Unequipped for the job

First of all, realize that children are naturally noisy.
Second, doing what comes naturally isn't "naughty" to a child.
Third, we ask too much of children, depending on their age, when we make them sit for long periods in chairs or high chairs.

The above excerpt is from the book "Have a New Child by Friday" by renowned Christian psychologist Dr. Kevin Leman. I agree with him and wish more adults are aware of the above facts.

Case in point: I was at a meeting in a church not too long ago. The children were given wee chairs right in the front row at the extreme right of the meeting hall. There were about 7 kids aged 3+ to 8 including my kids. There was a lady sitting there with them to "look after" them. She's one of the Sunday school teachers. I was seated a couple of rows behind them. The meeting lasted about 2 hours and I think that the kids behaved very well. They spoke to each other, moved in their chairs, read books, drew, played with small toys but one couldn't hear them and they were not distracting.

Apparently, the lady looking after them didn't think so. She kept hushing them and getting to them every time they moved or did something. I was really annoyed. I mean, does she expect them to be still as statues? They can't understand what the preacher was saying and I think that indulging in a bit of drawing, playing with toys and chatting is alright as they were doing it with minimum noise and movement.

At one point, she grabbed the pencil from a boy and told him to stop it just because he was showing his drawing to another boy and they were both drawing and chatting. I really saw red then but kept my peace. In the end, I think she was the one being distracting - moving always to hush and what not. The poor kids.

While I appreciate the fact that this lady and many like her sacrifice time and effort to volunteer in Sunday school, I wonder why can't they be trained/equipped for the job? They should understand kids and if not, at least be taught what to expect and not to expect from kids and how to handle them.

Tunggang terbalik

Last week, Sean was pretty excited about The Donkey - an art & craft thingy he made at Sunday school. That night, Jason asked him to write his name on that paper. And he did - in an almost complete mirror-image! Only the last letter, "N" is not a mirror image.

We were surprised. We took a good look at him and he looked flat out tired. We realized that he didn't do it on purpose and it wasn't because he forgot how to write his name. He must've been so tired, his brain somehow just went a little hay-wire.

Sometimes he writes numbers and alphabets backwards when he does his homework. He'll look at the sample but still write it backwards. Eye-brain-hand processing/coordination gone hay-wire?

I recall that he sometimes draws trucks "backwards" too - with the back part of the truck first and the way he draws that rectangle part of the truck is from bottom right to left and up. Unlike the way a right hander would draw it and he's a right hander.

I find it all a bit perplexing but maybe it's like that with some kids at this age. Hopefully, he'll grow out of it.

My Valentine

Yesterday was Valentine's day and it was just another day for us. No gifts, no date night (my hubby has been ill for 6 days) but that didn't bother me. However, sometime in the evening, I caught a look at myself in the full length mirror and I was really bothered.

You've heard or read it before, I'm sure - the term "letting herself go." It means women who've stopped taking care of their appearance after having kids or for whatever reason. Weight gain, unflattering hair, frumpy clothes, terrible complexion, etc. Well, that look in the mirror told me just that - I've let myself go. There are spare tyres aplenty, flabby arms, hard-to-groom hair, round face with desperately-need-a-facial complexion. *sigh*

I started grumbling that I look so aunty/ah mah. I've seen so many hot mums and I dunno how they do it (with lotsa help from the mighty moolah I suppose). I need a makeover - a new hairdo, facials, etc but it's all so expensive, *grumble* grumble* grumble*

My dear hubby assured me he loves me the way I am (I gave him the evil eye) and that he'd try his best to provide for a makeover of sorts. I said, I understand our finances and don't ask for much. And he said......"You don't ask for much but I want to give you much."

And there it was. The most romantic thing he's said in a while. It was Valentine's day yesterday. :)



Addendum : Some couples start looking like each other after years of marriage. Jason & I don't look alike (haha!) but often we dress in the same colors. Unplanned. Happened again today. Both of us ended up with brown tops for church. I guess the t-shirt he was wearing says it well : Same Same (front of tee) But different (back of tee). :)

Who am I?

