University Of Life

Leo's Teeth-brushing Tutorial

2011-09-01T05:32:00.000-07:00

2 Years Ago.

and

NOW...

dear Leo,

2011-08-27T08:59:00.001-07:00

Get well soon Leonidas! :)

with love and prayers,

Ganma

a birthday post

2011-04-13T06:32:00.000-07:00

"I can dance now!"

Leo prays!

Dearest Leonidas,

BLESSED 3RD BIRTHDAY!

I am so sorry for this belated birthday post! One week late. :( It has been wonderful hearing your voice again and listening to you sing the lyrics of "Happy Birthday" to yourself. Have you gotten your Thomas the Train yet? ;) I have attached a couple of videos of you when you were 2 for memories' sake! Do watch them!

Mummy and Daddy are full of praises of you and their hearts are filled with immense joy the moment they make mention of you in our conversations. I have heard that you have been an apple of their eyes; helping Mummy out with housework and gardening, helping Daddy to get apples, being able to verbalize your feelings in audible words etc. Also, it has been lovely knowing that you are growing up well and under the nurture of your Mummy and Daddy. Seriously, I can't wait for you to return to Sg to see how much you have grown! You will indeed grow up to be a fine boy. Praying that you will be a man after God's own heart! I love you!

Praying for you,

Ganma #1

to my dear friends

2011-03-18T21:53:00.000-07:00

39 more days!!!

A Blissful Thrid Year of Marriage

2010-09-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

To: The Father of our offspring

We have been through many trials and temptations, many months of separation and anxiety, suffered much heartache and pain. But God has refined our marriage through fire, and we have found the many pieces of gold and precious stones that have emerged. I thank God for how he has so richly blessed our lives together though we have failed Him in so many ways. His mercies are unfailing, His grace bounteous.

In this third year, I want to thank you for :

1. All the times you've allowed me to cry on your shoulder and listened to my woes.

2. Your loving attitude towards correcting me and helping me to be more like Christ.

3. Working so hard for the family and yet still making time for us.

In this third year, I am proud of you for :

1. Attaining an undergrad within 2 years with cum laude!

2. Helping out with the chores whenever you could, with cleaning the car and gardening too!

3. Teaching leonidas to be able to swim on his own!

In this third year, I have enjoyed having:

1. A nice, big and awesome house to stay in.

2. A decent car to drive around in and even across states!

3. A huge private garden to put my hands to work.

In this third year, we have had some exciting family outings:

Spiritually refreshing times at THE WILDS

Crazy times at TABLE ROCK

Sweetest times at CNN builiding in ATLANTA

Fun'nest' times at HOUSTON

You are my most beloved husband and soulmate.

Happy Anniversary!

Greetings from Singapore!

2010-06-06T02:59:00.001-07:00

Dear little Leo,

SURPRISE, GUESS who? d:

Everyone in Singapore is missing you, your mummy and your daddy very much! Hope you have been an obedient boy. Remember to continue praying to Jesus and reading your Bible. Godma hopes to visit you really soon! Do pray that God will make a way for a visit to be scheduled next year. d: I love you dear boy, stay good ok?

Here are some backdated videos and photos:

9 April 2010
Babysitting Day

Leo having fun with his macaroni!

Do pester Daddy and Mummy to update your blog ok? You must be 2 years and 2 months now. Are you babbling many more new words? Are you doing sweeping the floor for Mummy still? Do call us once in a while! (I know that long-distance telephone charges are expensive!) I heard from your Mummy that you are having the time of your life in your new church playground. With your outgoing personality and bubbly laughter, I am sure you will bring loads of joy to the kids around you! (:

Do continue to grow to love Jesus more and more each day.

Missing all of you,
Godma

Good Friday Message

2010-04-02T02:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Son,

Perhaps one day, you'll be in the car with me. I will be driving down the freeway. And all of a sudden, you start crying and screaming because there's a lil' bee buzzing around in the car.

"Daddy daddy, help me! There's a lil' bee buzzing about!"

"But daddy can't stop cos i'm driving on the highway."

While I am driving with one hand on the steering wheel, I catch the bee with the other. All of a sudden, you hear me go "URGH". I release my hand and the bee starts flying around again.

"Daddy daddy, the bee is still buzzing about me!"

I turn around and open my palm towards you and you look at me. There on my palm was a sting, and blood was flowing out.

"Don't be afraid son, the busy bee will never sting you again cos it has already stung me."

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57

Learning to love you,
Dad

4 different expressions

2010-03-05T21:59:00.000-08:00

puzzled
act cute

angry
blow bubble!

How time flies, another year has just went by and Leo is abt to turn 2 next month. It won't be long before Leonidas will start to ask mummy questions and discover the reasons behind how things work in this world. He has already begun to make his 3 word sentences when just a few months ago, he was not even able to say his name. He has been making rapid progress in developing physically(climbing out of his cot!), socially (calling 'uncle' and 'auntie', giving people hugs and kisses), mentally (recognising pictures and naming them) and musically (he sings in tune). It's been such a joy watching him grow up in his own special way. Very soon, some changes are going to take place in his life. We only pray it'd be a change for the better.
Stay tuned...

Ba Ba black sheep or twinkle twinkle lil' star?

2010-03-05T00:24:00.000-08:00

Filthy Rags

2010-03-03T02:16:00.000-08:00

Child, as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling, remember that we are justified by faith in Christ. Consider the white clean rag that Mom uses to wipe your face after a sweaty day outside. What a balm in Gilead! In comparison, on another day, your Mother will take that same white clean rag and rub it in the dirt and garbage, so much so that it will reek with a pungent smell. I will take that filthy rag and try to rub it to your face. What would you do? You would be utterly revolted and resist with your life!

