How did we fare for the 1st week without maid ??
Well, i think we managed a Pass on our report card.
Mine daily routine :
6am - wakes up and do sweeping & mopping on alternate day.
6.30am - quick cup of coffee with bread
7.00 am - quick shower and change for work
7.30 am - children wake up and have breakfast (mixture of eggs/breads/cereals ) etcs. Previously, when Siti was with us, they usually wake up around 8-ish am and then go school for breakfast. Now the school has some preventive measures which does not allow parents to go into the main area, thus Anthea & Anders prefer breakfast at home.
8.15 am - bring the children to school
9.00 am to 5 pm - working
5.45 pm - fetch children from childcare
6 pm - 7 pm - steam up the tingkat dinner and feed children dinner
7 pm - 8.30 pm - have dinner / handwash children school uniform/ iron working clothes & uniforms
9.00 pm - rest & relax
10.00 pm - Bedtime
Now it seem like time passes even faster with all the chores to be done. So far, i have no issues with doing houseworks as i am quite a domestic person. Also Anthea & Anders have been co-operative this week, so it make the routine much easier.
A friend told me it is not easy to juggle with children/works/ household chores. Indeed i agreed with her. I told her it is a good chance for us to learn to be independence especially now the children are growing older and they must learn to live without a maid.
I have read many Blogging mummies who are FULL TIME working mom and they are also doing well without a maid. Also there are many Stay-At-Home-Moms who does 24/7 routine, which i think is more demanding, both physically & mentally.
Well, i am no 'supermom' but i know for the sake of the family, i will try my utmost to let things work.
Quote :
" Make your life easier and more effective by attunement with the natural "flow" of the universe."
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
No more "Zhai Zhai"
Since birth, Anthea has always been using her "再再" (it's a Piyo Piyo soft pillow which contain beans, she called it her zhai zhai)
She always sleep with it and it has this strong "smell" that she simply love. I always washes the cover. I think every kid has this little item that they need to sleep with, be it a pillow, soft toys etcs.
On Thursday evening, she came to me and told me " Mommy, please throw away the "zhai zhai"
I asked her : " Are you sure ? "
"Yes" she said.
Actually all these while, i have been telling her that i am waiting for her to ask me to throw it away. Reason is she is growing up and she no longer need to sleep with it and also it is so torn out and old already.. : )
So i was really glad that she has asked me to throw it away. (Actually i kept it aside, in case, she regretted her decision.)
This week alone, she has grown up alot and i am proud of her.
She always sleep with it and it has this strong "smell" that she simply love. I always washes the cover. I think every kid has this little item that they need to sleep with, be it a pillow, soft toys etcs.
On Thursday evening, she came to me and told me " Mommy, please throw away the "zhai zhai"
I asked her : " Are you sure ? "
"Yes" she said.
Actually all these while, i have been telling her that i am waiting for her to ask me to throw it away. Reason is she is growing up and she no longer need to sleep with it and also it is so torn out and old already.. : )
So i was really glad that she has asked me to throw it away. (Actually i kept it aside, in case, she regretted her decision.)
This week alone, she has grown up alot and i am proud of her.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
我的女儿长大...
Anthea is maturing…
This is our very 1st week without Siti. So far, we are faring pretty well. I must said that Anthea seem to have matured a little starting Monday.
She knows that Siti has left and mommy’s hands are tied to many chores to perform. So in the morning when I asked her to change uniform on her own, she performs it swiftly and quietly. While I changed Anders, she said: “now no Siti Jie jie, must listen to mommy, ok? “ After school, when I fetched them, she walked with me without any complaints, like before.
On Tuesday, she woke up and after her breakfast. She asked for permission to do a bit of her coloring and said to me: “mommy, when you asked me to stop, I will stop, ok?”
I said yes and true to her words, when it’s time to go school, she stop her coloring and kept them back to the cabinet.
Even her school teacher commented that she is a very helpful & obedient girl.
I noticed that her attitude towards Anders is also getting better. She is now more tolerance towards his mischief. She also gave in more readily to his request, e.g.: choosing what CD to watch.
From these small gestures, she had shown signs that she is starting to understand and is aware of what is happening around our family. I always ask this question since she was young “When will she grows up”….
Now she is 5 years old, i am beginning to see the answer !!
"Anthea darling, mommy is very proud of you. I want you to know that we are sharing all these new changes in our lifestyle together as a family. We will learn and make the very Best out of each and every thing we do daily. "
This is our very 1st week without Siti. So far, we are faring pretty well. I must said that Anthea seem to have matured a little starting Monday.
She knows that Siti has left and mommy’s hands are tied to many chores to perform. So in the morning when I asked her to change uniform on her own, she performs it swiftly and quietly. While I changed Anders, she said: “now no Siti Jie jie, must listen to mommy, ok? “ After school, when I fetched them, she walked with me without any complaints, like before.
On Tuesday, she woke up and after her breakfast. She asked for permission to do a bit of her coloring and said to me: “mommy, when you asked me to stop, I will stop, ok?”
I said yes and true to her words, when it’s time to go school, she stop her coloring and kept them back to the cabinet.
Even her school teacher commented that she is a very helpful & obedient girl.
I noticed that her attitude towards Anders is also getting better. She is now more tolerance towards his mischief. She also gave in more readily to his request, e.g.: choosing what CD to watch.
From these small gestures, she had shown signs that she is starting to understand and is aware of what is happening around our family. I always ask this question since she was young “When will she grows up”….
