We have a 'blessing in disguised' day on 30Aug. I am extremely surprised when Jeremy told me that someone had stolen my credit card and attempted to fraud. Apparently, the bank called him to verify a declined transaction. It was mentioned that this person had been trying to book air tickets online with Emirates with amount more than 4k at early morning of 4am! It was really a blessing that the transaction declined even after several attempts of purchasing on line. Immediately Jeremy cancelled both cards. It was coincidentally that my card was not with me, but I was confident that I have not lost it. I have placed it inside a small pouch and left it in the office. To verify the truth, I suggest we make a trip back to office and verify if my card is in my pouch. Nonetheless, Jeremy advises that it serves no purpose of verification, importantly is to make a police report. After settling the kids at home, we drove off to the nearest police post. As a procedure, a report was filed. The policeman had highlighted that there were several similar cases and they had recently caught a China syndicate who was involved in many fraud cases using credit cards. The syndicate was capable of printing their own credit cards with numbers and details that belongs to other owners. I have never thought that such incident will happen to me and luckily the transaction had not been a success. On our way home, I was joking with Jeremy that this person must be real cursing that who is this person that holds a Gold credit card but damn shit that doesn't have money! haha! Down in luck that failed to take advantage on the card. The next day when the office, my card was still in tact inside the pouch. I cant explained how those syndicate could have retrieved my information. They are indeed 'clever'. I have filed a case with the bank to further investigate this fraud case. Believed that since the syndicate attempted to book air tickets online, the system could have captured some personal information. Hoped the bank will have some clue and work with the police to put him in court. I cant imagine what will happen if the illegal transactions went through.
Sunday, 30 August 2009
Thursday, 27 August 2009
National Day Activities
This year's National Day falls on Sun as such we enjoyed a longer weekends. The children have lots of fun wit
h home activities. Firstly, the weather has been good in the day, so I allowed the children to have water play by the car pouch area. As usual, the children's laughter filled the air when comes to water play. This mummy, of course... will be at the side busy snapping and capturing the happy moments of the children. Due to mummy's laziness, Cieran is not changed into swim wear, but wearing his romper. After all he needs a shower after the water play... so
.... (actually that's mummy's excuse). But! You would never have thought that there's accident happening while playing... Cieran surprises us with his 'tea' added into the pool. Haha! Ashley blah out lou
d "Eeeeeeeee! Di Di urine inside!"We have a great laugh over it while poor Cieran has no idea what's happening. He laughs along with us. Kids are so lovable, aren't they? After water play, the children had a little feast... snacky time! Look at the children faci
al expressions and you would know how much they love snacky time. I can't helped but having the camera in my hands once again. After snacky, the children are off to play again. This time, it was led by Ashley who happily dancing around the living room. Little Cieran followed behind,
jumping and jumping behind his sister. In fear that they might fall with the sofas on the way, I chase them out to the car pouch area. I have to put my hats off the children.. now they got Ismi involved in their dancing. From dancing, it proceed to spinning. Children can be really creative! Even Golden gets excited and want to be part of it. A pity that daddy is not around to see how happy his childr
en are! Rolling n Baking is our next activity. Mummy made a dough out from plain flour and the children pretends to be bakers moulding their cookies. This is not the 1st time we had this, but each time the children enjoy rolling their dough. You may think that Cieran is too young for this activity, but you are wrong. He is having a lot of fun rolling his dough as well... it's a good
hand and eye coordination activity for the little one. Look at him, aren't he being quite a professional baker... if only there's a chef hat for him. The children are looking forward to evening's program. We have made a date with Grace (my sister) that we will be going to her house for dinner and watch the National Day parade together. From her house, we will also get to see live fireworks that display during the parade. The day is so long, the children keeps themselves busy next by drawing and colouring. Cie
ran loves to draw... though he cant hold the 
pencil in proper manner yet. He has his way of drawing. We called that 'Chou Xiang Hwa'...haha! At times, he would come to us and request us to draw apple, Elmo, fish...etc for him on his paper. I especially like to see Cieran's expression when I draw Elmo for him. When the Elmo drawn was in a happy face, Cieran will smile and make a happy face. When I draw a sad Elmo, he will pretend to cry. The best expression of his is angry face. He bends his head down and frown. 
