Growing Up Together With My Precious Gems

On The Last Day Of Year 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 15:30:00 +0000

From Gold Coast Tour to Universal Studios Singapore, the kids had a wonderful holidays for this year.

On the last day of Year 2013, they also had 2 activities which have never experienced before.

Usually we played badminton under the void deck and there were a few restrictions like how high we can hit the shuttle-cock and the wind direction. This prompted Hubby to book a badminton court for us.

Thank you Hubby for the last present of the year!

The kids had fun playing but they complained it was too stuffy/hot inside the hall. It was a good exposure and good workout for them, before we attended a dinner party at dad's good friend, Mr D's house.

His house is huge, a 3-Storey terrace house. The kids had not seen such huge house before. It was such an eye-opener for them.

Mr D also invited their common friends. I guess they wanted to have a good gathering with Dad. After dinner, Mr D gave Dad a surprise by arranging his eldest's son's friends to sing a song for him.

One played the guitar while the other sang Dad's favourite song - Love, Me by Collin Raye

I was so touched. I guess Dad will be touched too...

The kids also dropped whatever they were doing to listen to them. It was another mind-blowing experience for them.

Their second song was When You Say Nothing At All by Ronan Keating. Dad was very sporting. He went out to sing along with them. Every one was clapping for him.

For the third song, they were open for request. I requested for Dad's favourite group Bee Gees. They sang To Love Somebody for him.

It was an unforgettable night and a positive booster for Dad.

I really appreciate Mr D's efforts to organize this small party for Dad. Thank you Mr D.

Universal Studios Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Hubby's company had union discount rate for Universal Studios Singapore from 19th to 31st Dec. After much discussion, we decided to purchase the tickets for the kids as their Christmas present.

Our first visit to Universal Studios Singapore was back in July 2010. At that time, Transformers The Ride was not ready yet. So today was their first and they enjoyed very much.

Ever since Gold Coast Tour, now they are more into thrilling rides. And due to the crowds, we had to queue a minimum of 45 mins for ride.

There was a Christmas special performance by Sesame Street

But sad to say, the kids were not interested at all. Maybe Sesame Street characters were not part of their growing-up.

Instead, they wanted to have rides again

So we took advantage whereby everyone was hooked on watching the show, we went for rides again.

Surprisingly, the queue time was shorter than in the afternoon. We queued for 30 mins for our 2nd round of Transformers The Ride and less than 10 mins for roller coaster (suitable for kids).

Most of the time we spent in Universal Studios Singapore were for rides rather than taking photo with characters. As a result, they missed a chance to take with Despicables Minions ! Sigh !

I love taking photos...for memories. So I am kinda disappointed for the lack of photos.

Anyhow, despite the lack of photo taking session, we had spent a good quality 12 hour time together (from 10am to 10pm). The kids had enjoyed themselves very much.

Thank you hubby for the Christmas present!

Swimsafer Stage 1 Award

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 07:12:00 +0000

28th November 2013 was their Swimsafer Stage 1 test and they will be tested on the skills as in this site here

From what I observed, it was easy test and I was confident that they can pass.

And they did.

Since 1st December 2013, they are at Swimsafer Stage 2.

And 2nd December 2013 marked their first swimming anniversary! How times fly...

Today they received their Swimsafer Stage 1 award from the coach. It's their second certificate from swimming. The first was the 25 metres Distance Certificate

And based on the work plan, their next certificate will be Test 3, Swimsafer Stage 2

I wonder when the test will be...but for now, congratulations to the kids !

Gold Coast Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 05:05:00 +0000

We had joy, we had fun during our Gold Coast trip and there were a few experiences for our kids.

Experience #1

This was their first night flight and the whole journey took 7.5 hr. They slept with discomfort on the plane and with only few hours of sleep. They did make a few complaints but fortunately, with games and movies on board, they did not fuss for long.

Experience #2

On our 2nd day at Gold Coast, I was shocked to find my boy having swollen left cheek when I woke him up. His pain tolerance was very high. He kept telling me he was not in pain but yet when I accidentally touched his cheek, he would ouch in pain.

We suspected he might have gum infection or maybe toothache.

Fortunately, on Day 2 afternoon, we were brought to a small shopping area for an hour of shopping. To our relief, there was a clinic. The doctor examined and found an ulcer on his gum and he was given antibiotics to be taken for 5 days. If the cheek was still swollen after antibiotics, he suggested us to bring him to a dentist.

Hubby and me were unfamiliar with their medical system. We were told to pay consultation fee first. After consultation, we needed to bring the doctor prescription to a nearby pharmacy to purchase the medicine.

All these while, our boy followed us quietly..enduring the pain. Each I asked him about the pain, he said he was fine. I must really applaud his level of tolerance. He did not whine a single bit at all.