Now she is 5 years old, i am beginning to see the answer !!
"Anthea darling, mommy is very proud of you. I want you to know that we are sharing all these new changes in our lifestyle together as a family. We will learn and make the very Best out of each and every thing we do daily. "
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Faith's Full Month
Faith Tan (陈诗颖) is exactly ONE month old today.
Last Saturday, Louis & Eve hold a Full Month Celebration for Faith at 716. Relatives and friends came and celebrated the happy occassion with the family.
There was buffet lunch, cake and 'ang-ku kueh'. It was laughter at all corners of the house. I was especially happy to see Anthea playing with Jasmine and Justin, they are children of Adrian's cousin. Jasmine is 7 years old and Justin is 5 years old. They were little toddles the last time we gathered and now, they are already schooling... : )
After lunch, we went back home to rest before dinner. Dinner was at 716 with mom cooking some simple dishes and Dad went to packed KFC. It was a simple and relaxing dinner.
On Sunday evening, we had dinner, together with Eve's confinement lady. For the 1st time, i see Faith wide awake. As in all newborns, most of the time, they are either sleeping or feeding. I was carrying her and showing her to Anthea and Anders, who are ever so anxious to play with their little cousin.
I am really happy to say that Faith has grown, she seem to have a "meatier" cheeks from the last time that i saw her at 729, about 2 weeks. (dare not said it in front of her, as Old wives tale - don't talk about baby weight in her presence..hee )
Glad that all the hard work, sleepless nights and worries that Louis & Eve had gone through is paying off.
Faith's one month marks the end of Eve's confinement and soon they will be independent. With good guidance from the confinement aunty and some helps from Eve's mom and mom, i know both Louis & Eve will make it and learn the ropes to parenting as days go by.
Last Saturday, Louis & Eve hold a Full Month Celebration for Faith at 716. Relatives and friends came and celebrated the happy occassion with the family.
There was buffet lunch, cake and 'ang-ku kueh'. It was laughter at all corners of the house. I was especially happy to see Anthea playing with Jasmine and Justin, they are children of Adrian's cousin. Jasmine is 7 years old and Justin is 5 years old. They were little toddles the last time we gathered and now, they are already schooling... : )
After lunch, we went back home to rest before dinner. Dinner was at 716 with mom cooking some simple dishes and Dad went to packed KFC. It was a simple and relaxing dinner.
On Sunday evening, we had dinner, together with Eve's confinement lady. For the 1st time, i see Faith wide awake. As in all newborns, most of the time, they are either sleeping or feeding. I was carrying her and showing her to Anthea and Anders, who are ever so anxious to play with their little cousin.
I am really happy to say that Faith has grown, she seem to have a "meatier" cheeks from the last time that i saw her at 729, about 2 weeks. (dare not said it in front of her, as Old wives tale - don't talk about baby weight in her presence..hee )
Glad that all the hard work, sleepless nights and worries that Louis & Eve had gone through is paying off.
Faith's one month marks the end of Eve's confinement and soon they will be independent. With good guidance from the confinement aunty and some helps from Eve's mom and mom, i know both Louis & Eve will make it and learn the ropes to parenting as days go by.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Time to say Good Bye..
The day has finally comes...Siti left today.
In the morning, Siti went around with her usual work routine. I can sense that she is feeling sad. She has a deep attachment to our family, especially with Anders. Since he was borned in 2004, Siti was his main caregiver and she really doted him like her own son.
On Friday, Siti had requested for Anders to stay at home with her, she wanted to spend her last day in Singapore with him. I acceded to her request because as a mother, i know how it feels.
We left for airport around 12 noon, her 2 good friends came over to our house to bid her goodbyes. They are happy for her.
On the way to airport, we picked my mom as Siti had wanted her to come along to the airport. She said my mom is like a grandmother to her.
We checkin her baggage and then she went in. She was all tears when going in. My mom cried, i cried and Anders cried. It was an emotional departure but deep in my heart, I wish her all the best and i know she does the same for us. Her flights leaves Singapore at 3pm, 21 April 2007. I hope she brings with her all the good blessings.
At around 7pm, i received her sms, she said that she had arrived and was on her way to her aunty house which she will stay for the night and return home on Sunday.
Till we meet again one day.....GOOD BYE !!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Decision - Tingkat Dinner
Today is day 4 of our dinner delivery. Till date, i am pretty satisfied with Buffet Paradize catering.
Dishes we had on:
Tuesday - Stir Fried Pork with Ginger & Spring Onion, Fu Yoong Egg, Chye Sim with fish cake and Chicken feet with peanut soup.
Wednesday - Fish Cutlet in Thai flavour, Stir Fried Potato wz minced meat, broncoli with sliced chicken & Six herbs pork rib soup.
Thursday - Stir fried Sesame chicken with honey, assam fish, green vegetables & beancurb sheet chicken soup.
And BP had given me the menu for the whole month of April and 1st/2nd week of May. Everyday the dishes are different. I am really impressed.
For the 3 years that Siti had been with us, she will cook dinner dishes based on the ingredients that i bought from the market. Many times, there are the same dishes like vegetable, fish, chicken and varities of soup are also limited.
The main reason is - i don't really know many dishes, so i can't "teach" Siti to cook. So now with this new arrangement, we are actually trying more different varities of dishes. Probably this is also a good chance for me to learn these dishes and perhaps 2 or 3 years down the road, i may become a fulltime homemaker... : P
We have decided to continued our dinner ordering from BP, so from next week onwards, Mondays to Thursdays, dinner will be delivered to our doorsteps. As for Fridays, i want to keep it open to let the children eat other food than rice.
