Well done princess !!!

This day is not easy for many twelve years old. It is not exceptional for my dear princess ....this Educational system is cruel to many young kids who seem to be given a ' life sentence' about their 'fate'.  And many who did not run as well for this phase seems to be judged too harshly and early! 

To us, my princess did very well and we are very proud of her achievement. I saw how she ran this race with hard work, focus, and determination. What impresses me the most is her helping attitude. She helped and motivated her 'competitors' along the way. To me, she scores A* for her EQ;  for her social and empathy skills. Sadly these are not recorded. 

My Princess, grades dun define us. And what truly matters is we know u have given your best shot! I'm so proud of you , not only for your good grades, but for your awesome character!!! U have a great future not bec of grades, but your steadfast character. With that , u will soar confidently like an eagle!!! Keep believing in yourself, enjoy the lifelong learning journey and be a blessings to others!!! Give thanks and celebrate! Praise the lord for this race, indeed we learnt more than what the papers offered! 

Can't be even prouder, 

Your mum!

I show excellence !

Ven was given a 'I show excellence badge'!!!!! I could see the pride and confidence escalating when she narrated the award presentation!!  It isn't first, second or third in class. It is an award that recognizes her sheer effort to strive for excellence! 👏

Her teacher is aware of her struggle in Math and hormone therapy that she is undergoing. So he deliberately provided her many opportunities to overcome her fear. Ven may not be the top notch student but indeed she is one who shows excellence in her effort!! I can't thank this form teacher enough for doing something extra to boast her wavering confidence and to overcome her defeating demeanor. 

To some , this award may not be as outstanding as being top in class. YET to us, to especially this trying mummy , it means the whole world to me!! My princess, I want u to believe in yourself, to achieve your personal best!!! I'm so proud of YOU!!

U are awesome and u can do it very well!! It may take a longer time and more effort, but u can finish it AS WELL too!!! My precious princess, indeed I love you since the first time I laid my eyes on you! I know you are exceptional!!! You are so precious!!! 

“Greater is He that is in me than He that is in this world

A little surprise for my princess

Just sneaked this cute pinky bear into her school bag to encourage Ven Tmr! May this little surprise boast her confidence!

Awwww!! flowers from my dear hubby!

Awww!! So touched!! My dear hubby gave me a beautiful surprise this morning! Yes, the past two months were very stretching! With this sweet reminder that I'm appreciated, I'm recharged and my love tank is refilled! ❤️

You can do it!!!

Imperfect work , beautiful memories

Look at this pic and think Abt it ... At that moment, i could be frustrated with those little irritations, mess, unpredictability, noise..... YET that was a candid moment and it would be gone forever! The end product is not a perfect piece of art work, cake or something that I can show off. But a core beautiful memory that is between me and my kids which will be deeply embedded in us; a strong resilient bonding that pulls us to during difficult times. 

I'm so glad that I learn to consciously choose to let go imperfection most of the time. I have trained myself to treasure every moment, even it is often imperfect.  I believe treasures are often hidden in imperfection n usually they are priceless! ❤️❤️❤️ still learning to enjoy the glorious MESS!

Ven, we can do it!!!

My precious princess, hope these handmade math manipulatives will help u to understand the concepts better! Remember we have come so far, and you can DO it! We may be slower but we will reach there sweetie!!!! As long as we DO our Personal BEST, that is an achievement! Don't give up and mummy will run this race together with u victoriously!!! I ❤️ u baby!

Number sense

Spent the whole night doing this handmade magnetic manipulatives for her. Hope this WAY will finally 'enlightened' her and strengthen her number sense! Now her math revision is more 'hands on'!

Share my joy!

Share my JOY!!!!!  She scored 86!!!  Just one day before her math exams, it was confirmed by the Psychologist that she has dyscalculia, a learning disability for math. I was devastated , so discouraged, so helpless. 

But thank God that all her hard work for this one whole year pays off!!! She has been very diligent and this results really encouraged her so much!!! I can see a sparkle in her eyes!!! Praise the Lord!!!!!

Reign over stress

So many times I just lose it, the whining, the complaining and poor attitude usually trigger my button. It brews a very toxic mixture inside me and suddenly it will just explode on an autopilot frantic reaction: ugly yelling, regrettable words that stab and escalating anger stares . 

