Hah! I took a self-declared Christmas break from blogging! This year's Christmas was especially meaningfully busy. We had two rounds of Christmas dinner with both sides of the family, met up with friends, went to the zoo and spent time with the teens. Not forgetting some quiet time to reflect on the true meaning and reason for Christmas - Jesus Himself. It was a wonderfully good season!
So here we are, having just 2 days more to a brand new year! I've been coming up with some plans for the new year with regards to Han's curriculum. Since the day when E and I decided to homeschool Han next year and only enrol her in nursery come 2012, I've been brewing ideas in my mind with regards to what should be in her learning curriculum.
Some sneak peeks of the curriculum features:
- Weekly learning themes to be based on Biblical stories
- Letter of the Week Curriculum from Connfessions of a Homeschooler will be incorporated into the weekly theme. Thus this will probably give us time to go through the entire Letter of the Week Curriculum more than once. This will cover the basic for alphabets.
- Weekly Montessori activities from Montessori sites all around. I particularly like Tot Trays from 1+1+1=1 Tot School amongst many others.
- Activities from Childcareland Teaching Ideas will supplement the weekly theme. Please visit this amazing website!
There are many more ideas brewing so I'll just blog them when they are more finalized! I'll probably have to drop by September 21 to get more teaching aids and bump off some ideas!
Have a meaningful 2 more days of 2010 and a great blessed new year!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Calling Out to the Father
"Daaaaaaaaddddyyy!"
Recently Han is beginning to call out to E whenever she wakes up in the morning or after her nap...or whenever she feels like it. It's an endearing "Daaaaaaddy!" that melts the hearts of both E and me. It's probably due to the fact that E is on leave from work these few weeks and his increased presence and time spent with Han! When E is working, Han will usually ask for me when she wakes up, "Mummy where??". It's a nice change nonetheless! Speaking of which I am very thankful to E for being very involved in spending time with Han and helping to offload me during his leave.I am extremely thankful for him!
When I ponder about Han's calling out for E, I then ask myself, "How often do I call out to God our Father?" When Han calls out for E, it is with a sure expectation that her daddy will surely respond just like how he always does. Do I call out to God with the same faith and certainty? Do I call out to God as often? I am blessed to be reminded!
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:6, NIV)
"It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him." (Hebrews 11:6, The Message Bible)
God cares enough to respond to us when we call out in faith! Now's that's an awesome truth that I want to embrace always and I pray that as Christmas approaches, it will lead us to draw nearer to God the Father and to what Christmas is really all about :)
Recently Han is beginning to call out to E whenever she wakes up in the morning or after her nap...or whenever she feels like it. It's an endearing "Daaaaaaddy!" that melts the hearts of both E and me. It's probably due to the fact that E is on leave from work these few weeks and his increased presence and time spent with Han! When E is working, Han will usually ask for me when she wakes up, "Mummy where??". It's a nice change nonetheless! Speaking of which I am very thankful to E for being very involved in spending time with Han and helping to offload me during his leave.I am extremely thankful for him!
When I ponder about Han's calling out for E, I then ask myself, "How often do I call out to God our Father?" When Han calls out for E, it is with a sure expectation that her daddy will surely respond just like how he always does. Do I call out to God with the same faith and certainty? Do I call out to God as often? I am blessed to be reminded!
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:6, NIV)
"It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him." (Hebrews 11:6, The Message Bible)
God cares enough to respond to us when we call out in faith! Now's that's an awesome truth that I want to embrace always and I pray that as Christmas approaches, it will lead us to draw nearer to God the Father and to what Christmas is really all about :)
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Potty Training Battle Gear
Tomorrow we will start potty training for Han. We are thankful that E has a few days off work this week and it's really good that he can be around. I’ve heard so many stories of “accidents” happening during potty training! As we trod into the battlefield of potty training, which one of my good friends say it's the most challenging thing in motherhood besides breastfeeding, we hereby lay out our battle gear:
1) Potty training book. There are many various methods out there, but since we have been blessed by the parenting ministry of Garry and Anne Marie Ezzo who are founders of Growing Families International (you can visit the local site, Growing Families International Singapore ), we decide to only read one potty training book, Potty Training 1-2-3. All other logistics are recommended according to the method applied. (It may vary for different methods!)