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6

I wan I wan __________ @22mths

2010-03-01T00:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year!

2010-02-15T21:50:00.000-08:00

Gong Xi Gong XI!
Let me do a Chinese dance for you
Check out my chinese pigtail!
Oh no! Where's my ang paos?
Uncle, auntie, thanks for coming to visit me.
Shot 1
Shot 2
Shot 3

Please cast your vote for the most photogenic award.

"a few glimpses of what I have been up to!"

2010-02-11T05:18:00.000-08:00

Who says I can't dance?!

Mummy teaches Leo how to brush teeth!

My favourite moment of the day- spending time with my God!

Let me introduce you to some of my favourite animals...

2010-01-03T21:26:00.000-08:00

I am your safari guide for the day,
let me show you around.

Can you spot the monkeys?
Big nosed monkeys!
I want to bring you home!
Black monkey
Hairy monkey
Long tail monkey
It's time for the elephant show.

And feeding time for the goats.
ain't they looking hungry?
I'm getting a lil tired...
Shall we sleep with the lions?
No? What's your problem? They don't bite!

Last but not least, the tallest animal in the world-- giraffeDo join me again if you wanna catch some more action at Leo's safari wallaBYE~

Leo climbs out of the cot at 20 mths!

2009-12-31T17:51:00.000-08:00

What did I do in USA during my Dec hols?

2009-12-30T00:19:00.000-08:00

woo hoo.... i'm excited! my 1st time to the States!!
There was even some entertainment for me at the airport during the long wait.
eh... are we there yet!?
finally... uncle bevan! *big hug*
grandma, i miss her =)
auntie amanda... aka- mam mam
and last but not least.... daddy! my bestest playmate~
I got driven around most of the time... and entertained by music, books and uncle bevan.
but sometimes, I got to drive the others around too!
I did get into fights with my uncle...
but we make it up and all's well agaiN~
Uncle taught me to fight with light saber,
and now, i can't wait to fight someone. Are you up for a game?
I got to drive my own 4 wheel drive in this big play yard,
and jump on a trampoline too.
I got to learn to play soccer at a park,
and i can now dribble like a pro.
I conquered a tough terrain,
with my daddy's help of course.
I made a new friend with this lil puppy,
and gave her a big smooch xoxo
One morning, I woke up to see many presents just for me!
But i didn't get what I want!!!
Then, daddy showed me this train set at the back of the house. I couldn't believe my eyes!
This was what I've always wanted for years!
Outing time! How can we forget some large American smoothie?
I saw some really big fish-----
Got to wear a submarine suit,
all at Downtown Aquarium!
I even rode on a shark. Can you believe it?
After all that food, it's really time for some workout.
And then it was time to say goodbye~ Bye dad, till i see you again!

Off to school at 19 mths

2009-11-01T18:24:00.000-08:00

BA... I WILL MISS YOU~

2009-11-01T06:41:00.000-08:00

Ba has taken care of me for 18 months now.

She has been my only nanny and playmate all this while.
All day, we keep each other entertained till everyone else comes home.
And now... she's going. Who's gonna play with me?
I don't think school's gonna be great.
That means I'll have to start studying..
hmm.. my mum doesn't want me to lose out.

We celebrated Ba's birthday on 12th October.
This is the last time we'll be celebrating for her.
Ho hum... gonna miss her and I hope mummy will cook just as well.
Ba, come visit me whenever you can.
I'll miss you =)

Love,
Leonidas

Four Boyfriends

2009-10-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a very rich girl who had four boyfriends.

She loved the fourth boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best.

She also loved the third boyfriend very much and was always showing him off to neighbouring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.

She also loved her second boyfriend. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would
help her get through the difficult times.

The girl's first boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him!

One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, 'I now have four boyfriends with me, but when I die, will I be all alone.'

Thus, she asked the fourth boyfriend, 'I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me
company?

'No way!', replied the fourth boyfriend, and he walked away without another word. His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.

The sad girl then asked the third boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, w ill you follow me and keep me company?' 'No!', replied the third boyfriend.

'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone else!' Her heart sank and turned cold.

She then asked the second boyfriend, 'I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!', replied the second boyfriend. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.' His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the
girl was devastated.

Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.' The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and
neglect.

Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!'

In truth, you have four boyfriends in your lives:

Your fourth boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.

Your third boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth.When you die, it will all go to others.

Your second boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave.

And your first boyfriend is your spirit. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.

However, your spirit is the only thing that will follow you where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity.

Thought for the day:

Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray..

Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfection.

"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matt 6:20-21

Replacing the Old Man for the New

2009-10-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

My son, as you head into puberty, the hideous face of your old man will start to become more evident, and the rages that it has against your new man will intensify- this is my encouragement to you.

Try this simple experiment. Think of the No. 8. Have you visualized it? If so, exercise your willpower and stop thinking of the No. 8 right now. Don't think about it. Get it out of your head! Can you do it?

Of course not. At least, I'm still thinking about that number. Can we, by sheer willpower, stop thinking about the number eight? By no means. Trying to push it out of our minds actually causes us to focus our attention on it.

What a picture of us when we try to overcome sin. We may get on our knees and ask God to take the desire away; we then determine not to think those lurid and greedy thoughts, but there they are again. We resist them once more, trying desperately to push them out of our minds. But we are trapped. Try as we might, we just can't get them to budge.

