Happy New Year

31 Dec 2010 (Fri):

The last day of Dec 2010.... What a year! Coincidentally, my last post for 2010 too :)

I finished work at 4pm & my niece called me to informed me of a dinner cum New Year countdown at my cousin's place. They prepared a variety of food & we tucked in heartily. Then the kids ( 9 of them) came over to my place for some wild time & watched a video of Lionel's school graduation concert performance.

Hb came back ard 10pm & told us we wld be setting off at 3am in the morning to Malaysia, in order to avoid the morning jam.

Side track here: we had planned to visit Malacca over the Xmas weekend but as hb still had some project gg on, he was not able to put aside his work, hence the delay in our trip. So yesterday on 30 Dec, we tried to make a booking for Puri Hotel ( recommended by frens) & await for the confirmation. But i received a reply on this morning to say all rooms @ Puri were fully booked. I googled for some other hotels & came upon Time Hotel via Booking.com . Reviews were 6-7 over 10. What's more important is that the price was extremely cheap @ 120MYR per night for a Deluxe Standard Room. So i hurriedly grabbed that room which was the very last room as per indication on the net.

Back to our topic. After all the kids had gone home, i started to pack. You might said that i'm crazy over here but this was what i have packed, bearing in mind that this was only a 2 days & 1 night trip:

Excluding what we would be wearing tomorrow, i've packed another 3 sets for each of us + pyjamas - 1 set for the evening wear, knowing we will definitely hit the shower before gg for dinner, another set for the return home & the last set acts as a standby, in case the clothes got dirty, etc. Do your maths here. Gulp!

And not forgetting toiletries & some miscellaneous items & medication, what a luggage we have. Don't worry. I am only having 1 hand carry & its light weight. :)

Countdown begins: 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

" Should auld aquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind
Should auld aquaintance be forgot
And auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne "

And its only a few hours of sleep before we set off. Quickly, i prepared the kids for bed & they were asleep within secs. I finished my last line here & i'm off to bed too. I have to amend the time to 1253am so the post stays on 31 Dec 2010. (in fact when i finished typing this post, its already 1 Jan 2011)

Hope you have a wonderful New Year's Eve too. From our family to yours : HAVE A HAPPY & PROSPEROUS 2011.

Christmas @ Malaysia

25 Dec 2010 (Sat):

We went into JB on a Xmas evening, anticipated massive jam but luckily, traffic was smooth but met with a heavy downpour instead.

After shopping for our wanted items & dinner, Lionel & Rachel wanna have some photos taken. Below photos were taken at Jusco, Tebrau City, JB.

The 2 kids were so in for a photo taking session. Christmas mood? *wink*

Xmas Eve Dinner 2010

24 Dec 2010 (Fri):

Tis the season to be jolly... we had a Xmas Eve dinner @ my mum's place this evening. I'll let the photos do the talking.

Some pictures of Rachel. The whole evening, she only allowed me to take the above 3 photos of her.

Introducing my mum's side of the family: my cousins - Marcus, Samantha & Beatrice.

Fabian, Malcolm & Aunty Mable ( mum of Malcolm & Beatrice).

Aunty Pamela ( mum of Marcus, Fabian & Samantha), Marcus, Samantha & Beatrice.

Tis the art of Turkey cutting...or is it?

Chinese Version: Fu Lu Shou. God of Fortune, Prosperity & Longevity.

English Version: See No Evil, Hear No Evil & Speak No Evil.

Watcha lookin at huh?

Merry Christmas! Smile...

Future mother & daughter-in-law? Time will tell.

Presenting the Chrismassy couples of the year 2010: Darren & Xinyi

Presenting the next Chrismassy couple of 2010: Marcus & Valerie

The next Chrismassy couple: Cliff & Yvonne. hahahahahah...... dun make me laugh!

3 Chrismassy Beauties: Aunty Mabel.

Aunty Pamela.

