Posted by Geo.
Yesh... Am determined to find time, and write down this whole process of knowing that San and me will become parents by this time next year. It is such a GREAT blessing that I want to remember how God is in this whole deal.
On 4th Dec (Sat), we attended a Marriage Enrichment Conference organized by our church. There were pocket of times during the conference when San took out her diary and calculated the days of her menses. After that, she told me, "It has been 42 days and my menses is still not here, hmm... Maybe wait until 60 days before I do the pregnancy test"? She asked... I kind of agreed relunctantly there and then... BUT, there was this tugging in my heart... I believe it is God's voice whispering and telling me,"Why must it be 60 days before San take the preganancy test"?... However I brush the matter aside and continue to concentrate on the conference teaching.
During break time, we mingled with other couples who attended the conference. There was this brother whom we chatted with and he popped this question, "Are we planning for a child"? It was a genuine question, and my answer to him is, "Trying"... But if I may verbalise my thought process then, it probably goes 'If God give us a child, praise God... If not, never mind'... When I 'heard' myself, I was suddenly reminded that San and me are praying for a child. It wasn't just this brother alone. Friends and colleagues around also asked this question, but my answer to them is also the same. God somehow reminded me that when we pray, we got to believe that He will answer. I was kind of ashamed for my own disbelief.
Soon, I turned to San and told her, "Let's just go and buy the test kit and test it out tonight... I will pay"... HAHAaaa... I said that partly because we actually have one test kit at home in Ang Mo Kio. However, we are heading towards Simei after the conference, and staying over too. We can easily wait till the next day before San do the test. BUT, I really wanted to apply faith after this 2 encounters during the conference. Indeed, when we pray and commit the matter to God, we got to act with faith and trust.
Yesh!!!... San is expecting!!!... God answered our prayer... There is this sense of awe, to know that God is 'fearfully and wonderfully making His child' in San's womb. Indeed, a human being is an incredible thing. Far too complex and intricate to have come into being without the guiding hand of a Creator. Amen!!!... :)
Monday, December 6, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
A journey of faith begins...
Posted by San.
There's this deep joy that's overflowing within me. I have received all sorts of blessings from God, in all various forms. Financial, emotional, physical, handphones, PDAs, etc. You name it, I have it.
However, the blessing of knowing that I am carrying a child is beyond words. In all honesty, the last few months were mixed with fear & disappointments. It has almost been a teenage-hood worry to me that I would have great difficulties bearing a child. Where I got these fears - don't ask me. I even was prepared that I even might be adopting.
It seemed almost surreal, almost totally unreal. How could this be happening to me? Wow! A life is within me! Is it for real? God, you sure? God, wow! You are so kind to me! God, you are so nice to me. I am filled with astonishment, excitement, surreal-ness. Each moment, I would be thinking of the little one within me. Each movement I made is made with care.
Just two days ago, I had a little doubt. As I was waiting for my monthly period to arrive, I was tempted to opine "Oh, it's been days and I am tired of waiting for my period to come!" Yet, there was this still small voice beside me whispering - San, I thought you were praying for a child? Where is that faith?
I kept this thought within me and unknowingly, Geo also had his thoughts - which he will blog if he has found the time. Hee.. When we put it together and discussed about it, we decided that we would go and buy the test kit. Honestly, I was reluctant to test, worried that I would be disappointed. Yet, there was this strong feeling pushing me to have faith & trust.
God is good - in good times AND bad times! I am reminded that we have only tried for a child for a mere 8 months. There are couples who have tried 8 years and are still trying. I am only reminded to not take this blessing for granted but in everything I do, to continue to seek God's face, to seek His love, to seek his presence in my life. I am reminded that I am not to gloat. I am reminded to break the news with care.
For now, I have been advised to sleep well, eat normal & pray! =) God, I am ready for the 40 weeks of faith.. May You take over my life & take control of everything.
There's this deep joy that's overflowing within me. I have received all sorts of blessings from God, in all various forms. Financial, emotional, physical, handphones, PDAs, etc. You name it, I have it.
However, the blessing of knowing that I am carrying a child is beyond words. In all honesty, the last few months were mixed with fear & disappointments. It has almost been a teenage-hood worry to me that I would have great difficulties bearing a child. Where I got these fears - don't ask me. I even was prepared that I even might be adopting.
