The Adventures Of A Mummy

Sleep! Sleep! Sleep!

2012-01-10T09:48:00.004+08:00

* this article is extracted from http://sciencepsle.wordpress.com/2010/11/02/sleep/*

Sleep

Posted on November 2, 2010 by sciencepsle

How much sleep does an 11 year old or 12 year old need? 9-11 hours is usually recommended. Many Singaporean children fall short by far.

Studies have shown that children with higher IQs usually slept longer. Studies have also shown that children who sleep longer have longer attention span.

Adolescents who suffer sleep deprivation have decreased attentiveness, decreased short-term memory, inconsistent performance and delayed response or reaction time. Some have even attributed it to affecting brain development.

Other studies have shown that people who do not get enough sleep also suffer:

Impaired attentiveness (Fallone et al 2001)
Impaired ability to retain new memories (Yoo et al 2007a)
Impaired immune system (Rogers et al 2001)
Greater emotionality (e.g., becoming more upset by disturbing images—Yoo et al 2007b)
Increased afternoon and evening stress hormone levels (Copinschi 2005)
Increased feelings of hunger (which may lead to overeating—Copinschi 2005)

I am sure this is not new information to most adults. Strangely though, many adults seem to think that their kids can function fine when they sleep at 11 pm and wake up at 6 am. That’s only 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep for a child. Way under what is required.

How does this apply to the primary school child? Well, ever wondered why your child cannot remember things, is restless, easily frustrated, unable to concentrate, careless, not alert. Well, this could be one small part of the answer. Sleep….ZZZzzzzz.

Dr Avi Sadeh of Tel Aviv University conducted a study on fourth and sixth graders. The first group got about half an hour more sleep than usual and the second group got half an hour less sleep than usual. After three nights, the children were tested for their neurobiological function using a test which was highly predictive of both achievement test scores and ability to concentrate in class. The findings showed “the performance gap caused by an hour’s difference in sleep was bigger than the normal gap between a fourth and sixth grader. Which is another way of saying that a slightly sleepy sixth-grader will perform in class like a mere fourth grader. A loss of one hour of sleep is equivalent to [the loss of] two years of cognitive maturation and development.” (Bronson 2007)

A study done on elementary school children my Dr Paul Suratt of the University of Virginia showed that the vocabulary test scores were reduced by seven points due to sleep problems.

At a high school level, Dr Kyla Wahlstrom of the University of Minnesota surveyed over 7000 high school students and found that teenagers who received As averaged 15 minutes more sleep than B students, who on the average had 11 minues more sleep than the C students, while the Cs had ten minutes more sleep than the D students.

A simple search on Wikipedia on Sleep will tell you that sleep is very important for memory processing. “In a study conducted by Turner, Drummond, Salamat, and Brown,^[45] working memory was shown to be affected by sleep deprivation. Working memory is important because it keeps information active for further processing and supports higher-level cognitive functions such as decision making, reasoning, and episodic memory.”

Sleep cycles can be divided into NREM (Stages N1-4) and REM. Typically, it occurs in this order of N1, N2, N3, N4 and lastly REM. The proportion of REM sleep increases later in the night and just before natural awakening.

The significance of this information is that Declarative memory (recalling facts) benefits from Slow wave sleep, which occurs in NREM Stages N3 and N4. Procedural memory (sequence, process and routines), however, is processed during REM sleep, which occurs mostly later at night and just before natural awakening. By continually disrupting REM sleep when we awak our children too early, we may infact be affecting their procedural memory.

So before you think that your child is getting by just fine with 7 hours of sleep a night, ask yourself again. Is it good enough for you that you child’s brain development is just scraping through? Is their brain development actually impaired by sleep deprivation?

For an interesting radio broadcast, click on:

http://www.onpointradio.org/2007/10/sleep-deprived-children

Good night. Sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite!

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/30920.php
http://www.onpointradio.org/2007/10/sleep-deprived-children
Bronson, P. 2007, Oct 7. Snooze or Lose. New York magazine.
Copinschi G. 2005. Metabolic and endocrine effects of sleep deprivation. Essent Psychopharmacol. 6(6): 341-347.
Fallone G, Acebo C, Arnedt JT, Seifer R, and Carskadon MA. 2001. Effects of acute sleep restriction on behavior, sustained attention, and response inhibition in children. Percept Mot Skills 93: 213-229.
Fallone G, Acebo C, Seifer R, Carskadon MA. 2005. Experimental restriction of sleep opportunity in children: Effects on teacher ratings. Sleep 28(12): 1561-1567.
Rogers NL, Szuba MP, Staab JP, Evans DL, and Dinges DF. 2001. Neuroimmunologic aspects of sleep and sleep loss. Semin. Clin. Neuropsychiatry 6(4): 295-307.
Yoo SS, Gujar N, Hu, Jolesz FA, and Walker MP. 2007a. The human emotional brain without sleep—a prefrontal amygdale disconnect. Current Biology 17(20): 877-878.
Yoo SS, Hu PT, Gujar N, Jolesz FA and Walker MP. 2007b. A deficit in the ability to form new human memories without sleep. Nat Neurosci 10(3): 385-392.
www.parentingscience.com

Footnote from me :

1) No wonder I'm losing my memory from lack of sleep
2) My brain's no longer developing
3) Give me better excuses for kids to finish their work faster and go to bed much earlier

Tracking on motherhood & enjoying it

2011-12-31T15:43:00.001+08:00

Woah! What's word is this?

2011-12-29T09:23:00.008+08:00

At 57 strokes, this is a really cool character that doesn’t show up in any 输入法 shū rù fǎ - character input method.

From wikipedia:

Made up of 57 strokes, the Chinese character for “biáng” is one of the most complex Chinese characters in contemporary usage, although the character is not found in modern dictionaries or even in the Kangxi dictionary.

The character is composed of 言 (speak) in the middle flanked by 幺 (tiny) on both sides. Below it, 馬 (horse) is similarly flanked by 長 (grow). This central block itself is surrounded by 月 (moon) to the left, 心 (heart) below, 刂 (knife) on the right, and 八 (eight) above. These in turn are surrounded by a second layer of characters, namely 宀 (roof) on the top and 辶 (walk) curving around the left and bottom.

Because the Chinese character for “biáng” cannot be entered into computers (the character has not been added to Unicode), phonetic substitutes like Chinese: 彪彪面; pinyin: biāo biāo miàn) or Chinese: 冰冰面; pinyin: bīng bīng miàn) are often used.

Images & text from here - read more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bi%C3%A1ngbi%C3%A1ng_noodles

I'm so proud of her

2011-12-11T02:51:00.003+08:00

Received a second mail when we rummaged through the mails on our table.

I'm surprised with the Good Progress Award, goes to show how jialat her previous results (SA1) was to have that big jump in grades in SA2. Haha!

Prior to leaving SIN earlier this month, we received one other letter. I never knew such thing existed. Well.... that's coz' my girl wasn't good enough to qualify for past 2 years lor! We can't get the bursary but oh well, it's great comfort to know that she's the top 60.

I know she's happy too with her 'even I can't believe it' results. She has worked hard and she has finally seen the light and understood what her mother had been nagging at her about that being hardworking and meticulous is important. I hope she has matured as what I've noticed during her preparations.

Most importantly I needed to prove to everyone around me, who seemed so cynical about the way I dealt with her. I needed to prove to hubby too, who had to tolerate the crazy wife shouting when he got back home from work, that I had my justifiable reasons for berating my girl.

Whatever it is, I'm so proud of her.

A new blog!

2011-12-02T01:42:00.005+08:00

I've started a new blog for the girls. It's all educational information for them as they go through school.

I'm really excited compiling the knowledge and tips I've found as I try to teach them intheir subjects daily. Friends know, I'm a PRO-TEACHING mother - very hands on with my kids. Exhausted! But I must admit it has been a good learning experience for me. Perhaps i can consider being a part-time teacher next time.

As for now the blog will be kept as a private blog. When I'm totally ready, I'll open it up.

Wish me luck!

Athena's Science Party

2011-11-23T21:32:00.002+08:00

This year's theme was planned in secrecy. I had two themes to choose from but in the end chose this. I shall save the other for the next party. It wasn't a difficult choice too coz' che-che love Science.

Venue is always a big problem for me. I checked out 2 places for rental of their function room but it wasn't available. Shucks! In the end, stuck at home (again)

Birthday invitation cards designed and printed out

slipped in the itinery as well

In the nights, I was busy packing favors. I love these test tubes and petri dish which I bought online.

Filled up the test tubes with semi-sweet M&Ms which I bought from Candylicious. And filled the petri dish with Jelly beans from Candylicious too!

I had the intention of giving something else to the mummies and I tried filling up with Johnson Shower Gel. Turned out it looks like a test tube filled with sperm. Haha! Dropped that idea.

Then packed the goodie packs. It's an interesting theme but I'm faced with "what the heck am I going to put inside?" I didn't put much things, only 4 items inside. But the tube science experiment already costs $12.90 each. Oh my! The amount of money I spend on goodie packs every year!

Each bag is filled with :

1) Instructions for experiments which I took from the internet and printed

2) Science experiment thing

3) Twisties

4) Strawberry Panda biscuit

Since it's a Science party, we need to do experiments. I had wanted to organise and do my own. But it means that I need to spend more time sourcing for containers for whatever things for each kid. And I didn't have much time left.

I like to keep everything to the theme and wanted to get lab coats but there wasn't enough time for shipment.

But it proves to be a blessing in disguise afterall. A check on the internet, I found out two places in Singapore organises Science parties. I checked with both companies but in the end chose the one that lets the children don lab coat and safety googles. And with that, I went to design a lab pass for each kid. Then I was faced with another challenge - how to get pictures of them. I had to resort to taking photos from playdates or from Facebook. I'm happy with the outcome.

We put up some decorations the day before, but had to leave the main door decorations on the day itself. As you can see, again I've done alot of photoshopped stuffs.

My cake pop stand - had to make full use of it. It was late for mei-mei's party. But I didn't have time to prepare cakepops unless I want to look like a panda and die gradually from liver problem from all the late nights. Instead I used oreos and coat them with chocolate. For the decorations on the oreo pop (if that's what you call), I was so eager to decorate with those chocolate painting but in the end dropped up the idea - 40 sticks leh!! So chose the easy way out by writing down the chemical names on them.

Food - ordered some from Neo Garden. Mum bought mee-siam and brought fruit salad. I bought some food in the fridge, just in case the food is not sufficient we could always fry them. I didn't have a huge crowd today and when we had a bigger crowd, we were always left with alot of leftovers. This time round, I noticed that Neo Garden had the Mini party sets which is for 10 pax. In total I had 17 kids and 8 adults. Guess what! First round we were still left with leftovers. Small eaters!

Kids eating the oreo pops

After some time, I asked the girls to adjourned into the study room. They had to sit for an Entrance Exam. No prize for good marks though!

I couldn't cope with so many exam scripts so asked the mummies and daddy to help me mark some.