My mum or aunty Patricia.

Lionel showing off his finished Lego assemble.

Aunt Pamela with the young ones. The kids called her grand aunty.

Daddy with Lionel.

Some finished products of Lego.

The baby of the family: Momo. ** This dog cost 2.8K ** Serious!

The menu for this evening: cold cut ham, turkey, prawn fritters, sauasages, salad, chicken soup, fishballs, etc.... Above: at the start of the dinner.

The leftovers for those who wanna have a 2nd round.

All our pressies. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful gifts. Here's wishing one & all: A Very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.

Happy Winter Solstice 2010

Its winter solstice or 冬至 (dongzhi) in Chinese. It occurs sometime in December when the sunlight is weakest & daylight is shortest.

Traditionally, its the time for a family to get together. One activity is the making & eating of tangyuan ( glutinous riceballs). The flour balls may be plain, stuffed, white or coloured. They are then cooked in a sweet or savoury broth & eaten together, ball & broth served in a bowl.

The tangyuans are also used as an offering to worship the ancestors. Many people also used these tangyuans & sticked them onto the back of doors, windows, tables & chairs to prevent the evil spirits harming the children.

We did the making of those tangyuans last evening & the children had fun. Well, my aunt is very particular about the size of each balls. If the balls doesnt meet up to her expectations, in it goes into the dustbin. When Lionel & Rachel were younger, all they do is to grab those "failed" balls & start messing around. They even tried eating raw balls. And got flour & colouring all over their face & hands. Its a funny sight. Now that they are grown, especially Lionel, he knows how to do the proper way of handling & "massaging" the balls into appropriate size. Rachel's still learning..

Happy "Dong Zhi" to everyone.

Seimpi Xmas Prom 2010

We slept well the last night & got ready for our trip to DBS auditorium at 12 noon. I told Rachel to wear a normal outing dress first & we can change upon arrival. I do not want a white dress to turn black, just in case.


We saw many little ones running around, some with their parents & others with friends. We saw teacher Marcia & was told our item would be number 6. To C's mum, N (if u are reading this blog), i think i saw the Siaws family as well. I recognize their face from your blog :)


At 115pm, Rachel called Daddy & asked if he's coming in soon & was told Daddy's on the way. The look on Rachels' face tells it all. She kept looking towards the lift lobby, hoping to see Daddy walking out when the lift doors open. Finally, close to 130pm, my handphone rang. Knowing it was Daddy arriving & wondering where were we, i told Rachel Daddy's here. Rachel leapt with joy & yelled for her Daddy all the way towards the lift lobby. A big leap & a big hug. You cant tear her away from Daddy at this time if u tried to.

Soon, Daddy went in to look for a place to sit. Its free seating. I stayed with Rachel thruout her performance, even on stage. I did not have ample time to run backstage when the curtains opened. Us 2 mummies felt very weird to be standing behind our little ones since only 2 singers were on stage. Well, the 3rd one, another little girl, got stage fright & refused to come up. In the end, i was the only mummy with 2 singers. Well, of cos i hid behind Rachel most of the time. :P

This was our 1st Xmas concert with Seimpi but Daddy & i felt that the organizer did not do a good job & everything item put up seems to be hastily done. There were no proper intro to each item, save for the title & the centre where the kids come from. And each item seems to be finished in 1 min's time. All too short & abrupt. Well, hoping for a better one the next round....

The whole concert ended close to 3pm & we proceeded to Lau Pa Sat.

Oh, another incident. I was up front, holding Rachel after the finale ended & was proceeding down the stairs when i saw little Shaylia looking for her parents. Shaylia was the other little singer on stage. I told Shaylia i would bring her out to look for her Mummy. Halfway up the steps, i saw her parents walking towards the auditorium door. Quickly, i told Rachel to wait ard with Daddy while i brought Shaylia over to the waiting area. But i did not see any of Shaylia's parents around. One of the teachers told me she would try & call Shaylia's parents & to leave Shaylia with her. I figured that shouldnt be a problem.