It seemed almost surreal, almost totally unreal. How could this be happening to me? Wow! A life is within me! Is it for real? God, you sure? God, wow! You are so kind to me! God, you are so nice to me. I am filled with astonishment, excitement, surreal-ness. Each moment, I would be thinking of the little one within me. Each movement I made is made with care.
Just two days ago, I had a little doubt. As I was waiting for my monthly period to arrive, I was tempted to opine "Oh, it's been days and I am tired of waiting for my period to come!" Yet, there was this still small voice beside me whispering - San, I thought you were praying for a child? Where is that faith?
I kept this thought within me and unknowingly, Geo also had his thoughts - which he will blog if he has found the time. Hee.. When we put it together and discussed about it, we decided that we would go and buy the test kit. Honestly, I was reluctant to test, worried that I would be disappointed. Yet, there was this strong feeling pushing me to have faith & trust.
God is good - in good times AND bad times! I am reminded that we have only tried for a child for a mere 8 months. There are couples who have tried 8 years and are still trying. I am only reminded to not take this blessing for granted but in everything I do, to continue to seek God's face, to seek His love, to seek his presence in my life. I am reminded that I am not to gloat. I am reminded to break the news with care.
For now, I have been advised to sleep well, eat normal & pray! =) God, I am ready for the 40 weeks of faith.. May You take over my life & take control of everything.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Getting to know you
The song from King & I - Getting to know you - was probably my theme song this year with regards to my marriage.
It was just beginning of this year that I made a vow to a man - Till death do us part. My life has not been the same since then. Marriage has probably brought the worst and the best out of me.
Living with my in laws was never a difficult thing to do. My greatest adjustment was probably the toilet, having no space to wash my clothes and hang it up. Kitchen habits were very different as well. Thankfully, I do not inspire to be a chef so I steer clear of the kitchen.
I very much appreciate Geo for his patience and often very slow to anger. I ask him ever now and then if I will ever one day see his anger towards me. Shamefully, in these past 10 months, he has definitely experienced my wrath more than me his.
With two different ministries and workload, having time together was quite a feat. Yet, the sweetness of the marriage was when we both try to squeeze time or do something spontaneously. I believe that difficult moments are opportunities when our marriage see growth. Beautiful moments are to help us tide through difficult times.
As we are planning for a kiddo now, we are careful of the pitfalls that may come along the way when a child comes. For one, we might be too tired to spend time with God when a child comes. Or we may lose that intimate moments with one another. Knowledge is so that we can have a better idea of what is to come. Ultimately, the best gift any parent could give their child is really for the parents to love one another. To model to the child what love is. To provide the safety attachment for the child. To allow the child, to be a child.
Yes, I am still gonna sing - Getting to know you, getting to know all about you! Marriage is an everlasting vow that one makes to get to know all about his/her partner. Not only that, their family too. It's a process that I am totally enjoying.
It was just beginning of this year that I made a vow to a man - Till death do us part. My life has not been the same since then. Marriage has probably brought the worst and the best out of me.
Living with my in laws was never a difficult thing to do. My greatest adjustment was probably the toilet, having no space to wash my clothes and hang it up. Kitchen habits were very different as well. Thankfully, I do not inspire to be a chef so I steer clear of the kitchen.
I very much appreciate Geo for his patience and often very slow to anger. I ask him ever now and then if I will ever one day see his anger towards me. Shamefully, in these past 10 months, he has definitely experienced my wrath more than me his.
With two different ministries and workload, having time together was quite a feat. Yet, the sweetness of the marriage was when we both try to squeeze time or do something spontaneously. I believe that difficult moments are opportunities when our marriage see growth. Beautiful moments are to help us tide through difficult times.
As we are planning for a kiddo now, we are careful of the pitfalls that may come along the way when a child comes. For one, we might be too tired to spend time with God when a child comes. Or we may lose that intimate moments with one another. Knowledge is so that we can have a better idea of what is to come. Ultimately, the best gift any parent could give their child is really for the parents to love one another. To model to the child what love is. To provide the safety attachment for the child. To allow the child, to be a child.
