Not the J Babies' mama, but my mama-in-law!

My MIL has left for a mission trip today, yes bright and early this morning, for a good 10 days, and I feel bitter-sweet about it.

Sweet because that means my Tokyo holiday is coming up real soon next week. We're leaving on the day that she's coming home, so we're going to miss meeting her totally. It's actually a logistical nightmare, though I have no idea why I think it's also quite exciting at the same time. I'm seriously mad, I tell you. She'll be arriving home on a late night flight next Sunday, and we're leaving on an evening flight to Tokyo. That means I'd have to bring my kids to my mum's place, leave for the airport for my flight, then my dad would go pick up my MIL from the airport when she reaches, and bring her + kids home. I so thank God for my parents in times like these!!!!

The bitter part is of course the part I really dread - DOING HOUSEHOLD CHORES FOR A WHOLE 10 DAYS, OMG.

Not me.

Yes, I know I'm totally pampered, and those of you hearing this for the first time must be thumping down your fist on the table so hard. Yes, my MIL takes care of all the household chores and I need not do anything. Not that I haven't tried volunteering - It's just that I cannot match up to my MIL's high standard of cleanliness and thoroughness. So for all of our sanity's sake, it was decided right from the beginning that she would take care of the household chores. She enjoys doing them (she said so herself!) and does everything extremely well anyway. And I am of course secretly overjoyed.

Now that she's going to be overseas for 10 days, apart from staying over at my mum's place for a few days so that she can take care of them while I go to work, I will have to be home with the kids for a few days here and there. Cooking for them, cleaning up the house, washing the clothes and enduring their hyperactive behaviours might be a little too much for me to take. I don't hope for much - I just pray to survive. =P

Already, weekends with my kids sometimes drain me totally. I need supernatural strength to go through the next 10 days, seriously! How do you people with no help do it?!!!

I miss my mama-in-law already, shucks!

I've shared my love story on this blog before, but I can't seem to find it (shucks!). So, since there is a linky party going on among the group of mummy blogger friends I got to know in Facebook (We call ourselves the Singapore Mom Bloggers aka SMB!), I decided to rewrite it again! =D

For friends who's known Isaiah and me like forever, bear with me as I tell our story again for the 10909090909th time. I cannot promise this will be the last though. And go ahead & have a good laugh at our photos - Permission granted. (And pray hubby doesn't strangle me for putting up these photos of him)

Isaiah and I first met in our former church many, many years ago. I was about 12 or 13, and he was four years older than me. My first impression of him, "Wah, how can anyone be this tall?" Till this day, it is still a mystery how communication is the key to our successful relationship when we are 30 centimetres apart. =P (The distance is greatly reduced with the use of platform shoes by yours truly.)

Us and our stylo big spectacles. I'm the one in purple ASICS tee and he's the one behind me in brown polo. I think this is 1991??

Now I was very young, and having a relationship did not cross my mind, quite frankly. I was very mature as a kid, but still, to me, Isaiah was just a great leader with charisma and a very charming brother who's caring and always looking out for the younger ones in church. Everything was simple. Then, I started attending weekly prayer meetings, and that's when our friendship started to blossom. I still remember very vividly making my way to my church at Mount Sophia Road once a week (Wed or Thur night I think!) in my Tanjong Katong Girls' School uniform. Haha! I was really fervent as a young Christian! It was one of the happiest days of my life - Going to church twice a week, and meeting the Lord (+ charming man). LOL!

1st ever overseas trip with our friends. I'm the 2nd one from the left and he's the middle guy. Yes, still in our big stylo specs. 1992! LOL

It was clear to the both of us that we had feelings for each other and wanted to be a couple. But of course, age was a big factor. I was only 15 and he was 19. It got so worrying for my mum that she went to speak to the Pastor and Isaiah's mum, who was in the same church as us. Eventually, we did start going out together in spite of my mum's objections. She was worried for me and my studies, naturally, but agreed anyway, knowing what a stubborn daughter she has. On hindsight, I would love to make her less worried and perhaps not jump into a relationship so soon. But of course, young people are rash and obstinate! If I go back in time, I am sure I would have made the same decision. =P

Went for mission trip together to Myanmar. The big specs are gone.