The pile of exam scripts

Perfect time execution - the lady came and the experiment began. The kids donned on their coats; safety googles and watched. In total, they did 3 experiments.

Since I didn't have much space, some kids had to sit on the floor to do their experiments. Haha! Talk about being a good host. Just incase you forget, 2 years ago, che-che's Little Mermaid party - the kids also had to sit on the floor to do their crafts.

Mei-mei had a great time too!

A group picture

The kids played for awhile while the mummies go for second round of food. After some time, brought out the cake for them.

I felt guilty for not giving her a nice fondant cake as she had wanted. But I did explain to her that there would be alot of leftover for sure for a 2kg cake, we didn't have enough space in the fridge to store the cake plus I didn't have time to go all the way down to Serangoon to collect the cake from the baker. I compensated by decorating the cake with decorated science chocolate painting pictures and ordered the cake that she liked. Well, I'm thankful she was happy with the cake

As the party draws to an end, the goodie packs and favors were given out to her friends and aunties.

Here's a picture of my lil' girl - potential Miss Singapore

Yah hoo!

2011-11-02T23:49:00.001+08:00

Exams are over. Brought girls to Orchard for awhile after school for a breather. I've been so tensed up for the past few days.

Now I start to worry about her results.

And ............. plans on a birthday party??

In the night, I cast all thoughts aside and threw away her books. Her textbooks and assessment books. Get out of my sight you P3 books!! You made me lose my freedom!!

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T23:02:00.006+08:00

I saw how hard she worked these days. I don't know if it's for this Halloween thingy or if she's suddenly matured. I really hope it's the latter. But this final decision was made in the afternoon. A last minute decision you should say. I told her "you don't study hard, no more Halloween next year onwards."

We had to make a pact- two hours only. Had to ask KZ to cook their dinner and they'll eat in the car on way home. Che-che agreed.

Prior to leaving house, gave them the ugly treats I prepared

Trick-treating
Reached the place 5.15pm, officially start trick-treating at 5.25pm. We were practically rushing and mamarazzi was busy snapping pictures.

What is Halloween atmosphere? You need decors
Buckets to fill up the treats
And you need the kids too!

My Little Red Riding Hood and Queen of Hearts

Did you know that APPLE came up with it's latest gadget? A huge iPOD. Woah! Loved the way these people

She was running. Infact, we were running! Don't forget we had to cover everything in 2 hours.

Mr Wolf, Mr Wolf trying to devour my girl.

At exactly 7.18pm, we were back in the car ready to go homw.

By 8.30pm both kids were in bed. Happy Halloween Girls!

Halloween Treats

2011-10-31T23:00:00.012+08:00

I'm not that enthusiastic in preparing so much treats this year. Perhaps it's of the lack of time I have now compared to last year and the year before. And I really do need the rest as much as I can.... after fused out/ sucked out of my internal energy end of each day like a martial fighter.

Even the goodie pack was ahem - SIMPLE! I didn't go back to MMI; I didn't prepare any for mei-mei's St Hilda's friends coz' not appropriate lah!

I bought these for my girls. I like the Blood Drips - meimei was screaming in the supermarket when I told her it's blood and "hey! it's your blood group - B+"

I bought a few big packs of these Reese pieces. And simply gave out without wrapping them up or tagging it.

I gave some of the shortbread cookies to che-che's friends too.

On Halloween, while taking a short break myself after the intense coaching. I decorated these chocolate cookies for my girls.

The new student

2011-10-31T23:00:00.008+08:00

Candies for the little girls.............

who didn't wear her school uniform

who went wondering in the woods instead of studying

waiting for ??

ALL THE CHE-CHEs

Happy Halloween girls!

My Exams! and all the grumblings

2011-10-27T10:30:00.005+08:00

I totally hate Exams period (full stop)

With a 4 year gap in between two kids, with one kid who needs alot of pushing; with one girl neglected. Exam period and still alot of homework!! What the ?!?! Shouldn't it be time for revisions? And I'm one old menopause woman so mad with a kid who dilly dallies, who gives you untidy work, who gives you stupid careless mistake work. I mean REAL careless mistake hor! And then I don't have much time for her to do MY WORK. All the time rushing to complete her school homework amidst her and my tight daily schedule/shuttling between classes. Mind you, I don't sign her up for every class in the world. I may be kiasu (scared of losing out) but I still believe in giving my child a fair share of play and work. And substantial amount of classes for her weaker subjects.
And I have one man in the house who don't understand why the wife keeps screaming; scolding; banging the table when I'm erupting. Who thinks that "look! I didn' t have to study so hard and where am I today. So let her be".
When mummies meet we talk about the treacherous education system we have here. How we'd lose out if we don't work on par with the peers. Unfortunately not everyone understands until their child reach the proper schooling age.

I thought I had some support but realise nope - I have a non-supportive mother who thinks I'm abusing her poor grandchild. Who keeps telling me that the girl is not so smart so I must face up to reality. What the ?! So I've been boasting or raising up my standards? Can somebody just go and take a look at the way my girl do her work! I don't mind geniune mistakes but careless mistakes - BIG NO NO! I cried when I saw her SA1 results, it wasn't those kind of condemn results but it wasn't justifiable for my hard work and her intelligence. And why did I cry? I felt all my effort and shouting had gone down. I want to give up, I'm really exhausted. But if I give up then she's really DEAD MEAT. Nobody to push her.

Careless mistakes
Mom kept saying everyone makes mistakes. Yes, every kid is bound to make careless mistakes. I made alot of careless mistakes too when I was schooling. But I was born at the time when kids still had time to climb trees to play; I was born to both illiterate parents. If I had been caned at; nagged at - perhaps I would be doing very well in my career and writing my thesis instead of blogging right here.
It's a matter of whether child makes minimum mistakes or tons. My girl is alot! She knows her work but like I scolded her "your eyes; brain and hand cannot co-ordinate. Your eyes see one thing; brain think another; hand write another answer!"
I just had to prove it, prove to someone. Mom had a look at her SA1 exam script and realised - oh yes! The girl is extremely careless. She knows how to work her way around the problem but dunno where she came up with a original number (eg. in problem sum you see numbers like 20, 4 more, 6. It's multiple-step and she can work but she starts with a "30". Where the heck 30 come from?!) Transferring mistake; and the main killer - untidiness! And that's the time she speaks the same voice as me. After that? She'll go back to her old school of thoughts.

She didn't realize that her granddaughter has the potential, or in her biased eyes - - - shall not say anymore. When once she was in the house and girl asked me a question, I mentioned one sentence haven't got around to guiding her how to solve the problem. She exclaimed "I know already and then started working out on her own." I pointed out to mom, "look! this is what I mean. I usually only need one explanation and she understands. In this case, she solved everything even before I could help her." Mom kept quiet and dare not mention anything about my girl being not so smart.

Please don't be mistaken, I'm not saying that my two girls are geniuses. There are many kids out there who are definitely smarter than them. But if she's kept them to the minimum of 1 -2 or no careless mistakes, that is the result that she deserves.

Everytime before any exams, I'd be screaming my head off. The screams get more aggitated and loud. Coz' I find myself repeating the same old phrase which I have been doing daily. (I'm not doing a 'last minute trying to change her 360 deg' but it definitely takes up a toll in my health having to repeat the same old thing day in day out.)
1) careless mistake!
2) you transfer wrongly!
3) you didn't read the sentence carefully. Already indicated as singular, you can write plural!
4) untidy. You can't read what you write so you add/minus wrongly, you think your mother and teacher can read your handwriting!
5) question asks for this, you answer that!
Last year, I wrote down all the rules on the whiteboard and every minute I had to repeat "what is Rule #1? when she is untidy, I'll tell her "turn around. tell me what is Rule #3"
The only time I can redeem my constant screaming is to see the results that she deserves. So that hubby won't say I've been screaming in vain.

This Exam period is really jialat! I didn't have much time to cover during the September hols. And during the 4 days PSLE Marking Day - I thought I can cover a huge amount of work. Ended up with tons of school homeworks (again!)
Then I feel so guilty ignoring lil' girl. Thank goodness she's rather independent. But still.... I would prefer my other half to support me. You know what I mean?

Running against time, haven't had much time to throw those school exam scripts at her. Siao liao lah! P3 already like this; how about next year. And she's involved in SYF next year!!

Apart from the schoolwork, I should be thankful that I don't have to do housework or cook. Wonder how I'll survive when KZ's not working for us. Have to be mentally prepared when the day comes. By then, my white hairs grows at an even faster rate. I'll need a pacemaker.

To do :

2011-10-26T09:03:00.002+08:00

Che-che's exams has yet to begin but I can't wait for it to end. I have so many things I need to do.

1) Call HDB to check on our toilet.
It seems like there was a leak between the wall, water seeped out to the corridor area when there's high usage on the shower head. Could be some piping problem.
Then again, reminds me never to trust those idiot guys who put up their services on the papers. They do rubbish job!! Months back we noticed some bubbles appearing on the wall. Water came out when you press it. Hubby called for that idiot guy, who said there was a leak in the piping and then went down to his vehicle to get a brand new tap thingy. Our point was, why change that if there's piping problem. Changing it won't solve the problem right? And that guy had the audacity to charge so high for one stupid tap, which I can get cheaply at Sim Siang Choon. I told that to hubby before I left the house for the girls' swimming lesson.
All I knew was I was greeted by a slop job of installing the tap. In the process, our blue tiles cracked and he didn't bother to "mend back" or do a sealant. And made it worse, there was a small chip in our shower recess area. $%^&!!! And the tap was slanting!! What the ??
My dad does a much better job. If not for the fact that this had to deal with plumbering, which my dad wouldn't know, I would have asked him to help me. I like the way he drills the wall nicely and do the cover up for us so beautifully. If I had known, this fraud idiot guy- dunno how he can bloody convince hubby, was going to really drill and install the thing I would have called dad.
Now the wall leaks again and we're absolutely not calling that stupid idiot fraud guy! Our skirting seems to be popping out too, darn! Worried about termites so had to keep inside dry. Currently the girls are asked to shower in our room. As for helper, she has to shower with the bucket and boil water if she needed to use warm water.
I could have called them to come over during the PSLE marking days but no ..... I wasn't going to take the risk of the noise around the house when I desperately need peace and quiet to go through work with che-che.

2) Get contractor to make new glass panel for our display unit. Weeks ago, the panel dropped out for no reason bringing all the trophies tumbling down, dropped things from the first shelf to the second shelf. It was a pity too that our cute souvenir from NZ had to be discarded. But must be grateful too that the rests of our prized souvenirs were intact. Thank God too the girls weren't there with me when it happened.

3) Throw out things in the cupboard. I haven't had any time to do major housekeeping. Actually it's difficult to do so when you have one big garang guni and one small going-to-become-a-garang-guni girls at home.
I've been telling a friend that I have things to donate to the orphange in Cambodia. Some are really good and new things. So I need to clear them out. Clear some things probably for the Salvation Army too. KZ was eyeing on my stuffs and did ask me to give her some to give the children there way before. I didn't comply coz' I found out from her that she intended to give to those children with parents and family. I'd rather give to orphange! But she also did say that the orphans needed more. The girls were abit hesistant when I told them I was going to clear some stuffs but they kindda agreed with it.

