Summary of year 2011
It's been almost a year since I last blogged about the Duo. I am not only far behind in my entries, my photos are also not in order!!!!The ironical part is that I now have more time on my hand than before as I've quit teaching in June 2011 and only started with Nanyang Poly in Oct as an adjunct lecturer!
I'll try to summarise as much as I can for my own sake (failing memory) and for my kids' benefit as well as I recap their activities in the past year.
Kyle
He coped well in his new school and enjoyed all his activities, particularly in his game time during recess with friends and weiqi lessons. He even managed to clinch a bronze trophy during the inter-class competition. Outside of school, his Akido lesson on Fri and swimming lessons on Tues and tennis on Sat continued weekly. It was only during mid year that we decided to put him in Keppel Club for extra training on Sat. Other than that he was freely pursuing his interest in reading and had finished the whole Tin Tin series, Asterix series, Ben Ten, Geronimo, Diaries of Wimpy Kid, Beastquest and also devoured all the Science Comics that I bought from JB. It was only in September that I realised that we needed to do something about his Chinese and promptly sent him for a one-week crash course with Jiang Lao Shi. It was then that he learnt how to take a bus from opposite our house to Fu Lu Shou building and we picked him up after his 3-hr lesson. After the 5-day course, he wanted to continue with the same teacher (with sugar-coated voice) and he stayed on for 1 term before I stopped his lessons there (don't believe in traveling so far for classes). He took a short course in Weiqi Association in Waterloo Street during the holidays (to keep him occupied) and he travelled there on his own and back. He also took part in his 1st Keppel Inter-club swim meet and Sengkang swim meet as well.
Meryl
The little girl finally went on to Pri 1 with must gusto and surprised many of us with her consistent performance. She had shown herself to be a conscientious and independent worker needing little supervision (I was more than happy to leave her on her own). She did well for almost all subjects, usually scoring 95 and above and was awarded the top 10% in her cohort at the end of the year. She is also well-adjusted in class and made many new friends. In her own words, "Everybody in the class wants to be my friend ...because I'm so cute!" She chose to join Chinese dance and was able to execute a split by end of the year, to my amazement. She was also enjoying her Guzheng lesson which was part of the curriculum though I never had the chance to see her play the instrument. She did asked for indiv lessons to which I ignored as I didn't want to start her on anything new on top of her weekly Aikido, swimming and tennis lessons. She also requested for piano and I put it off till about Oct when I asked a neighbour, a China student, to teach her to play for leisure. She was quite happy with the arrangement until one day she came back and told me she wants to go for grading for piano. So in Dec she started lesson proper for 30 mins per lesson with her new piano teacher. She also managed to get her Bronze certificate for swimming in Dec and her Yellow belt in Aikido in August. For her birthday last year, we did away with the usual party and substituted it with Build-a Bear, bringing her to see her favorite dolphins (wanted to swim with dolphins but was fully booked) and she decorated her own birthday cake.
Fun Time
Kids travelled quite a bit last year. In March we went for a road trip to Malaysia with another family. We had a homestay at Bob's in Kota Tinggi and made day trip to Dearu. Kids visited crocodile farm, ostrich farm and played at the beach.
In June, we travelled to Melbourne for 12 days and stayed at a farm, went for day and night walks at Mornington Sanctuary, went fishing by the river, sat on an old steam locomotive to visit their local bazaar, hiked at Wilson's Prom, toboganned and skied at Mt Baw Baw and shopped in Melbourne with Penny and her family.
The kids also had 2 days of Staycation at Orchard Hotel during one of the holidays where they just fooled around in the tub and we went out for movies and food. On one of the public holidays, we went on the Tree-Top walk again and the kids caught fish and prawns from the streams on the way.
In Nov, we went for Tim's company trip to Langkawi and visited the aquarium. We also had a day where we went out on a boat to snorkel with the Duo who are hooked on snorkelling, like their mummy. We swam with reef sharks and had a fantastic time!
