Praise and Worship

I am born, baptized and raised to a Roman Catholic family. My grandparents are Roman Catholic devotees wherein both of them serve the church in their ‘able’ years. My family goes to Sunday Eucharistic celebrations, pray the Holy Rosary and knew the Lord's Prayer by heart. I even went to a Catholic School until my tertiary level. I think it was not a conscious thing that my parents sent us to a Catholic school. Yeah, I’m sure now because my brother studied in a non-Catholic school during his elementary to secondary years. So basically it’s more on its accessibility to our house, my parent's workplace for most part. I never changed my religion even until I married a non-Catholic person. My husband and his family were actually Roman Catholics before they converted to Christian-Protestants. We even got married in a Christian ceremony with Pastor as our celebrant and wed in a garden, not in the church. I can say that we are just lucky (so I think) that both sides of our family supported and understood our relationship until we tied the knot. Both our kids were dedicated to our Lord as Christians and my eldest daughter went to a Catholic school. Religion was never a big issue in our family. And it should never be. Thank God! I believe that for as long as we live harmoniously, respect each other and our relationships’ untainted despite religious differences, God doesn't mind. I cannot remember I struggled so much adapting to these two different religions because there are also some similarities as to how Catholics worship versus Christian Protestants. I am not very particular on the history of why they are called Protestants but base on what we practice, the way they service Mass has a similarity of how Catholics celebrate. There are songs of praise that I am accustomed to singing in Catholic mass that I sing in Sunday service at my husband’s church. The Holy Bible is the basis of both church’s Gospel reading and worship. When I enter both house of worship, there is a big sign of the Cross which is situated in altar and the stage. It may have some differences but I think it doesn’t matter as long as we worship and believe in the same God and what's base in the Holy Bible.

Ever since I attended Sunday service mass at my husband's church, I feel an overpowering joy to the extent of tearing up. Every time I sing songs for God, I feel grateful for my life. I feel the Lord is touching and healing me. Passages from the Bible gives me a sense of relief and calmness. It gives me comfort, hope and joy for myself and my God.

And when an opportunity came for me to attend #TheFeast (a Catholic meeting of Prayer and Worship), I didn't have second thoughts. I am ecstatic and told myself this is my chance since the venue is near my workplace. 

 

every Fridays at Cinema 3 SM Ecoland from 6:30pm-9pm.

Fridays now is my 'Fridates' with my God and myself.

A person who ran out of DREAMS is a person who ran out of LOVE.

 

I've heard of this group way before because of Bo Sanchez. I didn't mind it at first until my cousin has been attending The Feast at their Bay Area assembly. Attending The Feast is an answered prayer. I love singing and I like it that I can sing here with all my heart's might. More than that, it gives me a breather and time for myself. My 'me-time' with my God. Even for just 2 hours in a week, it recharges my faith and remind me that God is with me whether in bad times not only in good ones. Honestly, I am guilty that my family don't regularly go to Sunday service. But attending this once a week is like having attended Praise and worship service. But I know it is still not okay because my family is not with me everytime I attend this. I need to restore our bonding as a family to God in order for my children to grow up knowing God. If my husband can't, then who else will? Putting pride aside, maybe God is giving me in charge of our Faith. Then I have to obey.
 

As parting words, what I am trying to say here is that religion will not save us. Our faith does and it is our ticket to salvation. Nowadays, I see a lot of religious groups formed through time and it is sad to note that there are some of its members who righteously brag that theirs is the truth. I mean, it is not right to judge. For me, as long as you find yourself and God in whichever sect you have chosen to join, then that's where you belong. If you feel in your heart comfort, love, peace, kindness and selflessness, then you found the right one. Let us respect each others' belief because I believe if respect dwells in each one of us, our world will be as harmonious as we would like it to be. God bless our world!

