While I am updating, my babies are beside me. One sleeping, the other playing on her new iPhone 4.

No, we are not spoiling her (I sometimes felt we do to some extent, oh well!), she will only have her phone only when we send her for enrichment classes for her convenience to contact us. Other than that, she will share with Brayden and use that as their entertainment box.

I am not in the best shape right now. Mouth with ulcers, a super duper painful throat, I can hardly eat or drink much for the past few days as well. This torture speeds up my dieting process. I really am clueless if I should be happy or sad about this!

All beacuse of the pain, my short getaway was not too much fun for me.

Now, I have some decisions to make and also to plan for the kids. Nothing is going to change much, though it is still not the best decision for the kids, but it will be a good decision for the household. I hope and pray all will turn out well!

Days when I felt too stressed out I tend to write. There are many unhappy things inside my flabby tummy, however I can't rant here. Let's just keep it in my quiet diary for a while and let it fade with time..

What's Up Lately?

Been on a blog hiatus for a while. In less than 3 months, 3 passings in the family, 1 fair and many other small changes.

Next is a trip coming up...albeit a short trip (better than nothing :))

Will start updating again when we are back from trip!

Have a great December ahead!

A Short Etnry

I still have not gotten the time to organize what needs to be posted. My lack of time management skills!

For record, Ethyl's graduation concert took place last Sunday, her orientation is this saturday and seemingly, my Novemeber is filled with too many important activities that I had to let the birthdays of my lil princess and the old boy take a back seat.

Entire focus is left for all other things and I really have to take the celebrations (real) easy this year. I know the gal will be disappointed. I just disappoint her this Tuesday for not passing my driving (oh well!), my heck care attitude for her upcoming birthday is driving her up the walls whenever I told her, cakes are not ordered (cos I have no idea who to order from! and I am particular), what to buy for goody bags, no inspiration to design her cards for her friends etc.

Can someone clone another me?? Someone who can help me handle the matters that I can't do so that my burden can be eased? *Yawns* I am exhausted!

Just for Vents

Come to think of it, it has been a while since I last updated. Not that I have nothing to blog about, I was simply overwhelmed with the fair preparation for my business venture and other personal matters that happens concurrently.

At times like this, I would wish for a voice to render me the support I needed most. His "Are you coping well?", "Do you need to run any errands?", "Please share if you need an extra pair of hands." would be just nice at this point in time. This being said, he shared almost NONE and I even had to repeat (or shall I put it as nag) umpteen times until I raise my voice to get some simple chores done.

Ethyl's P1 registration is happening at the same time. The forms to fill, dates to note...I was filling up the forms the other day and rushing out a proposal at the same time. I passed him ONE form, asked him to fill it up. It was returned to me, as blank as I passed to him. Extremely pissed off, I shouted at him and he retaliated "What do you want me to do?!"

Big sigh...the forms stated CLEARLY he simply needs to help me fill in the student's particulars. Even this, he FAILED to fill in the right columns. I succumb to the unwillingness participation of his role as a Dad.

When I needed help the most, it is always my friends who generously offered their helping hands.

Novemeber is a crazy month for me this year. I badly need the break I deserve in December!\

Happy holidays ahead!!

Looking Forward 2011 - A (Good) Change

Nothing beats the time I get to spend with the kids daily, looking after their well being, from their pee and poo to their ABCs.

The best of both world, quality and quantity timing with my 2 precious shall be changed from next year. Mom will be relinquished from her duties as a full time nanny (already in transition), I shall take over the kitchen, household and every aspect of the household!

As I will also need time for my venture, the decision we make for the kids will be to benefit everyone.

Ethyl is starting her primary school next year, which means more time spent in school. Brayden will be going to a childcare that I will put him there for at least half the day. The rest of the hours will bespent with just the boy before the girl is dismissed from school. This gives us quality bonding time without anyone else, just us.

This arrangement will spare me some time to do my work, handle household chores and cooking.

Additional help will be hired to do the heavy duty chores. This is the best for us for a start. I am so looking forward to being independent and alone at home!

Nurturing Responsibility

Just realized the title sounds like a parenting book title. Well, can't think of anything better, I am never good with titles anyways.