My heart was already heavy when we came to Gold Coast yet this had happened. I could only pray hard. I pray nothing serious as it was only Day 2 of the trip.

After Day 3 of the medicine, I could see his swell slowly subsiding. I felt so relieved. He could also tell me that he was feeling better.

When I asked him why he did not complain about the pain at first, he just smiled.

I thank Heaven for guarding my boy.

Thank you.

Experience #3

Before we were able to bring him to see a doctor, we went to Paradise Country after checking out Tangalooma Resort. He endured the pain all the way. He was also out of his comfort zone when we asked him if he wanted to carry Koala bear during the photo shot. He agreed instantly.

However, due to his small built, the in-charge told us it would be better to change to an adult as he was afraid boy might let go his hand and Koala bear would get hurt. So in the end, hubby carried the bear during the shot.

Boy also fed the kangaroo and goat. He was so different as compared to years ago when we brought him to the zoo. This time he was not afraid to feed animals.

Experience #4

It was my first time feeding a dolphin, not in a pool but at the sea side.

My boy even wanted to follow me to feed the dolphin while we were at Tangalooma Resort. He was in the queue with me but as the weather was too cold and the wind was strong during the night, I advised him not to go ahead as I was afraid he might catch a cold. So in the end, together with hubby and rest, he stood from the viewing stand to witness me feeding the dolphins.

I did not have any swim wear on. I braved the cold with my blouse and shorts. The waves hit almost at my waist. I cannot imagine how drenched my boy would be if he was with me to feed the dolphin. It was a great experience for me.

Experience #5

My daughter was afraid of feeding animals. She said she was afraid of the tickle or maybe the animals might suddenly bite her.

But she showed her braveness at Sea World, Movie World and Dreamworld. She took roller coaster ride more than 12 times !!

She had befriended a girl at the tour. She was the same age as my girl and the two of them went for the roller coaster rides together. Our daughter did not need her daddy to be beside her anymore. She was not afraid anymore. But of course, for those very thrilling rides, she had yet to overcome it. But still, a credit to her braveness as even her mummy dared not ride.

Experience #6

Hubby tried out Sand Boarding twice during our Tangalooma Desert Safari Tour. I could see it was quite a dangerous play as he needed to sign an indemnity form. I applauded him and those who dared to do it. Once again, I was not brave enough to try.

=======

When we were at Gold Coast Australia for 6 days, it felt so great to be able to connect with the nature. I felt the sun, the sand, the breeze, the sea waves and even had the chance to witness sunset.

Sunset at Tangalooma Resort

Morning At Surfers Paradise Beach

Evening At Surfers Paradise Beach

Sunset View from Hotel Grand Chancellor balcony

After Sunset from Hotel Grand Chancellor balcony

Aren't these photos so beautiful ....

These good memories will always be inside my heart.

Once again, I would like to say thanks to my dad, who pays for the whole trip. Without your generosity, my kids and us would not have the chance to have overseas experiences (Hong Kong, Legoland Malaysia and Australia Gold Coast)

The kids would like to visit Hong Kong again next year with you. I hope we can go together with you.

Small Gestures Warm My Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 02:55:00 +0000

We just came back from Gold Coast trip and the quality time spent together was so cherished. Taking a break from work, worries, stress for 8 days...and now we are back to reality, how we missed the days of being together every day.

Kids left 2 more weeks to their new school term and we have been spending time playing board games and card games.

Through games, I felt the love the kids had for me.

During Monopoly game, as they observed I was about to lose, either they will give me discount when I pass their houses/hotels or they will lend me money to pay.

During UNO game, they invented two kinds of play. Serious play or Fun play.

For serious play, it means we cannot show our cards out.
For fun play, we will display our cards on the table.

During fun play, they will try to avoid giving me Draw 4 / Draw 2 to ensure I am not the last.

All these small gestures made me felt so touched, so warmed, by their love.

Thank you children and Mummy love you so much.

PS: I would like to thank close friends' for their never-ending encouraging messages. Your words comfort me, warm my heart and keeps me going on strong. Last but not least, thank you hubby, who has been encouraging me and praying with me every night. Hope. Faith. Miracle.

Healthy And Happy, These Are Most Important

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 15:27:00 +0000

My nephew did well for his PSLE. My daughter commented that she will not be able to obtain his good result because she does not have tuition like him. Among all the good results we have heard from relatives, majority has tuition.

I rebuked her belief. I gave her a firm pat on her shoulder and told her that without any tuition, You still can do it ! You still can go to Express level !

With the latest sad news about my dad's illness, it further affirmed my focus on the kids: Academic is not the only focus in life. I will not stress them much on studies. As long they can proceed up the next education level, it does not matter if they have average marks. I am still a happy mum.