Dishes we had on:
Tuesday - Stir Fried Pork with Ginger & Spring Onion, Fu Yoong Egg, Chye Sim with fish cake and Chicken feet with peanut soup.
Wednesday - Fish Cutlet in Thai flavour, Stir Fried Potato wz minced meat, broncoli with sliced chicken & Six herbs pork rib soup.
Thursday - Stir fried Sesame chicken with honey, assam fish, green vegetables & beancurb sheet chicken soup.
And BP had given me the menu for the whole month of April and 1st/2nd week of May. Everyday the dishes are different. I am really impressed.
For the 3 years that Siti had been with us, she will cook dinner dishes based on the ingredients that i bought from the market. Many times, there are the same dishes like vegetable, fish, chicken and varities of soup are also limited.
The main reason is - i don't really know many dishes, so i can't "teach" Siti to cook. So now with this new arrangement, we are actually trying more different varities of dishes. Probably this is also a good chance for me to learn these dishes and perhaps 2 or 3 years down the road, i may become a fulltime homemaker... : P
We have decided to continued our dinner ordering from BP, so from next week onwards, Mondays to Thursdays, dinner will be delivered to our doorsteps. As for Fridays, i want to keep it open to let the children eat other food than rice.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Trial Week - Tingkat Dinner
For this week, we are trying out the Tingkat Dinner by Buffet Paradize.
I have short listed a few caterers – Neo Garden, Buffet Paradize, Select Catering, Jessie Catering and Kim’s Catering.
Finally I decided to try BP as this caterer received positive feedbacks from Baby Forum’s Mothers. As these mothers have kids of similar ages to Anthea and Anders, so I would think their recommendation would also meet my needs.
The few considerations:
- Food are delivered in disposable container without additional charges
- No MSG added to the food
- the person in charge is very accommodating to customer needs
Thus with these few items in mind, I made an order for a 1 week trial for this week.
We order a menu of 3 dishes and a soup for 2 persons. As this is our first time ordering and I always had the impression that Tingkats delivery time is early, usually around 4 to 5 pm. When the meal did not arrived at 6pm and my call to the caterer was not answered, I went to buy 2 packets of mixed rice for the children.
Finally at 6.15pm, someone knocked on the door. It was our Dinner delivery. I found out from the delivery man that their tingkat delivery starts from 4 pm to 7 pm. As their factory is in Woodlands, they will start from Woodlands – Sembawang – Yishun – Ang Mo Kio – Bishan. He was telling me if I want early delivery, I have to inform BP. Well, I told him that 6-ish pm is fine with us.
Dishes include:
- Spinach with Gou-kei
- Braised Soy Sauce chicken
- Fried Fish Fillet
- Tang – Hoon with Mushroom soup & 2 packet of white rice
(I have made a request for Non-spicy item because of the 2 children.)
Verdict: Food taste is good, similar to home cooked. Portion is good enough for our family of 2 adults and 2 child. Adrian and I enjoyed the food. Anthea and Anders love the Tang Hoon Soup.
Our lifestyle is changing, slowly but surely, I am positive that the change will make the better out of the Aces Family.
I have short listed a few caterers – Neo Garden, Buffet Paradize, Select Catering, Jessie Catering and Kim’s Catering.
Finally I decided to try BP as this caterer received positive feedbacks from Baby Forum’s Mothers. As these mothers have kids of similar ages to Anthea and Anders, so I would think their recommendation would also meet my needs.
The few considerations:
- Food are delivered in disposable container without additional charges
- No MSG added to the food
- the person in charge is very accommodating to customer needs
Thus with these few items in mind, I made an order for a 1 week trial for this week.
We order a menu of 3 dishes and a soup for 2 persons. As this is our first time ordering and I always had the impression that Tingkats delivery time is early, usually around 4 to 5 pm. When the meal did not arrived at 6pm and my call to the caterer was not answered, I went to buy 2 packets of mixed rice for the children.
Finally at 6.15pm, someone knocked on the door. It was our Dinner delivery. I found out from the delivery man that their tingkat delivery starts from 4 pm to 7 pm. As their factory is in Woodlands, they will start from Woodlands – Sembawang – Yishun – Ang Mo Kio – Bishan. He was telling me if I want early delivery, I have to inform BP. Well, I told him that 6-ish pm is fine with us.
Dishes include:
- Spinach with Gou-kei
- Braised Soy Sauce chicken
- Fried Fish Fillet
- Tang – Hoon with Mushroom soup & 2 packet of white rice
(I have made a request for Non-spicy item because of the 2 children.)
Verdict: Food taste is good, similar to home cooked. Portion is good enough for our family of 2 adults and 2 child. Adrian and I enjoyed the food. Anthea and Anders love the Tang Hoon Soup.
Our lifestyle is changing, slowly but surely, I am positive that the change will make the better out of the Aces Family.
Monday, April 16, 2007
PHANTOM Sunday
The musical - Phantom of the Opera is playing at the Esplanade.
Being Lovers of Musicals, Adrian and myself had booked ourselves a pair of tickets for the Sunday Matinee on 15 April 2007, 2pm.
As Siti is still with us, this is our so-call last chance of TWOSOME time. What other best way can we celebrate it than enjoy a World Class act.