Getting a pet for them each is a huge decision to make in this family. Hubby was never keen in keeping pets as he fears that the kids' passion and excitement will wear off, and the responsibility becomes mine end of the day.

After we welcomed the two furballs home, I realized we had more topics with the kids. Like, Ethyl will chat with me on our way to and from school; Brayden will also ask me how are the hamsters, are they eating etc.

Quite a good decision to make to let them have pets. I am training Ethyl to change their feeds, take care of them etc. The bigger chores like cage washing, Hubby and I will take over. However, we will delegate simple chores to the kids, especially to Ethyl as she is older and is able to take on a bigger role with their Merly and Belle.

Great to keep pets! Both the kids are doing very well with the pets for the past week.

Well done children!

Children's Day 2010

All geared up for our Children's Day!

Although I am not 100% confident I can handle Brayden boy, I decided to just take a deep breath, and venture out with them both on Children's Day. A day out with makan treat and to let them do things they like.

Tried talking to Brayden before we went out. Prep him that I will be alone, with the stroller and him plus Ethyl can be quite a handful, especially he is one that runs all over the place like a faulty remote controlled car. He will never come back to me if I don't run after him and catch him.

Probably I said enough prayers. He was well-behaved and very cooperative. I am so proud of him and more so with Ethyl as she was the one who helped me hold Didi's hand while I handling the stroller.

I think it is quite unfriendly that strollers must be folded when boarding bus.

Our day starts at going to Bugis. We went to Parco Bugis Junction for their brunch treat! What a start for me, I lost my footing, fell down with Brayden in my arms on the step!

I could literally hear the bones on my ankle crackling and leg felt numb for 3 seconds. I thought "Die, if I sprain my ankle, how are we to go back?!"

Thank goodness it wasn't too bad a fall. Or I should say, the pain subsided soon after and we could continue with our day.

Having the little ones in mind, I know their love for desserts and food, we decided to try out Let's Sweets Japanese Buffet & Sweets.




See our plates of sinful desserts!

How nice it is to make the little girl smile. We decided to take a train down to Vivo City and let the girl have some art fun. The boy was tired and fell asleep. Little did we know, we had to end the day earlier as the earlier sprain on my ankle started to work up and causes me pain.




Ethyl doing window art at Emiko Arts, Vivo City

Sweetly, both agreed it's more important that we go home and I get some rest. Guilty to shortening their day, I decided we take a train to Compasspoint and get them their much await pressie for the day, hamsters!

Who knows, the pet shop doesn't sell pets! We had to take a cab to Tampines One branch and get them instead.

Bearing with the pain on my ankle, we went ahead to buy them their pets, and also bought many other nitty gritty stuff for them. I feel the excitement and joy just like them!


Home Sweet Home, Belle and Merly! =)

Something worth remembering what Ethyl said, "Mom, I will make Mother's Day and your birthday just as fun as today (Children's Day) because I know you love Didi and me!"

Ehtylyn's Sports Day 2010

Almost the mid of term 4, it spells her last few weeks as a kindergarten kid. How fast things are moving!

Her sports day, quite a fun one I would say. It is an uphill task seeing the teachers managing to youngest amongst them and trying to maintain the order of the brood.



There are a total of 4 teams, namely Dolphin, Crocodile, Sea lion and Whale. Ethyl belongs to Sea lion.

When the race started, Sea lion flops! They were the last. My sweetie pie told me yesterday she wants to win home the trophy as that will be her first trophy if she wins it. I was praying hard for her, hoping she wins the race.

I was worried she will be upset, walked up to the team and heard the kids encouraging one another. JR and Ethyl even Hi-5 and said, "teamwork!" I am pleased to know they have great morale and sportsmanship. The team reminded each other to try their best and not be the last for the next few rounds.



Second game, they came in second, the third and fourth, their form came and they won both matches!

D's Mommy, JR's Daddy and myself were cheering and running around with the kids taking pictures as ours are in the same team.

End of the game, it was a tie. They PK-ed for the trophy. How excited can that be?!

