A very delicious 6th year wedding anniversary
Alhamdulillah! SIX YEARS OF MARRIAGE AND STILL GOING STRONGER THAN EVER. Initially we thought it was just our fifth. We completely forgot how to count from 2007 to 2013. We got stuck at 2012. LOL
When I look at our wedding pics with Duston, it feels like yesterday. I'm no spring chicken. I didn't think I could ever get married in my lifetime but Allah sure has greater plans for me and I have been very fortunate to have found half of my deen from thousands of miles away in a country I never thought I'd even remotely consider. The new chapter in life came at the best of times. And we sure did have a lot of best times together as well as struggles, conflicts and trials. But one thing was certain, we never gave up. We managed to calm down despite the wave of chaos that surrounded us threatening to shake our faith in each other.
We are not perfect. No one is and no one ever will be. But we got a great and goofy love story to tell Shamsa when she gets older and curious enough to ask. Good things do come true when we pray for it and work hard to keep it.
Look at this chocolate raspberry ice cream cake that Duston surprised all of us tonight. Something I would stare at curiously in glass display windows when I walk around the mall in Manila. I never thought I'd actually get to experience this in my life but now I did and I am very grateful for another first time experienced. He also surprised me with a limited edition Deadpool action figure complete with accessories. Another thing that I would stare at stores and liked but never expected that I'd actually own one. I am so surprised and very thankful. I am not a big action figure collector. I am happy to have one of something I like and I am content so you can just imagine how this feels like. :)
Look at all that layers of awesomeness. The cake was extremely filling and comforting. It was not too sweet and it had the right blend of ice creaminess and moistness of cake. The raspberry added to the lightness of flavor and right citrusy taste. Everything was just excellent! <3
I am enjoying what we have and being content with how our lives have turned out to be. I admit I've had so many fears but most of them had been due to my apprehension of making such a major change in my life. Moving to the States and experiencing a lot of first-times and discovering new aspects about myself. It's like being reborn and not really. I believe I am here for a purpose and I aim to find that out. I would never dream to be here without my husband and child. So I am extremely grateful that we are all together. We made this trip. To be part of such a beautiful and caring family. Mama and Daddy inspire us that being in love in a marriage is REAL and staying together for many years can be achieved together.
I've been cynical with relationships for sometime since I've been a product of a broken marriage from my parents yet deep inside I always believed that not everyone is bound to end up the same way. There are reasons for the way we are. We make choices. We are given that freedom by God to do whatever we want in this world and realize the consequences of our actions afterwards. And I choose to be happy. I choose to want to be in a stable loving relationship. I don't care if we're corny because we can be corny together. Even if we look cheesy because cheese is good. I don't want to live in bitterness and regret. So no matter what happens, I can look back and smile and be grateful to Allah for every moment we cherished together as a couple, as parents and as human beings.
The month of May is a cherished month as this not only marks our anniversary but it also marks Mother's Day. Can you imagine the Imam at the masjid we attend our Friday prayers and Sunday taleem ACTUALLY greeted everyone, Happy Mother's Day? Wow. That was truly another FIRST-TIME for me because not once in my life in the Philippines did ANY Imam ever said that to the congregation or any public address or even in private. And speaking of mothers, May 13 is my mother-in-law's birthday and May 15 is my mother's birthday. Wow! The month of May truly is special. MashaAllah!
In closing, I always pray that our marriage stay strong and stronger in the good and the bad times. That we will always be the best of friends and family as one. I love you always, huggy bear. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being such a good daddy to our Shamsa. May Allah grant us a good life in this world and in the Hereafter, insha Allah. Ameen.