4) Clear my flashcards and Shichida-related stuffs. I don't have time for them anymore, lil' girl is sad. Kept asking if I was going to print new flashcards for her. But as the girls grow up and prioritizing what is the most important thing to do, I'd rather concentrate on their academic aspects.
After I clear that space in the study room, I need to re-organize their books.

5) And my photos???? Holiday photos in 2008, not compiled into the album.

6) Che-che's reward chart for one whole year including abit of last year's. Oh my! I've the scoreds tabulated down on a piece of paper and che-che can't wait for her reward gifts. Different gifts for scoring different marks. Makes me wonder, why sometimes she can do so well for those top school papers but .... when it comes to her school papers .... *bang head" for the amount of careless mistakes she makes.

Argh! So many things to do but so little time.

Halloween ??

2011-10-20T00:13:00.012+08:00

It's been a quiet month leading to Halloween. I didn't prepare any Halloween treats too for any of the girls' friends too. I needed a break, moreover I can't imagine the response I'd get if I suggest giving something to the children in St Hilda's. Immediately, I'd have pastors coming over and pray for me thinking I'm possessed.

For the past 3 years, we had been lucky that Halloween was on a Friday, Saturday and last year was on a Sunday. Though it was the exam period, I decided to let them go trick-treating last year. But I'm really not sure about this year. I've their costumes ready but I'm so worried about the most scariest part post Halloween (horrible results from che-che)

And it's not helping much that she's given so much homework (still) at this point of time when she should be revising her work. I'm really behind time this year!

Some Halloween music to get you in the mood.

You shall wait and see if I had gone trick-treating, in this blog on a much later date.

I've passed the 0.5, officially I'm

2011-10-07T23:10:00.000+08:00

considered a mid-30 +1 woman. Argh!

Been a normal day for me, the girls didn't have any school. I utilized the time going through work with che-che as the exams are round the corner. Apart from the SMSes from dear friends, it's been really quiet. Bringing the girls for their classes.

Hubby's on his last course this week and next week. We didn't have time for any celebration or treat. However hubby will always be so sweet and buy me a cake on my day.

Hazelnut Cake

Family pic

The cake's really nice. Oh man! I feel my waistline expanding

Thanks hubby!

I'm on the 0.5 mark

2011-10-06T23:59:00.001+08:00

Met the ladies for a dinner together, in celebrating our turning a year wiser.

Not much pictures taken in Teppanyaki place, which the girls weren't interested at all. The mummies were 'oiled' on our faces instead.

Pictures taken after our dinner

The girls played in the playground for a short while before we adjourned to M's house. We finally saw our cakes. I don't find my "bloody" cake bloody. It was nice for little T to help me decorate mine.

2 birthday girls

Our groupie pic

We chatted while the girls' played, as usual. I had a long tiring day today and left the house at 11+. Thanks for the great time ladies!

A few more minutes >>

Children's Day Goodies

2011-10-06T22:24:00.000+08:00

Simple goodies for the children. This was a bulky task - having to pack for 120 kids.

I turned cross-eyed alternating the RAINBOW of colours. But they do look pretty, don't they?

With the tags stuck on the favor bags. I was only going to present this and the bubble to the kids. Didn't have time (and energy) to pack.

But it's not me .... turned out, I did pack goodie bags for some kids. Thankfully, I always have my ready supply of bags at home. Printed out these cute labels and painstakingly stick on every favor bag.

Che-che complains that every year I make her carry heavy bag of goodies for her classmates. I then became so considerate and decided to do these name labels. Rather costly for a mere 20 sticker each kid but .... it's flat and it's compact.

Each girl in her class was given this and the skittles goodies

I also prepared this for both girls' classmates. Was really tired.

Children's Day Celebration

2011-10-06T22:03:00.003+08:00

Though I've been a PV in che-che's school for 3 years, this is my first year participating in the Children's Day concert. Here are some of the mummies posing (white is never a flattering colour!!) and breaking school rules - pink hair ribbons, very short shorts etc..

I look ugly with 2 ponytails as what che-che said about me

Make up artist

Ours was the first item. Had a good laugh when Kelly had problem ripping off her "uniform". Well... we couldn't practice ripping until today.

This is us in a classroom scene

Finale performance by the Percussion Band teachers

Happy Children's Day to all the girls!

27th Aug - Facial

2011-09-30T00:25:00.002+08:00

The girls were in for a treat when I told them I was going to give them a facial in the night. Usually our routine on Fridays would be, me digging/tickling their ears before they sleep. But the hardworking me decided to give them two on this friday.

Che-che knew what facial was as she has followed me to my facial place before. Mei-mei went "fishes? you going to put fishes on my face?" I had a good laugh over her hearing problem.

First guinea pig was mei-mei who was still wondering where the fishes were. Kept making funny faces, yakking.
Just in case you were wondering -nope! I merely cleansed their face with their bath gel, put a hydrating mask on for them which beautician is fine for kids, kept it for a very short while and then massaged their face with their Mustela hydrating face lotion. The whole thing took me 30 minutes. The talkative and inquisitive girl was my nightmare customer. I lost count the number of times she asked me about the fishes and whether if it was the pink fish we had or goldfish or shark or ....

Pictures of my lil' girl

When I had the mask on, I asked my second customer to lie down so that I could tickle one side of her ear.
After everything is done for my first customer, she finally gave me a thumbs up. And still asking me "where are the fishes"? AAAAAARGH!!!!!

My mature second customer. I think I can have a peaceful time with her. (but still getting that lil' girl yakking away next to me. OMG! I dunno what she was talking about. My ears kindda shut down)

But .. wait! This customer obviously knows what is facial right? She came to the room and then made herself so comfortable, lying down and covering herself under the blanket with her smelly bear.
#2 customer was the most DEMANDING customer!!!! Insisted that I massaged her face longer. And then when I did her shoulder and back massage, she enjoyed it and made me massage her longer.

Sigh... on second thoughts I may not do this for them anymore.

19th September - My girl is 5

2011-09-19T21:58:00.002+08:00

My girl turned 5 on a schoolday. She declines the idea of skipping school and a time of jalan-jalan chiding me - "Never mind, you can bring me out after school. I need to go to school to study." Haha! I'm really amused with this girl.

She asked if I could get her a Tinkerbell birthday cake again for school. I had to say no. No point celebrating in her school, as it's really fast where the children barely know your existence kind. The scenerio would be : go in to school - put cake down - sing and cut - eat - we have to leave quickly. In less than 30 minutes. No way!

Instead I bought Golden Oreo and Toblerone for her school friends. And her friends sang her a birthday song. She's happy.

Back at home, the girls had their music lesson.

After which, we brought the girls out for dinner. We didn't buy her any cakes as we were still struggling to finish the leftover cake from her party. She loved her ice-cream !!

Happy Birthday, mei-mei!

In her Tinkerbell dress that dua-kim bought for her

Firehouse

Nice? she was playing with the iPad and I wrote this for her. She had to erase it off for me after taking these pics and write it herself (as seen in last pic)

Magical 5

2011-09-17T22:05:00.004+08:00

Despite the boo-boo preparations that made me have more late nights, the party was a blast!

Her cake that was sitting in our room watching us and making sure we wake up in time for the Paaaarty. I love this cake, I love every cake the baker makes, it's so unique. Lil' girl's eyes sparkled when she ran down (very eager) from the car when I pick up the cake. Just by seeing that sparkle in her eyes, I wish I can give her parties all the time.

She was really excited, couldn't sleep. Kept coming to see her cake and reminding us to wake her up "very early. I need to be there very early. It's my party ".

I brought some items the day before for them to decorate as ours was the first party for the day. They helped put up this door sign, the Tinkerbell wall banner (for pic-taking),

my banner that was cut, paste and organised in the car. Haha! My car's my second home.
They laid the table with the tablecloth, centerpiece and her picture. And laid their cutleries and mine. All I did when I arrived was to put the bottles of water, the pretzels on this table leaving space for the food
Put the goody pack stuffs on another table
Another table with the birthday cake and the food favors. There wasn't enough space on the main table for me.
See what Tinkerbell is holding? Assessment book and a pencil. Haha!
Baker thinks one book is not enough, had to add another one for her. And baker had to come out of her house to see the lil' girl who loves to do assessment book.
Her cousin, Iggy - all dressed up. He looked so handsome but he was shy and didn't participate in the games at all.

A week or two before, I informed my friends to dress up their kids in either pirate or green dress (for girls). I can imagine a roomful of lil' cute pirates and sweet Tinkerbells.

In this picture, I haven't put on her wings yet as she wanted to play in the playground.

With the backdrop behind them, this trio is set for an adventure to NeverLand. We've got Peter Pan, Tinkerbell (aiyoh! how come I forgot to put on the wings for pic-taking?) and Pirate Cpt Deccy
Honest-looking Peter Pan and a playful (thinking to self "what cha' think you're doing"?) Tinkerbell
Pretty mommy and me (and I look so fat!!)
Lil' Belle in her cute costume
Kids playing. Haiz! I'm beginning to regret not having the photographer, seems like I was the one busy taking the pictures not KZ.

Thanks to Caleb for getting some picture perfect shots for me. Thanks bro!

Food for kids :
1) Chicken popcorn
2) French fries
3) Spring roll
4) Fairy bread
5) Hawaiian pizza
6) Blackcurrant drink
7) A mix of chocolate and Cookies & Cream ice-cream

Food for adults :
1) Chicken Bolognaise Spaghetti
2) Fish fingers
3) Tuna mayonnaise sandwich
4) Cheese sandwich
5) Coke and Coke-light
I was afraid of leftovers so didn't order much, but was allowed to top up if food was insufficient. At che-che's 6th BD party, we had to lug back so much food that was sufficient for another party.
Still, there were some leftover for Spaghetti and sandwiches (reasonable amount). I wonder if my guests were full.

After the one hour free play, the lil' guests were asked to proceed to the room.

Thanks bro once again for these shots of my lil' guests

Peter Pan, up up and awayyyy...............

MMI mates

The modern pirate who don't resort to swords when fighting in the big seas, but gun. ?!?! Joven's so cute!

They played some games.

I think the game hosts felt the magic in the room. They kindda incorporated this in.

Tinkerbell pose

Peter Pan pose

Pirate pose

It's time to limbo

All the lil' Tinkerbells, pirates and Peter Pan trying to crawl under the ribbon.

I suggested the mummies have a go at the Limbo Rock. The mummies were so sporting! The games co-ordinators didn't put that low for us, they knew we were going to crack our bones if they do that.

Sweets for the lil' children

Pinata time!

