SimpleWonder - About Pregnancy, Kids...& People

About Cows...

2011-07-22T13:00:00.001+08:00

Our boy started to form his own cow riddles after hearing a few from somewhere, and it's a favourite activity to do for both our boy and girl in the car ride home.

He would ask our girl the (same) questions, and our girl will answer. And this goes on back and forth. And each time, they would be so amused and laughed at the answers...

Here are a few samples...

"What does a cow like to watch?"

"Moo-vies."

"What does a cow like to listen to?

"Moo-sic."

"Where does a cow like to go to see dino bones?"

"Moo-seum."

"What is a cow's favourite song?"

"I like to moo-ve it, moo-ve it."

"What does a cow like to eat?

"Moo-thu curry."

"What is a cow's favourite robot toy?"

"Moo-optimus Prime." (as our boy's current favourite toy is Optimus Prime)

What's sunny in Mandarin?

2011-05-30T22:00:00.008+08:00

We are encouraging our kids to converse in Mandarin, so we have been speaking to them in Mandarin and getting them to translate English words and nouns to Mandarin.

Though their Mandarin has an odd English accent, at least they are learning and open to speak.

Our boy saw the word "Sunny" on a Chinese variety show, and asked what is "sunny" in Mandarin.

I was stumped.

For a moment, I forgot the Mandarin for sunny. Was it 阳光普照 or 风和日丽 or 天有太阳?

Gosh, my usage of mandarin is rusty.

As I was thinking how to answer our boy, he suddenly exclaimed, "I know what sunny in Chinese is!"

"It's 太阳 - ny! 今天很太阳 - ny." (As in "Today is a sunny day")

I couldn't help but laugh. You got to give our boy an A+ for his effort in translation, though it's incorrect in this case.

Void-deck weddings

2011-05-28T22:00:00.009+08:00

It's just amazing how Malay weddings at void decks are becoming more lavish and stunning.

We had a Malay wedding at our void deck just this morning, and I was totally impressed.

They had set up the place 2 nights ago, just to prepare for the actual day this morning. And there were people keeping vigil at the void deck to ensure nobody messes the things up.

No longer was the wedding with just a stage with 2 chairs, and long tables with those cheapo plastic table cloth and plastic chairs.

The stage is still there, but this time it was beautifully decorated with gold and ivory satin and velvet cloth and bows, with standing crystal lamps on both sides. The chairs have been substituted with a luxurious couch that looked so comfortable and heavenly to sit in.

It should be...since the couple will be sitting up there for a good 2 hours for the friends and relatives to look at and congratulate.

The long tables have been substituted with round tables with the same gold and ivory satin tablecloths, and the chairs are fitted with cushions and covered in velvet of the same shade. (with big beautiful bows at the back of EACH chair!)

Beautiful virginal white roses in crystal vases are placed on every table.

Every pillar is also wrapped in gold and ivory satin, giving it an cosy indoor feeling.

There were even big mist-fans that cool down the place, as if there was a gentle cool breeze blowing from air-cons.

The stunner for me was that the lights were no longer the big fluorescent bulbs that were usually used for void deck events.

They actually used chandeliers! Big crystal chandeliers that formed bright and colourful "rainbow bubble" lights when lighted up.

And that's not all...

Big lush green potted plants lined the perimeter of the void deck, simulating a nature fence that enclose a private closed-door event...even though it was at a public open space void deck.

Then the only "entrance" to the "main hall" was marked by a huge arch decorated with white flowers, ivory satin and gold tassels, where the reception table is placed.

I guess this prevents "uninvited" guests from gatecrashing the wedding. To think we used to be able to "mingle" in with the guests and having a free meal in the old days, even though we don't know the couple...haha.

Oh, another personal and perfect touch was a big golden yellow wool carpet at the entrance, making it such a regal sight. Sure makes the guests feel welcomed.

My oh my, this wedding sure is fit for a king and queen.

Even our little girl said she wanted to join in the "party".

We were expecting the usual traditional drums and noise associated with a malay wedding that we were so used to.

But what greeted us in the early morning were a live DJ playing ballads throughout. And the ballads sounded hauntingly like those soothing korean drama songs. I actually enjoyed the songs!

The only noisy part was when the actual wedding starts where the couple was up on stage to meet-and-greet the guests. Which is followed by a time of karaoke by the guests...where there were out-of-tune amateur singers that made us cringe with their singing.

And the smell of the food cooking just outside our window was so tempting.

Then everything ended in the late afternoon. And everything was taken down and kept, and our void deck went back to its bare and "original" state within just 2 hours.

I have only one word...Amazing!

Wonder if any Chinese would hold their weddings at the void deck. With such advancement in the decorations for void deck, the whole place can be as "high class" and beautiful as any 5-star hotel.

Pig Trotters in Vinegar

2011-05-26T22:30:00.001+08:00

My mum was so proud of her achievement! And I am so proud of her!

She finally managed to cook pig trotters in vinegar and it actually tasted delicious!

Because my sister has just delivered her baby, mum decided to cook this dish for my sis to build up her body during confinement.

It's another Chinese traditional dish usually eaten during confinement:

- The pig skin provides collagen to replenish the nutrients lost during childbirth

- The vinegar dissolves the calcium in the pigs' bones and cartilage for easy consumption, and purge out blood clots

- The ginger helps to expel the wind from the body to prevent rhuematism and pain

- The black sugar molasses, potassium and other minerals to improve blood circulation

Well, with so much to benefit from eating this dish, we all tucked in as well...even though we are not in confinement.

But mum cooked a large pot of it, and we had it for 3 days in a week BEFORE my sis gave birth. Because mum wanted to try out and ensure that the dish was cooked well before my sis' confinement.

Then she cooked another large pot, which we ate for another 3 to 4 days in a week after my sis gave birth.

Till today, 3 weeks after my sis gave birth, mum is going to cook another large pot of it. For my sis, as well as to finish up the vinegar!!!

It was delicious...but you cannot have too much of it if you are not in confinement. Women who had just given birth can take the ginger and vinegar as their bodies need the "nutrients" and are quick to absorb.

Normal folks like us are recommended to eat this dish once a month or months, as too much of it will be too heaty for the body, causing nosebleed and stomach discomfort.

I still want to thank mum for her heart for all of us, and stepping out of her comfort zone to try cooking food that she has never cooked before, just so we all can eat well and be well.

I promised my SIL that I will cook this dish for her when she's back home with my bro in Jul. So I'd better start learning from mum now, since she will be cooking her last big pot of pig trotters in vinegar this week.

Recipe: Honey Roasted Chicken

2011-05-20T22:00:00.002+08:00

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This is our all-time favourite.

It's easy to make, full of colours and favour, kids finish up every bit of it and it's not expensive.

And after cooking it for the "100th" time (I think), I finally got the hang of it and the chicken to marinated and roasted to perfection. :-)

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Honey Roasted Chicken

Serves : 4 . Prep Time : 30 mins (include marinade time) . Cooking Time : 30 mins

Ingredients

1. 4 Chicken leg (or one small whole chicken if you enjoy different parts of the chicken meat)

2. Maggi seasoning sauce - 4 dashes

3. Pepper - 2 dashes

4. Sesame oil - 2 tbsp

5. Rice wine (花雕酒) - 2 tbsp

6. Honey - 2 tbsp (or one more tbsp if you like it sweet)

Additional vegetables

1. 2 medium carrots - cut into thick strips

2. 2 medium onions - cut into wedges

3. 1 bell pepper (yellow for added colour) - cut into wedges

4. brocolli - 1 floret cut into smaller florets

Method

1. Marinade the chicken with ingredients 2 - 6.

2. Set aside for 20 mins.

3. At the meantime, peel and cut carrots and onions.

4. Place chicken, carrots and onions into baking tin. (You may use the disposable foil baking tin for easy clearing up)

5. Set oven to 240 deg celcius.

6. Put in oven to bake for 30 mins, turning over the chicken after 15 mins for even roasting.

(You may want to roast it for another 10 mins if the chicken meat is not fully cooked)

7. While the chicken is being roasted, cut the broccoli.

8. Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 3 -5 mins. Toss in 1 tbsp of olive oil and set aside to serve as a side dish.

Serve with rice or mashed potato. Pour the gravy over for a sweet aromatic meal.

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Tips

How to know if the chicken is cooked?

Pierce a toothpick into the thickest part of the chicken (usually at the joint of the drumstick and thigh). If the liquid that comes out is clear, then the chicken is cooked.

A case of common flu?

2011-05-11T14:30:00.000+08:00

Our girl has been sick for the past 3 weeks, pushing into the 4th this week.