We first held hands and sealed our relationship on Fraser's Hill, one of the overseas trips we went together with our friends. We had a long talk under the stars one night and everything felt very natural, as if it was meant to be so right from the start. I was certain in my heart that I was going to marry this man. I was only 15 - what was I thinking??!

Anyway, the first few years of our relationship was very simple. We only met during the weekends in church as we both had school during the weekdays. I guess that was one assuring thing for my mum, seeing that we did not let the relationship affect our studies in any way. I continued to do well in school, got into University and then started working. We only really spent more time in courtship during the University days where we had more time to go out together. Most of our time was still spent in church though, and we were very happy serving in church together and being with common friends.

On Fraser's Hill. Our 3rd time there I think, and the only time we went as a couple with our friends.

Finally, after 10 years of courtship, we got married in 2003. And now, 10 years into our marriage, we have two pretty daughters, and we are more in love now than ever before. We have our fair shares of quarrels and arguments, but the basic principle is that we will try to settle the unhappiness as soon as possible before the day ends. Many people have asked me how we managed to sustain the relationship for so long - I frankly don't know. I guess we are both faithful and loyal people, and we believe in loving for the long haul. Of course, one very important ingredient in our relationship is that we both believe in the same God, serve in the same church and believe in the same vision. That absolutely held our marriage tightly together. In our hearts, I know I will always be his first priority, and he, mine.

In another 3 weeks' time, we'll be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. How time flies! I've known and loved this man for 20 years?! I find it hard to believe it myself sometimes.

Finally, ending off this post with my wedding montage! And the main reason is because I am too lazy to go dig out my wedding album to show you my wedding photos. =P

Taken on Sunday after church service. We were waiting for Papa Isaiah and the girls were munching on their favourite Mamee noodle snack.

I only need one reason to smile: My kids. :)

Playing cheat by having a collage of photos instead of just one. =P Linking up:

      

Some time last week, I happened to pass by Popular Bookstore, and decided to get some books for my girls. Spent close to an hour in the store deciding what to get for them, and I left the store with something for both of them. When I reached home, I thought it would be fun to give them a surprise. All girls love surprises, don't we? Especially when we least expect them. :)

And I love to spring surprises on my girls because the big smiles on their faces and the elation and over-exaggerated excitement make everything feel worthwhile. Kids have their way of showing their joy and excitement unreservedly.

So I searched around the house for some ribbons and 'wrapped' up the gifts and wrote their names, and placed the gifts on their beds. My mum-in-law had brought Baby Jayne downstairs to fetch Joey home from the school bus, and they would discover their surprises when they reach home! =D

You should have seen their expressions when they saw the presents! Haha.. Kids are so easily satisfied - They must have said, "Thank you Mummy!" over 50 times!

And you know why surprises are wonderful? Because they jump out of the normal routine and imprint memories in our heart that last longer than usual stuffs happening in our lives. I want my girls to remember me as a mum who's fun and creative, and not just one who nags at them and always disciplining them. Some psycho-tactics at work here. Pretty effective if I may say so myself, cos' the girls kept talking about it for the next few days. =P

You can be sure that'd be one advice I'll give my girls' boyfriends next time.

The girls in my house have caught on with the very popular Korean song now - Oppa Gangnam style. It first started with a birthday celebration a group of friends and I did for my boss, where we performed Oppa Gangnam Style dance for her in a restaurant. Baby Jayne was there and she picked up some steps! In case you're not familiar with this very popular song (have you been hiding in some cave by the way?), check out this video first!

Baby Jayne cannot do the whole dance yet obviously, but she definitely likes the song very much, and I am sure with some practice, she will pick up the whole dance! See the sparkle in her eyes when the music comes on?? =P

The girls are so into Oppa Gangnam style now that they do it whenever they remember it, and sometimes, it may be a little embarrassing. But I guess 6 years as a mum has thickened up my skin a bit.