What a cute little Cieran. Sometimes he remind
s me of Ashley when she's as young as Cieran. I did the same with Ashley before, and she does exactly the same. :-) The sky soon turns dark. The children are all dressed up for National Day-Red is the theme! Ashley even got a tattoo for the celebration. The children watched the parade start while waiting for daddy to bring us to Grace's house. Ashley is a little tired after so many activities in the day, and she 
is starting to feel restless. On the other hand, Cieran is still having lots of energy. What a contrast! Nonetheless, the children participate with the parade performance, with their hand-shaped drum. Cieran is the one having more fun. I guess 
boys are 'rough' in nature. Haha! At Grace's place, the children become 'dragon' with lots of energy! Together with Vernon, they entertained themselves while the adults can have a good meal with no disturbance.
en are! Rolling n Baking is our next activity. Mummy made a dough out from plain flour and the children pretends to be bakers moulding their cookies. This is not the 1st time we had this, but each time the children enjoy rolling their dough. You may think that Cieran is too young for this activity, but you are wrong. He is having a lot of fun rolling his dough as well... it's a good
hand and eye coordination activity for the little one. Look at him, aren't he being quite a professional baker... if only there's a chef hat for him. The children are looking forward to evening's program. We have made a date with Grace (my sister) that we will be going to her house for dinner and watch the National Day parade together. From her house, we will also get to see live fireworks that display during the parade. The day is so long, the children keeps themselves busy next by drawing and colouring. Cie
ran loves to draw... though he cant hold the 
pencil in proper manner yet. He has his way of drawing. We called that 'Chou Xiang Hwa'...haha! At times, he would come to us and request us to draw apple, Elmo, fish...etc for him on his paper. I especially like to see Cieran's expression when I draw Elmo for him. When the Elmo drawn was in a happy face, Cieran will smile and make a happy face. When I draw a sad Elmo, he will pretend to cry. The best expression of his is angry face. He bends his head down and frown. 
What a cute little Cieran. Sometimes he remind
s me of Ashley when she's as young as Cieran. I did the same with Ashley before, and she does exactly the same. :-) The sky soon turns dark. The children are all dressed up for National Day-Red is the theme! Ashley even got a tattoo for the celebration. The children watched the parade start while waiting for daddy to bring us to Grace's house. Ashley is a little tired after so many activities in the day, and she 
is starting to feel restless. On the other hand, Cieran is still having lots of energy. What a contrast! Nonetheless, the children participate with the parade performance, with their hand-shaped drum. Cieran is the one having more fun. I guess 
boys are 'rough' in nature. Haha! At Grace's place, the children become 'dragon' with lots of energy! Together with Vernon, they entertained themselves while the adults can have a good meal with no disturbance. The National Day had been a good fun time.... especially for the children!