I've always envied people who are confident, different, sure of what they're to do here on earth and already happily at it, unafraid to stand out in a crowd...just comfortable in their own skin.

I on the other hand have always been uncomfortable in my own skin. Not a confident person, just another face in the crowd.

And lately, I've been even more unsure of myself. Somethings that were once a "sure thing" and a dream for me is now in tatters. The more I look at myself, the more I seem to fall short of who I really want to be.

I guess that's why it's so great that Jesus is my Saviour. But I'm still trying to connect the dots and emerge from my cocoon a proud butterfly, sure of what my Saviour wants me to do and fully able to do it for His glory.

Quite literally

Children are so literal! Case in point...

My adorable Aidan has turned not so adorable since his third birthday last month. Like his brother, he's got the case of the Terrible 3's. Testing limits, defiance, etc. Especially when it's time to brush his teeth. Rule is we call once, they obey. Lately, been calling Aidan to come to the bathroom to brush his teeth but he's been disobeying.

Last night, he came when I called but with a slight grumpy look. I reminded him, " Must come when I call. What did Jesus say?"

Now, I was expecting "obey mummy & daddy" (from Ephesians 6) but Aidan said....

"Go brush teeth."

I had to control myself from laughing, put on a solemn face and told him, "Jesus said to obey your daddy & mummy."

So funny!

Majesty

MAJESTY

Rising, I feel my heart sing
His praises, our Lord and King
The wonder, the majesty
Welcome the King of Glory in

PRE-CHORUS
Every tribe and tongue
Every land will sing Your praise
To the end of time we sing
Majesty

CHORUS
All majesty to the God of creation
All majesty God of all generations
This anthem we sing
To the God of all nations
All majesty we sing

We sang this song in church this morning. The first song of the first service of the year. And it's so apt. What a way to start the year! All Majesty, King Jesus! All glory to Him! Amen!

Christmas Man

Ay, tis the season of gifts and giving again. Usually, I get into the Christmas mood by popping my all time favourite Christmas CD (A Christmas Story by Point of Grace) into the player. But this year, it's already 19 Dec and its quiet in my home. No Christmas songs. Just no mood la.

Anyway, we were surprised to hear carols just now after dinner. Turned out, the neighbour across the street had a bunch of carollers over. They are catholic, so quite a number of the carollers were dressed in red and had Santa caps on. There was of course, a Santa. Aidan and Sean were excited but we couldn't see much from our house. When the carollers were leaving, Sean and Aidan were watching from my front door and Aidan sadly remarked, "Mummy, the Christmas Man is leaving!" He meant Santa Claus. I didn't correct him cos I didn't want to get into who's Santa Claus. Not tonight anyway. I prefer my kids to know that Christmas is really about Jesus.

The carollers reminded me of some of the best times I had as a teen. I was in Evangelical Free Church then. Each year, we'd pack into a school bus and go from house to house singing carols. We'd do this for two nights at least. We'd be laughing and singing in the bus and enjoy the cool, windy night. We'd always be so full from all the goodies at each home that it's sometimes hard to sing. I remember, one house we went to, the host, a doctor handed out lozenges to everyone! haha!

Yup, those were really good times. Doing two of the things I love most - hanging out with friends and singing.

Psychology

I find psychology fascinating. I've always had a habit of analyzing why people behave the way they do and sometimes even predict what they'll do or say. Dunno how or why I do that. Just seems like it comes naturally to me and I've been doing it forever.

Of course, I analyze myself the most. And most of the times, I don't like what I find. I'm still trying to be comfortable in my own skin after all this time (no, I'm not that old!) and sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be comfortable with myself.

I don't have a degree on the wall so much of what I analyze and perceive...I've no concrete proof whether its right or wrong but I've seen what a vicious cycle is and its one of the most horrible things ever. Sometimes I feel like I'm disconnected....head and heart has lost its link and I find myself staring at a monster. A monster that's been trying to get out of a cycle but might as well try to get out of a whirlpool unaided.

So. JESUS be my AID. I need YOU. Amen.

What Lies Beneath

Aidan will be 3 years old this Friday. Time sure flies. My baby is no longer a baby. But he's still very cute. His vocabulary and observation has improved much these past months resulting in many funny, cute and endearing remarks or conversation. Today was no exception.