True, it's only ONE galloping action now, but this definitely sends a signal my way that my girls have interest in dancing. I am so gonna send them to Oppa Gangnam School of Dance soon. Oh yeah.

Advertorial

It's a fact - Raising kids is a stressful and tiring task. The good thing is even though there are many a times you feel alone and that nobody understands the struggles that you go through, the truth cannot be further than that. If we look around, we will be able to find many support groups and networks that we can choose to become a part of, to share experiences and learn from other parents who face the same challenges as us on a daily basis. It sure is reassuring to know that many people out there are dealing with the very issues we have to deal with ourselves, and if others can do it, so can we!

U Family is a community initiative by the NTUC, that advocates the building of strong and happy families by championing work-life integration for working families. They organise various events and activities that help to promote family bonding and many of them are very interesting and fun. Now if you feel that parenting is a lonesome job, why not join U Family, and through the events they organise regularly, get to know more friends?

The good thing is, joining U Family is FREE! As a member, you can look forward to family bonding events, networking lunches for like-minded working parents and interest group get-togethers. What U Family does is to make networking accessible, parenting information available and family activities affordable. Some of the upcoming events organised by U Family include the U Picnic at Marina Barrage and Family Night Out Mega Dance at Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, etc. I'll miss the U Picnic as I'll be overseas, but I'll be there for the Mega Dance! =D From now till Dec 2012, you will also receive a welcome gift if you join as a new member!

On the U Family website, you will also find articles that may be useful to you, such as "What Do You Say To Your Child About Bullying?", and "Helping kids develop good TV habits" etc. If you are a parent-to-be, there is also a section on related articles for your reading pleasure. :)

GIVEAWAY!

Now, to encourage more of you to be a part of the U Family, I will be giving away a $30 NTUC voucher to TWO of you who participate in this giveaway. All you need to do is to follow the simple steps below and you could walk away with the vouchers, as easy as that! =D

1. Like The J Babies Facebook page.

2. Join U Family for free.

3. Leave me a comment on this blog post/ facebook post, or drop me an email at and share with me what is one thing you enjoy doing with your family.

Closing date for participating in this giveaway is Fri, 28 Sep 2012 2359 hrs.

Looking forward to having you come onboard as part of U Family, and catch up over the upcoming events! :)

Some weeks back, I won a complimentary spa treatment from Sandra's blog and Blue Moon Valley. All girls love spa treatments, and especially for a busy working mum like me, it was a rare treat! If you find it a hassle to source for and book spa treatments, you can also check out the Blue Moon Valley website. The website basically allows you to join as a member for a fee and that allows you to buy treatment at good rates at participating spa salons and with the promise that you will not be pressured into purchasing expensive packages. Blue Moon Valley also helps you to check for availability of the spa treatment you would like to go for, at the date & time you choose, then make the booking on your behalf. I chose to go for an 80-minute Full Body Massage with Ginger Thermal Massage at Jean Yip's Loft, submitted my request on the website, and received confirmation of my booking via email within the same day. It was very easy!

The outlet is located at Chinatown.

The interiors are mainly in whites, and gives me a very soothing and calm feel. Really nice to be able to relax and look forward to a lovely spa treatment on my off day. :)

A white baby grand piano! So pretty. :)

My masseur met me at the lobby and brought me up the lift to the massage rooms located on another level. Nice and simple setup in the massage rooms.

I was first given a full body scrub, then ushered to the bathroom to shower and wash away the scrub. Felt really comfortable after a warm shower! Then I was brought back to the room for my 60-minute full body massage. This was me after my shower. :)

Hubby brought Baby Jayne for a walk around Chinatown before coming back to meet me. The staff were very kind to direct them to the rest lounge on Level 2 and even served them hot ginger tea and dessert! When my spa treatment ended, I was also brought to the lounge and served the same. What a lovely end to my treatment! :)

The dessert was even my favourite! And Baby Jayne enjoyed it too. :)

Haven't felt so rejuvenated and pampered in a long while! =D

I was so moved when I watched the video clip of America's First Lady, Michelle Obama's DNC speech. If you have not watched it yet, here it is.

