Thankful Tuesdays: The year that was 2011

As a new year approaches, I've been looking back at 2011 and reflecting on how much has happened.  So I couldn't resist speed browsing through the year's posts and picking out photos that depicted 2011 for us (warning: photo-heavy post ahead!).  

This was the year that the hubby finished his specialist exams and got promoted.  He flew off a couple of times overseas for conferences.  It was also the year that I managed to finish my research and dissertation, and graduated. 

One highlight was welcoming a new addition to the family:

And of course, this little baby has been showered with lots of love all around!

This was the year we saw Junior J mature so much.  He's gone from this...

... to this:

He's grown up so much!  He's now feeding himself, and is a lot more independent.  While he used to be rather timid, he is now more confident (except with strangers!) and is turning into a regular little monkey.  The boy chatters incessantly and makes us laugh. 

We've learnt more about God through stories and activities:

Marching around Jericho

And of course, did lots and lots of art and craft:

Painting dots so that he can look like a whale shark!

This is my favourite painting of the year, done by the boy on his own using paints, a paintbrush, a toothbrush
and the netting used to wrap a wine bottle.  Plus loads of hand-printing!

A lot of cooking got done this year...

... and we visited many places, like museums, and took long walks together as a family:

At the National Museum

Tramping on the tracks

We visited Taiwan for the second time and froze our butts off:

We decluttered a lot:

All for the karung guni!  (Now Junior J loves shouting "Karung guni!",
sometimes at the most inappropriate times!)

Of course, there were bumps on the road. like facing the normal problems of childhood, such as constipation, wheezing fits, night wakings, and of course, the terrible twos:

There was also that major fall the boy had:

But we've managed to weather through all that.  All in all, the year has been full of God's grace, and our family indeed is very blessed.  We're so thankful for all that has been given to us this year!

2011 was a blast, and we're looking forward to 2012, both excited and nervously (since its the year of the big move overseas)... and trusting in God to bring us through!

Are you looking forward to a new year?

It was a pretty bad day.

I overslept (very tired from the leaky nose).  Woke baby up an hour later than usual, which meant his entire routine was disrupted.  Rushed to cook oatmeal for the big brother since he was coughing badly.  Managed to get Junior J to finish breakfast and baby J to nap.  Thankfully my mum popped by to help to cook lunch as we were sick, and Junior J's godma came by with her sister to pass me pineapple tarts from Taiwan.

We more or less made it through lunch (baby J woke up when I put him in the cot, and then got cranky from the lack of sleep).  Then the delivery/installation guys from Ikea popped up at 2 pm, when we were expecting them from 3 pm onwards after I've settled Junior J for his afternoon nap.  They were supposed to help fix up our new bookcase, as well as the down lights that were supposed to be attached to the top of the bookcase (after fixing up a whole lot of furniture from Ikea on our own, from a Pax wardrobe to Billy bookshelves, we thought this time we'd let their people do it since it looked a little hard to set up on our own).  Or at least that was what we thought, as initially we were told that the installation guys could only set up the bookcase, but upon calling customer service at Ikea to clarify, they told us that the lights would be fixed up as well, and they would make the necessary arrangements (it didn't make sense that the bookcase was set up and drilled to the wall, since we'd have to run wires behind it first for the lighting).

Never mind that I still had to feed Junior J his afternoon milk and settle him down (with baby J in a carrier) while they were setting up the bookcase and making a racket.  What made it really complicated was the fact that the installation guys told me flat out that they couldn't fix the lights as that was not in their delivery notes.  So I called the hubby at work.  He called Ikea.  There was a lot of calling here and there, and it got really messy, since it was the customer service at Ikea who had guaranteed that the lights would be fixed, but the delivery people (who were subcontracted by Ikea) were saying otherwise.  I didn't know what to do, since if they didn't fix the lights they couldn't fix the shelf to the wall, since we'd need to run the wires.  But the hubby said he needed them to affix the shelf, since it was a partition wall and he wasn't sure about attaching stuff to partitions instead of the usual concrete walls.

After all those phone calls, the delivery guys reluctantly said they'd fix the lights onto the bookcase (and wanted to charge us extra for that!), but would not run the wires, while adding that they would not be responsible if the lights didn't work etc.  Then they looked at the lights and said that we needed to have more screws to attach the lights to the bookcase, and those were not provided.  And they didn't have those screws with them.  I called the hubby.  Hubby suggested using our own screws.  Our toolbox was right at the back of the storeroom, and to get to it I would need to empty a quarter of the contents of the storeroom.  Baby was still strapped to me, and I was still trying to get Junior J to finish his milk.  Hubby suggested getting the delivery guys to help me get the toolbox.  Errr, looking at how unhappy the men were, it sounded like a bad idea.