As I was teaching in Dec, the kids had to settle for home-based fun. They had their playdates, bbqs and a visit to Universal studio with QQ. Of course our Wednesday Exercise night was ongoing throughout the year and the kids had their usual fun with their good friends.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Monday, September 12, 2011
Kyle's Swim Tournaments
Kyle's Swim Tournaments
2 Sundays ago, he competed in his first ever Inter-club Swim Meet organised by Keppel Club. It was a hasty, last minute decision and there wasn't even time for any training except on the day before the competition. He went for the trial and was in even though he has never trained with the group. We decided that it would be good for exposure and confidence-building.
On the day of the competition, he was very reluctant and got cold feet at one point. He said that he did not want to participate and was 'stressed'. We were not pleased with his attitude which was filled with negativity. Throughout the whole wait and even when it was time to warm up, he was not serious and only thought of playing. I was not sure if it was done purposely to play down his nervousness but it sure did get on my nerves seeing this complacency in him. Needless to say he did not do well against the participants who were poised to win. He managed to clock 1 min for his 50m backstroke and 1.02 for his 50m butterfly. Still it was a good experience for him.
The following week was another competition organised by Sengkang West which I had completely forgotten. This time round, he had a chance to training on 3 occasions with his swimming buddy, Justin, before the event as it was September school holidays.
However, in the morning when he woke up, he complained of a headache and claimed that he wasn't feeling well. We suspected that it might be due to him catching a chill in the night or it could be that he played tennis in the rain the day before. We told him that if he was still feeling unwell when we reached, he will not compete. Miraculously when he reached there and saw his friends, his headache was gone and he even went for warm-ups happily and strutted around the whole place in only his trunks.
His events were backstroke 50m, butterfly 50m and freestyle 100m. He did a fantastic job during his 1st event and came in 3rd missing 2nd place by a mere 1 second as he swerved at one point and touched the rope. Nonetheless, it was an accomplishment for him as he was competing with boys 1-2 years older than him, bigger than him and taller than him! He was smiling from ear to ear when he went up to receive his medal. He was also most cooperative when I took his pictures, posing for me ever so happily ( a far cry from his normal self when he would refused to look into the camera!).
The 2nd event was the Butterfly 50m. He fared badly against the other boys whose strokes were powerful and super fast! For his last event 100m Freestyle, he came in 3rd in his race with 7 other boys. He forgot to do his tumble-turn at the end of 50m and actually paused for a while! I was so worried that he might have forgotten that it was a 100m race. I felt that it was a pity that quite a bit of time was wasted else he would probably do better. Overall best timing of the few races, he did not make it to top 3. But that didn't dampen his spirits as he had already clinched a Bronze and gained invaluable experience.
Oh and he did fall sick that night after the exciting morning event and an evening of pure fun and play with his cousins! He woke up the next morning with a throat infection.
2 Sundays ago, he competed in his first ever Inter-club Swim Meet organised by Keppel Club. It was a hasty, last minute decision and there wasn't even time for any training except on the day before the competition. He went for the trial and was in even though he has never trained with the group. We decided that it would be good for exposure and confidence-building.
On the day of the competition, he was very reluctant and got cold feet at one point. He said that he did not want to participate and was 'stressed'. We were not pleased with his attitude which was filled with negativity. Throughout the whole wait and even when it was time to warm up, he was not serious and only thought of playing. I was not sure if it was done purposely to play down his nervousness but it sure did get on my nerves seeing this complacency in him. Needless to say he did not do well against the participants who were poised to win. He managed to clock 1 min for his 50m backstroke and 1.02 for his 50m butterfly. Still it was a good experience for him.
The following week was another competition organised by Sengkang West which I had completely forgotten. This time round, he had a chance to training on 3 occasions with his swimming buddy, Justin, before the event as it was September school holidays.
However, in the morning when he woke up, he complained of a headache and claimed that he wasn't feeling well. We suspected that it might be due to him catching a chill in the night or it could be that he played tennis in the rain the day before. We told him that if he was still feeling unwell when we reached, he will not compete. Miraculously when he reached there and saw his friends, his headache was gone and he even went for warm-ups happily and strutted around the whole place in only his trunks.
His events were backstroke 50m, butterfly 50m and freestyle 100m. He did a fantastic job during his 1st event and came in 3rd missing 2nd place by a mere 1 second as he swerved at one point and touched the rope. Nonetheless, it was an accomplishment for him as he was competing with boys 1-2 years older than him, bigger than him and taller than him! He was smiling from ear to ear when he went up to receive his medal. He was also most cooperative when I took his pictures, posing for me ever so happily ( a far cry from his normal self when he would refused to look into the camera!).