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Ashley's Enrichments - Ballet & Piano
Many people feels that we have been spending alot on our children's enrichment. Well, I do agree if you look only at dollars and cents aspect. In my opinion, I have made good investments in them. For Ashley, I e
nrolled her to ballet and piano on her interest. Talking about ballet, I was sceptical upon enrolling her to ballet when she expressed her interest. In fact, I hesitated for sometime before I agreed to her request. I enrolled her to attend pre-primary ballet at the community center as a 'test'. She was only 3+ then, which cant helped caused me to wonder if her interest in ballet will sustain. I have heard so much, where parents enrolled their child to ballet and subsequent, the child dropped out from the course. I don't wis
h that to happen to me. After all, I don't think the cost for a ballet outfit and accessories are cheap. As such, not wanting to put my money to drain, I enrolled her to the class in Community Center. I told myself, should she showed interest and would like to excel further in ballet, I will provide her full support and enrol her to a certified school. I was a blessing that she does enjoyed ballet and after 4 terms of lessons at the CC, I enrolled her to Crestar for certified ballet. Jeremy shared the same thoughts as me " Unless you have no interest... if you have, go all the way and get certified". The ballet course in Crestar cost more, but as long as we can afford, we don't mind sending her. Ashley hasn't gone for any examination at this stage, but I am glad that she continued to enjoy her lessons. Each time I asked if she likes ballet, she gave me a happy answer "YES". I know I have made the right decision in letting her continue her ballet lessons. She is turning 6 soon... my persistent in letting her go for the lesson pays off... though there aren't any certification for her at this young age. As long as she still has the passion in ballet, she will excel! It's just a matter of time... ;-)
nrolled her to ballet and piano on her interest. Talking about ballet, I was sceptical upon enrolling her to ballet when she expressed her interest. In fact, I hesitated for sometime before I agreed to her request. I enrolled her to attend pre-primary ballet at the community center as a 'test'. She was only 3+ then, which cant helped caused me to wonder if her interest in ballet will sustain. I have heard so much, where parents enrolled their child to ballet and subsequent, the child dropped out from the course. I don't wis
h that to happen to me. After all, I don't think the cost for a ballet outfit and accessories are cheap. As such, not wanting to put my money to drain, I enrolled her to the class in Community Center. I told myself, should she showed interest and would like to excel further in ballet, I will provide her full support and enrol her to a certified school. I was a blessing that she does enjoyed ballet and after 4 terms of lessons at the CC, I enrolled her to Crestar for certified ballet. Jeremy shared the same thoughts as me " Unless you have no interest... if you have, go all the way and get certified". The ballet course in Crestar cost more, but as long as we can afford, we don't mind sending her. Ashley hasn't gone for any examination at this stage, but I am glad that she continued to enjoy her lessons. Each time I asked if she likes ballet, she gave me a happy answer "YES". I know I have made the right decision in letting her continue her ballet lessons. She is turning 6 soon... my persistent in letting her go for the lesson pays off... though there aren't any certification for her at this young age. As long as she still has the passion in ballet, she will excel! It's just a matter of time... ;-)Ashley had also initiated her interest to learn piano. However, I have not paid much attention to enrol her. Sorry to mention, I have my reservations. Mr Ho (my ex-colleague who
se wife is piano teacher and he himself a violin teacher) recommend me Yamaha's foundation
course when I asked him for advice (this mum is not 'musically inclined', that needs help lah', and the course was a 4 year course, with 2 years parental participation in class. Well, I am not prepared to give this commitment.... thus this was 'delayed' for a long while...The idea on sending Ashley to learn piano was then arisen with Jeremy's 'traditional' thought that dancing is of no value. His thinking, to learn a skill with value in the market, it should be playing an instrument such as piano. I disagree with him. To me, learning any skills has its value so long as there's interest and passion. It depends on how you judge
its 'value'. Learning a skill is a long-term investment. In order to ensure this investment is the rightful one, I again 'test' Ashley on her interest in piano by asking her several questions 