In the end, the delivery guys drilled the bookcase to the wall, and taught me how to remove the screws, so that we could shift the shelf to run the wires when we install the lights on our own (after hearing how they were saying they won't be responsible if anything happened with regards to the lighting, I wasn't really comfortable letting them fix the lights anyway).

So the bookcase got fixed.  Junior J went down for his nap.  I had to bathe the baby, and wasn't feeling too good after all that had happened.  I was just chatting to Baby J (who was all sweaty from being strapped to me throughout the entire saga) while cleaning him up when he looked at me.

And this little boy smiled at me.  And went "ah goo".  And all of a sudden, I didn't feel crappy anymore.  Guess it doesn't take much to make this mama happy!

PS: Finally managed to get the photos of the Christmas ATCs up!  You can view them here...

Thankful Tuesdays: Let go and let God

Picture taken in Melbourne, in one of the parks.
 I can't remember which though!

Saturday came with pretty bad contractions, which were so frequent that we thought it was time to go down to hospital.  So we did more packing... but the contractions went away, so I guess Baby J decided to stay put for awhile (to our relief!).  The exhaustion these days has been pretty bad, and I've been falling asleep both in the mornings when the boy plays on his own, plus during his naps.  There have been a few "oh no, I don't know how things are going to be" kind of moments, like last night. That was when I realised that we will be going to have #2, and would then have to pack up our house a few months after, survive an 8 plus hour drive to visit hubby's parents with the two boys, drive back, unpack, pack again, then promptly move half-way across the world.  Again with everyone in tow.  Suffice to say I freaked out.

The hubby says I tend to be all "doom and gloom" (which makes all these thankful posts essential for me!), as I usually expect the worst to happen.  (He on the other hand, is the exact opposite.  This also means I tend to be a very through planner, though I get really stressed in the process, while he is a "play by ear" kind of person who tends to forget stuff... We more or less work well together, though we tend to drive each other nuts sometimes!)

Anyway, I am still trying to let go and let God, and perhaps this time of many question marks would be a long-drawn lesson for me to keep trusting in Him that knows our tomorrows.  So this week, I am thankful for:

:: His everlasting, never-changing nature.  That while circumstances change, we can still hang on to God and know that He is holy and perfect and loving.

:: The hubby, who reminds me to enjoy the journey.  Who also has been really patient and helpful around the house now that normal chores are getting harder to do, and is currently Junior J's self-declared "best buddy".

Junior J demonstrating how he got his face blue.

:: This little boy, who has been such a good boy for the past few weeks.

:: Little random collections around the house that make my heart smile.

:: Friends, who willingly agree to be put on call to baby-sit at anytime of the day/night, in the event that my parents are not contactable and I have to go to the hospital...

:: Rainy days that are perfect for reading Bob books in bed, and having mock picnics using the blankets.      

What are you thankful for this week?

Thankful Tuesdays: Struggle

The man had loved butterflies since he was a small boy.  Now a grown man, he found himself once again fascinated with a cocoon.  He had found it at the side of the park path.  Somehow the twig had been knocked from the tree and the cocoon had survived undamaged and still woven to the branch.  As he had seen his mother do, he gently protected the cocoon and carried it home.  The cocoon found a temporary home in a wide-top mason jar with holes in the lid.  the jar was placed on the mantle for easy viewing and protection from their curious cat.

The man watched.  Almost imperceptibly at first, the cocoon moved.  A small opening appeared, and he sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole.  Then it seemed to stop making any progress.  It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and could go no further.  Then the man decided to help the butterfly.

He removed the lid on the jar, took a sharp pen knife from his desk drawer, and carefully made a tiny slit in the side of the cocoon.  Almost immediately, one wing appeared and then out stretched the other.   The butterfly was free!

It seemed to enjoy its freedom and walked along the edge of the mason jar and along the edge of the mantle.  But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.  The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.

Neither happened!  In fact the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and   shriveled wings.  It never was able to fly.

