The Tooth Fairy

"Mummy, I have a wobbly tooth!" my 5.y.o. yelled out excitedly from the bathroom.

This was early in the year when my 5 y.o. had her first wobbly tooth. She had seen many others with wobbly teeth before her and was looking forward to hers.

"Will the tooth fairy come?" she asked.

"Of course not!" I laughed. "There's no tooth fairy!"

"But why do my friends say that the tooth fairy will leave them money?" she questioned.

"That's just mummies and daddies leaving money for their children" I replied.

"Oh, but I want some money for my tooth," she said.

"I'll give you a dollar for your tooth," I said.

"But Ruby said that the tooth fairy gave her $5," she told me.

Wait a minute. $5?! For a first tooth? Let me get this right. There are 20 baby teeth in her mouth. Does that mean $100 for the lot?

We settled for $2.

Glad we sorted that out.

Now, she has 3 teeth out and collected in a prized tin box. She doesn't ask for money either, just excited to see a new tooth growing strong and well in her mouth. Fascinated, I must say.

And just in case you're wondering, the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny and Santa Claus do not exist in our house. Just like Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White etc are fairy tales and do not exist. Sphere: Related Content

Speech Development

About 4 months ago when my youngest turned 2y.o., I called up a speech pathologist friend. I spoke to her about my child's speech development. Well, more like lack of development.

We speak Mandarin at home, she is exposed to and understands English through playgroup and church activities, and we use Auslan as much as we can.

So, when I called up this friend, I told her that my 2 y.o. only says 5 words. For both English and Mandarin combined. She told me to make a record of words that the little one says and the signs that she knows and we'll compare in a month's time.

When I heard that, my first thought was, "Of course! Record, record, record! Why didn't I think of that?!"

I kept records of her activities and diet from birth, but never thought of keeping a record for her speech.

Anyway, I started recording and found out that she has about 50 signs but her verbal vocabulary did not exceeed 10 words. It'd take her a week to say a new sound, but she signs straight away and remembers it. Is she a visual person and not an auditory one?

After a month, my friend and I chatted and she said that my 2 y.o. is on par with others her age. She is learning 3 languages and for her, sign is more dominant. I was told to expect delays of at least 6 months for her verbal languages to come forth.

I was relieved to hear that, but on the other hand, still frustrated that she's not going the way I wanted it to be.

As parents, we worry all the time. If children are advanced in learning, we worry that the schools are not able to keep up with them. When children are behind their peers, we worry that they cannot catch up and that schools are going too fast. There's no satisfying a worried parent.

However, I took comfort in knowing that my toddler is developing well and according to the average children's benchmark. She's happy, growing and communicating, though not in the way that I had hoped she would.

I was reminded that my Creator God knows what is best for her and has her life and pathways in His plans. He will watch over her growth and needs. I'm here to guide and equip her with the tools for this earthly life. As I place my trust in Jesus Christ, I know that my child will never be lacking in anything with Christ as her Lord.

I put my worried mummy thoughts into His hands and I know that she will talk in her own time. For now, I shall enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts. Sphere: Related Content

Road trips overseas

A few weeks ago I went to Malaysia and Singapore with my family. One thing we noticed before we left, was the use of car seats. There were no regulations that require tourists to use car seats for children.

In Malaysia, car seats were not required even for the locals. In Singapore however, the locals need car seats for their children. Tourists exempted.

Can you imagine the joy my children had without having to buckle the seat belts?!

I was constantly watching them, making sure that they're not up to any mischief and had to look ahead to make sure that the next turn or bump will not fling them out the window.

I'm sure my family and friends will tell me that I worry too much. I must admit that I did!

We are so so so protected by child safety laws in Australia that I know my children are buckled in and safe in the event of an emergency step on the brake.

Even though I had brought toys and books to occupy them on the roads, I wasn't comfortable giving any to them for the fear that they'd lose their balance and hurt themselves.

But one good thing about road trips overseas is that every scenery is new and the children just looked out of the window and take in all the differences they see in a new country. Sphere: Related Content

Travelling on a budget airline

I haven't been posting as we've been away the last 3 weeks. Seems like a long time to go on a holiday, but when you have young children, time just passes by.

