YOG 2010

First YOG in Singapore...everyone has been talking about it lately. A major event this year, 1st time ever that creates an history. It has been an honor for Ashley to be part of it. Well, as parents, we are proud of her being selected to participate in the opening ceremony from the YOG audition at School of Dance. In grade 1, there are only 5 being selected, and gladly Ashley is one of them. With her, there's Britney, Kale, Shanice and ... (a Malay girl, cant recall her name ...). Unfortunately Shanice got chicken pox and had to withdraw from all rehearsals, and the Malay girl's mum got some other commitments that cant have her daughter participating. In the end, Preecha and Esther stand in for the 2. It's not easy for the girls. There are many sessions of rehearsals and for long hours on Sat. Nearer to event date, more rehearsals were scheduled, even on weekdays where Ashley need to seek early dismissal from school. Being her 'driver', I am also tried over the period-remembering the rehearsal dates, preparing snacks, seeking early dismissal from teachers...etc. Simply cant wait for the event to be over, and back to our usual routine. Recalling back, sometimes I regretted allowing her to take part in YOG. But as what Jeremy says, it's once a life time... and since she got selected, we have to support her. It's not surprising that Ashley had no complaints over the numerous rehearsals (with super long hours) since she had been enjoying. If it was us parents wanting her to be in YOG and not in her own preference, I think she would have thrown tantrums ththousand times. Haha... Finally the day draws nearer. We are given 2 tickets to watch the Final combined rehearsal on 11Aug (wed). The last rehearsal before the actual opening ceremony on 14 Aug. I am in delighted mood when walking to Marina Platform from Cityhall station. Jeremy came with me. Well, after my 'nagging', he had no choice but to come along with me to watch his girl performing. A pity Cieran is unable to join us... which I am glad. Such performance just doesn't suit him. He'll get bored from the waiting, and bringing him out to toileting will be cumbersome as well. Though I left sorry for him, but at ease when I learnt that he is having fun time with Clarissa at mum's place. The event started with lots of cheers and dancing moves led by the 4 MCs. Atmosphere is there... I suppose the audience are all ready for a fun time. Lyo and Merli being the mascot for YOG are in appearance as well. The opening came out as a bang, drums playing, and street dancing from TSOD. I have been trying to spot for Ashley but in vain, even though she tipped me off that she will be near to the blue sector (gate MC1). Out came the lion dance, with the water fountain behind that blend with the music and lights, and the lezar from the CBD buildings..all adds on to the spectacular opening. The whole marina platform becomes serious only when the National Flag was marched in with athletics and handover to the military to raise it up. For that instance, I believed all Singaporean feel proud of it. The night scene is beautiful with light and fire works, and the atmosphere is simply great. I can imagine the actual ceremony will be of a lot of fun, cheer and pride. Singapore is proud to be the 1st host of YOG and eager to show what we are. Through the event, Ashley make a lot of friends (seniors of TSOD) and I believed she had fun and it's an experience/eye opener for her. A relief that now it's over, and we are finally back to usual routine.... ;-) Actually little Ceiran also feels proud of his sister (though he may be young) He looks up upon his sister, and misses her when she's away for rehearsals. On actual day, Cieran watches the performance by the Tv... believed he knew that his sister is performing and telecasting on tv.... haha... :-p See below pose of his.... he's trying to imitate Ashley.... haha...