What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

~~~~~~~

Most of you would have probably read a similar story at some point in your life.  (I got this version from here.  But of course, if you read this blog, you'll know that the use of "cocoon" should mainly be restricted to moths rather than butterflies.)  It particularly speaks to me during this period of time when the boy has been rather difficult, and I've been feeling stressed out about some things.  I love the story for its reminder that sometimes, struggling is necessary for growth and life... and so today I give thanks for the challenges that come our way, that:

:: Are constant reminders that I cannot do it on my own.  That I need God's help for each and every moment, and I am still only a "jar of clay", but holding precious treasure within.

::  Teaches me that "love is patient", and unchanging despite the shifting circumstances.  

:: Sometimes forces you to slow down.  To count to ten before disciplining naughtiness, to pause lest I smack in anger.

:: Teaches me the value of perserverence and consistency, and hopefully would help me model it to the little boy...

Little boy has been finding it hard to sit through this particular activity,
but was extremely happy when he actually finished it on his own today.
He kept saying "mama is proud of me!", and I hope he continues to learn the value of perserverence,
even in small matters like this!

:: Are helping us to be better parents, by making us examine the boundaries that the boy has been crossing the past few weeks, and bringing us to desperately pray for wisdom and patience.

:: Pushes you beyond what you think you are capable of doing (I had signed up for the Shape Run sometime ago with a friend, and the run took place last Sunday.  Just days before, I was considering either backing out, or just walking 1 km and then walking back, since I was starting to feel all the aches and pains of pregnancy.  It turned out that there was no "1 km" marker, and hence we ended up walking 2 km before I realized what was happening.  So in the end, we managed to brisk walk through (or in my case, waddle through) all 5 km of the route, while enjoying a nice chat throughout... something I never thought I'd be able to do while being rather heavily pregnant!).

:: Allows you to look forward to each new day, as one where:

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness."

~ Lamentations 3: 22-23

Sunrise at the start of the run.  Was so glad I had my phone with me to snap this! :)

Are you facing any challenges this week?  Is there anything about them you could be thankful for?

PS: Thank you for sharing your experiences with tantrums, sleep-training and teething with me in the previous post, and on the blog's Facebook page.  I was very encouraged by your responses, and the reminder that while parenting is a challenging journey, it is still a fulfilling one!

Thinking Thursdays: In seasons of tiredness...

... where one falls sick and the heat seems too strong to bear... 

... where little ones have runny noses and feverish foreheads, and keep you up all night with their crying crying and crying that never seems to end, and that cannot seem to be stilled with singing or rocking...

... when you feel like wilting and drooping and falling to the ground...

... when you are drained and dry...

Take heart and pray.  Seek for living water, like how parched plants send out roots in search for it.  Ask for strength to do the next thing.  And keep looking up to catch the light...

... however little there may be of it...

... and know that we can be fruitful, if we remain in Him.

"I am the vine; you are the branches.  

If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;

apart from me you can do nothing."

John 15: 5 (NIV)

~~~~~~~

All photos (save for the one of the orchid roots, which reflects the pathetic state of my dried up little garden) were snapped recently during a forest walk. Junior J is sick and we're rather under the weather too, and we are praying that we'll get well in time for the hubby's sister's visit during the weekend...

Thankful Tuesdays: Let love seep through the cracks

I slipped and fell in the bathroom yesterday (my mum had decided to rinse the floor by dousing it with soapy water left over from washing clothes).  Fell down splat.  Ended up with a painful wrist that made housework difficult, and throbbing legs that kept me up at night.

So today, after alot of hobbling around the house, and painful squatting everytime I had to bring little boy to go potty... I was feeling rather sorry for myself.  (Ok I admit, I had a little pity party and ate some potato chips, and a pear to balance the unhealthiness of the chips.)  Life felt like it was cracking a little and falling apart.  But when I sat down to write this, I realize there have been rays of sunshine and love that have been streaming through the cracks as well and into my life:

:: Reminders that I am a "jar of clay", but that I carry a treasure within me (2 Cor 7: 4-12).  And that while I can be broken, the cracks can also let the treasure shine through...

:: The hubby who rushes home everyday to spend time with us, despite his hectic and sometimes long days...

:: Rainy days spent reading well-loved stories...

:: My mum who helped baby-sit for a short while today before rushing for her class...

:: Friends who are quick to listen and slow to judge...

:: Readers who pop by and take the time to leave some encouragement or tips...

:: And... little messes around the house that show that little hands have been busy, and a little mind has been learning:

Greater control and the ability to draw circles and lines...

Smooth, beautiful crayon rocks from a friend, in a rainbow of delicious colours...

The mastery of the tripod grip, and little eyebrows furrowed in concentration...

Meals for little busy people...

Little cities waiting to be moved into...

And if that wasn't enough to fill me up to the brim... The doorbell rang in the afternoon, and with it came flowers, from a dear friend who knew I was having a tough time this week:

I especially loved the little ladybird, nestled within the blooms. :)

So much love, it has to pour through the cracks. And the aches and pains become so much more bearable.