While they were racing, D's Mommy was at the starting point cheering for them, I was at the the other end cheering for them and JR's Daddy was all over taking pictures. I think that is a really funny sight!



To think that D's Mommy actually jumped with joy and raised her arms swinging in the air when they were announced winners!

Quite fun and enjoyable to cheer for them all! Well done baby!

Barney Space Adventure - 10 Sept 2010

This time round, Brayden will "read" the blogs. He'll ask me to "go up" and "go down". He was trying to look for the pictures and asked me, "Where('s) Barney?"

The sixth row from the front, still a little far as there are heads of parents that blocked the kids. I shan't complain, since I bought the tickets later.



We always enjoyed the Barney shows. Yes, it's WE! I always sang along to the songs with Ethyl and this time, as well as Brayden!

If you ask me to review this year's, in fact I am a tad disappointed as I think it was not as nice as the previous years; be it a paying or a free play at the malls.

My view didn't matter. What matters most is the kids enjoyed themselves. How to determine?? Look at the happy faces below!



Three happy faces and an old frowning face (Hubby's) as I spend a little to buy the kids torches~!!!

A Saturday & Sunday

Our Saturdays are likely routine when the little girl has classes at Janice's Centre - A+cademia.

No, I am not griping, in fact we do treasure the time we have exclusively with the boy.

My focus has all along been Ethyl and it is only when she has classes that I channel some attention to him, exclusively.

Again his favourite toast. We had wanted something else, however when we passed by Wang Cafe, this boy will say, "I want (to) eat this. This way...".



See how lovely his smile was when I got him to pose. So charming!! *tell me I am an obsessive Mom!*



A valuable picture taken in a hawker centre. I can't remember how many times we brought them to one, but definitely not more than 10. That was also why they don't like to visit the hawker centre.

The only solution is to "bribe" them with their favourite food and dessert and it works!!!

Told the pampered duo that I will bring them to hawker more often since the food at Changi Village food centre is really yummy!

Simply enjoy spending a Sunday to ourselves!!!

Every Little Thing

I didn't practice due dilligence to update the blog and left it here with dust accumulating cyberly.

After a friend told me, "hey, better start blogging else I do not know what's happening to your lil ones as I don't Facebook in China (they block FB, duh!)"

In fact I have little things that I reminded myself "I will blog"; however, after saying tomorrow after tomorrow,I simply left it there - untouched.

Whenever I look back at what had happened a year or two or even more, I will laugh, tear and get upset. How weird ya? Some happenings that seems so recent, yet I forgot about them! Memories do fail us sometimes.

I must remember to blog about cute little things that Brayden says at this point as he is beginning to get voluble. Every bit counts.

I want to recount what I had done for Ethyl in her preparation to primary school thereafter. Many things around me needs to be recorded. How I wish I can be so dilligent!

Having said that, I shall make it a point to do so here! At least I try *winks*

Typical Sunday

It's no news to friends online to read about us going to Changi Airport (especially T3)on public holidays and weekends.

Another typical day we packed ourselves to the T3 for breakfast at our favorite local toast - Wang Cafe.



The kids simply love the kaya butter toast served and we like the space and lesser crowd. T3 has been packed with activities whenever we visit. F1 is just round the corner and indeed, we do see some tracks around.



Besides the excited lil ones, the old boy is just as excited. I can see him gazing at the remote cars and didn't pay attention to the kids! Haha!

Present a receipt (with any amount spent) at T3, get yourself a ride on this racing machine as well as play the remote controlled car at the tracks.



The boy didn't lose out by being too young to ride, Daddy decided to buy him a mini remote car and play on the Tamiya tracks. He wanted a skyline.



Jiejie got one too! She got herself an Evo.



A simple Sunday morning! What's more important is, it's spent leisurely and with loved ones.

Maiden Trip to Marina Bay Sands

While everyone was rushing to see how the second homeland IR (integrated resort) looks like, we never really wanted to pop by. WHat other big names can we see there besides what was already duplicated in ION Orchard, Paragon, Somerset 313? I would say it's about 80% the same.

Oh well, not exacty we didn't want to pop by MBS; I almost booked a room to on National Day to view the fireworks displays if not for our lucky preview tickets.