I walked over to joined Daddy & Rachel when i noticed Shaylia's mum running around & calling out to Shaylia frantically. She seems to be on the verge of crying. I quickly ran after her & told her Shaylia's with the teacher, over at the waiting area. She grabbed my arms & asked me to bring her over. I calmed her down & told her Shaylia's in good hands. I saw Shaylia with the teacher & her mum immediately ran over to hug her. The teacher informed she couldnt get thru to her.

Her mum thanked me profusely & i can see tears in the corner of her eyes. I left both mother & daughter embraced together & went over to Daddy & Rachel. All is well.



Rachel's concert item: Angels We Have Heard On High

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mKmZd8AODI

Xmas Rehersal 2

Rachel had another rehersal at 6pm this evening @ Seimpi. It lasted for only about 40 mins. We arrived about 20 mins early so we went to B1 to buy some bread & drinks.

At the last rehersal, we were told there would be 4 singers, including Rachel but only 2 came. Then for this 2nd rehersal, only 2 came as well. Oh, 1 amusing incident. The height of 1 little girl playing one of the standing keyboards was only as tall as the keyboard itself. So if she were to stand behind the keyboard on the actual day, the audience will not be able to see her, so arrangements were made for her to stand on a stool. She looks so small in size, you would think she's only about 3 years old or less but in fact, she's already above 4 years old. And she played so well, holding down the keys at appropriate times and in tune.

After the rehersal, we went over to Compass Point where Rachel took some photos with different Xmas trees. We had dinner at Kopitiam & did some shopping. Rachel loves running in & out of the shops & we had a good " mother & daughter " time spent together.

I brought Rachel 2 pairs of shoes; one for her Xmas performance & another for normal days. Both pairs were chosen by Rachel herself & its her new found beloved - Dora. Actually i didnt want to buy any pair of shoes just for her performance but i was thinking, she did not have any suitable pair to match her dress. So while i was shopping around for a suitable pair, she went around looking at some sandals. In the end, we got both pairs. No worries, the more formal one can be worn during our up coming Xmas dinner & also during CNY 2011. The other one, well, its a daily usage, to school, on outings or even when only at the nearby neighbourhood market.

She has another pair of sandals but its all worn-out; threads are fraying & white has become black, so mil brought another pair but decided its for CNY. Mummy stepped in to buy 1 more pair.

We ran around the mall & left the place at about 9pm. I told Rachel to have a good sleep as tomorrow is the actual concert performance & i want her to look her best. She, on the other hand, is very happy to wear her white dress complete with leggings, socks & shoes & just....look pretty.

And of course, another happy event is that Daddy will be able to watch her perform & well, maybe another outing with Daddy is in the making...

Nose Bleeding

16 Dec 2010 @ 545am:

I felt a light tap on my arms & the soft whipser of " Mummy". I turned over, knowing it was Rachel calling out. In the darkness, i could made out her little body outline. As the light from the opposite block was shining brightly into our window, i saw what made me jumped right up & called out to Daddy.

Rachel's face, the area under her nose & the corner of her mouth was covered in blood, bright red. i hurriedly switched on the lights & carried Rachel straight to the bathroom. As i turned a sec to get some tissues, the blood continues to ooze out of her nose, staining her pyjamas, dripping onto the bathroom floor & forms small little stains here & there.

Daddy grabbed some tissues, carried her back to the bed and quickly dabbed the tissues onto her nose. He asked for a wet towel as well. I grabbed a face towel, wet it & folded it over Rachel's forehead.

Slowly, the blood stopped oozing out of her nose but i can see that the inside of her nostrils are still watery. I kept changing the towel so that is always cold. I took some wet tissues & start to clean up the blood stains on her face & hands.