Pained Heart: Remembering Courageous Caitie

Yesterday is a devastating one for me. As a mother, I cannot imagine myself losing my child because of a life-threatening illness. During the journey, it's like each day gets harder and harder and you don't know what tomorrow has in store. You don't know until when the agony and pain will end. I am talking about the painful story of the almost 4 year old Caitlin 'Caitie' Lucas, daughter of Feliz and Jay Jay, who suffered and acquired a rare kind of leukemia which I got to follow in their facebook page, Courageous Caitie. Before, I was glued on the same situation of the 4-year-old daughter of actress Jackie Forster, Caleigh known as Kikay Caleigh at Instagram, who was struck with leukemia (but not the rare kind) also. But now, I rejoice because she was healed by God. It's so painful and I can't bear to feel what the parents of Caitie's undergoing right now. Sure, words of God and people who sympathize overflows with so much encouragement for the bereaved family. But nothing can ease as of the moment the reality of losing a loved one. I cannot bear to post photos from their Facebook page because everytime I see it, my eyes and heart tears. It aches so much. Yesterday at lunch break, I really cried coupled with sobs in between and even now writing this piece. I remember the photos of Feliz and Jay Jay holding Caitie's lifeless body in their arms. And in one photo, Jay Jay cradled Caitie and kissed her on the forehead. It's such a sorrowful ending. My only consolation is that Caitie is now pain-free and is safely in God's hands. My reflections about this journey of Caitie and her family is I PRAY that... I wish that accepting death is not too hard to deal with. Honestly now, I fear the life after death. Because I don't know where my soul take me. I know I will be in an unknown place and travel alone. I fear death because I still don't want to leave my kids behind at a very young age. I want to be present in their journey towards adulthood. Secondly, how I wish that my faith endures all things. Yes, I am weak. I need God in my life so much and I know that I've been missing a lot because I am preoccupied with a lot of worldly things.



Caitie touched my heart in so many ways. Like I said, I have a child almost as the same age of Caitie. That's why I am so moved and touched with the Lucas' family journey. Seeing my kids last night as I arrive home from work, I feel blessed and grateful to God that my kids are healthy and active. And I pray that it will always be that way. As a working mother, every minute that I got a chance to be with them, I take advantage of it by spending quality time with them. I know I am not a perfect mother and sometimes I want to take a break but with the realization Caitie has shared to us, I will never stop being there for my children. So that in the end there will be no regrets... only gratefulness of the moments that God gave to each one of us.

Caitie, my dear, you'll always be remembered. Thank you for showing to me how to be courageous, faithful and cheerful despite life's battles. Please help your Mama and Papa cope up with your loss. Always make rainbows in the sky so that they will feel your presence even in that instance. I love you!


For full details of Caitie's journey until the end, see links below:
http://www.yourpagemeetsmine.com/
http://mommyfleur.com/2016/03/31/rest-now-courageous-caitie/
http://teachwithjoy.com/2016/03/courageous-caities-legacy/

McDonald's Happy Meal: February 2016

Toys, toys, toys... Now that I became a mother, my kids needs (and sometimes wants) mostly gets in with my priorities. Their joy are now my joy. And toys are kids happiness! My kids default fastfood is Jollibee. Most of the time, we wish that they could just abide with us where we want to eat. But we always end up with their choice. Or else, food will come to waste or they will never eat at all. And since, SM City Davao branch is close due to their ongoing store renovation, we headed to McDonald's. I'm happy that we chose to eat there not because of the food but because of the toys included in their Happy Meal.

Completed all 4.
UPDATE: From L-R: Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, (?), Pinkie Pie
They also have Ben Ten for the boys.

I'm not sure or remember what they are called but my kids are into fairies now. (UPDATE: They are called My Little Pony Dolls Equestria Girls). Anything with wings and about flying (maybe except riding on an airplane), they just love. Lately, they have been engrossed with the 2015 animated movie 'Strange Magic'. Have you seen it? At first, we don't appreciate it because most of the characters have a beast-like appearance and scary to some. But what they love about it are the songs which they love to sing and even the dialogue and scenes they re-enact. The movie is played several times a day. No wonder they already memorized every song and every conversation and scenes. Even me and the husband can go singing along with them and enjoys watching them acting up. It's a happy and light movie that talks about love. 'Everybody deserves to be loved' is their movie caption.

What I love about McDonald's toys are its durability and quality. I even got their Hello Kitty last year but sadly, have not completed it because supplies run out very fast. So what are you waiting for. Grab now for your little ones and even for the young-at-heart! It's a good collection material.