Cake- cutting time

Family picture

The destroyed cake

Guests having their lunch

Giving out goody bags

Left the room, unpack stuffs and the girls had another full hour of playtime before leaving the place

I'm sure you had a good time my lil' angel

Getting the pixie dust ready

2011-09-16T23:53:00.001+08:00

I love parties, I wish girls remain the age they are now. And it'll also means my age is halted too right? *winkz*

Theme : A Tinkerbell and a Pirate makes a Magical 5 party
This theme was on my mind last year, but because majority of her classmates are boys, it would be too feminine. So it was put on hold and had to use this pretty theme this year. But since we still had a majority of boys, had to incorporate something. Peter Pan birthday supplies were discontinued for a long time, thus next best solution would be Pirates.

Thinking about planning and executing parties make me so excited. I want to make it bigger than the previous year/s. This year, I wished I had the Sleeping Beauty Castle and fireworks (like in Disneyland) for this Tinkerbell party. I said wish - where's my Tinkerbell? Oops! I should be looking for the genie instead.

Venue : The Polliwogs
No second choice when I knew her party would be a go-ahead. This was the venue I had wanted last year. And I must admit, no regrets.

Taking up packages reduces our hassles, but it also means there are certain restrictions. Having a party outside means no mess in our small home; no need to look under the bed for small lego pieces; Barbie shoes etc... but it also means we have to lug every heavy items to the place.

At first I took a package and asked for (additional) photographer and a face-painter. But after that I cancelled those 2 as I realised that to have a face-painter means cramping face-painting and games at the same time. And the kids would be more eager to queue up for face-painting instead. Try not to overwhelm the kids. I don't mind the photographer but KZ offered her help. Though she's no professional but might as well right, coz' she would be very free.

I did not use Polliwogs birthday invitation cards but personalized my own. I love this simple card! And it so happens that she has a photograph taken with Tinkerbell in Disneyland recently. All designed and printed within the same day I booked the venue. Talk about efficiency!

The Invited Guests

The birthday girl chose her invited guests. We're never short of guests coz' she has many friends from MMI, St Hilda's, music, Shichida, abacus. But it can be difficult to narrow down considering that we had to include some siblings. 17 was the magic number I told her, to work around this number. Can't have too many too coz' I'd have problem doing PR with the mummies and daddies.

Final list :
Current School
1. Her boyfriend and his brother
2. The other inseparable trio, girl from K2 and her brothers
3. Her classmate and her brother from St. Hilda's
Previous School
4. Her good friend
5. Another good friend and his brother
Shichida
6. Long time friend and his sister

7. Another friend from Shichida
When I asked if she wanted to include anyone from her current school, some girls she play with and how about her friends in music class. She didn't want any. Total number of kids including her - 16.

Okay, with list finalised. I was then able to do my purchases as there would be some stuffs more suitable for the older children. What older children you ask. They're the girls from che-che's school.

Click, Pay and Wait
Online purchases were within 2 days. And I was disappointed that some place ran out of the items I was eyeing and then I had to go through the search engine (again). The last time I went to recce about was a month plus back.

Parcels came in. Mr Postman more busy than ever, he notices the trend too. And guess what?! His first time meeting me after so many years. Haha!

Here comes Parcel #1. Mei-mei's happy that finally her party is taking off. Though they have no idea where the party will be held.

The parcel consists mainly the boys stuffs

Parcel #2 : cupcake rings, pirate bendables toys, tattoos

Forbidden food favors

Was so tempted to order the Tinkerbell and Pirate PEZ candies which we don't get to see in SIN. They were so cute but didn't coz' I thought of the cost and practicality in giving something which eventually might be junked by the parents. *teeth grinding*

While waiting for the parcels to come in, I embarked on the preparation of food favors. I kept food favors to the minimum.

Tags done and scored

I love this tag!

Wrappers designed, printed and wrapped on every chocolate bar. Can see where I took this picture right? In the car. Spent few fugitive days outside lugging penknife, cutting board (like I was going to kill someone like that), double-sided tape (to tape down my victim), plastic bag to throw ~~dismembered body~~ rubbish. While doing all these, I was so worried chocolate might melt in our heat, so have to make sure I don't let them sit under our hot sun and chose on days when I don't have to wait for che-che outside her school.

So pretty. And I love the papers too! I managed to get these papers, though bought only a stack to try out first. Dunno if can find the papers in Singapore, will try to recee when I have the time.

Pixie dust -This may seem easy to find, I thought it was. I remembered seeing it in Umeya and went to 3 outlets, they didn't have it anymore. One last attempt, I went down to the party shop in Raffles to check out and found it. Happy! But the only problem was they didn't sell the smaller ones so I had to re-pack them. Double work for me, I had to spend time to print the labels

Hershey's Nuggets wrapper printed out and wrapped

The final products.
Tinkerbell pack consists of one bar of chocolate and the fairy 'dust' candy
Pirate pack consists of one 'gold bar' of chocolate and three Hershey's 'gold nugget'

This parcel #4 came extremely late. The first to be ordered but last to arrive. My main parcel is here!!

Such a big box but ..... haiz!

The rest of the stuffs. I can start my assembling work

Tags that were prepared and ready (a long time ago) to be tagged to their bags and boxes

Packing the favor bags

For boys : Their goody bag consists the same items for both older and younger boys
1) Bandana
2) eyepatch
3) telescope
4) sticker
5) craft kit
6) pirate figurine

Parcel #3

Mei-mei offering to help me with the packing.
Top pic (R) : For older girls
1) Coin pouch
2) Terry ponies
3) Lanyard
4) Sticker
5) Bubble wand
6) Pencil
Bottom pic (L) : For younger girls
1) Colouring book
2) 2x Terry ponies
3) Bubble wand
4) Pencil
5) Sticker
One of the item went OFS, and had no time to make anymore purchases, so put 2 terry ponies inside

Right down to the details. Cutlery packs also prepared. Oh! Had to match the green and purple colour.

This one also. Personalized bottles. For these bottles and cutlery packs, I printed on normal papers. To use my chocolate wrapping papers would be too wasteful.

Snacks for display
Pretzels with the same co-ordinated colours. Just that I prefer that kind of soft colours, should have been bolder huh? Oh! For these pretzels, I cannot take credit. I tasked my helper to help me as I was juggling with the girls' schoolwork etc.. She did a great job, didn't she?
Then Polliwogs emailed me when I gave them a breakdown what I'd be putting on the table for guests. They said no food items unless it's part of the goody pack. Sigh... okay, double job (again) Had the bags at home so luckily didn't have to buy but then had to make the labels, packed up the pretzels. Sigh..

Cookies that I've ordered for the older girls from my baker. I wasn't sure if I could have a party for them so ordered this in replacement as a cake. Although we went ahead with the celebration at Scoops of Art, they were given one each. Most disappointing thing was that my stand did not arrive in time, couldn't make use of it. Had to make a stand out of styrofoam box. But I was so pleased with it - can't bear to junk it away.

Lil' girl been waiting for this time. She helped to fill up my pinata. Very disappointed with the size. I didn't have many sweets for the kids, instead selected carefully over the candies. Loaded with more treats which consisted of tattoos, erasers, confettis and bendable pirates

I had been pampering the kids at our parties. Too much pinata fillers. Remember the year where che-che's carriage was way too heavy coz' I put in so much sweets?

All's done and packed in less than 2 days for the big day. Both girls are fluttering about, they're excited over the party. And mei-mei never stopped telling me "mummy, I want a bouncy castle just like Johannah" since her party. I kept it as a secret, I was sure she would have a great time in that 'oh yes, it's definitely a much bigger castle than Johannah' castle. She's the star tomorrow and she'll love her party for sure.

Birthday @ Scoop of Art

2011-09-16T18:16:00.023+08:00

A small-scale celebration for lil' girl with all her che-ches.

Staff was really prompt in replying my email queries. I didn't tell the girls where we were heading. Mei-mei was kept in the dark though she kept asking why I brought along some goody bags etc..

Collected her cake at PP. Was between two minds if I should inflate some balloons. In the end, didn't do it. But I bought a pinata, didn't want to destroy the Tinkerbell pinata coz' I need it the next day. And since I couldn't use the cupcake rings on the cake , I put them inside the pinata. No, not me - it was the girls who helped to put in the goodies in the pinata while I drove to venue.

I did very little setup, the staff helped me alot coz' I parked the car illegally at the library area.

Came back to see this nicely set up. Che-che also helped me.

Here, mei-mei was getting impatient

Che-che's friends came. 3 of them couldn't come as they were ill. But they allowed me to bring back the crafts for them.

Here, the girls were playing a few games. Which mei-mei didn't understand and was simply enjoying it in her own miniature world.

Finally, they get to do their fabric painting.

Cute lil' boy, Greg. I love his smile! The smile that melt your heart ... Mummy and daddy will have a hard time next time

The pretty girls

The beautiful ladies

The food for the children

1) Nacho chips

2) Honey glazed chicken

3) Chicken ham spaghetti

4) hotdog

5) Fruit punch

6) 1 scoop of ice-cream

The mummies ordered their food from the menu. Very short get-together time but still we had our laughs

Mei-mei's funny snail

Che-che's ducky

Mei-mei was so nice, the co-ordinator wanted to leave.And mei-mei told her "you cannot leave. I haven't cut my cake yet."

The birthday cake. No more chocolate coz' not many kids like chocolate

My happy lil' girl

A group picture

Birthday girl blowing out her candles

SMILE! Children

"Make an Angry Bird face" - they still look so charming!

With her co-ordinator che-che.
Giving out goody bags. Didn't manage to take pics of her giving out goody bags to the che-ches coz' they were too fast. Old woman liao - not so nimble like them.

Girls finding ways to entertain themselves. They were trying to carry a girl and then the mummies saw it and told them it's wrong and did the right way. All I can say is thank goodness che-che didn't go up, she will break their arms

Selecting their ice-cream flavour

Mei-mei and her favourite Cookies and Cream ice-cream

Pinata time!

Pouring out their loot and doing exchange

What happened to my parcel?

2011-09-12T15:46:00.002+08:00

From the time hubby gave mei-mei the go ahead with the party (we are mourning over the loss of our FIL), I did a quick click on all the online purchases.

Two weeks after I've clicked and paid, I didn't get any news about my parcel in Vpost USA. Initially I had thought the huricane blew my parcel over to Artic. Three days wait was an agony for me. No news!

I checked with the party shop purchase history. My parcel had been sent out long time ago. My other parcels came in one by one, even those that were purchased at a later date, reached me first.

I was getting all so panicky. My main parcel is still not here! I've only got like 2+ weeks before the big day.

I emailed the party shop, UPS and enquired. The last info was "LEFT AT PORT". Immediate reaction was "what port"?! My imagination ran wild and I imagined my parcel left out in the rain, in the sun and perhaps it really got blown away. Then I asked "who's port"? Haha! I sound really stupid
I'm thankful the party shop was so nice to go the extra mile in getting the scanned copy of a signature and a name for me. (when they told me I should call them but I explained that I would be calling in from Singapore. Telephone charges would cost )But it got me really worried, then where the heck is my parcel. Maybe the guy ran away with my parcel? Okay, at least I have the black and white. So the 'port' means my Vpost address.