Yes, I am still gonna sing - Getting to know you, getting to know all about you! Marriage is an everlasting vow that one makes to get to know all about his/her partner. Not only that, their family too. It's a process that I am totally enjoying.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Accommodating and Compromising
It has been a month of marriage life for me. So far, it has been a wonderful experience being married. I thought I just want to jot this good-times-moment down so that when arguments happen, I can look back on the good times that we had.
To be fair, in the entire month, I only had 2 weeks of the real-world, being away for honeymoon for the first 2 weeks. Going away for honeymoon immediately was pretty helpful we felt. It helped us adjust to living together as a couple first (before I started staying with Geo's parents). It gave us ample time to talk about some standards and values we share. Although it was a little surreal (living in hotel and away from homeland), it was a pretty fruitful experience.
In the 2 weeks, I found that my in-laws love language is Acts of Service. They love by serving. They hardly talk, although I found a few good occasion to chat. Last week while cooking together with my father in law, I spoke of preserved beancurd (tao-lu) and how much I love it with porridge and how much I love porridge. Next day, my mother in law, in her silent ways, cooked porridge for me. My parents in law wakes up very early daily and will prepare breakfast.
I constant remind myself that as much as I have to adjust to living with my husband and in-laws, I cannot cannot forget that my in-laws are also adjusting to living with me. Compromising and accommodating is something so crucial. Now, I eat more healthily because of a value my other half and his parents hold - breakfast every morning. Usually, I don't have my breakfast (because I always wake up just in time for a bath and off to work I go). Now, I learn to wake up earlier because my PIL has already prepared breakfast for us.
I thank God for in-laws who allow me into their lives (to cook, to do household chores, to enter their room) yet still respect my private space whenever I need to.
Living with Geo has been amazing. He has such great capacity to tolerate and accommodate to my nonsense. Between us, I am the more picky one. Our differences can be quite vast when it comes to living, honestly. He is the can-live-with-things & careless type of guy. I am the need-things-to-be-in-their-proper-place & prim-and-proper type of girl. I need things to be organized. It may be messy but I still need organization. Last week, we had a short cold war triggered by a missing bedsheet (laugh! but yes, missing bedsheet!). Prior to that, there were little occurrences of misplacement. Finally the missing bedsheet blew me off and I decided not to talk. After 30 mins (or so), I decided to talk things out. Thankfully, Geo's a very good listener and very open to accommodating and learning my way of living so we had a good talk.
Well, this is but just one month. I am enjoying every minute of it. Let's see how things go when work starts for me next Monday. :)
To be fair, in the entire month, I only had 2 weeks of the real-world, being away for honeymoon for the first 2 weeks. Going away for honeymoon immediately was pretty helpful we felt. It helped us adjust to living together as a couple first (before I started staying with Geo's parents). It gave us ample time to talk about some standards and values we share. Although it was a little surreal (living in hotel and away from homeland), it was a pretty fruitful experience.
In the 2 weeks, I found that my in-laws love language is Acts of Service. They love by serving. They hardly talk, although I found a few good occasion to chat. Last week while cooking together with my father in law, I spoke of preserved beancurd (tao-lu) and how much I love it with porridge and how much I love porridge. Next day, my mother in law, in her silent ways, cooked porridge for me. My parents in law wakes up very early daily and will prepare breakfast.
I constant remind myself that as much as I have to adjust to living with my husband and in-laws, I cannot cannot forget that my in-laws are also adjusting to living with me. Compromising and accommodating is something so crucial. Now, I eat more healthily because of a value my other half and his parents hold - breakfast every morning. Usually, I don't have my breakfast (because I always wake up just in time for a bath and off to work I go). Now, I learn to wake up earlier because my PIL has already prepared breakfast for us.
I thank God for in-laws who allow me into their lives (to cook, to do household chores, to enter their room) yet still respect my private space whenever I need to.
Living with Geo has been amazing. He has such great capacity to tolerate and accommodate to my nonsense. Between us, I am the more picky one. Our differences can be quite vast when it comes to living, honestly. He is the can-live-with-things & careless type of guy. I am the need-things-to-be-in-their-proper-place & prim-and-proper type of girl. I need things to be organized. It may be messy but I still need organization. Last week, we had a short cold war triggered by a missing bedsheet (laugh! but yes, missing bedsheet!). Prior to that, there were little occurrences of misplacement. Finally the missing bedsheet blew me off and I decided not to talk. After 30 mins (or so), I decided to talk things out. Thankfully, Geo's a very good listener and very open to accommodating and learning my way of living so we had a good talk.
