We went away for the weekend to visit Brent and Pip (Dane's brother and his wife) at Ballina. We enjoyed the drive both to and back. Both kids were doing well during the 2 hours drive except we had to stop a few times for Jono's toilet trip. He did so well and told us every time he wanted to do a wee.

Firstly, we met up with Brent and Pip at Byron Bay. We had breakfast there and then we went to visit The Macadamia Castle on the way to their house. We did not pay to get into the actual park cause I felt it was a bit expensive. We only shopped at the souvenir shop and bought some macadamia nuts.

The Macadamia Castle

Jono saying goodbye to King Macca

Byron Bay was nice but cause its winter so we didn't go into the water. We had to stop Jono for getting into the water as he was taking his pants off and wanted to jump in the surf. He loves water since birth. At night after dinner, we had played 2 board games 'Cluedo' and 'Ticket to Ride' while both kids had gone to bed.

At night after we had dinner and both kids were in bed we played 2 board games 'Cluedo' and 'Ticket to Ride'. We all love board games and Brent and Pip are known to have a huge collection of them. Brent was the winner for 'Cluedo' and Pip scored the highest in 'Ticket to Ride'. We had a good time laughing and talking.

The next morning we went to Ballina Gospel Hall for the remembering of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The ministry was about to be a man of God like Elijah. We met some new people and had a fellowship lunch there. After some rest , we headed to North Wall for a walk. We enjoyed the walk and we saw some dolphins there. It was amazing to see God's wonderful creation. We then headed home.

Now, we are home and have to get ready for another week. I took the advice from my wonderful mother-in-law about rubbing some Vicks on Esther's feet when putting her to sleep to help ease her cold. I guess I would try anything to help her feel better soon. We are all pretty tired and it's time to go to bed. Thank you Lord for another wonderful family trip!

Had a busy day today. Firstly, I had to take Esther to the doctor this morning to get her rash checked. Thank God, Dr Mclaren was not too concerned and did not think it is allergic reaction. However, having two kids at the waiting room was painful. Jonathan did not want to sit still while Esther was not too happy in her pram. There was some crying and disciplines but in the end it was a happy ending. Jono got a jelly bean from the doctor for being a good boy and we made it home without any dramas.

Once we got home, I made lunch while Esther was asleep. Managed to feed both kids and put them down for their afternoon naps at about 1pm. Then the fun began, first it was vacuuming, then mopping, and followed by hanging out washing. Had a bit of time before they woke up so I went on the internet after reading some catalogues.

Could not remember when but I suddenly noticed there was a message left on our home phone. It was from a high school looking for a learning support teacher for next term. Even though I know I would not take it up but at least it made me feel that I'm still wanted. This is the third job offer since the beginning of this year. I have no regrets to stop working and stay at home looking after my children this entire year, but I still think about my job sometimes. It is really tempting to say yes when people knocked on your door and wanted to give you the job. But NOT YET, cause I'm staying at home for now.

OK, time to go to bed. I need to have as much sleep as possible as I'm not feeling too well these few days. Need to stay strong and healthy to look after my beautiful family.

It's more than a week since my last blog. I had been busy as usual just doing everyday stuffs, being with my children, cooking, cleaning and going out occasionally. Overall, I think I had a fairly good week. I did feel a bit down for a few days where I was easily anxious and got frustrated. I suspect it's my hormone playing up again. Yup blame the hormone, but I'm OK now. Philippians 4:6&7 says "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." We need to learn to trust God and let Him take control of our lives. I often fall into the trap where I wanted to be in control and then got disappointed when things didn't turn out as I planned. Pray that I will not make the same mistakes again.

Jono and Esther are growing up by the minute. They surprise me everyday. Jono has started counting accurately, able to explain things back to me and has a very good transferable knowledge. The problem is he is a bossy kid, he wants everyone to do it his way and he dares to tell you too. He often says "mum, do this, and don't do this...etc" and he also cracks me up big time when he tries to say some Chinese words every now and then. Last Saturday, we went to a private Christian school open day because we are planning to enrol Jono into their pre-prep program next year when he is 3.5 yrs old. Since the visit, Jono keeps saying he wants to go to school and I really can't wait to see him in a school uniform.

Meanwhile, Esther is growing into a cute little girl . She loves talking and makes lot of cooing sounds. Her smile is so heartwarming it often melts my heart. She has started to play with some soft toys and has increasing interest in everything around her. I sometimes have strangers telling to me how Esther was smiling at them and they thought how cute she is and the like when I take her go out to the shops. Admittedly she is really cute and I am enjoying the attention she attracts.