The 2nd event was the Butterfly 50m. He fared badly against the other boys whose strokes were powerful and super fast! For his last event 100m Freestyle, he came in 3rd in his race with 7 other boys. He forgot to do his tumble-turn at the end of 50m and actually paused for a while! I was so worried that he might have forgotten that it was a 100m race. I felt that it was a pity that quite a bit of time was wasted else he would probably do better. Overall best timing of the few races, he did not make it to top 3. But that didn't dampen his spirits as he had already clinched a Bronze and gained invaluable experience.
Oh and he did fall sick that night after the exciting morning event and an evening of pure fun and play with his cousins! He woke up the next morning with a throat infection.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
My sensitive girl
It was a Tuesday night and we had nothing on in the evening so I suggested going to Swensons for dinner. The only problem was that Kyle was having a bit of sore throat and I had warned him that he can only eat baked rice or pasta as he had a swim competition that weekend. As predicted he made a huge fuss about wanting to eat his chicken tenders.
My girl cheerfully opted to eat cream sauce pasta while the boy went on and on about how he loves the chicken tenders, how juicy it is and how his throat is ok. It got on our nerves and I conceded by saying that I will order one and he can only have 2 pieces. Then he went on about why Meryl can get to eat more and he can have only 2 pieces and that mummy is so unfair.
He just couldn't get it when I told him that Meryl wasn't even asking for chicken tenders and the sole reason why I even ordered it in the first place was because I couldn't bear to see him so disappointed. In the end I put my foot down and decided to ban him from it totally.
He didn't get to eat any except for a small bite that my hubby gave him. I kept 1 piece for Meryl. Instead of eating it, she gave it to her brother. I asked her why. This was her reply.
'I want to make Kor Kor happy.'
Then she whispered to me this, 'Mummy, I give it not because I don't like it. I actually love to eat it too but I think Kor Kor really wants to eat it so I give it to him to make him happy.'
I only wish my son can understand how thoughtful his sister is towards him and extend to her the same treatment.
My girl cheerfully opted to eat cream sauce pasta while the boy went on and on about how he loves the chicken tenders, how juicy it is and how his throat is ok. It got on our nerves and I conceded by saying that I will order one and he can only have 2 pieces. Then he went on about why Meryl can get to eat more and he can have only 2 pieces and that mummy is so unfair.
He just couldn't get it when I told him that Meryl wasn't even asking for chicken tenders and the sole reason why I even ordered it in the first place was because I couldn't bear to see him so disappointed. In the end I put my foot down and decided to ban him from it totally.
He didn't get to eat any except for a small bite that my hubby gave him. I kept 1 piece for Meryl. Instead of eating it, she gave it to her brother. I asked her why. This was her reply.
'I want to make Kor Kor happy.'
Then she whispered to me this, 'Mummy, I give it not because I don't like it. I actually love to eat it too but I think Kor Kor really wants to eat it so I give it to him to make him happy.'
I only wish my son can understand how thoughtful his sister is towards him and extend to her the same treatment.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Meryl's Birthday Bash
The planning started way before the actual event. My girl had without fail fail every other day to ask me how many more days is it to her birthday and this started to increase in its frequency right after the June holidays! She had great plans, which luckily she changed (helped by me) along the way!
She started out wanting to have an all girl's party. It wasn't enough for her just to give out invitation cards to her classmates but it MUST be delivered to their home address. I was hesitant and reluctant cos so much more to do on my side and I was already back to work. Then she wanted to have it at Fidgets where she attended some parties this year. We suggested Safra Jurong and she acceded. Then we started to plan who to invite and again she insisted on all girls only. I had to explain that their brothers will all come before she agreed to have boys.
One day, out of the blue she asked me, ' Mummy, do you prefer to stay at home or to go out?' I told her I prefer to stay home and then she replied with a sigh, ' Ok lor, I think I'll have my party at home.' I didn't even know where she was coming from but obviously the party was very much on her mind!