We were excited to fly again, confident that we have everything we needed for the trip.

We packed very little clothing as we were flying to visit family and there will be clothes there that we can wear. The did however, have a luggage of entertainment and food for the children for the plane rides and car trips while overseas.

This trip we flew with Scoot. They're a budget airline. The fares were cheaper than the usual ones that we used to fly with. For the 4 of us, we could save between $900-$2000.

It was interesting to note that children were not given any discount for the return flight, so we did one way tickets for all of us to our destination and the return home. There was a selection of meals to choose from that was part of the fare. We picked one from the menu for the children and for both of us adults, we paid for the premium meal. Unfortunately, there was no choice of food and we didn't really know what we would be served.

And thus the adventure began.

The trip to our destination was a day flight, so I had lots of entertainment (we didn't purchase the in-flight entertainment package) packed for the children and food to snack on. Everything went well. The children were woken up at 5am to get to our airport. We had some breakfast before boarding and they were excited. I have calculated my time perfectly that the little one will be tired about an hour or two after we were in air and should sleep.

Checking in through customs was a breeze, though having to unload mobile phones, keys and other metallic stuff from our backpacks were a hassle. Why would one have their keys handy when going overseas?!

Anyway, we boarded and the plane started its journey. At this moment, the little one decided that she should sit with mummy instead of the older one. And so a tantrum ensued. It was pacified with stickers and 'Oh look! Outside!" and a vitamin pill as a last resort. We didn't have any trouble with air pressure, thank God, and the rest of the flight went rather well. The girls played play dough, read books, snacked, and actually had a nap. We arrived at our destination feeling encouraged that it went smoothly.

The return flight, however, was not quite as expected! First, it was a late night flight. Children were tired, cranky and upset that they're leaving all the fun behind. The older one wanted to sit with me, and so did the younger one! My husband literally held the younger one down in her seat till the seatbelt sign went off. Stickers didn't work, vitamin pills didn't work, crackers and drinks didn't work either. It was mummy or shrieking.

My husband and I looked at each other and had the look that said, "Can we make it through the night?"

As soon as the seatbelt sign was off, both children were on me. I truly felt like an old gum tree with two koalas. Except that these two wriggle and fight.

We were served our meal pretty much within 45mins into the air. We all ate some. I prayed for a good night's sleep for the children and us after the meal.

Took our children almost another hour after the meal to finally fall asleep. Both of them wanted to sleep on my lap. I can't remember what happened, how it happened, but the older one eventually went to daddy and slept on his lap. The younger one, however, needs to lie flat to be able to sleep. And guess what, we only had 4 seats. One for each of us. I was relegated to the floor at one stage, because the younger one took 2 seats all to herself in dreamland.

It was a good flight as soon as the children fell asleep. We were both tired too and took the opportunity to catch some rest.

We were glad to be home in our beds once again after the long flight back.

The husband and I talked about travelling again in the future and we both decided that for our own sanity, we will pick the mainstream airlines. At least we wouldn't need to bring that many snacks onto the plane and have a good selection of meals and snacks provided.

Scoot only provided us with one meal and for all other foodstuff and drinks, we'd have to pay for it. The range was not good enough to accommodate allergies.

When it comes to flying, the hours were not ideal for young children. We are thankful that our children coped quite well with the awkward hours.

All I can say is, be prepared when travelling on a budget airline with young children. Know your children, know what to expect and think ahead. Sphere: Related Content

Coping with illnesses

Illnesses are something mums don't like to deal with. Children are extra cranky and clingy. Mums are worn thinner than ever before.

We had a series of illness in our household the last couple of weeks.

First it was hand, foot and mouth disease which puts the little one out of contact with other people. She couldn't understand why she had to stay at home while the older sister goes out in the car. The sores on her arms bother her.

Then it was the older sister who had flu.

Then we all had head lice.

It was constant washing, washing, washing. Keep the toys clean. Keep your fingers clean. Keep the furniture clean.

We're getting to the end of all these and I look forward to a more normal life.

Clingy, cranky children aren't fun. A mum worn thin doesn't help either.

