Barlalee Yoh!: A Blessed Mother's Day

Recently, there was a Mother’s Day feature on the Sunday Times which reported that HR experts estimate that the economic worth of a stay-at-home mums would be paid $23,000 a month considered all the jobs that she performs. Executive housekeeper (5hrs) $280

Childcare teacher (5hrs) $193

Chef (3hrs) $170

Personal Assistant (2hrs) $ 90

Driver (2hrs) $ 73

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Monthly pay $ 22,568

Yearly payout $293,384 (inclusive of 13th month bonus )

Did you hear my eyes go “ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching” like the cash register. I didn’t know a housewife value was rated that high. Hmm... probably higher than my boss’s pay…hehe! No wonder, I’m felt like the BOSS at home!

A housewife commented that she enjoys her work and don’t do it for money. (Erh, no comments.) Several others say that their roles are too important to be quantified. We can estimate how much the jobs might pay, but mothers are also involved in deep emotional bonds and life lessons, which will stay with their children and all their lives.

That’s why Mother’s Day is always more celebrated than Father’s Day. However, Mother’s Day is not only for mothers with kids, but also a day to commemorate those who are married, but have yet had any kids. However, being a wife is like a mother to the super “big kid” at home too… you know what I mean. I remember reading from Psalms 31:10-30 which describes the noble characteristics of a wife (and mother). Hi ladies, here’s a glimpse of married life. And guys, now you know what sort of women to look for, huh?

10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

And gee, I always thought being a wife was challenging, but being a mother is demanding. It’s really a molding and refining process. I think I learnt more from the children, than the other way around. And I have discovered that over the years, I have become stronger because of the kids.

COURAGE – to catch the flying cockroaches, bees, beetles and lizards.

CREATIVITINESS – To come up with impromptu games during long boring car rides

JOY – Laughing at my own self when the kids imitate my actions and use my phrases.

PATIENCE – To wait for them to wear their own socks and buckle their shoes.

PEACE – Knowing that it’s okay to mop the floor once a week, although the kids are crawling all over the place.

PERSEVERANCE – To continue to carry them, although I felt my arms are giving way soon.

PERSUASIVENESS – In getting the kiddos to eat their greens

SELF CONTROL – To stop pulling my hairs out, when the kids are disobedient

STRENGTH – To wake up many times a night when the kids are having a fever.

TRUST - That they will not break the glass ornaments at shopping centres.

WISDOM – To know what’s sort of mischief is up their sleeves.

Although I didn't have the chance to pursue my degrees, but my kids confer me the title "Expert in Anything & Whatever" in the following disciplines:

Architecture & Design – constructing a make-believe house from huge carton boxes.

Arts – Doodling on whatever pictures they request of us.

Business – Setting up of our own very "Sianz & Siong" supermarket in the living hall.

Computing – Setting up of their video game consoles.

Dentistry – Extraction of their teeth using my fingers.

Engineering – Understanding the instruction manual and assembling their toys.

Humanities – Reading and role-playing stories to them.

Medicine – Self medication or administration of medicine when they are sick or hurt.

Music – Karaoke singing to the song "Mouse Love rice"

Law – Warning them to put on their seat belts, if not police will catch.

Life Science – Growing sunflower from seeds

Science – Mixing soap with water to make bubbles.