As the day drew nearer, I decided to hold the party at the function room, complete with a bouncing castle and a play-tent filled with playdoh for the kids to play in. The theme was Hello Kitty. The whole party came with a Hello Kitty bouncing castle, wall decorations, and 2 stand alone pilars made of balloons. I had 2 dozens of helium balloons floating around in the function rooms and then sprayed 'Happy Birthday Meryl' using a X'masy foam on the glass doors. It was the most fuss free decorations I've ever had in years!!
The day came and we had a ball of our time. I think there were about more than 40 kids in total. The buffet was great and the kids had a special menu cooked by Jo. I was busy catching up with old friends and new. Best of all, I was happy that the cleaning up was so quick and simple and I get to stay at home at the end of it and play mahjong!!!
The planning started way before the actual event. My girl had without fail fail every other day to ask me how many more days is it to her birthday and this started to increase in its frequency right after the June holidays! She had great plans, which luckily she changed (helped by me) along the way!
She started out wanting to have an all girl's party. It wasn't enough for her just to give out invitation cards to her classmates but it MUST be delivered to their home address. I was hesitant and reluctant cos so much more to do on my side and I was already back to work. Then she wanted to have it at Fidgets where she attended some parties this year. We suggested Safra Jurong and she acceded. Then we started to plan who to invite and again she insisted on all girls only. I had to explain that their brothers will all come before she agreed to have boys.
One day, out of the blue she asked me, ' Mummy, do you prefer to stay at home or to go out?' I told her I prefer to stay home and then she replied with a sigh, ' Ok lor, I think I'll have my party at home.' I didn't even know where she was coming from but obviously the party was very much on her mind!
As the day drew nearer, I decided to hold the party at the function room, complete with a bouncing castle and a play-tent filled with playdoh for the kids to play in. The theme was Hello Kitty. The whole party came with a Hello Kitty bouncing castle, wall decorations, and 2 stand alone pilars made of balloons. I had 2 dozens of helium balloons floating around in the function rooms and then sprayed 'Happy Birthday Meryl' using a X'masy foam on the glass doors. It was the most fuss free decorations I've ever had in years!!
The day came and we had a ball of our time. I think there were about more than 40 kids in total. The buffet was great and the kids had a special menu cooked by Jo. I was busy catching up with old friends and new. Best of all, I was happy that the cleaning up was so quick and simple and I get to stay at home at the end of it and play mahjong!!!
Crazy Holiday 2011
I was overly ambitious this last holiday. I wanted to get the kids out of the house as much as possible and they did and so did I. I had forgotten to include the logistics and ended up each day with multiple trips ferrying them to and fro the different places and having short breaks in between. I ended up in school most of the mornings than I would like to have during holidays and sometimes ended up spending time playing with their baby cousin before fetching one of the kids from their classes. Below is a summary of what the program was like during the holidays, more or less, cos some I've already forgotten some!
Swimming for Kyle every morning from 9-11 at either Yio Chu Kang, Hougang or Toa Payoh stadium
Swimming for Meryl on Tuesdays
Meryl's 4 days Art Camp at NAFA end of November from 8.30-5.30 pm
Cartoon Drawing classes 3 days at Kallang CC
Meryl's jewellery making class at Kallang CC
Kyle's Tennis class on Saturdays at STTA
Aikido every Friday and Sunday
Badminton every Wednesday at AVCC
1 week Vietnam trip - Ho Chi Minh, Vung Tau
Meryl's birthday Party
Christmas Parties @ Mel's @Pansy
New's years countdown party@Pansy
On the whole it was a crazy 2 month, But on the bright side, my son put on 5kg as a result of his swim class and is sporting a lovely tan (ok, more like chow tar-burnt). and Meryl had a wonderful time at her art camp despite her getting cold feet on the first day. She ended up making friends with the big che che (sisters) that she insisted that I invite them for her birthday. Our Vietnam trip went off wonderfully well and the 2 kids not not suffer, contrary to what their daddy feared, any diarrhea but enjoyed the food and massages that they got there. In fact I was worried that they may have developed an addiction! The family photo shot that I planned also turned out beautiful despite my initial concerns and my hubby's grumblings and for a mere$400, complete with an album of 40 pictures and a big family potrait. The visits to the orphanages and old folk's home was also an experience i think the kids will not forget easily.
