children ... smart and need guidance ....
If, in a school setting, a child is not encouraged to run around aimlessly or playfully, why is it in a church setting, in the house of God, the same child can take advantage and just runs and plays as he fancies?If, in a school setting, a child is required to sit attentively and listen to the teacher presenting the lesson, why is it in a church setting, in the house of God, the same child can ignore his Sunday School teacher who is trying to lead the children in a time of praise and worship or tell a Bible story, and start walking around disobey all instructions given?The teacher side of me can't stand such unruly children in the Sunday School. I corrected them, again and again. Of coz those children, though only six, can glare at me and mumble something under their breath. Let them be. It is for their own good. This same behaviour, if not corrected, will stay with them when they move on to Children's Church and even Teens Ministry. Teachers too soft? Parents too blind or lazy? Children too disrespectful or mischievious? I wonder. I really wonder. Jess
another week has passed ....
This is way too fast. Another week has passed. Without me realising, week 2 of Term 4 is over?! 8 more weeks to go, before my year end holidays! Yippee !!!
Teaching has been very exciting. We are taking the curriculum to a greater height. It is wonderful working with my co-partner, she likes fresh ideas too. The current Principal, is like the ex-Principal, she is very game for constructive developments in the school's curriculum. This makes the job scope wider and challenging. Boldly, we threw the old worksheets out of the windows. We are going to create new ones. We only targeted the Math and Thematic worksheets to be changed for this term. Still, the work volume seems massive, well, at least to me, who only gets to do school work when my children are asleep, or when hubby is watching them.
Can't blog much now. Zoe needs to do her weekend homework, learn her spelling and ting xie. And I have my lesson plans to write.
Till next post.
Love,
Jesselyn Ng
Zane's 4th Birthday !!
My son turned 4 yesterday. I have been busy since Monday.On his actual day, we had a very simple celebration with him.
In the morning, I packed cookies bags for his 23 classmates. While packing, Zane was hovering and eyeing each and every type of cookie. He made sure that he tried all the 4 types before he finally left me alone to do my packing. That was 6am in the morning, mind you. :P
Since I would be working in the morning, initially, I had wanted to celebrate his birthday in school with his classmates, with a cake, in the afternoon. But ..... Josh called and said he would be taking half day leave for his son. Ok, so ..... sorry, little ones, no cake for the class as birthday boy won't be around. A bit orbit if I still send a cake in .... kekeke .... and no birthday boy in sight?
Before picking Zane from school, I picked up a fruit cake, goreng pisang, sardine and curry puffs for his teachers. I never know that the staff strength in Zane's childcare is 18. I made two separate trips to Polar @IMM and a Malay Stall near the market to pick up these items. It is my habit to ensure that the food is halal. :). Almost a quarter of the staff are Malay teachers. Good that Zane's b/d is before fasting month, hehehe ....
Zane was sleeeeeeeeeeeepppppppyyyyyyyyyyyyyy , hahahhaha ...... anyway he tried very hard to "tahan". Because, once he saw Josh, he knew that we were going out and not heading home.
We brought him to Jurong Point to shop for his b/d gift. I had wanted to buy the sesame street alphabet bus for him (he always play with this toy whenever we bring Zoe to her art teacher's house). But, he had other "plans". He wanted to buy "The Wheels On The Bus" series, AGAIN !!! We had a hard time persuading him to settle for those volumes which he doesn't have. He made a scene of course, sigh .... anyway, I forced him to select the two VCDs which we don't have at home.
Drove all the way to the Airport, Zane's favourite place.
And .... ten minutes before we reach the airport, he dozed off in the car!
We paid for an hour of car parking for Zane to . What an expensive nap.
During that one hour, I did my lesson plans. Phew.
We had ice cream at Swensons and dinner at Crystal Jade. Can you imagine a small boy's 4th birthday and we went to Crystal Jade?? Well, my son is a china-boy, he only eats chinese food, esp rice and meat, well. So .... it has to be Chinese food. And his daddy made sure it would be the best chinese food around. Imagine the bill? Anyway, must say, dinner was very good.