Then I will be so overwhelmed with guilt and sadness after each episode and feel extremely defeated.  I will be very angry with myself for losing it again as I thought I promise myself each day, I will have better self control and patience.... 

So today, I'm frighten to start afresh, and praying fervently  that the short half time break will jump start and put me on another fresh new page. I hate that vicious cycle. I want to start with the positive and affirming footing. Lord, only u can help me to be kind and mirror the right attitude and peace in this chaotic world of pressure. I trust that I will be led by the spirit and be changed divinely.  Pray for me! 🙏🏻

Love one another !

U kiddos do grow up very fast!! Mummy is super thankful and grateful for all the core memories we have intentionally created over the years. Hope those heartfelt touching memories will remind all of you our beautiful yet imperfect family. We do fight, but we will make it up all the time! Please Dun ever let small insignificant matter break this fragile yet strong bond that we try so hard to build over the years!

My dear awesome babies, my life is so rich because of your presence! I will never ever exchange u guys for anything in this world! I LOVE all of u so much! ❤️❤️❤️ Continue to love and be there for one another!!! Seek God first and all these things shall be added onto u!

Gentle and quiet spirit

Yes I may have more wrinkles, more pigmentations, more eye bags , more pimples , but I still love this pic that has no makeup. I'm seeking for a deeper beauty, a stillness and strength that can overcome and triumph, the joy that bubbles despite of circumstances, the glow that radiates from within. Lord, I know it comes from u!  Grant me this gentle and quiet spirit.

Relax lah

A letter written to my three kids in 2013

My dearest children, I pray that all of you will love life and live it to the fullest! You have seeds of greatness inside you!  Give people benefit of doubt and always see the best in others. We are made bigger than keeping scores and being petty over trivial matters.  Have a big heart and be generous.  Live with enthusiasm, grin during good times, smile even more when things are rough, you will get through it faster with that positive attitude. 

My dear children soar, run, walk or amble,  life is about exploring, embracing the imperfection, experiencing growth and enjoying. It may not be perfect and beautiful all the time, but life has so much to offer if u have a positive attitude and expect good things! 

Life has many inconveniences and things may not come our way most of the time, but if u can keep a good attitude, shake off the bad feelings and put a smile on your face, you will see God has something great prepared for u in the midst of that arduous period. Enjoy the journey itself.  Do not dwell on what's wrong, and be grateful for what you have.  Keep this song of happiness in your heart always and make up your mind to be joyful despite of the circumstances.  Your smile will spread joy to all around you. And your mummy is one of the very blessed recipient! Your smiles make me feel so rich! 

Agape love, mummy

2013

U can do it really well, my princess!

Baby! I love u so much!!! U know what! I have so much faith in u!! U have been such a sweet sensible firstborn and I can't thank God enough for u.  U are made by Him for a great purpose and I see that the very first day I saw u! U will do SO well in life and I know it deep down in my heart. It hurts me when I see u doubting your capability sweetie!!!

God has equipped u more than what PSLE wants!  This is such a small hurdle. Trust mum, this is nothing and u are meant for BIGGER things !!! I love u so much and I believe in you baby!!!! We will run this race together and u will see how easy this small race is !!! Let us not get intimidated !! 

WE will go thru' this small jump in triumph and meanwhile DO smile so radiantly ever !!! It blesses others so much , and much more than you ever think! Much more precious !!! Dun ever give up HOPE!!! 

Luv you ever more !!

Mummy 

2015

16th wedding anniversary!

Celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary today! We are excited about this food thrill.  That warms my heart because after 16 years, at least our hearts still skip a beat for our planned dates and we are still looking forward holding hands, and exploring places together! 

Happy blessed birthday

Dear Prince Gabriel, 

Last year, the CHIMA cake that I did for you collapsed unexpectedly. We were close to tears with that overwhelming disappointment. So Val n I did what we can to salvage the mess. But my dear sweet boy, u did not whine, sob or throw tantrum, yet you remained joyful and kept a very good attitude. I felt guilty yet super duper proud of your good attitude! 

Though this month is simply too stretching, Mummy knows I cannot compromise on this promise. I finally made u this cute batman cake with God's divine help! May this hero cake reminds you of our unconditional love for you and please continue to keep that awesome attitude despite of setbacks, disappointment and inconvenience. You are truly mummy's hero, just like your daddy!!! 