He woke from his nap but Sean was still asleep. He wanted to go to the loo and as I was dressing him after that, I thought I'd seize the opportunity to talk to him about wearing underwear. We wanted him to start wearing underwear sometime soon but so far he's refused. So, I told him its time he started cos he's a big boy now and etc. At first he wasn't keen and I left it at that. Then he said, "I want a red one". Oh boy, the ones I bought him were different shades of blue. I showed them to him anyway. All with Spiderman design. He pointed to Spidey and asked, "Is Spiderman wearing underwear?" Well, obviously, not on the outside like Supes but I said, "Yes".

He chose the dark blue one and after I put it on him, he looked pleased and said, "I'm so proud for my underwear" (I think he meant "of"). I was surprised cos he's not used the word "proud" before. And then, "I love my underwear because it look so nice. Thank you mummy, for buying my underwear."

After half a minute, he sat up and said, "Am I still wearing my underwear?" He lifted his t-shirt, checked and said, "Yes, I check edi, I'm still wearing my underwear."

After that, he proudly announced to Sean, my parents and Jason that he's wearing underwear cos he's a big boy.

Haha! So cute!

Works of Art

It's the school hols and Sean & Aidan are bored. Well, they get bored during school days too but the bored-o-meter is much higher during the hols. My stress-o-meter is higher too. :) Anyway, Sean starts bugging me to give them art & craft to do. So I bought a box of water colours, a palette and brushes. They couldn't wait to start.

I wanted to show them something fancy so I cut ladies fingers and dipped it into the paint and pressed it onto the paper and...they weren't impressed. *sigh* They just wanted to get their hands on the brushes and paint away. (Good thing I didn't make potato stamps too).

So paint they did. It was shaky at first as they weren't used to brushes and each colour in the palette turned black because they got too excited to remember to wash the brushes before dipping into a different colour.

But soon, Sean got the hang of it and started painting trucks. What else?! That's all he draws and talks about. Trucks, trucks, trucks. Aidan was busy experimenting with colours and turned out some abstract pieces.

I took snapshots of the paintings and put it in my Facebook. Just click here.

Now, to put my thinking cap on for the next art & craft project.

Sean's playlist

Sean developed his playlist when he started going to kindy. He'd want me to switch on the radio the minute he's in the car. The morning will begin with "Blesed Be Your Name" followed by "Better Is One Day" and "Heart of Worship" all by Matt Redman.

Then it's

"Everything that has Breath" (by Matt Redman)
"From the Inside Out" (Hillsongs)
"I Believe in Jesus" (Hillsongs Kids)

I have to listen to these songs Mon-Fri, twice a day. It sure got pretty tiring. For me. Sean would be happily singing along. He knows all the lyrics and even the ad libs! It can be pretty funny.

I was a tad worried that he was growing to be an "old soul" - these songs are all slow songs! I'd try to switch to some faster, rockier numbers but he'd steadfastly refuse. I'm his MUM and I prefer rockier tunes! Ha!

Finally, one fine day, he started showing interest in a couple of tunes by Tree 63. I was elated! Yeehah! My boy's startin to groove! And that's when the MP3 player in the car "died-ed". Aaargghhh! Turns out, it's the "car's fault"...some connection problem. *sigh* Hopefully, it can be repaired soon so that we can be rockin again.

Death

A morbid title huh? But yeah, death's been on my mind more often than I'd like these past 2 years. Ever since I lost my beloved Ah Kong in 2006. Before that, I'd been pretty much "death proof" in that it hadn't touched me cos no one close to me had died. I'd witnessed people's pain as they've lost loved ones but I've never felt "it".

So, ever since Ah Kong went to Jesus, I'd had fears of losing more loved ones. I'd become more aware of our mortality....and of how "old" (they're actually not that old but y'understand) my parents are and that scares me. And I know, the day will come when they'll go home to Jesus and I'd be left here to grieve and miss them and honestly, I don't think I'd be able to handle it.