For now, instead of paying for (academic) tuition, we rather pay to help them to pursue their interests. My boy has already started the journey towards his dream, whereas my daughter is still unsure of what she really likes to do.

As long as they are happy and healthy, these are most important to me.

Sickness can strike at anyone at anytime.

Life is short.

Spectacle - My Daughter's New Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 03:36:00 +0000

So sad that my daughter needs to wear spectacles now.

On the brighter side, she only needs to wear when she needs to see far like whiteboard in school.

She had her yearly eye check up in school in May this year. So far her eyesight is always stated as 6/9 vision for all these years of eye check and no letter was given to me to bring her to optician for further check.

However, she did confide in me that she seems to be unable to see some words clearly after the eye check in May. So I brought her to an optician and her power was 0.50 per eye. The optician said it was okay not to wear as long she feels comfortable.

She said she was okay and so I did not make any spectacles for her.

Months later, on and off I kept hearing her complaining that she cannot see when she was at my mum's place (a 5-room flat) watching TV program while having meal. Occasionally she also complains she is unable to see the words in the whiteboard

So I decided to make another trip to another optical shop, recommended by hubby's cousin.

This optical shop gives a very thorough check when compare to the usual shop we frequent. To my horror, I was told her eye power has increased to 1.00 right eye and 0.75 left eye.

When testing her to see far, she said she can see clearly with the trial lens. After discussing with her, I decided to make a pair for her.

I would want her to get used to wearing it before the school starts next year.

Sad....

Cannot avoid the fact that she needs it now.

Hopefully she will learn how to take care of her eyes. Have asked her to be friends with the new spectacle and never had to change it. Do not wish her eye sight to increase again. =(

Words Of Encouragement From My Children

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 02:13:00 +0000

My daughter is Primary 4 this year and I need to fill up a form for her subject-based banding for next year Primary 5.

My choice is the same as the teacher's recommendation - 4S (4 Standard paper)

Personally I am quite glad to have such subject-based banding for my boy. I am already mentally prepared should he be recommended to take up Foundation Maths if he really cannot catch up in these 2 years. So let's see how it goes when he goes to Primary 3 next year.

I have a friend who asked me: "wah...you said your girl did very well...means she score 80+ 90+?"

No. She did not.

She only scored between 70-76.

In her standard, to be able to get 70 and above, she had done well because she has been an average student, scoring between 60-70.

Although my boy managed to pass all SA2 papers, his overall results were pulled down by mid-year result. But to me, I know he had done his best. I can see his diligence during the few revisions before final year exam.

I am grateful for his turnaround attitude towards the last few revisions.

Although I am already mental prepared for his results as I am following his flow despite him falling behind his peers, for a few moments when his report book landed on my hands, I was sad to see his results. My daughter came to me and consoled me.

She said: "Mummy, it is not your fault. You teach him but he doesn't want to listen to you. So not your fault. Don't be sad ok?"

She is so sweet, isn't she?

She is the only person who witnessed how tough it was to teach his difficult brother, and at the same time, needed to teach her too. She understands my situation.

I asked the children if I should return to working full time, having more money to allow them to have tuition, rather than me teaching them. I admit to them that I may not be able to teach some of the chapters (especially Science).

They refused.

My boy said to me: "Mummy, you are still my best teacher!" with my daughter echoing behind.

They said they wanted to see me when they are back from school daily. Not just one or two hours in the evening (if I am working full-time)

From our conversations, I understand it's not about how well I can teach. It's about my presence that is a gift to them daily, even though sometimes their actions show that they have taken me (being home) for granted.

It warmed my heart to hear words of encouragements from my children and with this affirmation from them, I know my choice of being home with them is a good decision.

Thank you my dear children ! :)

Final Year Exam 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 09:29:00 +0000

I am SO HAPPY !!!

My daughter passed her Science !!

From getting 41/100 for her CA2 to now scoring 76/100 for her SA2, it proved to be fruitful by attending the Science Supplementary during the whole week of PSLE marking period and the every Saturday Supplementary class.

When I knew her Science results, I was jumping for joy! Tears in my eyes too! She was also dancing with joy!

She related to me: "Mummy, I am the first to get the paper and when I saw my marks, I raise both my hands into the air and run back to my chair and shouted YEAH!!! in the class room!"

Can you feel her joy ?!? :)

She and myself really studied very hard for it! Heaven you know it, don't you !?

She has done very well in her final exams, over-achieving all the realistic goals we had set together. I guess her determination to prove to herself that she can study on her own without attending any tuition is very strong. Well done my girl !

As for my boy, teaching him has been tough and I am glad he managed to pass all subjects. Phew!

And I have decided not to continue the free tuition for his Chinese next year. The in-charge told me the same boy will be teaching and I don't really like it. When my son is having his exams, the volunteer (a Sec 2 boy) will also be having his exams too and as such, he will not come and teach.