Meantime, my contigency plan would be - NO CONTIGENCY PLAN. Haha! I'll just probably put whatever I have inside the bags first and then give them later after the party, should they arrive after the party

Called Vpost and staff was helpful to call US for me. They said there was an additional number infront of my VP number on the box (which I checked later everything's correct) that's why couldn't track and match the customer. Oh my! The staff did a manual match for me, said I can make my payment the next day.

The next day I made payment and still waited for a few more days. Why is my parcel not moving at all?
My postman was really kind too, he told me he'll help me keep track of my parcels and he will take it out for me as soon as he sees mine.
I called them again to check on the parcel, it's only a week to the party. I need my pinata!!!! I need my favors!!! Staff said she'll expedite for me. The next day, I received the parcel. And that next day is today!

Yes! Time to start my factory assembly line.

September school hols

2011-09-11T23:29:00.006+08:00

Oh my! Oh my! This hasn't been a productive school holiday for us. Haven't had much time to do any work (go through oral, composition) with che-che. Her SA2 is in 6-7 weeks time. With the amount of homeworks she has everyday, I always find it hard to find time for her to do my work or to go through work with her. Sianz!

4th September (Sunday)

The school holiday started with a friend's birthday party on the 4th. It was a Barbie Party and the girls loved it. They enjoyed the bouncy castle (wah... even my immature 8+ yr-old played inside. Think she was like the oldest girl in there??)

Mei-mei and the pretty birthday girl

Queuing up for manicure

And finally face-painting. Apparently mei-mei don't like face-painting so she joined in the magic show

Magic show

Pinata! I had a good laugh when the magician asked the children to queue up according to height. Coz' his logic is, if they're shorter so they must be younger. My lil' girl benefitted lor!

Hmm.... I know they love Pinatas .... but I don't.

Balloon sculpting
Mei-mei and her dolphin

Che-che and her heart-shaped balloon

Birthday song

The girls continued playing after that. Was doing PR while I don't know when children started going into the pool. And my two girls kept telling me they want to go swimming. I didn't allow them, no costume how to go in. They were pretty sad .... but it wasn't in the birthday initinery what!

Back at home, they kept themselves occupied going through the sweets collected from the pinata and from the goodie bag

They admired their manicure and che-che loved the tattoo on her face so much.. and then I suddenly remembered. OMG! She was suppose to return back to school on Tuesday. Oh my! Should have done a pedicure instead and have the tattoo on her shoulder or buttocks.

5th September (Monday)

Did some work for me in the morning.

And then Peggy came by for their music lesson.

6th September (Tuesday)

Very little work done for me as we had to leave house at 11+. Call her productive! I hate it when she takes her own sweet time to do her work. By right 3 hours in the morning, she should be able to do quite a substantial amount of work right? Waste time! Daydream! Play with eraser!!

Okay, I was getting really grumpy with her.

While she was in school ringing away the bells, I brought mei-mei to get some last minute party stuffs for her party 2 Saturdays later.

Brought them out for a Smurf show and dinner.

Hmm! No work done!

7th September (Wednesday)

She has a tuition in the morning, shifted to morning, so that I can bring them for their Disney show.

Had lunch at home, I don't think I can suffer in the hands of the lil' girl.

We walked around MBS for a short while before the show. I remember how panicky I was before the Lion King show coz' I couldn't find any parking lots, so went much earlier. And bumped into Jen there. So lucky that woman! Can win the prize. How come I don't have such luck?

After the show ended at close to 5pm, made a quick rush to Raffles City to get a dress for che-che. The kids had their quick dinner. Note : how I always write "rush". Indeed we were rushing and I was all grumpy when they eat very slowly.

Brought them to SCGS to watch this famed Japanese University students playing the handbells.

It was really a challenge for mei-mei to learn to keep quiet throughout the performance. But she did well. Here she is, putting on lipgloss. Hiao charboh!

Their performance were awesome. And I hope che-che and her friend gained some insight

Let There Be Peace On Earth

I love this song - Beauty & The Beast (mixture of 3 songs)

Adjourned to T3 for dinner. Brought along Maxine's BD presents as we didn't join them for the celebration. Summer asked me a very good question when she saw Maxine opening up her present. "Aunty, can I ask you why everytime your box is from Isetan? You always buy from there"?

It goes to show how pathetic my life is, I really have no time to shop except during that short half an hour before picking mei-mei up from school. And no other shops are opened except Isetan.

Birthday gal

Happy Birthday, sweetie!

Reached home late. We need to wake up early tomorrow morning. Was informed last week that the rites for FIL's 49th day would be done on 8th Sep

Oh! I didn't know that next Fri the girls didn't have to go to school. Spoke to the mummies about a small celebration for mei-mei. Yes! It's happening. I have another venue in mind, some place where the activities might suit all.

8th September (Thursday)

Sigh... the girls can't do any work today. Left house at 8.10am. By the time we finished everything, it was already 12+ noon.

Brought the girls for lunch at Longhouse, went back home to shower and leave house again. I was tired and asked girl to skip Shichida but model-student wouldn't skip class. How about skipping either one of the class - Abacus. Girl turned teary. Sigh... while I can have one jubilant kid for missing lesson; I have another one who simply refuses to skip lesson.

After her Shichida class, she was really tired. Me too! I can fall asleep behind the wheels! I let her nap for an hour which turned out longer for me. Still insisted on going for class, but no way! We both fell asleep for another hour or so.

Had our dinner and then sleep again. I feel like a pig. Oink oink! Somehow I touched lil' girl's head ... it did seem a lil' warm. Oh oh! I have plans to bring mei-mei out to collect her passport the next day.

9th September (Friday)

Arghhhhhh. FEVER! Both girls! What luck!

Can't bring her to collect her passport and there's no way I can change the appointment date. Have to do a walk-in (and pray hard it doesn't take long). Brought them to see PD instead.

Can't do work either! Shucks! Last day of school holiday weekday and ...not much was done throughout the whole week.

Didn't bring her for her music class in the evening.

10th September (Saturday)

Didn't bring them for swimming either. Fever was going up and down and it's worrying. School's commencing in 2 days time. I hope they recover by then

11th September (Sunday)

Fever cleared the whole day but let them rest after their Berries class in the morning. Day wasted getting them to rest. My heart was thumping away. Darn! Not much work done. When school term starts, we'd be so busy trying hard to complete her tons of daily homeworks. How??

The day when the school is run by ...

2011-09-01T14:42:00.004+08:00

the parents! Yes, it's that time of the year again. Three years in running I've been going back to che-che's school to bully the children.

This is the day when the teachers don't come in to school until 11am. And the parents be a teacher for the day. Nope! Thank goodness we're not there to teach, I'll go crazy before the children do. We basically take care of the children.

And looks like my prayers worked this time round. For two years I've been taking care of P1s, though with a buddy parent it's tough having to be so sensitive to children complaining about one another. I don't wish for an upper primary class too! Coz' they can be rebellious too, but honestly speaking our girls are very sweet. How often do you see children greet you "Good morning Aunty"?

This year, I'm tasked with a P3 class. And no... it's not my daughter's class, they wouldn't pair parents up with their children's class. Last minute, my buddy couldn't turn up so I had to run the show myself. And well, it's a class where I'd see some familiar faces definitely coz' I know some girls in there. So I'm alright. Infact I'm having so much more fun with them. No cry babies at all; no fighting. The girls and I had enjoyed our short 1-2 hours together.

Started the day in the school hall with a short address by the school Principal. A talk by an ex-principal on Friendship. Thereafter ACES Day. I wasn't in my sports attire and was like a siao charbo hoping around with the kids. Well, I was as red as lobster after that. The girls went for their recess while I proceeded upstairs for a break myself.
To keep the kids entertained we played Pictionary. And this time round I allowed them to call me 'aunty' instead of my married name, which we had to self-introduce ourselves in the hall. With that the formality is gone but with due respect still! The girls were good!
Gave them 10 mins to draw/write on the board for their FT. FT came in and I asked the girls to wish her. Kids were really happy to see her, I left quietly and pleased with myself for a job well done.

Next year? I'm not sure .... by then KZ would have already left our household so nobody can help me pick up lil' girl from school.

Swimming classes

2011-09-01T13:40:00.001+08:00

The girls started their swimming lessons in July. Had procrastinated for a very long time. Che-che was suppose to start at age 5. Turned out I started before mei-mei turns 5.

These are pictures taken on their first to third lessons

They look forward to every Saturdays to see their Coach. They also look forward to the playpool with the slide.

But it also means that they get so exhausted after their swim, they end up sleeping and I can't find the time to let them do their work. Argh!

Teacher's Day 2011

2011-09-01T13:34:00.003+08:00

These are the gifts prepared for the teachers this year.

Personalized honey bottles

Personalized chocolate bars

Note books

All individually packed

In total, made about 11 note books. The personalized honey and chocolates were more.

Too tired already as I was coping between mei-mei's birthday party preparations; this and Children's Day.

Just for laughs

2011-08-30T22:58:00.001+08:00

28th August

Few days ago, Che-Che asked me "mummy, what is aviary?" I answered her. Few minutes later,"mummy, what is a-r-s-e-n-a-l?" "It's a football team in England." Gave me a very blur look, "ooh! ...ok.."

Today as I'm marking her work, I burst out laughing at my answer. Wah!! Silly mother!!

Quick! Must make her erase off that definition n reload new and accurate answer. LOL

30th August

KZ related to me abt what happened this morning. Lil' girl's eyes barely open, hvnt brushed teeth, she walked out of bedroom n went to studyroom,did her mountaineering job (chair to highchair) n looked at her time-table for Tuesdays. Stare for quite awhile, think was trying to digest what she's reading in her blurry state. Did her big biz, washup,eat n did her work straightaway

Shucks!

2011-08-30T17:10:00.001+08:00

Shucks! Plans aborted!

Che-che has to be in school on Tuesday for her CCA during the school hols.

Phew! Lucky thing I haven't spoke to the mummies about it but..... how?

How? How? How?

2011-08-26T16:51:00.001+08:00

I recalled how ML celebrated Summer's birthday after school one day, and thought perhaps I can do something like that.

Still trying to figure out a date for mei-mei's birthday celebration with the older che-ches. Checked out Icing Room package, sounds interesting but it means everyone has to go down to Somerset 313. On a school day? Coz' our weekends are packed! But.... I'm the busiest person amongst them. My two girls have classes almost everyday! And don't ever talk about skipping lessons to mei-mei, she's one person who will insist on going for classes. (and make me feel guilty) Che-che would gladly love to skip her lessons but I would prefer her, being P3, to not skip any lessons.

Maybe can take one of the days during the school hols. Perhaps can discuss with the mummies. But looking at my own September hols schedule, can't find a day except Tuesday?

Fun time

2011-08-10T22:45:00.002+08:00

We had a long National Day holiday, the girls didn't have to attend school. (mummy's finally relieved from chauffeuring duties)

After doing some work, they had wanted to bake. But mummy's too tired + did not have time to check if have the raw ingredients at home. Had no idea what to bake either!