I got her a bottle of warm water & she drank abit. Daddy said that the blood should start to clot by now so there should be no cause to worry. Still, a mummy's more sensitive right? Daddy felt asleep there & then, leaving Mummy to do the clean-up & change the pillow case where there were traces of blood.

And i have been keeping a close watch on Rachel, making sure her nose doesnt start bleeding again. I thought that this bleeding episode had stopped long ago...why did it come back again?

Minutes ticked by & i saw that the blood inside her nostrils have clot & dried up. Daddy woke up to the sound of the alarm clock & got ready for work. He told me to call him if anything happens.

At about 745am, Rachel got up & told me she's ready for school. Guess she hasnt been sleeping well since 545am. She did cry a little & i got her pacified & calmed down. She was frightened as well, by the sight of the blood. But after the whole thing, she laughed it off when she noticed the dried blood stains on the pillowcase which i had changed.

I told my mil about it & she had had suspected that Rachel was heaty inside again. She did not remove her bowels well & ate little. And her palms were always warm & sweaty. So that explains the nose bleeding episode again.

My poor darling....

Shopping for a Xmas Prom Dress ** Updates **

In just 4 days away, Rachel would be having her concert item performance @ DBS Auditorium. And me, her mummy, hasnt even gotten a white dress for her. Okay, okay, i know, this instruction was passed down since last month & i dragged it till today. My bad.

I went shopping on Monday @ KP and all the dresses were so sweet & pretty, yes, the prices were even sweeter & prettier. Gulp! The next stop was @ OGs.... no can do.

Then yesterday, my colleague made a suggestion to shop around ION Orchard. I remembered R's music teacher told us about getting the Santa's hat @ Daiso. So we proceeded to Daiso & after searching frantically for that shop, we found it on B4. Got the hat at $2. I tried it onto Rachel at home & she was stinkin cute.

Got the appetizer settled. Now for the main course & dessert. Where on earth can i find a pretty white dress at a reasonable price? Like i have mentiond before, Rachel would only be wearing it once, at most, twice or trice. Think about it, a Xmas toulle dress with satin sashes.... I am already forming the perfect image in my mind...maybe with bubble-like skirting at the bottom, or maybe velvety sleeves...

Nah...who am i kidding here.... i would be paying atrocious prices for that kind of dress. No, i just want something sweet & simple yet elegant. We popped over to Taka but the dresses were still as expensive. Something like $89.90 or even $104.90. Gasp!

My last chance would be Robinsons this evening. I do not wanna delay it till Fri or even Sat, without a chance of even securing one & then, i will end up with nothing on Sun. So after my little shopping tonight, and if the prices are still as atrocious, i guess i am left with no choice but to make that little investment & pay about $70-110 for a princess dress.

And i still have to have my little dessert. And i mean shoes, appropriate shoes for the event. Shoes that can be worn anytime when we are go out for shopping, classes or outings. That shouldnt be too difficult to find.

To all mummies ( or even daddies) out there reading this post, perhaps you can help me by providing some ideas, options or suggestions as to where i can find something sweet & simple yet elegant enough out there...remember, for a 3.5 - 4 years old girl. Appreciate. :)

** I managed to get a dress, sweet, simple & yet elegant enough for a 3.5 yo girl at KP, Causeway Point, selling for S$46.60. At least its much cheaper than those selling at S$89.90 or even S$129.90. **

S.P.E.L.L.I.N.G

Rachel loves spelling. She spells every words she sees. Be it on a signboard, on a advert, on a banner, on a flyer, etc...

1) Shop n Save (minimart name) - she spells letter by letter - S.H.O.P. N.S.A.V.E

2) Thank you on the banner for donations to spastic children - T.H.A.N.K.Y.O.U

3) Congratulations on the advert posted inside Macdonalds - C.O.N.G.R.A.T.U.L.A.T.I.O.N.S

4) Circle Line inside the MRT station - C.I.R.C.L.E.L.I.N.E

and many more....