2) Potty Chair. A kind mum sold this brand new to me at only $6. So thankful!
3) Training Doll. We figured that Han will be more motivated by a familiar character rather than a new Raggedy Ann. So here's presenting BJ wearing a pair of pants.
4) Snacks as rewards and to create thirst and so lead to more drinking and potty opportunities. Got a 10 pack variety set of Kellogg's which look very tempting to me even! We added some Barney and Friends stickers to the reward basket.
5) Magnetic Reward Chart taken from Potty Time Training Pack, which I bought during a Popular sale. Will be using this to reward Han in using the potty.
6) Self-made reward chart with Han's favorite characters to reward her, using Barney stickers, in staying dry and clean. This reward system has to be more enticing than the former as the greater objective of rewards in potty training is not just using the potty, but in staying dry and clean.
7) Bright Bots training pants. Embarrassingly, I did not do much research on the different brands of training pants due to our family trip and my recent camp! This range looks and feels comfortable enough and they're pretty reasonably-priced at an offer price of $9.90 from Kiddy Palace. You can make a good guess why we bought them in these three colours!
Leaning on God's wisdom and strength as we enter into battlefield! Echoing the last sentence of Potty Training 1-2-3, “See you at the finish line!”
1) Potty training book. There are many various methods out there, but since we have been blessed by the parenting ministry of Garry and Anne Marie Ezzo who are founders of Growing Families International (you can visit the local site, Growing Families International Singapore ), we decide to only read one potty training book, Potty Training 1-2-3. All other logistics are recommended according to the method applied. (It may vary for different methods!)
2) Potty Chair. A kind mum sold this brand new to me at only $6. So thankful!
3) Training Doll. We figured that Han will be more motivated by a familiar character rather than a new Raggedy Ann. So here's presenting BJ wearing a pair of pants.
4) Snacks as rewards and to create thirst and so lead to more drinking and potty opportunities. Got a 10 pack variety set of Kellogg's which look very tempting to me even! We added some Barney and Friends stickers to the reward basket.
5) Magnetic Reward Chart taken from Potty Time Training Pack, which I bought during a Popular sale. Will be using this to reward Han in using the potty.
6) Self-made reward chart with Han's favorite characters to reward her, using Barney stickers, in staying dry and clean. This reward system has to be more enticing than the former as the greater objective of rewards in potty training is not just using the potty, but in staying dry and clean.
7) Bright Bots training pants. Embarrassingly, I did not do much research on the different brands of training pants due to our family trip and my recent camp! This range looks and feels comfortable enough and they're pretty reasonably-priced at an offer price of $9.90 from Kiddy Palace. You can make a good guess why we bought them in these three colours!
Leaning on God's wisdom and strength as we enter into battlefield! Echoing the last sentence of Potty Training 1-2-3, “See you at the finish line!”
Monday, December 13, 2010
3 days of 30 going on 13
Ever watched the movie "13 going on 30" where a 13 year old girl experiences life being 30? Well, the reverse happened to me for 3 days. Yes, I just hit the big 3 this year and it was a case of 30 going on 13!
I was a group facilitator for a group of teens at a church teens camp for 3 days. It was an awesome time of seeing God's amazing work in their lives! Being a teens facilitator requires me to have a young heart (and body!). The energy of the teens were simply contagious and I had the wildest time with them during games.
I am extremely thankful that my post pregnancy-post delivery-mummyhood battled body survived two nights of sleeping on a concrete floor using a sleeping bag. The teens chuckled when they saw me inflating my air pillow, which gave me little comfort in the total 7 hours of sleep I had for the two nights. I will seriously consider investing in an airbed for the next camp! E had suggested getting one for the camp but I was hesitant because of the cost haha.
More than anything else, I praise God and thank Him for reviving my heart for youth work through this camp. For a while since I became a mum, I was battling doubts over my availability and capacity as a youth leader. It was tough and I am so thankful for my pastor who never gave up believing in me. Through the camp, the Lord encouraged me and spoke to me clearly that my service to Him should always be a "dedication and not duty". He assured me that He still believed in me and will provide for all that I need as I do His work. I am reminded that He is as concerned about the journey and process of training me to lead, as much as getting the work done. I asked God to keep me faithful to His work always.