Then I decided to do something easy and fast. I remembered I had these funny faces icing stuffs (meant for kids to decorate cupcakes with them when we bake cupcakes), took out their favourite Oreos cookies and did some chocolate coating.

It's amazing to see their creative juices flowing. For once mei-mei really did enjoy herself thoroughly (she's the impatient sort, so usually gives up faster than che-che)

I hate to work with white chocolate! Always so difficult!!

Che-che had wanted to continue doing it, but I decided to let them rest while I coat the remaining with dark chocolates. And if I were to have difficulty in coating them; she would definitely find it a challenge too, right?

Once the chocolate is about to set, I asked the girls to decorate the cookies with quins and mini m&ms. I finally get to use my chocolate transfer sheet. And I love the outcome!

The girls' works and my chocolate transfer sheet works.

Girls enjoying their cookies. I prefer the dark chocolates though.

With that, we ended the session and shall look forward to the next mummy-daughters bonding session

Racial Harmony Day - 21st July & 22nd July

2011-07-22T13:50:00.013+08:00

Days before
This year, I finally bought them sarong kebaya. Well, should have pre-empt that majority of students could be wearing that since their school is located in the Katong area.
Anyway, the girls were pretty excited with their costume. Few days ago, I brought them to the shop and did their shopping. Mei-mei attracted the people's attention there being the youngest and the cutest. One of the customer brought her out to the main area "mama (grandma in peranakan) mama , you look at this cute little anak".And I thought she really looks good in the kebaya.

1 day before
Mei-mei's school asked us to bring some food which represents our ethnic group. Haha! I'm not peranakan neither is hubby.
I decided to pack some stuffs for the kids instead coz' I thought maybe the kids will be overwhelm with so many different kinds of food in class.
Bought them mini rice-dumplings, kueh lapis and kueh salat. Packed them up.

21st July
Mei-mei's school celebrated Racial Harmony today, as across the whole of Singapore.Not for che-che's school which did the next day to coincide with some Mother -tongue thing they have in school.

Gave the snacks to her FT and showed her how to bring up the box handle as I did not do it, to make lugging around easier for me. I love the box!! Amazing hor? I managed to squeeze printing; pasting and assembling everything within one day.

My little girl in her kebaya

The children in her school. When I saw the other children brought to school. I thought the parents either didn't understand the note (bringing codfish snacks, biscuits ???) or I've read too much into the lines.

Right after school, we took out out cameras to have some nice photo shots of the kids.

I love this shot taken by I's daddy

And how he photoshopped this into a Korean Love Story Drama

22nd July

It's che-che's turn to don this today. She's pretty excited wearing this. No sandals, wanted her to wear my SQ sandals but it's too big for her. She looks cute in this too. Must make her wear more often since she outgrows her clothes very fast.

8th April - Well done, mei-mei!

2011-07-22T00:03:00.000+08:00

Shichida Yellow Belt

Well done! I'm so proud of you, mei-mei!

Baking

2011-06-22T23:26:00.008+08:00

Now that the school hols is coming to an end, I found one day (just one day) to bake with the girls

Che-che asked to bake cookies. She missed doing cookie colouring.

We did everything from scratch, including the icings

Mei-mei's masterpieces

Che-che's masterpieces

And since I was already in that mood, I baked some cuppies. Nice but I didn't like the way the frosting turned out. Must try another recipe

June holidays

2011-06-18T09:37:00.000+08:00

Set off to nearby places this time round. And it was a really long holiday - 10 days to be exact. We get alot of funny response from friends "what! 10 days!!"

Though I don't mind HKG for their food and shopping, I'd definitely stuff my face with noodles and desserts. Put on the extra pound and figure out how to lose them. Always so easy to put on weight but difficult to lose!

We left for Macau, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Macau 澳门

First stop, the much talked- about Venetian. Girls never stopped their "wows" the moment we stepped into the hotel. Of course che-che would remember clearly her handsome Go Jun Pyo in various spots in Venetian. The girls loved their room. Mei-mei calls the raised platform area their stage and kept putting up performances - singing and dancing.

(pic taken off their website)

They love the big bathroom too! Well... it's the bathtub that they both like. And throughout the whole trip, they rate the 4 hotels we stayed. Anyway, ask them which is their favourite country they've been so far. They'll answer you not based on the attractions but based on the toilet ratings.

From Macau we headed to Shenzhen by speedboat. The girls wanted to stick to daddy and I'm super h-a-p-p-y!! I can sleep without anyone disturbing me.

Shenzhen 深圳

I know when people mention about Shenzhen, the first thing they think of are the imitation stuffs. But when I was there, I went sightseeing. Keke!

I was surprise when hubby told me Shenzhen has changed and I'm really surprised at how alarming the change is. It's no wonder China is opening up to the world, said to be the next big country. I mean, even small provinces look more modern.

Prior to the trip, I suggested to hubby we can bring the kids to Windows Of The World. It's a very interesting place I went to donkeys years back. He said there are many interesting places we can go. Should trust him since he does travel to Shenzhen too. Okay... Ah-soh haven't been reading up ok? Unless I'm back flying right?

Wow! They have a direct subway to the attraction and it's really easy to travel around Shenzhen now.

Hong Kong 香港

We had the option for taking the train to Luo Wu and then change MTR twice to Jordan. Sounds easy but easy prey for snatch thiefs and we had 4 bags (coz' the girls wanted to drag their own bags). Then hubby suggested we could take a bus which is much easier. Best thing? The bus terminus is directly opposite our hotel. We only need to make one change and that's it. The bus however don't stop at our hotel, so we stopped someone closeby and took a cab down.

Chiak! chiak! chiak! Woah! I love the food.

Brought the girls to Ocean Park. Ahh... I've never been to Ocean Park. Bumped into mei-mei's music friend there. The girls enjoyed it especially the carousel. We sat with them thrice. Old folks feel the giddiness leh! They saw Red Panda and panda for the second time. And .... meimei had to be asked to keep quiet by the staffs there coz' we had to be quiet in the enclosure. Haha! She talked too much.

The last part of our trip, Disneyland. But it wasn't exactly good news for me when hubby told me last minute (In Macau) he had to travel to Shanghai and I was to bring them to Disneyland alone.

I feel so gloomy like Eeyore. The weather felt the same way too! On the day we arrived in Disneyland, the sky turned grey. And it rained heavily; trees swaying, I thought it was typhoon heading our way. Though kids won't be boring if we're stuck in hotel the whole day, but they were really looking forward to Disneyland. Wanted to bring them out in the early part of the evening but couldn't. We brought them there around 8+pm. Took some photos as I reckon the next day we'd be too tired to take photos after the fireworks.

The next day, we had breakfast together before daddy leaves for the airport. Said goodbye to daddy and off we went to Disneyland. My fears were unfounded, the girls did co-operate with me. In the afternoon, we sat in a prime spot for the Parade. They stopped in front of us and at one point, they went up to the two girls to play with the twirl thing. Mei-mei was brave enough to go up and I can see she liked it.

We had great fun together. Watched the spectacular fireworks in the night. One word to describe it -AWESOME!

The next day, brought them for breakfast before checking out. They were well-behaved when I did the check in. I never need to worry about them in the plane, they are so obedient. So, will I take them on holidays alone? Perhaps.

We shall look forward to our holiday in year-end.

Closure of myphotoalbum.com

2011-06-02T16:25:00.002+08:00

Hate this! Received an email about the cessation of my online photo sharing album. Shucks! Had to find another place to continue this.

I started off with Kodak Gallery years ago, but stopped when they asked to pay for the yearly subscription fee. Jumped the wagon to myphotoalbum. Which turned out to be free for only one year. Yah!yah! they always never tell you it's FREE for only one year. Even if they don't they print the words so bloody small that nobody can read. I didn't want to jump the wagon again and thought, heck lah! since they needed purchase to extend subscription for another year. I might as well get it right?

First purchase for 2nd year subscription - Christmas cards. I was waiting in great anticipation for the cards since they had the pictures of our little girls. One month went by after another. Before I knew it, it's already 2 weeks before Christmas as my alarm clock rang. "What's the problem?" I had already emailed them, they said they had sent it out but no ... I didn't get anything at all! By then I was already pissed off to the limit. Needless to say, my christmas cards were sent out late that year. My overseas friends received them after Christmas. I emailed them again, they kept claiming they had sent out but no further service recovery on their part.

Second purchase for 3rd year subscription - Notepads and mousepad. Those arrived in my mailbox quite fast.

Third purchase for 4th year subscription - Notepads again. I can't seem to get the Christmas cards, there seems to be some problem with their link with that. Sigh...

But then the bad news came when I've paid for the year! I had to look for alternatives. And they had the option of storing the albums into a DVD. I thought it'll be easier for me to upload into my new photosharing album next time. Haha! That is if I ever find the time to load the photos!!

The problem doesn't end just here. First they apologised for taking a long time to get the discs sent out coz' of massive load. Then when it did come a month plus later. My kids were boys! My kids were caucasians! Best thing - I had a different husband!! What the ?!?!?!?! I'm really angry. How can they make such silly mistake. And when I emailed them about recovering my DVD and sending back the DVD I have but not bloody paying postage. No reply. Bad service! Perhaps that's why they shut down!!

Now that I've changed to shutterfly, as seen on my top header, I hope they don't disappoint me. I don't think I have the time to upload my previous albums anymore. I hope I can find the time to upload new photos into my new account.

Coming June hols

2011-05-20T20:35:00.000+08:00

The months whizzed past us before we can say Superman. Really scary! It seems a while ago, I was talking about my girl's first year in Primary school. It's the mid of her 3rd primary school years, 3 1/2 more years to go before she goes into Secondary school.

So what's the plan for this coming school hols? We'll be heading for a holiday nearby our hot hot Singapore. And it's going to be even hotter!! Summer clothings are easier to pack definitely but it means I'll have to double up my action as a laundry ah-soh. Wouldn't want a luggage filled with*whew! what was that smell?* clothes as I open it.

It's really unlike of me to pack the girls' and my stuffs at last minute. But .... what happened this year? I'm really exhausted! Been so tied up with che-che's school work. It's no joke, her work tripled this year everyday. Really! My crowning glory tripled its speed in growing out more white hairs. ARGH!

Lion King - 14th May

2011-05-17T01:55:00.001+08:00

Brought the girls for their first musical. Initially I had only bought two tickets for che-che and myself. I didn't buy the expensive front row tickets but bought the Cat 3 tickets to try out as I'm not sure if che-che would like it.

Mei-mei cried when she heard that she was not included. Quite poor thing also. In the end, I bought another ticket for her (thank goodness the seat next to us was not taken up). I gave her the condition that she shouldn't sleep inside (coz' she always sleep in movies), she agreed.

Two days before the show, I reminded her again. And in her mischievous response, she shouted "I'm going to sleep inside." Told her I'm going to pry her eyes open if she dares to sleep inside.

Verdict : She slept inside. Argh! I spent the money to put my precious LV bag. !!!!!! Of course I'm not bringing her to anymore musicals.

On the other hand, che-che enjoyed it so much

Sophia's BD

2011-05-07T22:50:00.003+08:00

Yet another party within 3 weeks or was it 2?