The first diagnosis was because of the erratic weather, so we got her off-the-shelf medicine which she had taken before and had worked.

But this time, it didn't. Her fever, cough and cold didn't subside.

So we brought her to her PD. At least the PD checked and verified her lungs are clear, which is a good thing else there might be complications leading to chronic bronchitis and pneumonia.

The PD then gave her a stronger dose of medicine to counter the "common flu" as told by the PD.

But the medicine didn't help at all, even after finishing up all the medicine.

So we decided to bring her to another family doctor for kids, highly recommended by friends. And when Daddy called the clinic at about 9am in the morning, there were already 20 people in the queue. By the time Daddy brought our girl to the family doctor to register her (which is about 10 mins time), there were already 36 people in the queue!

No wonder this doctor is highly recommended.

His diagnosis of our girl's condition is bacterial and viral infection, which caused our girl's fever to shoot up to 39.8 deg c!

So he changed the whole set of medication from the PD, and added antibiotics.

And he mentioned that if our girl's fever does not subside in 36 hours, we should bring her to the polyclinic to do a blood count test...for fear of dengue fever.

Our girl feared taking medicine (after taking them for almost 4 weeks) and feared vomiting (which resulted from the reaction of bacteria in her stomach, as well as the mucus and phlegm that clogged her nose and throat which just would not be expelled out).

Sigh.

Sleepless nights of sponging our girl off her high fever (which strangely only comes on at night) and comforting her through the night because of the pain in her throat and stomach caused by her cough...finally took a toll on Daddy's and my bodies.

We were so tired out in the day and seemed to be having a fever ourselves. But we will stay strong for our kids...

Hopefully our girl will get well soon...my heart aches to see her coughing in pain and not being able to eat anything (when food is her favourite)...

New arrival...my niece!

2011-05-05T20:30:00.002+08:00

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My niece, Baby K, has arrived!

My sis was supposed to be induced at 6pm today, so we expected the delivery to be about 10pm-11pm.

She was admitted to the hospital at 2pm to rest and prepare for delivery...but my niece decided to follow in her brother's footstep and came out early about 5pm, before the induction!

And she came out after 2 pushes, even the gynae was shocked!

I can't imagine how fast the 3rd one will come out, if my sis decides to have another baby.

Can't wait to cradle the little bundle of joy in my arms tomorrow when I visit...it might just stir my maternal instincts again... :-)

Rest well, sis. Glad that both of you are doing well.

Happy...meal!

2011-05-05T20:00:00.003+08:00

We brought our boy and girl to the boookstore today and got them some new workbooks to help them in their subjects.

They were so excited that they started doing the exercises in the workbook when we got home.

I was teaching our girl on singular and plural nouns,

"One foot, many...?"

Our girl pondered and shrugged her shoulders.

I prodded,

"Remember the show we watched on TV? Happy what...?"

I assumed she would remember the cute penguins in "Happy Feet". But how wrong I was.

She immediately replied,

"Ah, I know! Happy...Meal! From McDonalds!"

Sigh, all our little girl can think of is food, and nothing but food.

I wanna wear high heels...like mummy

2011-05-04T22:30:00.002+08:00

Our little girl suddenly blurted out this morning,

"When I grow up, I want to wear high heels, just like mama."

I explained to her that wearing high heels is not good for the feet, it deforms the toes and may cause fracture in the bones.

Then daddy added,

"So meimei, you need to eat more and grow up tall. So you don't need to wear high heels."

To which our little girl replied,

"But mama wears high heel shoes, so mama is short short lor."

... *speechless*

Little Explorers

2011-05-03T22:00:00.002+08:00

Our boy and girl have been sick for the past weeks. Their fever comes on and off, and are having cough and cold.

So they haven't been to school for several days.

And how do you keep 2 kids occupied while they are on MC at home?

Besides watching TV (which I am cutting down for them...don't want them to grow up having to wear glasses and having their minds too stimulated that they fidget in their sleep), and playing with their existing toys, I wanted them to have a time to play and learn as well.

So I did arts and craft with them...and what a fun and eventful time we had!

We learnt about recycling and different types of animals, and got a chance to use our hands to draw and create.

And we went on an imaginary expedition-exploration trip!

First, we used the kitchen towel rolls, raffia strings and discarded pamplets to make our "binoculars". Then the kids drew and coloured on their own binoculars.

Next, we went on our exploration in the jungle and saw lions, tigers, crocodiles, monkeys, giraffes and a big grisly papa bear sleeping on our sofa!!!

We then went back to camp to draw what we had seen and stick our "photos" on our animal-print photo frames (which we made out of tearing paper from leftover coloured papers).

Then the children went on another of their own exploration to the farm, and drew the farm animals on a "barn house".

The children were so intrigued and excited that they wore the binoculars around their necks over dinner and to bed!

We ended off the day with a game of Pictionary, drawing the animals we had seen during our exploration and sharing one "fact" that we know about the animals.

Well, this just goes to show that with a little bit of imagination and creativity (and a LOT of dedicated time set aside from the parents for the children), we can all have a fun and educational time...and at no cost at all!

And it's a great bonding time too.

Bliss is..."hearing" your kids' love for you

2011-05-02T21:30:00.005+08:00

Bliss is...

"Hearing" your kids' love for you in the things they say to you.

Our boy said something that was so thoughtful and sweet today.

As he had been unwell for the past week, we allowed him to sleep with us so I can monitor his condition, especially his fever that comes on and off.

Today, he was feeling better and his fever subsided.

He asked if he could go back to his room to sleep.

I told him that I would like to monitor his condition one more day and take care of him, if need be.

He thought for a while and said,

"Mama, I will sleep with you and papa for tonight. I don't want you to walk too much just to take care of me."

My heart warmed to hear that our boy thought for me, even though I was more than willing to walk over to his room to take care of him.

I'm truly blessed by our children.

Baby K...counting down.

2011-04-27T14:00:00.000+08:00

So exciting...my niece will be coming in about 2 weeks' time!

Seeing my sis' belly growing bigger everyday, and now it's almost time for baby to pop, it's such a beautiful and wonderful journey...though it was clearly tiring for my sis.

Our girl can't wait for her baby cousin to come out, then she will have another girl to play with.

She promised to feed and sing to baby K, and share all her clothes and toys...though she had already said she "doesn't know how to" and will not clean baby K's pee and poo.

Baby K will be our girl's real "Baby Alive"...

Mind over matter

2011-04-27T10:00:00.001+08:00

Our little girl told us that she needed to poo when we were on our way home in the car last night.

We were flustered. Daddy drove faster, and I kept trying to distract our girl from her urge to poo.

I told her to "hold her poo" until we got home.

And she literally held on to her backside to "hold her poo"!

Then I told her to tell herself (and the poo) not to come out until we reached home...suggesting the mind over matter method.

Suddenly our little girl exclaimed in a loud and firm voice, "Poo poo, don't come out! Stay inside until we reach home!"

I was amused, at the same time worried if she could hold on.

After a while, our little girl said with a big grin..."I think my poo poo go in already. Maybe it will come out of my mouth!"

Sigh...

Well, at least she managed to hold on till we reached home...where Daddy dropped us off first, and I carried her (17kg weight and all) and ran as fast as I could (up 2 long flights of stairs) to our house, and settled her at the toilet bowl.

What a workout and an "adventure"!

2011-04-22T23:00:00.002+08:00

Today, a lady asked me if our boy and girl are twins.

I was surprised...how could it be? Our boy is tall and lanky and skinny, our girl is round and fleshy.

But upon closer look at our boy and girl, the most significant difference is in their height. And the lady saw them when they were seated, so no wonder she didn't see the difference.

Other than that, our girl's physique is almost the same, if not slightly larger than our boy's.

And their faces are the same size...together with their big round eyes!

No wonder they were mistaken to be twins.

I know Chinese...

2011-04-21T22:00:00.000+08:00

Our little girl told us at dinner table today,

"I know how to say "gong gong" (公公） in Chinese."

We looked at her amused, wondering what she will say.

"It's "gong gong"(公公）!" she exclaimed happily.

Why follow me?...

2011-04-07T22:30:00.005+08:00

Our girl got bitten on her right calf by a mozzie at grandma's place.

When she got home, she found another mozzie bite on her left calf.

Then she exclaimed, "Why the mosquito follow me home from grandma's place?"

One mouse, many...

2011-04-04T22:30:00.002+08:00

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I was teaching our girl some uncommon singular and plural nouns...

Like one tooth, many teeth. One foot, many feet.