Tonight will be part two. Invited my family over for dinner. Invited my in laws too. But mil doesn't feel like coming, so ... we cancelled dinner for the Ng clan. Do I feel disappointed? Needless to say, of course, but to cheer myself up, I just see it as she doesn't want us to spend. And she doesn't believe in celebrating birthdays. When her kids were young and whenever they attempted to give her birthday surprises, they would end up being scolded. Don't ask me why !!! She just doesn't fancy birthdays. Sigh ...
Ok, I gotta get ready, my Yap clan coming soon ....
Zoe is excited, she said she wanna play games with uncle, aka my brother.
Love,
Jess
the best is worth struggling for ... cont' ....
The Senior Pastor, Pastor David Lim preached. The sermon ? How apt .... It seems a long while ago when I last heard it. And I've heard it many times. I practiced it many times, I also ignored it many times, I am also as guilty as burying it many times. Pastor Lim preached on "Conquering Bitterness Before It Conquers You"Eph 4:15; 29-32I was very taken aback by Pastor Lim's introductory point. He said something different from what the whole world says and even at times Christian say this too, if they want you to attempt to forgive. He said, "Don't Forgive and Forget." And he paused there. I did wonder, did he mean "forgive and forget"? No. He meant what he preached.He continued, "Don't forgive and forget. It is impossible. Forgetting is denial.""recognize the injury. (Eph 4:15) Face the issues or they will keep on hurting."At this point, I felt old wounds peeling and bleeding. Ouchhhhhh, painful. Very painful. Pastor Lim moved on to elaborate his point. "If we forgot, we could not forgive the abuser for the injustice and abuse. We need to ask what did I or others do wrong? And then, place responsibility where it belongs, then forgives. We need to take responsibility and move on." Now, this is a very new light that is being shed upon me. Thank You, Lord. Now I know even clearer that I cannot change the facts but forgiveness changes the meaning of the facts.The next point Pastor Lim shared corrected my misconception about anger. We always hear people say "Do not let the sun go down when you are still angry." I always thought that anger is a sin. "Anger is OK! Express your anger!" Did I hear wrongly? Does it mean I can go home and smash up all the vases?"Express your anger the right way. Facing reality means facing feelings of anger, betrayal, hurt.... " "If you repress it, you may suffer from depression, bitterness, mistrust, self-pity, anxiety ... and if you vent it, you may hurt others. You need to express it under control. Express it at the right time, at the right place and with your thoughts thought through."Thank You, Lord. You teach me not to deny my feelings. I am not always that strong. I am not always that forgiving. I am not always that long-suffering. Teach me, Lord, not to sin in my anger, even in my thoughts. I commit myself into Your Hands, Lord. Amen.These two points are enough of rhema to me ..... Let me dwell on them and chew on them. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet. It makes wise the simple. "Love,Jesselyn Ng
The best is worth struggling for .....
Yesterday, my family visited a church near our place.
By car, it takes 5 minutes to get there, but if we take the bus, it will be 45 minutes.
Being spoilt by E, whereby everything is planned to a member's convenience, I find myself trying very hard not to compare.
As we are visitors, I think we were spotted out rather fast (well, esp. when you have a special child who hums loudly when he is in a strange place, you invite curious looks).
So, we were not told off, when we parked in an undesirable lot. The carpark marshal hand gestured to Chert to remove his car from that odd lot, but when he saw that we are first-timers, he waved a "nevermind" hand gesture.
We waited at the B1 lift lobby, but the two lifts never come to this level. Both would stopped at L1 and move upwards again. When one finally opened, there was only enough room for 1 person. Unlike E, the stairs are at another wing. Ok, so, lugged two kids, walked across the basement carpark, up two flights of stairs, and tada .... we were at the side of the church. Ok, walk along the side, reached the main entrance finally, up to the L2 where the Sanctuary is, told by an usher to bring Zoe and Zane to the Children's Church. I stressed that they are just 4 and 6, she insisted CC is for toddlers right up to P6. True enough, at the CC entrance, we were stopped and were told CC is meant for P1-6, and Kindergarteners will go to L4.
Ok, nevermind. Patient. Be patient.
Lugged two kids up another two levels of stairs (lifts are jammed pack and very slow, this we all can expect). Reached the registration table. Oh, 4 yo must register at one table and 6 yo must register at another table. One parent cannot register for both? And the administor for the 4 yo just hand the 6 yo form to her partner next to her? Anyway, obediently followed instructions.