I was not in the mood to go anywhere, hence Hubby suggested we pop by Comex (yet another IT fair) and at the same time, have a walk around Marina since it has been a while. No harm, we can pop by and have a stroll down the Esplande stretch.



Our lil model posed again. Doesn't she looked like a tourist? Hubby suggested we shall walk all the way to Marina Bay Sands (MBS) since we have never been there before. Though we were all melting in the heat, I said "why not?!" since it's just a stone's throw away.

A walk down to Youth Olympic Park. Our missy was happy to discuss about YOG and talked about the 2 very cute mascots Lyo and Merly.

Dust was all over the entrance of MBS as reno is still going on. GOSH! I was sneezing and eyes tearing when I got there. Pretty unendurable for me, but for the girl (not the boy as he also has sensitive nose and eyes), we went ahead.

Saw people taking sampan rides in the mall, this arouses the I-also-want-a-ride bug in the kids. What's new? we obliged!

We girls took one sampan, and the boys took the other. A really short ride, less than 10 minutes maybe(?), the kids enjoyed the ride, hence the $5/pax was well spent.

We could hear tummies growling and scoot! back to where we came from, Marina Square to silence our growls.

Where to get some nice thick milkshakes? Billy Bombers is our all time fave! See the lil model in the making?

Humph! Not Fair!

A pet phrase of Ethyl these days.

This three words, especially the latter two makes me pull my hair and cringe my face. Why so? Just because I grew up with my two other sisters and we always shouted "not fair", and was denied by Mom and Papa.

Taking my not so good experience of "not"fair", I have reminded myself umpteen times, I have to thread on this thin line with extra care.

Many times, I reminded myself I need to explain to Ethyl and Brayden why I did something to one but not another. Even so, there are times when the hormones go haywire and I simply lose my patience especially when Ethyl kept asking and protesting why she has to give in.

Brayden is a little too young to shout these two words, more of Ethyl's feelings I need to take care of. She is a very sensitive child, thus such emotional issues are pretty tacky.

I used to make up for the "unfairness" by getting her something she likes or give in to a reasonable request from her whenever she has to give in. I didn't tell her, I just do it. Until lately she kept saying I was unfair to her, I told her a few scenarios whereby I "treated" her with something else that Brayden doesn't get.

This took a while for me to explain, but of cause, besides giving in to her request or a "treat" is something I have to manage. I explained to her, if her behaviour is undesirable, her "treat" shall be forfeited.

Such "treats" are important notes to me. Only when no tantrums were thrown and complains from her, such treats will take place. Meaning, her reaction to the "unfair" treatment is the deciding factor to decide if she deserves a treat from me.

Being a kid, she tried her best. Not smooth and no tussle all the time though. We tried and struggle sometimes. Tears were shed...and I do see improvements coming along the way as I repeatedly explained to her the reason behind it.

This is one of my KPI for this year. Who says SAHM (cum WAHM) is a simple job?!

The Quiet Book Giveaway by my playshcool.net

Myplayschool.net is celebrating their 400 likes on their Facebook page and is giving away "The Quiet Book" suitable for kids of age 18 - 36 months old, hand-made by Pauline.

I think is is GREAT for all parents!

By reading this, you will stand a chance to win too! Simply click on the above link and like their page on Facebook!

This book is ideal to carry along to keep the ever active toddler engaged in it's activities.

Find out more about this book here.

Off We Go To The Park!

Quite a shame to say, we have been staying here for more than a year and yet to really bring the kids to Pasir Ris Park. I shall point the finger to Hubby again as he is very reluctant to go outdoors!

This time, he finally agreed (well, it was the week before), and we went to buy kite, wanting to fly it in the park. Coincidentally, Dad came to our place just as we reached the park and Ethyl was thoroughly disappointed.

We promised the girl we shall return, and true enough, we return last Sunday.

The girl forsake her kite in the car after seeing the huge playground. See? She has been blaming Gong Gong and Po Po for coming at the wrong time, yet she didn't fly her kite in the end. Kids.

We had so much fun! This is a place we definitely will return to drain out the 2 power house.