on different occasions. It's not easy to tell how far a young child's interest will last. As parents, I told myself not to 'force' her interest, should she be not interested to proceed, stopped her lessons immediately-Don't waste money. Constantly, I have to also 'remind' Jeremy that we should let her decide what she prefers, and not enforcing our 'hopes/likes/dreams' on her. The path is hers, not us. We cant force her to learn piano just to satisfy ourselves. Ashley started her 1st lesson on Jan 09. It was once again a blessing that Ashley enjoyed the lesson. To be honest, I enjoyed too. I have learn to play as well..since I am in the class with her....haha! For once, I have the regrets that I did not seize the opportunity to learn to play the piano when I am young like her. Ashley had her 1st mini performance in class on 28 June 09. Though she is playing with her right and left hand separately, I think that's already returns of our investments. With only 6 months of learning, we are happy to see her progress. Ashley is nervous while waiting for her turn to perform... her fingers are cold acco
rding to Jeremy, which I didn't realise earlier. I can see that she takes her performance seriously. With the presence of her daddy and Cieran watching her, I do believed she feels the pressure Ashley played her 2 songs very seriously (look at her expression when she plays)... and a sudden relief when she finished. While watching her playing the tune, I explained but feel proud of my little girl. :-)
se wife is piano teacher and he himself a violin teacher) recommend me Yamaha's foundation
course when I asked him for advice (this mum is not 'musically inclined', that needs help lah', and the course was a 4 year course, with 2 years parental participation in class. Well, I am not prepared to give this commitment.... thus this was 'delayed' for a long while...The idea on sending Ashley to learn piano was then arisen with Jeremy's 'traditional' thought that dancing is of no value. His thinking, to learn a skill with value in the market, it should be playing an instrument such as piano. I disagree with him. To me, learning any skills has its value so long as there's interest and passion. It depends on how you judge
its 'value'. Learning a skill is a long-term investment. In order to ensure this investment is the rightful one, I again 'test' Ashley on her interest in piano by asking her several questions 
on different occasions. It's not easy to tell how far a young child's interest will last. As parents, I told myself not to 'force' her interest, should she be not interested to proceed, stopped her lessons immediately-Don't waste money. Constantly, I have to also 'remind' Jeremy that we should let her decide what she prefers, and not enforcing our 'hopes/likes/dreams' on her. The path is hers, not us. We cant force her to learn piano just to satisfy ourselves. Ashley started her 1st lesson on Jan 09. It was once again a blessing that Ashley enjoyed the lesson. To be honest, I enjoyed too. I have learn to play as well..since I am in the class with her....haha! For once, I have the regrets that I did not seize the opportunity to learn to play the piano when I am young like her. Ashley had her 1st mini performance in class on 28 June 09. Though she is playing with her right and left hand separately, I think that's already returns of our investments. With only 6 months of learning, we are happy to see her progress. Ashley is nervous while waiting for her turn to perform... her fingers are cold acco
rding to Jeremy, which I didn't realise earlier. I can see that she takes her performance seriously. With the presence of her daddy and Cieran watching her, I do believed she feels the pressure Ashley played her 2 songs very seriously (look at her expression when she plays)... and a sudden relief when she finished. While watching her playing the tune, I explained but feel proud of my little girl. :-) Sometimes I told myself, why not just let her choose between ballet and music to save costs, but when I look at her... I know I should persist in letting her excel in something that she enjoyed and may provide her a better future.....
I know it's worth this persistence!
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Home Cookie Day
This mummy suddenly thought of an activity with her children... mop cookie play! No choice! Coz there is no oven in this house, as such we can only pretend that we 
are baking. But who cares... it's fun that we are looking at! Well, I have to be honest that I have been toying on the idea of getting a convention oven...but not sure if I will have the time to bake or this is just a sudden enthusiasm thought in the baking? As such, I have not made this purchase as yet... Didn't want to be a i
mpulse buyer, though I enjoy baking cookies. :-) Ashley is excited over my activity idea. She waits patiently, watching me how I get the flour in placed and mixing the flour with water, and toss into a dough. Cieran was excited as well. 2 children standing on their stools watching this mum at work. After the dough is ready, next will be to set up the baking table and g
e
t the tools ready. 2 excited children followed me closely, cant wait to start their baking play. When the tools are up.. Ashley immediately is busy with her rolling and pitching. We had fun with the dough, pretending we are making cookies. Cieran also had fun with the dough, though he
had no idea what exactly are we doing. His enthusiastic on the dough last only about 5mins. Next, he came to 'destroy' our creations. Once again, I have fun watching the children at play. One busy making and protecting her cookies creation
. The other 'detroying' his sister's creations, attempting to place them back into the dough bowl. It's really an enjoyment to have the 2 children around...watching them has always been my enjoyment. Once again, I simply cant help but to snap photos of them.