Zoe was excited. New place. Clean place. She was delighted to see a schoolmate in the room. :) And I suspect that schoolmate's little sister attends my school, let me check this out later. I thought I saw her face in GK and not CPK. :)
Zane was trying to process all the different new senses he was experiencing at one goal. Of course, he would face some processing challenges. It was agreed that Chert stayed with him in the room. The teachers knew that we were visitors, of course, they won't chase us out. And when one hinted that it was time for me or us to go to the sanctuary, I said plainly as a matter of fact thingy, "My husband will stay with our son because he is special." She gave me a curious look. I explained, "BY special, I mean autistic." Painful. But necessary.
After the children's worship, I left Zane. Of course he protested, but I know he would get over very fast. Zoe was perfectly fine. A bit too excited, I think, coz she saw at least one familiar face in that room. That little boy was eager to know how we know we can find him in this room. In his little mind, he thought we came to look for him, ha .... interesting ways how children think. :)
Anyway, first experiences and impressions ??? I better say "Neutral".
As Singaporeans and being brought up in E the past 16 years, it is easy to ..... er .... compare and contrast. Just stop short of complain. I was determined to zip my mouth for the day. I was there to hear the Word of God, and nothing was going to rob me of that.
Proceeded down to L2, main sanctuary for the service .......
The best is worth struggling for ....
(to be continued ..... )
6.45am
in moments like this
Like what I shared in my previous posting about the week, I was dead tired by the time it was dusk.
Fridays are always family meal time together. It is only on Fridays, that Zoe and Zane get to eat together with Daddy. That will mean, Josh will leave office on the dot and try to make it home before 7pm. Usually, we will go to Garage and wait for Josh to finish work. This week's Garage treat for the children will be tomorrow afternoon, as I have to attend a course at RTRC.
I slept by 9pm? Can't remember, I only know it was pretty early. Both the children were still very alive then. But ... I just couldn't keep my eyes open. I slept... or maybe I should correct myself, I mean, I napped.
Was up since 11.30pm and couldn't get back to sleep.
Tried to do some work but the brain refused to work.
So, read the Word of God again. Read John. Simply love this book in the Bible. Thank You, Lord, for Your Word.
Will continue to read (while waiting for the laundry to be done, yes, laundry! What's new? This is one of my late night chores, if I am wide awake. It can be therapeutic at times. )
Love,
Jesselyn Ng
am glad the week is over .....
This week has been especially long. Long because I almost stayed back in school daily, till 2+pm. Then I would rush to Jurong West, grabbed a quick brunch and picked both kids up.
While at home, there was still work waiting to be done.
Followed my golden rule with regards to work, ie. do the urgent ones first. But everything seemed urgent, haha .... some nights, I worked till quite late, some nights, I plonked unto my bed even before the clock hit eleven.
I am glad the week is over and I felt satisfied about the quality and quantity of work done. :)
Thank You, Lord, for restoring my voice. Thank You, Lord for carrying me through.
This term is gonna be a very exciting term. There will be hands on and more hands on. I've thrown lots of old worksheets out of the window. Going to design brand new and interactive ones. Many will be child-directed. More work for the teachers, no doubt. More challenging for the teachers, definitely. I am glad I can work very well with my co-partner. My Chinese teacher and Mrs Phua are wonderful help. They may always say they do not do much, but all the little which they are doing mean a lot. The children are in good hands, the children can benefit from smaller group teachings.
This is a good place to work in. Of course, there are some restraints, constraints, etc. But, if we are creative enough, we can always work around them.
Thank You, Lord, for good people, for all these very lovely and matured Christian sisters-in Christ. They made a difference. They made the place .... godly and Christian.
I'm just so thankful.
Appreciative Jess
Because of Love
Because of Love
Because of love Jesus left His Throne
And made this earth His Home
He did it willingly for you and me
With heaven left behind
Jesus came to save all mankind from sin and shame
He could have walked away
But instead Jesus chose to stay upon a tree
And take a crown of thorns for me
Because of love
Because of love, Jesus bore my pain
Shouldering the blame
Why did He choose to go?
How could He love me so?
Because of love God called to me
He said, “Child, I will set you free
And you’ll have life abundantly.”