Homeschool - Puzzling Fun

Challenge is always there when trying to coach my little man. He doesn't abide by the so called "rules and regulations" that I set for him. I take it easy, as he is still too curious with almost anything to I expose him too.

One activity that makes him play for hours(yes, he can put puzzles repeatedly for at least and hour and more), puzzles and building blocks.

I always have to play around these 2 items to make him learn. We do randomingly. I used to plan, ended up, I irritated him for insisting he do something and I get frustrated with his unwillingness to oblige.

Now, we are both happy! I use alphabet cards to help him with phonetic sounds, numbers learning and the magnetic board at times to do drawing and teaching him simple strokes.

He now writes "H" and "I" to make Hi-5!

Every little thing counts. He may not speak very fluent sentences, but with every additional word(s) he adds in to his short sentence, simply makes me lose sleep over.

I will miss him when he goes to school next year, though he is a menace when he is home!

Inaugural Trip to Resort World Sentosa (RWS)

To be frank, RWS is not appealing to me. I never even really wanted to bring the kids to the Universal Studio to catch some fun.

However, my sis got tickets to watch Voyage de la Vie, so we went ahead last saturday since it has been a while we stepped into Sentosa.

It is always nice to meet up with the Tans as both my little ones enjoys the company of Lleroy.

We parked our cars at Tiong Bahru Plaza and took the free shuttle bus into Sentosa.

Seems like it was last October that we last went to the island, and it now looks so different (where RSW was built).



The "A" was missed out while I was adjusting the focus.



Ethyl whent "wow...a castle"


the tiny peeps



The Tans



The Lims



the lil ones again!



I can't remember it was how many years ago I last watched a circus performance. at least a decade ago! This is defintely worth watching!

After the show, we went to Lau Pa Sat for dinner.





Out appetizer!

We always enjoy outings with my sister. The youngest alway has her own program, so, she is always not included in our outings!

Phonics Helps!

Brought Ethyl to LCentral at Bedok for an assessment yesterday and she can gain direct entry to their "Success PFS" program.

I sat through the assessment with Ethyl, am very impressed that the little girl could read so well. Just because she has been doing her role dutifully, I always leave it to her to read by herself these days.

I saw her read the various passages and witnessed how she blend the difficult words together using phonics, a skill she acquired from school and with little teaching from me.

The phonetic sounds was perfect. She never really underwent enrichment in this area and I am proud she does well.

If you ask me what is important for a pre-school child, I would suggest we focus on foundations like phonics for the kid. As they grow older, they can progress to different enrichment that suits their needs.

After a long oven hiatus...

I stepped away from my oven after the excitement of owning one faded. Upon Ethyl's nagging, of which I really admire her perseverance, I stepped into the kitchen and meddled with my baking utensils once again with Ethyl as my lil baking assistant.

Brayden called me "cooking mama" as I baked. That was how he relates baking with that game.

I tried the same recipe before and it was yummy! But this time, I had to do it twice as it was burnt the first time!

The momentum to bake seems to be creeping back and I am looking for my moulds (Brayden played with all my kitchen stuff and kept them in his secret hiding place) for egg tarts. I hope to bake Portuguese egg tart (I found one recipe that I think will taste good).

When will I start baking cookies??

Ingredients:


180gm Butter

180gm fine sugar

2 large eggs, beat lightly

250gm cake flour

1tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp biocarbonate of soda

220gm of mashed bananas

50gm whipped cream

1/2 tsp banana essence

2 bananas sliced (can change to some walnuts to be placed on top of the cake)


Method:


1. Cream butter and sugar till light and creamy

2. pour in eggs gradually and beat till creamy (i split the mixture into 3 portions)

3. Add in whip cream, mashed bananas and banana essence - mix well

4. Add in cake flour, baking powder and biocarbonate of soda and mix well (mix only for a while)

5. pour mixture into 8" round tray (i used a bundt pan instead) and arrange bananas or walnuts on top

6. Bake at 175C for about 55 to 60 mins (mine cooked in 30 mins at 180C) so please monitor. when i left in round tray for 45mins, it's burnt!

How is Brayden?

We all love his cheekiness to the MAX!

