When I took a peek at what I wrote a year ago, I was amazed at how far we've come, and how quickly the boys have grown... particularly Noah. As I reflect on the year that has gone by, I am filled with much thanks. It is my first full year as a stay-home mom. I am glad that I am able to devote most of my time and energy to raising the boys... but I do miss the working world somewhat. So this is what we've been up to in 2013...
January
Nathan started nursery 2 this year. Everything was pretty much familiar (as he had been going to the same school last year), so he settled in quickly.
Noah continued attending play group at Sunflower Baby House. He looked forward to going to school everyday... right till his last day at SBH. :)
February
Ticking off one item on my list of things to do in 2013, I joined BSF. I even managed to get a spot for Noah in the children's program. Even though he resisted being dropped off initially, he soon settled in and it became something we looked forward to each week. I am encouraged by the faithfulness of many in the group and am thankful for the opportunity that we had in studying God's Word together.
March
Noah turns 2! I made him a Buzz Lightyear birthday t-shirt and we celebrated with his friends in school. When asked, "how old are you"? He replies enthusiastically, "TWO!" Dean and I often talk about how Noah makes us laugh with all the funny things he says and does... and it's funny cos we see a bit of ourselves in him.
Mama Shoppe launched our very own clothing line. Made by ladies at Emmaus Women's Centre, our clothing line features matching outfits for the entire family. Emmaus Women's Centre is a shelter that provides livelihood training to women who would otherwise not have a skill to earn a living. Many of the ladies did not have the opportunity to receive formal education, and earning enough to support themselves and their families is a struggle. We are glad that we are able to partner them in this project, and hope to be able to support them in the long run.
As with all mothers around the world, we celebrated mother's day. Ever since Nathan and Noah came into my life, I keep thanking God for blessing me with the joy that motherhood brings. It has taught me so much about myself, I have given much and I have received so much more in return.
 |
| Noah brought this flower home from school for me... |
 |
| look what he did to the petals... |
In the same month, the Business Times ran a feature on mothers who run their own businesses (from home). I was honoured to be picked. Mama Shoppe was started as I wanted to be able to spend more time with my family, and yet still be able to earn my keep. At this point, I still haven't quite fulfilled the objectives I set out to achieve, and hope to look at ways to tweak/improve in the coming year.
 |
| Noah & I appeared in the Biz Times on May 11, 2013 |
June
It was the school holidays and we decided to go on a cruise vacation!
In the same month, Singapore experienced her worst haze in history. Visibility was poor and we had stale air for over a week. We made a last minute trip to Bangkok, and enjoyed our impromptu holiday.
We were really excited about Nathan's first violin concert. Looking forward to many more concerts in the future.
Dean and I celebrated our 6th Wedding Anniversary. It has been a joy journeying with the man God has brought into my life.
August
Our family took part in the filming of a TVC to promote parenthood amongst Singaporeans. We had a fun morning at a playground and this was the final product... Try spotting Nathan in the video clip.
We took time off for a staycation over the National Day weekend. Nathan & Noah really loved this hotel... being able to see the planes up close, swiming in the icy cold swimming pool, and visiting Pulau Ubin for the very first time.
Nathan turns 4. My first attempt at baking a birthday cake for him and he was so happy. It looks nothing like the store bought ones, but it is made with lots of love. We talked about the type of cake he wanted (a soldier cake for his celebrations at home and a mickey mouse cake for his celebrations in school), and he had a hand in baking it.
 |
Since it is the school holidays, we decided to go on a holiday to Bali. I am so glad that my boys are easy travellers... such trips give us the opportunity to take time out of our busy schedules, and enjoy each other's company.
October
After waiting for about 5 months, Nathan finally started piano classes. He's loving it so far. Me too!
November
It is Noah's last month in SBH. He took part in his school's year end concert and we really enjoyed watching him dance. I was surprised that he was so enthusiastic and confident, executing all the fancy moves that the teachers choreographed. It has been great growing up with SBH, and we were really sad when it was time to say our goodbyes.
December
We went for our first church camp as a family. The boys were old enough to join the children's program, so Dean and I could participate in the adults' program without constantly having to run after them / keep them quiet. :)
And so... it has been a good year. I thank God for seeing us through, walking with us and blessing us in so many ways.
No comments:
Post a Comment