Evan Imitating Angel's V Sign

A small accomplishment. Nonetheless worth mentioning. I am touched by Evan's cautious approach. Search for his fingers. Check against Jie Jie's. Hold them up confidently.

It's indeed a joy to watch my kids learn and mature.

Angel & Evan's Time in School

More Victorious Than I Think

While worshipping in church today, I felt God impressed upon me: through the ups & downs of my parenting, I am more victorious than I actually think I am.

Today, Angel departed from her game of bumper lane bowling obediently (YAF event). Without whining or tantruming.

At bedtime, Evan wanted Angel's LV teddy bear. He whined. I thought to myself: Yucks! Again??

But Angel surprised me. She willingly gave up her bear to Evan. For this act, she won for herself a 'Kindness' Award for January.

I thank God for encouraging me that my children CAN learn what is right. I have to persevere in Christ's perseverence. And be directed by God's love in my heart.

Blessed!

Moving on from LV to PPHCK...

Angel & her Dove

Just midway through Jan, I am forced once again to reckon with the fact that my dearest firstborn in my heart, my precious daughter is a highly spirited child. Persistent, adventurous, free-spirited. She has gained enough 'smartness' to assert herself in negotiations with grown-ups. Today, she persisted in getting her own way: she wilfully demanded a timed session of playing BEFORE doing her work! Wow... since when... this is progressive for her!

I am almost resigned to the fact that I come home every evening from work to discipline her for her daytime tantrums & disobedience. This is my additional responsibility on top of table tasks with her & reading. Big sigh here! But I love her so deeply I will not allow myself to be inconsistent with our house rules. There's no giving up! I grit my teeth. Love conquers all things, including exhaustion, tiredness and sacrifice of personal time.

Tonight, she is all together funny. This is taken after I spanked her bottom for her daytime 'crime': tantruming & wanting to play before completing her Chinese name writing.

The Radical Life

Never saw it this way before. But tonight's devotion really opened my eyes. To live Jesus' lifestyle is to live the 'narrow' way & the radical way.

My flesh felt dissatisfied when caregiving, parenting & work responsibilities overwhelmed me! I reckoned that 2014 was a year of less enjoyment for me.

But it was indeed a year of great humbling! Of leaning on the Lord & hanging to Him for dear life at some moments.

It had been a radical year! Of less highs & more lows. But the more lows have an eternal value in Heaven's perspective. I have come through the narrow way! Without actually realising it. All I was consciously aware of was that it had been uncomfortable & unenjoyable.

If 2014 is a prelude to a radical life, then 2015 will have to be even more glorious! Living in the fast lane of faith. I am to live in day-tight compartments. A day at a time. Exercising faith & deciding not to worry!

I thank the Lord for the fruits of my labour. If I do not lose heart & faith, I shall reap what I sow. 

Missing the days of Toddler Starfish

The 2 Evans...

All's well with my soul

Angel's first day at PPHCK was good. Uneventful since she is already quite familiar with the drill of schoolbus & all. Looking forward to her brand new week with enrichment classes to occupy her little inquisitive mind & restless nature!

First day at Fins Swim School was good too. Thank God Coach Sarah took control. Angel overcame her initial apprehension associated with the 'stranger' Coach Stanley. Interestingly, Coach Stanley had a haircut & looked neater. Heh! Even I couldnt recognise him from far.

Evan had so much fun & 'fighting' with Angel at home for 2 full weeks. Super long vacation for him! Looking forward to him returning to N1 Respect's curriculum proper. The best part of this stayhome-cation for Evan is the father-son bonding. He has grown quite fond of his father & initiates interaction with him.

Lastly but most importantly, we started modelling positive caregiving behaviours towards our demented mother. Hardwork but all worth it. We took mum & dad out to the Botanic Gardens & held her hand as much as we could.

Thank you God for a great year ahead! The verse that comes to mind as I reflect on today is:
Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will take care of itself. If my Father in Heaven feeds the ravens in the sky, how much more will He take care of us?
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who trespass against us.

First Days of 2015: Kids' Reward for Good Behaviour (Barrage Scooting & Kite Flying)

Other Memorable Events Q3 & 4 in 2014