Little did I know home learning can make a significant difference from a school environment. I am shy to admit that I am neglecting him quite a bit these days with home coaching, to my surprise, he still picks up whatever small things we have been doing together! That's the beauty of spending time at home.

He can now distinguish between a fire figher and a policeman. Whatever milestone, whether is it ahead or behind his peers, it didn't really bother me at this stage, so long he learns and enjoys learning. This is all I asked for.

I didn't want him to be a couch potato, however there are many things he learned while watching educational programs. What I need to do is ensuring he tunes into the right programs.

There are many photos I posted on Facebook and a tad lazy to transfer them.

We also caught the NDP preview, shall take some time to upload the pictures by this week and post them up. There are simply too many!

How Much Preparation is Enough for P1?

We are sending her for Chinese, English, K2 integrated program in prepartion for P1.

Besides these, I bought her assessments - English, Chinese, Math, Science upon her request. Am I doing enough?

Whenever I come across some parents who are no less kiasu than me, they will tell me they send the kids to tuition classes, blah...blah blah...somehow, I feel Ethyl is pretty much a kid who picks up concepts pretty fast and understands well. Am I doing too much?

She always comes to me complaining, "Mommy I am so bored, I don't know what to do!" This happens when she just finish her assessments on a total about 30 pages and completed in less than 15 minutes.

I gave her whatever I can, ask her to do her favurite painting, drawing, coloring, play pretending, or even tv watching, yet she still finds bored.

Class teachers feedback to me is she is pretty outstanding in her class. I told her, I may just send her to 3 academic focused classes, once every week. Other than those, she will get her art and swimming. She came back pouting and said, too few classes for her *I almost fainted* I also intend o send her for drum lessons which she requested, but the class has yet to start.

Stress is not something she feels at this moment. Because of her learning ability, I am a little lag in pushing her. I just hope she will enjoy her school and retain that enthusiasm for learning.

After saying so much, I guess preparation is a little ambiguous in this sense. Preparation not only is about academic excellence, survival skills are as important.

Learning to count money correctly, checking her school time table, preparing her school bag, ordering the correct food and complete eating in a shorter time are vital survival skills.

With bigger class compared to kindy, the part whereby she manages her emotions, friendships and her responsibilities towards her belongings are equally important.

Here, I play a role whereby I need to teach her how to strike a good balance, be her mentor, her friend in need, her Mommy where she can pour her woes to and a playmate when she needs one.

I hope she will enjoy her school days and we will be smooth in the transition.

I'm on a Roller Coaster Ride (again!)

Two days before, I looked at Ethyl's face and watching her with much attention. I know time flies past especially the time when I am basking in motherhood bliss. None-the-less, a part of me do hope the kids to grow up fast, while the other part of me is secretly hoping time would just halt and let me enjoy them longer.

It was like yesterday that I held Ethyl in my arms, nursing her and bonding with her in our room, in our hall of our first matrimonial flat. I loved watching her suckling and satisfied after dining on me and the fulfillment I get to be able to breastfeed her.

Soon, she flipped, crawled, cut her first tooth, took her first steps etc.

The days of her being a toddler, I brought her out shopping alone, dining at different cafes, restaurants and walking along the stretch of Orchard Road while Hubby was busy at work. All these are memorable and meaningful to me. Our first born, garners all the attention and love from me.

As I reminise those days, reality brought me back. I still love her, but the way I show it is slightly different. I am a little more demanding nowadays as I hope to incalcate the right values and mannerism in her everyday life.

Today, as I register her for P1, my heart undergone another tedious round of tension test. As we registered Ethyl, it was so natural that my eyes felt warm. I lost appetite after that.

As I approached the registration room, my heart thuds faster, probably my BP shot up to a new height then. I am anxious, no doubts as there are only 60 seats left for us. But the main reason behind it is because I suddenly couldn't accept the fact that my Ethyl is going to P1 next year.

As much as I wish time would wait, which is impossible; all I had to is simply enjoy her every moment I have. Having her chatting with me, requesting for my hugs and kisses, showing a little jealousy sometimes and smelling her hair whenever she lies next to me!