I worry for the safety of my husband as he travels to work on his motorbike. I'd never be one piece again if I lost him. And - all parents will agree - once I became a mum, I experienced not only joy but a whole new fear. Fear of anything bad happening to my precious babies. I agree with Nichole Nordeman on her album, BRAVE. She recorded it after the birth of her first child and it's in there somewhere, this fear for one's child and the need to be brave.

And then all the tragedies in the world these past years - Hurricane Katrina, the Earthquake in China where so many children died and most recently the terrible tragedy that befell Steven Curtis Chapman's family last May (they lost their youngest daughter in a tragic accident) - it's like a blinking neon light on this subject I've come to dread.

But I thank God for SCC and his family. As they walk thru this terrible valley, they've spoke up of the faith that has kept them breathing and they've shared this on Good Morning America and also, Larry King Live (it's on YouTube) this week (I don't think you can watch these interviews without crying).

I thank God for their courage to share in the midst of such pain and I've been redirected to my Father to whom I should share all my fears instead of letting them trouble or overwhelm me. For to be afraid of death is to make light of Jesus' sacrifice for me on the Cross of Calvary. To worry is to doubt his Word that He watches over us and that everything is in His Hands. We may not understand why things happen the way they do but I'm reminded that His ways are higher. As Mr. Chapman said in his song, God is God

God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting
God is God and I am man
So I’ll never understand it all
For only God is God

Amen

Aidan's first day at kindy

Today was Aidan's first day at kindy. We didn't intend to send him to kindy this year. We thought next year when he'd be 4 (though technically only 3 cos he was born in Dec 2005). Last month, the principal of the kindy Sean attends encouraged me to consider sending Aidan for their 3 year old programme (it's called Sparklets) as they had an intake in June. Aidan was really excited about "going to school with kor kor" as he puts it.

He was really stoned this morning when I gave him his "nan nan". He actually rolled over and continued sleeping after he finished. I told him it was time to go to school and he immediately struggled to get out of bed. He was still pretty stoned at the sink getting washed and ready. It was really quite comical, the Garfield eyes and all. Once in uniform however, he was all raring to go. He called out a cheerful "Bye Daddy! See you later!" as we left the room.

At the breakfast table, he looked at his bowl of Honey Stars and said in an exaggerated voice, "Honey Stars! Beautiful!"

In the car, he was excitedly chatting and even let out a "Yee-ha!". At one traffic light, he commanded me to "follow that back hoe!" Sean was contently listening to his favourite playlist from the backseat.

When I pulled up at school, he asked in a small voice, "Can I bring Bear-Bear?" Now, I've prepared him beforehand that he can't bring his "Bear-Bear" and "Leon the Lion" to school. I reminded him and he quietly placed the Bear on his car seat and walked into the school, all excited. Teacher Michelle could not help but smile as he walked in...he looked so cute in uniform.

I was there throughout the assembly. Aidan was excitedly checking out the whole place (read: not participating in the assembly but wandering around). Just as the assembly was ending, he dashed into Sean's classroom. Teacher Betty told me it's ok, it's his first day and that they'll be able to handle him. So I snuck out and hid outside at the school porch.

Assembly ended and the students "choo-choo trained" to their classes. I could hear Aidan loud and clear - he doesn't like to "choo-choo train" because he doesn't like others hanging on to his shoulders - "Wei!" , "Go away!" , "That's not fair!" and "Where's mummy?"

They got him seated with the rest and proceeded to hand out the snacks. I could hear him asking for me and he sounded upset. I peeped and he was looking around for me, looking teary eyed and pouting. *sigh* My heart went out to him. My little boy looking so small and lost. Teacher assured him "mummy will be here soon". I left then. All in all, I hung around for about 45 min and he hadn't cried.

He was excitedly waiting to go to the playground with Sean when I arrived at dismissal. I asked Teacher Michelle how he fared. She smiled and told me that he cried after a while. "I want mummy! I want mummy now!" She carried him and he stopped crying. Put him down but he wanted to be carried. He told her, "My leg pain" (his typical excuse to be carried). Teacher asked him where and he pointed to some scar on his leg. He stopped crying for me when he was kept busy with things to do but would cry once the activity ended. Overall, teacher said he was very good.