Other than my beloved children, my dear hubby has been very good too. He has lost some kilos and is still going strong. Dane is doing lots of regular exercise and wanting to keep fit. I am happy for him and is more than happy to have a healthy hubby. We have made some adjustments to life with two kids. We set aside at least 15-30 minutes each night to have a interruption free conversation time. We put our kids to bed and get a few things done around the house then we will lie in bed and just talk. There is one rule which is no talking about kids--- just about us and us alone. I am enjoying this as I know my days are full of kids stuffs and we need to have a break from it to focus on other important things. People says having kids can turn your life upside down and I could not agree more. There are so many things to think about when you have children and you just can't go out and do things as you please. It could take your attention away from your partner and you are easily to neglect the relationship. So it's very important to still maintain the relationship with your partner after having children. We are grateful for Dane's parents and sister who are able to babysit the children to give us a break and go out for dates. Having said that, we are absolutely enjoying our life with kids and could not imagine our lives without them. As to us they are not only a gift from God but an evidence of our love for each other! There is no way children are a burden to our marriage but they are one of the sources of our joy and happiness.

Our first photo as a couple 7 years ago

It's Wednesday today, Jono, Esther and I went to the Playgroup at Village Avenue Community Church. It only took about 5 mins drive to get there. I was a bit nervous as it's our first visit there today. However, I was able to recognise a familiar face - Mrs Skinner. We met a few times at various places. Dane knew her family. Well, starting from there I gradually got to know most of the mothers there and we chatted away. On the other hand, Jono was a bit overwhelmed at first as there were at least 20 little kids around. If you know Jono you would be surprised to know that he was shy (he is normally a very outgoing child)! But it did not take long for him to warm up and after some encouragement he went and play with the toys with confidence.

Sarah who is in charge of the playgroup held a cancer foundation fundraising morning tea. As a result, We got to enjoy some nice cakes and muffins while the kids were playing. Esther was a very good girl as she slept most of the time. We were there from 9:30am to 11:20am. We had lunch at home and after that both kids went down for their naps. I managed to do some vaccuming and tidying up in the kitchen. I made chicken rissoles for dinner and now I'm writing my blog. This pretty much sums up my day. I really enjoying being with my kids and being able to look after them myself. It was hard at the beginning as I was bored at home and really not used being at home full time. However, after I followed through my weekly plan, I have started to enjoy my days more.

Dinner tonight--- chicken rissoles, mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables

Being there for my kids really brings me lots of joy. I am able to teach them and guide them every step of the way as they grow up. What better person to look after them and to teach them way of life other than their mum? I carried them for 9 months, gave birth to them and it only makes sense for me their mother to raise them with my own hands. There's no need for babysitter or grandparents to raise my kids. Having said that, I did send Jono to childcare for 2 days a week and 1 day a week with Dane's parents when he was 1.5 yrs old while I was working. However, I make sure Dane and I are still the people who teach him and guide him. We want to be his parents and that's our job! Thank you Lord that I'm able to stay at home for this entire year to be with my kids.

Looking forward to our trip to the library tomorrow! By the way, Jono is doing great with his toilet training. He went to toilet himself twice today without any reminders. Woohoo, we are getting there!

Hurray, it's 7:15pm and both kids are in bed. I'm having some quiet time to myself while Dane's taking a short nap. I had a great day today just being at home with my two beautiful kids. Jono had been SOOOO GOOD and he made me laugh all day. He was so delightful and chatted with me all day long.

My weekly plan is working well so far and I really enjoy doing different things each day. We watched a movie called "Fireproof" last night and it was very moving. The story is about a couple and how their broken marriage can only be fixed with GOD's LOVE and SALVATION. The husband followed a book given by his father called "The Love Dare" for 40 days to get his wife back. At first he found it wasn't working as everything he did was rejected by his wife. He wanted to give up at day 20. He talked to his father and his father finally pointed out that he could only love someone even after being rejected with GOD's LOVE. The Lord Jesus was rejected again and again but He never stop loving us. He gave his life for us and shown us what unconditional love really is. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) The husband eventually got saved and he started reading the Bible and continued the love dare challenge even though the wife was unmoved. At the end, the wife discovered how much her husband loved her and she also saw the changes in him and they eventually got back together. I love the story as it illustrated what real love is. GOD is LOVE!

Praying for tomorrow, may I use my time wisely and bring honour to God in everything that I do.

Since staying at home full time I'm finding that I need some sort of daily routine to keep me sane. Otherwise, I would feel trapped spending my days at home with kids. So I have devised a simple weekly plan:

Monday:
1) Spend the morning playing with Jono at the backyard.
2) Catch up with some housework.