Well, this is but just one month. I am enjoying every minute of it. Let's see how things go when work starts for me next Monday. :)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wedding
Hi there all, I am finally back from honeymoon and back to the blogging world!
Wedding was on 30 January. Today's already the 18 February and to be honest, I am still on Cloud Nine, overwhelmed by all the blessings Geo & I had received and is still receiving.
Praise God for his healing powers! Two days before the wedding, I was so sick in my nose. I kept sneezing and it really got worse just the night before the wedding! I couldn't get to sleep either. It was such a tough night. By the time I caught a proper sleep, it was already about 5am. Thank God there is no tradition that says I have to leave before the sunrise so I was able to get at least 2 hours of sleep. Make up artist came at 7:05am. I woke up at 6:55am. Hee... :) I downed a glass of hot water, had Milo and biscuit, 2 Panadols, prayed for and I was absolutely cleared from all sneezing till the entire day was over!
Praise God for the more-than-perfect weather. It was not THAT hot. Neither did it rain! Geo & I were very worried about the day being scorching. We got Ramesh (the person in charge of The Bark Cafe) to blast all fans. We were so worried that we decided to get a tentage. And yes, whilst I am on the topic of tentage, we were also blessed with great discount!
Praise God for all who turned up and didn't turn up. The blessings and wishes we received were heartfelt. You know, I was in awe at the monetary blessings we received that I felt tears welling in my eyes. It was incredible and amazing.
Thank God for all who has a hand in helping out with the wedding. When I approached them for help, they volunteered their own kids too! I was so touched when the parents went shopping for Orange color clothing for their kids too! I know I know... They told me "It's ok! Can always wear for Chinese New Year la..." But... it's not just ok.. The effort put in, amidst of their busy schedule, to look all over for a color that wasn't the IN color was amazing. Thanks! Not forgetting my sisters too... I got 3 last minute sisters who went all the way out to search for Orange dresses... Thanks my dear girls. You girls are wonderful and such a blessing to have.
Thank God for my immediate and extended family. Your presence had brightened up my day. You are the people whom I had grown up with. People who has seen the better and worst side of me. Seen me when I was naked with diapers. Seen me when I was defiant and ran away. Thank you all for loving me the way I am and nurturing me to be who I am now.
Thank God for warm in-laws and extended in-laws. Even before I was married, they had treated me as if I was one of them. Parents, aunts, uncles all alike. Thank you for your acceptance & embrace.
Back to the wedding day, other than the weather, I was surprised that I wasn't at all nervous. It really does help by not inviting everybody on my phone's list. Everyone whom I invited were friends, colleagues and buddys who were close to me. So instead of feeling nervous, I was having a GREAT time! My pastor commented that they rarely see bride walking around before the walk in. In my perspective, I just wanna have fun and mingle. I am ready to break all traditions. The only down side of me walking around was my tired feet at the end of the day. I was so used to wearing flats. My heels that day was 4 inch high! Gosh! I suddenly felt taller - and more tired!
The next day, Geo & I went for our church service with swollen eyes. Hee.. Tired la.. Following day, we made our way for our honeymoon to Langkawi and Penang. I will blog about our honeymoon trip next time.
Done for the day!
Wedding was on 30 January. Today's already the 18 February and to be honest, I am still on Cloud Nine, overwhelmed by all the blessings Geo & I had received and is still receiving.
Praise God for his healing powers! Two days before the wedding, I was so sick in my nose. I kept sneezing and it really got worse just the night before the wedding! I couldn't get to sleep either. It was such a tough night. By the time I caught a proper sleep, it was already about 5am. Thank God there is no tradition that says I have to leave before the sunrise so I was able to get at least 2 hours of sleep. Make up artist came at 7:05am. I woke up at 6:55am. Hee... :) I downed a glass of hot water, had Milo and biscuit, 2 Panadols, prayed for and I was absolutely cleared from all sneezing till the entire day was over!