Happy joyous blessed wonderful birthday Mr Handsome!!! Mummy loves your infectious smiles and contagious laughter! Keep smiling and keep being your best! 

Luv you so much! 

Mummy 

Aug 2015

Will Never ever give up on you my dear princess

While teaching Ven, I rolled my eye in exasperation. I told myself repeatedly to exercise more self control and we finally ended the 'lesson' pretty well, a small victory.  I saw her confidence peaked! 

Then this princess suddenly handed me this card while I was recovering from my intentional self control 'exertion'.  I burst into tears uncontrollably. How can I give up on you my dear.... I see how 'my belief' in her will make a crucial difference. Yes, u throw me curve balls every other day, I know we can overcome it together. Our Heavenly Father will teach mummy how to 'help' you baby, my love!❤️

Marriage is like a cactus

We have created our very own history , story and legacy. Like any other journeys, we had our fair share of ups and downs in those countries that we resided.  We rejoiced over the birth of our firstborn, Val but we also mourned over my two miscarriages in Shanghai. Then we had our toughest journey in parenting when Ven and Gab came along after the painful lost.  As we awed by God's gifts, we struggled emotionally, physically and mentally to handle three young munchkins, all ages less than 5! Then, we sought each other's comfort when Ven went for her first surgery when she was 3! We troubled over her growth and her mysterious incessant wailings every midnights! 

But we took it with stride and perseverance, of course with a pinch of fierce fights!  Slowly we build our wonderful intentional family memories together with our three gorgeous children. Now, we truly enjoy our beautiful family that we know we don't deserved. We have so much flaws, baggages, weaknesses and inadequacies. Grace is the gift that He has given us! Apart from Him, we can do NOTHING.  

We went through those challenges together, learning and overcoming each storms with ugly wounds and bruises that healed eventually. Our love deepened gradually, our beliefs and dreams for our family slowly emerged, our unwavering support for each other strengthened as we sailed through those inevitable storms. We have come so far,  our relationship is like CACTUS.  They are strong and resilient in the toughest environments . Likewise, our marriage is like this cactus. As long as we fix our eyes on Jesus , we will triumph over numerous surprised storms that come our way.  

Happy and blessed 14th Anniversay my dearest hubby!

Learning to hold my tongue

Spills happen very often with kids. Yet every time it happens, it is not easy to control the immediate autopilot frustration. Ven froze and her eyes showed sheer fear. I took a deep breathe and Val immediately took napkins for me. I held my tongue and just cleared the mess quietly. I learnt to show grace like our Heavenly Father but with a straight face ....😕 

Motherhood is a daunting task yet it humbles me tremendously. I know I'm improving and I will do better the next time! Scream first , then smile!! Lol

Customized tutorials

Ok, hope this worksheet will get Ven's attention and help her to understand the math concepts! Btw, Gab helped me with the batman! Cool!

Wine session

Always look forward to hear gems of wisdom from my dad!!! During this wine 'session' with my dad, he just shared " DUN take my kindness as my weakness , just because of my love! I'm not a soft guy! "  indeed this is so true!!! I'm so sure that I inherited that!!!!

Carrot cake and Mr daddy

Dearest daddy just created wonderful carrot cake memories with the kiddos this morning!!! They were helping dad to slice carrot cakes and beat the eggs!! They were brimming with pride, n elated with excitement ! Good job Mr daddy !!! 👍

Keep thinking positive !!!

Two days ago, I saw two of Val's netball teammates before their match. So I gave a short as usual pep talk to the girls like what I always say to Val. Then they replied :" now we know why Val is so positive!"  That warms my heart so much till today cos this is what I wanted to instill in Val since young, a strong sense of optimism, hope and positivity!  Yesterday, I saw her encouraging the junior girls as well. And I still can't help smiling when I think about how she inspires her teammates! I'm so proud of this princess!!! Well done baby!!!

Happy daddy's day!

I'm extremely thankful that my hubby is such a wonderful and involved dad!!! I know because of his loving and strong presence , they will grow up confident, secured and very affirmed. 

I miss my dad so much during my growing up years.  So Mum had to double up and I was uncontrollable!!! He was an extremely hardworking and sacrificial dad who had to work overseas to provide for our family. I'm eternally grateful for his sacrifice that I have a better life, awesome education and great standard of living.  But we lost many good intangible years that money can't buy.  So I told my husband that I rather have less, but a family that stays together. 