Yes, I am an emotional Mommy...I know that very well! I just hope the registration doesn't give us a tough time.

Mom, is this a sacrifice?

Ethyl asked when her classmates and herself are discussing about their stay-at-home-moms. There are only 3 girls in her class, coincidentally, all Moms are SAHM.

Probably during discussions someone mentioned about scarifice, hence she popped this question to me.

Why am I doing my best I can for my kids? Simply because I put myself in their shoes; I don't get enough of such attention from my Mom.

Sad ya?

2 weeks ago, I actually laid on the bed thinking to myself, what are the important transisitons that Mom accompanied me? Hmm...it took me more than 20 minutes to remember ONE - my first days in P1. As I was typing, I suddenly remembered, When I was in P3, the orientation when we changed to a new school.

So, what is sacrifice? I told her, I am just doing my best for her. Creating an environment that hopefully both herself and Brayden will thrive in my care. Simply because they are my kids, and I do not that this as a sacrifice.

No words exchanged, just a hug from her after hearing what I said.

She is growing up so fast...she will soon be in P1. I hope she will understand the efforts I put in in time to come.

Nurturing a Picasso?

Highly unlikely, however since she has been saying she loves to draw and do art, why not just let her have some enrichments that is non-academic and fun?

I tried persuading Hubby to let her go for this enrichment since day 1 I saw Global art starting an outlet at ehub! downtown east. He was, as usual giving me all sorts of excuses saying she has too many enrichments, she can't cope blah blah blah.

Nevertheless, Ethyl never gave up reminding us (especially me) that she loves to draw, she would love to color nicely like other kids do. For myself, I am very very weak in this aspect, thus I really would love to see her doing well in art.

My decision was made then. She shall join them. Having said that, this decision came when I was about to quit my job and start my business. So many uncertainties and I really am not sure if I should just enrol her.

It took me about 2 months to decide. I tried to discuss with Hubby to let her join, he was reluctant. All the time, I would simply imform him about my decision on the classes to enrol for Ethyl as I am the one paying. This time, I hope he can help lighten my load. As you can see, he is indecisive when he is told to pay.

Never mind, it's for the good of our daughter, so I shall just pay for it since it doesn't cost an arm or a leg.

Seeing her artwork from the first lesson and how much she enjoyed her lesson, whatever I had to accomodate is worthwhile!

A Time When I Need Help

Decisions! Decisions! Decisions! There are moments in life we need to make decisions be it big or small. This time, besides her kindy, Ialso made other adjustments.

Firstly, I stopped her swimming lessons. I realise the previous swim school has been adding new students to the class and Ethyl, one of the better swimmer is always delayed because the coach has to focus on the newbies. Better arrangement could have been made and the school should make it a point to group students according to their progress.

I have since stopped her when her last term ended in June. Today, she starts her swimming with a new swim school. This is held very near our place, at least I can send her there in the evenings and one of our weekend is free from activities.


For the first lesson, the coach noticed her potential and teaches her seperately. Not that Ethyl is a good swimmer, at least she doesn't have water phobia and that makes her learning curve smoother.

Next, she will start her art lesson with Globalart as well. I seriously hope those fanciful drawings they showcased are not just for show. I really hope she can learn drawing, coloring and establish an interest in art that I lack.

Hubby just threw me a bomb asking me to homeschool Ethyl from home. Ethyl herself also requested I homeschool her from home. I have been doing it, non-religiously I would say. It is always impromptu whenever I coach her from home, however I made it a point, we do it at least 3 times a week.

Considering the unhappiness I face with the school, further chats with parents confirms my doubts are not unfounded.

Homeschooling takes alot of discipline. I have some time to think about it before school ends. Let's see...

Where is the school for us?

Tell me I am too fussy and particular. Shouldn't I be especially when it comes to pre-school education for the kids?

The current school Ethyl goes to, I found them pretty disorganized for a while, but kept quiet about it till I really couldn't take their nonsense today! How can they shift lesson timing and didn't inform me (I am not sure about other parents), only when Mom went at 12pm to bring Ethyl lunch, then she was told there is such a change?