Random Thoughts: The Smell of a Baby

I always love how a baby smells like. It's synonymous to a milk, a mild powder or sweet as a smell of a candy. I noticed that when I kiss the forehead of my almost 5 year old daughter, I can still smell it. Just this morning when I bid my daughters goodbye leaving for work, I told her you are still a baby. And then she smiled back at me. According to her, she is no longer a baby but an "Ate" (an older sister) to her 3 year old sibling. I can't help but sigh on the thought that my girls are growing up fast right before my very eye. Oh, I am just being nostalgic of the days that I still carried them and put them in the comfort of my arms. Don't get me wrong. Planning for another baby is out of the question now that I am in my late 30's and being pregnant again seems scary for me because of health-related issues. No, I'm not sick either but I have to take extra care of myself since my doctors told me to watch on my diet. I'm not getting any younger so as my health and the capacity to function normally unlike in my younger days.

A baby/child is a blessing and it gives so much joy to a family. As parents, they say, cherish them while they are still clingy because when the time comes they have their own mind set and discover new and interesting things apart from us, they'll be most likely spending time on those new found things. Savor the smell and time of your child until it lasts.

Christmas In Our House 2015

It's the most wonderful time of the year again. December knocks so fast at our doorsteps and it's already here. So for this year, we decorated our home as we celebrate the spirit of Christmas looking like this...

This Christmas tree is in its second year with us.
Since we have a small space, we put it on top of our side table.
This tree is not that heavy so not a problem that the table might give way.
Those stuff toys are already placed there and since we don't have
Christmas base cover, we used them to cover it. Nice idea too!

When we still don't have Christmas tree, this wreath garland is the focal point of my Christmas decoration at home. It's still a work in progress as some of my old Christmas balls were detached from its string. I might buy new balls or any decor that would fit in with the wreath.  I thought of this because of the minimal space that we have. I decorated it with lights, hanged balls or any Christmas decor that is usually put in a Christmas Tree. Since we have a lot of stuff toys, I make use of it as decors because if by keeping it, it would just accumulate dust.  

      I got these Christmas stockings from Watsons. It is priced at Php57.00 each.

      The Sales Lady told me it's marked down from the original price of Php99.00 each.

      I've been looking for the longest time a Christmas stocking that is of good quality

      and so happy to have finally saw one. I'm still planning to put letters on the green-
      colored space with names of my two kids for a more personalized look.

Most of my Christmas decorations this year are already used from previous Christmases. Only these two Christmas stockings and additional Christmas LED lights are my purchases for this year. My kids are happy with what I put up. After all, Christmas is for the children and for the kid-at-heart.

Happy Holidays everyone!

My Beauty Regimen Products and Olay Anti-Ageing 'Night' Cream

This is not a product review as I just bought this yesterday. But with Olay as the brand, you wouldn't doubt its quality and question its effectivity. I use different brand of beauty products as I don't stick to only one brand because I'm more particular to a certain product's effect on my skin and of course its affordability. I use Biore (the blue colored container) as my facial/daily moisturizer and sunscreen and Pond's facial wash and toner (the pink one). Now, if I want to splurge a bit on beauty products, I would buy The Body Shop's seaweed toner. It doesn't make my skin that oily. For face and body sunscreen, I love Daylong. It doesn't make my skin heavy and greasy. I should've posted photos pala of the products I use in regular basis. Maybe next time if I happen to snap photos of them.

Anyway, one particular beauty product that I've been wanting to buy is a night cream. I haven't tried using it pa because for one it's a bit expensive. And I believe during sleep or at night, our skin renews or rejuvenates more faster that's why it's more effective to put night creams to help boost healthy looking skin. 

To my delight, I read somewhere that Olay will be having a Buy-1-Take-1 promo (27-30 November 2015 or until supplies last) of their night cream. Oh how my heart sang!

Bought this at Watson's. 

Good thing that I knew of this promo because when I asked the Sales attendant, she said that the promo was over. But I said, the promo is until today (which was yesterday by the way). Then she validated it in their cash register. Alleluia! It's still in promo. I'm happy that I was lucky to have availed this because I read in some sites that in Manila at Watsons it's always out of stock even if you visit their other branches. Some even commented maybe they are just holding it up and sell again when the regular price is back.

At Php789.00 for two, not at all bad. I got a huge savings instead! Before, I wasn't mindful of buying and using beauty products. Good thing my mother is very much particular of using and applying skin products on herself that's why I was also enticed to do the same (but not as solid as my mama). I just use the basic stuff: cleanse (Pond's facial wash, the red one), tone (Pond's, the pink one/The Body Shop's seaweed toner), moisturize and use sunblock for protection (Biore Milk, the blue container/ Daylong). You may notice that I don't have Olay products in my basic regimen that's because it's a bit expensive for my budget. But given if I have extra money to buy their products, I wouldn't have second thoughts buying them.