Can we really be free? Yes, we can control those thoughts, but not by trying to stop thinking about them! To simply resist evil is to make it grow stronger. Our determination not to think lustful thoughts only reinforces them in our thought patterns.

How, then can we be free? Let's return to our experience once more and think of the number 8. Although we can't stop thinking about it by sheer resistance, we can push that number out of our minds quite easily. Here's how: Think of the number 5. Focus on it. Keep doing that and you'll forget about the number 8!

Paraphrased from How to Say No to a Stubborn Habit (Lutzer) Pg 80

"Since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him--" Col 3:9b-10

Welcome to Toddlerhood!

2009-10-05T01:41:00.000-07:00

In these 3 mths, I have learnt to...

Look cool with my 'chou chou'.
Eat by myself,
and gobble down every single bit left.

Ride a horse, old-fashioned way.Maneuver my Ferrari,

and look glam in front of my fans.Scale up a mountaintop,*i'm on top of the world*

and make a leap forward to the finishing line!

Turn on the TV set.Make business calls,

and close business deals with my clients.
Last but not least, drive a car...
eh... how do you start this car?

My Daddy!

2009-09-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

Bye Bye My Daddy...

2009-09-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

Our last car ride together...
Can't everyoone see that I'm the only one not smiling?
All ready to wave my final goodbye...Getting squashed between my parents...
do they even care how I feel?My final hug...Come on dad... don't put me down!

Sobz... and my daddy left. And he's still not back! Sometimes I see his face on the computer, sometimes I hear his voice from the phone, but where is my daddy? Where? Where? WHERE?
Some say he took a plane, others said he's in America. Wherever that is, can they not take my daddy away! I want daddy to sing "rat-a-tat-tat" for me, bring me go swimming, carry me on his shoulders, and play ghost! When can I get to do all that with daddy again? Mummy, I hear you talking to daddy all the time, can you please stop hiding daddy and bring him out!

- a sad Leo

In these 3 mths I have been to...

2009-07-23T01:11:00.000-07:00

Changi Chapel Mueseum

Sentosa

Pasir Ris Park

and Taiwan

What an exciting time it has been! So sorry for neglecting you all my dear fans ...

2009-07-21T02:18:00.000-07:00

Remembering Mummy's 22nd ...

2009-07-14T01:39:00.000-07:00

Great dinner at Mexican Restaurant~ Amigo!
Oops, my shoe is out!
Ladies, can't you even fit a small shoe into my cute feet?
Finally!
I got to the top!
Whoa... the view here is scary...
Laughin good ol' time~
Happy Birthday Mum!

"Mamas" 15th mth Anniversary Award

2009-07-05T01:46:00.000-07:00

Hottest grandma of the year goes to:

Mama Cross
She has flown down all the way from USA to receive this award. Now residing in Houston Texas, she is the talk of the town and on her way to becoming a successful business woman. She has showered me with many wonderful toys and clothes. She's the best!

Coolest grandma of the year goes to:

Mama Wong
She is always so cool with her handphone and walkie talkie, with a notebook in one hand and carrying me with the other. She is just the greatest mama to be around with her cheery smiles and heartwarming laughter. She never loses her cool and has such a big heart for me and my family. The greatest thing is, I get to live in her house! and have made many new friends too!

Special Award goes to:

Leonidas Cross Wong Yi
for being the MAMA LOVER BOY!

Happy 1st Year!!!

2009-04-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

Birthday Lunch at GIBC
Raspberry Mousse Cake-- Yummy!
P.S. Please place your orders with Mr. Edwin Tan.
Chef of the day: Auntie Iba

All your friends and godmas here to celebrate with you!

Uncles and Aunty too!

I'm 1 already?!

Watch my karate chop!
Come on, all the pretty girls are standing around you and you're not even going to smile?

Birthday Dedications

Happy Birthday Leonidas! Love, Wong Family.

Leonidas, Happy Birthday to you! Love, Ng Family.

Dear Leonidas, Happy 1st Birthday! With love, Aunt Amy.

Leonidas, Blessed Birthday! God Bless, Benjamin, Doris & Timothy.

Happy Birthday Leonidas!
From: Aunty Jemima, May Ann, May Lynn (Your Playmates)

Happy 1st Birthday Leonidas!
Love, Uncle Yan Ling, Aunty Caroline & Caden.

To: Leonidas Wong, Blessed Birthday!
Joyously-in-Christ, Alex, Carolina, John & Joshua (Sim Family).

Dear Little Leonidas,
May the Lord be with you as you grow to have wisdom
and to know and love the Lord. From, Mrs. Tow.

Dearest Leonidas,
Have a blessed birthday! We Love You!
With loads of love, hugs & kisses, Godma #1, #2, #3 & Timo.

Dear Leonidas,
Hope you have a wonderful birthday celebration together with everyone. Be a good boy and listen to daddy and mummy, and stay cute, ok?
Love, Uncle Phwee Chek, Aunty Wendy, Jame jie jie & Benji ge ge.

All your lovely presents for your 1 yr birthday!
Yay! I got new toys!
I love my cool shades!
Happy 1st Birthday, by Ruoen Wong.