Then when I asked her, "One mouse, many...?"

She thought hard for a while and after a short pause, her eyes widened and she said, "I know! It's....RATS!"

When I asked her why she said "rats", her reply...

"I know it's not mouses...but I don't know what is the answer. A rat is a big mouse, so it's the same lor!!!"...

sigh...

Sneeze* Cough*

2011-04-04T13:00:00.000+08:00

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Both our boy and girl fell sick.

Our girl fell sick last week with running nose and blocked nose which led to phlegm in her throat that caused her to cough and cough and cough...

And she sneezed and coughed, sneezed and coughed into our boy's face many times...and I guess that's how our boy fell sick as well...

I bought some over the counter medication from the pharmacist for them. This cold and cough medicine used to work on them, but somehow this time it didn't work. They finished one bottle of each medicine and still didn't get well.

So I went to take medicine from their PD...who didn't want to give initially as she wanted to see them first (which means a $55 consultation fee for each of them into her pocket).

But I told her that I didn't bring them as they were at home...so she reluctantly relented and told me that no more collection of medicine next time without consultation.

The medicine works! I guess it's because its content is stronger, plus they have been sick for almost one week, so their bodies are fighting the virus naturally too, and it most probably have reached the tail end of the virus infection stage.

We are looking around for good and not-so-expensive PDs...cos it really takes a lot and costs a lot just to have your kids sick nowadays...

We don't mind the wait at the Polyclinic but the medication they give are just general medicine, not targetted at children. So it might take longer for the kids to heal and get well.

Like I said many times before, when the kids are unwell, the parents are the ones who would stay up to take care of them...

I am just hoping with their daily intake of their multivitamins and cod liver oil, their bodies will build up stronger. It hurts to see them uncomfortable in sickness and downing all the "horrible" medication.

I worry for you...

2011-04-02T23:30:00.002+08:00

Our little girl told grandma, "I worry for you, popo..."

Then she gave a sad and worried look.

Grandma was surprised and asked, "Why you worry for me?"

"Because I love you lor..." she said in her sweetest voice.

Then our little girl added, "I also worry for papa, mama, kor kor and Aunt H."

And those whom she mentioned were all sitting at the dinner table, our mouths curled up in an affectionate smile.

To our little girl, love = worry...though I doubt she understood the meaning of worry...

We have no idea where she came up with that thought...

Brr...again!

2011-04-02T23:00:00.005+08:00

I don't believe it...

The newly installed water heater doesn't work after just one day of usage!

The heater in the storage tank doesn't heat up the water...so we are back to cold showers again!

We called up the agent who sold us the water heater and he said it was beyond his capacity. So he will check with the manufacturer.

We waited almost the whole day but no reply. When we called him, he said he couldn't get the manufacturer. And not even an update in the day to let us know what's happening.

So does it mean our kids have to bathe with cold water? Does it mean I got to boil water to bathe the kids?

This is unacceptable after-sales service. We specifically asked him who should we contact if the water heater is faulty. His reply..."No problem, you can call us. We will help you."

Well, this is the kind of help we get...

Let's see if we will receive any call from the agent to offer any solution. Else we will definitely kick up a fuss...

I just hope we didn't buy a lemon...sigh.

Words of Gold

2011-04-02T10:03:00.001+08:00

"Stress is not what happens to us.

It's our response TO what happens.

And RESPONSE is something we can choose."

- quote by Maureen Killoran

So tired...

2011-04-01T23:30:00.003+08:00

Have not been so mentally and physically tired since...I don't know when...

"Work" started by sending kids to school, then daddy and I were off to meet our clients, then I rushed back to fetch the kids, then doing coordination work over the phone and searching for info on my laptop all the way from lunch till dinner for daddy...

Then it's off to meet another client after dinner, drove from East to West, then back to East to pick up the kids, then back further East home.

Then after putting the kids to bed, it's another round of work on my laptop.

Wow, my phone bill and laptop usage bill (if there ever is one) will be sky high this month...will be all well worth it if we can close the deals...

I felt kinda bad that though I was there physically with my kids, but I am not THERE with them. I was busy with my work and my mind was full.

Will make it up to them once this weekend is over, after all the busy-ness...

Need to readjust my priorities and schedules and come back to what I initially quit my full-time job for...it's for my kids and my family.

I don't want to jump from the hot pot into the frying pan...

My chest felt so tight that I could hardly breathe, my heart pumped so fast, my mind throbbed with a nagging pain that goes all the way down to the back of my neck, my forehead and face scrunched up, my hands went numb then pins and needles...

Maybe I hadn't had this kind of stress for a long time, that's why my body is acting up...

Need to take a break, take time to breathe, take time to smile and relax...

Brr...

2011-03-31T22:00:00.004+08:00

Last night, our water heater broke down...fianlly after 15 years...

We had not changed the air-con nor the water heater since we bought over the house from the previous owner 10 years ago as the units were still in good condition.

But after 15 years of wear & tear, they decided to give way.

First was our air-con, which we were quite reluctant to change as we only use it occasionally. We used the fan at night to cool down. But as the weather gets warmer, we had no choice but to rely on the air-con.

And so our major household expense last year end was for the air-con.

Now our water heater decided its time was also up, and refused to work anymore.

So we had a cold bath last night and this morning...brr...

The weather may be warm, but bathing in cold water is no fun at all.

And so we did our research till late last night. Never knew there was so much to take note about a good water heater...

We were initially thinking of changing the whole heater system to the instant heater type, but that would mean a lot of piping changes. And more work, more holes to drill, more pipes to lay and definitely more cost involved.

But we also don't use much hot water to bathe, so a water heater storage tank of 30L might be an overkill. Then again, that would save us a lot of work and money with a "direct" replacement.

In the end, we got another brand of a higher capacity which claimed to be green technology eco tank - saves electricity up to 20%!!!, and stainless steel inner tank and has 10 years warranty.

It was a quick decision and execution. We went, we bought, we asked for immediate installation, and it was done within 3 hours!

And then we had hot water. Yeah!!!

So this year, our major household expense is the water heater. Hopefully, the rest of the household appliances will not start breaking down at the same time...

That uncle is from grandpa's office...

2011-03-27T22:30:00.003+08:00

While watching a reality TV program today, our boy suddenly exclaimed,

"Mama, that uncle is from grandpa's office..."

I was puzzled as the "uncle" is an American presenter on TV...how can he be from grandpa's office?...

Until I saw the words below the presenter...

Andrew Anthony

Host

Then I realized why our boy thought the presenter is from grandpa's company...

How tall are you?

2011-03-26T22:30:00.005+08:00

Heard from Aunt YW today that she was amused by our girl's reply to her question 2 weeks ago.

She asked our girl how tall she was.

Our girl gave a serious look, as if deep in concentration, and then replied...

"I'm taller than baby E!"

When I asked our girl why she said what she said, and her reply was...

"Because Aunt YW asked how "tall" I am, and I am "taller" than baby E. So I am that tall!"

Sheesh...such classic simplicity.

I also want to get married!

2011-03-23T22:00:00.003+08:00

Told our little girl that Uncle CY would like her to be the flower girl at his wedding next year.

She was so excited that she exclaimed,

"I also want to get married!...Everytime!"

She wants to get married "everytime" as she enjoys being able to wear nice dresses and throw flowers at weddings.

Bliss is..."Mama, you cook very nice."

2011-03-21T22:30:00.000+08:00

Bliss is...

...when your kids finish up the food you cooked and tell you, "Mama, you cook very nice".

Usually our boy and girl do not eat much during meals because the meals I cooked were not "flavourable" to their taste buds.

But over the last weekend, they actually enjoyed the food I cooked (and the dishes were new recipes that I was trying out!!!) and finished up everything on their plates.

And the sweet icing to top it off is when they complemented my cooking at the end of the meal.

That gave me the motivation to learn to cook better for them.

Bed wetting

2011-03-16T22:00:00.004+08:00

Our girl woke up in the wee hours and called out for me.

She said she had wet her pants.

This is the first time she wet herself when sleeping.

When daddy asked her in the morning why she wet herself, her reply was classic...

"Because I dream that my bed is the toilet bowl!"

Kids at work

2011-03-14T22:00:00.002+08:00

Daddy and mummy had to work all day yesterday, even though it was a Sunday.

And we brought our kids along with us to work.

My work is at the West side, near to IMM. So we decided to go there for lunch.

When I went to work after lunch, Daddy took care of the kids, spending time with them at the shops.

Then after I was done, it was Daddy's turn to work. And this time it was in the East!

So we travelled all the way back from West to East, with the kids in tow.

