(Almost) Solo Trip with Three Kids

The family had signed up for the church retreat and we looked forward to the break, especially when our close family friends were going too. We arranged to drive there, hence did not cater for church transport.

Then Clem had his knee ops scheduled 2 weeks before the retreat. Concerned, I asked if he would still be able to drive up. He was affirmative. So, I left at that.

Revelation dawned upon him after his ops. He was not supposed to go anywhere during MC, let alone go out the country. Six days before the retreat, I got an sms from him.

Him: I can't go to the retreat anymore. We'll have to cancel the trip.
I thought seriously for about 3 seconds and replied:
You cancel your trip. We'll still go. All three kids.

There, the trip was to go on. Since we paid for his share, I might as well bring Nancy along.

Since Clem was no longer going, we did not have transport. Clem checked with the Retreat Committee whether we could squeeze into one of the coaches. Nope. All full. Anyway, I couldn't imagine sitting the kids and the baby through the journey, getting up and down the coach with all of them AND the luggages.

So we decided to fly there then transfer to the hotel. One afternoon, Clem called me and said he booked Tiger Airways. What??!! How could you book through an unreliable airline? Don't you know they are known for delayed and cancelled flights? I'm not about take any chances with three kids! Haven't you noticed I've never booked a single air ticket with Tiger?

There were considerations Clem had e.g. timing. He wanted us to come back in an earlier timing as well - 7+am flight.

All was set for the trip. I guess it was tougher for Clem as he packed the whole family off.

I was really thankful as the olders were seasoned travellers. Once they knew we were on a trip, they were extremely cooperative (on top of the usual) and I could count on them to get their bags, get everything prepared and take care of their belongings. This time without daddy, I had to lay the rules clearly for them e.g. always stay close to me, no running out of sight.

There was a slight delay. We were queueing for some time and the gates were not opened. I overheard others in the queue saying that the flight was delayed indefinitely and people were getting restless. I smsed Clem. He would stay at the airport till he saw the plane take off. Just in case the flight was cancelled/ delayed. At least he would be around.

We reached the hotel through transfer without a hiccup. The flight was very short. After the plane took off, we had our coffee and it was time to land. However, the queue at immigration was very long! Judging from the mass, I figured it could take us 2 hours!

Then one staff came to me, seeing that I had three kids including one infant, brought me to a special counter. That took us less than 30 min. Thank God! Then we waited for our transfer and travelled another 45 min to one hour to our hotel.

The Retreat Committee gave us a big room - with a living room, one bedroom and a kitchenette. It was great!

Cavan and Verity had a great time, as they got to spend time with their friends for 4 consecutive days. One of the days we even managed to bring all out for shopping. With all the kids, it was like a class excursion! Mealtimes were the usual challenge, getting the kids settled (they all had their preference who to sit next to), getting their food, helping them with seconds, making sure Verity ate, feeding Vesper. Thank God for kind sisters who offered to care for Vesper so we could eat.

I had a refreshing time, worshipping God and receiving of His Word. Also had a lot of reflections during this time, about my priorities, my next steps.

It was when we were preparing for the return trip that I realised we had to leave the hotel by 5.30am! That meant we had to wake up at 4.45am and get all ready! I couldn't pack in advance as I also had frozen bags of expressed breastmilk.

That morning, Murphy's Law really. All kids got up, got dressed without a fuss. But our luggage broke. There was no time to unpack. But we couldn't check in the luggage as it could not close! I quickly asked the hotel for masking as we checked out. They replied they didn't have any and offered me scotch tape.

I rolled my eyes! I insisted they gave me something stronger. And hurry, time was running out. Eventually they got me paper masking tape and we taped around the luggage. The luggage looked so bandaged. Quite a funny sight.

The kids and Nancy fell asleep in the car. I couldn't cos I needed to keep watch. Several times, the driver seemed to doze when finally he stopped by the shoulder of the road and washed his face. I knew cos he made several sharp swerves. It was harrowing!