She is such a charismatic speaker and exudes such confidence and deep admiration and unwavering support for her husband. Most of all, I was moved because as a mum myself, I developed such a respect for her. Even as she's living the extraordinary life of the First Lady of The United States, she still sees herself primarily as a mum. It is too easy to fall prey to materialistic desires especially when everything seems to be within your reach. To constantly stay grounded and true to your fundamental beliefs, it takes great strength and tenacity, and a conviction that doesn't sway along with circumstances.

Michelle Obama's speech was a good reminder to me that while I may be pursuing my career as a working woman, or going after big dreams that I have, at the end of the day, I am still a mum. And that ought to be one of my main priorities in life. A priority means that everything else must make way for it, and all things in life must be arranged to accommodate that priority. Of course, there are many other important things in life as well, but when things don't work out the way we hope they will, it is the priorities that will determine our next steps and shift our focus back to the most important things to us.

The truth is, I am not just a mum, I am also a wife, a daughter, a daughter-in-law, a sister, a sister-in-law, a mentor, a colleague, a friend... I have so many roles to take on everyday, and like everyone else, I try my best. While I cannot choose whether I want to be a daughter to my dad or a sister to my brother, I did make a conscious decision to become a mum. And that choice is one I intend to stick to with a happy heart, no matter how tough it can be. Through this journey, I hope to become the strong woman I want to be.

A photo taken by hubby when we visited the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay. I can't help but smile every time I see this photo - Our expressions are too funny!

Right after photo was taken, we scrambled off as quickly as we could. Too cold! =P

Linking up with Ai Sakura!

I have to put a disclaimer right at the beginning: I don't do this everyday. I don't even do it often. It's a once-in-a-blue-moon kind of thing.

Papa Isaiah goes for fortnight Sunday night soccer sessions with his buddies, and on a spur of the moment, I decided to bring Baby Jayne along one of the nights. You know, I love to do spontaneous stuffs like that - Gets the adrenaline up in old me. =P

Baby Jayne was of course very excited about it. I didn't tell her we were going to play soccer until we were in the cab to the Futsal venue. She almost didn't jump up and down in joy. I can totally understand. Late night excursion with dad & mum is really quite exciting for a little girl. This smile tells it all. Papa Isaiah even secretly brought her mini soccer ball along.

There are lots of futsal fanatics in Singapore, apparently. Both pitches there were occupied with lots of smelly, sweating men. I really didn't know how we were going to occupy ourselves for three hours while Papa Isaiah played, but the night was cool and with all the excitement happening around us, time passed really quickly! Baby Jayne was entertained by different Uncles who played with her and kicked her mini soccer ball with her. By the time we drew near to 11pm, it was obvious she was really sleepy (way past her bedtime!), but she kept her spirits up, pumped by sheer adrenaline.

One of the pitches became empty by 10pm, and we went in to get a feel of running on the grass! Baby Jayne went many, many rounds, kicking her ball, until she got really tired! Haha... Still, she managed a really stylo pose in front of the goal post before she decided to walk out of the pitch while declaring, "That was great fun." LOL!

The late night ended with supper at our favourite dim sum restaurant with a dear friend, who's going overseas for 9 months.

Bet you didn't know I was going to post this here, Mr Lin. Ha!

Thankfully, Baby Jayne didn't fall asleep in the cab home. I managed to give her a nice warm bath before putting her into bed. It was a great night out with my baby, and it reminded me once again that fun in parenting sometimes comes by breaking a rule or two, or doing something out of the norm. A regular bedtime is important for kids, but once in a while, it is okay to flaunt that rule and just have fun! That's part of memories-building with my kids.

Of course, not too often! =P