When Daddy went to work, I took care of them by playing games with them in the car waiting to Daddy to finish work.

Then it was off to buy dinner home to eat.

To the kids, it was an interesting and exciting car trip, with games, food and drinks.

To us, it was a satisfying family time (inclusive of work) of bonding, where the kids see us at work and understand the nature of our work.

Who said family and work can't mix...we proved them wrong!

Darn mozzie bites!

2011-03-13T22:30:00.004+08:00

Our boy got bitten by mosquitoes, MANY mosquitoes.

He had bites all over his forehead, cheeks, behind his ears and neck, his arms, palms and fingers and even on the sole of his foot!

Must be the downpour in the wee hours that "aroused" the mozzies to come out for feeding!

The bites on his forehead swelled up, it looked as if he had fell and knocked a bruise.

It was heartbreaking to see him like that...

We made sure there is no collected water anywhere in the house.

We had tried many methods before - mosquito patches, electric mosquito repellent, repellent lotion, mosquito coils etc...

But the mosquitoes keep on coming back!

So I went online to check what other methods there are to repel those damn mozzies...

1. Growing plants that repel mosquitoes such as

- Citronella

- Lavender

- Basil

- Catnip

- Pennyroyal

- Tansy

- Marigolds

2. Using essential oils such as

- Citronella oil

- Lavender oil

- Catnip oil

- Eucalyptus oil

- Pennyroyal oil

- Tansy oil

- Basil oil

- Thyme oil

- Cedar oil

- Tea Tree oil

- Peppermint oil

- Lemongrass oil

3. Things to eat to repel mosquitoes - apparently the smell that comes out of your pores from a steady diet of the below deters mosquitoes.

- Garlic

- B1 Vitamins

- Brewers Yeast

- Lemons

4. But one method I found intriguing and least expensive and troublesome is to rub Vicks Vaporub over your body.

Will try that on our boy and girl and hopefully this will work!

Great Grandma's 92nd birthday!

2011-03-12T23:30:00.004+08:00

Wow...great grandma is 92 years old today.

And we all made time to celebrate for her.

The grandaunts were busy preparing the food for steamboat, the granduncles, uncles and aunties were busy playing with the little ones...namely our boy and our girl, and of course the youngest of us all...my nephew!

Our kids love these gatherings because they know all the grandaunts and granduncles would buy sweets, chocolate and toys for them...much to the displeasure of their mummy.

I have told the grandaunts and granduncles not to buy them so many things as daddy and I are trying to teach them the value of money...but like what 3rd granduncle always say, "They are just kids, kids love sweets and toys, and we love buying for them...and we enjoy seeing them happy."

Well, I appreciate their love for our kids, and I graciously accepted their gifts each time (though I repeat the same old story to them each time not to pamper and splurge on the kids) and I made sure our kids thank them personally.

It was a quick time of catch up for some of us, but at least it was a good short time. Great to hear a piece of wonderful news about my cousin...happy for him!

As we gathered round after dinner to sing the birthday song and cut the cake, I took a step back and took in the moment...

4 generations under one roof together, more than 30 people gathered in a small flat yet we all could still find a "corner" to fit in and interact with one another...it's an amazing feat!

Of course, our little girl is the centre of attraction with her cuteness, antics and all-so-sweetness, she captured everyone's hearts.

And the punchline of the night was when she said, "All the chinese people are here."

When asked by curious aunts and uncles why she referred to them as chinese people, her reply was interesting as usual...

"Because I see all of you on Chinese New Year, so you are all chinese people!"

Aunt is my best....

2011-03-11T22:30:00.002+08:00

On our way home, our little girl suddenly blurted out,

"Aunt H is my best...."

There was a slight pause.

Naturally in my mind, I assumed that she would say "my best aunt" since our girl has been telling me about her "best friend" in school.

Then she completed the sentence,

"...big adult!"

And she ended off with "I love my Aunt H very much!"

Aww, so sweet...

MacBookAir

2011-03-10T22:00:00.000+08:00

I have been looking around for a laptop computer since my old laptop is coming to its end soon (3 years and counting...).

Went to the IT show today and so many offers and deals on laptop computers that got my head swirling in circles. Most configurations and designs are similar and each brand trying to beat one another by throwing in freebies and slashing prices.

Which should I choose?...

One laptop computer that stands out among the rest is the MacBook Air.

What I really liked was the fact that it offers:

1. A small screen (11 inch!!! Which other computer brands offer 11 inch without the laptop having a lower configuration or ended up being a netbook instead?!!)

2. It's light and slim (less than 1.36kg...wow, that's ultra portable without the strain on my shoulder!)

3. Clear and high resolution display (great to see photos and movies)

4. Clean and sleek design (I love the pure white...oops, I mean the matte silver!!!)

But then again, there is no discount on Apple products...so I will still be paying a premium for the MacBook Air, even though I might get a little more freebies from the different vendors at the show.

I told Daddy I wished to get a MacBook Air...and he said he would get me one!

I was ecstatic!

Until he revealed that he would get me a Big Mac + a Book + a bottle of Air = Mac Book Air!!!

Well, maybe when my current laptop computer dies and laid to rest, then I might really have my wish come true...

Reward Chart

2011-03-09T22:00:00.003+08:00

I did up a reward chart for our boy and girl.

We used to have a reward chart for our boy when he was three years old. If he had been obedient for the day, or if he helped with extra chores, or if he kept his toys after he played with them, he gets a star. And when he has gotten 3 stars, he gets a reward.

Used to be simply an ice-cream treat or a trip to the shopping mall would satisfy as a reward.

But as he grows older, the expectations of a reward also grows.

So for a while, our boy would get a $1 coin if he had been obedient, kept his toys or did extra chores. And when he has collected 10 coins, he could "exchange" his coins for a Ben 10 toy. (Daddy bought a series of Ben 10 figurine toys and kept them in the cabinet as "tangible and visible" rewards).

This gave our boy a target, an objective to work towards.

Then when all the Ben 10 toys have been "redeemed", we kinda stopped the reward system.

That's when we realised that our boy started to get restless, and the tantrums started coming, more frequent, more furious.

Guess even kids need something to look forward to, to work towards, something to spur them on, to get the desired results.

So, that's how the new reward chart came about...

This time, each of them will get a magnet if they had been good, or did extra chores, or kept their toys, or did their homework properly etc.

And every 5 magnets collected will entitle them to a $1 coin. They can save up the coins and use the coins to buy what they want. (We want to instill in them the value of giving to the less fortunate, so the coins they saved up or redeemed will be used to donate to charity.)

Or they could also redeem the "rewards" that daddy and mummy bought for different amounts. For example, a dinosaur origami book will cost our boy $5 if he wants to redeem it. Which means he needs to get 25 magnets in order to save $5.

Or for our girl, a miniature doll house toy will cost her $2.

To get them interested, I got them to decorate their own side of the reward chart. Our boy drew his favourite dinosaurs and Disney Cars, while our girl "doddled" a teddy bear.

I cut their drawings out and pasted them on the board.

I even cut out some pictures using colourful felt-cloth to birghten up the chart.

Hopefully, this could help our kids to have something to work towards, and of course to get the desired results we hoped for.

Sniffle

2011-03-06T22:30:00.003+08:00

We were watching Ratatouille on TV just now, and suddenly we heard sniffles.

We all turned and saw our girl sniffling, with tears in her eyes.

And it was just at the scene where Linguini (the restaurant's garbage boy) caught Remy (the young rat) and put him into a glass jar to be thrown into the river.

I immediately carried our girl into my arms and asked if she's all right. Then the tears started to fall.

I thought maybe she was scared or sad. But she said she's neither.

Guess it's just a wave of emotions came over her and she just cried.

And it's not just once, but a few times in the show that she teared.

Our girl is a sensitive little girl, filled with empathy for others, be it people or animals or even cartoon characters.

Birthday Celebration

2011-03-05T22:30:00.004+08:00

-
Both our boy's and my birthday are coming and we celebrated with the whole family (minus Uncle H and Aunt R who are in USA, and Uncle E who has an important matter to attend to).

Grandma specially cooked roast chicken, french fries, salad and mushroom soup. Yummy...all our favourite...

Daddy specially bought Awfully Chocolate (rum and cherry flavoured) cake because both my boy and I loved chocolate cake.

And our boy had his hands full of fabulous birthday gifts from daddy, grandma and Aunt H.

Daddy got our boy a 31 inch T-Rex figurine.

Grandma got 3 sets of Lego Creator 3-in-1 bricks.