In my 30's, I value the importance of taking care of my skin. I don't have a flawless and healthy skin that's why I have to make extra effort in taking good care of it. Good thing I am not a heavy user of make-up as I just groom my eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil and a lipstick. I don't even use face powder as Biore (my facial/daily moisturizer and sunscreen) gives my face a matte finish already and doesn't make my face shiny at all. That's my everyday make-up. Now if I want to further it more, I curl my eyelashes and put blush on. That's the farthest I can make for myself.

How about you? What's your daily beauty regimen and beauty products that you use? Share it too.

Our "New" Second-Hand Ride

I'm not a sporty person, though I'd love sana how to play tennis. Too much exposure to Mr. Sun discouraged me to engage on it. But I'm glad that at an early age I was so eager to learn and eventually know how to ride a bicycle. I learned on my own and those bruises that I got was all worth it. My uncle used to have a BMX bike when I was in grade school. Whenever he is not using it, I sneak into our tiny garage and practice until I get tired. I cannot remember when was the last time I rode in one. My eldest daughter kasi loves to have a bicycle maybe because she saw her friends in our neighborhood driving around with their own bicycles. Yung kind na like this...

Mala- 'Lovers in Paris'. It's so dreamy, right? (Photo NOT mine)

My husband and I are actually planning to buy her a new bicycle because the old one is already too small for her. That now is the one my 3-year old girl is using. 

 

We scouted for it in malls but we are having second thoughts getting one because: (1) it's a bit expensive and (2) we cannot attest of its longevity. We then heard that buying in Japan surplus shops saves us a lot of money and we get more of our money's worth. Not to mention it's durability and quality-tested. So we check out some shops here in the city and found nga not only one but two bicycles. The second one is for me. I'm so happy I own one now even if it's pre-owned.

Here is my girl's bike. 

It's only Php1,800.00 and I tell you, it's so sturdy 
though there are a few scratches and minor dents noticed. 
But it's in a very good condition. 

Just a few flaws were there like the LED lights isn't working though we can just replace the defective bulb and it will light na. The other grip has a rip but the other one is still in good condition so we just leave it as it is. The plastic basket have only minimal cracks and dents and stains but it doesn't matter. There are also minor rusts seen but we can have it repainted and it's good as new. We just bought an extension tires (at Php300.00) at the back since she cannot balance yet with just a two-wheel. Before that there was a bicycle stand attached to it but it was removed to replace the extension tires.

We can really attest of its durability and quality because the bicycle itself is heavy. It's like I'm having lifts every time I carry it. The bell and brakes works perfectly. The seat cover is in nice condition (not dirty) and durable. The paint finish is totally fine. The height of the seat can be adjusted. I can even ride on it. 

And now presenting to you my bicycle. 
Guys would you believe its worth is only Php1,800.00?! Sure steal!
But we got it for 2,500.00. Why? Everything is in superb condition 
and it's a reserved item. Meaning 'may nagmamay-ari na'. 
My husband haggled for it and wants it so badly for me.

He didn't mind paying for that amount because of the following reasons:

- the seat is leather, just a few (almost invisible) blemishes

- the LED lights, bell and brakes working perfectly fine

- there are just minor scratches, stains and rust

- almost no dents

- adjustable seat
- it has a lock/key attached to the back wheel that secures it and nobody can use it except me. Though I don't lock it so the nanny can use it to accompany my kids when biking around the village

- the paint finishes is fine (off white/chocolate color, yum!)

- the steel basket is love

- I love also that it has a bicycle stand

Overall, I love my Japan surplus/pre-owned bicycles we got. We saved a lot for the cost we bought given of the quality of the bikes. We can just have it groomed some other time if we really want that spunky/new feel of it. For the meantime, we love as it is. My hubby told me it's his Christmas gift to me. It doesn't matter if it's not new as long as I am loving it. He's planning to buy one for him and our youngest. And it'll be a family sport we'll be engaging in. How I love it! Thank you Lord for the blessing!

