Noah's First Prayer

We've always started and ended the day with prayer, ever since the boys were babies. Dean and I would get the boys to bow their heads, close their eyes, and we'd pray as a family. We thanked God for our food, we asked Him to keep dark clouds away, and we asked Him to help us with our difficulties...

A few days ago, as we were going about our bedtime routine, Noah (who's 3 years old) said he wanted to pray... And then he said...

Dear God, 

Thank you for protecting me and helping me not to do bad things so that I can go to Heaven.

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen.

And there... at the end of a long tiring day, with Dean travelling the entire week, my heart was filled with so much thankfulness. The tiredness I felt wore away, and I knew we were doing something right. I hope that Noah will always remember that God hears our prayers.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Fish @ Big Splash

Nathan has read books and seen pictures of people fishing and he asked if we could go fishing together. The first and only time I went fishing was some 15 years back... I remembered that we boarded a boat off changi jetty and spent many hours under the hot sun. After a long day, we caught a few cat fish. I didn't think he'd enjoy such an experience. As such, I said we'd go when he is older.

Sometime later, he told me, "mommy, do you know that if we bought a fishing rod, we'd never have to buy fish ever again?" I was quite tickled by that statement, but I knew exactly what was going on in his head.

I chanced upon Fish @ Big Splash on the web, and thought it'd be a good idea to check it out. We went last week, and had a great time.

For $22, we were provided with a fishing rod and bait, and taught how to cast our line in the salt water pond. Nathan was thrilled. It was his first attempt at fishing. 

Within 5 minutes, he caught his very first fish! According to Gordan (the person who runs the place), $22 guarantees that you'd be able to bring a fish home. If you fail to catch one that day, you can return to try again the next day... and the next... Until you catch a fish. But he's sure that you won't return empty handed the first time round. Since Nathan's maiden attempt at fishing ended in last then 5 minutes, Gordon was so nice to let him have another go at no additional charge, provided we threw the second fish that we caught back into the pond. It took us a while longer to catch the second fish and Nathan was getting rather bored. I suppose we didn't give him an accurate experience of how fishing was actually like, but at least, he got to use a fishing rod. :P

Noah wasn't too interested in fishing and asked to feed the rabbits instead. It was his first time feeding rabbits and it was nice having the rabbits chomp down eagerly on the greens that he was holding.

Next, we proceeded to feed fish. As we approached the pond, the fish started swimming near the edge as if they knew that breakfast was about to be served. What a sight!

Fish @ Big Splash also offers prawning, fish spa and longkang fishing.

We saw a good number of people catching prawns when we were there. I heard that there are lobsters in the same pond, and you'd get to bring the lobsters home if you manage to catch them!

Longkang fishing is popular with kids and adults who want to relive their childhood days. You are allowed to take off your shoes and wade in the ankle deep water to catch your fish. For $12, you'd get a net and given an hour to fish. It looks so much fun and we'll probably be back to try this out.

We had a great time at Fish @ Big Splash and recommend that you check it out someday! As we prepared to leave, Gordan packed the two fish that Nathan caught for dinner that night. It was a pleasant surprise that he decided to gift us the second fish as well. :)

Fantastic Five

Dear Nathan,

You have been looking forward to your fifth birthday eversince you turned 4. It has been yet another great year as we saw you grow in independence and maturity. Being the first born, you will always have a special place in mommy's heart. You were the very first baby I cradled in my arms, the very first baby I nursed, the very first baby I kissed and the very first baby to call me "mommy". When you entered our lives this day five years ago, daddy and I were thrown into the world of parenthood. No amount of preparation prepared us for what was ahead, and yet, with lots of prayer, determination and perseverance, we made it thru your first month, your first year... and now you are five.

You are learning the piano and violin and are progressing well with your consistent practice. Remember that diligence and hard work is needed to reap good results. You enjoy story times with mommy, and I look forward to having you read more independently so that we can snuggle up with our own books on a rainy afternoon. You enjoy puzzles but dislike colouring. You have devised clever shortcuts to complete your 习字, to my dismay.

You are generally shy and tend to clam up in a setting with new people. Mommy hopes that you'd be more comfortable meeting new people and making new friends.

This is the first year that you and your brother Noah got to spend extended periods of time together on weekdays now that you are attending the same school. It is heart warming to see you two playing together, laughing at each other's silly antics, and enjoying each other's company. Thank you for never hitting back when Noah hits you, for loving your brother even when he can be unreasonable at times, for being the big brother that you are. Even though he doesn't say it, I think Noah probably thinks that you are the best big brother that he can have. He saves his last sweet for you and is quick to ask about you when he doesn't see you around. He loves you very much.

Because caring for you wasn't all that difficult, it made our decision to add to our family easy. You were generally easy to feed and your current favourite food is pasta with Japanese sesame sauce and thinly sliced pork. You enjoy your nap/sleep and have never resisted bedtime, making it easy for mommy when it is time for bed. Since birth, you have been sleeping with your favorite soft toy, Colin, and sucking your thumb to fall asleep. I am glad that you no longer need to hold Colin to sleep, and have kicked the habit of sucking your thumb. Credits to daddy.

It is our prayer that you'll continue to grow in the knowledge and love of our God, be the good son and brother that you are, and always find joy as you navigate the roads of life. Remember that you will always have a special place in my heart.

Lots of love, hugs and kisses,

Mommy