Aunt H got a Disney Cars pop-up shadow story book, complete with flashlight and sound stick.

To me, being able to celebrate birthdays, or even any day with our family is the best gift ever.

To see the kids enjoy themselves with toys and cakes, to see grandma smiling and laughing, and everyone tucking in to a wonderful home-cooked meal, what more can one ask for.

This to me, is bliss. It's heaven.

No more diapers...for our girl!

2011-02-22T22:30:00.001+08:00

Yes, finally... our girl is off her diapers!

And she did it much earlier than our boy.

Our boy went off diapers when he was about 5 years old.

Our girl has yet to turn 4 years, and she could go without diapers in the day, and also for night.

I wanted to get her off diapers in order to prepare her for school because the other kids might have already been potty trained and can go to the toilet themselves. And I didn't want her to feel inadequate as why her friends could do it but not her.

Our boy was wearing diapers throughout Nursery and he didn't even have to go to the toilet to relieve himself. I had to pack an extra diaper in his bag just in case he soiled himself.

And our boy came back telling me how his friends went to the toilet, while he didn't know how.

So I was determined to get our girl started on her potty training as early as possible. And boy, did she learn fast.

Perhaps having an older sibling who showed her the example of sitting on the potty helps her to develop the notion and habit.

Though she kept going to the toilet every half hour or so in the beginning in the day, she could sleep through the night till morning after relieving herself just before bed.

How to potty train a kid?

As always, with a lot of encouragement and patience, and some creativity, the kid will have the confidence to do things they never thought they could do.

Our girl now has "upgraded" from the potty to the toilet bowl, where she would drag her little stool to climb unto the toilet bowl, and after relieving herself, would flush the toilet and wash her hands...ALL BY HERSELF!

Well done, girl!

Where does my "fat pig" come from?

2011-02-15T22:30:00.007+08:00

We have just taught our girl a worship song in Mandarin and she has been singing it.

As we listened closely, we realized that some of her pronunciation was wrong and it changed the whole meaning to the song.

The song goes like this...

我要向高山举目

我的帮助从何来

我的帮助从

造天地的耶和华而来

But when it comes out from our girl's mouth, it goes like this...

我要上高山取木

我的胖猪从何来

我的胖猪从

找田地里野荷花而来

This just goes to show how similar-sounding words can change the context of a song.

There are 2 bears

2011-02-06T22:30:00.002+08:00

We went to grandma's elder brother's house yesterday for CNY visitation...and the kids call granduncle as 伯公 and grandaunt as 伯婆.

Just as we were leaving, our girl said to granduncle, "There are 2 bears."

Amused, we asked her "Where got 2 bears?"

She replied, as a matter-of-factly, "Bear-gong and Bear-po!"

That got granduncle and grandaunt, and all of us in stitches.

(In Hainanese, 伯公 and 伯婆 is pronounced as Beh-gong and Beh-po).

Words Of Gold

2011-01-19T13:52:00.002+08:00

"If we look at what we do not have,

we will always be poor.

If we look at what we have,

we are rich."

- A reflection.

Pregnancy for me...again?

2011-01-05T14:30:00.003+08:00

I'm going to be an aunt again! This time, it's a niece!

Seeing my sis going through the pregnancy journey again does evoke the "desire" and maternal instinct in me to have another one...but not at the moment just yet.

The joy and anticipation of being pregnant also comes with it the nausea and fatigue. With two kids on hand and going into looking after them full-time, I don't think I can handle another baby at this time.

And with the rising costs of living, unless we belong to the super-uber-rich or the government gives more and better incentives and help, it would be tough (though not impossible) to raise another kid.

The essentials required (let's not talk about "branded" goods and services, just normal, affordable essentials) :

1. The medical costs

The pregnancy and baby checkup, delivery and ALL the compulsory jabs for the baby, except the first BGR jab, are CHARGEABLE even in Polyclinics, let alone at private PDs.

2. The consumables required for the growing up years

The diapers and milk powder are the bulk of it and many others.

3. The education

With most schools going private (autonomous and independent = higher status) and charging "private" fees, which maybe only the rich and kiasu can afford. Public schools are still affordable with the subsidies, but you will be competing for a place with the middle and low income family kids.

And with S'pore's education system striving to be "excellent", public (neighbourhood) schools are also trying to up their standard (in terms of facilities and academic), and soon we all got to pay a "price" to get our kids into public schools as well.

Not forgetting the extras...

1. Tuition

2. Enrichment Classes (Etiquette, lateral thinking, motivational classes etc.)

3. Activities (Kids' golf, swimming, music, ballet, fencing, art, speech and drama lessons etc.)

4. And many many more...

Just thinking about the cost needed nowadays to raise a kid makes me shudder.

I always believe "Live within our means", and I'm still sticking by it.

So, we will stop at two and plans for the third child will be shelved until further notice...as of now.

First Day of school...for our boy and girl

2011-01-03T22:30:00.004+08:00

Today is the first day of school for both our boy and girl.

And as usual, the first day of school involves an introductory speech by the principal, followed by an orientation of the class by the form teacher, and then sample lessons where the parents can sit through and observe how the teachers interact with and teach their kids.

Our boy has no problem fitting into his new class as this is his 3rd year in Kindergarten.

Our girl, on the other hand, is attending school for the first time. So I went to class with her and was ready to sit through and accompany her...just in case she gets afraid.

But the moment I brought her into class, she turned to me and said, "Okay, bye bye mama, I see you later."

And she went to the front of the class and greeted the teacher (she's the only one who greeted the teacher. I'm so proud of her!). And then she sat down on the floor in front the teacher, smiling.

Some of the other children were crying, and some were clinging on to their parents.

Our girl looked around and saw another girl sitting near to her crying.

So our girl nudged nearer to the other girl and put her arm around the girl and said, "Don't cry, don't be afraid. I be your friend."

I stood watching in amazement!

Our little girl is not only independent and bold, and also very caring towards her peers.

I'm very sure she will do well in class.

Wish List...

2011-01-02T10:30:00.003+08:00

I wish, I wish, I wish...

1. I could be more patient and less frustrated when our boy asks for favours from me.

Yes, sometimes it comes at the most inconvenient time for me, but I got to understand that he looks to me for help, and by asking me means that to him, I'm the only one who can help him.

2. I could have a new digicam

Our old digicams are not working anymore...fixing them will cost more than 1/2 the cost of a new one...so getting a new one would be most perfect. So that I could take photos of the kids and their growth, and of our family outing, and of my cooking recipes and art & craft with the kids...

3. I could be an excellent helper to my hubby

I need to be more pro-active and be a really good supporter and helper to my hubby...so he can soar in his career.

Journey of Faith - Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T12:30:00.001+08:00

Finally...reality bites. Realization finally hits me.

I've quit my full-time job of 12 years, and decided to take back the responsibility of taking care of my kids.

Not that I've not taken care of them, in fact, both my husband and I are very hands-on parents. We tried to involve ourselves in our kids' life every opportunity we can get. But it's usually at nights after work, weekends or on special occasions.

My mum (God bless her heart) so willingly offered to care for my kids while we worked in the day. She bathed them, cooked for them, cleaned them up after every wee wee and poo poo, watched children's programs on TV with them, read stories to them, played with them, watched over them as they slept, bought clothes, books and toys for them...

And that really relieved and released us to be able to concentrate on our jobs, knowing the kids are in good hands. How blessed and fortunate we are.

But now that she's getting older, and my kids are needing more attention, it's time to give my mum a well-deserved break. Plus now it's my sis' turn. Mum is helping my sis to take care of my baby nephew, and one more (niece) coming on the way.

So, here I am, starting the new year, being physically "there" for my kids. Now it's my turn to cook for them, bathe them, teach them, play with them, watch TV with them, clean up after them.

With that also come a full set of responsibilities of house chores. I used to only do house chores in the weekends (since we come home late after work on weekday nights from my mum's place), but now with more time at home with the kids, I will need to look into the cleanliness of the house. And I will also got to learn to cook and sew...things I only thought my mom is good at (not me).

That is a major change for me, in terms of my lifestyle.

From a full-time working mom, to a stay-home mom (well, with a part-time job and an online business)...I went through a period of fears and anxiety, from financial to emotional.

And I can only conclude that my decision is worth it all. My kids and family are of utmost priority to me now, and I want to be "there" for my kids in their growing up years.

Someone once said (very unkindly) to me that I should just get a full-time job (instead of doing part-time) and send my kids to childcare, cos just depending on one income will not be enough. And soon I'll become useless when I don't work and lose touch with the outside world.