But, I know, I don't have to do this alone. God is there to strengthen and keep me going. His love allows me to love my children even more. His patience allows me to listen and spend time with them. When I feel like I am exhausted of all love and patience, He is the one who refreshes me and fills me with overflowing abundance. Sphere: Related Content

Sprained ankle and aching body

On Wednesday, I thought I should get going in learning how to ride my huge bicycle which my husband bought 2 years ago. I can ride a bicycle, but not those with high seats. Are they called mountain bikes? Anyway, I'm just a normal person, trying to learn to use something new with pre-existing skills.

Was going to go onto the neighbourhood roads when I had a feeling that I might not do very well. Ok, it's actually the feeling of being embarrassed that's telling me to not ride it.

I compromised with that feeling and told my husband that I'd like to start off in our backyard. And thank God, we have a big backyard of GRASS!

So, off I went, happily riding, thinking I can do it, when all of a sudden, I couldn't get past a patch of grass and tipped over. My left foot clicked in the midst of it and I fell face down with my nose and mouth hitting the grass. What a pretty sight.

Thank God it was grass that I hit.

Laid there for a second in stunned silence, then felt the pain in my ankle.. That one took a couple of minutes to stop tearing me apart.

I was able to walk, but woke up in the morning feeling strained.

Went for a Chinese massage for the back and foot remedial massage and I felt much better.

Well, this fall has just put me out of action for a few days. Good excuse to not carry the 2 y.o., but still having to do school drop-offs and pick-ups is still a chore. Resting the body as much as I can, yet still trying to give it the circulation it needs.

I'm glad my children recover very quickly from a fall! They don't seem to have all these muscle aches. I am old. Probably need the exercise too.

Getting over illnesses is easy. A good sleep for a day, plenty of vitamins, water and soup will do me well. But with these sprains and aches, I'll just have to wear it out.

Till the next try, I'm going to rest my body. Sphere: Related Content

How are you?

Was at church yesterday and had quite a few people ask how I am.

When the third person asked me that question, I seriously thought about it.

I don't know about you, but ever since I became a mum, I've had difficulties answering that question.

Every time someone asks, "How are you?" I would answer, "Very well!" or " I'm fine, thank you!"

But today, to the third person who asked me, I told him that that was a million dollar question.

You see, it's not that I want to brush off that question, but I really don't know where to start answering. Everyday is different. I wake up to different challenges and temperaments.

Yesterday, with that question, the thoughts that went through my mind zapped across in a flurry :

I haven't been eating well, so I'm not fine.

I desperately need sleep, so I'm not fine.

I'm freezing in this wintery day, so I'm not fine.

My girls refused to go to Sunday school. Finally left one at Sunday school crying and another one came with me to the adult service. So, I'm not fine.

On the other hand...
My girls gave me another 10 mins to sleep-in in the morning, I felt great!

We managed to leave the house early for church without much fuss, I felt great!

We've booked tickets to visit family and friends overseas and I'm feeling on top of the world!

I did a load of washing and hung up the clothes before church and that's one thing off my to-do list! Wonderful!

On the whole, I'm feeling "not too bad" and that was what I told him.

So, next time if I were to look at you with a strange look and saying, "Not too bad," I mean it. 

Sphere: Related Content

School holidays without internet connection

You must be thinking what a strange title to give to a post. Well, that's mostly what it was this week. After 4 days of school holidays, my landline was cut into two because my new neighbour mowed it through. Long story, but the telephone line has been sticking out of our front window and into the power box underground for the past 5 years. Anyway, with the landline cut, our internet was also disconnected.

Nobody's here to fix it yet. My husband got tired of waiting and so he applied for a new mobile data plan for me. I've been using the mobile data the last few days. It's wonderful to have some form of internet, but data is precious at the moment and also sporadic.

So, while I'm here, I thought I'd better do a quick write-up.

School holidays went really well despite the lack of internet connection. Not that I allow my children on the internet, but it's more for me to entertain myself.

But you see, without internet, there's no reason for me to jump onto the computer to 'do work'. No facebook, no search engines, just quality time with my children. There are inconveniences - my urgent emails were delayed, I made more phone calls which ended up with higher mobile phone bills, I couldn't do online chats and phone calls with my family overseas. But, the pros were more than the cons during this week.

