We took on a small project but one that could let us experiment more with time lapse. So we converted a small area in the house into a make shift studio for a night. It was cool and I do like the result. I think we can consider working on expanding our technical know-how about time lapse and improve the limitation of its usage currently. We might consider investing in sliders and dolly specially made for this purpose. I saw some clips and they were beautiful. Something I'll be proud of if it was my work.
Day 2 (4 feb): We visited Dave's grandma. This year she looked really worn out and tired. She was a very strong woman and I admire her relentless effort to keep the pathetic family together. Three men in the house. None holding a proper job. All depending on her and charity. I feel very sorry for her. However her strong support for the family sometimes do make me feel guilty of denying them the charity I would gladly have shown to other people. Perhaps I should consider helping them first. But I know that once I start doing that, they'll start depending on us like they did with the grandma. That I do not wish for as it would not help them in the long run. They need to learn to stand up for themselves.
Day 4 (6 feb): Anita invited us to lunch and we gladly accepted. It had been a long time since we last met. We used to hang out ever so often while we were pregnant with our first child. Wayne is about a month older than Joelle. We used to be two preggie shopping, having tea and calling each other for new developments. Then we became two mothers shopping again, having tea again and bringing the babies out for swims and walks and play. After I found employment, then her, then now it's only on occasions like CNY and birthdays that we meet up again. So I will not miss this annual meet.
Day 4 (6 feb): Sharon, like every year, would have a CNY dinner with her family and since I am family, we always would show. Her mother used to refer to me as her other daughter and that's so touching really. Although I could not communicate with her as well as Dave could, I'm happy to know we are treated like part of the family. I will never forget the way she held and looked at my daughter when we first brought her to their christmas gathering in 2003 (see below).
It almost felt like she was holding her grandchild. It was a very amazing sight. For such an emotional person like me, I'm bonded to the family with just one look. So that makes Sharon more than a friend. It makes her family. I'm eternally grateful to God for her.
Day 11 (13 feb): Brought Isabelle to visit her godma, my dear friend chris. We knew each other since 13 and I'm also thankful to God for our friendship. When I started working at imedia, I took on a couple of policies from her and thereafter our family's life and health policies are under her care. She took care of our needs very well and I'm very comfortable with the plans our family is holding. They should be adequate for now. With three daughters herself, I felt comfortable to trust my baby doll to her care. And she did a great job with her girls. That's her youngest daughter, Natalie with my girls in the picture. Nat is one year older than Joelle.
Day 12 (14 feb): We were invited to a dinner with some of Dave's long time friends. She was once a relief teacher with his school and she would take them out for camps and retreats. She's a christian and she was trying to lead the boys under her care with God's grace. She did a good job with Dave and Elton at least. Elton became a christian and he's married with a little daughter. Dave, though not ready to convert, is living a life under God's grace and blessing. He goes through the daily meal time grace with us, believes that our success belongs to God and trust God with the way his two girls are being brought up. Though I am not pushing him like I did before, I am still earnestly praying for him to hear God's calling to share our prayers and offerings and to be with us for mass in church. I do believe that God works in his own ways and time. I shall wait for a miracle.
We had a very blessed CNY with visits to families and friends. It is always good to meet up and keep abreast of our lives apart. I'm thankful to God for blessing us with a bountiful year in 2010 and we look forward to another successful year in 2011. The year of the rabbit.
CNY 2010 here
CNY 2009 1st day, 2nd day and 3rd day.
CNY 2008 here
On behalf of the Children's Cancer Foundation, I wish to thank all my faithful supporter in the annual sale of my pineapple tarts. This year, we've successfully collected S$360 for the funds. I apologise again to those orders I could not take on.
Last year, we have benefited St Theresa's home and we feel very happy to be able to continue in this cause this year. It makes me happy and the girls are also learning a thing or two about being charitable in our own little ways. We hope to continue till I retire from baking. We are looking at other avenue to show our gratitude to the grace we've received abundantly from God. We thank God for all we have been blessed with.
Once again, thank you for your kind support.