Cieran's 1st Field Trip with Carpe Diem

Cieran was with Carpe Diem for almost 8months, finally a field trip was organised. It's a trip to Underwater World, under the week's theme on animals. Before the trip, I have been telling Cieran what he will be expecting at the Underwater World to prepare him. He was happy over the trip. I recalled Ashley went to Underwater World as well when she was in K1, and I made the trip with her together with her school, she was rather afraid of the big sharks under the tunnel. As such, being fair to Cieran, I joined the school trip as well. Cieran was happy that I came along. On board the bus, Cieran was excited through the journey, especially he loves sitting on bus. He choose the front seat by the window. We arrived at Sentosa at around 10am, passes by Resort World which looks quite enormous to me. Finally we reached Underwater World and the 1st to greet us was stingray pool. This is new to me. Last time when I came with Ashley, there wasn't any such pool. It was interesting and I think it's educational as it allows the public to feel and touch the stingray. Cieran had fun watching them swimming to and fro. The adventurous ones can even buy the baits and feed them with your hands. There were several other sections where the public can put their hands to touch and feel the water, fishes and corals which make learning more interesting. Walking through the tunnel, I introduced to Cieran sharks, jelly fish, shells, crabs etc..... Cieran watched with amazement in his face. haha... he's such a cutie. Especially the giant crab... he was in total shock... but as usual, did a silly face while I cant helped but took a photo of him. the tunnel was an eye opener for the children. Earlier I was worried that Cieran will be afraid of the large fishes above him, but surprisingly he was so brave! He walk like a leader in front of the whole group. Haha! Along the tunnel journey, Cieran was observing the different fishes swimming around. He looked so attentively, I wonder what's in his mind.... We also saw 2 diver in the tunnel cleaning the area and feeding the fishes. The children looked with amazement. Next, the group moved on to the dolhine's show, but unfortunately, it was raining and we are 'trapped'. The distance to the threatre was not far though, thus the group decided to proceed. Fortunately I came prepared. I had an umbrella with me, thus both Cieran and myself were not wet at all. For once, I felt that BT Carpe Diem was not organised for the trip and children had to cross over under the rain. We missed the show anyhow, due to poor time management. Ended up, we had our lunch by the threatre. We left Sentosa around 2pm. Overall, The children including Cieran had fun. Nonetheless, I felt the trip could be even better and more educational.

A long weekends Fun!

It's a long weekends for the kids, especially for Ashley. Friday, she celebrated National Day with only 3 hours at school, and Tuesday a school holiday for her. So envy! Basically, she break for 4.5days! Sun, 8 Aug, the weather was good with ample of sunshine that triggers the thought of 'water play' for the kids. When I threw the idea to them, immediately there's lots of shouting and excitement in the air. Seeing them jumping with joy, again I feel that the tiring job in setting up is worth the trouble. Haha! The 2 kids waited patiently for mummy to pump the pool, changed them in consume and flash water into the pool. Cieran was especially excited when I splashed the water at him. It's really a joy watching them at play. Also, a quiet moment to myself, listening to my music by the sofa...watching them. At one stage, Cieran put on his green-coloured sunglasses, and with his matching swimming costume, I can't helped but requesting the children to give me a pose! Look! Cieran looked smart yah? haha... The children can certainly amused themselves. Without me noticing, they already had more toys with them... tooked the bottles (that I used to water the plants) and started to play cooking in the pool. For a moment, they looked so serious! For 15mins, they are very cooperative and shared the toys in cooking... soon, they started to snatch and fight for 'utensils'... till I warned them about sharing, else no more water play. Kids are just kids... the cycle goes round and round like this. That's why they always keep me busy. Haha.... but Is till love to watch them at play. Cieran started to get bored with cooking and started to be on his own fun. He pretend to swim... then match around the pool...haha! He's so funny! I took a video clip of his silly actions, but a pity I cannt share it here in the blog as the capacity is too large to upload. I suddenly remembered about bubbles and offered a bottle to Cieran. His face lited with joy. Next moment, he's busy blowing bubbles with all his mighty lungs...haha... coz he blew so hard! They played for an hour or longer before washing up. Mon, National Day was also a fun-filled day for the kids. Decided to bring them to the zoo, and will be meeting Grace & family for this field trip together! Cieran had been exited since the night before the trip. Even before he doze off, he had been asking "we go zoo?....see elephant?" He repeatedly asked the same even when we are at the zoo....haha! He loves elephants and this is a MUST visit at the zoo! We arrived slightly earlier at around 8.20am. As usual, Grace is late. The kids got impatient and kept asking me why yi-ma haven't reached. Even little Cieran kept asking "why yi-ma so long?"....haha... He cant wait to see elephants. Finally at 9.30am, we are inside the zoo. Ashley and Vernon lead the way in, and the 1st to welcome us are otters and chimpanzees. The chimps seems happy to see many people visiting the zoo, as they swing from a tree to another, showing off their excellent skills. Along the trail, we saw cats family of cheetas, leopards and lions. Learnt how to differentite between a lepard and a cheetah by reading the fun facts displays. Next, zebras, girrafe and rhinos greeted us. It was by coincident that we are passing by polar bear that we managed to catch the polar bear feeding time.We have been missing the polar bear feeding time each time we are at the zoo. Glad that the kids finally get to watch the show. Next, we proceed to the splash safari under the kid's demand. Though I had watched the same performace 3x, I dont mind watching with them again. I lead them to the front andmanaged to squeeze them seated comfortably among the crowd. The 3 kids enjoyed a great performance by the penguins and sealions, and also the snacks that I brought for them. As usual, Cieran is the most dirty-eater...haha. He had small piceces of seaweed all over his mouth and face. After the performance, the last we visit before leaving zoo will be the elephants! Cant forget about elephants since Cieran had been reminding me. Timing is just right! 11.55am for feeding the elephants! Bought a basket at $5 this time, so that the kids get to feed elephants. A little hsistation in Vernon, but he managed to build up his courage to feed the elephant with carrots. Overall, the kids had fun... including the adults. We ended up lunch at KFC before we head off to Raffles Town Club for a movie-Astro Boy. Dont you think it's a FUN day for the kids? Well, I must admit I do also... Astro Boy was quite a nice and touching movie. Quite funny also, in certain portion of the movie. Can hear some adults laughing heartedly in the threatre. The show ended around 4plus where we headed home. After a short rest, I showered the kids (and shower myself, cant stand the sticky me from the sweat...), and 3 of us had a little stroll out to buy our dinner. Enjoy dinner while watching the National Parade... so shiok right? Haha....