We went to parks, watched shows at the shops, did crafts, met up with friends, stayed home, did impromptu fun and silly stuff and just enjoyed one another's company. We even visited friends who were sick.

In short, I reckon I need to turn off the internet once in awhile to make myself get in touch with my own family. Especially during school holidays when we can all spend time together.


Sphere: Related Content

I'm somene's girlfriend!

I had a lovely conversation with a 5 year old boy this afternoon during school pick up.

He came and asked if I can be his girlfriend. I told him that I'm a bit too old, and perhaps my two girls will be of a more suitable age. But no, he said that me eldest is already is girlfriend and he wanted my younger one and myself to be his girlfriends too!

It was hilarious but I agreed to his proposal. :)

He was smiling from ear to ear and ran back to his mum to announce it!

I love the innocence of children. They love so wholeheartedly. No reserves. Full of faith.


Sphere: Related Content

Pushing boundaries

It was Queen's Birthday Public Holiday yesterday and we had a rainy day at home. Not my idea of a beautiful holiday, but it'll have to do. :)

On Sunday night, we had a little friend come and have a sleepover. We've known one another for years and we'd be what most people call family friends.

So, this young man aged 4, came and had dinner with us. Miss 5 bossed him around and sleep time was delayed. I suppose that's what happens at sleepovers? I never had one, so I'm guessing. Didn't bother me, as the next day would be a public holiday and there's no need to put the alarm on.

Mr. 4 decided that he didn't want to sleep. I told him that we'd be having pancakes for breakfast and if he wants some, he'd better keep his head on the mattress and shut his eyes. Gone into dreamland within 5 mins.

Forward to Queen's Birthday holiday.

All the children woke up and started playing. I cooked the pancakes.

"Time for breakfast," I called. "Put away the toys!"

"But Aunty Yining, I didn't play with that toy. H did."

"Mummy, N made the mess."

"Well, if you want pancakes, then you will all have to help put the toys away. Breakfast won't start till the toys go back to where they belong." I helped them with the packing and we were at the table within 10 mins.

Sigh, all that whinging won't get the toys to go back. Reminded me of Mary Poppins and wishing that I could just do the finger clicking to get the toys into the boxes and cupboards.

Now, Mr. 4 is anaphylactic. He can't have tree nuts. We all know that.

During the course of breakfast, he asked for chocolate spread. It's Nutella. Has tree nuts. So, I told him that he's not allowed any, but I can give him some honey.

He took the honey and Miss 5 decided to 'share'. I heard, "Don't tell my mum, ok? Just a little bit."

If you're a mum and you hear this, your radar goes up on red alert. So, I turned and watched them. There was something on Mr. 4's pancakes that Miss 5 gave to him and they were having a secret conversation.

Didn't take me long to realise that Miss 5 had spread a finger tip size of Nutella on Mr. 4's pancakes.

You should see me run to the dining table from the kitchen. It's not too far, but I must have made it in record time. My record.

Took the pancake away, and gave Miss 5 a good scolding.

Then, it was time to go home. Miss 5 and Mr. 4 were reluctant. Mr. 4 dragged on and on about not wanting to go home and Miss 5 helped by offering stickers, toys to play with, etc.

It all ended well. We all had fun, it was a short sleepover, but a manageable one. Looking forward to the next one, but maybe not all the boundary testing parts. :)

I wonder what God was thinking as he watches me deal with these children. I can just imagine Him sitting on His throne, saying, "I have to go through this millions and billions of time since the start of creation," But it gives me an insight of how I have grieved Him everytime I push at His boundaries for me. I'm glad that He's all-knowing and will discipline, direct and love me at all times. Sphere: Related Content

Mayhem May

I know I last posted in April. A friend has been bugging me to update my blog. So, now that I finally have time for a breather, let me quickly run you through this mad month of May.

First of all, I was shocked to find out that May Day (Labour Day) holiday has moved to October. I knew one of the holidays in the first half of the year moved to the second half to give us more public holidays in the 2nd half of the year, but I didn't realise that it was Labour Day. I told my husband that we might as well move Christmas to July, cos that's when it's in the middle of cold winter and we'd have every reason to have a roast meal.

