Reflections of 2014

2014 has come to an end and we have welcomed 2015.
2014 was one year that was full of many challenges, and at the same time, many pleasant encounters. I marvelled at how things have turned out. It was no doubt a busy year, and I feel more like a housewife than before, engaging in more housewifery duties.
Last year, the children have done me proud by showing much tenacity in handling new challenges and showing diligence. The elder one was in Primary 3 last year, and was very busy with homework. It was the busyness and the hard work that saw him grow, within a year, into a mature, responsible and conscientious tween. Now, he takes homework in his stride and does not complain as much. He also finds a few good friends in his new p3 class and I was very happy for him. The younger boy entered primary school last year. It was pretty smooth-sailing for him, and I think he has transitioned well from pre-school to primary school. Having an elder sibling to show the way definitely cuts down the anxiety and uncertainties. There were no issues with bullying or problems with teachers. Perhaps, I also became less anxious and learnt to take things easy.
My mother came to stay for a couple of weeks last year when my siblings went away for a holiday. It was strange how well we got along, after not having lived with each other for close to 10 years. We have grown closer over the years, after I became a mother. The main reason was that being a mother helps me understand her position as a mother to me. It sounds like a cliché but I have realised how much I have loved her and appreciated her for being my mother! It was definitely good to have her live with us : she helped with the cooking, taught me a few new dishes, and we spent a lot of time chatting. She seemed happy and free of burden. I miss having her with us.
And yes, we did go back to Japan after all, in June. Final trip to Japan, I said, and we ought to visit other interesting places in the world! The kids enjoyed it as much though.
I feel contented and pleased with how things turn out last year even though there were disappointments and setbacks. What I have been grateful is getting to know many more parents from the kids' school, and they, knowingly or unknowingly, have given me great support. I hear them share their views on parenting and learn quite a bit from them. I have also attended a few parenting talks and workshops, and read several parenting books. I believed I have grown as a parent. Being a parent does require continual learning and growth!
Last year, there was very little time for myself, but I managed to attend a Mandarin pop concert on my own! I also picked up piano lessons again, attending lessons with my younger boy. It has always been my dream to keep learning music. Learning Spanish was also what I did with my elder boy for 10 weeks. I hope I have inspired them a bit more to love learning.