Swimming for Kyle every morning from 9-11 at either Yio Chu Kang, Hougang or Toa Payoh stadium
Swimming for Meryl on Tuesdays
Meryl's 4 days Art Camp at NAFA end of November from 8.30-5.30 pm
Cartoon Drawing classes 3 days at Kallang CC
Meryl's jewellery making class at Kallang CC
Kyle's Tennis class on Saturdays at STTA
Aikido every Friday and Sunday
Badminton every Wednesday at AVCC
1 week Vietnam trip - Ho Chi Minh, Vung Tau
Meryl's birthday Party
Christmas Parties @ Mel's @Pansy
New's years countdown party@Pansy
On the whole it was a crazy 2 month, But on the bright side, my son put on 5kg as a result of his swim class and is sporting a lovely tan (ok, more like chow tar-burnt). and Meryl had a wonderful time at her art camp despite her getting cold feet on the first day. She ended up making friends with the big che che (sisters) that she insisted that I invite them for her birthday. Our Vietnam trip went off wonderfully well and the 2 kids not not suffer, contrary to what their daddy feared, any diarrhea but enjoyed the food and massages that they got there. In fact I was worried that they may have developed an addiction! The family photo shot that I planned also turned out beautiful despite my initial concerns and my hubby's grumblings and for a mere$400, complete with an album of 40 pictures and a big family potrait. The visits to the orphanages and old folk's home was also an experience i think the kids will not forget easily.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Kyle's 1st Crush
Kyle's 1st Crush
Although he appears pretty boisterous and loud sometimes, Kyle can be painfully shy too. He is at an age where he is feeling self-conscious and very sensitive to what others say/look at him. Take for instance a few Sundays back when we went for Aikido class. We arrived at the HQ only to find that they were conducting grading on that day. Everyone was wearing a vest indicating a number. Immediately my son pulled my hands and asked me to go home in whispers. I told hi that I wanted to stay to see how grading is conducted but he made a fuss. Then he asked me to quickly give him his home clothes so that he could change out of his uniform because he was worried what others would think. My girl on the other hand was non-plussed and went on to see the grading.
Last Wednesday, after we returned back from our weekly badminton session, we shared the carpark lift with a sweet young lady of petite built with a Japanese doll haircut. Her face was fully made-up and she was dressed in office attire. Initially we did not sense anything amiss until we stepped out of the lift. He hid behind my hubby's back while walking along the footpath and my hubby was trying to get him to stop doing that. He got irritated at one point because he did not know what mischief he was up to. It was only when we entered the main lift and he continued hiding behind my hubby with a shy smile that we realised what was happening!
We made a comment about whether he was acting like that because of the pretty girl and he actually giggled. The lady was a little bit embarrassed and tried to smile it off. When we got home, my hubby told him that it is normal to be shy and there will be more to come when he grows older. He was exceptionally quiet and tried to brush off the whole incident. At least now we know what kindof girl he will fall for!!
Although he appears pretty boisterous and loud sometimes, Kyle can be painfully shy too. He is at an age where he is feeling self-conscious and very sensitive to what others say/look at him. Take for instance a few Sundays back when we went for Aikido class. We arrived at the HQ only to find that they were conducting grading on that day. Everyone was wearing a vest indicating a number. Immediately my son pulled my hands and asked me to go home in whispers. I told hi that I wanted to stay to see how grading is conducted but he made a fuss. Then he asked me to quickly give him his home clothes so that he could change out of his uniform because he was worried what others would think. My girl on the other hand was non-plussed and went on to see the grading.
Last Wednesday, after we returned back from our weekly badminton session, we shared the carpark lift with a sweet young lady of petite built with a Japanese doll haircut. Her face was fully made-up and she was dressed in office attire. Initially we did not sense anything amiss until we stepped out of the lift. He hid behind my hubby's back while walking along the footpath and my hubby was trying to get him to stop doing that. He got irritated at one point because he did not know what mischief he was up to. It was only when we entered the main lift and he continued hiding behind my hubby with a shy smile that we realised what was happening!