Because of love
God gave unselfishly
Caused my blinded eyes to see
It was you and me Jesus had in mind
On the road to Calvary
I’ve never known such perfect love
I had fallen down but He picked me up
God rescued my soul, now I want the world to know
Because of love Jesus left the grave
Prepared for us a place
Jesus will be back again someday
And I will hear Him say,
“Because you believe, you will live eternally.”
And I’ll fall on my knees and I will praise
You are Holy, You are Holy
Lord, God Almighty
You are worthy to receive glory
Honour and power forever
Amen!
When I remember ....
" When I remember what You've done. When I remember the shedding of Your Blood. I can't help but worship You, For what You have done. Do you feel the crown of thorns? The garment that was torn? To grasp the angry soldier's spear That made the blood and water part. To touch the wood one time. Pick up the faithful spike. We can't hold these pieces in our hands. We can hold them in our hearts. "
very grateful for all the helpful tips and love expressed
I'm so touched by the people around me, who showered me with much care over my throat.
Parents who hear me speak are full of sympathy that I've yet to fully recover. Colleagues share their remedies which work for them. Miss Tang bought prunes. Mrs Teo bought honey and passed some huge sour plums which a church member gave to her and said it helps to sooth the throat. Mrs Choo bought Ban Lan Geng. I am so very grateful. Thank You, Lord, for all these lovely ladies.
Friends who are faraway by physical distance drop a line or two in my blog or call.
Thank you, dear friends.
I'm determined to get well. I pray and hope this will clear off soon. No matter what, I will finish the term well. God, please help me.
Love,
Jesselyn Ng
Great to see the children at school again, but .....
It was a wonderful start at school yesterday.
Lots of excitement and catching up between teachers and students and students among themselves.
The 13 of them who had completed their Food Project were beaming with pride when they placed their masterpieces on my project table.
The other 7 were strongly encouraged to bring theirs within the week. One parent apparently did not even get to read the letters I've been sending out. :(. Excusable, as this family has 5 children and no domestice helper.
We had a birthday celebration. This girl was born on the exact day when 9/11 happened 5 years ago. The children enjoyed the simple celebration. The mum offered to cook lunch for the staff one of these days, we've fixed it for next Wednesday. She requested to cook the Indian rice in the school's kitchen. This request is granted. :)
So, what is the "but" ?
But ...... my throat is painful again and my voice is giving way again .....
Am I having some serious throat problem? Or vocal strain?
Honey, more honey. Ban Lan Geng and more Ban Lan Geng ...
I really hate this .... arrrgghhhhh ......
How to teach when you have no voice? aaaaarrrgghhhhhh .......
Whisper, whisper, whisper, plus sign, sign sign .....
Trust God for the day.
"Please Lord, carry me through the day. Thank You. I know I am heavy, but .... I still wanna be carried today, hehehe ....."
Love,
Jesselyn Ng
this is the best !!!!
Last night, at 7 plus, I saw the most amazing thing which Zane has done.
We were on my bed. He was "reading" his alphabet wooden puzzle. He wanted me to read the letters too. As we went along and after I've read many rounds, I told Zane, "Your turn, you point to the letters, mummy will read."
And this is what I saw ....
He took a "w", I read "w".
And within the same second, he took "C" and "T" with both hands.
Before I could read "C" and "T" ..... Zane lined the three letters on the bed.
It spelt "CTW".
My son's first word !!!! He can spell !!!!!
Almost all kids first words are C-A-T, D-O-G, A-P-P-L-E, or B-O-Y .... so why is Zane's first word "CTW"? no vowels, how to pronounce?
It stands for Children's Television Worshop. It is a logo he always sees whenever we play his sesame street vcds. And he can also spot these three letters, in small print, on his sesame street books.
AMAZING !!!!
Elated Mummy (so much so that I was up at 3am, still smiling to myself that I witnessed Zane's first spelt "word". What a privilege.)
so far so good.... 7th sept review and work
This morning is Zane's Glowing Seed's Review with his Consultant and Therapist. It was a very good session. I am glad to see PCS teachers very open and willing to pick up new therapy skills to help Zane to communicate more effectively.
One thing we all noticed in Zane this quarter is that he exhibits much less tantrums now, more compliant and listens better. Zane has came a long way. Last year this time when we first engaged Glowing Seed, Zane wasn't like that.
