Boys of Summer

Thanks to these explosively colorful bragbook freebies from Traci Reed, I was able to make this special summer album for my loved ones. Except for my husband, summer in USA is a first for me and our two boys. Sunny days here in California are really hot, hot, hot though not as uncomfortably hot as in the Philippines. I would say that our summer has been a pretty eventful one. We got to go to Seattle, Oregon, and San Francisco to celebrate with my mother-in-law her week-long 80th birthday bonanza. It was pretty exciting for me as I got to marvel at the uniqueness of each place I was in. Eagan was just thrilled to meet his grandma, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Going to Huntington Beach and The Orange County Fair was a huge treat for us too as we really got into the feel of how summer is really like here in America. What a cool summer!


Credits: Boys of Summer bragbooks by Traci Reeds; Pimp Your Scrapbook wordart; KSTEW Summer Gingers wordart by Bon

Happy Anniversary To Us!

Has it really been 3 years already --- being married to my best friend, my soul mate, my immortal love! The years just passed by so fast with us settling down, having Eagan, then moving to America and having Aaron. Time would just breeze by without us noticing it as we become focused on our two bubbly boys and as we face the everyday struggles of settling in a foreign land. I have to admit I miss the days when Edison and I would go out on a date and walk side by side holding hands without a care in the world --- watching a movie or just spending time in a cafe. But don't get me wrong as I am not complaining. Being with our two boys right now is a different kind of experience and adventure. They are the extension of our love for each other, and not to spend each and every day with them just makes me feel so incomplete.  Thank you, my love, for the colorful and wonderful 3 years!


Credits: Marriage QP by 2 Twisted Sisters

Everdearest Nana

Coming to America, I would say that one of the best blessings our family has received came in the form of my dear sister-in-law, Samantha. Ever since the beginning, she has lovingly and unconditionally poured out all her support for us, not only during trying times but also in moments of jubilation. She would always go out of her way to offer whatever help she can to aid and guide us during the times we feel lost. She is our morale booster, our lifesaver --- our guardian angel. We are forever grateful to all the wonderful things she has done. I am so thankful to the heavens for bringing Nana into our lives.


Credits: HNCLMAR bragbooks

Women of Substance

Mama visiting us was just pure delight! Eagan and Aaron were most extremely delighted with her presence. Eagan would oftentimes go to such silly extremes just to catch his grandma's attention. Her visit to California also paved the way for visiting her good old friends from way back old times in Manila. These were women who throughout the years underwent a series of hardships, heartaches, and trials. Yet, like Mama, despite all the challenges they have weathered through time, they have emerged glorious in their true form - as women of substance.


Credits: June's Pearl QP of Aimee Harrison Design Studios

My Family

This is the family I have that I love and cherish with all my heart and soul - Edison, the pillar of strength and our guiding light; Eagan, our charming and energetic toddler; and Aaron, our "talkative" and ever-so-happy baby. From them, I draw my strength and inspiration to face the challenges of each and every day. It is through them that I have evolved into a much better person. I will fight for them with my life and be the best I can be for our future. We are the Uys!


Credits: Luna QP by Saxon Holt of Studio Miki-Microferk Designs

Hot, Hot Summer!

Hubby says its just the early part of summer but the heat is just so intense here in California. It gets so scorching hot most especially shortly before noon until nighttime. Seen here during late spring/early summer is Eagan with his friends from the neighborhood - Keisha, Cheska, Pauline, and Faye. They really are a great group of girls - sweet, smart, and good-natured kids that Eagan loves to hang around with. Luckily, they also love Eagan's company despite him being the smallest in the group. 

Credits: Magical Summer QP by Julie C Designs; SW Mazy Surf's Up Summer Fun wordart

Remembering Our Dad

It has been two Father's Days that has passed that we have celebrated it without Dad. Just thinking about him and recounting the last days of his life brings tears to our eyes. Looking back on my childhood, I would say that Daddy was not the typical paternal figure you would expect to see in our social structure. Despite his military background, he was the most patient, subtle, and understanding father one can have. Though he doesn't really verbally express it, my sister and I can feel his love by the gestures and efforts he puts through for us. He was also a good father to my husband. Even though he would always put a seemingly smug and strict front in his presence, Edison could feel that Dad is a really good man whom he has the utmost love and respect for. 


Credits: QP Domi "Bruissements de I'avent" from Messcraps; DTRD Hero Dad wordart

To My Husband on Father's Day

Just holding your hand makes me feel that there's nothing we can't conquer together...

Just watching the way you make being a dad look so easy...when we know it's not...

Just knowing you'll be here day after day for me and for our family fills me with hope and happiness.

I am truly blessed to have found such a perfect partner!