My Love for Musical began way back, during our Honeymoon, in June 2000. We were in London,walking down the street. There were people selling tickets for the famous "Mama Mia". So we bought 2 tickets for a night show. It cost us £ 60 per tickets and it was Circle seats. I truely enjoyed the show and till now, it still stayed fresh in my mind.
The last time when Mama Mia played in Singapore in September 2004, we watched it once again. This time we treated ourselves to the Stall Seat. It was definitely worth every Dollars.
Now that Phantom of the Opera is in town, how can we missed it. Once again, giving ourselves some deserving treats, we bought the Stall Seats at Discounted price with DBS Credit Card, thanks to Terence for organinsing it.
I was totally engrossed with the 2 1/2 hours show. The soprano sang with such powerful voices, it really touches me. Especially the soprano who sang the Phantom, i was totally mesmerized by his voice... : )
The audience was all applauses when the show ended and we left the theatre, feeling very satisfied.
In the evening, dinner was at 253 with Lao ma and Dege. Dinner was delicious as usual with all kind of meats - Roasted Chicken & Duck, Vegetables and soup.
After dinner, i went to pick Anthea from AMK Mall, she was enjoying Life with Yeye & Nainai, she was happily eating the Andersen Ice-cream when i met up with them. The new Food Court - NTUC Foodfare is up & running in the mall.
It was another happy and fulfilling Sunday for the Aces Family.
Being Lovers of Musicals, Adrian and myself had booked ourselves a pair of tickets for the Sunday Matinee on 15 April 2007, 2pm.
As Siti is still with us, this is our so-call last chance of TWOSOME time. What other best way can we celebrate it than enjoy a World Class act.
My Love for Musical began way back, during our Honeymoon, in June 2000. We were in London,walking down the street. There were people selling tickets for the famous "Mama Mia". So we bought 2 tickets for a night show. It cost us £ 60 per tickets and it was Circle seats. I truely enjoyed the show and till now, it still stayed fresh in my mind.
The last time when Mama Mia played in Singapore in September 2004, we watched it once again. This time we treated ourselves to the Stall Seat. It was definitely worth every Dollars.
Now that Phantom of the Opera is in town, how can we missed it. Once again, giving ourselves some deserving treats, we bought the Stall Seats at Discounted price with DBS Credit Card, thanks to Terence for organinsing it.
I was totally engrossed with the 2 1/2 hours show. The soprano sang with such powerful voices, it really touches me. Especially the soprano who sang the Phantom, i was totally mesmerized by his voice... : )
The audience was all applauses when the show ended and we left the theatre, feeling very satisfied.
In the evening, dinner was at 253 with Lao ma and Dege. Dinner was delicious as usual with all kind of meats - Roasted Chicken & Duck, Vegetables and soup.
After dinner, i went to pick Anthea from AMK Mall, she was enjoying Life with Yeye & Nainai, she was happily eating the Andersen Ice-cream when i met up with them. The new Food Court - NTUC Foodfare is up & running in the mall.
It was another happy and fulfilling Sunday for the Aces Family.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Independence Day
7 more days to go...our Aces family lifestyle will change a little, especially for me.
Siti, my domestic helper, is booked on Garuda Flight to go back on 21 April 2007. She is returning back to Jakarta to get married. Her husband to be and his family are looking forward to her home coming. I am happy for her as she has found a reliable man for herself.
So, back to our Aces lifestyle - from 22 April onwards i will be "promoted" to the ultimate ranking that any woman would look forward to - "MMM". ( Mother-Maid-Master of all trades)
For 3 years, we have been enjoying the wonder of having a Magic Hands in the family and now this Magic will disappeared.
Well, it's a matter of getting used to what we did before Siti joined our family.
For housework, i will try to do :
- Sweeps the floor daily
- Mop 2 or 3 times a week, depend on level of dust
- Laundry - need to set schedules to include weekdays washes as well. (now Siti handwash the laudry during weekdays. Machine washes during weekends when we have heavy stuff, like bedsheets etcs.)
- Cooking will be done on weekends, if time permits. For weekdays, we will need to order Tingkat Dinner as by the time i finished work and fetched the children from childcare, there is not enough time to cook.
- Ironing will be done on weekdays night or weekends.
This is the current set of rountines that i can plan, for any ad hocs assignments, we will go by the flows.
Looking forward to our Independence Day and hopefully, i can survive it... : )
Siti, my domestic helper, is booked on Garuda Flight to go back on 21 April 2007. She is returning back to Jakarta to get married. Her husband to be and his family are looking forward to her home coming. I am happy for her as she has found a reliable man for herself.
So, back to our Aces lifestyle - from 22 April onwards i will be "promoted" to the ultimate ranking that any woman would look forward to - "MMM". ( Mother-Maid-Master of all trades)
For 3 years, we have been enjoying the wonder of having a Magic Hands in the family and now this Magic will disappeared.
Well, it's a matter of getting used to what we did before Siti joined our family.
For housework, i will try to do :
- Sweeps the floor daily
- Mop 2 or 3 times a week, depend on level of dust
- Laundry - need to set schedules to include weekdays washes as well. (now Siti handwash the laudry during weekdays. Machine washes during weekends when we have heavy stuff, like bedsheets etcs.)
- Cooking will be done on weekends, if time permits. For weekdays, we will need to order Tingkat Dinner as by the time i finished work and fetched the children from childcare, there is not enough time to cook.
- Ironing will be done on weekdays night or weekends.