are baking. But who cares... it's fun that we are looking at! Well, I have to be honest that I have been toying on the idea of getting a convention oven...but not sure if I will have the time to bake or this is just a sudden enthusiasm thought in the baking? As such, I have not made this purchase as yet... Didn't want to be a i
mpulse buyer, though I enjoy baking cookies. :-) Ashley is excited over my activity idea. She waits patiently, watching me how I get the flour in placed and mixing the flour with water, and toss into a dough. Cieran was excited as well. 2 children standing on their stools watching this mum at work. After the dough is ready, next will be to set up the baking table and g
e
t the tools ready. 2 excited children followed me closely, cant wait to start their baking play. When the tools are up.. Ashley immediately is busy with her rolling and pitching. We had fun with the dough, pretending we are making cookies. Cieran also had fun with the dough, though he
had no idea what exactly are we doing. His enthusiastic on the dough last only about 5mins. Next, he came to 'destroy' our creations. Once again, I have fun watching the children at play. One busy making and protecting her cookies creation
. The other 'detroying' his sister's creations, attempting to place them back into the dough bowl. It's really an enjoyment to have the 2 children around...watching them has always been my enjoyment. Once again, I simply cant help but to snap photos of them. Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Sand Play on Labour Day
1May-Labour Day was a public holiday. As usual, I am thinking what activity I can do with my children. 
Just then, received a sms from Grace... in the end, we decided on picnic by the beach in early morning. I am excited! This will be the 1st time Cieran have fun with sand play. We agree to meet at 0830hrs,
seaside by big splash. I am the 1st to arrive at the beach and easily found a spot that provides shade. Ashley is eager to start sand play, however I insisted that she needs to take her breakfast before any play. Cieran on other hand, has no idea what we are up to. But he does feel very happy to be out in the sun. Eventually all arrived and we started an early morning breakfast. There's beehoon, quail eggs, vitagen, crackers etc. Cieran is the happiest kid.... as usual, he loves food! Ashley's mind is into play, as such 
she is eating less portion than normal. Sigh!... Both Ashley and Vernon are out to have fun after a quick breakfast. It's wonderful to have a helper aroun
d to keep any eye with the children. I am able to leisurely sit around by the table and have a good chat with my sisters. At times, I appreciate the existence of a helper...though sometimes I wished there isn't one in my house. (contradicting me!). The relaxation by the beach is an enjoyable one with sea breeze blowing on our faces. The sky is bright and blue with beautiful white clouds. I
am enjoying this wonderful day, and I am sure the kids felt the same. Watching them play is my pleasure. I have no doubts that the kids made my life fuller. I have great laughs when little Cieran joins the older ones at play, coming back to me with complaints. As much as Cieran lov
es to join Ashley and Vernon, the older ones always avoid him as he tends to 'destroy' their sand works. Poor Cieran eventually run back to me for his own pleasure-food. To distract him from food, I bring him for a walk around. Cieran enjoys the walk, barefooted on the sand. I decided to bring him near to the waves, however he stopped when we are near. He hesitated to proceed any further looking at the roaring waves. Till, Ashley suddenly appear and run forward heading to the waves that arouses his interest. He followed his sister, and in a blink of an eye, two children have their feet in the waves. ;-) I have hard time bringing Cieran back on shore! We spent a wonderful morning by the beach and left the place before noon. 
Just then, received a sms from Grace... in the end, we decided on picnic by the beach in early morning. I am excited! This will be the 1st time Cieran have fun with sand play. We agree to meet at 0830hrs,
seaside by big splash. I am the 1st to arrive at the beach and easily found a spot that provides shade. Ashley is eager to start sand play, however I insisted that she needs to take her breakfast before any play. Cieran on other hand, has no idea what we are up to. But he does feel very happy to be out in the sun. Eventually all arrived and we started an early morning breakfast. There's beehoon, quail eggs, vitagen, crackers etc. Cieran is the happiest kid.... as usual, he loves food! Ashley's mind is into play, as such 
she is eating less portion than normal. Sigh!... Both Ashley and Vernon are out to have fun after a quick breakfast. It's wonderful to have a helper aroun
d to keep any eye with the children. I am able to leisurely sit around by the table and have a good chat with my sisters. At times, I appreciate the existence of a helper...though sometimes I wished there isn't one in my house. (contradicting me!). The relaxation by the beach is an enjoyable one with sea breeze blowing on our faces. The sky is bright and blue with beautiful white clouds. I
am enjoying this wonderful day, and I am sure the kids felt the same. Watching them play is my pleasure. I have no doubts that the kids made my life fuller. I have great laughs when little Cieran joins the older ones at play, coming back to me with complaints. As much as Cieran lov
es to join Ashley and Vernon, the older ones always avoid him as he tends to 'destroy' their sand works. Poor Cieran eventually run back to me for his own pleasure-food. To distract him from food, I bring him for a walk around. Cieran enjoys the walk, barefooted on the sand. I decided to bring him near to the waves, however he stopped when we are near. He hesitated to proceed any further looking at the roaring waves. Till, Ashley suddenly appear and run forward heading to the waves that arouses his interest. He followed his sister, and in a blink of an eye, two children have their feet in the waves. ;-) I have hard time bringing Cieran back on shore! We spent a wonderful morning by the beach and left the place before noon. Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Bubble... Trouble....!
