selina
Family who prays together stays together. True? Obviously.
But life is "no box", so a family must not only pray together, they ought to play together. Living life without a box.
There is no box
made by God
nor us
but that the sides can be
flattened out
and the top blown off
to make a dance floor
on which to celebrate life.
-Kenneth Caraway
The simplicity of nature in display at Jeram Waterfalls...(the only adventure I had this trip, but it was good enough to watch the children enjoying the trail walk, cool waters and steep rock climb)....
The rest of whatever reserve of their energy was saved for their first time caving adventure in Gua Tempurung; of which I had to be all ears to listen to every exciting detail when they returned. These little hearts were thrilled at the wonders of God's handiwork.
selina
A day and night away....
All packed and geared up...kids were more than ready to hit the road. Never mind it was an almost 2 hours' journey. They knew it would be fun thinking of the adventure planned.
Gopeng sounds remote and it is. Our destination - a fairly new bungalow to house us for the next 24 hours. We walked into a very clean and neat centre greeted by a friendly and godly man who takes good care of the place. Ashton was impatient as he looked at the inviting pool.
For a reasonable sum to cover food and lodging, we found our rest in Harvest Haven, nestled in the midst of the palm oil plantation. Or at least I had some quiet moments while the children were all headed for a great time of adventure.
selina
A glimpse of Ashton's first meaningful CNY...last year he was a baby being lugged around without knowing anything...and chewed on the red packets...
All ready for the visitation round on the 1st day...
All geared up for 2nd day - a longer trip, to Ipoh...armed with the season's favourite companion, Barney and stack of Ladybird's collection to keep him occuppied...
Feasting...
Kids don't need expensive toys...all they need is creativity...a piece of shawl, time and space for exploration. Here's their version of lion dance...echoing Ashton's music..."ah tong, ah tong..." A joyful noise and a merry sight.
GONG XI GONG XI!!
selina
The Ipoh Clan...or just some of them...Ed's cousin brothers at Bee Ann's wedding...and look at the gap...the missing guy:) who was at the Asia-Pacific Floorball Championship in S'pore...
...and here's his representative...Ed Jr...with the uncles.
selina
A glimpse of our homefront for the new year...
It takes some constant reminders and adjustment to ease into our daily routine. Lessons are never confined on the desk and books as usual, but this is one usual morning scene for 4 days in the week. A big chunk of our days are spent doing a lot of other stuff...and figuring out life (and our surroundings) and living :) That's education.
Ashton insists on joining "school time". Climbed on by himself to grab mum's seat. Enjoying lessons in the presence of his sisters.
All the sisters are too eager to teach him.
Chrisa's daily routine includes giving reading lessons to the enthusiastic toddler.
Nat wants her share too. Ashton is like a sponge absorbing the math concepts while learning some eye-hand co-ordination through beading.
Ashlynn surely is another great teacher although no nice pics to post up at this point. What a blessed boy to be surrounded by loving teachers! The best education begins with love - love for the person, love to impart knowledge and love itself. That would mean it bounds back to God being Love.
selina
It is here again.
A new year. A new start. A full calendar.
I am still easing into the new year but time waits for no man...nor woman :)
Every day moves on so fast, I wish I can slow it down. As much as I like to make sure everything is in order, listed and charted, I just couldn't make it this season. I've learned to just do it - and do it quick, spontaneous and enjoy the moment. Hmm...and still learning...some list and charts still give me a sense of peace and security. A handle I can hang on but I know as long as I bring God with me everywhere and all the time, I will be good. So in the midst of all the busyness, active moves and running into the new year, I thought I will be in a panic state...but surely I can give thanks for the joy of the Lord.
WISHING YOU THE SAME TOO, MY DEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
selina
The anticipated excitement in the months of waiting is now being replaced by the reality that we are back in good old Penang. The hot and humid weather almost melt us every time we go out and hit reality into us that "hey, we are in tropical Penang". No more erratic temperature change of Melbourne. Did we enjoy the trip? If you asked my kids, it will be a resounding YES! As for Ed and I - it was indeed a very tiring one running after an active toddler who is ready to explore just about anything and anywhere.
There was no time to slowly ease into routine. We were welcomed by a lot of work awaiting to be done especially with the Christmas season. Today - in my quiet moments...with kids all gone for Christmas shopping, I finally get to pen down as I traced God's doing in every single move in our trip to Melbourne. Another faith trip. Another miraculous act. His prompt provision is beyond description. Only God can do all these. Indeed He is "I AM WHO I AM".
We were surrounded by love through his people. Love. God's love. Can you understand it all?
There's a quiet celebration of his love in my heart as I think of Christmas.
Surely Christmas isn't Christmas till it happens in our heart.
Blessed Christmas and Have an Enriching 2010!