I'm so grateful that my hubby makes invaluable time for our children. Sometimes hearing their sheer laughter and seeing them just being together make me miss my dad. I wished I had it when I was younger too.  My dad realized the importance of family time , he finally returned and worked for less during my teenage years. I can't explained how significant it was to me!!! 

Now, I can't thank my dear hubby enough for helping me to raise our children cos I believe I can't do it alone.  I can never replace his fatherly presence.  Thank u dearest ah Lao, u are their super hero!

Happy blessed Father's Day!!! May our Lord bless u with wisdom, favor and joy as u raise them up with His grace , wisdom, love and joy!

A date with this pretty princess!

My precious princess's love language is spending time. And just bringing her out alone for a quick 'just two of us' date during the JB trip, she was so thrilled. She did not whine for anything except to see this sugar glider ( looks like a small hamster ) and she was beaming from ear to ear after that. 

I wanted to shop but I realized I needed to show her that she mattered more.  After the short 1 hr date, she planted a long kiss on my cheek! I know I have deposited love into her love bank! Worth it and priceless!

A date with this young man

Have not dated my dear son for such a long time. It was in my agenda to date them individually this June holiday.  Ta da!!! Finally our special one to one mother and son date!!!! 

Gab was elated since we planned this date few days ago. He loves durian and he couldn't eat it at home bec her two sisters hate it! So I actually reserved 2 D13 durians from this famous durian seller! I'm sure this will be one of our most memorable and pungent special date ever!!! We also had wonderful ice cream time as well just talking n laughing!

Happy blessed birthday princess!

Happy blessed birthday my dearest princess!!! U literally throw me a curve ball every other day,  but because of these 'intensive training', our bonding has grown stronger! My dear, life has its ups and downs, remember to go on a high road and trust that our Heavenly Father has great plans for u, plans to prosper u and not to harm you!  

 

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, 

and be gracious to you.

May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, 

and give you peace!!!

Believe in yourself and I know u are born for such a time as this!! Keep the bright yellow pony that mummy had specially made for u , and be reminded you are indeed my sunshine!!! Always believe that something wonderful is going to happen!!! Shine princess shine!!! 

Agape luv mummy

Keep believing in yourself!

My dear competitive girl was supposed to rest today as she was given MC. But since she had been training so hard for this athlete meet, she refused to bow down to this virus. Seeing her sheer beaming face, I knew she did it well! I'm so proud of her toughness! She is one tough cookie, very determined, mentally strong and never succumb to pressure easily! Remember to use these life skills to overcome all your obstacles, encourage others to do the same and glorify God in your endeavors! U r inspirational! U spur mummy not to give up, n YES we will keep going!

Fight a good fight

I was troubled this morning. Sometimes being a mummy is simply overwhelming. We put every 'blame' on ourselves and sabotage our very well intentional desire to be a good mum. 

My three wonderful kiddos are not doing well in their life skills and obviously I suffered the guilt syndrome.  I have been very purposeful in teaching my kids values. Apparently, they did not imbibe along that way. 

So after seeking the Lord for wisdom and comfort, I feel the increasing calmness, hope and strength. I believe there were well meaning friends who prayed for me too. Thank u! 

This 'battle' is lifelong and it will get fiercer as they grow older. I know I will have the wisdom, creativity, joy and will be the living testimony to show them those values. I may err but I will learn. These incidents are life lessons for me to teach them intentionally and not to be discouraged! 

I will Fight a good fight and be purposeful in my parenting! Lord, be my light! 

Netball championship!!!

Val instructed us strictly to cheer her only the second half of her match. So when we were finally there, we saw the girls' sheer exhaustion intertwined with their determined spirit.  Since this team had no reserves, these tough girls were gritting their teeth and playing fiercely! I admire their fighting spirit and they finally won by 1 point! It was that competitive!!!

Val was in tears of joy when the match ended in victory! I was so moved by this scene. I teared too. I'm so proud of their unrelentless fight, their mental resilience in the face of adversity, and how they approached this sport with such zest and passion! 

WELL DONE GIRLS!!! U gals fought an awesome FIGHT!!!

My dear princess, may U glorify our Father with your gifts and love life to the fullest too!!!

Ven's positive motivation

I looked at Ven's Form

Teacher Guidance Period journal today and was pleasantly surprised by her candid answers. She always appears indifferent toward her math and it frustrates me. Now, I know it does matter and she has strong positive motivation to do well. Most importantly, she is so right about praying!! She is definitely heading the right direction!!! Yay!!!! Way to go my girl! 