Heartbreaking Friday the 13th

Was it a mere coincidence or fated to happen? Last Friday, the 13th, shocked the whole world hours or days later. I don't want to believe in a Friday the 13th that it comes with a bad luck or something not nice will happen. After all it was a payday and many of us got already our partial pay bonus. That is not a bad luck after all, you think? This is what I saw in my Facebook newsfeed today...

I was stunned to read that Japan and Mexico was struck by a magnitude 8 and 4.3 earthquake, respectively. Honestly, I wasn't really shock of Beirut and Baghdad's bombing attacks because for me, it is kind of a usual happening that I hear and see in news of places being part of the Middle East and Muslim areas because of this ISIS thing. Seeing and hearing these news every time in that side of the globe breaks my heart especially if affected people are family with children. Even the Muslim people condemn these kind of terrorist attacks. It's against the law of Islam and their Quran. But what terrifies me the most is it was a random and planned event that lead to Paris terrorist attack that led to hundreds of death and seriously injured. It is disturbing to hear these news because its target are public places were innocent people are put in danger. More so a lot of tourist flock in the City of Lights all year round. It is frightening that there's no safe place anymore even if you're in the compounds of your own home. Christmas time is already a few days away and it's saddening to note all of these chaos happening in our world when it should be excitement, hope and joy we feel as we wait for the holidays draws nearer. 

Here in our country, we experienced a magnitude of 4.0 quake in Davao City last Nov. 7, 2015 and it was said that it is possible that we'll be experiencing a 7.0M quake noting that their are new fault lines discovered. Yesterday's local newspaper wrote about recent bombings in Mindanao particularly in Kabacan, North Cotabato hurting 7 people including minors.

I wish for world peace and that people should be sensitive to others in order to have a loving and happy environment to live in. So much anger in one's heart makes a destructive world that we don't care anymore of others but only our own. I pray that God will touch these bad people's hearts and minds that they may see how cruelty they've caused. A change of heart and a total surrender to God will make a big difference. 

McDonald's Happy Meal: Hello Kitty and Thomas and Friends

Hello mommies and girls out there! It's been a while after my last post. Been to a lot of busy stuff lately but I'm back to tell you about the latest of McDonald's Happy Meal. I got 2 hello Kitty toys for my little girls. I was ecstatic seeing these when I happen to pass by their store last Monday together with my daghter. Normally, I don't usually give in to my kids pleading of buying toys like that. But being a kid-at-heart too and once a lover of Hello Kitty/ Sanrio/ Little Twin Stars, like any parent, I couldn't resist to the consistent 'please-mama' of my almost 5-year-old tot.

I am happy with what we purchased. Hopefully, these won't break too soon as these are nice Hello Kitty toy collections. If you're an avid collector of Hello Kitty, these are great pieces to add in to your collection now... or you'll regret not getting it.

There are actually 4 kinds of Hello Kitty Collection and
another 4 for the Thomas and Friends stuff.

A closer look to one of the HK collection: You can open the toy
and inside is an HK ring.

Cute ring! and I like its quality. Not a cheapskate kind of plastic material.

This is the 2nd HK collection that we bought and inside is
a hair comb.

I'm wondering what are the other 2 HK collection has inside. I'm planning to grab the other 2 Hello Kitty toys in their Happy Meal... hehehe (happy kid inside, giggle!). Anyway, for this Happy Meal purchase we got, I bought the Spaghetti w/ a drink for about P82.00pesos and a 1-piece chicken meal w/ a drink that cost around P102.00pesos. Not bad at all I guess. Go visit your nearest McDonald's stores now. #Mcdohappymeal #HelloKitty

Turmeric for a Healthy Drink!

I was alarmed when I experienced high blood pressure late of last year. This was before our Great Britain trip in October. The highest blood pressure reading I had, recorded at 150/90. It was the first time I experienced such reading ever since. It was a wake up call for me. And honestly, I realized that I'm not in my 20's anymore and I'm getting older (not that old at 36). The reality sinks in that my body cannot take all the bad stuff anymore. That what I eat reflects later on when I'm not taking a conscious effort to be mindful in my choice of food. I admit that I take my eating habit lightly. I love sweets and salty foods. I am one of you who indulge in junkfood. Never in a day that I get to eat something sweet. Thankfully, I don't crave for soda except for occasional reasons. I love coffee with creamer. I don't settle for the black one. I find it too strong for my taste. But I love the native one. I can take its taste.