Well, my reply? That my family is my priority now, and I don't trust childcare, I want to be the one to take care of my kids, and if we have less money we will spend less. It's as simple as that!

People say that what I'm doing is a big sacrifice. I say it's just an adjustment in my life.

Giving up my job for my kids and family is NEVER a sacrifice.

I may not have a lot of time to meet up with friends, to go for facial or spas, go shopping during the day, or have any opportunities to wear suits and attend business seminars in hotels or go overseas for assignments...it's fine. I can give up all these which I was familiar with, it's all just a matter of "adjusting" my lifestyle.

New year, new start...here I come...taking every step with boldness, and facing everyday with excitement!

Happy New Year!!!

Last Day of 2010

2010-12-31T22:50:00.003+08:00

Soon, it will be 2011.

2010 passed so fast (just like any other previous years) and looking back, I've only fulfilled half of the resolutions I've set for myself in 2010.

Is it because I had no time to fulfill them, or that I was distracted by other issues in my life, or that I was just too plain lazy to execute them?...

No use finding excuses for myself...cos that would not turn back the clock and give me more time.

There are 24 hours a day, definitely more than enough time to do a lot of things which I wanted to do. Then why is it that I still find there's not enough time?

For 2011, I've decided to live my life fuller than I did in 2010.

I worry too much in 2010, worry about almost everything under the sun. Then I fell into self-pity and wallowing in that deep pit I dug for myself. The pit was so deep that I couldn't see the sun and feel the hope and warmth anymore, and so I dug deeper and wallowed even more.

And all this time could have been put to better use. No wonder I find I got no time to do what I initially set out to do.

So, what's my resolution for the new year?

1. Be "there" for my kids

Now that I've decided to be a stay-home mom, I got to realise that when I'm with my kids, I've got to be there for them in person and in mind. And not think about work (as I used to).

Got to start planning for their school and home schedule, and activities for them. I've even bought a mom's planner for myself to make sure I have planned my time properly.

I just don't want to waste time again in the new year.

2. Learn to be a (good...then excellent) homemaker

I used to only do the minimal for my home as I gave the excuse that I work so hard during the week, so I don't have time to take care of the house.

Now, I will learn to clean and cook and sew and provide a comfortable home for my family. (keyword: LEARN )

I'm also going to clear out the guest room and move my kids to their new room, where they can have a good sleep and play and study.

3. REALLY start taking good care of my health

I cannot afford to fall sick now that I'm central in my kids' lives. Plus the "breast cancer" scare was too much for me to take. God has given me a 2nd chance to take care of my health and body, then I had better take very good care of myself.

Got to start eating healthy and exercising.

4. Be more prudent

Now that I'm not working (only part-time), I've got to learn to be more prudent in how we spend. It was easier previously when both of us were working, so our pockets were not so tight. Now I got to use a padlock to secure our pockets to make sure I don't spend unnecessarily... especially on grocery trips and pampering the kids too much.

5. Pray

Spiritually, I'm coming back to God after a year or more of wandering in the wilderness. Time to come back in faith and enter the promised land flowing with milk and honey.

So, it's back to church and into a community of believers.

More so, it's time for me to start praying and standing in the gap for my hubby and kids.

A simple prayer in faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains!

6. Meditate

Meditate by spending time alone, reflecting on the day and seeking hope from the Word of God.

Have been feeling very angry and frustrated since I left my job and tried taking care of the kids (especially during the holidays when they are around you all the time), and with all the worry surrounding me, I haven't been a very pleasant and patient mom and wife.

For the new year, I want to get angry less, flare up less and be filled with peace in my heart...and the only way to get perfect peace that will guard my heart and mind is from Yashua...by meditating on His word.

7. Re-connect

I would really want to re-connect back with some of my old friends, and keep in touch with those God has brought back to my life. So I got to squeeze a little time (even if it's just a quick lunch) to touch base with them.

8. Write

I want to start journalling again...gave myself the excuse that I had no time to write...but no more, I have set up a new blog for me to journal down every day's events. Click here to read.

And I want to complete writing the set of children's stories that I had started for my kids.

And I also want to continue to write songs for my kids and for my own devotion to God.

9. Cherish every moment

I'm going to make 2011 my family year, where my family comes first. And I will cherish every moment I have with them and enjoy spending every moment with them.

Hopefully, I don't have to look back on 2011 and lament that I didn't fulfill any of my resolutions...

Have a safe trip

2010-12-31T10:30:00.003+08:00

My bro and sis-in-law left for USA today for the next 7 months or so.

My bro is sent there for training, and my sis-in-law will follow him. They just got married 3 weeks ago and I guess this will be their extended honeymoon.

So many changes all at once for them...new life, new home, new place, new country, new culture, new climate, new food etc. Many would say that it's too much to take.

But I believe that it can work.

As long as both the husband and wife are going through it together.

As our wedding vows go...for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health...

As long as we stay together and commit to go through thick and thin together, we can make it work.

I wish them all the best! We will miss you!

Uncle H and Aunt R's Wedding - Thank U dinner

2010-12-29T22:30:00.002+08:00

Precious Moments Wedding -

Can I have this dance forever?

Yes, we are eating again...this should be the 5th "wedding" meal from Uncle H and Aunt R.

As there were some "leftover" tables from the wedding dinner, the hotel allowed Uncle H and Aunt R to have a post wedding dinner of 5 tables for family and friends.

Uncle H and Aunt R decided to have a thank-you dinner to thank family and friends for helping in their wedding.

And yes, it's the same menu as the food tasting and the actual dinner. But we were not complaining...the food was good.

This time, the focus was not on Uncle H and Aunt R...the focus was on the kids. The grandaunts and granduncles loaded our kids with gifts of toys and chocolates and sweets that delighted them.

I see it as another chance to get together with family and relatives in our otherwise busy schedules.

Ok gym, here I come... especially after all the eating and eating and eating...

Tom-girl

2010-12-25T14:30:00.002+08:00

-
"Aiyoh, meimei, stop climbing about. You're like a tom-boy."

Daddy said to our girl who was climbing and jumping from sofa to chair, aka Ninja Warrior style.

"No, I'm not!" retorted our girl angrily, hands on hips.

"I'm a...tom-girl!"

Uncle H and Aunt R's Wedding - The big day

2010-12-04T23:30:00.004+08:00

Precious Moments Wedding -

Till the end of time

Finally, the big day is here!

In Chinese customs, the climax of the whole wedding celebration is the tea ceremony and wedding dinner.

So, Uncle H woke up early to fetch Aunt R back to the groom's family home to offer tea to the parents and relatives. This signifies that Aunt R is now "married" into the family and by offering tea, it signifies the family and relatives accept her into the family.

As elder sis and bro-in-law, daddy and I had to be offered tea and in return, bless the newly wed couple with a red packet.

After the tea ceremony, we had lunch specially catered for those who came for the tea ceremony. And we had a chance to mingle and interact with the relatives.

Soon after, it was time to go home and change for the wedding dinner.

As our boy and girl were the page boy and flower girl, we had to be at the hotel earlier to prepare.

And as "fate" would have it, our car would not start!!!

We had to rush to the hotel in a cab! Good thing we got there just in time.

As we were preparing outside the ballroom, I was worried that our boy and girl would wander off instead of walking in step during the walk-in. They were playing around and being curious children,they were easily distracted by the surroundings of the ballroom and not serious in the rehearsal.

While standing outside the main door for the emcee to announce the "arrival" of the bride and groom, I guess I was the only one trying to calm my nerves while our kids were just excited and happy to "walk" down the aisle.

When the door finally opened, an unexpected thing happened! There were bubbles being released. And that cause our little girl to squeal in delight and drop her basket of flowers to catch the bubbles.

I had to keep telling her to pick up her basket and walk to the front. She did...but she grabbed all the petals in the basket and threw them on the floor, walked 3 steps forward, and stopped.

Then it happened!

Our girl dropped her basket, ran back past Uncle H and Aunt R and went back to the door to catch the bubbles!

I had to run after her, and when I almost caught up with her, she squealed in delight again and this time, started running around the ballroom.

There I was, in dress and heels, and totally unfit from lack of exercise, chased our girl around the ballroom.

She ran to the front of the stage and climbed up the stage! Gasp!

I couldn't catch her in time. And our little girl was making funny faces behind Uncle H and Aunt R on stage, while everyone was quiet and the emcee was saying grace.

I gestured for her to come down but she just playfully refused...until daddy came forward and gave her a stern look to come come.

And she dutifully followed...

Of course, we told her off, but those who saw commented how cute and adorable she was, and tickled them with her antics...sigh.