Han was extremely happy to have mummy back after 3 days at gramps. I am so thankful for my parents who took good care of her. Going to take a day of two's break and we'll say hello to potty training for this week!
I was a group facilitator for a group of teens at a church teens camp for 3 days. It was an awesome time of seeing God's amazing work in their lives! Being a teens facilitator requires me to have a young heart (and body!). The energy of the teens were simply contagious and I had the wildest time with them during games.
I am extremely thankful that my post pregnancy-post delivery-mummyhood battled body survived two nights of sleeping on a concrete floor using a sleeping bag. The teens chuckled when they saw me inflating my air pillow, which gave me little comfort in the total 7 hours of sleep I had for the two nights. I will seriously consider investing in an airbed for the next camp! E had suggested getting one for the camp but I was hesitant because of the cost haha.
More than anything else, I praise God and thank Him for reviving my heart for youth work through this camp. For a while since I became a mum, I was battling doubts over my availability and capacity as a youth leader. It was tough and I am so thankful for my pastor who never gave up believing in me. Through the camp, the Lord encouraged me and spoke to me clearly that my service to Him should always be a "dedication and not duty". He assured me that He still believed in me and will provide for all that I need as I do His work. I am reminded that He is as concerned about the journey and process of training me to lead, as much as getting the work done. I asked God to keep me faithful to His work always.
Han was extremely happy to have mummy back after 3 days at gramps. I am so thankful for my parents who took good care of her. Going to take a day of two's break and we'll say hello to potty training for this week!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Thoughts from a Narnia Newbie
It's quite embarrassing because the new Narnia film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, is the first Narnia film that I have watched even though it's the third one to be released. Honestly, I've never been a big fan of fantasy movies. I've never seen a Harry Potter film and it took me quite awhile to understand the details of The Lord of the Rings, which I eventually like though still not a great fan of. I would much prefer film of modern era which I find it easier to relate to.
Nonetheless, at the persuasion of E, we went to catch the latest Narnia film during our weekly date and I walked away wanting to catch it a second time and with a newly purchased The Chronicles of Narnia book set. Does that make me a fan?
I reflected on three statements, made during the film, that struck me deeply and which I thought are statements that God is using to speak to me. (Please note the accuracy of the statements is based on my memory and may not contain the exact words)
1) "You doubt your value, don't run away from who you are." (Aslan to Lucy)
This one went deep into my heart. God was using this to once again remind me of the work He can still do in me regarding issues of significance.
2) "To defeat the darkness outside, you must first defeat the darkness within yourself." (Magician)
For the past few days, time with the Lord was focused on the area of allowing Him to check my heart and realigning myself to His will. So this one was a further affirmation of a reminder and lesson I am learning.
3) "No matter how hard I try, I can't do it by myself, and then he came close. It hurt but it was good pain." (Eustace)
I teared when I heard this. Isn't it true? All our human efforts are in vain before Him and His glory. We need the Holy Spirit and His empowerment in all we do and in our service to Him. Personally whenever I try too hard with my own strength, and when God intervened (thankfully!), it hurt. Pride has to be stripped and knowledge that puffs up has to be bowed in humility. And yes, I totally agree, it was good pain. This reminds me of God's Word in Hebrews 12: 4-13:
"4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a]
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,”[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed"
Have a blessed weekend!
Nonetheless, at the persuasion of E, we went to catch the latest Narnia film during our weekly date and I walked away wanting to catch it a second time and with a newly purchased The Chronicles of Narnia book set. Does that make me a fan?
I reflected on three statements, made during the film, that struck me deeply and which I thought are statements that God is using to speak to me. (Please note the accuracy of the statements is based on my memory and may not contain the exact words)
1) "You doubt your value, don't run away from who you are." (Aslan to Lucy)
This one went deep into my heart. God was using this to once again remind me of the work He can still do in me regarding issues of significance.
2) "To defeat the darkness outside, you must first defeat the darkness within yourself." (Magician)
For the past few days, time with the Lord was focused on the area of allowing Him to check my heart and realigning myself to His will. So this one was a further affirmation of a reminder and lesson I am learning.