With all my love on Father's day

Credits: Happy Father's Day Quick Page Album Gift from Designs by Connie Prince and her creative team (Carol, Cate, Chris, Fran, Jamie B, Jennifer B, Sen E, Judy, Madae, and Terry F); words from Portfolio of Kathy Davis Designs

While Our Little Ones Sleep

In the middle of the night, as I see our two boys deeply in their sleep, I whisper a prayer of thanks for such precious gifts. I feel so overwhelmingly happy to see them close to each other, side by side with Eagan wrapping his little brother in his protective embrace. How Edison and I long for the day to witness the years pass by, seeing them grow and play with each other and share their adventures with one another. A part of me wishes that they grow up fast, but another part wants me to savor every moment of them just being our little ones. Sweet dreams, my babies! 


Credits: Sweet Dreams QP of Designs by LK; Bedtime Darling wordart

Peaceful

A trip to Hsi Lai Temple proved to be very relaxing and refreshing. Despite the many tourists and worshipers visiting there during weekends, the place exuded an air of spiritual calm and peace. The shot was taken in one of their beautiful gardens, both father and son radiating an aura of calmness. Aaron just feels so safe in his daddy's arms. We later got a taste of the vegetarian food they served in the lunch buffet, and it wasn't that bad! That is coming from me who is a certified meat eater. Going home, I felt my energy renewed and revved up to face the challenges of the coming week. 


Credits: Refreshingly Calm QP by mum2gnt of SAS Designs

Young Once

I think this was the last picture taken of us cousins when all of us were single then. It would always amaze anyone that the offsprings of the Gavino's turned out to be entirely female and that we were only a very small family. Looking back, it is fun to recall how young and carefree we were. As kids, every weekend we would gather together at our uncle's place and play video games, watch betamax, and just have a fun-filled day. We would always look forward to New Year's Eve where the food was overflowing. Us cousins would prepare a dance or song number and Cindy and I would play piano or organ, while our dad and uncles would showcase their fireworks display in the entire neighborhood. After so many years, we are now grown ups assuming greater responsibilities in life and each embarking on our own adventures.  


Credits: Young Women QP from Simply Creative By Thao

Born in the USA

On March 30, 2011,  Aaron was born 3 days earlier than expected weighing 7 pounds and 9 ounces. During the entire term of my pregnancy, he moved a lot -- stretching, kicking, and nudging me with all his might most of the time. But on this particular day, he was rather quiet without any movements detected on the fetal monitor. This alarmed us all thereby scheduling an emergency CS. Lo and behold when he came out, the poor fella had double cord coil. I was just so happy and relieved to hear his loud cry and to be informed that he was alright. Welcome to the world, my little American!


Credits: Proud To Be An American QP by Memories by Digital Design; HE American Bling wordart

Endless Love

I came across these beautiful bragbook blogtrain freebies entitled "Endless Love" and was inspired to collect them and make quick layouts about the love of my life --- who else, but my Edison. Friends for 10 years, who would imagine that we would be the one winding up with each other in the end. As I recall the whirlwind of events that transpired from February of 2008 until now, no amount of trial and tribulation can ever replace the immeasurable happiness of having Edison and our two healthy, wonderful boys. Our love is for keeps!


Credits: Endless Love bragbooks by Jennifer Page of Luv Ewe Designs and her creative team: Suzan of My Creative Little Space, Jill of My Scrappy Things, Bren of Brenian Design, Emma of Scrappy Dappy Doo, Dana of Scraps by Scrappin' Girl, Keesha of Love You Forever Like You For Always, Deanna of Scrappy Grams Corner; 3DD Kinda Valentine Love wordart; SATW wordart; Binty's Radiant Love wordart

For Boys Only

Here are the three men in my life enjoying their quality time watching the news, or the French open, or the NBA Finals in our humble living room. To think in the past being around the adoring eyes of the opposite sex is such a rare occasion. Now all of a sudden I am surrounded by men - handsome, sweet, loving men! How lucky can one get. Now if only I can unglue their eyes from the TV - haha! I love my boys!


Credits: Boys' Night by The Scrappy Kat; KKB wordart

Hero Dad

I truly love this shot of my husband carrying Eagan oh his shoulders. Eagan was only 7 months old then. This was taken at Camp John Hay, Baguio City on our way to the Butterfly Sanctuary. It just warms my heart to see how close their bond is with each other. I am so lucky and proud to have Edison as our children's guiding light. With him, we cannot help but feel safe and secure. He is our hero!


Credits: Freshly QP by This Little Missy of Shel Belle Scraps; DTRD Hero Dad wordart

Possibilities

Our lives took a turn once more as Aaron, our second son, came into this world. Amidst all the uncertainties, anxieties, and disappointments, his coming forth brings a new ray of happiness and hope in our lives. All of a sudden, the world is full of infinite possibilities despite the existence of people formerly close to our hearts who constantly bring us down. Life here in America is indeed a humbling experience compared to the one we left behind. But we have been humble ever since, so what is there to fret? All I have to keep me strong are my two beautiful and sweet boys, and the love of my ever-so-steady and true Edison. I believe that when you are at the lowest point in your life, there is nowhere to go but UP!


Credits: My Mother's Arms QP by Donna Duncombe Designs; Wordart by Ginger's House