Then the lesson will be handled by the volunteer assistant who has no experience in teaching Chinese at all. As much as I appreciate their time and effort to come....but if the commitment is not there, then it's a complete waste of time for him to attend. So he will not be attending any free tuition anymore.

On the other hand, my daughter's Chinese volunteer will still be teaching next year and I will let her decide if she wants to continue.

So next year I will have a big burden to shoulder !! Will be teaching all Primary 3 and Primary 5 subjects all by myself. I have understood from many friends whom tell me P5 work is very stressful and so I am ready for it already!

Meanwhile, it's celebration time!!

'Guess The Match Score' Game - Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 01:17:00 +0000

Boy is still leading in the game which hubby had created between himself and his son!

Read Part 1 here
Read Part 2 here

BPL Week 6

BPL Week 7

BPL Week 8

BPL Week 9

BPL Week 10

Points:

Boy: 141
Daddy: 104

Difference: 37 points

Boy has a perfect pick for West Brom vs Crystal Palace last weekend!

Oh Boy, YOU are FANTASTIC !!

Swimming - 25 Metres Distance Certificate

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 12:36:00 +0000

The children received their first swimming certificate today !

I am so happy that they can progress to the next stage together and they will be taking Swim Saver Stage 1 test very soon.

All the best children !!

First Step Towards His Dream

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Sat, 02 Nov 2013 14:52:00 +0000

My boy joined this junior soccer training for almost 10 months. The training has been quite disappointing. The coach focus on the older boys and left the younger group under the care of a parent volunteer or assistant coach.

The younger ones learnt nothing much about soccer skills like dribbling, ball controlling etc...How they spent the time were by playing 2-side.

Months later after our boy joined, Hubby had decided to become a parent volunteer. He tried to instill some training skills but some boys just refused to follow his instructions.

Our boy has passion in soccer.

When I ask him what he wants to become when he grows up, without hesitation, he replies: "soccer player!"

He already has this dream in his mind and hubby felt that by staying on in this training group will not unleash his full potential. So he decided to enrol him into a real soccer academy. Who knows ... one day he may be chosen to play in overseas soccer league? *dreaming big!*

We went for a trial few months ago. The training was tough and it was totally different from the current training he had.

Our boy had cold feet. He wanted to stay in his comfort zone. We convinced him that to fulfill a dream requires hardship, time and effort.

Since he has a dream, he must learn not to give up if challenges are ahead.

We gave him about a month plus to consider because due to hubby going overseas and having to attend seminars within the past months.

Yesterday was his deadline and boy decided to go ahead with the enrollment into the soccer academy! Thumbs up on this !

I don't really know how to gauge soccer skills but during today's training, I felt he had improved because I witnessed him using both legs to kick the ball! He has been training to use left leg at home and he had put in use today.

And this explains why his shoes are torn again !! He had worn his sister's spare shoes after his new 3-week old shoes were torn and now they are torn again !!

See how big damage on the left shoe ??

Now I understand why left shoe is always torn because he has been practising left kick in school too!

During their warm-down before we left the training ground, the Coach noticed his strong calves and commented: "wow! look at your calf muscle!!"

I guess those muscles built up due to his daily kicks at home.

He has always been playing with right foot and now somehow he has become both-legged ! I think my boy is awesome on this!

Keep on practising both legs BOY !! Mummy is looking forward to see you in training next Saturday again!

And three cheers on your first step towards your dream !!

South Africa Experience 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 14:32:00 +0000

13 year ago, hubby and I went to South Africa for our honeymoon.

13 year later, he had the chance to travel to South Africa again. It's an opportunity not to be missed!

Hubby is a very hands-on father. When the kids were very young, he had given up alot of chances to travel (company retreat or incentive trip) just to be around to witness their growing up and to help me whenever needed.

Now that the kids are older and I can easily manage on my own, it's time I should support his decision to travel when there is a chance.

It's our honeymoon memories and since I was unable to be there with him once again, he took alot of photos and videos. I also wish to record down it down here in the kids' blog so that when the kids read this blog, I hope they can feel our/his experiences at South Africa.

Johannesburg Mabula Game Lodge

This photo of an unknown bird is so beautifully taken, don't you agree?

Beautiful sunrays at the wild

Cape Town - Cable car to Table Mountain

View from Top of Table Mountain

Showing direction from Table Mountain to Singapore

At Table Mountain

View from Table Mountain

Hubby had promised his boy that he will try to take a photo of a stadium built for World Cup 2010. This is not in the itinerary but the tour guide was very kind to pass-by Cape Point Stadium (one of the stadiums built for World Cup 2010) and squeeze in a short interval for him to take photos.

