Happy birthday Arianne

Arianne with her Papa Ed and Mama Janice

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

My granddaughter Arianne Jaden will turn 10 years old on Nov. 23 and naturally she and all her loved ones including me are excited about her birthday. .

The countdown to her birthday started in Nov. 24 last year and since her last birthday, Arianne knew what she plans to do on her special natal day. Like all good plans, it is subject to minor changes but she is firm on what she wants to do.

She is open to suggestions and her mother Janice would remind her about her birthday. Arianne, who has a collection of Paw Patrol items would listen to her like a good daughter. 

This year Arianne wants to celebrate her big day with her classmates at her school. Afterward, maybe another simple birthday celebration with cousin Kuya Sam, Tito Owen, Nanay Honey and Tatay Joseph in my hometown of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

Arianne with Mama Janice on her first communion.

Over the years I spent time with her Arianne made some original quotable quotes so to speak some of which I'm sharing with you: 

    1. “This is rocky road” referring to the road leading to the family home in Sitio Elmundo, Barangay Natumolan in Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental. 

    2. “This is dangerous” referring to the unfinished house where nails and cables are showing.

3. “After study Arianne can…” referring to the times when she would watch her favorite TV program after studies with her Mama Janice.

4. “I want to make Mama happy” She says this when she sees her mother looking serious and worried. 

5. “We have to follow the rules” Arianne said this when she saw her Grandpa Ronnie eating ice cream and she couldn't because she had the cold at the time.

6. “Nobody is perfect.” Arianne said this whenever she didn't get a perfect score on her tests. When her Papa Ed would tell her that nobody is perfect, she would reply “Only God is."

And Arianne loves drive through food, though she and her parents would end up eating inside the restaurant anyway. There is never a dull moment with her.

She also eats fish and vegetables unlike her peers who are quite picky with their food. Arianne loves butterflies or “paro-paro”, a Tagalog term that she pronounces with an accent since she speaks perfect American English.

Arianne with her Grandma Susan

One time, Arianne and I went upstairs and on our way she held me close after seeing a butterfly design on the wall clock. 

I told her not to worry because the butterfly inside the clock is only artificial but she was unconvinced, telling me “Grandma it's not in a cage, it's inside the clock.”

Anyway Arianne is raised a good Catholic and she would lead the recitation of the rosary and reading Scriptures. 

There are still so many Arianne stories I can tell but on her special day, Nov. 23—which incidentally also falls on the same day as American Thanksgiving this year—I wish Arianne the very best on her birthday.


Happy birthday Arianne Jaden P Baisas from all of us who love you. (For questions and comments email me at susanap.dennis@yahoo.com)