Standard obstacle course ???

Ha... to be a stay home mummy to a 2 year old toddles sure takes lots of ideas to keep my little gal entertained.......

Can you guess what gracia is doing???

hahaa,.. we both had lots of fun together on my bed as I contructed a mini " obstacle course for her... she just loves the challenge and has crawled under the " obstacle" at least 20 times!!!

See that look of satisfaction on her face! =) SHe just loves such physical activities!

Guess what, with all the intense physical activity in the day, she was knocked out by 745 pm which is almost 2 hours before her usual bedtime... = )

That leaves daddy and mummy heng a wonderful evening of catching up with one another too =)

raising my children to .... serve in encounter weekend???

This weekend is my Church tribe ( YCYPAO) turn to anchor the youth encounter weekend to serve all who wanna to come encounter the Lord's love face to face.

Hmmm... logistics wise , we were quite short of YP12 lady guides to stay over the encounter camp to take care of and minister to the lady participants. It seemed so naturally to automatically eliminate the possibilty of the YP12 leaders who are mummies esp the preggy ones like myself and Belle to stay over and serve as guides leaving only the the single ladies as the only choices .

During breakfast with one of my fellow YP12 sister, Julie, we were just discussing on the tight manpower amg the ladies and I was just thinking, something's not soo rite.

It can't be the trend that once we get married and settle down with kids we can't serve anymore in encounter yah????
This can't be the right trend.. eventually , all my fellow sisters who are single are going to be married would also have children ( yes , I claim this for every one of my sisters )and surely this can't be the excuse that we can't serve in the encounter rite????

Then an exciting tot just flashed past me......

While I can't be as involved as I would like to be in serving in the ministry, but the lord has blessed me in that I've had a head start in having children and in the season of nurturing my young children ( plus the little one in me) .

I'm still gonna seize this moment to raise my children in such a way that my kids will in time be ready to help take care of my yp12 sisters' eventual children so that it can relief my YP12 sisters to continue to serve and bless other ladies during encounter weekends...

haha..... just sharing a passing tot.. but it sure does excite me to think that my children will rise up and be a blessing to take care and bless the next generation of children...=)

we are going to the zoo zoo zoo

The Chan and the Heng Family had a wonderful family time at the zoo last Sat FREE.. tks to Exxonmobil' corporate pass that JOhnson managed to get before the pass expires this month =)

Yup, the little ladies - Gracia and Li-anne really enjoyed themselves seeing the animals LIVE before their eyes .

It was also a great bonding time for the daddys and mummys too esp since both the Chan and Heng Family had to squeeze into Chan's Jazz car as mummy heng forgot to buy the weekend car coupon so the Heng could not use their Jazz.......... Nevertheless ,it was really a fun car ride together to the zoo starting our adventure together as early at 815 am !!!

I'll just let the pictures do the talking .....

All still fresh at 845 am , strolling thru the trail in search of the "white Tiger"

see the little gal Gracia, happily strolling on her own with her hands tugged in...Gracia admiring the EMUS........unexpected surprise to see my counsin Stanley and his wife.. we've not met for almost a year! Gracia and her "distant" cousin Gerald , just a month apart in age!The charming Chan Family =)

Daddys with their princesses

Going Home finally....=0

Just in time....

Ever since I started to work part time, i.e only 50% of the work week ( part time).. my pay has also correspondingly decreased to 50% ( ah but then????? )

It's quite a fair bit of adjustment as I have become very consciously aware of my spending habits and have held back buying many things I would have easily spent on in the past. But there's something which I really needed to get but have struggled to buy even in a sale... maternity clothes.

This little miracle & blessing within me ( due early september) has thankfully been growing healthily and bigger and stretching most of my clothes to the max!!!! But with only 2 months to go, I really can't bear to buy any more maternity clothes esp since they aren't really cheap..=P

I passed by the maternity shop at Hougang Mall the last Sunday morning and saw that the clothes were on sale and going only at $20.. but yet, I can't bear to buy so as to save the money for other more important household things. I walked away a little sad ............

(PS : just to clarify, my hubby would very willingly buy for me just that I didn't want our money to be spent on things that I can help not buying as far as I could)


But GUESS WHAT , God surprised me when I went for Sunday service that afternoon! Johnson and I just stepped into church when my G12 sister, Belle ( also a pregnant mummy with her baby due in Dec) walked over and passed me a small bag.


"Nah, I packed some maternity clothes just for you " she said.

I was deeply surprised within, actually I really forgot whether I ever shared with her on this need, even if I did , it was probably jokingly done and many months back.