Thank You, Lord for Glowing Seed, esp. for Evonne, who is a good match to Zane and thus the program JuLieh and her designed for Zane seems to be working very well and yielding results.
One thing I've never told Evonne is that ... I too, love the colour Yellow. :) Both of us do have some similarities except that I was never as slim as she is now at her age. I was never slim btw !! arrgghhhhh !!!!
Took a while to fix the puzzle Zoe poured out to do. Was that a 100 pieces puzzle? I did it till I see stars. Ha ...
I was very late in getting back to school to do some work.
Seeing that there isn't time for lunch, esp. with Zoe, I just grabbed some buns from Anna and off we went to Galilee.
Zoe was most patient as I worked. She self-helped to the wooden blocks and built her towers.
I did what I wanted to do. I intend to do more tomorrow. The rest of the things which I can do from home, I packed them home to do. Much easier to work with my own lap top. Just that .... the printer is not working. Sigh .... nevermind, if not in time to send to Josh to get him to print for me, can send to Unimax.
Don't really look forward to tomorrow, but work is still work. It has to be done. :)
Till the next post, may be next week ....
Love,
Jess
so far so good ..... 6th Sept shop, play and dine
It was a very lovely day today. A full day too. We started with bringing Zane to school. He was happy. Very happy to be back to school after his two days “leave”. Mummy has some errands to run in town and so, he has to stay in school so that mummy is able to do what she has to do.
Met Anita Goh at John Little. We shopped for what we needed and headed for lunch at Starhub Center. What do I need? Teaching clothes for Term 4! So that means non-sexy clothes lah ..... Hahaha …. How to bring both Zoe and Zane to shop for ladies’ clothes? The fitting room will be too small for all the three of us, keeping in mind the hippo figure I’ve got here. :P. Zoe won’t be able to restrain Zane if she is being assigned to “look after didi while mummy tries the clothes”. I will be risking losing both my puppies. So, Zane has to be with his friends and teachers for today.
To most ladies, shopping is a delightful activity. To me, it is a chore. Sigh. I am a practical shopper. I shop like men. Zoom into a shop, get what I need, pay and zoom out. Ok, I am done within 30 minutes. Hahahaha …… 3 blouses and 2 skirts. Almost done. Maybe 2 pairs of pants if I do see some which fit my hippo hips.
Lunch was a breeze because we were ahead of the lunch crowd. The place is pleasant. Zoe wasn’t too bothered that her favourite pizza stall is closed. Anyway, she reminded me that she just had pizza at Delci’s place the day before. Hmmmm, actually she won’t mind having another piece of pizza, I know my girl. :)
Today’s practical lesson for Zoe was Telling Time. She wore her Nemo watch and she was telling time every quarter, half hourly or hourly. She was waiting for two o’clock whereby she can go to Garage. She loves Garage. She loves Adeline. I think every kid loves to play there !
Today was a very special treat for Zoe, since she would be at Garage first while I pick Zane from school. That means she would be there for 4 hours! Much to her delight, I know !
She went “yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh! Can play for so long??? Until 6 o’clock? Thank you, Mummy!” and off she went to play.
Ever since Zane joins Zoe for Garage, she can only play for 2 hours each session. Costly mah, when you have to pay for two kids. She is understanding. But that doesn’t mean that she won’t whine whenever she sees me picking them up. Coz that means end of the play session.
I picked Zane up from school and we headed back to Garage. To Zane’s delight, this time. I had a good one to one time with Zane on the bus ride to Orchard. He was very happy to have mummy to himself. He is very cooperative and obedient. He was anticipating Garage too. Good boy!
Oi Leng said I was amazing. Came to Orchard with Zoe. Dropped Zoe at Garage. Went back to Jurong West to pick Zane and came back to Garage with Zane. And ….. I don’t drive, so, all the travelling is by bus???!!!
Well, for the 2 precious ones, nothing is too tough. Furthermore, 502 takes less than an hour each ride.
Josh and Anita will know the blunder I’ve made over 502. I wasn’t thinking I guess, sigh …….
Josh met us at Garage. My children were blessed with Oi Leng’s homecooked fried rice. Zane loves it so much that he helped Zoe to eat half of her portion. Zoe ate because she wants to grow bigger than Zane. Hahaha ….