Then I had this swollen gums that affected my chewing of food. I eat a lot. With the swollen gums, I'm taking twice as long to finish my usual portion. By the time I finished my food, I was half hungry again. What a vicious cycle. Went to the dentist and found out that my two upper wisdom teeth are not grinding on any bottom teeth! And my bottom wisdom teeth right the the back of each side have two more hidden ones in the gums, waiting to come through! And at this good age of 33, they found a baby tooth. They were all supposed to fall out by 12 y.o. This one forgot. I'll have to get them removed. I'm still brooding over it..

Mother's Day is in May. I don't like how it's being commercialised. But at the same time, I do understand companies needing to make money and would go along with the special occasion. Our MOPS (Mothers' of Pre-Shoolers) group had a MOPS Sunday Service. It was a week after Mother's Day. I do enjoy running the morning, but it's an extra thing to this busy life of mine and I struggled to keep up-to-date with everything. It ended well, everybody knew more about MOPS and I didn't bore anyone to death.

On the bright side, we celebrated little miss' 2nd birthday. Specially baked a cake and she was excited to clap her hands along with the song.

Skipped our wedding anniversary celebration as I was totally engrossed with the Mother's Day Service.

Went to Miss 5's school fete and I twisted balloons. Met quite a few parents and chatted with them. There was always a line waiting for balloons, but I had so much fun twisting for the person in front of me that I hardly noticed.

Miss 5 was claimed as a classmate's girlfriend and I thought that that was hilarious! I've heard of children say that, but never thought that it'd happen to my own girl! :)

So, this is it, a mad month of May. Sphere: Related Content

Making friends

At the start of this week, with Term 2 in school, I decided that I am going to make some friends. After all, I'll be in this school for at least the next 6 years if nothing changes.

I watched my daughter make friends with other children after school at the school playground and am very proud of her openness and willingness to play with others. We would stay back after school for afternoon tea and the girls get to play for awhile. There are a few other families who would stay and let their children play before going home.

I thought that I should make friends too, though I quite enjoy the solitary time making balloons myself.

It was difficult. It made me remember what it was like to be a new member of a group that already has so many 'friends'.

You know, I thank God for children. They are one gift from God that bring people together. I held my nearly 2 y.o.'s hand and went up to a mum, also with a 2 y.o., and asked if our children can play together. And a conversation started. Now, the girls are friends and I know someone by name at school.

Strangely enough, all, except one, of the children who stayed back to play were not from my daughter's year level. The one who is the same age as my daughter has an older brother and they all play together.

By the end of the week, I know the names of 3 mums! Hooray! I have to thank God for helping me step out of my comfort zone to talk to others. You see, I'm an introvert. I am happy to be on my own, without friends and be in my own world. It is frightening to make friends. Not so much the relationship building, but that first step. Never been easy. My palms perspire, my head comes up with 101 responses if people reject me, my face turns red, I get tongue-tied... Just to take that first step out to say, "Hi!"

So, now that I have made myself known, I hope to establish these friendships throughout my days in the school. Sphere: Related Content

Learning as a schoolie mum.

Having been a schoolie mum for a term, I'm getting used to the routine and is able to manage my time a little better.

It has been a steep learning curve as there was no easing into it. It was wham-bang 8:45am - 3pm school hours from the first day.

School lunches are getting easier to pack and school-play routine more or less sorted out.

We still get readers in the bag to read everyday, but with an earlier dinner, we are able to enjoy it a lot better, rather than rushing for the Preppie to shut her eyes and sleep.

I have learnt that it's ok to let some things slip by. We had 9 weeks of school in Term 1 and by week 8, Miss 5y.o. had difficulties waking up in the morning. I have been packing breakfast in the car and letting her sleep in a little. There are two sides to the argument. One will say no, they need to learn the consequences of waking up late, or they need the discipline to be up at that time whether they like it or not. My side of the argument is, I'd rather pack breakfast and let her eat in the car than have a grumpy and cranky child to start the day off. That extra 10-15 mins really helps to get her spirits right. After all, if I had woken her up 10-15 mins earlier, I'll be battling her to eat her breakfast for that time frame anyway.