An Animal Project!

The theme for this month is about animals. The school had planned for a parent-child bonding competition with this theme, and that's to create an animal using re-cycling materials. This is the 1st time Cieran and I will sit together on a 'project' I called it, and I want to create an impression for his learning. I browsed through the net and check what I can find for kids' craft under this theme...You will not be surprised by the numerous choices to go for. I remembered Ashley and I made a cat out of tissue box on a similar project by Carpe Diem when she was in N2 or so.. I decided to create a different one with Cieran. I selected lion, elephant and mouse for Cieran to choose. I reckon he will pick elephant as that's his favourite animal and indeed I was right. The next couple of days, I ponder on the materials that we will need for this craft and started to collect them, ready for weekends where we can work on the craft. Not too difficult as I already have 2 bottles of green tea drink in my fridge, I just need to clear them and use that for elephant's feet. As for the body, I had a large bottle as well... one that I used to water my plants, which can be used for this craft purposes. For a moment, I felt I am rather creative...haha! On Sat, after sending Ashley off for her YOG rehearsal, I started to plan for the craft project with Cieran. Cieran is extremely happy that he is going to make an elephant with him. Happily, he helped me with the preparations...like carrying the ikea chair outdoor, laying the newspaper over it. He is definitely excited over this project. As for mummy, I am busy walking in and out, up and down, getting all needed materials ready. It wasn't easy cutting the bottles into half... eventually I ended up using the fire at cooking stove to melt the plastic... which was a good idea... as the 2 feet came out well and evenly 'cut' with a nice shape. Next, we are busy fixing the shape of the elephant, adding his nose (using a book binder) and ears. As paint doesn't goes well on to a smooth surface, such as on the bottles, I have to think of a way to have the paints on. I could be a genius coming out an idea of wetting the newspapers, sticking them on, as a based for the entire elephant before I put the paints on. Next moment, Cieran was busying helping me with more newspaper, and tearing them in pieces, throwing them into the pail of water. He had fun tearing and mixing them with water, while I scope them up and stick them on the elephant. Indeed, this is a good opportunity to bond with Cieran which I hardly have such time. I looked at his happy face, and it filled me up with joy. I have missed such bonding time with him alone, doing something together. We spent more than an hour 'fixing' this elephant and eventually, the draft was ready for drying. Cieran was really happy and had many praises on his very own elephant. When Ashley was home from her rehearsal, Cieran immediately hold her hand, showing his sister his elephant. He did the same when Jeremy came home. "Nice? Nice elephant..... I made with mummy".... he would say. What a cute little boy. Sun, we beautify the elephant with grey paints. It looked more like an elephant with the rightful colour on. What was missing will be the eyes and tusks. What can we used for that purposes?.... buttons came into my mind. Yes! Buttons for the eyes... and... macaroni for the tusks. I went off to search for buttons.. and the kids are excited wanting to help. Unfortunately I am not a person that will keep stock of buttons and we only managed to locate 3 buttons of different colours and sizes. Haha! We could use them, but they made the elephant look a little silly with 1 eye big and the other small. Cieran doesn't mind, but I told him we could find more at Po Po house. As such, we decide to add the eyes and tusks on Mon, after checking on Po Po's stock. Haha... and we did! The elephant was complete... finally.. on Mon evening. See! Doesn't it look like an elephant??

Cieran is full of joy!

A Fun Day on Labour Day!