We made a comment about whether he was acting like that because of the pretty girl and he actually giggled. The lady was a little bit embarrassed and tried to smile it off. When we got home, my hubby told him that it is normal to be shy and there will be more to come when he grows older. He was exceptionally quiet and tried to brush off the whole incident. At least now we know what kindof girl he will fall for!!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
On the long Break
On the Long Break
Its been over a year since I last blogged. Many things had transpired during this time. My dad passed away, we sold our flat and went house-hunting, my son went to a Primary school, shifted house, took a 6-month break from work to look after kids after our helper went back home and many more. I should have had more time to blog but that wasn't the case. I was bogged down with many things and was by the end of the day too tired or too lazy to write anything.
One of the biggest change was the move to our new home. Thankfully the transition was smooth for the kids and I and we simply love the new place with the swimming pool and gym and playground right at our doorstep. The view is awesome and I love being home each day and looking after the place and kids (and of course, my hubby). I had the chance to experiment in the kitchen and put my culinary skills to the test again. Thankfully there were no complaints and a few dishes even made to the top of the kids' food list (I pity my hubby though for having to put up with kiddy food). I stoically did all the housework everyday for the first few months when my helper went back until I suffered from lots of 'injuries'. I had thought that it would be a breeze as the house is not very big and my interior design is done in such a way as to minimise cleaning but I was so wrong. Housework finally took its toll on me and it finally sank in that my body is not used to such work anymore when I had to spent about $40-$60 per week on massages just to ease the aches and pains. I then decided that the money could be spent elsewhere, like hiring someone else to do the chores on my behalf. So 2 months before my helper returned, I succumb to employing a part-time cleaning lady... and it was bliss once more...no more cleaning toilets, ironing and moping. I happily cooked for the kids and send them to school with their friends (btw, we chauffer 6 kids to 2 schools every morning, 4 to Cedar and 2 to Ascension) with my hubby as the driver every morning, then have couple- breakfast together or do marketing. On some afternoons, I will practice my driving by ferrying the kids back from school or go to the library.
The kids routine also changed slightly especially since Kyle is now in Primary school. They do not need to nap on most afternoons except on days when we have activities in the evening, like badminton or music lessons. The kids will do their work in the afternoons, play with their toys and then after dinner, do some reading before they hit the bed at between 7.30-8 pm. In the mornings, they wake up at 615 and get ready for school. During the weekends, they go for their Abacus classes and Chinese lesson for Kyle. This year, the kids classes also included swimming on Tuesdays (resumed with their old coach), Meryl's music lessons on Monday evenings and the latest is Aikido lessons at the HQ just 5 mins walk from our place on Sunday. We had decided that Aikido is the most 'non-violent' art compared to Taekwando and Wushu and it is good in teaching them self-defence. What's more, the kids love it! They also get to meet their old friends from Sengkang every Wednesdays when we go down for badminton at the CC.
In the last year, my kids have also grown. Although my girl is still as short and cute ( she is still the shortest in class), her reading has improved by leaps and bounds for both her English and Mandarin. I was overjoyed! Just last year I was lamenting how slow she was compared to her brother who started reading before 4 on his own and could recognise many words. She also had problems differentiating her alphabets and numbers, often mistaking 'b' for 'd' and writing her numbers inverted. I was worried that she could be dyslexic but now I know my worries were unfounded. She comes back from school with 100% for all her reading list and can confidently read to me the story books norrowed from school. The biggest surprise was one evening when she read one whole 'Berenstain Bear' book for me and it runs into 20-30 pages with at least 2 paragraphs per page. Her interest in drawing has waned but she is showing more excitement in learning how to spell or write in Chinese. She has also become better at expressing herself and can talk tens to the dozen and sometimes there is no stopping her!
As for Kyle, he has adjusted very well in school with his old and new friends. He comes home with tales of the games he plays with friends during recess time and stories of what happened in the classroom except what he needs to do for homework. Everyday I will ask him if he has work to do and the answer is always no. Then I realised that he does his work very quickly in school so that he can play. He has little problem coping with his new schedule and demands as his kindergarten had prepared him very well. His performance in school is so far satisfactory and he is conscientious about his work especially passing spellings and doing well for tests. His dad has promised monetary rewards to help 'motivate' him. So far he has been 'earning' money with his recent biggest taking of the year being $50 for scoring full marks for his Math test. He also came in 1st in his class for his English during SA1 and 2nd for the whole level. The only subject he needs to improve on is Mandarin as he finds it too much work. He has also developed a voracious reading appetite during this past year. He has 'devoured' the whole series of 'Tin Tin', 'Berenstain bear' and a few of 'Geronimo Stilton'. I also got him hooked on 'The Wishing Chair' series and he started on 'Secret Seven' and 'Enchanted Wood' series recently. During the holidays he 'discovered' my 'Calvins and Hobbes' comics and enjoyed 'Garfield' as well. Our trips to Toa Payoh library involves a plastic, square trolley which is used to lug the 24 books that we borrow on each trips.