While I have no intention to teach my children that sleeping in when duty calls is ok, I do want them to know that we are not perfect and once in awhile it is ok to just go in late and apologise for waking up late. She has worked hard during the day and she does need the sleep to bring her through another day. Sphere: Related Content

When reading becomes a chore

This week my 5y.o. brought back a book everyday to be read to and to help her understand the story.

This reading programme aims to foster a reading habit in children and families and help children to gain better understanding of the English language through simple but colourful sentences (and pictures) and guided questions for parents to quiz their children.

The books are interesting and use easy to understand words and sentences, although there are a few challenging words to push their reading and understanding level.

I love reading and so do my girls. But this week I have found it a chore. I didn't enjoy the stories as much as I'd like to. Only because it was a 'homework'. When we finished each book, I'd quiz my daughter to make sure she understood the stories. Then I'd sign the reading sheet and she coloured in how many stars (out of 5) she would give to the story.

The only problem I have is, I have been reading them to her in Mandarin. She doesn't want me to read to her in English. Sssshhhh... I'm secretly happy to know that she still likes to hear her mother tongue.

We've come to a agreement that when it comes to school work, I'll have to use English. But all other times, it'll be Mandarin with her. Sphere: Related Content

Learning to be soft but firm

I have discovered the wonders of a soft but firm voice.

Seriously. I used to yell at my children when I get heated up and cranky at them.

These 3 weeks of school has taught me something new. Dealing with tired and irrational children needs a soft but firm voice. The more I scream and yell at them, the more they retaliate and the vicious cycle continues.

I have come to recognise and accept that my girls are stubborn and strong-willed. I have to be even more strong-willed to win this mothering business. In the past, I would use expect an immediate response and be very demanding. It worked at times. Other times, it's a battle. A huge battle.

But these few weeks I have been so tired, I don't have the energy to scream and yell at them. Half the time when they misbehave or ignore my instructions, I felt like crying.

Then I discovered that due to my lack of energy, I couldn't flare up into a temper. That would get me into a fit and tire me out faster. I have been speaking in my normal voice, but very firmly.

The words take a little longer to sink in and the children still throw their tantrums, but hey, I'm not getting into a fit nor am I worked up. If they didn't want to do as instructed but want to cry and kick, so be it. They are exhausting their energy. They sleep earlier at night. What a winner!

The soft voice really helps calm them. The firm tone tells them that mum is not giving in.

It is easier to get mad and yell, but what does that do? It'll just get all parties worked up into something unnecessary. When I use my soft and firm voice, it helps me to think too. I may be repeating myself over and over again, but I am not worked up.

It also helps children to see how mum reacts to situation and learn from it. We've been teaching our 5 y.o. that she is not to hit or scream at friends when they do something she doesn't like. I am learning to take a deep breath and use my soft but firm voice to respond to her actions and behaviours.

So far so good, not as many fights as before. Sphere: Related Content

I love school, I hate school...

It's Friday and I thank God for it. No, seriously, I thank God it's the end of the school week. Today was exhausting. All of us were back to our normal term time routine and that meant dropping my eldest in school, off to play group with the little one, lunch, sleep, school pick up, afternoon play for the girls and dinner.

A lot seems to be happening within the short span of 5 hours 'free' time during school hours. I rush around getting things done around the house, play and teach my little one and hopefully get a little rest.

My legs ached, my back too and my body and brain don't seem to be attached.

Nobody told me how tiring school runs can be.

I'm new to this and after talking to other mums who are doing this for the first time, I felt better. They feel the same too! I'm in a love-hate relationship with school runs.

I've been thinking these few days that I hardly have time to think about God. Which is not good. I'm so busy with my own life that I have put God aside. Thankfully I have somehow inherited a smart phone from a churchmate and hubby has installed an e-Bible  and daily Bible reading plan. I get to read a verse a day. It's not a lot. But have you tried running around like a madman and the only time you get to sit down is to sleep? That one verse meant a lot to me. Sometimes I forget and go back to read it again. I try to remember it for the day.