This is the current set of rountines that i can plan, for any ad hocs assignments, we will go by the flows.
Looking forward to our Independence Day and hopefully, i can survive it... : )
Friday, April 13, 2007
Long Service Award - 15 Years
Adrian came and fetched me from work and he was very excited.
"Dear, you see what is in the envelope". He show me a small envelope and a small RED Box.
I took the envelope, in it, there is a rank badge with a STAR. There is a GLOW on his face and i can tell from his expression that he is very PROUD of this achievement.
"15 years LONG SERVICE Award, can't believe that i have been with the force for these many years". He exclaimed.
15 Years is indeed a very long time. Espcially in this new-age world, people job-hop alot to test the job market. To be able to say you works for a company for 10 years is already quite rare, anything more than that is quite an achievement.
There was times that he had wanted to quit the force but problem is what he is doing now is very specialised, so if he were to leave the force, he would have to start from scratch in the new job outside.
Knowing his character, my advice to him is to stay with the force because the outside world jobs would be too "political" for him to handle.
I am happy for him because this year 2007, we see very positive adjustments to his work scopes and he is looking forward to the new challenges.
Oh..not forgetting, Dear Hubby will be training the Boy Brigades Contingent for this year NDP 2007 which will take place on a Platform by the Marina Bay for the 1st time. He is very proud to be the chosen one... : )
" Dear hubby, thanks for providing anthea, anders and myself with such great comfort for our life. Together as a family, we will achieve more in LiFe and share our Love, Joy and Happiness always."
"Dear, you see what is in the envelope". He show me a small envelope and a small RED Box.
I took the envelope, in it, there is a rank badge with a STAR. There is a GLOW on his face and i can tell from his expression that he is very PROUD of this achievement.
"15 years LONG SERVICE Award, can't believe that i have been with the force for these many years". He exclaimed.
15 Years is indeed a very long time. Espcially in this new-age world, people job-hop alot to test the job market. To be able to say you works for a company for 10 years is already quite rare, anything more than that is quite an achievement.
There was times that he had wanted to quit the force but problem is what he is doing now is very specialised, so if he were to leave the force, he would have to start from scratch in the new job outside.
Knowing his character, my advice to him is to stay with the force because the outside world jobs would be too "political" for him to handle.
I am happy for him because this year 2007, we see very positive adjustments to his work scopes and he is looking forward to the new challenges.
Oh..not forgetting, Dear Hubby will be training the Boy Brigades Contingent for this year NDP 2007 which will take place on a Platform by the Marina Bay for the 1st time. He is very proud to be the chosen one... : )
" Dear hubby, thanks for providing anthea, anders and myself with such great comfort for our life. Together as a family, we will achieve more in LiFe and share our Love, Joy and Happiness always."
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Aces Family 1st Movie Nite
Bringing Anthea and Anders to the movie has always been on my mind. I have been procrastinating it because of my worries :
- if they can sit still for 90 minutes
- will they be scare of the darkness in the cinema
- will they enjoy the movie etcs...
So to clear all my worries, we decided to go for a movie as a family. Also the childcare centre will be closed for the next 2 days, so waking up late tomorrow is not a problem.
I have 3 FREE movie passes for Golden Village cinema. So our nearest choice is GV Bishan and the movie we chose was Mr Beans Holiday.
The 2 A's junior has been watching Mr Bean cartoon CDs and Mr Bean show at home, so they are very familiar with the character.
After getting tickets for the 7.20 pm tickets, we bought a Combo Set ( large popcorns + a large sized drink). We went in the hall for the movie.
Both Anthea and Anders were very excited, especially Anders, he kept asking : "where's Mr Bean?" Then i explained to them that we have to wait for the movie to be screen. While waiting, both of them were happily munching the popcorns and sipping the drink.
Once the movie started, 2 of them got quite engrossed with it. Only thing is both of the will keep asking me questions : "why, what happen? " So i will have to keep linking the story for them. As the movie is more of funny actions than dialogue, so it was good enough to keep their attention focused.
At the end of the movie, both of them left the cinema, tired but very Happy. Anders told me he want to see Spiderman...hee : )
Then we went Breadtalk for a light supper and after that it was Home Sweet Home.
Well, from this experienced, i know my worries were unfounded. I am proud and glad to say the our 1st movie night is a SUCCESS and i know, there will be more of it to come.
- if they can sit still for 90 minutes
- will they be scare of the darkness in the cinema
- will they enjoy the movie etcs...
So to clear all my worries, we decided to go for a movie as a family. Also the childcare centre will be closed for the next 2 days, so waking up late tomorrow is not a problem.
I have 3 FREE movie passes for Golden Village cinema. So our nearest choice is GV Bishan and the movie we chose was Mr Beans Holiday.
The 2 A's junior has been watching Mr Bean cartoon CDs and Mr Bean show at home, so they are very familiar with the character.
After getting tickets for the 7.20 pm tickets, we bought a Combo Set ( large popcorns + a large sized drink). We went in the hall for the movie.
Both Anthea and Anders were very excited, especially Anders, he kept asking : "where's Mr Bean?" Then i explained to them that we have to wait for the movie to be screen. While waiting, both of them were happily munching the popcorns and sipping the drink.
Once the movie started, 2 of them got quite engrossed with it. Only thing is both of the will keep asking me questions : "why, what happen? " So i will have to keep linking the story for them. As the movie is more of funny actions than dialogue, so it was good enough to keep their attention focused.