3) "No matter how hard I try, I can't do it by myself, and then he came close. It hurt but it was good pain." (Eustace)
I teared when I heard this. Isn't it true? All our human efforts are in vain before Him and His glory. We need the Holy Spirit and His empowerment in all we do and in our service to Him. Personally whenever I try too hard with my own strength, and when God intervened (thankfully!), it hurt. Pride has to be stripped and knowledge that puffs up has to be bowed in humility. And yes, I totally agree, it was good pain. This reminds me of God's Word in Hebrews 12: 4-13:
"4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a]
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,”[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed"
Have a blessed weekend!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Gramps School of Art
Introducing Hume Park Kindergarden Art Pieces by Han and her cousin Ian.
The drawings are so beautifully done! What's more wonderful is they are all drawn with the loving guidance of E's mum during their playdate at my in law's place today.
Here's Han's piece.
Han was showing me the cute green skirt that the elephant is wearing. Somehow, drawings are all the more nicer and sweeter when they are drawn with the loving help of Gramps. Some say "A picture paints a thousand words." More than that, I think "A picture paints a thousand ounces of love." I love them!
The drawings are so beautifully done! What's more wonderful is they are all drawn with the loving guidance of E's mum during their playdate at my in law's place today.
Here's Han's piece.
Han was showing me the cute green skirt that the elephant is wearing. Somehow, drawings are all the more nicer and sweeter when they are drawn with the loving help of Gramps. Some say "A picture paints a thousand words." More than that, I think "A picture paints a thousand ounces of love." I love them!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Moments in Malacca
We just returned from a 4 days 3 nights trip to Malacca! With this beautiful historic place just a 3 hours drive away, it's the umpteen time that E and I have been there, but it was Han's first. My mum came along too and we are thankful for a good time of fellowship and a nice relaxing few days of family bonding! Thankful for my dad's MPV that was very comfortable to travel in!
Han was very excited to be in the car for a long drive. She is pretty much ok with road trips as this is her third one, with the first and second being Genting and Kuala Lumpur respectively. I think she is pretty soothed by the scenic drive and comfortable car seat. Knowing how excited she is for the trip, I guess it should not be too much of a surprise that she woke up at 6am+ on the second morning and was already jumping like a monkey in her portable playpen! Thankfully she slept better for the second and third night!
My most memorable moment was seeing this:
It was in the evening after some shopping and a meal at Jusco and I was so in awe of God's creative masterpiece in this simply awesome sunset. What an amazing array of colours in a perfect blend of beauty! How awesome is God!
Malacca has a lot of nice authentic eating places. My favorite would be Bei Zhan.
Malacca has her own share of famed authentic local fare, but we love Bei Zhan for it's reasonably-priced, super delicious Chinese cuisine. Of course, it's important that the place is child friendly and it's a nice environment to dine in! Worth a definite try when you are there!
Lastly, I'm so glad to announce that Han has successfully had her haircut today! My mum was babysitting her while E and I had a day with the teens. It must be the magic of gramps and her persuasion power. Regardless, we are so thankful Han has had a haircut and I do hope it grows out nicely for the new year! :)
Han was very excited to be in the car for a long drive. She is pretty much ok with road trips as this is her third one, with the first and second being Genting and Kuala Lumpur respectively. I think she is pretty soothed by the scenic drive and comfortable car seat. Knowing how excited she is for the trip, I guess it should not be too much of a surprise that she woke up at 6am+ on the second morning and was already jumping like a monkey in her portable playpen! Thankfully she slept better for the second and third night!
My most memorable moment was seeing this:
It was in the evening after some shopping and a meal at Jusco and I was so in awe of God's creative masterpiece in this simply awesome sunset. What an amazing array of colours in a perfect blend of beauty! How awesome is God!
Malacca has a lot of nice authentic eating places. My favorite would be Bei Zhan.
Malacca has her own share of famed authentic local fare, but we love Bei Zhan for it's reasonably-priced, super delicious Chinese cuisine. Of course, it's important that the place is child friendly and it's a nice environment to dine in! Worth a definite try when you are there!
Lastly, I'm so glad to announce that Han has successfully had her haircut today! My mum was babysitting her while E and I had a day with the teens. It must be the magic of gramps and her persuasion power. Regardless, we are so thankful Han has had a haircut and I do hope it grows out nicely for the new year! :)
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