Our boy did his part perfectly walking down the aisle, and we affirmed him. I was so glad he understood what he was supposed to do, and didn't follow what our girl did.

The food was good (could be better) but the mood was definitely joyous.

Finally, my bro was married and I'm sure our parents are relieved and happy for all of us.

Uncle H and Aunt R's Wedding - In Malaysia

2010-11-21T23:00:00.003+08:00

Precious Moments -

The Lord bless you and keep you

Yes, this is Part 2 of Uncle H and Aunt R's wedding journey...

And this time, we are driving into Malaysia! We will be celebrating this joyous occasion over lunch with Aunt R's family, relatives and friends in her hometown.

We had to set off early in the morning in order to reach Aunt R's home before noon.

According to Chinese traditions / customs, the groom has to bring over gifts to the bride's family as a token of appreciation to the parents for bringing up their daughter, and entrusting their daughter to the groom.

And since Aunt R's family is in Malaysia, and her family decided to invite their friends and relatives for a get-together celebration meal, we were of course invited as well. (Though usually it's just the groom and the parents who will bring the wedding gifts.)

This being the first time our boy and girl get to travel "overseas", they were of course excited.

What they did not know was the tons of preparation I had to do in order to go for this trip.

I had to pack their clothes, diapers, milk powders, medication (just in case) and sweets and food and drinks to eat and drink along the way. We even had to bring an empty 2-litre plastic bottle for emergency situations where there are no stopovers or toilets along the way.

In the luggage bag, 3/4 of the space were filled with the kids' stuff, and only 1/4 was used for daddy and myself.

It was supposed to be a 2 hours journey from S'pore across the causeway to Aunt R's hometown. But we met with a jam and it took almost 3 and 1/2 hours to reach Aunt R's home.

By then, everyone was panicking because according to Chinese customs (again!), the auspicious hour for presenting the gifts was not to be missed.

So Uncle H sped all the way, with us following behind as fast as we could.

When we finally reached, tired as we were, but happy to see Uncle H and Aunt R together.

Then it was time for lunch at the restaurant that Aunt R's father specially booked.

It was an eye-opener for us.

For the first time, we had a 3 hour lunch with more than 10 dishes (the food was delicious!) and the best part to finish off such a full and wonderful meal, was cup ice-creams that came with wooden scoops!

That was so retro, and brought back memories of the past when we were kids and such cup ice-cream were much sought after treats.

Our little girl made fast friends with Aunt R's nieces and she was so happy to have "friends" in M'sia.

When lunch was done, Aunt R's father booked hotel rooms for us to stay for the night. We could have driven back to S'pore but I guess it was a good idea to stay over as we were all very tired.

We checked into the hotel, and decided to meet for dinner much later.

The hotel was next to a shopping mall, and we wanted to do some shopping before dinner. But our tired bodies and bones just would not budge. We just laid on the bed and rested while the kids were too excited and wide-eyed to take their naps and were checking out every part of the hotel room.

When it was time for dinner, Aunt R brought us to their local market with many stalls selling hawker food. We ate till we were full, then went back for more shopping before turning in.

Perhaps it's a S'porean mentality, we think the stuff are cheaper in M'sia, so we bought and bought...and I guess the best buy I had was the 2-kg Milo refill packets which were not found in S'pore and they were cheap. (well, at least cheaper than in S'pore)

Oh, I also bought chewing gums...which I kinda missed in S'pore.

The next morning, Aunt R's father brought us for a dim-sum breakfast and then we were off on our way back home.

On the way back, the kids sang and played and took in the sights while daddy carefully drove us back, tired as he might be.

When we reached home, our little girl said,

"I like going to Malaysia. Can we go there again please?"

Guess our kids enjoyed the car trip, and more so the family time out together in a new place.

The next trip...HK Disneyland perhaps?

School Concert

2010-10-27T22:00:00.002+08:00

Today's our boy's school concert. And his class is performing a music, songs, dance and "musical instrument" item.

Our boy will be playing the musical bell, the cymbals and the wood-knocker for 3 different songs.

We went early to get a good seat in the chapel auditorium, but what shocked us (though not surprising) was how kiasu the parents were. They would rush to the front and jam up the centre aisle and then blocked everyone else in the seats so that they could get a good shot of their kid on stage.

Well, as if that wasn't enough, they didn't bother to move back to their seats after their kids' performance, and still lingered in the centre aisle just to catch a last glimpse of their kids going down the stage and leaving through the side door.

By this time, another batch of parents have rushed forward and jammed up the aisle as their kids' performance was up next.

There was chaos as the parents tried to push their way through one another.

When it was our boy's turn, daddy got fed up when he tried to take photos from where we were sitting (near the centre aisle) and yet were blocked by inconsiderate parents!

So daddy also went forward and firmly rooted himself a spot near the front of the stage to get a good shot of our boy.

We wouldn't be so like dat if the other parents were not like dat in the first place!

Overall, we enjoyed ourselves with some very good performance by the children.

As the last items approached, the parents started to dwindle as the Pre-N and Nursery parents chose to leave than to stay back to watch the graduation of the K2 children.

But we had to stay back as our boy had to "send off" the K2 seniors with a song and benediction.

I went teary-eyed when the K2 marched past with their graduation gowns on...

Then I thought...soon our boy will be one of the K2 children walking down the aisle, graduating from his kindergarten phase of school life.

Oh dear...I felt like a parent brimming with pride watching my kid on stage in graduation gown...even though it was just pre-school graduation...

Then it will be another set of problems and worries when our boy enters Primary school...

I guess a parent's worry will never be gone...even when the kids are grown up.

Uncle H and Aunt R's Wedding - Food Tasting

2010-10-20T22:00:00.003+08:00

Precious Moments Wedding -

Have your cake and eat it too

Tonight, we are having a food tasting for the menu for the actual wedding dinner at the hotel's restaurant.

The kids were the best judges as they were honest about how the food was and whether it was pleasing and delightful to their palate.

So far, the food was ok...with one or two dishes to be changed for the 10-course dinner.

Our girl loved the roasted duck and kept asking for more. She even "proclaimed" that her favourite food was duck.

From my previous experience, the wedding guests would be more interested in catching up, interacting and soaking up the joyous occasion than really minding the food served.

Hopefully, the feedback given would be seriously taken into consideration and the dinner for the actual night would be fantastic.

Meanwhile, it was great enjoying a 10-course meal on a weeknight with family...and it's FOC.

Uncle H and Aunt R's Wedding - "I do"

2010-09-25T22:00:00.004+08:00

Precious Moments Wedding -

Wishing you roads of happiness

Today, Uncle H and Aunt R are getting "married"...having their wedding vows taken at the solemnization.

It was held in a hotel meeting room, followed by a lunch at the restaurant.

We were caught in a jam and was slightly late...but we managed to catch them saying "I do" and the exchange of rings and the groom kissing the bride....

Sitting in the seats and watching the back views of my brother and sis-in-law, a warm and fuzzy feeling was invoked in me, and I suddenly felt like crying...

My little brother has grown up and is getting married!!!

All the best, H and R. May you enjoy this beautiful journey together and may each day be filled with love and joy!

Of course, our little girl was very excited! This is her "first" encounter with a wedding (well, Aunt H's wedding didn't count as our little girl was only 1 month old then, and had no inkling what was going on...) and she enjoyed it!

Being able to wear nice long dresses with nice white shoes, with flowers on hand and in hair...even though it was just a lunch was enough to keep her enthralled for the actual wedding day to come!

I touch your elbow

2010-06-28T22:00:00.001+08:00

Our girl has a fascination with elbows.

Other people's elbows, that is.

She would come up to us, to her big brother, to grandma, and even Aunt H and she would lightly touch and pinch our elbows, followed by her catch phrase "I touch your elbow!"

When we asked her why she wants to touch our elbows, she said, "I don't know...I just want to touch your elbow!"

And it has become so "natural" for her that she would search and touch Daddy's or my elbow when she's asleep in the middle of the night. (She's sleeping between us on our bed.)

Once, she leaned over the dinner table at a restaurant and was so naturally going to pinch the lady's elbow who was sitting at the next table.

I saw that coming and quickly held her back. Else the lady might have thought it strange that our girl would want to pinch her elbow.

I guess we might never understand her fascination with elbows...perhaps it could be just a phase in her childhood which is something we can all look back and laugh over.

What is that? (Father & Son)

2010-06-24T23:30:00.004+08:00

I teared when I watched this video.

It was the same heart wrenching feeling I had when I watched the "Filial Piety" video on TV.