Then shortly after, one of her cell gals, Kai Yun returned Belle a bag of her maternityclothes that she borrowed during her pregnancy. And Belle just transferred the WHOLE BIG BAG of maternity clothes to me!

I really felt very touched and thankful within esp to receive this at a time that I was really in quite bad need for maternity clothes.=P

Through these 2 angels, I really felt the Lord 's love affirming me that He knows my needs and WILL SUPPLY ALL my NEEDS according to his glorious riches....( Phillipians 4:19)

Actually I have been meditating and claiming this above verse for the past weeks and the Lord has brought it into reality for me this week.

Would also like to share with you a song that has been keeping me strong as I adjust though all the changes in my life this season:

I serve a God who is faithful

He will never fail

When I'm in the desert,

He's a river of hope

I serve a God who is faithful

His faithfulness prevails

Lord I put my trust in you.

I serve a God who is faithful and true

I will hide in the shelter of your wings

For I find my rest , in your faithfulness

Lord I put my trust in you.

And even though this life may bring

heartaches and pain,

but through it all

I cling to you and call out your name!!

Being affirmed of the Lord's faithfulness gives me new strength to face the challenges ahead =)

Parent's Appreciation Dinner 2008- A family affair

Hmmm.. I finally got the pictures of this year's PAD 2008 .. yippee! This year , it's a little more challenging as Johnson and me co-organise this year's Parents Appreciation Dinner with lots more stuff on our hands to juggle. But God is really good, really felt the support coming from our fellow bros and sisters in our G12 group, as well as my cell gals and esp from my own parents.

Lots of hard work..... but lots of thanksgiving too! =)

When I told my parents about the dinner, they had already made prior arrangements to go HK for a trip but have specially rearranged their trip just in time to make it for the dinner. ( In fact they came straight from airport to the dinner, that's how tight their schedule was). It may be a simple gesture but to me , it showed the love and support for us as they were aware we were the main organisers.

My parents and my mother in law have been coming EVERY YEAR for PAD and it's become an annual family event for us all!

In addition, I was specially blessed when my cell gals came down to serve along with us at the reception counter and co-ordinated all the photos and distribution of roses and all the miscellaneous logistics. In addition, they also doubled up as baby sitters to all the little friends .

They came down despite their parents not being ard. It was really a special encouragement for me to have them together with us in this.

Are they beautiful ladies???? See them in action :

Qingxiu: excuse me Ps YC, ya confirmed, you have been allocated tables 1-9 to serve for this evening. God bless you with strength =P

Chailing : Hi aunty, may you continue to grow as beautiful as this rose =)

Winnie : Hi Uncle, dun worry these photos are at no additional charge, all in the package liao =)

Precious Princesses of the Lord both young and " old"..ke ke

The "older" babes

And we also like having a little fun with the camera too......




And , back to my family... they were very blessed too as we served them by a simple massage.. that reminds me that I should be doing more at home for my parents and mother in law too ...

We were also filled with joy when we saw our fellow brothers and sisters enjoying their time with their family thru out the dinner as Ps Chan and Ps YC shared the Lord's special message for all the families and teach us how to relate to each other - parents to children and vice versa.

Indeed, everytime we prepare for parents' appreciation, our prayer is that "

God will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.." That I pray for my immediate family too !

There are many more precious people that have made the PAD 2008 such a success.. watch out as I prepare to post it up on our YCYPAO tribe blog :dreamersmoversshakers.blogspot.com .

( Do be patient for the entry on the tribeblog as I need a little more time... oppsss... Gracia is up from her nap.. gotta go! =)

My breakfast

Gracia: This morning I was watching mummy make breakfast for daddy.... and guess what... mummy let me try making my OWN breakfast!!!!!!!



So cool! See me in action !

The next time when my daddy or mummy invites you to my place, I make breakfast for you ok!

A Pure Heart

As I hear this sunday's sermon ( excerpts from the book of Jonah) , reminded me how easily we can keep anger in our hearts towards the pple whom we "judged" . How easy for us to hold grudges and refuse to see through God's eyes of compassion for them .

Brought me back to this song to meditate upon , that I will chose to seek to have a pure heart, one that will not choose to hold anger and reminds me that everyone of us needs the grace of God =)

A pure heart

that's what I long for

a heart that follows hard after thee

A heart that hides your word

so that sin will not come in

A heart that's undivided

but one you rule and reign

A heart that beats compassion

that pleases you my lord

A sweet aroma of worship

that rises to your throne...