We're so proud to see that you've turned a year old now! You are beginning to show yourself strong as a young boy and having a lil' mind of your own too. May you continue to grow to be a healthy boy and having your mind subjected to that of Christ. We love you!!!
In Jesus Christ, Daddy and Mummy

Poem, dedicated by Timothy Woon

2009-04-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

Leonidas is the best,
With all his naughty requests.
He always smiles when we’re around,
And cries when we’re out of town.
He likes to drink his water,
From his cute plastic water bottle.
He knows a phone when he sees one,
And picked it up when it has rung.
He tugs at the heart of one and all
When girls see him they all fall,
Head over heels in love with him,
To their boyfriend’s chagrin.
Leonidas, Leonidas, how old art thou?
Then he raises up his brow.
1 year old he says in his
Baby language we cannot miss.

SURRENDER, dedicated by Godma Alyssa

2009-04-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

A few cookie crumbs lay at the bottom of the cookie jar. A young boy has noticed and reached in to get them. When his hand closes around the crumbs however, his hand gets stuck and he cannot withdraw. About this time, his mother walks into the kitchen with an oven mitt on her hand. She opens the oven and pulls out a cookie sheet with fresh, warm, melty chocolate chip cookies.

"Son, if you let go of those crumbs, you may have a brand new, warm, ooey-gooey cookie."

What do you think was the boy's choice? He will not know the goodness of what is in store until he releases his hold on what he already has.

Live with open hands, my son. Be willing to let go of any treasured thing when God says "let go." If you hold on to what you *think* you want, you may miss out on what God says in best.

TRUST, dedicated by Godma Alyssa

2009-04-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

A father had two sons, a younger son and an older son. The younger son was a small boy. The older son was on the threshold of adulthood and selfish as can be. All he cared about was himself; he had no thought for God. He had big plans too. He would go to college so he could get a good education. He would find a beautiful girl at college and marry her. Then he would get a great job and begin to acquire wealth. He and his wife (and by this time 2.5 children) would live in a big, beautiful house. He might invent something new and become famous. He had no time to care for the lost, no concern for the eternal well being of anyone around him, no desire to follow after God. He thought if he followed God, he would have to give up everything he'd ever dreamed about, move to Africa, live in a grass hut, marry a plain girl, and live a hard or incredibly boring life.

One day, the father took his sons for a walk in the park. This father saw past his older son's selfishness, grieved at the way he ignored God and feared that listening would bring sadness or difficulty. He began to confront his son about this wrong thinking, but the older son became defensive and refused to listen.

The father pulled out a nickel and dime out of his pocket. He knelt down and showed the two coins to his younger son.

"Son, you may have one of these two coins. Which do you want?"

The younger son had not yet learned about the value of the coins and so picked the bigger coin. As he ran off, the father sat down on a bench with a wise look in his eye.

"What was that all about?" asked the older son.

"Bigger is better in the eyes of immaturity. Your brother thought he knew which was best. He didn't know that if he asked me, I would tell him which coin could buy him two pieces of candy instead of one. All he needed to do was ask his father. His father wants him to be happy and live a joyfilled life; but he will not force himself on his son. Love comes of it's own accord."

The older son looked perplexed, as if he didn't understand.

"Let me put it this way," said the father. "What if I had in one hand a bar of gold worth $15,000. You see how shiny it is, how much it is worth, and you think that is what you want. In my other I hold something very small. So small in fact, that you cannot even see what it is when I fold my fingers around it. I tell you, 'Son, you may have the contents of one hand. This hand holds a gold bar, and *this* hand holds something of much greater value. You just need to trust me and commit to choosing *this* hand and it will be yours. Until you are willing to give up what you can see--what you think you want--you will never discover the beauty of the perfectly flawless diamond in my other hand. Though it is not as large or perhaps as flashy as the gold bar in my hand, the diamond will bring you greater satisfaction and pleasure. But to gain the diamond, I must first have your trust and commitment."

11mths of mischief

2009-03-31T01:36:00.000-07:00

Hope no one is looking! I'm gonna make a mess of this bookshelf!

I know how to swim! Let go of me!
Eh... alrights, still need some help...
This is tiring man! Give me a drink!
Must I eat this again?
Daddy, teach me the guitar please?
I say teach me!!!
Ain't i looking cool?
Check me out in my new Ferrari! *Vroom vroom*

Yup yup yup, this is a most significant month for you in your growth so far. You have taken your first steps and can walk around by yourself now (check out the 2 videos of him walking in previous posts). Your limbs have gotten so strong, you can even climb up the flight of stairs so steep, all by yourself. And you certainly love to make a big mess in your room now-- taking out all your toys, we put it back, you take it out again. Taking out the books from your favourite bookholder and taking out the clothes from the drawers! Oh well, that seems to be your favourite pastime of the day and seems to be good exercise for your muscles too. But you shall not be let off once you've learnt how to keep your toys! 1 more mth till you're 1 year old, but seems like you have learnt all the stunts that a older boy knows how. What mischief will you be up to once you're one years old eh? Let's wait and see...

Invitation to Leonidas 1 year old Birthday Celebration!

2009-03-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

To all the fans of Leonidas: You are invited to celebrate Leonidas' 1st year in this world!

Venue: Grace Independent Baptist Church,
547 Upper Changi Rd
Date: 5th April 2009
Time: Lunch after service

I would be compiling all my blog entries together and would print them out to present to Leonidas as a gift when he is older. If you have any contributions for his 1st year birthday- messages, life lessons, stories, poem, etc. do send them to me and I'd publish them here and get them printed.

Leo is sick...