Tuesday:
Jonathan goes to childcare, so I only have Esther.
It's the best time to go shopping, see a doctor if sick, take Esther for her immunisation and health check, go to the dentist, do grocery and go out for lunch.

Wednesday:
1) Take the kids to playgroup and meet with other mums and their children in the morning.
2) Go for a walk in the neighbourhood.

Thursday:
1) Take the kids to the library and do some simple shopping in the morning.
2) Visit friends

Friday:
1) Take the kids to the park or visit friends.
2) Occasional dinner date with hubby while Jono goes to the grandparents.

Saturday:
It’s our Family Day
1) Take Jono to his swimming lesson in the morning.
2) Family outing – parks, swimming, shopping, eating out, visiting friends etc.

Sunday:
It’s the Lord’s Day! We go to church.
Now, I’m looking forward to my weekly adventure!

Hurray, I turned 29 on the 8th May!!! I'm feeling really excited about getting closer to 30, the next stage of my life. Having been married nearly 5 years, given birth to 2 kids, and have worked full time and part-time, I am now staying at home looking after my 2 beautiful children. I realised that I'm no longer young, and I now have a huge responsibility of raising the next generation. However, I do honestly miss my job. I miss the time when I'm Mrs Reynolds and get to work with some lovely teachers and students. My plan is to wait until Esther is at least one, then I'll look into teaching part-time again (maybe 2 days a week). Once the kids are older, I also consider to further my study and maybe have a career change (I'm interested in pharmacy at the moment, but it might change later down the track).

I also celebrated my 3rd Mother's day on the 10th May. This year, I had Dane, Jono and Esther to celebrate with. I'm not fussed about gifts for both my birthday and mother's day. I'm contended with spending these special time with my lovely family. My mum actually handmade me a mother's day card before she left. She was very creative and used things around my house to secretly create the card. I in reverse gave her an album of her and the grandchildren.

I do enjoy my time at home most of the time but I have to admit that I have had hard times too. Especially when the hormones are playing up and the kids are very demanding. What would my life be if I have not got married and have kids? I asked myself. However, when I seriously think about it, I really thank God for everything that I have today. All the way my Saviour leads me, what have I to ask beside? I would not want it any other way. No matter how hard and challenging my life is, I know that my Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ is my strength.

In conclusion, I have had wonderful time for both my birthday and mother's day. I'm now looking forward to celebrate Jono's 3rd birthday in August.

Jonathan helping me made blueberry muffins

Finally have some 'me' time to write my blog. I am having a very busy week. Jonathan is sick with cold and is staying at home with me the 2 days he was meant to go to childcare. So, I was soooo busy looking after 2 kids. Apart from that, I still need to do housework and keep up with my daily errands. I get frustrated sometimes but nevertheless I still enjoy being a stay at home mum. It is really a great responsibility and commitment being a mum. Raising children is not an easy task, I take my hat off to people who have successfully raised their children. I can only pray that I would have enough energy, wisdom and patience each day to look after my children and teach them to be godly young man and woman.

Yesterday was somewhat a colourful day. Or should I say it was a very yellowish day for me. Let me explain it more, my dear son Jonathan did a "Poo Art" in his room. He put his hands in his pull-up and smeared the poo onto the wardrobe mirror door, the wall, the brand new carpet, his bed and any other things that he could reach. Needless to say, I had to spend nearly an hour cleaning up the mess and we still need to get a professional cleaner to come in and clean the room. I must admit I was really really angry when I was cleaning it, but now I think I have accepted it and can joke about it.

When I woke up in the morning, I prayed to God that I would do what is right and would have a great day with my family. Little did I know God had something special for me. I guess I could call it "The Poo Test". Guess what I now passed with flying colour (maybe more yellowish brown). I need to be thankful of what a healthy son I have and the joy and happiness that he has brought since his birth. I also learnt to forgive Jono as God has forgiven me. Lets' hope there will be no more "poo art" in the future.

Words: John­son Oat­man, Jr., in Songs for Young Peo­ple, by Ed­win Ex­cell (Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois: 1897).

Music: Edwin O. Excell (MI­DI, score)

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Refrain

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Refrain

This hymn came into mind when I was reading a friend's blog today. She stated how down she felt and was asking for God's strength. I immediately thought about myself and what do I do when I am feeling down. Praise be to God I can count my blessings. Every single one of them from small to big. Just like the hymn says 'it will surprised you what the Lord has done'. There are no more burden, no more worries, no envy and doubt! Yes, let's count our blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.