Lord , only you know the deep thoughts within me, search me and help me be true to you deep within .

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

little kitchen chef

Opps, it's lunch time soon. Now, preparing lunch for Gracia is much more enjoyable as I have a little helper with me!

This is so fun!!!!!!

Gracia "sings": this is the way I wash my broccoli, I wash my broccoli, I wash my broccoli....

And after a hard day's work at the kitchen, mummy treats Gracia to her favourite Meiji Yoghurt after lunch!

hmmmm , hmmmmm.....

My hard work's all worth it! One more time tomorrow ok? =)

Baby Gracia has turned 2!

Wow..... finally starting to blog again... being a full time working mum is really challenging, to be able to sit by the computer to blog is truly a LUXURY!

Hurray, now I am working part time and should be able to still squeeze time to blog .. will kick start this new season with highlights of Gracia's birthday with my first entry!!!!!!!

Yup Yup... my little darling has turned two... and tho many books label this stage as the "terrible twos" , I think it's just about adjusting to the fact that my once little baby who had been passive about every decision has now started to develop her very own opinions and unique personality ... =0

I'm so proud of her, she's grown into a beautiful toddler ( reserving the term " lady" for later stage) who learns to be more aware of not just her own needs but also others. Once when I almost fell down, she leaned to me and asked " you ok? ... careful careful " and tried to help me up.But not all days are as heartwarming I must admit. There were times that I needed to beg God to grant me patience as I "battle" with her " No No No" to bathing time, sleeping time... etc.

But through this whole year, it has been a joy, despite my own roller coaster ride as I juggle between a Full time working mum and a Full Time Mummy. AS I see how Gracia has blossomed my deepest gratitude goes to My Family .

I wouldn't have been able to survive if not for my FAMILY ,

• my wise , loving and patient hubby who partnered with me in raising Gracia ( teaching, bathing, etc..everything I do, he also does), spend nights up just to let me rattle about every worries / thoughts I have to release the stress, and not forgetting the prayers he lifts before the Lord for me..






• my parents , sister and mother -in - law who helped to share the load ( & joy) of bringing up Gracia while Johnson and I were at work

• Gracia's cousins , aunties and uncles who comes very thursday to play with her and just be family to her...

• My spiritual family at church who welcomes her and dotes on her in everyway they can..

As Johnson and I celebrate her 2nd birthday, we are so thankful for the family that has been behind us to raise and nurture Gracia together with us ......I truly believe that it "takes a kampong to raise a child".

Here's some pictures to share with you :

Ain't she cheeky? =p

Her doting yee yee, Ma Ma & Gong Gong who inspires her with a passion for music through all the songs that they teach her at home

Gracia's nie nie who brings her to market every morning and has made Gracia very popular with the uncles and aunties selling foodstuff at the market!

Gracia's cousins -her favourite regular thursday playmates when everyone comes over for dinner!

Gracia's playmates in church - Elsie and Anna Poh . There's never a dull moment when the Poh sisters are around her =)

Gracia with aunty Stella -one of the most patient and endearing aunties in church who is every ready to entertain her always, even during service =P

My cell gals, Qingxiu, Joey, Winnie and most recently, Lori who helps to take care and play with Gracia every sunday esp when I have to do ministry duties!

On behalf of Gracia, her daddy and mummy wanna thank you for being such a wonderful family and blessing to her =)

Finally... am going to work only part time

Yesh...it's really been crasy juggling with work and family esp with the little girl Gracia getting so interactive !!!



So am really glad that FINALLY, I have begun my part time plans this May.. to really orientate my life and do what I love doing most... to spend time nurturing little Gracia and the little one coming along in Sept...........



Yup, that also means that I can finally start sharing on my blog again. While I was working full time, it was near impossible to be sitting by my PC after work without little Gracia popping by to invite me to join in with her games. And then when she's finally asleep.... I 'm almost exhausted my energy tank for the day!

Well but going part time has not been easy for me too... frankly , eversince I was pregnant ( oh yes.... I didn't share..I 'm expecting baby no 2 in Sept 2008!!!!!!!!), I was nevery the same again at work.. not as competent and fast... it's really hard to explain.. I really try but just not as focused as before.

It was a very humbling period for me at work, was losing my confidence at work but guess what... The Lord led me to understand another deeper truth about his heart for me :

This is the key verse for me this season as I struggle with my competency at work -

" His pleasure is not in the strength of horses nor his delight in the legs of man, the Lord delights is in those who fear him , who put their hope in his unfailing love." Ps 147:10.