We made it home safely. Clem was so so happy to have us back. He had never had to stay home without the entire family before. Well, we had fun. We missed him. But it was truly an adventure!

Resuming Sunday

After a month-long hiatus, we're back to a fully-packed Sunday!

Cavan was so glad to be back at Children's Church where his daddy teaches, joining the big kor-kors and jie-jies. Plus playing with daddy & mummy's friends, especially Uncle Victor & Auntie Yvonne!

After CC and church service, we, as usual, lunched with Kym, TC and their 2 bubbies at our fav Sunday lunch haunt - Crystal Cafe for porridge buffet!

This is our fav place cos the place is not too crowded; Our 2 toddlers have the space to move around; We don't feel pressured to eat quickly and give up our table; The toddlers eat for free! Considering the adult portion that Cavan eats, it is soooo worth it!

We usually spent almost the whole of our Sunday afternoons here if we come here for lunch and joked that we can settle lunch and dinner here (since it closes at 10pm). The waiters and waitresses probably recognised us, since we were the longest staying customers! The last time we came, Kym and I were heavily pregnant and we stayed as long! This time, we were still unstoppable despite having our newborns. Worse-still, the 2 todds were "unsupervised" since we were busy tending to the babies!

Baby Verity had been sleeping throughout. From her feed at 8.45am till 2pm, she was soundly asleep amid the loud noises and music in church! I was desperate for her to wake up so I could feed her (I was "bursting") but nothing can rouse her. Finally managed to feed her before our lunch so I could eat in peace. Alas, after that she refused to sleep so Clem had to hold her and have his lunch interrupted.

At 4+, we parted our ways and I wanted to shop at Vivocity. Desperately tried to make Cavan nap as he was up almost the whole day (napping only for 30 min during service) and having only slept 7.5 hours the night before.

I was so happy I managed to do some shopping. Have been buying stuff for the kids. Finally something for myself! Oops we forgot the time - it was close to 8pm - and we headed to my in-laws' for dinner.

It was great as there's always someone tending to the baby. Cavan had his uncles to entertain him. My hands were free while I had dinner! It's always great to be with family.

I was recharged. Now, to face another week ahead!

Stepping Down

2 weeks ago, I made a difficult decision. I stepped down as a Children's Church teacher after 10 years' of service.

In 1996, I had a stint at Children's Church when everyone from YAC were posted to ministries of their choice for 2 months. That was to give us a "foretaste" of serving in ministries. During my stint, I taught a lesson even though I had no experience. I taught "The Lord's Prayer".
It became a place where I grew over the next 10 years. In the past, teachers "bao ka liao" (meaning: do everything). From teaching, to worship leading, to playing instruments, to acting, to coaching, to counselling, to doing props. Soon, because of a need, I suddenly became a keyboardist. Something I was not ready to do.

Well, I learned organ but had lost touch for 5 years. Of course, I fumbled so many times but because having something was better than having nothing, people were more forgiving. I was stretched by God in this area. Teaching then was something that came easily for me. Not playing the keyboard. I had to trust God and entrust whatever gift He had given me.

playing keyboard,coaching Mei Yin (a student then)

After I got the hang of playing, God yet presented me with another area of growth. I was asked to be the superintendent of CC3 in 2002. It was something I took on with much fear and trembling. It was also humbling for me. But when God called, He also equipped and provided. I praise Him for His goodness.

This year, as Cavan turned one, I began to seriously think about my involvement. Guilt overcame me when I had to juggle between my child and my children at CC. I was giving half my best to them. I took a gradual step for 2nd half of 2006 in relinquishing my position as supt. For 2007, I decided not to commit as a cell teacher, but would stay in my Worship & Teaching team (duty once in a month).

It will continue to be my prayer that children will establish a strong foundation in God's Word and experience God in their lives. That they will growing up loving and serving Him.

Through the Years