We had a very good adults’ dinner at Spagadies (sp?). Josh and I hardly have the chance to do this. Either one of us have to order something the children can eat usually. heehee.... The children had ice cream and everyone was happy. The best treat of the evening was : UOB card holder enjoys dining one for one. Yeah … so, my pasta is FREE! Yahoo, blessing, blessing.
When you never expects something, some things sweet may come your way….
Like meeting Anita? (last minute date)
Like having Oi Leng’s fried rice? (last minute notification)
Like the one for one dinner? (only knew about the offer when it was time to pay)
Thank You, Lord!
Love,
Jesselyn Ng
so far so good ... 5th Sept Playdate
Delci is one friend I would not want to miss meeting during the holidays. Ethan is one friend Zoe would not want to miss playing with during the holidays, she just wishes that she can get to play with Ethan more often than just holidays. Zoe and I used to meet Delci and Ethan more often when I was still a sahm. It is only when I started teaching that we have to meet up during Zoe and my school holidays. :( How restrictive. Another factor to consider is the travelling distance or/and time. And at times cost. When I just had Zane, Delci and Ethan came over more often. And when Delci just had little Zoe, I go over to her place more often. Delci is a very mobile mum, unlike me. When Zane was younger, I tend to stay at home more as it was very draining managing two young kids alone outside, esp when one of them is very public-challenging. Either that or I would just take Zoe. I used to just take Zoe to Delci's place. Firstly the play date timings will be Zane's lunch and nap hours in school, so bringing him will mean a bringing a cranky child. (Mothers, we all know that for a play date to be successful, the children must be well-rested). Bringing Zoe alone will also allow me to just chat carefreely with Delci and at the same time being able to facilitate Zoe and Ethan's play whenever necessary. Chasing Zane around a place is no joke. He is one child who needs constant supervision. Delci will know what I mean. :). And bringing both will mean I have to go by taxi. With Zoe, we can take a bus, enjoy the 1+ hour of travelling with each other. With Zane coming along, I will have to arm myself with a bigger entertainment bag and be prepared that he will make fusses along the way over the slightest things which irritate his audio, tactile and visual senses if we ever take a bus. In short, bringing both Zoe and Zane out will mean, me as the mummy must be very, very prepared, esp, emotionally. I was glad I brought Zane to Delci's place. This being holiday, I've no heart to send him to school while Zoe has a playdate. :)I am so glad to see Zane comfortable with the place. He fussed a little over the books, adult's books btw. Delci has many attractive alpha toys and books, much to his delight. Those kept him occupied throughout the play date. Though he does not actively play with Ethan, Zoe and little Zoe, he didn't mind their presence and noise. He was happy walking around them and ocassionally "playing" the same toys with them. I am very thankful for such an understanding and proactive friend. She was constantly keeping a lookout for things in her house which may interest Zane. :)Just wanna blog down some very wonderful moments during the playdate :* Seeing that both Ethan and my Zoe have grown. Very heartwarming to see this pair of friends still enjoy just laughing and rolling around with each other. Both Delci and I are still amused that whenever Ethan and Zoe get together, they can just break into very contagious laughter that will even bring smiles to the mummies. It is only with Ethan that Zoe plays this way. It is also only with Zoe Ng that Ethan will play this way. ie. Laugh .... giggle .... laugh .... giggle .... * Little Zoe has grown much too. What a sweet toddler she is !!! Can't help but wanna hug her, and if possible, plant some pecks on her chubby cheeks. I bid my time. I didn't pounce on this little princess the moment I saw her of course though I must say that she is very irrestible !!I waited till she was standing close to me. When I opened my arms to motion her to walk nearer to me, little Zoe came nearer and sticked her arm to mine !!!!! I was so happy !! I sang her a duckie song as she was holding on to a duckling. She smiled coyly after the song. Then, she picked up a bigger duck. I sang the song again. Then she picked up a speckie duck. I sang it again. This time sang to her to take her lunch first. :)For little Zoe, at her age, she is a very engaged child. I believe the training from Delci for Zoe to be engaged in purposeful activities while she homeschools Ethan is really bearing fruits. She can stay engaged for at least twenty minutes, that is very long for a pre-nursery child. Good job, Delci and Zoe !!