Praise God for the more-than-perfect weather. It was not THAT hot. Neither did it rain! Geo & I were very worried about the day being scorching. We got Ramesh (the person in charge of The Bark Cafe) to blast all fans. We were so worried that we decided to get a tentage. And yes, whilst I am on the topic of tentage, we were also blessed with great discount!
Praise God for all who turned up and didn't turn up. The blessings and wishes we received were heartfelt. You know, I was in awe at the monetary blessings we received that I felt tears welling in my eyes. It was incredible and amazing.
Thank God for all who has a hand in helping out with the wedding. When I approached them for help, they volunteered their own kids too! I was so touched when the parents went shopping for Orange color clothing for their kids too! I know I know... They told me "It's ok! Can always wear for Chinese New Year la..." But... it's not just ok.. The effort put in, amidst of their busy schedule, to look all over for a color that wasn't the IN color was amazing. Thanks! Not forgetting my sisters too... I got 3 last minute sisters who went all the way out to search for Orange dresses... Thanks my dear girls. You girls are wonderful and such a blessing to have.
Thank God for my immediate and extended family. Your presence had brightened up my day. You are the people whom I had grown up with. People who has seen the better and worst side of me. Seen me when I was naked with diapers. Seen me when I was defiant and ran away. Thank you all for loving me the way I am and nurturing me to be who I am now.
Thank God for warm in-laws and extended in-laws. Even before I was married, they had treated me as if I was one of them. Parents, aunts, uncles all alike. Thank you for your acceptance & embrace.
Back to the wedding day, other than the weather, I was surprised that I wasn't at all nervous. It really does help by not inviting everybody on my phone's list. Everyone whom I invited were friends, colleagues and buddys who were close to me. So instead of feeling nervous, I was having a GREAT time! My pastor commented that they rarely see bride walking around before the walk in. In my perspective, I just wanna have fun and mingle. I am ready to break all traditions. The only down side of me walking around was my tired feet at the end of the day. I was so used to wearing flats. My heels that day was 4 inch high! Gosh! I suddenly felt taller - and more tired!
The next day, Geo & I went for our church service with swollen eyes. Hee.. Tired la.. Following day, we made our way for our honeymoon to Langkawi and Penang. I will blog about our honeymoon trip next time.
Done for the day!Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Boutonnière
A boutonnière, a floral decoration for a guy. Usually, it's worn during special occasion. Wedding is definitely one special occasion.
In the past few weddings which I helped/attended, the most hated thing about the boutonnière is that it doesn't seem to stay pinned-on to the jacket/shirt. In fact, I get most irritated ensuring that it stays on the whole ceremony.
Therefore, I gave it a bit of thought for the boutonnière for Geo's brothers. Of course, I wanted something unique, again. I also wanted it light. Initially, Geo and I thought that maybe no need boutonnière, just an orange tie for all. Then again, (the stingy me) ties are not cheap. We also do not wish to give just a cheap orange tie. Practically speaking, I do wonder, really wonder, who will wear the orange tie again.
Anyway, long story cut short, I decided on this - Peacock boutonnière. Hee! I think the color orange suits the feather! Now, I am wondering - would the brothers wear?????????????
In the past few weddings which I helped/attended, the most hated thing about the boutonnière is that it doesn't seem to stay pinned-on to the jacket/shirt. In fact, I get most irritated ensuring that it stays on the whole ceremony.
Therefore, I gave it a bit of thought for the boutonnière for Geo's brothers. Of course, I wanted something unique, again. I also wanted it light. Initially, Geo and I thought that maybe no need boutonnière, just an orange tie for all. Then again, (the stingy me) ties are not cheap. We also do not wish to give just a cheap orange tie. Practically speaking, I do wonder, really wonder, who will wear the orange tie again.
Anyway, long story cut short, I decided on this - Peacock boutonnière. Hee! I think the color orange suits the feather! Now, I am wondering - would the brothers wear?????????????
Friday, November 27, 2009
Invitation Map
Yay! Cards written, envelops done, labels typewritten, labels pasted. One card given out to a close friend who's leaving Singapore, almost for good, then realized "OH! No map!"
Went back home, conjure up a map and ta-da!
**Mummy's the angel who did 180 envelops for me!**
Went back home, conjure up a map and ta-da!
**Mummy's the angel who did 180 envelops for me!**
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