Being alone with 2 kids, this mummy always have to think of ways to 'entertain' them. One fun and si
mple activity that all children will enjoy will be 'blowing bubble'! The children simply loves it... but obviously, not Golden! He hates it... especially when Ashley purposely disturbed by blowing bubbles directing at him. Poor Golden.... it's bubble trouble day for him! Golden who is always patient and goo
d natured will just walk away quietly and avoiding this
naughty Ashley (who keeps following him, and disturbing him). Cieran has no idea what's happening, but he enjoys watching the sister blowing the bubbles... occasionally, he will clap his hands and smile happily. Cieran is easily distracted... on one hand, he joins Ashley in bubble play... Next, he has own fun with the umbrella. Watching them is an enjoyment. I have fun snapping photos of them.
mple activity that all children will enjoy will be 'blowing bubble'! The children simply loves it... but obviously, not Golden! He hates it... especially when Ashley purposely disturbed by blowing bubbles directing at him. Poor Golden.... it's bubble trouble day for him! Golden who is always patient and goo
d natured will just walk away quietly and avoiding this
naughty Ashley (who keeps following him, and disturbing him). Cieran has no idea what's happening, but he enjoys watching the sister blowing the bubbles... occasionally, he will clap his hands and smile happily. Cieran is easily distracted... on one hand, he joins Ashley in bubble play... Next, he has own fun with the umbrella. Watching them is an enjoyment. I have fun snapping photos of them.Peeka-Poo!
Da
y after day passes without one's knowing it... In a blink of an eye, Cieran is 17 months now. He has been a joy to the family. Watching hi
m grow with more 'cheeky' tricks each day makes us laugh. Lately, he's into 'peeka-poo' game. Not sure where he learn it from... he loves to hide. His best spot will be the set of curtains by the living area. He will hide behind the day curtain and put on that cheeky smile on his face. At times, we pretend to ignore him, he will seek our attention by hitting on the glass, making known that he is hiding there. When we look over, he will 'flash' himself out ... "p
eeka-poo"! This has been his favourite game recently. He did this when he is in class as well. The teacher and I cant helped laugh it off, seeing this cheeky bo
y! Know what he did? Not hiding on curtains...coz there's no curtains in his class... but he is hiding behind me. He will pops his head with his usual cheeky smile, playing peeka-poo! He really make his teacher laughs out loud.
y after day passes without one's knowing it... In a blink of an eye, Cieran is 17 months now. He has been a joy to the family. Watching hi
m grow with more 'cheeky' tricks each day makes us laugh. Lately, he's into 'peeka-poo' game. Not sure where he learn it from... he loves to hide. His best spot will be the set of curtains by the living area. He will hide behind the day curtain and put on that cheeky smile on his face. At times, we pretend to ignore him, he will seek our attention by hitting on the glass, making known that he is hiding there. When we look over, he will 'flash' himself out ... "p
eeka-poo"! This has been his favourite game recently. He did this when he is in class as well. The teacher and I cant helped laugh it off, seeing this cheeky bo
y! Know what he did? Not hiding on curtains...coz there's no curtains in his class... but he is hiding behind me. He will pops his head with his usual cheeky smile, playing peeka-poo! He really make his teacher laughs out loud.
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