* Another heartwarming moment is to eat the pizza Zoe made for me! She followed all my instructions. Eating that pizza also mean savouring the love of both Delci and Zoe have for my children and I. This is one friend I love a lot. Maybe because we just click since the beginning. Maybe we share many common ideas and opinions from childcaring to personal caring (esp spiritual aspect). Or maybe it is a Big Blessing from our Heavenly Father that even we are worlds apart (within Singapore), that does not stop the friendship from receiving continuous nurturing. It is a wonderful parenting experience to see each other's children grow and to grow with each other in this route. " You know, Delci, walking this motherhhood life is never too lonely or too tough with you around. We share many ups and downs with each other, from mothering to teaching to wifeing and to worshipping. Thank God for you many times over, my dear friend. :) "* To see Zoe and Zoe interacting with each other. We made it a point to snap some shots of Zoe and Zoe together. Must update my msn pic mah .... the one I have now was an antique, little Zoe was barely 6 months old in that pic. hehehe .......I was so relaxed and so at peace when I was at Delci's place. It must have been the Lord Who graced the place and the fellowship with His love and presence. The best and most comforting thing I have heard from Delci is that she is seeing much improvements in Zane. The last few rounds, it took three adults to take turns to watch him. Today, he really did me proud. Yeah ! Thank You, Lord. That was a much needed affirmation for the efforts Zane and I have been putting in. Once again, I give thanks to God, for this good gift of friendships. For all 6 of us.
Oh yes, I also wanna thank Delci for the coffee, hmmmmm ..... nice black coffee ....... :) ahhhhhhhhhhh ........
Grateful Jess
so far so good
Time doesn't wait for you, it just allows you to pass it by.
Playdate and another playdate
Monday, the playdate was at my place.
Tuesday, the playdate was at my good friend's place.
For both playdates, we can only host them during the holidays, simply because of different schooling sessions and schooling preference.
The one at my place was a rather big one. 5 adults and 8 children from ages 2-10.
The one at my friend's place was a one-to-one, two-to-two (she also has a pair of children) or three-to-three (if you include mummy to mummy) date? :)
Anyway, both are very good. Excellent, in fact!
Let me start with the Monday, 4 Sept Playdate.
8am
Zane was up. Was debating if I should send him to school, so that Zoe can play in peace with her school friends. And mummy can also chat in peace, esp. Zoe's teacher will be here too to grace the occasion.
Final decision? He stays at home. Great! :)
9am
Called PCS. "Applied" 2 days leave for Zane, heehee ....
Ok, got my shopping list ready, I mean my revised shopping list.
Initially I thought only Zoe will be with me in the morning. So, I intended to buy Emi durian puffs and crepes from Jurong East Central. Then, takes a feeder to IMM to get Polar cakes and Old Chang Kee's fish balls. In the end, decided to just get pastries from my good, old Prima Deli in the neighbourhood. With 2 kids in tow, buying stuffs from nearby shops will be more managable. So, grabbed breakfast, lunch and tea all from my market.
10.30am - 1.30pm
Cleaned up the house. Mopped the place 3 times! You can imagine how dusty my place had become. Layed out the new toys arrangement concept. Lined up new books at the library. Learning corner is set, completed with table and chairs.
I was bashed even before the guests came. It could have taken me much shorter time to do the chores but Zane was in the house, so... lots of interruptions, plus Zoe's 1001's requests?
2pm
Matthew, Verity and Violet came first. They took a cab. So pai seh. coz my place is not easy to walk in if you are not familiar with the place.
Next was Joan, Benjamin and May. Poor Ben, he must have felt so out of place and bored. I did not plan anything for 10 yos. I offered him my lap top for surfing and games, since mine is broadband. May rejected the offer for Ben. And Ben had been most patient. What do you expect a 10 yo boy to do in the midst of 5 mummy ladies having tea and pastries while the other young children play around the house? He entertained himself by making a paper spear out of just rough paper and scotch tape.
Mrs Poh arrived next. The three kids, ie. Matthew, Joan and Zoe were very thrilled. Zoe was very excited and getting shrieky..... a bit too high with excitement already. Well, gave her some more minutes .... see if she could manage the excitement.