Outstanding All Rounder Student Award

My dearest firstborn, I can't express how proud I am with your progress over your growing up years. U have done exceptionally well in all endeavors including your academics, netball, Girls Brigade, Art and music. U amaze me with your tenacious drive and sheer hard work. You always give your best and motivate yourself to reach higher level. With these values, I know u can go far. 

But Mummy has also emphasized that life is not only about academics, and I'm proud that you had explored other equally crucial endeavors.  My greatest worries is you take all these achievements as your self worth.  Baby I hope one day u will read this with great conviction. Self worth doesn't come from exterior, trophies and certificates. But character brings you further. 

Pls remember what Mr Lee Kuan Yew's grandson had shared. 

He was emotional, tearing up as he said: "Ye Ye showed me that you could make a difference in this world. Not just that you could make a difference, but that you could do it with your head held high. You didn't have to lie, cheat, or steal. You didn't have to charm, flatter, or cajole. You didn't have to care about frivolous things or play silly games. You could do something good with your life, and the best way to do so was to have good principles and conduct yourself honourably." 

So with all the papers certificates U had achieved , what truly matters is your steadfast character. Use what u have learnt, achieved and with a good character and winning attitude , you can make a positive difference in this world !!! 

Our Beautiful home, Singapore

Goodbye Mr Lee Kuan Yew. 

Today is a closure for our grieving nation. While we were waiting to say our final farewell to Mr Lee Kuan Yew as his cortege made its way to the cultural centre, I remember taking these pictures just a few years ago and marveled at how beautiful our country has transformed over my these years. Without his wise pragmatic unwavering leadership, we will not be where we are today. 

Thank you for giving us such a beautiful home that we can bring up our children! 

Thank you for teaching us to be relentless and resourceful during adversities!

Thank you for your living legacies! 

Because of what you had done unselfishly, We can Stand Tall now! We will make u proud. Farewell our dear founding father!

Junior Brigader Brooch

Yes she got this junior Brigader Brooch Award, the highest national award a primary girl can achieved in GB after completing her Junior Leadership Training Camp last sat! May this award affirms your calling to serve and bless others with what u have! Her dearest supportive Gong gong attended her award ceremony! Can u sense his brimming pride???

In life ....

HAHAHAHA!!! I caught Gab reminded ven that " In life, there are things that u dun like but u still have to do it!!!" Sounds like he finally learnt it after hearing this mummy's incessant nags!!! 成功！

Memory made intentionally

Some memories dun have to be luxurious and mind boggling. It can be a cheap and simple ride that brings very nostalgic memories for everyone! I know this tuk tuk ride will be one such memory for us!

Junior brigade Brooch award 2015

We are super duper proud of this tenacious first born who gives her best in every pursuits! She will be awarded the  Junior brigade Brooch award, the badge of highest honour in Girls' Brigade!!!!!

May u be assured that God has big plans for you , dream big and always give your best in everything that u are entrusted to! I believe in you and I know my baby will soar like an eagle!! Believe in yourself! Bless others with your leadership skills and never stop serving and growing! A good leader serves and she picks herself up even if she falls. Never ever give up! 

New Living Translation
But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.

Luke 22:26

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

His Footprints

When I had two miscarriages in shanghai, I was devastated. When my second born cried incessantly every night for three years, I was helpless. When my domestic helper left abruptly, I felt even more defeated with three kids below five then. When we finally overcame Ven's mysterious incessant night wailings, she was diagnosed partial deficiency in growth hormones, I felt exhausted emotionally and physically. But I trusted in God's sovereignty, I know He will help me to soar higher heights than I ever knew! God is Good, All the time! ;)

Now I look back, I see HIS footprints in every episodes! 

Best buddies

These two buddies are only 14 months apart. When I had gab, ven was only 4 months! So I was very overwhelmed and intimidated. But with His grace, they just grow up literally before my eyes. Now, I look at them, I'm filled with immense gratitude for them. I had two painful losses but God gives me two beautiful babies back!!  They are best buddies now and I realized  my fear was so unfound and see the bigger picture now . 😃

Don't be afraid , for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. 

Isaiah 41.10

 

Blessed and abundant Chinese New Year 2015