This past year also included many BBQs, playdates and outings with kids' friends, zoo outing (yes, again), many movies and trips in and outside Singapore. The kids had a great time during March holidays at Celestial resort in Ubin and in June we flew to Redang where the kids snorkelled twice everyday for 3 days. In between we also had some 'staycation' in Grand Waterfront Copthorne and Swissotel. All these will be sweet memories for the kids and also for us as we teach them and watch them grow and learn through exposure rather than classroom teaching. The next big thing I need to plan now is my girl' birthday bash which she is counting down EVERYDAY. She has already made plans on her own on Where she wants it and Who she is inviting!! (headache) Luckily for her, her birthday falls in December.
As for me, life has returned to normal after my helper came back in June ( she was almost stranded in Philipines due to improper documentation). Now we get to enjoy more variety of home-cooked meals and of course, her bakings. She has since learnt to make bread and has perfected the art of chocolate muffins. My son and daughter will request for their favorite meals and it will be served. As for me, I have decided to leave the whole kitchen to her and now I hardly ever wash a single dish...phew!!
Its been over a year since I last blogged. Many things had transpired during this time. My dad passed away, we sold our flat and went house-hunting, my son went to a Primary school, shifted house, took a 6-month break from work to look after kids after our helper went back home and many more. I should have had more time to blog but that wasn't the case. I was bogged down with many things and was by the end of the day too tired or too lazy to write anything.
One of the biggest change was the move to our new home. Thankfully the transition was smooth for the kids and I and we simply love the new place with the swimming pool and gym and playground right at our doorstep. The view is awesome and I love being home each day and looking after the place and kids (and of course, my hubby). I had the chance to experiment in the kitchen and put my culinary skills to the test again. Thankfully there were no complaints and a few dishes even made to the top of the kids' food list (I pity my hubby though for having to put up with kiddy food). I stoically did all the housework everyday for the first few months when my helper went back until I suffered from lots of 'injuries'. I had thought that it would be a breeze as the house is not very big and my interior design is done in such a way as to minimise cleaning but I was so wrong. Housework finally took its toll on me and it finally sank in that my body is not used to such work anymore when I had to spent about $40-$60 per week on massages just to ease the aches and pains. I then decided that the money could be spent elsewhere, like hiring someone else to do the chores on my behalf. So 2 months before my helper returned, I succumb to employing a part-time cleaning lady... and it was bliss once more...no more cleaning toilets, ironing and moping. I happily cooked for the kids and send them to school with their friends (btw, we chauffer 6 kids to 2 schools every morning, 4 to Cedar and 2 to Ascension) with my hubby as the driver every morning, then have couple- breakfast together or do marketing. On some afternoons, I will practice my driving by ferrying the kids back from school or go to the library.
The kids routine also changed slightly especially since Kyle is now in Primary school. They do not need to nap on most afternoons except on days when we have activities in the evening, like badminton or music lessons. The kids will do their work in the afternoons, play with their toys and then after dinner, do some reading before they hit the bed at between 7.30-8 pm. In the mornings, they wake up at 615 and get ready for school. During the weekends, they go for their Abacus classes and Chinese lesson for Kyle. This year, the kids classes also included swimming on Tuesdays (resumed with their old coach), Meryl's music lessons on Monday evenings and the latest is Aikido lessons at the HQ just 5 mins walk from our place on Sunday. We had decided that Aikido is the most 'non-violent' art compared to Taekwando and Wushu and it is good in teaching them self-defence. What's more, the kids love it! They also get to meet their old friends from Sengkang every Wednesdays when we go down for badminton at the CC.