Beautiful Sophia turns 9.

Party was held in Downtown East, Kids Explorer.

Mei-mei didn't really understand what was played but she had alot of fun. Was she tired end of party? Nope! It was KZ - who had to carry her around the chairs.

Thanks for the great party and company!

Adrianna's BD

2011-04-23T23:11:00.007+08:00

Girls were thrilled to bits when they received an invite to their friend's birthday party. We all looked forward to it coz' we had the company of our dearest friends.

We were a little late coz' we had our Easter treasure hunting at home. (Haiz! If only we had a hunt in her place, I'd gladly sponsor all the treats.) Nevertheless, the kids had a great time together.

"Pin the tail" game which my girls didn't want to play.
Goodies prepared by mummy. She always spoil the kids
Mei-mei is happy with hers.
Oh! It was nice of mummy to get an ice-cream man. Mei-mei was looking forward to her Mee Soto and she wasn't that pleased with ice-cream. Che-che was .... what can I say? A mummy who keeps restricting cold food/drinks, che-che went crazy. And didn't have proper meal.
Lovely birthday cake. I can't bear to spoil the cake

The girls found the joy in throwing confettis
The destroyed cake
Pinata!

For the first time, mei-mei dare to hit the pinata

Some how, we all need the Power Mummies help. So powerful that the bat broke. Host took out a baseball bat. Woah!
After 2 rounds, my skinny girl was tired and did the smartest way of sitting down and wait.

The most Powerful Mummy came to the rescue. Kids ran to get their goodies.
Baby Saby, S and mei-mei

The girls were really exhausted at the end of the day.

Easter Fun!

2011-04-22T22:46:00.001+08:00

Come end-March, my girls would very often ask me "are we having egg-hunting this year?" They know that this mummy don't disappoint them either. I wish my mom had done this when I was younger.

Treats for their friends were prepared. These little eggs were given to mei-mei's kindergarten classmates.
Treats for che-che's IJ friends

And today... it's THE DAY! The girls woke up early, chirping around "mummy, can we start the egg hunt now?" Kept pestering me until I gave in and started their hunt earlier. (but was still late for birthday party)

Hid around the house. I don't have that many place to hide but they still find the thrill in getting their eggs. This time round, I try not to put too much sweets in the empty egg shells coz' most of the time it wouldn't end in their stomach.

Hiding eggs around the house. Cute hor! Even to such obvious spots, my girls were so blind
They ran around the house. Mei-mei is definitely faster this time round.
Jumping for joy when she saw this but couldn't reach. See how she tried her very best to reach. In the end, she accepted the help from KZ
Children counting their eggs and see their prizes
Mei-mei and her prizes
Che-che and her prizes. She was really lucky to get all the water-stickers and 1 stack of colourful paper.
And two bonus eggs.

Hinamatsuri - 2nd March

2011-03-19T16:03:00.009+08:00

It's ひなまつり. Wow! I thought I did this last year... another year has passed. And no pageantry celebration or preparation coz' I had been really busy with the girls. Simple affair for them as it's a school day too.

2nd March

Here, the girls are excited when they saw a parcel. To their delight, it's Kitty-chan

Cute?

Savouring some treats

A hug from daddy. A goody bag from me

And their much awaited present. Like Christmas like that!

Opening up their goody bag

3rd Mar

Goodies prepared for che-che's friends. Nope! I didn't prepare for mei-mei's friends - too many children already.
In it were hina tsuzumi, hina arare, hina fruit cup jellys, candies and soft jelly.
In the morning, I prepared a simple bento. I love the way some Japanese mama did theirs. Haiz! I still need my precious sleep afterall.
Rushed back home and prepared their lunch and for their tea-break.

Here, mei-mei is enjoying her lunch
For their tea-break

It's scaled down, but it's the thoughts that counts right?

More branded stuffs

2011-03-18T23:41:00.010+08:00

What can you say when you have a materialistic mother?

You try to influence your child, then you end up with two furry balls. Oops! Better make myself clear before PETA comes in and skin me alive.They're merely hamsters and they are named Gucci and Chanel.

Okay, so why the funny name? The kids have no idea and came out with one that is their friend's hamster name. I told them no copying but in the end I'm the one infringing copyright. Ha! All I could think was Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Hermes - 2 syllabus that's is not mouthful for two highly excited kids (who sound inaudible when they talk excitedly).

I dunno what prompted hubby to make such promise - that commitment to take care of pets. I thought fish died already no need to have any pets. Better still - more free time right? They harped on it for days and tried to be angelic to get their hammies. And well they waited patiently for daddy to return back from his multiple trips, finally had a weekend in SIN and off we went on 20th Feb.

There were so many different kinds of hammies. Roborovskii, Dwarf Campbell, Winter White and Pudding. Roborovskii are fast so it's definitely a no-no for the girls.Finally decided on Pudding when asked for the tamest hamster. I had a good laugh looking at the breed, they seem to have some 'balancing' problem? They walk and then fall backwards, walk and fall backwards.

Once we zero-ed in on the breed, next I asked for both females. They brought out all the females for me and let the girls selected theirs.

One caught my attention immediately, that was the littlest and it was really curious. The other 3 cuddled in one corner. Mei-mei chose that curious one.Che-che finally chose hers and it remained still. Haha! I'm sorry, I know you're not a statue. No need to remain still. And it must be really frightened - it pooed!!

Then came the challenging part of trying to listen what the guy was telling me how to care for hamsters and trying to sieve out the unneccesary stuffs amidst the excited kids asking me to "see! mummy see! so cute! so funny!"

The total costs $380+. Wow! So much for two furry balls. Hopefully it's a chance for them to learn ownership.

Outside the pet shopGuess who this is? Right! It's the curious little ChanelNot shy and .. DARING! Dare to run out of the sandbox. Gucci stayed putNow.. finally .... look who's looking at me now.

Last day of school hols

2011-03-18T23:40:00.008+08:00

Time flies! The week-long school holiday is coming to an end. And we only managed to find the time to meet. We gathered at Mag's place. She's such a good host!

On this day, Che-che has her LP class, followed by mei-mei's JMC. I know mei-mei will not want to miss her music class so asked KZ along. And she cabbed down to Mag's house first, I joined them much later.

These are the pictures taken tonight

Mei-mei love this wand and bear. Says she's a fairy and wouldn't put it down

Both adults and children had a great time, as we often do.

Birthday Boys

2011-03-12T20:10:00.011+08:00

Mom says my whole life revolves around parties and parties. Well, that's because kids these days are really fortunate. They get parties while the person who brought them into this world slog hard organising their party. But I guess nothing beats than seeing your precious child enjoying his /her birthday party.

We had the honour of being invited to two cute boys' costume party. Everyone came dressed up.

Aricia wanted her Lil' Jessie costume (Guess everyone's tired of this costume already, so shall keep this away soon).

These are the events that followed : -

Playtime before her BFF comes.Though she is very gusty, when it comes to this kind of inflatable playground, she chickens out

The birthday boys.
Ahoy Deccy! Fireman Fergy

Here comes her BFF

She finally decided to have her hand painted

Snack time

Games

"What is the time, Mr Wolf?" She's really excited and happy, kept jumping up and down. Happy to see that she's enjoying herself.

Cake time!

Relaxing...

Guess what?? Blur me actually deleted the whole lot of photos... ARGH! Lost some candid shots of my girl.
She had a whirl of good time and all I could tell her was - "Girl, enjoy your childhood!"

Sports Day

2011-03-11T21:10:00.016+08:00

First Sports Day for che-che. Well, for the last 2 years the lower primary have a day off from school.

She looked forward to it. We left the house early, in order to get a parking lot in Tampines Stadium. Packed snacks for her friends. She didn't get to sit with her friends coz' everyone's from different House Team.

The pictures for the day's events.

Our pride

Hi ladies, you're on my blog! The nice and funny ladies

Tabulating the scores

I sneaked into the students' area - thought I can blend in (since I wore blue).... only to be chased out later. Sob sob...

Parents Race. The indirect way of not wanting to participate in any running is - not to wear any track shoes. Haha!

Look! No shoes. But I'm not so game like her.

The cheerleaders

Well done, ladies!

Broke out in cold sweat.

Overall House Winner

At dismissal

Nope! This trophy belongs to her BFFeaeae

Last Lorna Whiston class

2011-03-10T22:41:00.008+08:00

It's her last lesson in LWSC.

I'm grateful to her teachers these years. And I must admit, Mr Johnson is the most dedicated teacher amongst all.

I heaved a sigh of relief over my tensed chauffeuring timing but it is indeed sad to say goodbye - to her teacher and to her friends.

I'm relieved too that hubby helped me with bringing mei-mei for her abacus class. So that I need not rush back. Che-che and I had our dinner at Crystal Jade. Well, we have the time coz' it's non-curriculum day tomorrow.

Che-che kept asking me if I would attend Sports Day with her. I teased her by saying I wouldn't go becoz' she did not participate in any event. Just then, two women walked past our table. Her current FT and last year's Math teacher. *embarrass*

Belle's 5th Party!

2011-03-06T23:48:00.018+08:00

Finally a party which mei-mei can declare "it's my friend's birthday party" And it's her good friend.

Decorations were cute!cute!cute! For a cute girl too! For a moment I thought I was in Antartica, swarmed by penguins.

Decorations which mummy did. Awesome!

Birthday girl and her penguin pals

Bouncy Castle. I tell you kids these days are really lucky!

Mei-mei having her hand painted

Can't resist taking photos around the room. Everything's cute

Including this lil' boy Fergus aka Peter pan

During the party, mei-mei asked to use the toilet. We waited for a long time... until someone opened the door and a dolphin popped out. She was frightened. Hmm.... I wonder when she'll overcome this fear.

When Mr Dolphin came and games were played, she koala-ed me. Suddenly I'm in the Land of Oz?!?!

Birthday cake

When the kids gathered for this shot, she kept turning her head to make sure Mr Dolphin don't get too close to her.
Kids discussing which part they'd eat

Pinata time!

Che-che tried it. Mei-mei didn't like this whacking kind of pinata

But never mind, she can collect ..........hmm.....not too many sweets please my girls. They love sweets but I do restrict them. Most of the time, I give them to mom. She can give away to neighbours' children

This is really cute!

1) It is a good chat topic to start with

2) Kids have fun with it.

My take on this? YOU'VE BEEN FRAMED!!

Kids weary after all the jumping about in bouncy castle. We left for home.

7th Feb - Back to MMI

2011-02-17T23:45:00.002+08:00

Made a visit back to MMI. Mei-mei's happy to be back to see her "my fliends". Asked if she wants to go back to MMI, her answer is a fast "NO!"

Goodies for the teachers

Her good friend, Belle

CNY - Day 15

2011-02-17T23:38:00.005+08:00

Hubby's finally back in time to celebrate 元宵节. It was a great reunion for us.

Though I may pretend to act angmoh, I do have some cheenah practices. I make an effort to roll up my sleeves on this day to cook glutinous rice balls.