Our lives change when children come. And we have to make the best of it and still try to find time for God. It's the same as finding time for myself and with my husband. If I love someone, I need to set time aside for them. God is no exception. And you know what, that 1 minute a day with a Bible verse really makes a difference to this tired mind and body. Sphere: Related Content

School Runs

The end of January started with cyclone Oswald hitting us and water rising everywhere. I am thankful that the winds and rains died down when school started. Kept a close watch on the QLD Education's website for school closure notices.

Our school is not affected, but a few schools in the neighbouring suburbs had to close for one more day for power to be restored.

Husband and I went with Miss 5 on the first day of school. Not to help her settle in, but needed an extra pair of hands to carry a box of school stationery, books and folders.

It's been a tiring first week. Learning to get to school on time and finding a parking space. we've been leaving the house earlier and earlier. A 10-mins drive during off-peak hours now takes half an hour. Rush hour traffic is terrible and parking is almost non-existent.

What are all these cars doing at the same spot for so long, I wonder! Unfortunately, there are children who don't settle in well and parents have no choice but to stay and settle them.

Miss 20 months has been excited about going to her older sister's big school. She gets to walk the big grass compound and play on the play equipment. She's still too small for them, but she would hold on to the handlebars for dear life!

When school finishes, we always stayed for some afternoon tea which the girls enjoyed. Having afternoon tea in school just meant that I don't have to clean up at home! Yeah!

Dinner started at 6:15pm the first night. It has now progressed to 5:50pm on Friday night. I think, we'll be having dinners about that time.

It's good to have the girls in bed early and the husband and I get our time to get work done or even just to chat, without feeling the rush to get things done.

My Preppie complained about having sandwiches for lunch in the first week already. Bought a few different things for her to try this week. School lunches are really a chore. I spent my school days at the tuckshop and never had lunch packed. Coming to Australia really does bring a whole new lot of experiences!

Off to bed now, for another new day, another new week. Let's see how we go this week. Sphere: Related Content

I will come to you...

I mentioned about a car breakdown in my previous post while on my way to my cousin's wedding rehearsal. The good thing about it is, I was parked outside the Mater Hospital at a roadside carpark. The downside? I was terrified. With two preschoolers at the back, I wasn't quite sure what to do. I had to stay cheerful and entertain the two girls. Thank God for mummy intuition that made me bring lots of biscuits. Called my husband and he said the most wonderful words that night, “I will come to you.” My cousin came with his car and the two men got the battery working and the car running.

5 words. “I will come to you”. So simple, yet it meant so much.

I had a huge sense of relief when my husband said that he'd come to me. Anybody could have come to my help, but I think the impact of feeling 'rescued' wouldn't be as great as seeing someone who loves me come to my aid. It made me feel valued, important and loved.

Our children must have felt the same when they yelled out for help and see us running to them. That relief and comfort to know that mummy or daddy is here to take charge and nothing else matters. My girls had taken quite a few tumbles and had a few scrapes. They cried, they screamed, but as soon as one of us knelt down to pull them up into our embrace, the wounds didn't matter, the screaming and crying subsided to a sob and the fear in their eyes gone in that instant. That's how powerful our hugs are to the little ones. Never ever give up on a hug. It matters to them.

This reminded me of God sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, down to earth to rescue us from eternal damnation and sin. We all sin. Some say that good is relative. But actually, no. Good and bad are absolutes in God's eyes. It's either with Him or without.

Jesus came to save us from our sin against God. Our rebellion to reject the Creator. Our self-centredness. He came to us. Just like us as parents going to our children's aid, just like my husband coming to me when the car broke down.

We don't have to go looking for Him. He is here. He is with us. All we need to do is ask for Jesus to come and help, to start mending and giving Him full control. He doesn't barge in. He's not high up in the mountains or closed up in a house. He is within reach and communication.

Can you imagine what would've happened if I hadn't allowed my husband to help? I'd be stuck there with two preschoolers, fretting and anxious, angry and cranky. If, because of my ego, I had insisted on doing things my way, I wouldn't be able to make it home that night.

If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I hope that you will take the first step and invite Him into your heart. Tell Him that you need His love and friendship, His forgiveness for your sins and let Him take control. Find a local church or a Christian friend and start fellowshipping with God. Once you let Him take control, you will find that immense peace, relief, comfort and abundant love that makes you want to shout out in gladness.

God bless you.

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