Cape Point Stadium

Amethyst

Chapman Peak Drive

African Penguins @ Boulder's Beach

2 penguins hiding near bushes

Cape Of Good Hope

Cape Point

Harold Porter National Botanical Garden

Beautiful scenery taken along the journey

Hubby was very lucky to see whales as they often will appear between July to October.

Whale watching @ Hermanus

While showing the kids all these photos, they went "WAH!!!" each time a great photo shot flashed past.

For hubby and myself, we kept reminiscing our honeymoon memories.....wonderful feelings..

South Africa has fantastic scenery and we wish to bring the kids to the country one day.

Teaching Him Has Been Tough

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 14:35:00 +0000

My boy is like having 'honeymoon' in school for the past 1.5 years as marks are not reflected in report book.

Next week, he will be having final exams whereby marks will be recorded.

He is in Primary 2 this year and still in playful mode. All these while, I have been drilling him in understanding Primary 1 problem sum. I want to build his foundation strong and to proceed slowly. I know he is behind his peers but it's something which I cannot rush into. I have to take a step back while others are charging ahead.

Due to his short span attentiveness, after he finishes his school work, I only can get him to practise worksheets for 15-30mins only.

He can understand simple one-step question:

Jake has 8 sweets.
Ben has 2 more sweets than him.
How many sweets does Ben have?

When I change the story to this,

Jake has 8 sweets.
He has 2 more sweets than Ben.
How many sweets does Ben have?

He will get confused! Sometimes he can get it right, sometimes still wrong.

After drilling/drawing/explaining/acting out on the sums for 6 months in this year, finally he can understand. However on and off I will still test him on these. Now I have been slowly progressing to 2-step question:

Jake has 8 sweets.
He has 2 more sweets than Ben.
How many sweets do they have altogether?

These kind of questions only include addition or subtraction.

Now there is another kind of question which have multiplication/division and addition/subtraction appearing in his test, he is just so confused !!

Mary bought 4 packets of biscuits.
There were 6 biscuits in each packet. She ate 8 of the biscuits.
How many biscuits had she left?

And with dollars and cents in sums, he can really see stars.

And oh....and how I really hate those chicken-leg-duck-leg kind of question !! Argh!

I totally avoid this leggy or how-many-wheels question. It's too complicated for him.

Sometimes it's quite a headache getting him to learn. While teaching him, I feel that I am flying a kite. I have to pull and let go, pull and let go of him.

I give him alot of play time...in which I have a small request from him. That is to learn attentively for 15 - 30 mins. Then after revising, I shall play with him. Most of the time it works! But by then, I am already soooo mentally tired to play.

After having their own desk and chair, I can observe a slight improvement. Sometimes when I am teaching his sister, when he is in good mood, he will sit by his table, bring out any assessment book within reach and starts to attempt without me asking him. It's a rare sight to rejoice!

It had been a breeze teaching my daughter all these years. My boy gives me the most challenges, but I know each child is unique and cannot compare. As I teach her in Primary 4 sums, I realise the sums are getting more complicated, and more steps are required. Since I know what is ahead for my boy, all the more I must not give up!

Teaching him has been tough and our SA2 revisions are almost done for this year. So I want to say to myself: "Well done! You've done a great job in teaching him! Continue to work hard next year!" *encouraging pat on my shoulder!*

Dear Heaven, Please Bless Him

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 14:57:00 +0000

About 2 months ago, my dad observed his urine being very foamy. Mum described as foamy as soap powder in water. Even after he flushed once, some of the foam still can be seen.

So he went for a check up on 13 Sept.

He did blood test and urine test. Blood test showed everything is okay with his health, except urine results showed he has Proteinuria. Those foams said to be excessive discharge of protein. Doctor said it can be a minor case where he is having some temporary kidney inflammation that causes it and suggested to do Renal Biopsy.

He was scheduled to do another blood test on 14 Oct, checked in hospital on 16 Oct, to fast from midnight onwards and renal biopsy would be on 17 Oct morning.

On 17 Oct afternoon, together with mum and younger brother, we visited him. This was the kids' first visit to the hospital. They saw alot of sick people and asked alot of funny questions which some of them I do not know how to answer. They also asked why their grandfather needed to stay in the hospital. I just briefly explain to them.

A short visit to hospital makes me realise there is nothing much more important than having a good health whereby your loved ones do not need to worry, and also the importance of having a good insurance coverage. Dad does not have H&S insurance and so hopefully nothing serious is happening.

Before he was discharged on 18 Oct, result showed potassium is high and nothing is wrong with his kidneys. So now Doctor said it could be other stuff like maybe cancer (worst scenario) in some parts of the body that affects the urinary and so he needed to do a full body check up.

On 22 Oct, he did blood test again. This time is to check on any indication on cancer cells. Result is negative. On 23 Oct, today afternoon he did an ultrascan. Nothing again. Then he continued to do a CT scan and result will be out on 31 Oct.