Oi Leng came with both Charissa and Benedict. Very happy that we chatted for a brief moment in the morning. She actually had no intention to bring Benedict! I had to let the cat out of the bag that I had bought a cake to celebrate Ben's birthday. It was meant as a surprise for Oi Leng actually. It was good that I asked. If not, there will be one birthday boy missing, heehee ...
(Will continue blogging later ..... motherly duties calling ..... 4.45pm)
(at 10.36pm, I wrote ..... )
The play date cum tea went on very smoothly.
At first the Kindergarteners were just running around the house, having silly fun. When their noise level got too high and the mothers had to chat louder to be heard, I knew it was time to intervene.
"Children, would you like to sit at the table and do some quiet activities?"
"NO!" a voice was heard.
But, not heeded.
"Auntie Jess has prepared very interesting art and craft materials..... if you are keen, you can sit down, let's see who is fast enough."
The girls were compliant. Except Zoe. I had to call her to sit.
Mrs Poh came to the rescue and gathered the children like a mother hen. She dished out her surprises. There was a pack of stencils. Great, this will be good tools for drawing. I provided all sorts of drawing materials, from pencils, to colour pencils, to crayons, to markers, to even face paints.
After the children were done drawing. I got them to do an ice cream stick craft, making of an ice cream stick box, or more specifically, pencil holder. I was glad to see the kids very attentive and engaged. Next play date, I'll buy more white glue. Good to let every child has an individual bottle.
Zoe had Mrs Poh to help her alongside and she was still the same old "I do it by myself" girl. Good if you see that she is trying to be independent. As her mum, I see it as stubborn. Ha ....
Anyway, the rest completed their craft, but .... u guess it, Zoe Ng !!! She abandoned it because she was hungry. Like real! I know she quitted coz she saw that she wasn't as fast as the rest, so, she kinda excused herself in her self-imposed competition.
This morning when she looked at her incomplete craft, she shifted the blame to Matthew, who happened to craft the "tallest" holder out and thus had used more sticks than the rest. See lah, kids .... so Eve or Cain sometimes, sigh sigh ..... anyway, she got an earful from me for this attitude.
To cut the story short, the planned activities were well received. The mums were glad, the children were elated too, esp when it was time to go home and everyone had sooooooooooooooooooooooooo many things to bring home. Mrs Poh had came with lots of little gifts for the children, that is so sweet of her.
The tidying up part was great too! The children were helpful and very organised in putting the stationery and toys away. It was not tedious packing up at all. As a reward, another present from Auntie Jess.
When the children were about to step out of the house, I casually asked them if they like to come to Auntie Jess' Play House and whether they would like to come again.
"YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!"
"Can I come again tomorrow?", asked the same child who initially gave me a "no" to my structured activities. Heehee ....
What a successful play date. Thank You, Lord.
The highlight was the birthday celebration for Benedict and Zane!!
Ben was so candid, so cute. So many expressions !!! He is such a darling. Too bad Josh's digital camera was in the office. Anyway, Mrs Poh snapped some shots. Hope they turn out well.
This playdate was quite a blast. Not only the children liked it. Not only the adults like it. I love it too !! Thank You, Lord, for the strength, the wisdom and the providence. :)
I will share about today's playdate 5 Sept at Delci's place in a separate posting. Eyes getting tired now ...... gotta rest for the day ...
Night, night, everyone ..... yawnzzzzzzzz .......
Love,
Jesselyn Ng
holiday begins today
I'm very glad that it is the September holiday now.
I've been to the clinic (yes, my 4th time, I know) yesterday.
Today will take the children to Ikea. I hope to get some play shelves.
Going to do a bit of reorganisation to the living room's play area. The children are getting bigger and their play interests have changed slightly.
Tomorrow, there are programs too, more for adults, not for the children. Thankfully our morning is not taken up yet. So, maybe can take them outdoors.
Actually, one week holiday is actually very short. By right, have to churn out new worksheets. I hope I can have the time, space and finance to do it (well, printer isn't working now and the brand new thumb drive which Josh bought for me isn't working too???)
Till the next post..... gotta go ....... The children are ready and waiting. Btw, they were both up by 7am !!! Don't they know that it is holiday and they can sleep in? Poor mummy is still sleepy as she slept very late last night.
Love,
Jesselyn
