies and an aftermath calamity support and maybe because those plans were not really meant for us. We do not have regrets though because we believe God has greater plans for my family and we are excited to see what He has in store for us this 2014! Whew! This will be another year of hard work, perseverance, thorough planning, teamwork, saving, investing and trusting and having a firm faith to the Most High!
The prayers uttered in our family devotions for this year's list started last week of December 2013. Our list is so specific as of this time. Let me share to you my readers the desires of each member of our family and some details too. Heehe.
1. A BRAND NEW HOUSE
We acquired our home lot of 404 square meters two years ago and planned to start our house construction year 2013 but as of now we were only able to do some fencing around the area (not yet finished), planted trees and some herbs and placed a tiny Bahay Kubo (nipa hut) that serves as our abode upon visit. Well, we planned to start the construction but we didn't say we are aiming to have it finished same year. (laugh) So for this year 2014, we are praying to have our own house in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
This is the Cullen's House in Twilight Saga. The structure will serve as one of our inspirations as we go over our house plans. I like the concept of wood and glass and touch of concrete. We will have an open-house (literally), open as walls will be limited so air can move in and out freely. And another element I'd like to imitate from the Cullen's house is that they don't have beds. (wink) We will have rolled mats and sleeping foams/cushions for everybody then! The floor planning and design is ongoing with friends, one who's an engineer and the other just got his license as an architect - we praise God for this blessing of friendship and of people, who are willing to give us huge discounts!
2. FORD 2.2L RANGER XL 4x4 MT
Actually, one of Rex's desire (since he took oath as a Philippine lawyer) was to buy a Toyota Hilux 4x4. It all changed when a client handed to him a one-year old Trooper (Isuzu) as payment after election. Due to his profession, he travels almost daily around Sarangani, South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Davao City to Davao Oriental. After a few months of using the vehicle, we calculated how much we've shelled out for its fuel and what we came up with was not desirable in our pockets. The Isuzu Trooper is 3L 4x4 AT and Rex was doling out a minimum of 1,000 Php a day for its fuel only, driver's fee excluded, only for their errands Polomolok-Gensan-Polomolok. A no-no. So after almost five months, we decided to let go of it and go back to public vehicles for transport. Toyota Hilux pick-up trucks have the same engines with Isuzu Trooper. So that was a good sign for Rex to look for another truck which is "reasonable".
Then came December last year a car unexpectedly arrived just two days before Christmas. It was a favor from God and a Christian client. We later learned that Honda Fit is 1.3L 4V which made me more happy. So tipid sa gasoline! Polomolok to Davao City costs us 500 Php only! We then used the car to bring my parents-in-law to Davao City when they visited us here in South Cotabato and when we spent our New Year with my parents in Bukidnon. Husband said I can have the car all by myself when his Ford Ranger arrives, anytime soon! Yeheeeeeeee! Here's what we're praying for.
3. KIDS' TOYS & GADGETS
As our children are growing up, I don't remember us buying them any gifts and toys amounting to 1,000 Php or more. First reason is that, we can't afford to splurge that amount just for toys or gadgets they whine about as what they see in TV and in YouTube. When we go shopping for toys in malls, I needed to tell them their specific budget and show them the price figure of the toys they are allowed to pull out from the shelves. But last December, each one said a special request during one of our devotions.
The twins Maki & Kiah wanted similar items:
PSP (PlayStation Portable) - one each.
The youngest Reese requested for:
A pink desktop computer where she can play girly online games like baking cookies and doing some make overs over a digital barbie, also so she can watch YouTube videos of Barbie movies, Korean kids making demos on how to make jellies and erasers, and videos of play dough procedures.
She said she is also praying for a pink bike with a carrier. Not just the typical plastic bike but the one that is made of soft metals with silver wheels.
Just the three. We are giving much priority the first two as 2014 started its roll. We are entrusting everything to God. For all things are possible in His name! A fruitful and bountiful 2014 to everyone!