At the end of the movie, both of them left the cinema, tired but very Happy. Anders told me he want to see Spiderman...hee : )
Then we went Breadtalk for a light supper and after that it was Home Sweet Home.
Well, from this experienced, i know my worries were unfounded. I am proud and glad to say the our 1st movie night is a SUCCESS and i know, there will be more of it to come.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Anthea is 5 Years Old..
"亲爱的公主艾妤,
生日快乐。愿您 永远 愉快 与 坚强。
爱, 妈妈"
Another Milestone for our Aces Family.
Anthea was borned on 09 April 2002 at Mt.Alvernia Hospital by Doctor Theresa Cheng Mei Ling.
(Anthea at Rizt Carlton, Nov 2002)
Looking back, it has been a good 5 years for Anthea. As she is the eldest grand-daughter for both side of our families, she was being doted on by all the families members to the greatest extend.
I am grateful to my lao ma & lao pa for helping me with taking care of Anthea during her 1st year. It was not easy but i knew they did it out of Love for me and their grand-daughter.
Also very Thankful to my parent in laws for always helping me to take care of her during weekends so that i have time / space for my ownself. Even up till now, Anthea is always looking forward to spending her weekends at Ye-Ye & Nai Nai house.
(Anthea at her 1st Birthday @ Aloha Loyang)
A happy and fruitful 5 years for her and for us. I am looking forward to the next phase when she starts Primary School in 2 years time.
For her 5th birthday, she has received following presents:
1. Daddy - 12 Dancing Princess Nintendo Cartridge
2. Mommy - 12 Dancing Princess birthday cake
3. Nai Nai - Orchard room hotel stay
4. Ye Ye - Birthday dinner at Hard Rock Cafe
5. Uncle Louis & Aunty Eve - Ang Pow for her EduFund
6. Uncle Terence & Cherry jie jie - Princess Bella from Beauty & the Beast
7. Ah pao, Da-jiu & Er-jiu - Ang Pows for EduFund.
Simple wish for my lovely Princess : to Be Happy and Be Strong Always.
生日快乐。愿您 永远 愉快 与 坚强。
爱, 妈妈"
Another Milestone for our Aces Family.
Anthea was borned on 09 April 2002 at Mt.Alvernia Hospital by Doctor Theresa Cheng Mei Ling.
(Anthea at Rizt Carlton, Nov 2002)
Looking back, it has been a good 5 years for Anthea. As she is the eldest grand-daughter for both side of our families, she was being doted on by all the families members to the greatest extend.
I am grateful to my lao ma & lao pa for helping me with taking care of Anthea during her 1st year. It was not easy but i knew they did it out of Love for me and their grand-daughter.
Also very Thankful to my parent in laws for always helping me to take care of her during weekends so that i have time / space for my ownself. Even up till now, Anthea is always looking forward to spending her weekends at Ye-Ye & Nai Nai house.
(Anthea at her 1st Birthday @ Aloha Loyang)
A happy and fruitful 5 years for her and for us. I am looking forward to the next phase when she starts Primary School in 2 years time.
For her 5th birthday, she has received following presents:
1. Daddy - 12 Dancing Princess Nintendo Cartridge
2. Mommy - 12 Dancing Princess birthday cake
3. Nai Nai - Orchard room hotel stay
4. Ye Ye - Birthday dinner at Hard Rock Cafe
5. Uncle Louis & Aunty Eve - Ang Pow for her EduFund
6. Uncle Terence & Cherry jie jie - Princess Bella from Beauty & the Beast
7. Ah pao, Da-jiu & Er-jiu - Ang Pows for EduFund.
Simple wish for my lovely Princess : to Be Happy and Be Strong Always.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Family Event....
The other day, i was having a chat with a colleague and said that since she is staying near the Zoo, she can take times to bring her toddle to the Zoo and introduce the animals slowly. Told her she can drive and bring her daughter alone to the Zoo, if the husband is busy at work.
She said that going to the Zoo is a Family event, so even if the husband is not free, he must also make time for the family. So that left me with some thoughts over what should be family events.
So far, for our Aces family Sunday, each has their own activity :
Adrian - Badminton Session with Father in law group
Anthea - Swimming session with mother in law.
Anders - Home with me .Usually i will bring him to the market and do some morning walks. Sometime i will bring him to the pool near our house.
So, in theory, we are not doing any family event together . However, i am always happy because i am spending quality time with Anders, Anthea is enjoying her Sunday with Ye-Ye & Nai Nai, Adrian is having his exercise routine. So, all in all, we are enjoying ourself.
Usually for weekends, we will eat out with the extended family members and catch up on the 1 week events. There is a saying, "family that eats together stay togther".
I pride myself, sometimes, for being independent and not always relying on Dear Hubby to go to places with the children. The other reason is Adrian is with the Military and shift work is common, so if i were to solely depend on him for children outings...then it will be tough and demanding for him.
Of course, when opportunities arise, we will do Family Event, like going to Sunway Lagoons, attend friends gatherings etcs. And we are now planning for Gold Coast, Australia, in 2008.
Quote : "Achieving Happiness does not have to depend on events. Through mental practice we can form the ability to be happy most of the time"
She said that going to the Zoo is a Family event, so even if the husband is not free, he must also make time for the family. So that left me with some thoughts over what should be family events.
So far, for our Aces family Sunday, each has their own activity :
Adrian - Badminton Session with Father in law group
Anthea - Swimming session with mother in law.
