FUN ON A BOLSTER

Elaine and Jim {our British couple friends whom we have known for more than 10 years!} came by on Sunday and gave Jonathan a present.  I have their photograph but not sure if they would mind it being in the journal so I have to leave it out.  Elaine was quite cheeky, told Jonathan they got this from the school {as you know ... he doesn't like the mention of that WORD! haha}

This present is a bolster for exercising.  They had it custom-made for their little girl who has out-grown it.  I was just too happy to get this gift from them.  Thanks Elaine and Jim!

Obviously someone was very excited and happy about this new "toy" that he got and wanted to "play" with it immediately, forgetting that it's for him to have his exercises.  So...remembering what his PT used to do, I started with this.  It is to stretch his legs so the joints around the hips and inner thighs will not be tight.

A few minutes later, he wanted to get down and we went on to the kneeling exercises.  You can see he's still very happy here.

A few minutes later, he wanted his favourite position.

Look at the wide grin on his face!  He will push with his legs so his head will touch the floor ... on purpose!

And finally, we ended with him balancing on the bolster itself.

Although it was just about 10 minutes, he was tired after that {see his hands to his eyes}.  It was already 10pm :) We had to hide the bolster because he kept asking to play on it, even after he had his meal.  I got more exercise lessons from his PT today and will get Jonathan to try those.  This bolster is one meter long and his legs dangles when we put him length-wise but it's certainly safer than putting Jonathan on the big exercise ball.  With this bolster, we are on the floor and I can kneel behind him whenever we exercise.  Not so strenuous on my back :)

4 DECADES + 3

I must admit ...  4 decades plus 3 is a long time.  Half of which were spent with a fabulous family of great parents, loving and supporting brothers and sisters.

The 2nd half that became a integral part of my life ... a wonderful and caring husband and a terrific son.

God has been good to me.  Though I must say there are alot of times when things happen the way they did were to prepare me for many things to come.  I've experienced being a singer, a relief teacher, a music director, a musician. Tried graphic design course, then found success as a secretary and finally became a full time mom and now helping to run a tshirt business.

These priceless experiences, though short-term, brought a lot of changes to my life.  Sounds like a jack with all trades, master of none .. haha.  But I've enjoyed the process during my younger days right up to where I am today.

I look forward to more decades to come.  My desire is to see Jonathan able to speak and walk.  What a great birthday present that would be :)

I'm thankful for family and friends.  People who I cherish the most and I believe more friends to come.

On the eve of my birthday, Jonathan gave me a pat on my head.  That's his way of showing his love for me.  He happily agreed to spend Sunday night out with us, something he doesn't usually do, preferring to stay at home.  We had a simple dinner at Pasir Ris, just the 3 of us and that's enough for me.  A kiss from both men in my life.

Thank you family and friends for all the birthday wishes through sms-es, e-cards and facebook.

Here are some from sms that I would like to keep:

"Happy birthday to u dear sis.  May God bless u abundantly with continual joy, good health n wisdom, His favor circles u like a shield.  His eyes shine on you all yr days.  Love ..."  MT/LT

"Beloved sis, expect great things from God n great things you will have.  There is no limit to what He is able to do.  God's word will never return void.  He gives power to the faint n He increases strength. Isa 55:11, 40:29 The best days of your life r ahead of you.  Blessed birthday :-) ..." NT

"Blessed birthday talented resourceful lady.  May u always remain so cheerful n resilient in Jesus Christ.  God bless u w all His heavenly blessings." MY

"Hi a Serene!  Happy birthday!  Have a good one! :-)" RT

"Hey yee yee Serene!! Happy birthday!! And God bless :)  God bless your family with abundance and favor and happiness :)  God bless your business with prosperity, joy and oneyyyy! Hahahaha :)  Happy birthday!!" KW

I'm truly blessed and thank you Abba Father for creating me that you will continue to use me in many ways I can become a blessing to many more.