2009-03-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

You fell ill for the very first time yesterday. Your fever reached a high of 39.5 Celsius last night at 2am. You got us so worried, mum and dad knelt down to pray that God would deliver this sickness from you and not take your precious health away so soon. Dad quickly sent you to the hospital while mum was sick in bed with fever too. Thank God you came back alright! You were at 38.5 Celsius when you were at the doctor and next morning, your fever was pretty much down. This is the first time we see you so lacking in strength and life, just lying around all day, whimpering yourself to sleep. Now that you are recuperating back your strength, we thank the Lord for keeping you safe. Do remember to thank Him when you're older too!

Leo, are you sure you're trying to help push the chairs back?!

2009-03-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

Second Steps

2009-03-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

First Steps

2009-03-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

Reward: $ 1 000 000 Cash!

2009-02-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

New stunts at 10 months

2009-02-20T07:57:00.000-08:00

Hands in the Air!

My all time favourite pose- 2 fingers in my mouth, pillow at my nose

You are beginning to pick up the ropes fast! You have learn to start imitating actions- doing the hi-5, snapping your fingers, sticking out your tongue, blowing saliva bubbles and even speaking in tongues (watch his tongue move quickly as he produces blubbering utterances)! Let's see what you are up to next at 11 months...

Yummy Kiwi!

2009-02-18T09:03:00.000-08:00

Crunch Crunch

2009-02-07T09:26:00.000-08:00

Splash Splash

2009-02-05T09:04:00.000-08:00

Gong Xi Gong Xi!

2009-01-26T08:19:00.000-08:00

I'm all packed!And ready to Go!
Give out some Mandarin oranges! ( and get my ang paos)
Mummy, did you remember my ang pao?
Uncle Daniel, waiting for your ang pao ....Great grandma, thanks for your ang paos!

9 mths old at 9A Gilstead Rd

2009-01-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

Everyone has come to visit me at my new place!
This is the entrance to my house.
I'm enjoying my biscuit snack. Wanna join me?

Yup, this is the 3rd time we're shifting house once again. If not by the grace of God, we would not have this cosy little place for our whole family to live together once again. We only knew of the Lord's providence of this house the next day that your daddy was back. Before your daddy was back, we could only wait and pray that the Lord would provide us a place that we could afford, located at a good location and that our family could be in the same place together. Indeed, our little house here at FEBC is exactly what we needed and what the Lord provided. Thank God for His infinite providence for His children!

Anxiety

2009-01-03T08:36:00.000-08:00

Go to the wildflower field, where no man has ever planted it, watered it, groomed it, genetically altered it. Yet, the flower that blooms today, dies tomorrow, is more beautiful than all. So as God clothed these flowers, planted them, watered them, and caused them to bloom and colour, God will take so much more care with you.

God is too big for you to worry.

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, ... But if G0d so clothes the grass of the field, ... will he not much more clothe you? Matthew 6: 28-30

Love of Earthly Possessions

2009-01-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

There was an island with many naughty monkeys, and the monkeys would always run up the trees before the villagers could catch them. So one day the village elder hatched a plan. They would put nice shiny pebbles inside hollowed coconuts. The monkeys came and look curiously into the coconuts. They saw the nice pebbles and tried to take it out. Their hands were big enough to go in, but when holding the pebble, their hands were stuck and they could not take it out. The monkeys tried running away, but they couldn't climb up the trees with one of their hands stuck in the coconut. The villagers caught the monkeys and cooked them! Those poor monkeys lost their lives because they were not willing to let go of things that looked pretty, but do not really matter.

Son, all that glitters is not gold.

What are you holding on that might cause you your life?

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15

Daddy is finally back !!!

2008-12-30T06:26:00.000-08:00

Don't expose my belly!

Kiss my daddy! Muackz!
Don't we look good in stripes?

Eh... Don't mess with me!

2008-12-28T09:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas Service at GIBC

2008-12-26T09:07:00.001-08:00

Welcome to your first Christmas Day Service!

The main highlight of the day is the Christmas Cantata sung by the church choir.
Conducted by:Pastor Ping
Pianist: Kikis
The service will be followed by a Christmas feast
-Sorry Leo, only milk for you-

Last but not least... pass the baby time!
-Auntie Jennie, you first-
Delanie!
Edwin!
Uncle Daniel!

Jayne!
All gone! Time to get going home...

What a day it was for Leonidas on his very first Christmas day! He woke up early in the morning all excited to go to church. He waited and waited, but still no one dressed him up to go out. He didn't want to go back to sleep at all because he wanted to go to church to celebrate Christmas. But today's service only starts at 2.30pm! Poor boy... only had 1hr of sleep before he spent the entire afternoon and evening enjoying his first Christmas at church.

Indeed, it was all worth the wait. He enjoyed hearing the choir sing their chorus beautifully. There was a strong solo by Willie and a beautiful duet by Tina and Claudia during the Cantata. Each time the music played, he just listened attentively. The choir sure sang their hearts out to the beautiful Christmas melodies.

After the service, everyone was frantically giving presents to everyone else. And Leonidas sure had a good load of presents too! Auntie Jennie gave him a singing nursery rhyme storybook with cute gadgets to press for different songs and lessons. Jayne gave him teething biscuits and a colourful shape matching set. And there was Willie who gave Leonidas socks! (but it's a lil' too big for him though... need to wait a few more years before he can wear 'em!) And then, it was "Pass Leondias Time".

After all the excitement and activity, Leonidas was just too exhausted, he fell asleep when everyone was exchanging gifts in the auditorium. The noise didn't bother him, he just needed some time to rest....

Next up, more pictures of the Christmas aftermath!

Still fully of hyper energy?
Or just zonked out?

Merry Christmas Leonidas!