On 31 Oct, Doctor will schedule a date to do scope test. If after checking everything and nothing is wrong, just let the foamy problem go away by itself with or without medication.

The whole family is praying that nothing is wrong with his health. It had been more than a month of waiting and checking, yet there is still no answer, for now. Through friends' advices, it could be due to diet also and I told dad to watch his diet closely.

Dad told me after solving this foamy issue, he still has one more problem. He has a small lump in his abdominal which causes slight pain and Doctor diagnosed it as Hernia. He will need to undergo an operation to remove it. On 31 Oct, besides CT scan result, he will need to do a checkup on his stomach. So operation date is still uncertain right now.

During these few days, I am thankful to friends who sent messages and giving advices/strength/support on my dad's condition. With hubby currently overseas, sometimes it can be quite lonely during the night. So am blessed to have friends to talk to. And also, due to SA2 preparation, on some nights, I was too tired to think of anything and just slept early.

The kids have also been asking their grandfather what happened to him. Some medical terms are quite difficult for them to understand, but grandfather always tells them: no need to worry...everything will be fine.

My dad dotes on his four grandchildren very much. Always thinking of places to bring them for holiday every year. We wish he will be in a pink of health and can travel with us end of the year.

He was a stern dad when I was young. But working together with him for many years draws us closer. He is more open up to me and now he is not as stern as before. Through the years, he has helped me and hubby alot. Without his help, I will not be able to work partime and fulfill my wish of taking care of my own children. He is also a generous person, always ready to help his friends. So Dear Heaven, please bless him.

He Speaks English On Chinese Oral Exam

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 03:05:00 +0000

My boy had taken his Oral exam yesterday. Till now, he is still not speaking full Chinese sentence at home. But to me, it's a good improvement, as at least he is finally speaking bit. However I am glad he still can pass his written papers.

Boy: "Mummy, today is my Oral exam."

Me: "Good! So do you know how to read your passage?"

Boy: "Yes."

Me: "What is the story about?"

Boy: "Ah...I don't know...I forget already"

Me: "Huh..so fast forget? Ok, then what about your conversation?"

Boy: "Teacher asked me if I like to go library. I said no."

Me: "Ah?? You say no??! Then how you continue?"

Boy: "Teacher asked me why and I said go library so boring."

Me (aware his Chinese vocabulary knowledge): "Then you know how to say boring in chinese meh?"

Boy: "I don't know... I think I say in English! Like 我不喜欢去图书馆因为很 boring... Ha!"

Me: "What?? You mean you speak English on your Chinese Oral exam?" (cannot stop giggling)

Boy: "Haha! Ya!!" (running away to kick his ball)

*super roll eyes*

If he can pass his Chinese Oral exam, I will be glad!

Will You Come Back And Have Dinner With Us ?

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 14:23:00 +0000

Over the weekend while having dinner together, I joked with the kids: "next time when you all grow up, you will have no time to have dinner with us already as you will have own programmes with friends."

My daughter looked at me and firmly said: "NO. I make sure I will come back and have dinner with you and daddy."

Me: "Really ah? Hope you will remember your promise when you grow up..."

"I make sure I will Mummy!" she said with a smile.

I turned to my boy and ask him: "you leh? Will you come back and have dinner with us?"

Boy replied cheekily: "I will go out with my friends and don't come back for dinner!"

No surprise at all as I have already expected this kind of answer LOL...

Hubby comes from a broken family and so he hopes to see the 4 of us closely bonded even when the kids grow up in the future. He will want to plan to have a weekly or fortnightly dinner despite our busy schedules.

However, it's too early to arrange anything now but we will just keep talking to the children, listen to them, letting them to confide in us, be their friends, I am sure when they grow up, they will remember to come back and have dinner with us.

After 11 Months Of Swimming Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 11:16:00 +0000

The kids have swimming lessons for almost 11 months and I am pleased with their progess.

Last Sunday, they learnt how to :

- swim with lift jacket on
- take off and wear lift jacket in the water

My boy has been complaining of tiredness and does not want to continue. I know him too well. He always wants to take the easy way out, doesn't like to take hardship.

I reject his request and insist he has to continue until he is certified to be able to swim on his own in deep pool. Other request like withdraw from tuition I can agree, but sorry, not swimming.

After end of today's lesson, I was informed that both the kids will be having their stage 1 test.

I was abit confused as the distance swim test seem to have not been conducted. After some clarifications from the coach, he said he had already tested them and they had passed! Certificate will be issued to them soon!

The children were also blurred as to when the coach had tested them. I guess he did not give them any pressure and tested without their knowledge, as it was stated that the distance swim test will be conducted during swim lesson.

In addition, from next lesson onwards, they no longer need to wear pyjamas to swim. Instead, they will need to wear T-shirt and shorts.

