Weekend Footnotes

Is it Monday again so soon?  The weekend was a blur with the numerous places we had to be in.  Have you ever felt like you need another day to add to the weekend?  That's how I feel like right now.

Last Friday, the SoMoms were invited by OREO to the exclusive screening and trade launch of Transformers: Age of Extinction at the Newport Cinemas at Resort World.  Since it was hosted by OREO, there was a lot of OREO love going around, of course.  Beginning with the dessert buffet for everyone to enjoy as we waited for the movie to start.  I will tell you more about this OREO buffet in a separate post.

We don't really go to Resorts World that often because it is located on the opposite side of where we live.  I think this is only the second time we've been here. The mall's atrium is such a lovely place to look at that my kids had to ask if they can stay for a few minutes to enjoy it.

 Since the movie was scheduled for 7pm, C and I decided to have an early dinner at UCC first.

Everyone enjoyed the movie, and the popcorn, hotdog sandwich, rootbeer, and the OREO cupcakes (an overflow of food!!!) but I did find myself rushing out of the cinema in a hurry to avoid the horrible traffic going home. hahaha!

I think Saturday lunch was the only time I cooked for the weekend.  I made Beef Tenderloin Kebabs with Tzatziki sauce.  The kids love beef kebabs, and so I prepare it often.  It is so easy to do because I marinade it ahead of time which allows the flavor to blend in, and also makes for a fuss-free prep.

Everyone in the family was looking forward to Saturday evening because C's foodie cousin hosted a post-wedding reception for his Vancouver-based brother and his wife.  The couple are both based in Vancouver and has recently gotten married.  Since almost all the relatives (bride side from Taiwan, grooms side from Manila) weren't able to attend the wedding, the couple just decided to fly over to Tawian and Manila for all of those who didn't make it.  Good food and endless Johnny Walker Blue!  But had to remind the hubby to limit to 3 shots only. :)

Sunday, we were at Makati Shangri-la for the dedication of the son of one of C's long-time friend.  

Some 14 years ago, C chose 7 of his very good friends to be ninong to J, our firstborn.  Fast forward to now, 5 out of the 7 asked him to also be ninong to their firstborns; for the other 2 have remained bachelors upto this day. C counts himself blessed for the longevity of their friendship and that he was also asked to be a part of their chidren's lives.   

Half of these guys he has known since kindergarten, and the other half are friends borne out of his crazy years in DLSU.  I am happy that he chose his friends well for Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." 

This is one of C's friends since the time they were both kindergartners who was also at the party.  He is still a constant presence in C's life as they meet up weekly in their men's group for sharing and discipleship.  C always talks highly of him for being one of his spiritual mentors.

This is the feast that was prepared for us by the Makati Shangri-la after the dedication service... and a bottle of Johnny Double Black for some libations... in controlled mid-day fashion.

All the ninongs were given this box of wine and chocolates.  The chocolates were, of course, finished by the kids as soon as we got home. :)

I've shifted my diet in the past month to decrease my consumption of "acidic food." As a result, I've lost a few pounds, and can now easily fit in my old clothes again.  It's wonderful to be able to wear sleeveless clothes again without feeling too self-conscious about my "thick arms."

We celebrated my brother-in-law's birthday Sunday evening with a dinner at Italianni's.  Everyone was stuffed full from the overload of food. C found the pizza with truffle oil and parma ham to be really good.

I occasionally worry about the safety of my kids.  I always include in my prayers that God protect them from any kind of harm or danger... from bad friends, from accidents and injuries, from betrayal of trust... a long list. But the Bible assured me this morning as I was doing my quiet time that God has my kids under the umbrella of his protection.

The King James version uses even more dramatic words: Psalm 91:9-12

9Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the most High, your habitation; 10There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. 11For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. 12They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. 

FOLLOW ME!