2008-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Leonidas, today is your very first Christmas Celebration! And you've received so many presents already! Let's take a look:

Wow! You must be so happy to get so many presents!
My very first present from Auntie Melissa!
How do I open this?
Somebody Help!
Yay!
Here's my Present!
It's my new lion torch!
Why are you staring at me?
Let's go swimming! I got new floats!
And I got a new singing nursery rhyme storybook from Auntie Jennie too! She's my Grand Godmama!
Anyone want to read for me?
They are all mine! No one's gonna take my presents away!!!

8 months of fun and laughter!

2008-12-24T09:56:00.000-08:00

2008-12-23T10:10:00.000-08:00

Custom Countdowns & MySpace Layouts

2008-11-27T06:53:00.000-08:00

Come in!!!

Hey there!
Can you carry me?!
Carry me!!!
Come on..... Aren't I adorable enough?

Leonidas 1st Words at 7mths, 3wks!

2008-11-27T06:14:00.000-08:00

"MUM"

It first started out something like [ma], [ba], [meh]. And later it became 'mum mum mum mum'.

Is he hungry or is he calling his mummy??

7th Month Update

2008-11-25T06:43:00.000-08:00

I can sit down! (But I still love to suck my 2 lil' fingers)
I can climb!
I can stand!
I can eat vege, carrot and potato!
I can crawl! (But I still love to crawl on my tummy when I wanna crawl faster)
I can play basketball! Can you play with me?

Leonidas Attempts to Crawl!

2008-10-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Iba!

2008-10-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you Iba for waking up in the middle of the night to make milk for me.
Thank you Iba for washing me clean in my bathtub.
Thank you Iba for cleaning all my poo poo and pee pee every day, many times a day.
Thank you Iba for scrubbing my dirty clothes clean.
Thank you Iba for keeping the house clean so that I don't fall sick.
Thank you Iba for smashing apples and pears for me so that I can swallow them nicely.
Thank you Iba for bringing me out to play with so many aunties and ah ma.
Thank you Iba for making sure that I am safe when I cry for help.
Thank you Iba for loving me like your own child!
Love, Leonidas

Leonidas moves into new house @ 6months

2008-10-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

We have moved to grandma and grandpa's house at Boon Lay. That's right... the place that you visit every Sunday. It's no longer Sunday is go grandparents' house day, now it's everyday is stay at grandparents' house day! You sure didn't get used to it initially. Cos everytime you go to grandparents' house, it's always play time even after your bedtime. Suddenly, it seems like play day for you everyday...but no! You need to get back to your routine as you always do after Sunday. In grandma and grandad's house.

Yup, your day now is filled with your uncle and aunty, grandma and grandfather's cuddling and gaggles. They bring you out to swim, watch your excitement when it comes to mealtimes, challenge you to start crawling and put you to sleep after a long tired day. You are sure spoilt with love by all of them. Grandma and grandpa's house is now much more full of life with you around. You bring a smile to their face early in the morning, and another smile after they come home from a long hard day's of work. What greater blessing can you be to us all than to be able to see a baby so full of joy and laughter each day. We have all learnt to talk in a more amiable way, lightening up our tones, because how else would you talk with a baby around?

It is indeed such a great joy to be able to delight in the simple things in life. It is so good to know that life is about new discoveries, learning to take things one step at a time, just by observing the life of a little child growing up. Watching Leonidas grow up also allows me to see an earthly depiction of my own growth in Christ. When Paul talks about how babes in Christ first starts out with milk and later onto solid food as the child grows, so it should be with our own growth in the Word. We should not be drinking milk through our many years as a Christian. A Christian grows and learns new skills as he feeds on the Word of God. We will soon let Leonidas try some porridge next month!

Baby's in the Spotlight!!

2008-10-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Fast asleep under the willow tree....

*raises leg* I've woken up ....

Winner of Best Smile of the Year =p

I love my fingers ....&

my toes! yummy**

One Reunited Happy Family =)

2008-09-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

Come Home Daddy!

2008-09-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

Happy 5 months old!!

2008-09-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

@ StoneGrill International Restaurant

eh... Where am I?

Why are there so many girls hugging me?

When is this going to end?

I'm scared!!

Leonidas! You're the star! See how many friends you've got? And they're all girls! You're just simply irresistable!!! You love the attention, but sometimes, too much attention is just a bit too much for you right?

Anyway, you've been really well-behaved these days, good boy Leo! Always showing off your flashy smile (which really resembles your daddy's). You're a big boy now eh? You don't wanna lie down on your pram, you wanna sit upright and you push with all your strength and all your might just to sit upright by yourself. Steady boy... you can't sit yet, but I'm sure you will in due time! You're just so full of energy. You really hate lying down and will start to flap your hands, kick your legs in the air simultaneously and vigorously to show us that you want us to help you get up. Why? It's like as if you can't wait to start running. But you are not even able to crawl or even walk yet. Oh boy oh boy... looks like I'll have to learn to tackle with one hyperactive boy! Let's see where you'll be running to when you turn six months!

Forgiveness

2008-08-09T02:20:00.000-07:00

Why and how can a good and all powerful God allow all the suffering and wrongs done in this world?

Don't you feel that you just need to settle the score with that somebody? Get even with him, and restore justice. Sometimes, there are wrongs that are done to you that perhaps can never be totally made right. There are wounds someone might cut you so deep, that you probably will never recover and even if you do, the scars will still be there. There are some sins of betrayal of trust that could warrant you never to speak to him again. Then you hear your teacher, pastor or Mom or I tell you, forgive him. What do you do?