I am super happy with their progress! =D

From a distance, I could see my boy letting out a smile, being pleased with the good news (ie pass distance swim test). I know he can do it, be it swimming or studies, just a matter he wants or not. I am still trying alot of ways to bring out the diligence in him.

Anyway well done children! Let's await patiently for the stage 1 test!

I Am Mummy Bah

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Sat, 19 Oct 2013 14:31:00 +0000

My boy has this bad habit of calling people nicknames or changing the pronunciation of the nicknames.

The followings are a few examples of nicks he created for us:

Daddy - he calls him the opposite of Daddy which sounds like "Di-Day"

Popo - he calls her, "Po-Pi"

Gong Gong - he calls him, "Gong-Gi"

As for me I have two nicks. One is "Mi-Ma" instead of Mummy.

The other nick has a story to tell.

Sometimes I get frustrated teaching him that I bang the table to catch his attention. From that time onwards, he called me "Mummy Bah!"

"Bah" is the sound he said to be heard whenever I bang the table.

Another reason for calling me "Mummy Bah" is due to my size. I am plump and so "Bah" means "alot of meat" in hokkien.

He teases me daily and calls me Mummy Bah!

With the latest popular song from Despicable Me 2, the Banana song has somehow become my song because the first few lyrics are "BAH BAH BAH BAH BAH ...." *roll eyes*

In addition, I like to eat potato too! So he often sings this banana song to me !

And this hubby of mine who likes to tease me, created another song for me too

(sing to the tune of Blah Blah Black Sheep)

Mummy Bah Bah have you any bah
Yes Sir Yes Sir three bags bah
One bah for the boy and One bah for the girl
One bah for the man who sleeps beside me

Ok loh !!! NO THANKS to him that the kids often will sing this to me too!! Grrrr....

Besides hubby, my boy is the second person who likes to tease me almost everyday. Sometimes I do feel annoyed when my boy keeps saying "Mummy Bah!"

... yet sometimes I can feel the special bonding I have with the children...

My Blog Turns 6 Today

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 07:58:00 +0000

Wow....I didn't know that today is my blog 6th anniversary !

All along I thought I only would have things to pen down when they were young. Never did I expect I could continue to write even when the kids have grown older. Guess that I have too much memories with them that I have wanted to have a record of it :)

I have traced back and my first post was here. In my first post, I wrote about my girl turning 4 years old and times fly as she had turned 10 years old yesterday.

Usually my blog contains only words and some may feel bored reading. I feel fortunate there are still some faithful readers. So a BIG THANK YOU to YOU for enjoying to read about my kids' growing up ! =)

Happy 10th Birthday To My Dearest Daughter !

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 15:22:00 +0000

To My Dearest Daughter,

Today is a special day. A day which you will turn into two-digit age. After the end of our co-sleeping years, occasionally you and Didi will request to sleep with me.

On Sunday we had fulfilled your first wish. That is to have Seoul Garden as dinner. Yesterday night, you have made your second wish, to sleep with me the night before you turn 10, we held hands and slept together. It was such a wonderful feeling as it brought back alot of memories of the nights whereby mummy patted you to sleep while chatting when you were small.

At 4am, we were awaken by the loud thunder and I took the chance to wish you.

It was still raining heavily with strong winds when we woke up. At first you were disappointed that daddy wanted to cancel the bowling session (your third wish), as he had recovered from fever. He did not want to risk falling sick again and wanted to avoid the bad weather. It was decided that mummy will bring you for a movie.

However, we waited and prayed for the rain to stop. After an hour, finally the rain stopped and hurray !! We could go out as a family and that was your fourth wish :)

Although it was a public holiday, Popo had the time to cook for you and had requested your cousins to come and celebrate for you too. Your fifth wish was to have curry for dinner and she agreed instantly.

Fortunately, on the day before your birthday, Mummy had the time to change the cake order into a bigger one to accommodate for more people. You wanted to have a simple cake and to wear simple dress (your sixth & seventh wish) on your birthday. You said to me: "I grow up already... Cartoon picture is so childish"

Mummy designed the cake after looking at a few designs and so glad that the cake turned out simple and nice!

Before sleep, you have made your final wish - to have a Dork Diaries story book, and mummy had asked you to buy it for yourself using your birthday ang-pow money. We shall find a day to visit the book shop together :)

Anthiea, you are one of the best gift that Heaven has given to me. I am very blessed to have you as my daughter. Till to-date, Mummy has never regretted being home to witness your growing up.

You are also fortunate to have so many loved ones around to celebrate you turning 10 years old this evening. Once again, Happy 10th Birthday my dear girl! Mummy loves you very much :)

Love,
Mummy

My Little Muscle Man

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 04:19:00 +0000

Ever since my son knows and google about Cristiano Ronaldo, he is fascinated about having biceps and 6-pack abs. Almost everyday, he will either do push up or sit-up. Sometimes he said he did all these in school.

