Celebrating 27th

It's been five month's since I celebrated my 27th birthday, and already I feel like April is just around the corner, lurking! Time flies incredibly fast. And so, before I turn 28 I'm gonna have this thing posted out there...something to remember this year by.

Every year, I look forward to this day. And since I turned 20, every April 1st mattered more - I celebrate more, I remember more. I was lucky to document a few here from 2011 to last year, and each time I read those entries I am reminded of how intensely my life has been blessed with great relationships.

This year, I woke up to a bouquet of flowers much like how April 1st unfolded the year before. My sister and my mom seem to be starting a tradition. This time though, there is a newest addition to us three girls - my five-year-old niece, Cheska. This sweetest girl planted a kiss on my cheek as her birthday gift. Our photos were a lot wackier with her on them, too. 

I spent the whole day with these three ladies. We started off with a breakfast of lemon pound cake, freshly baked by yours truly. Then we had a simple lunch out after we bought the ingredients to my birthday cake, which I decided I should try baking myself. I'd have another post about that kitchen experiment soon. 

The real celebration was not due until that evening. Before dinner, we heard mass at the St. Pio of Pietrelcina Chapel in Libis first. I was just grateful to be celebrating with my family. Having lived far from each other for ten years now, togetherness is a rare gift. Then we had a sumptuous buffet dinner at Something Fishy - great food for your money's worth.

We capped of the night with a slice of strawberry shortcake. I was so happy it turned out really good! 

At 27, my prayers remain the same. 

- For my family to be always happy and healthy, and for us to spend more time together.

- For the Lord to bless us abundantly so we can be a blessing to others.

- Personally, I've been praying for a career that would allow me to maximize my skills while at the same time, making a difference in the lives of others. 

At this point in my life, I am truly thankful for my family and friends. To say that they are my treasure is an understatement. To say that they make me feel special and blessed is never enough to fully describe how much they matter to me. And to say that the Lord has been so good to me definitely does not encompass the all too great love and mercy He has shown me in the last 20+ years.

All these and more make life sooo beautiful!

Here's how I celebrated my birthday in the last five years:

23rd - Starting April with a Blast

24th - Just Before I Turn 24, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

25th - On my 25th

26th - Silver + One | April Morning