Son, I want you to write on a piece of paper, two columns, on one column the wrongs he has done against you. Yes, put in writing all the anger and hurt that he has caused you, how terrible a person he is.

Now, write down all the things that you have done that has grieved the Lord Jesus that led him to die for you on the other column. All of it as far you can remember until you get the point- "If you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father in heaven forgive you your trespasses."

Jesus spoke about this once Son, how much debt that offender owes you is incomparable to the millions we owe Him.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all. 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” Matt 18:21-35

Beyond Limits

2008-08-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

You’re probably older now, and it’s such an exciting time in your life, the world is full of her promises and you and your peers are all set to conquer it. Many people lived mediocre lives without ever realizing their full talents or potential. Sometimes, because of uncontrollable factors, sometimes because of themselves. They set limits on how far they want to go and never think twice that perhaps they could have gone farther. I want you to learn a simple lesson. One that I learnt in my teenage days.

Dad: How many push ups can you do?

You: 30

Dad: Ok, do 30 now

(At The End of 30, judging on how hard you took to do 30...I’ll act accordingly)

Dad: Do 10 more

You: I can’t!

(Finish 10)

Dad: Do 2 more

Whether you do 42, or 31 is irrelevant. What was important is that you exceeded the limit that you placed on yourself. History is written by extraordinary men who made possible what ordinary man called impossible.

The only limits on your life are those you set on yourself.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Baby, you're 4 months old today!

2008-08-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

*Ring! Ring!* Helloo.. Is Daddy there?

I love my bath times! Feels so great to be squeaky clean!

Watch me roll over!

Oh no... not today I guess.
Little hungry monster at his 1st mth of cereal.

I can lift my head up now to see you!

Little Leon,
You're now heavier, stronger and smarter now. And you're a whole lot more talkative too. You just go on and on and on, can't wait to utter your first words eh? You also love to be up on your feet to look and observe the things around you. When we bring you out now, you don't cry and whine anymore, but you just look around wide-eyed, absorbing the sights all around you. You can sense when food is coming and can't wait to grab hold of it. What's more, you love to eat all sorts of food and not afraid to try new stuff. You've started on cereal, apples, pears, some orange juice and pineapple juice to go along with it and you just gulp everything down like a hungry monster! Soon, you'll be able to roll over and flip all over the place. For now, we've seen you turn the other way around when we were not looking. When are you going to show us your turns? It's been an exciting time to see you grow! Can't wait to see what happens next!

Happy Birthday to Daddy!

2008-07-31T02:10:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox free ecard

Daddy! Please come home soon! I miss waking you up in the morning and playing with you. Happy Birthday Daddy! You're the best Daddy in the world!
Love,
Leonidas

Happy Birthday to Mummy!

2008-07-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks for celebrating my 21st birthday together with me! Your godmas gave me a real good surprise. Tot I would be spending it alone with you since your daddy is not here. Daddy is now in Houston and he finally got his greencard! We will soon be able to get our greencard too. Anyway, Daddy was real sweet to have helped in the planning for my birthday. Iba was part of it too and she sure knew how to put up an act! Everything seemed quite the same (other than when she picked up her handphone and started speaking in English). I was planning to download some soppy Japanese movie to watch online while feeding you. This was to allow myself to occupy my time at home alone on my birthday. So I went to the room with you and was just about to lie back on the bed and feed you when Iba opened the door and started to call for me. I saw that the lights were off outside and I knew...heh heh... SURPRISE! Alicia, Amy Yeo, Amy Lee and Pei Ling were there with a lighted up mango cake! Aww... how sweet. I did have a great time together with my bestest pals. Showed them for the first time my studio wedding photos taken @Potrait Gallery, and watched the video meant for you when you turn 12, and your candid dancing video for Grandma Cross. We sure did have a good laugh together. And I got a present from them all. A Kimono-dressed bear, named 'Jac Bear' (by yours truly, Amy Yeo), stuffed with hugs from all of them, and hugging a Happy Birthday cake. Thanks so much girls! And thank you husband for making my day wonderful though you're so faraway! All of us back home are missing you so you better not stay there too long! Leonidas, I'm sure you miss waking Daddy up in the morning.As of 14th July, I am now officially an adult! What's the difference? People will tend to ask. I guess my life into adulthood started a bit earlier than all of my peers. I have experienced what it's like to live without my parents, being responsible for my own actions, and now, being responsible for my little one and my family. For me, turning 21 gives me the official rights of obtaining certain things. And it seems a more appropriate age for myself to be in when people ask about my life status. The past year sure was a time that I struggled into adulthood, parenthood. But things look better now. And as of now, I've learnt to be more wiser, though still ignorant in many things, I sure hope I'll be able to live as a responsible adult. With God's wisdom and guidance, my wish this 21st is that my family will learn to put God as the top priority in our lives, that He will be in the centre of our daily dealings, that we may never turn aside to the left or the right. I hope that me and Leon will be good godly parents to you, Leonidas and train you up in the way that you should go.
Love,
Mummy

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Bitterness

2008-07-11T09:07:00.001-07:00

When you come home one day, storming into the house and start to vent your bitterness against someone who has offended you, this is what I will do. I will ask mummy to boil for you one of those really bitter herbal soup and make you sit down to drink it. You got no choice but to drink it all up. When you do finish it, choking up at the bitterness of it all, I will tell you, "Every time you harbour a grudge against someone, you make up your own terrible soup. In doing so, you hope that he drinks it. But in reality, it's you who really does."