What are you thankful for?

Twice Taiwan: Traipsing through Taipei

The last two full days in Taipei were spent mainly getting our shopping done (we have never been the shopping type, so we left everything to last minute :p), plus visiting a few markets and museums.  Day 3 saw us shopping at Shinkong Mitsukoshi, and we managed to get some interesting toys for the little boy there.  We didn't get anything else though, since everything was so expensive, even though they were clearing the past season's clothes!  Lunch was at the food court, then it was off to my favourite street in Taipei: Dihuijie, which is home to a long stretch of stores selling cloth and dried goods.  We picked up our bakwa (of the dried beef jerky type) at the shop right at the end of the street, then headed to the market in the drizzle.  The hubby then proceeded to patiently wheel the little boy in the pram round and round the second floor of the market (to ensure he napped) while I frantically shopped for fabrics.  The variety is amazing, however this round I couldn't seem to find the shops that I visited previously, and had to settle for paying more.

We went to the flower market (Jianguo Holiday Flower Market, which is open on weekends only) on Day 4.  It was like walking into the market section of the Singapore Garden Fest, except all the booths were actually tucked underneath a flyover!  Lots to see, and the little boy loved the fountain displays best...

Bamboo seedlings.  The seeds are actually sold at the market...

... and will germinate to give you this!

Its blurred but there was a beautiful vertical garden behind the yellow blossoms. :)

Then it was a quick lunch across the road:

We always try to order a plate of green veggies for every meal and let Junior J have some.
He's been surprising us by eating these by the leaf, and can down about 15 on a good day!
Since our discovery, we've gladly stopped trying to tear/chop up his veggies...

The hubby's addiction: He ordered hong shao niu rou mian (beef noodles) at almost every noodle eatery.
With the hearty breakfasts at the hotel (which gave you 2 eggs every morning), it was no wonder we put on weight!

And then back to the opposite section of the flyover, where there was a jade market, selling all sorts of semi-precious stones:

The atmosphere at the Jade market was pretty different compared to the flower market.  Many stalls had stools for you to sit down to peruse their shiny baubles, and the stones all shone under warm yellow lights...

Then it was off to the National Taiwan Museum (with its accompanying museum of natural history across the road), where little boy got to see the dino skeletons...

... along with alot of other interesting exhibits.

There was a section on Taiwan's indigenous culture, showcasing how the various tribes lived their way of life...

This exhibition was in traditional Chinese and French, so we had no idea about what it was talking about, however, this particular time-line display caught my eye, since it was boldly exhibited in shadowboxes, and everything was in a single colour (either red or white).

Loved the tiny little models... really a crafter's dream to make these! :)

Exhibition on rice, where there was a display also showing animals found living in the padi fields...

Another interesting thing (to me at least): Little cylinders filled with different types of rice, hung gracefully from the ceiling!

An exhibition on the history of radio... along with some exhibits where you could press buttons to listen to common sounds heard in Taiwan over the years ...

Section with displays on various ecosystems.  These models are plastic, but I think they are pretty life-like!

Junior J refused to nap (with all that stuff to see, I don't blame him), so we ended up heading back to the hotel to settle him down... and after he woke we popped by another mall (I forgot the name, but it was recommended by a waitress over at the hotel) to shop a little, as we had to buy a T-shirt for the boy as all the clothes I had washed had refused to dry in the cold rainy weather.

Oh, and this time round, hubby decided to splash out on our accomodation in Taipei, since this was going to be the only family holiday this year.  We had previously stayed at Lilai hotel, which was pretty decent given the price, but the wet carpets (once we came back to find them washing the carpets, and it was all soggy) and clogged up toilets weren't too great.  So this round, we stayed at Waikoloa Hotel, which pretty nice, and the rooms were large and quite tastefully decorated:

The first thing Junior J did when he entered the room was to turn on the TV.  We were puzzled since we hardly turn on the telly when the boy is awake, and when questioned about who taught him to do so, he promptly replied "Kongkong!".  Now I know what he's been up to when he goes over to my parent's place!

The first thing we usually do upon reaching our hotel room (after putting down our bags that is),
is to unplug the telephone.  There's really something about buttons that kids find irresistible!
Oh, and little boy spent many of the nights making mock calls to us, or to his bear,
and we tried teaching him how to dial our numbers.  :) 

Yup, and that more or less covers our trip! :)  It was really tiring and challenging, but all in all we did have fun, learnt much, and ate quite abit... Have a great week ahead everyone!