Weekends are always busy with either enrichment classes, or indulge in housework. Finally the day comes where I can spent the whole day with the children, without being a chauffeur driving kids to classes. A day that I long missed! I have everything all planned for this day-Labour Day! The day started with fun at the playground before our hearty breakfast at the coffee shop. Nothing fanciful, but the children are happy so far. Haha! Through the morning, I mentioned few times to Cieran that we will visit the hair salon to have his hair trimmed short. He seems to understand my explanation that mummy can't trimmed his hair well especially areas near to ear and only the hairdresser can do a better job than mummy. Not sure if he does understand what I said, but he didn't create any fuss over the topic. He knocks his head happily and says 'yes' when I mention hair cut later in the day (phew!). It has always been a challenge to have Cieran sit on the chair in the hair salon, and through the years, I am the one trimming his hair. (surprisingly, he sits quietly for me to trim his hair... but not others!) Anyway, since the salon doesn't open so early (as we are early birds), we have to head home 1st after breakfast. "What shall we do, Mummy?", Ashley asks me. Art & Craft I told her. Instantly, there are cheers among the air. The children gets excited over the activity I suggested. Haha! Soon, the table was set! Newspaper all over, with paints and craft works that I bought. The children are going to make their very own wind chime. Cieran may be a little young for this activity, but who cares! As long as he had fun... or rather, we had fun together. The 2 kids are busy painting their chime, while mummy watched them, and help them with the colours. Obviously Ashley's chimes looks more colorful with her knowledge of mix & match and dividing the colours separately. As for Cieran's one.... haha.... the colours turn dull of brownish green as he mixed them all together. We spent almost an hour in the colouring of wind chime before I have to rush the kids to the bathroom to get clean up. (they simply refused to let go of the colourings!) After washing up, we went for a bicycle ride to the hair salon. Ashley seems more anxious than Cieran. Along the walk to the salon, she goes on & on telling Cieran that he will look handsome after the hair cut....which is encouraging. Somehow Cieran has fear to the hair salon, and with Ashley's encouragements, I cross my fingers that all will goes well. I realised there are 2 hair salons around my house vicinity (for more than 3 years staying here... only now I noticed! :-p). I let Cieran choose which salon he prefers, and eventually we stepped into one. After much persuasions and hoax, he finally sat onto one of the chairs. (with Ashley sitting next to him). I thought this will be it.... who knows..... the moment the hairdresser came with the scissors, he started to cry for 'NO'! My god! I expected this, but thought all went well so far.... In the end, I had to sit with him, with no shield over us, and have the hair cut. This hair cut was certainly a challenging one for the hairdresser. With lots of hoax, cries, pacifying, trimming bit by bit.... eventually the job was done. I didnt take notice of the time how long it took, as I was already busy, rushing back home. You cant imagine how many hair/hairs I had on me!!! Of course, on Cieran as well. Along the way, he keeps pulling his shirt...and complaining itchy. Without further delay, shower is our next activity. Yes! We shower together.....haha... Can still afford to, when the kids are young. ;-) Not forgetting to praise Cieran being a good boy and he looks so handsome after the haircut.. I hope he will 'behaves' better in his next hair cut. Haha! Ashley was a great help is praising him. Next activity, we had water play. The children was trilled over the idea. It's been a long time since the last water play we had at home. After some digging at the storeroom, I found the pump for the pool. Children had been patient on mummy in setting this up. What to do? Mummy alone doing all the work ley.... but it's worth it when I see the smiles in them. While they are having fun, I am again busy snapping photos on them. For a moment, I wonder why I didn't snap photos during our playground fun and Art & Craft. As such, in this blog, I only have water play pics. (haiz!) Thank god that the weather had been good and the children gets to play outdoor. They had almost 2 hours water fun before I shower them again and head off for lunch. Kids favourite again!-KFC lunch. As expected, Cieran fell asleep soon after I started the car engine, but he didnt sleep for long. When I parked my car and carried him, he woke up. Also a blessing, so that he will not missed lunch. I am on my way queuing to place orders once I settled the kids to a table. I consider myself lucky that I always have peace of mind when I am alone with my kids-I can leave them to place orders while they will be waiting for me patiently by the table. The children welcome me when I am back to the table with... FOOD! Popcorn chicken and milk for Cieran, while Ashley had a chicken drumstick with some fries, an egg tart and a packet of milk. For myself, 2 pcs chicken, fries and drink. We had good junk food for lunch.... haha! After lunch, we head home for a story book before we take our naps. Well, the day had been well-spent, so putting the kids to bed wasn't a difficult task at all.