Don't laugh! I really did - with the help of easily available pre-packed frozen rice balls. Heehee!

Aricia didn't really enjoy it, on the other hand che-che did. Well, as long as there is peanut filling she loves it.

A Day of Celebration - CNY Day 10

2011-02-12T23:51:00.015+08:00

Had been looking forward to this merry-making day. Tired it certainly is but worth it when you see the girls' happy faces.

Venue 1

The day started with a playdate to mei-mei's friend's place @ Katong.

And we were late!! Guess why? Coz' my big girl actually wore slippers out (deliberately) and no way she was going visiting in sloppy attire - tho' the top was good enough. Had to detour back just to get her shoes. Prior to that, KZ offered to swop her shoes with che-che but she refused lor! Super embarrassing!!

It was a reunion for 3 kids, 2 of whom had left MMI. Declan left for Canadian School, we missed seeing his lil' Peter Pan brother. The kids played, we chatted.

Photos of the children. See the matching dress?

The Knight protecting all the Princesses

Sigh.. always so difficult to get 3 kids to pose for photo together

I was about to give up finding a perfect shot. And then they had to give me one for my last pic. Haiz!

The mommies

Venue 2

Vivi's birthday party @ Toa Payoh

Priceless expression on mei-mei's face + pouty lips. She kept turning her head to listen to the adults conversation discussing how to cut the cake. Haha! For me, I'll do the easy way. Get cupcake pick and nobody gets to fight who gets who's face.

Hubby always say I like to snap pictures for everything. Now you know why? These are little things that I did manage to capture of the girls.

The destroyed cake. Wah.... According to che-che, she said she got the face of somebody. And she didn't ask for it. So sometimes it's good not to fight over who eats what, then the host will give the 3rd party the cake.

One last shot of the girls before leaving

Venue 3

CNY party back @ Katong. ??

What can I say? We were simply pampered with so much food.

Aricia playing by the pool. Today I brought KZ along with us so that she can help me take care of Aricia. Quite alot of danger spot in every venue. At least I can 放心 to chat & give myself a well-deserved break.

Here's a pictures of the nice ladies I mix with. Oh! Our sexy momma wasn't there yet.

Lil' cute Saby, the youngest of all the kids and the second youngest - Aricia. Hmm... can't wait for Saby to grow older and play with Aricia, who tends to get left out coz' all the che-ches are way too old.

Kids queuing up. My girl cannot stand still, was in the queue ; then got bored entertained herself, then ran away; caught her; ran off and after some some time she finally got her food - MEE SOTO

The kids really enjoy the Mee Soto. Aricia loves it too!

The girls spent the night playing. Wow! They really have alot of toys!! The mummies chatted. Given a glass of wine and I didn't drink much. I haven't touched wine and any form of alcohol since I quit flying.

Just as I said I wanted to leave, my girl had to go for her second bowl of noodles. She really loved it so much!

Left at 10+ to spend some time with hubby before he flies off the next day. I heard that the rests of them stayed till early in the morning.

That's all folks! Till the next CNY

Nice

2011-02-09T02:57:00.003+08:00

We saw this in Chinatown on Sunday and bought these nice chopsticks.

We've got the gentle sheep - hubby, wild rabbit - me, carefree horse - Athena and crazy dog - Aricia
And another 6 pairs of surname chopsticks. Nice huh? They make good gifts for friends and relatives. The only setback is that their packaging is not nice so you'll have to do it yourself.

传家之宝 - Part 1

2011-02-09T01:50:00.007+08:00

Was packing my bento stuffs as it was quite messy. Don't like it when KZ anyhow dumps in after washing them. Anyway, it's good to re-organise them since my inventory seems to be increasing (but nothing's done on my part)

Quite alot of stuff. Mind you, it's only a fraction of my worldly possessions

Punchers

Rice molds, sushi mold. In Snoopy's set - rice mold, cookie cutter + stencils

Decorative cutters

Side containers

Barans

Sausage cutters

Stencils

Picks

Rice molds

Sauce containers

Plastic bags, sushi bags

For bread use

Egg molds

Egg mold

Not enough space for new items coming in, so will need to get 1 more set of these?

Meanwhile, let me take a break first before I continue re-organising 2 other cabinets

CNY 2011

2011-02-07T16:37:00.014+08:00

2nd Feb (Wed)
It's the eve of CNY, where children are dismissed early from school; wives and husbands end work early; housewives doing their last minute shopping.

Che-che's school ended early at 10.10am. After which we went over to PP, to buy her new shoes

Apparently, mei-mei didn't have to go school. Hubby brought her to his office much to che-che's dismay. Mei-mei was happy and .......... hubby came home and first thing he said to me "ai yoh! talk too much. Keep disturbing me until I can't work, I'm not going to bring her anymore."
Hubby went over to pick in-laws over to our place for dinner.

Prepared steamboat. Finished our dinner in less than an hour. We're small eaters lah!

In-laws left at 8am, hubby sent them home (all the way to Jurong). Came back for a while before leaving house again to go to his friend's place. The girls slept early, I slept early too. I missed the Ch8 show. Dunno why... think I prefer to sleep through to forget that I'm turning old. That I'm turning '24' this year. Yah yah, it's my YEAR!

3rd Feb (Thu)
First day of CNY. Made the girls give their daddy oranges and say nice wishes. Kena forced to do so.

Made our first visit to in-laws.

MIL told her she must be a good girl etc.. in chinese. She nods her head (I wonder if she understood anything she said)

Xiao gu-zhang
Da gu-gu and gu-zhang
Enroute to mom's place. We dropped by MBS. River Hongbao was a no-no for us since it's so hot.
Ice-cream!!
Way back to carpark. Told hubby I needed to take one picture. And he had to oblige since I'M THE QUEEN THIS YEAR. I RULE!!!!
Didn't take photos in mom's place. Ai doh! How come huh?

4th Feb (Fri)
Hubby decided to bring kids to watch a movie at TM. We were suppose to watch Great Great World, hubby made a boo-boo over the booking and we had to change to Green Hornet. No complaints or queries from che-che who selected the show she wanted to watch.
Mom asked us to drop by for dinner. Keke! Free dinner again. The kids get to play together and ahem... fight too. Sianz! When will they ever stop fighting?

5th Feb (Sat)
We were suppose to go over to Clarabelle's place before going over to M's place. Plans changed to next week, so girls were made to do some work before leaving for M's place. Keke! evil mother.

Hubby went over to his friend's place so we left for M's place.

YL brought these cute bunnies bun over. And who to pose photo with? This lao charboh trying to cute lor. Keke! Kawaii !!

This is the really cute one - Saby. Little Touch-Me-Not. Wah... I failure siah. She refuse to let me carry her for the longest time.
The kids played. Guess what? They played school!! They must have missed school so much. My lil' girl kena detention twice. What to expect? Then this school did not even ask me to PTM (Parents-Teacher Meeting). Recess time is very short.

Teacher J

Finally! A class photo to get the girls together. Haha! That's what I said and they really obliged.

Funny faces

6th Feb (Sun)
Wow! This is the first time (and hopefully the last) we're out everyday. Really tired.

Iggy's celebrated his birthday today. It's the first time I've been to his home since they finished renovation (last year?) This is also the time we saw our cousins. Got the 5 kids together to play. Such a shame huh? We only meet that "often".

This cute little girl (in white top and red skirt) is bro's neighbour.

Bubbles!

Cousin B and his wife. Cousin Y
Same theme as mei-mei's 3rd party. I passed them my game set, which they didn't use it in the end.
Cousin's kids are really well-behaved as compared to my boisterous girls.
Left for dinner with in-laws at a Teochew Restaurant. The funniest thing is that the 2 sisters and brother (hubby) all married teochews.
That comes to the end of our long exhausting weekend. I want the long weekend, but I want it at a slower pace. Let's hope this year will not see me hopping about too much.Ha! That's an under-statement.

CNY Bakes

2011-01-27T11:34:00.001+08:00

26th Jan
Oh my! Oh my! I'm really late this year. I'm always so busy in the daytime, to try to fit in a time to bake.

I started baking only when the "shops" are about to put their goodies on SALE PRICE. I 'commence my business' when everyone else had 'closed their business' to get ready for CNY.

On this day, I went back home immediately after I dropped lil' girl in school at 8am. KZ was tasked to bring that girl home so that I have sufficient time to bake.

Alas! That girl reached home close to 1pm and I've only baked 2 containers full. *tired* The over-zealous me thought I could bake 5 trays of 25 tarts in one hour, each cycle 20 mins baking time. By 1pm, I should be able to finish my 3 portions. Wrong calculation! Although the fillings were measured; rolled into balls and packed in L&L container. I still had to carefully measure each dough; roll each 6gm dough; did a few; then roll again to put in filling; put it on the tray. Once the tray was filled, I sprinkled some parmesan cheese. Ooh! So sinful! To fill each tray took me 30minutes or more, that works out to 1min+ on each tart that you put in your mouth. I worked at a slower rate but I get nice tarts. No way was I going to ask KZ for her help coz' she did destroy an equivalent of 2 bottles last year. Can't risk it again this year.

I left home rather late in picking che-che up from school. By the time I reached home an hour later, I slaved for another 2 hours to finish all these 4 containers.

I had so many things that I wanted to bake for CNY goodies. But no time, ended up with the easiest recipe - coffee cookie. Keke!
I worked through the night, ending my shift at 3am (27th Jan)
I'm really tired. *yawns* and not baking anymore. As it is, everything I did this year is so late, I can't even find anymore time to bake.

Getting the hang of it

2011-01-14T09:38:00.003+08:00

I'm getting the hang of this crazy routine for this year, and hopefully the next year (& slightly better) too and the next .....

This crazy routine means I can't go home for most days. I tried going back home once and realize I can't achieve much by being home for only 2 hours. With the "beautiful" tunnel-view both ways that always make me want to doze off, I'd rather stay where I am and mark their books; do my senseless surfing. Haiz! Who knows maybe sooner or later, I give up and go back home to spend my time. Not enough time also better than getting stuck in KFC, Macs, carparks. At least I get the consolation that I have my comfy bed to lie down for that one hour?? (must minus the time I take to clean the car interior).
I'm suppose to check out True Fitness for their package and haven't had the chance to talk to the consultant. Hmm... went once but staff not in. Got such thing meh? In Calif Fitness, you get poached until you turn sunny-side-up. Must get it done fast, can't procrastinate. Otherwise I'll end up looking like a penguin from all the heavy breakfasts. Argh! I need my exercise regime back!

A Letter for my girls

2011-01-05T10:36:00.005+08:00

A LETTER FOR MY GIRLS

Dear 赤ちゃん,

Please be patient with me as we start this new year 2011.

There are a few changes in our schedules and we all need to learn to adapt to it. But my dear girls please bear with me as I struggle to remember your class/es days.

Please be tolerant towards me when I scream at you to "get into the car quickly", "eat your lunch quickly", "complete your homework quickly" for I am your referee; your chauffeur and your mother.

Have a great ~~torturous~~ 2011 !!