The Lord reminded me thru this humbling period of time that my significance at work is not measured by how competent I am... a reminder that his love for me is not pegged to my competence but how I face the challenges at work with an attitude that honours him which will be reflected with how I relate to my bosses and collegues at work.

The real challenge for myself is to find HOPE in the Lord's unfailing love for me and not in my competency and ability to perform.

Thank you Jesus for reminding me of your love for me.

Fond Memories of my 1st Youthnet Marriage encounter

During the last YouthNet Marriage encounter in Oct 2007, Johnson and I had learnt a lot through Ps Eugene and Ps Julie's simple yet powerful lives as a couple journeying thru marriage life for the past 25 years. The content for every session was enriching , packed with much practical handles and insights to work through the challenges that we face in a marriage.

One of my greatest take away is a sense of huge relief that "Sex" can be an open discussion topic . The "sexology" session conducted by "Dr" Caleb , in his down to earth yet humourous style really gave me a refreshing appreciation of sex as God's earth-shaking blessing for married couples.

Pastor Eugene also encouraged us to be open and dare to express our love openingly , something not inherent in our culture. I was so touched when Johnson openly read out to everyone his love poem that he specially penned for me.

Eversince we became parents, it was really easy to be caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities in taking care of Gracia. Even though Johnson and I do take pockets of time just for ourselves as a couple, it's nothing like an extended weekend like this. A weekend that I rediscovered and "re-enjoyed" my hubby , rekindling the spontenity , fun and romance in our marriage once again.

It was also a bonus for me to see my spiritual parents, Ps Yeang Cherng and Ps Yueh Ping so lovey-dovey together.

With so much fond memories and the beautiful work that was sparked off in the 1st YouthNet marriage encounter, I'm surely looking forward to the next MEW coming up! =)

Finally.....

Hi Hi.. yes.. it's been the LONGEST time since I've last blogged.

Some of you have already been teasing me about my absense from my blog.. yes ..perhaps it's really time to clean up the virtual cobwebs on my blog ( nona, i caught your BIG HINT)

Since I started work, have been maximising every little time I have to spend quality time with hubby and Gracia after work. I really marvel at mums who has the energy to juggle work and family at the same time.. it truly is quite a challenge =P

So, I was really so thankful to my dear hubby for planning a little family retreat to Bintan just last week......

Some quick updates.. from Gracia

" I'm so excited, it's my first trip to Bintan and yes, extended time with my daddy and mummy!"

Even before I reached Bintan, I met some cute guys... oh wat a treat! =P

Hey watch me watch, walking is so much fun!

I've got the whole resort to explore! weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

"ok, i've walked the resort , I'm ready for more action at the pool........ ! See my new ball and surf float!"

"Hmmm, before I go, let me dial a special spa treat for my daddy n mummy ...."








" phew, what a long day...... just me chilling out with a nice cool drink "

i can't believe it's over!!!! It's toooo short!!!!!!!! Smile at the camera, no way! Mummy, we 'll be back again yah? "

The Heng Family at Bintan Lagoon

Gracia and her Gong Gong and Ma ma

I am finally back to work after almost a year and that explains my absense all this while from my blog. I am so glad I had so much exclusive time with baby Gracia and given a choice again I would still choose to take my 1-year no pay leave =)

Well, then again, another part of me also look forward to returning back to work ..... many many adjustments... too much to share in this entry..

Just wanted to say that I am so blessed to have the support of my parents and my mother in law. They have so willingly offered to step in to take care of baby Gracia when it was time for me to return back to work ......


I'm so glad that Gracia has so many more people doting and caring for her. And it warms my heart to see her close to her grandparents =)

Thank God for family ...... =)

Gracia Warrior

I'm just recovering from the nasty Hand foot mouth (HFM) thingy and I'm not gonna sit around and whine. I will FIGHT the virus!


I'm part of the TASK force to EXTERMINATE the hand foot mouth virus at home , ok I'm ready!


You think I play play only ? See me in action!



And now, DOUBLE ACTION!



And we will have VICTORY over the HFM virus!

Happy Birthday Gracia

Baby Gracia has turned 1 on 12 Jun ! =)

She's really grown into a beautiful and expressive gal who has brought so much joy to our family.

If you are lucky you can catch her dancing ( bouncing , bouncing ).

When she's happy, she'll give you the widest grin ...

when she's frustrated, she'll let you know too ...

Sometimes she may turn private and shy away from you ...

but most of the times, she loves to have fun with you .....

Wow...how time flies , I can't believe that Gracia has grown so much , can you still remember she used to look like this ? =)