Anders - Home with me .Usually i will bring him to the market and do some morning walks. Sometime i will bring him to the pool near our house.
So, in theory, we are not doing any family event together . However, i am always happy because i am spending quality time with Anders, Anthea is enjoying her Sunday with Ye-Ye & Nai Nai, Adrian is having his exercise routine. So, all in all, we are enjoying ourself.
Usually for weekends, we will eat out with the extended family members and catch up on the 1 week events. There is a saying, "family that eats together stay togther".
I pride myself, sometimes, for being independent and not always relying on Dear Hubby to go to places with the children. The other reason is Adrian is with the Military and shift work is common, so if i were to solely depend on him for children outings...then it will be tough and demanding for him.
Of course, when opportunities arise, we will do Family Event, like going to Sunway Lagoons, attend friends gatherings etcs. And we are now planning for Gold Coast, Australia, in 2008.
Quote : "Achieving Happiness does not have to depend on events. Through mental practice we can form the ability to be happy most of the time"
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Happy 5th Birthday to Our Princess, Anthea Tan
Birthday Treats @ Orchard Hotel & Hard Rock Cafe
In 2 more days, Anthea will be 5 Years Old.
As this is the long weekends, we decided to celebrate her birthday in advance. Mother in law had a few memberships with local hotels, so for Anthea birthday, she had requested to stay at Orchard hotel. As usual, her wish came true.
On Good Friday afternoon, they checked in Orchard Hotel. They went for lunch at the hotel cafe and then swam at the pool. In the evening, the rest of us met up in the hotel room before setting off for dinner. They had the room on the new wing, nice and cosy room. When we reached the hotel, Anthea was still in dreamland as she had a good time at the pool.
Dinner was at Hard Rock Cafe as it is walking distance from the hotel and also Anthea said she wanted Western Food. Food was good and service was as usual, excellent. During dinner, we chatted about our family matters : Faith Full Month celebration, Terence and Cherry's wedding in May 2008 and etcs. Really looking forward to this Wedding as it will be the Tan's Family Finale till the 3rd Generation.
After dinner, dessert was Anthea's Dancing Princess Birthday Cake. She had requested for the cake. The Staff at Hard Rock cafe brought out the cake and the DJ announced Anthea's name over his system. The staff sang her a birthday song, together with all of us. The atmosphere was very lively and she was very happy. HRC even took a photo for us and gave it to us as a souvenior. It was a really wonderful celebration. Adrian told me "so fast, it's already 5 years since she was born". I said "yeah, really fast".
Deep in my heart, i am grateful for all the good things that has been happening to her and i know she is someone special, in her own way. She is being loved by some many people in a different ways. My hope for her is to be "Strong in both her Intellectual and Moral".
After the celebration at HRC, Uncle Terence and Cherry decided to buy presents for both anthea and anders (belated present for anders), so we went shopping at Toy R US. Anthea got for herself a Disney Princess - Bella (Beauty & the Beast) and Anders got for himself a Ultraman Dyna. Both of them were very happy and after the we went back to the hotel room to Chill out & Relax.
We reached home around 11pm. Anthea stayed at the hotel with Mom and Dad.
Today morning, we brought Anders to the hotel for a swim. After swimming, we had buffet lunch at the cafe as mom have some vouchers, the spread was good.
After lunch we checked out and went home to rest. Dinner was "da-baoing" food and we ate at 729 . As Eve's still in confinement, so both Louis and herself can't join us for the birthday celebration, we reserved a portion of the cake for them. At the same time, it was a good chance to see Faith.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Anthea 1st Science Project.
Today is the last day of Anthea and Anders Childcare renovation, this means that this is the last time that she is taking school bus. I am really thankful that the 2 weeks of commuting between Ang Mo Kio and Yishun was smooth and safe. Anthea has been enjoying the bus ride, however, she is looking forward to going to the AMK centre next week.
Today i went to fetch both from the childcare. Anthea brought back a science project. It has 2 plastic cups glued togther. In 1 cup, there is a few Green Beans and in another cup, there is cotton bud stick. There is a "project book" title: Living and Non-Living Thing. In it, there are few pages where the children draw the picture of the contend in the 2 cups. By day 2 - the cup with Green bean starts to bud whereas the cup with cotton bud stick remains. Interesting project as this will make her see the growth of Living thing.
So timely is this project, we can also explain to her that her little cousin, Faith, will also grow as time goes by.
Anders is also enjoying himself with the daily singing session learning time in school. He is always happy and jovial when asked about his day in school.
My GM just came back from a vacation in Australia, Sydney and Cairns. He brought back some goodies and there is this box of Koala Bears chocolate that is just too cute to be eaten.. : )
Looking forward to a nice and relaxed LONG weekends as tomorrow we celebrate Good Friday, also know as Easter Holiday.
HAPPY Easter HOLIDAY !!!
"Easter is the time of springtime festivals, a time to welcome back the Tulips, the Crocuses and the Daffodils. Its a time of new suits, new dresses and patent leather shoes. A time for Christians to celebrate the life and resurrection of Christ. And a time of chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chicks, and colored eggs"
Today i went to fetch both from the childcare. Anthea brought back a science project. It has 2 plastic cups glued togther. In 1 cup, there is a few Green Beans and in another cup, there is cotton bud stick. There is a "project book" title: Living and Non-Living Thing. In it, there are few pages where the children draw the picture of the contend in the 2 cups. By day 2 - the cup with Green bean starts to bud whereas the cup with cotton bud stick remains. Interesting project as this will make her see the growth of Living thing.