CHILDREN'S DAY GIFTS

Teacher LK asked my friend Cynthia to pass a bag of goodies that was given to every student during the children's day celebration by SCAS at Jurong Science Centre.  We didn't go cos the journey would be too long for Jonathan.  I was surprise to see that in the bag was a pair of "crocs-look-alike" sandals. haha!  A pleasant surprise indeed.  This year's sponsors are really generous indeed!

The tshirt that came with the bag.  Each student had one. Size was big for Jonathan.  Will keep it for later use. 

This is the pair of sandals.  It's an adult size actually. 

Let Jonathan try it today.  But as you can see, they are way too big for his cute little feet.  They kept coming off when I tried taking pictures.  Now we know who's feet these sandals will be holding ... heh heh.  Thanks SCAS for the gifts!

MUCH RELIEF AND A LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE

Jonathan is on school leave till next year.  It's a load off my shoulders.  Long story.  But to cut the story short, I'm thankful that I don't feel guilty about it.

So ... along the days where we are at home, I'm able to do some work and then start planning therapy session for Jonathan.  It's a relief for me.

Then on a high note ... my dearest mom has been doing well after treatment.  Although she finds it hard to remember names, she's more cheerful, alert  and able to follow our conversation, sit with one leg propped up on the cane chair when she's here.  but most of all ... she always remember Kai Ming (aka Jonathan).

So ... to end this post, something interesting that I found on a friend's blog.

A LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE:

I want to encourage everyone that even though we may not use the stairs of the MRT,  hopefully we don't need people to put up piano keys on the steps to do that.  But still ... this is a good way of encouraging people to do so.  Enjoy:

HEIGHTS

This is how tall our prince is now.  I haven't taken his height measurements for a while now.  But we can roughly tell how tall he is just by making him stand against us.  He wants to stand and take steps but I'm unable to hold him up too long.

My backache comes and goes.  Sometimes I still feel a tingling sensation at the lower back.  In the mornings when I wake up, I have to do some simple exercises before I get out of bed, just to stretch the back muscles.

But work still has to go on.  This is what I finished last week ... all 57 pieces, all piled up ready for packing.

STILL NOT IN SCHOOL

Yup ... we're still not back at school.  Whenever I plan to go back, something crops up.  Perhaps I should go back to school at all?  That would make Jonathan very happy.

I don't know .....

JONATHAN PRAYS

Kai Ming, did you pray for ma ma {grandma}?

Jon:  Yes

Will you continue to pray for her to have good memory?

Jon:  Yes

Did you pray in tongues too?

Jon:  Yes

How about praying for yourself?  Did you ask Abba Father to make you speak words and be able to walk?

Jon:  Yes

You must remember to keep praying ok?

Jon:  Yes  (And he proceeded with talking sounds for the next minute. He prayed).

That put a smile onto my face.  Thank you Jesus.

I WILL REMEMBER ... FOREVER

I had a hard time accepting the fact that someone dear dear to me has been losing her memory.  She forgot who H is just 2 days ago.  But then again, I can't blame her cos she hasn't seen H for a long while already.

I love spending time with her.  She enjoys our company and finds joy in hearing our voices.  She laughs when we laugh and gives a strong support when we cry.

I love her ever presence even though sometimes she sits on the sofa and dozes off to sleep.

She makes funny sounds to Jonathan, talks to him, even sits down on the floor just to be with him.  Jonathan, on the other hand, will automatically extends his hands to shake hers, that he doesn't do so quickly with others.

I will remember ... forever ... that

She has a strong character who taught me strength, perseverance, tolerance and generosity.  On top of that, I've adopted her creativity.  Though not trained in arts, she could knit a sweatshirt just by looking at the photographs.  She sewed our clothes when we were young from pajamas right up to the underwear for us sisters.

Her generosity has edged into all our characters and I must say that's her strongest point.

That's how she was and still is.

Sometimes I seek her advice for some design colors and she happily tells me in teochew ... "hor ngia leh" ~ meaning ... it's quite nice.

Cherish the moment ... seize the day ... don't let the good times slip away.  I've made a point to spend more time with her and I'm enjoying every minute we are together.

So to more good memories ahead.  And with treatment, I want to believe God to continue to let you remember us.