Once in the car, he hugged Bear-Bear and was quiet for awhile before starting to chatter. But he dozed off halfway home. I could not wake him and laid him on the sofa.

Just now, preparing for bed, he was again excitedly stating "I go school again with kor kor!"


Aidan at the playground after school.


Tadika Permata Pintar's newest student - KO on the sofa at home!

Vege Tales!

A few minutes ago, Aidan was on my mum's lap, "helping" to "kopek sayur". My mum pointed at the veg and asked him, "What's this?" (meaning what vegetable is this?). His answer: Vege Tales! haha!

Mangoes vs Bananas

Sean used to love bananas. We used to joke that he'd go bananas at the sight of one. Unfortunately, his taste in food is changing. He used to eat all veggies and fruits but now he picks at the veggies and seem to like only certain fruits.

Anyway, one day, I was extolling the qualities of the humble banana to him. That it's got potassium...gives energy...brain boost...good for breakfast, etc. He listened without a word. Was quiet for a few seconds after and then he said....

"Mummy, you know ar....mangoes are very good. When you eat the mango and then you go to the playground ar, it helps you kick the ball better!"

What?! I never saw that coming! Of course it's his way of telling me that he loves mangoes and that I can't get him to eat bananas for breakfast.

Kindy secrets

Last week, Sean & I were at his kindy playground. He was the only kid there. The rest were nearby and a few were watching him with envy (kids are only allowed at the playground if they're accompanied by a parent).

Suddenly, the two 6 year old girls who sometimes talk to him called him over. "Sean! Come! We have a secret to tell you!" They seemed excited. Sean dutifully walked over. They cupped their hands near their mouths and started telling him the secret. All I heard was, "Tell your mummy, she's...."

Secret told, they eagerly watched him to see if he'd come and tell it to me. He didn't. Just went back to playing. Of course I was curious to know the secret.

I asked Sean, "What did your friends tell you?"
Sean: Dunno.
Me: Didn't you hear what they said?
Sean: Dunno.

*sigh* The kid was totally not bothered! So like a boy to not get the whole "secret" thing! Aaarrrgghhhhhh! Curiosity kills the cat they say and at that moment, I felt like swiping claws at a nearby tree in frustration.

Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus!

Yup. That's the title of Sean & Aidan's current fav book. It's simple but fun because they can "participate in the reading" by yelling "No!" whenever the pigeon pleads for a chance to drive the bus.


Bedtime stories just got more interesting. :)

Spiderman, Spiderman

Sean's favourite pair of pajamas is his "Spiderman one". Aidan wanted one too but we didn't get it till a few weeks later. That night, I laid out both pairs on the bed. I wanted to see if they'd notice. Aidan walked in, saw the pajamas and handed it to Sean, thinking that it was Sean's. Sean noticed that there were TWO pairs. And the commotion started. They were happeeee! Couldn't wait to put it on. And of course I couldn't wait to take the camera out.


Managed to get them to sit still long enough for these shots.


Even super heroes need to refuel.


Kyle XY Jr? Aidan & I checking out the snapshots.

For the first time

Aidan said it for the very first time today. Curled up next to me. With Bear-Bear in his arms. With a cheeky smile. And his manja voice.

"I love mummy."

:)

Little pray-ers

Sean & Aidan say a prayer, well, several prayers to be exact, before they sleep. They say a prayer for each other, one for mummy & one for daddy. Jason or I will say the prayers and they repeat after us.

Aidan will pray in the most manja voice. It just seems that when he prays, his voice becomes more manja than usual. It's so cute. And he knows not to repeat when we pray for him. He'd just have this cheeky-shy-smile on his face instead.

Anyway, a few nights ago, I was leading the prayer "session" and part of it went something like this....

Me: Please provide for our needs.
Sean: Please provide for our knees and legs.
Me: What?
Sean: Legs, mummy. Knees and legs.

Haha! I was so tickled but I had to control myself and not laugh. I explained that I'd said "needs" and not "knees." Of course Sean wanted to know what "needs" is and I had to explain. We usually keep our prayers short and use the simplest of words but I'd forgotten.