Happy Mother’s Day!

 

The traditions of celebrating Mother’s Day and the role of a mother vary so widely because of individual circumstance and from family to family, place to place. But it seems the universal message is the almost same: for most part, we are who we are because of our mothers (yes, fathers have a big role too – more about that on Father’s Day!)

My Mom and maternal grandma especially taught us many extraordinary life lessons – love, compassion, charity, selflessness, faith, determination, optimism, hope, fulfillment. They have always been firm in their belief that true beauty is seen by the heart and in the quiet elegance visible in simple details. Likewise, true wealth consists not of what one possesses but in the sharing of what one has and in the togetherness of family and loved ones.

This Mother’s Day, I’m reminded of the God’s amazing blessings in my life. I’m grateful that these perspectives and lessons have shaped my own worldview. And I’m grateful for my loving family – wonderful husband and 2 beautiful children – and for the opportunity to celebrate being a mother and to do the things that I love and enjoy with them, every single day.

Here’s a toast to true beauty and wealth to all mothers – Happy Mother’s Day!

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Dew Drops & Pearls

On my walk this morning, something drew me to take a photograph of this.

Drops of dew.

English poet Philip J Bailey (1816-1902) called them “earth's liquid jewelry, wrought of air.”

Liquid pearls collected every night, available every morning!

What a perfect gift! 

 

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Remembering 2010

 

Here I am, sitting here trying to reflect on 2010, only to realize so much had happened that I can’t possibly remember them all. Thankfully I now have a blog to help remind me… This should be easier when I recall 2011 this time next year. For now, I’ll just have to do my best and dig through my memories and Facebook updates…

In January, Audrey started Primary One at Methodist Girls’ School – my alma mater. Anthony started Nursery 2 at St James Church Kindergarten. For the first time ever since I graduated from University, I was not working. Made the decision for 2010 to put aside full-time work to stay home and just be Mom. Onz & I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary. Our new Filipino helper came. I became co-Level Rep for Primary 1 parent volunteers.

In February, we celebrated Onz’s 43rd birthday. A group of mom-friends started Yummy Mummy - we met regularly every other week or so for a special lunch outing. Our new Filipino helper didn’t work out so we got a replacement - Josie’s worked out very well, such a relief. We celebrated Chinese New Year, which was, as always, packed with visits with relatives and friends and too much good food.

In March, we had one week’s worth of term break! Time for playdates and catch up on sleep! We celebrated the birthdays of the kids’ Grandmas (paternal Nai-Nai) & (maternal Po-po). Such a lot of eating we did!

In April, I turned 39. I decided to volunteer as a Character First mom at MGS – teaching ten-year-old (Primary 4) girls was a very interesting learning experience.

In May, we celebrated Mothers’ Day. We also celebrated Gong-gong’s (grandpa/my dad) birthday. I helped out at Audrey’s rollerblading class and was inspired enough to consider picking it up – the last time I tried it was over 20 years ago!

In June, Audrey sang and danced her Broadway Kids number at the Hope Concert, organised by Kids Performing. We went on a 6-day driving holiday to Malaysia with 2 of our best-friend-families – the Ngs and the Khaws. Our drive took us through Cameron Highlands to Penang and finally to Kuala Lumpur. We had new-found appreciation for MPVs with built-in DVD/TVs! We celebrated Fathers’ Day.   

In July, we celebrated the Youth Olympic Games. We were treated to live sport action and other games-related drama (from food poisoning to mistreated volunteers). MGS also commemorated its 123rd Founder’s Day.

In August, we celebrated Singapore’s 45th National Day – long weekend holiday, again!

In September, Anthony turned four. We had the best Bug-themed birthday party ever. I agreed to take on a part-time consulting with XPR, a boutique Public Relations firm, working 9-hours a week.

In October, Anthony performed in his inaugural St James Kindergarten Concert. His performance was maybe 50% in-step with his classmates – I was so proud of him! Audrey showed off the Tap dance skills she acquired during the year at MGS’ Concert of Hope II.

In November, Audrey turned seven. We held her birthday celebration at the GIM Gym and bought her a lovely blue leotard for the occasion – the party was energy-packed! We went on a wonderful family vacation to Bangkok, Thailand. We met and stayed with our “long-lost” university hostel friends Lilian & Eddie – this was our first meeting in more than 10 years! My mother-in-law and brother-in-law came along.  

In December, I went on my first business trip for the year– thanks to our client Salesforce.com. San Francisco - couldn’t be any place further. We had relatives visit from the US and Australia to celebrate the Christmas holidays. It was a busy time playing host and going for Christmas lunches and dinners. My parents spent Christmas with my dear sister and her family in Dubai. They came back with a truckload of gifts. We gave thanks for the Christ-child at the Wesley Christmas service. I launched this blog. 

2010 was a pretty amazing year. I count God’s blessings and give thanks for His abundant grace working in our family and our lives every day. I’m truly grateful for all that we have and am looking forward to 2011. We may not know what might be around the corner but we know it will be good because He’s there. Here’s wishing our family & friends a healthy, happy and blessed 2011!

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