It sounds very hilarious to hear her spell every single word at first but it can be a little irritating over the days. I would usually tell her how to pronounce the word after she spells it, hoping she would tell me as : Shop n Save the next time, instead of asking me: " Mummy, what is S.H.O.P.N.S.A.V.E ? "

Seimpi Lesson 21

12 Dec 2010 (Sun):

Today, we attended the final lesson for the year 2010. We practised " Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars, did a revision on music symbols & tempo, did some exercises & practiced the Xmas song which we would be performing on 19 Dec 2010.

The next lesson, which we would be progressing to level 2, begins on 9 January 2011 (Sun). I have to buy level 2 books which would cost me $65.

We completed all the exercises in book 1 & Rachel looks forward to doing some new exercises in book 2. Well, that would have to wait as most probably, i will only buy them next year. Unless Daddy can sponsor me the $65 so that i can buy next week when we have another round of rehersal.

Till now, i have not even buy a white dress for Rachel, shoes nor Santa's hat. Everything have to be, specifically, white, except for the shoes. There is even a best dress, best performance award on the day of the concert.

5 months of lessons gone by in a flash. We started way back in July 2010 & we have already ended level 1. Glad to be able to progress to level 2. I have decided to let Rachel continue as she has very much enjoyed all the lessons, although, of course, there would always be hiccups now & then. Hopefully, she will show more improvement next year. :)

" Tangled "

Looking the post title, you should all know what Tangled means...hehe.

Bought both kids to watch " Rapunzel - A Tangled Tale ". So this what the post title was all about. They enjoyed the show although Rachel got a little restless towards the end of the show & started to climb up & down her seat. Afraid her movements might cause a distraction to others, i told her to sit still for a while more as the show would be ending soon, then we can all have ice cream. That settles her. Bribery can be a sin but it does comes in handy sometimes.

I had very vague memory of Rapunzel myself. All i know is that ever famous phase " Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your golden hair. " The rest of the story-line had became rusty. In this show, i loved Maximus (the horse). His expressions & his movements ( how he goes ard sniffing like a dog to sniff out Flynn Rider) makes me laugh.

This is my 1st time bringing 2 kids to the cinema to catch a movie. But it shouldnt be the last. Thinking of " Megamind ", yes a long ago show. Or maybe " Harry Potter ", or maybe.....we'll see. :)

Seimpi Lesson 20

5 Dec 2010 (Sun):

Its nearing the end of lessons for 2010 @ Seimpi. Today, we had lesson 20 & we recapped Music Symbols - Staccato, Slur, Tie & Fermato. Then we also recapped Tempo - Presto, Allegro, Andante, Adagio & Largo.

** Off hand, i'm trying to remember what is what & which is which...haha...can u?

We did Pitch today & did 3 exercises below.

Paste the note stickers on each butterfly following the order of their appearances. (listening to the CD player for the sound of the notes)

Top: Paste the correct stickers on the T-shirt below.

Bottom: Paste the letter names stickers on the pillow.

Help little Johnny get to the playground.

We practiced this piece " London Bridge " Teacher Marcia was sent into fits of laughter whenever she pointed to a certain note & Rachel wld asked back " C ar " or " D ar " I dunno to laugh or cry.

These are the 2 pieces of homework.

Eye Training: Picth - Middle C to G (treble Clef). As i was typing this blog, Rachel & i went thru it together & completed it in less than 5 minutes.

Another new piece of piano score " Twinkle Twinkle Little Star ". In total, we had 9 pieces to pratice everyday. I know Rachel would not want to go thru every single piece so i let her pick which piece to play but i would make sure she played every one of them, at least once.

Next week, 12 Dec, i pressume wld be the last lesson for Dec. 19 Dec wld be our Xmas Prom & 26 Dec is the weekend of Xmas, so there will not be any lessons conducted. Hmmm, sets me thinking, S$110 for only 2 lessons in Dec....arrrgh! Not worth at all, not worth at all.