And everyday, he will ask me to check on his biceps on his arm. Can you see it ?

And due to his daily practice of kicking at home, hubby realised boy has developed big muscles on his thighs and calves too.

Can you see the quadriceps popping out on the right side of his thigh?

Can see the big calf muscles?

So far he has not develop 6-pack abs which he has been checking on his tummy daily. Haha...

I am more concerned about his height development. I hope he can grow taller than his daddy..don't wish to see him growing up having muscles but of shorter height. Now he is looking upon his uncle, that is my younger brother, who has the height & built, biceps muscles, chest muscles and flat toned tummy with 2-pack abs.

With this blog progressively recording their developments, I shall await patiently for the day when he really has 6-packs abs.

Everyday I will relate to hubby the kids' daily happenings. For this he said: "if only he can transfer half of the enthusiasm into his studies, it would be more easy for you right?"

I absolutely agree! Only if!

Good For Her, Headache For Me

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 08:25:00 +0000

I applaud the Science teacher's effort to help the weaker students. Not only he has scheduled to have supplementary on every Saturday, now he is planning for them to return to school every day (except Tuesday as it's a public holiday) on next week, which is the PSLE marking week.

It's good for my daughter but on the other hand, it's a headache for me. With this revision programme, I need to bring her to and fro but I am working in the morning.

In addition, my dad is scheduled to have biopsy on his kidney on next Wednesday. I have asked my younger brother to be on standby and plan lesser work on that day, so that he can fetch dad to hospital. Unsure how many days he is going to stay but we hope is only for a night. With both of them not around in office, I may need to be present in the morning, just in case things crop up.

Quite unclear of my directions for next week now. Just need to sort out thoughts...

Praying for his recovery and nothing worse is happening. With SA2 coming soon, I hope I only have the kids' studies to worry about.

Her Current Favourite Songs

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 02:02:00 +0000

My daughter loves to watch HK drama like me. But because she needs to turn in early on weekdays due to school the next morning, she only has the chance to watch every friday.

Recently, she falls in love with two Cantonese songs after watching the drama.

Theme Song from A Great Way To Care

Song from A Change of Heart.

Currently this drama is showing on cable tv and this song is the whole family's favourite especially the chorus, but with exception of my boy who is not into HK drama.

Although she does not understand the meaning of these cantonese songs, she loves the rhyme so much that each time when she is allowed to play computer games, without fail she will find these songs to listen (umpteen times) and sing along.

My cantonese is poor, if not I think I will start a new lesson for her - to learn cantonese. LOL...

Do you like these songs too?

A Mistaken Identity Of Her Sandals

noreply@blogger.com (Ling That's Me) — Sat, 05 Oct 2013 14:28:00 +0000

I had let the children made decision as to where to spend the time on Children's Day yesterday. They discussed and decided to go Peekaboo.

We set off happily after having a good laugh over the funny signboard message...but the day almost ended on a unhappy note as my daughter's sandal was lost.

Before we entered the playground, my daughter informed me that there was a similar sandal on the shoe shelf. So I told her to place hers together with ours on the floor.

After playing for an hour, my girl decided to have toilet break. Moments later, I saw her waving at me to go over to her side. She said she had searched high and low for her sandals but could not find. Only left the sandals of a smaller size.

She was very mad: "Why the person never check the shoe size and just walked away with my size??!! The person cannot remember where she put her shoe meh? She put at the shelf mah! I put on the floor mah! Why she never check ??!! Now how I walked without any shoe!?"

Her lost sandal's size was 21, while the one left on the shelf was size 19.

I tried to calm her but she was too mad. It totally spoiled her mood because the sandals were less than 3 months old only and she liked the design very much. I told her it's not the time to get angry but to find solutions.

There is a notice stated the Management will not be responsible for any lost/missing belongings. So I merely informed the Management about the incident, requesting if any mummy reported her child wearing wrong size, please inform at the soonest. This was the first solution.

The kids spent a total of 3 hours playing yet I could see no sign of any mummy returning back with the wrong size sandal. My girl was badly affected by the incident and lost her mood to play.

I discussed with the kids if they wanted to short cut the play time and to go and buy new sandal. They agreed. This was the second alternative solution.

So with the sandal of smaller size, my girl wore it and travelled. Poor thing..

Size 19

From Stadium mrt station all the way to Sengkang, as I wanted to go Metro (the place which I bought the sandal), hoping to buy the same kind for her. Fortunately, still had her size and it left the last pair !

Size 21

Thinking back, I felt I had overlooked the part to keep her sandals elsewhere so that there would be no 'mistaken identity' when earlier on when she had informed me of similar sandal.

So phew .... Glad that I managed to salvage the day's mood.