So timely is this project, we can also explain to her that her little cousin, Faith, will also grow as time goes by.
Anders is also enjoying himself with the daily singing session learning time in school. He is always happy and jovial when asked about his day in school.
My GM just came back from a vacation in Australia, Sydney and Cairns. He brought back some goodies and there is this box of Koala Bears chocolate that is just too cute to be eaten.. : )
Looking forward to a nice and relaxed LONG weekends as tomorrow we celebrate Good Friday, also know as Easter Holiday.
HAPPY Easter HOLIDAY !!!
"Easter is the time of springtime festivals, a time to welcome back the Tulips, the Crocuses and the Daffodils. Its a time of new suits, new dresses and patent leather shoes. A time for Christians to celebrate the life and resurrection of Christ. And a time of chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chicks, and colored eggs"
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
News on 联合 Wan 报, 2 April 2007
I am not sure if this new is a sheer coincidence or a wake up call for me.....
A 4 years old boy was found drowned in a swimming pool in a condominium on 25 March 2007. He was sent to KKH A&E. After 7 days of struggling, he died on 01 April 2007. In the article, it was mentioned that he fell into the swimming pool and the family members were around him, they did not realised it till later. Someone rescued him and sent him to KKH Immediately but it was too late...
There are so many IFs...IFs...now going through my mind.
Now, i am going to start Anders on proper swimming lesson and not take things for granted.
Monday, April 02, 2007
My Disappointment...
I came across a swimming school that is starting a beginner class at Bishan Swimming pool for children of Anthea's age. After gathering all the information, i thought to myself, it is about time Anthea start on proper swimming lessons.
She goes swimming every Sundays with my In-laws and she enjoys swimming. So on last Thursday / Friday, i told her about starting lesson on Sunday. At first, she rejected my proposal, saying that the teacher will scold her if she swims wrongly. Then i explained in detail the pros of the coach's teaching and usually the coach will not scold children, if they follow instruction properly. So after listening, she agreed to give it a try on Sunday.
This morning, i woke up, with great enthusiasm and looking forward to her 1st swimming lesson. Adrian received a call from Dad mentioning that he was not going for his Sunday badminton, so adrian said he will take a taxi, cos i will drive Anthea to Bishan for her swimming lesson. All these was confirmed and i left for NTUC to do my marketing since it was still early.
When i reached home from NTUC, i was shocked and disappointed when Anthea told me "mommy, i don't want to go lesson. I want to go Civil Service...". Then Adrian told me that Mom & Dad will fetch Anthea and myself to Bishan for the lesson and then they will go Civil Service for their swim. I asked him "why do i need them to fetch us, i am driving ? " I reckon Anthea overheard the conversation and decided that she want to go Civil Service Club with my In-laws instead.
I was really DISAPPOINTED that she chosed to abandon the original plan. All around me kept telling me : "it's ok, don't force her". My mood was spoiled for the rest of the day.
After dinner, Adrian came back and told me that "today at CSC, she can swim the whole width..", i asked him "did she do it with the right stroke ? did she comes up for air correctly ? ".
"She hold her breath all the way."
Well, honestly, i am not wanting her to become the next Joceslyn Teo or Tao Li. My basis is for her to learn Survival skills. Scenario : should she fall into the deeper end of the pool with no supervision around, i want her to be able to swim herself to safety and not just hold her breath!! At the age of 5, i would think it is ideal age to pick up this basic skills.
Adrian told me, we will bring her for swimming lesson when she asked for it. I told him : "yeah, if that day comes..."
She goes swimming every Sundays with my In-laws and she enjoys swimming. So on last Thursday / Friday, i told her about starting lesson on Sunday. At first, she rejected my proposal, saying that the teacher will scold her if she swims wrongly. Then i explained in detail the pros of the coach's teaching and usually the coach will not scold children, if they follow instruction properly. So after listening, she agreed to give it a try on Sunday.
This morning, i woke up, with great enthusiasm and looking forward to her 1st swimming lesson. Adrian received a call from Dad mentioning that he was not going for his Sunday badminton, so adrian said he will take a taxi, cos i will drive Anthea to Bishan for her swimming lesson. All these was confirmed and i left for NTUC to do my marketing since it was still early.
When i reached home from NTUC, i was shocked and disappointed when Anthea told me "mommy, i don't want to go lesson. I want to go Civil Service...". Then Adrian told me that Mom & Dad will fetch Anthea and myself to Bishan for the lesson and then they will go Civil Service for their swim. I asked him "why do i need them to fetch us, i am driving ? " I reckon Anthea overheard the conversation and decided that she want to go Civil Service Club with my In-laws instead.
I was really DISAPPOINTED that she chosed to abandon the original plan. All around me kept telling me : "it's ok, don't force her". My mood was spoiled for the rest of the day.
After dinner, Adrian came back and told me that "today at CSC, she can swim the whole width..", i asked him "did she do it with the right stroke ? did she comes up for air correctly ? ".
"She hold her breath all the way."
Well, honestly, i am not wanting her to become the next Joceslyn Teo or Tao Li. My basis is for her to learn Survival skills. Scenario : should she fall into the deeper end of the pool with no supervision around, i want her to be able to swim herself to safety and not just hold her breath!! At the age of 5, i would think it is ideal age to pick up this basic skills.
Adrian told me, we will bring her for swimming lesson when she asked for it. I told him : "yeah, if that day comes..."
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