Apart from having elevated blood pressure, my uric test shows above normal results and my Creatinine level too. On that note, my choice of food made a turn around. There are food now that I should avoid. And surprisingly not all vegetables, or fish for that matter, should be eaten when you have high level of uric acid according to the nephrologist I went to. Some of the veggies that I should be avoiding or limit its intake are asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli in that family. Dairies, salty foods of course, junkfoods, Magic Sarap, vetsin or the MSG should be avoided. That's why we are no longer using such when cooking at home. As in bawal! I strictly imposed it in our house. At first my husband protested because the food is not delicious. I told him it's just mind over matter. The Magic Sarap, vetsin/ MSG or our health is at stake. You have to choose and decide... But eventually, he already adapted to the natural taste of the food we cook. Keysa magutom siya. Right? And one more thing, my doctor told me that we cannot choose these conditions especially if it's a hereditary thing. Both my parents and their lineage have high blood pressure. So the 50% of that, whether you like it or not, is already in your system and the other 50% depends on your lifestyle. It is important that we take a conscious effort to discipline oneself to take care and keep ourselves healthy in all ways.


And because I so love the 3-in-1 coffee thing, I had a hard time letting it go. Sabi ko nga, I think I am already addicted to it. The caffeine doesn't kick anymore even if I'm sleepy. It doesn't have much effect already in me. But being scared on further effect on me, I resorted to drinking turmeric in exchange of coffee. Though I drink coffee pa din everyday but once only in a cup but in black form. No creamer. But if I really crave, I should use milk instead of the creamer. The craving never happened pa naman since I started taking turmeric. I hope it won't na!

My officemate introduced this to me when recently my BP went high.
I have my maintenance na, but I didn't took it seriously.
I just take it if I don't feel well and if my BP reads high.
Since then never in a day I missed drinking turmeric more so my maintenance.

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa plant), according to this link, has many health wonders. 

• An Effective Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Help for Cystic Fibrosis Sufferers
• Cancer Prevention
• Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth and Metastases
• May Help Prevent Colon Cancer
• Teams Up with Cauliflower to Halt Prostate Cancer
• Reduce Risk of Childhood Leukemia
• Improved Liver Function
• Cardiovascular Protection
• Lowers Cholesterol
• Protection and may help preventions against Alzheimer's Disease

This is the turmeric powder color. I just use a glass so you can see
clearly the color and how much I put in a drink. That is 1 1/2 tsp.
I love it's woody, peppery smell. 

I now mixed it with hot water. You may also use cold water.
But I like it hot. It's relieving!

Some couldn't take the taste but for me I like it because it smells good and the after taste is quite decent on my tastebuds. So far so good. I'm planning to take it as long as I can still take it in. And the choice of food, I make sure that pork intake in a week must only be three meals in a week. The rest would be fish, chicken, vegetables and fruits. Eating less to avoiding fried or oily stuff and getting used to eating wheat bread alternative to white rice. I know I'm not that healthy eater yet nor in lifestyle but for a start I think I'm doing good. Keeping up to the fight for a healthy me.

Life's Simple Pleasures

This morning, I got the privilege to experience or witness God's greatest creation. If you're all new to my blog, I am a working mother and every morning is quite a rush for us at home. My eldest daughter goes to school and she must be prepared by 8 o'clock in time for her ride to pick her up at home. Although I admit I wake up late (past 6am) because if I wake up by 5am (the time I want to be with hubby and have coffee with him) the kids would wake up too. It's a bit early for them to rise by that time. They seem to feel me as I slowly climb off the bed. That's why I'm always in a hurry every morning that I seem not to mind or take notice of the things happening around. Like I said, this morning was kind of different. The usual stuff I wake up to but the chirping of the birds caught my senses. It was really a music to my ears and calming to my spirit. I guess there were lots of them flocked in our plants and a palm tree inside our area. Their happy voices seem to vibrate in our surroundings that I cannot help but grab my camera and record it… 

This was just a portion of what took place. They have been chirping for a long time. Their happy "noise" was like this the whole time we were preparing for our daily morning stuff. Our bathroom overlooks that palm tree outside so I had a very pleasant bath even if a hurried one because their voice soothe me. Though it was simple as that, it was a happy moment for me. I was full of gratitude and overwhelmed of that gift to witness God's presence first thing in the morning thru these wonderful creatures. I am amazed, humbled and thankful.