Bitterness is you drinking poison hoping someone else dies.

Another man dies in the bitterness of his soul, never having eaten with pleasure. Job 21:25

Anger

2008-07-11T09:06:00.001-07:00

Everytime you lose your anger, drill a nail into the fence. Each day you hold your anger, remove a nail from the fence. One day if you manage to remove all the nails, I will congratulate you but I will show you that the scars will always be there, so that it is best not to even lose your anger.

He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29

Delayed Gratification/ Investing

2008-07-07T23:46:00.000-07:00

We live in a push button society where we expect to get everything immediately. No doubt in your generation, this symptom would deteriorate even further. From the principles of investing to the principles in your spiritual walk, you need to understand the rule of delayed gratification, of waiting, of investing, of patience and of looking at the big picture.

So we'll strike a business deal. Here it is- I will tempt and place in front of you your most favourite candy or food beside your most frequented place, be it the study table or bed side. You could have it anytime, OR you could wait for 2 weeks, and instead of giving you 1, I'll give you 3 more on top of that existing 1. And how will you handle the two weeks interim period you may ask? Well, by the time you read this, you'd probably be the person to answer yourself. Happy waiting.

Impatience is a fruit of your lack of faith, because you do not believe your father's words that it would be in your best interests to wait until the perfect timing. So son, the trying of your faith trains your patience, and patience brings about your character.

"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:3-4

The Value of Money/ Work

2008-07-07T23:39:00.000-07:00

What if you had to conquer the whole world to win the affection of your future wife, what if you had to go to the four ends of the earth to win her over? So when you do actually win her over, will you cherish her more? She would be as precious as what the Bible calls- The Pearl of Great Price. As an aspiring businessman, I have learnt that something that is free is often not fully appreciated by its consumers, something that they paid with their perspiration they would care a little more for. Sometimes, we don't appreciate something if we didn't earn it, if we got it free. We tend to not be responsible for it.

So when you really want something, like a bicycle, you would have to save up for the bicycle with your monthly allowance. Now we know that you will not be able to save up for the full sum of the bike, but a fraction of the price as your target sum, say $15. So when you finally sacrifice enough candies and personal luxuries for it, you could use the $15 to pay for your dream bike. Of course you would think that you paid for its full price, well that's okay, at least you feel you own it and you take some pride in it. You get to buy your own bike! (What you don't know is after you handed the cashier your lifetime savings of $15, I paid him the remaining $150 underneath the table without your knowledge)

Oh before I forget to add, this technique is good as well because the next time we visit a toy store, it won't be "Mommy please buy for me this!", because it's going to be, " Hmm...could I afford this?" or "Will this be something worth saving up for?" All of a sudden, from Mom and Dad being the money tree, you're responsible for making your financial decisions!

"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." Proverbs 3:9

Obedience

2008-07-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

There will be idols in your life, there will be things you love more than you should and whether you learn it the easy way or the hard way, you will learn the lesson on Love’s proper hierarchy.

One day, God will put the thing you love the most to the test, just as Abraham was tested with his life and legacy- Isaac, so will you. Because Abraham passed the test, he became the Father of Faith, through his seed, Jesus, all the world is blessed. How about you son? When your test comes, what will your decision be?

I will take the thing you treasure the most, and put your loyalties to the test, obeying your earthly father would cost you your $5 model aeroplane, your pride and joy, something you built, assembled and brought into being. You wouldn’t know this, but should you give it up to me, in return I will give you a remote controlled aeroplane worth a 100 times more, and at the end of the day, you will still get to keep your model aeroplane. What joy does it give me in destroying something that delights you? Does a father take away good gifts from his children to torment them? Would he delight in that? No my son, I only wish to see your willingness in surrendering it. Your desire to please me above yourself. The importance you place on obedience to your father than conceding to the vanities of the flesh.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Mathew 6:33

Faith

2008-07-05T06:54:00.000-07:00

Do you trust me? Do you believe in my strength? Do you believe that I will never allow you to be harmed unnecessarily? Do you know that I am strong enough to catch you when you fall? Do you have faith in me?

I ‘m sure you would affirm that to me. Of course you do! Of course you know I love you, that I will protect you, remembering the times I piggy backed you and threw you into the air and caught you, that I am strong enough to bear your weight.

But when it’s dark, you close your eyes, when you know longer have your face turned on me, when you stand on the end of a chair, and I tell you I’m behind you, let go of yourself and fall backwards, you can’t see, but I tell you trust me and fall. You will lose faith, you will take back the words that you affirmed so strongly before. You will falter, you will doubt.

Son, we sing hymns every day, trumpeting how sweet it is to trust in Jesus, but when the dark valley comes, and God tells us to jump even tho we cannot see what is ahead, we doubt. We falter. We lose faith. Our faith without actions is dead. Our walk fail our talk. Learn this lesson now son, for the day will come when Someone greater than your earthly father will ask you to let go. Remember.

Be ye therefore doers of the word and not hearers only. Faith without works is dead. James 2:26

You're 3 months old today!

2008-07-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Leonidas,
We're so proud to have you as our son. We thank God each day as we see you grow and adapt to your surroundings. It's so great to see you much more responsive now. You will laugh in delight when we play with you and utter oohs and ahhs to beg us to talk to you. It's such a great joy to see your happy face, crying face, sleepy face, angry face, peaceful face, and many more expressions to come. It sure is a wonderful thing how God made babies look so cute. Happy 3 months to you! and many more to come...
Love,
Mum and Dad