Many times, we forget the good our parents did for us when we were young.

We grumble and complain when our parents seemed unreasonable and uncooperative and unable to understand what we want.

We vent our anger and frustrations and impatience on them.

Just like the story of the boy who told his father he will make the same wooden table for him when he's old, when he saw his father making a wooden table for grandpa to eat by himself because grandpa was old and making a mess while feeding himself at the dinner table.

"How one generation loves, the next generation learns."

Old and New

2010-06-17T23:30:00.003+08:00

Our girl said to me after watching the advertisement above,

"That 'por por' on TV looks like great grandma." (por por means grandma)

I replied, "Yes, great grandma is old like that 'por por'."

I was hoping to explain more about filial piety to her...

when she said, "But my 'por por' is not old, she's new..."

I burst out laughing.

(Hint: Opposite of old is new)

Dear God

2010-06-15T23:30:00.001+08:00

From our boy, in response to a pack of ants-filled Chupa Chups lollipops:

"Dear God, please make the Chupa Chups sour so the ants will not eat them.

Then after the ants go away, make the Chupa Chups sweet again so we can eat them.

Amen."

Farewell, Java... (Dec 2002-June 2010)

2010-06-10T22:30:00.004+08:00

Dear Java,

Never knew goodbye could be so painful and difficult...

Never realized you were so much a part of our family than I thought or felt...

I miss you...

You are the best dog we every had.

You never once complain even when we were too busy to bring you out for walks...

You never once refuse any food we gave you even when we forgot to replenish your pallets that have run out...

You always welcome us home with your waggy tail and happy prances...

You protect our family by barking away any intruders...

You never got angry with us for not spending time with you when our kids came, and yet you enjoy our kids....

I could go on and on about how wonderful you are...

Sorry we have not taken better care of you...we wished you were off to a better place (in heaven)...

Thank you for the wonderful times you gave us when you were with us.

Chocolate Island

2010-06-06T23:30:00.002+08:00

Our girl misplaced our boy's story book entitled "Choaolate Island".

We searched everywhere but couldn't find it.

Then I asked our girl where she last put the book.

And her reply....

"Chocolate Island melt already, so no more."

It's her way of saying "I don't know, and I don't want to go and find it. It's melted so no more book."

Lazy, but definitely very clever....

I cut my own hair!

2010-05-26T22:30:00.004+08:00

Our little girl took our boy's arts & craft scissors and snipped off a lock of her hair out of curiosity today!

And she was so proud and happy about it...sigh.

When I chided her for what she did because it was dangerous, she just simply grinned and said coyly "I'm sorry."

But when our boy joked that she now has a bald patch, then did our girl reacted with realization.

Large droplets of tears fell as she began to wail "I don't want...I don't want to be "botak"!!!" (Botak - Malay for bald)

Guess she was more concerned and worried for how she would look than the danger of her actions.

Girls will be girls.

Vegan Muffins

2010-03-15T22:30:00.000+08:00

A dear friend of ours baked vegan muffins for us. Bless her heart.

And the muffins were delicious, yummy, scrumptuous!

Though the ingredients are a tad expensive (since all are organic), the muffins tasted great. Unlike the misconception that organic food are tasteless and bland.

Even the orange slice at the top is organic. And it tasted sweet!

In the long run, organic food might be better for our health, since our foods nowadays are packed with artificial flavourings, preservatives, and whatever that make the foods taste better and last longer, but harmful to our bodies.

I want to drink milk

2010-03-12T22:20:00.001+08:00

We are trying to get our kids to speak mandarin, so we will have them translate their sentences to mandarin before we will agree to their requests.

Our girl wanted to drink milk, so she asked "Mama, I want to drink 'nan nan'." (Nan nan is baby language for milk)

So I encouraged her to speak in mandarin by starting of the sentence in mandarin.

"Girl, say in mandarin... 我 ...?" And I urged her on to complete the sentence.

" 我... want to drink 'nan nan'." She said, just refusing to speak the full sentence in mandarin.

I urged again, "我要...?"

"我要... drink 'nan nan'." This time, a faint smile came on from her as I gave her an exasperated look.

"我要喝...?" I urged with a little more encouragement with eyes open wide.

"我要喝...'nan nan'." And her smile grew bigger, as she knew that I was waiting for her to complete the sentence in mandarin.

Such a cheeky little girl...

Finally, big brother had to finish the sentence for her.

" 我要喝牛奶!", said big brother.

"Ok, mei mei, please say it again in mandarin." I said encouragingly.

"I want to drink 'nan nan'." And a wide grin spread across her face, with her big innocent round eyes looking at me.

We realised that if we do not cultivate the habit of speaking in mandarin to our kids, they would not have the habit to speak the language as well...even for simple sentences.

No more diapers!

2010-03-11T14:00:00.002+08:00

Our boy finally did it!

He slept through the night without diapers.

He could go through the day without diapers, and going to the toilet himself.

But he would not want to go without diapers for the night, as he was afraid of wetting his bed.

Last night, as he was too tired, and I forgot he was not wearing diapers, he went to sleep.

Then when he woke up this morning, the first thing he exclaimed was that he's not wearing diapers!

Well done, our dear boy!

And with lots of encouragement and praises, he decided to go without diapers tonight.

All children need are a little bit of affirmation and encouragement, and that will give them the confidence to do things they never thought they could do.

Spa treatment

2010-02-24T21:45:00.002+08:00

Had a lovely & relaxing spa treatment today.

A birthday gift from my wonderful sister.

Bless her heart!

Thank you, sis!

Both of us had not had such a relaxing time for a long time...both of us tied down with work and kids, especially now that she's a mother.

So we decided to go for a spa treatment to pamper ourselves before my sister goes back to work next week (after a long 4 month maternity break).

It started with a buffet lunch at the cafe, which we had wanted to take it slow. It wasn't easy at first because we are so used to rushing through meals.

We had to "learn" to slow down and enjoy our food and our time.

And I greatly enjoyed and treasured the heart-to-heart talk with my sister, which is so rare as we are all so busy.

Then at the spa, we started with a body scrub to scrub away all the old and dead skin, so that new skin can regenerate. To me, it's a significance of a new beginning.

After which, followed by a one and half hour of body massage, which greatly relived the stress on my aching back and stiff shoulders.

Lastly, it ended with an express manicure...which was "destroyed" the moment we stepped out of the spa because the nail polish had not dry entirely.

I think we need personal assistants to carry our stuff for us in order not to destroy the nail polish!

Too bad it had to end in such a short time.

Next time, we will go for the 5-hours long spa treatment..with body massage, facials, steam jacuzzi and the works!

My treat for your birthday, dear sis!

Yeah!

Ben10 Lego - Oops, my bad

2010-02-24T20:45:00.000+08:00

Aunt H and I had thought that the set of 3 aliens are Jet Ray, Humungoursaur and Chromastone for the Ben 10 Lego alien combination.

Our boy corrected us that it should be Jet Ray, Humungoursaur and Swampfire.

This just proves that when it comes to boys toys such as Ben 10, no one knows best except our boy!

So Aunt H will be exchanging one of the Humungousaurs (which she bought double sets) to Swampfire instead of Chromastone, for our boy's birthday gift next week.

Good thing we found out the mistake before she made the change.

Ben10 Lego

2010-02-22T22:30:00.004+08:00

Aunt H has done it again.

She has showered her "love" on our boy by buying a Ben 10 Lego toy set for him.

Knowing our boy's fascination with Lego, and his favourite cartoon at the moment is Ben 10, she managed to find a Lego set that combines both of his loves.

The condition for him to obtain this toy set is that he must finish his meals and be a good boy.

In order to get the "ultimate gift", our boy actually finished up his lunch and dinner, and really behaved himself.

And he waited for Aunt H to bring the gift over to grandma's house for him.

I'm just amazed that our boy was able to fix the Lego set all by himself, just by referring to the instruction guide, with no assistance from the adults.

And I'm impressed with the ideas Lego could come up with.

I remembered Lego used to be rectangular blocks of red, green and yellow to be built up into whatever our creativity leads us.

Now, Lego bricks can be used to build cartoon characters, with movable parts!

Our boy would fix up and dismantle the toy over and over again, each time fascinated by it.

Aunt H bought Jet Ray this time.

And she also bought Humungousaur, to be given to our boy for his birthday gift.

Then grandma decided to get Aunt H to buy Chromastone as a reward gift for our boy.

And all these 3 Ben 10 aliens can be combined into a new alien.

Our boy sure is excited to receive the other 2 sets.

I bet he will behave himself and finish up his meals for the next few days.