Is this acceptable to you? The Principal said to Mom, they forgot. Well, this is pretty unacceptable to me from my point of view.

Brayden had an incident whereby his wound (at the back of his head where the operation was) was bleeding after school not long after he joined. I checked with the teachers and principal, apparently no one knew about it. I asked if he hurt himself, they were not sure either. As Brayden is also a very active child, I do not want to shift the blame nor point the finger and be someone so unreasonable, I close one eye since it isn't something to major. I also made a point to remind the teachers to keep a watch out especially the back of his head.

Next, his water bottle went missing. A brand new bottle. Follwed by he was scratched blah blah blah...no one could give me a good answer when I texted them to ask about the incidents. I know kids tend to play a little rougher...but as teachers, shouldn't they try to keep a watchful eye over the kids, especially those in playgroup?

Today's "miscommunication" is the last straw. I had enough of such disorganized pre-school. My decision to pull Brayden out and see how things goes seems pretty right.

Academic, though important, the environment, teachers'committment and the overall general health and cleanliness is equally important. I have seen them going into their classes without health checks. I have seen them ending their classes about 20 minutes before they are due for dismissal.

At the beginning of this term, I noticed a few new faces as well as some students withdrew from the school. One parent shared with me on how she felt about the school and decided to withdraw probably next year. She reaffirms my doubts on a few matters. Is the school over promising? In both our opinion, yes!

I went to the other school today when we passed by the PD's clinic. I walked in with Brayden to check out the school. The principal seems kind, how they conduct their classes also seems so similiar to Ethyl's MMI at ten mile junction. I quite like it. The focus on their curriculum is also ideal. At least I don't see self-praising and hardselling there.

A discussion with Hubby is needed. Though he is seldom involved in such matters, at least I would orefer he understands why I feel a school for them is so important.

Ah Choo Rubs Away Sleepless Nights!

Eversince I decided to start a website selling trusted quality kids and parenting products, my research has brought me to many many different brands. How I realise, what was readily availble in SG is so limited!

I found Nature's Baby Organics range of products online and am really keen to bring them on my web store. I believe in trying out the products that I intend to sell.

Many people will wonder, why can't I just buy products readily over the shelves? Why must try organics products? If you have a pair of sensitive kids, you will understand why.

Ethyl has been using California Baby since birth. For many years, it has been my trusted brand on kids. Needless to say, Brayden is also using it when he was born.

Gradually I noticed he gets flaky skin, sometimes it was bad and looks red and sore, worse, his skin was inflamed and we had to bring him to see a Dermatologist.

Then, he had to stop using CB products. I never gave up. I continued searching online to find a reliable organic product and came across Nature's Baby Organics. I started using the hair and bodywash on both kids. No reactions on both and I happily tell myself, I need to explore further.

Tonight, Brayden is ill. He had a mild fever, congested nose and a phlegmy cough. He could hardly sleep well before I remembered to try letting him use the products I just received from my supplier.

Ah-Choo Chest Rub seems to be a really wise choice.

All along, we had relied on Vicks. Shy to say, the boy hates it as it was too choking for him. He dislikes us rubbing it on his chest, his back and he will scream if we rub a little near his nose. Having said that, we still use it as we are not sure what else we can use to help him feel better.

I opened the tub, rubbed a generous amount on his chest, on his back, back of his ears and also managed to persuade him to let me apply a little near his nose. A while later, he asked for more on his chest and back, as well as behind his ears.

Five minutes after the second application, he slipped into slumberland. He slept so well...The oil that I applied for him is still on my hands, it was not heating up like Vicks always does and it was absorbed into my palm.

Brayden slept well. I can hear him breathing with his nose rather than gasping for breath like he always did before.

I am so glad this product works well for us. Having a toddler who sleeps well despite unwell is a blessing to parents (especially to Moms). Besides this, I also solved a problem with conditioner that continues to entangle Ethyl's long tresses.

Now both kids enjoys using Nature's Baby Organics. I am going to try out another product, I will share again when the goods has arrived from US!

Oh, did I mention before Brayden has sensitive nose, sensitive skin as well as sensitive eyes? Therefore, I am more particular with the products we use at home, an environment he spends most time in.