In the last year, my kids have also grown. Although my girl is still as short and cute ( she is still the shortest in class), her reading has improved by leaps and bounds for both her English and Mandarin. I was overjoyed! Just last year I was lamenting how slow she was compared to her brother who started reading before 4 on his own and could recognise many words. She also had problems differentiating her alphabets and numbers, often mistaking 'b' for 'd' and writing her numbers inverted. I was worried that she could be dyslexic but now I know my worries were unfounded. She comes back from school with 100% for all her reading list and can confidently read to me the story books norrowed from school. The biggest surprise was one evening when she read one whole 'Berenstain Bear' book for me and it runs into 20-30 pages with at least 2 paragraphs per page. Her interest in drawing has waned but she is showing more excitement in learning how to spell or write in Chinese. She has also become better at expressing herself and can talk tens to the dozen and sometimes there is no stopping her!
As for Kyle, he has adjusted very well in school with his old and new friends. He comes home with tales of the games he plays with friends during recess time and stories of what happened in the classroom except what he needs to do for homework. Everyday I will ask him if he has work to do and the answer is always no. Then I realised that he does his work very quickly in school so that he can play. He has little problem coping with his new schedule and demands as his kindergarten had prepared him very well. His performance in school is so far satisfactory and he is conscientious about his work especially passing spellings and doing well for tests. His dad has promised monetary rewards to help 'motivate' him. So far he has been 'earning' money with his recent biggest taking of the year being $50 for scoring full marks for his Math test. He also came in 1st in his class for his English during SA1 and 2nd for the whole level. The only subject he needs to improve on is Mandarin as he finds it too much work. He has also developed a voracious reading appetite during this past year. He has 'devoured' the whole series of 'Tin Tin', 'Berenstain bear' and a few of 'Geronimo Stilton'. I also got him hooked on 'The Wishing Chair' series and he started on 'Secret Seven' and 'Enchanted Wood' series recently. During the holidays he 'discovered' my 'Calvins and Hobbes' comics and enjoyed 'Garfield' as well. Our trips to Toa Payoh library involves a plastic, square trolley which is used to lug the 24 books that we borrow on each trips.
This past year also included many BBQs, playdates and outings with kids' friends, zoo outing (yes, again), many movies and trips in and outside Singapore. The kids had a great time during March holidays at Celestial resort in Ubin and in June we flew to Redang where the kids snorkelled twice everyday for 3 days. In between we also had some 'staycation' in Grand Waterfront Copthorne and Swissotel. All these will be sweet memories for the kids and also for us as we teach them and watch them grow and learn through exposure rather than classroom teaching. The next big thing I need to plan now is my girl' birthday bash which she is counting down EVERYDAY. She has already made plans on her own on Where she wants it and Who she is inviting!! (headache) Luckily for her, her birthday falls in December.
As for me, life has returned to normal after my helper came back in June ( she was almost stranded in Philipines due to improper documentation). Now we get to enjoy more variety of home-cooked meals and of course, her bakings. She has since learnt to make bread and has perfected the art of chocolate muffins. My son and daughter will request for their favorite meals and it will be served. As for me, I have decided to leave the whole kitchen to her and now I hardly ever wash a single dish...phew!!
Kyle, the Entrpreneur
My son turned entrepreneur 3 days ago and his takings for the day was 90 cents. On the 2nd day, he earned $1+ and today he made 60 cents.
I was mildly surprised when he told me that he 'sold' things to his friends. It was a matter of time. His dad has been telling him to earn his own money and we have also been telling him stories about how we make our own money through selling things when we were younger. Just recently, I read him a news article about a man who created Rochester Park in Singapore and now owns the tallest pub in Singapore. He also started out by selling Christmas cards during his schooling days. What surprised me was the things he sold. On the 1st day, he sold his 'Pocky', 3 for 10 cents and he sold sold rubber bands to his friends for 10 cents per piece. I was appalled!!! That evening my hubby and I had a talk with him on what are the 'right' things to sell. I told him that Pocky should be shared with friends and rubber bands are cheap item that does not fetch such a high price. We lectured him about how 'trust' is an important aspect of a client-seller relationship and how he should be an honest seller. After that he gave me a bunch of rubber bands ( which he had already put in his spectacle case) and decided to sell his brand-new erasers instead the next day.
The 2nd day, he again sold 3 'Pocky' for 10 cents and his erasers. On the 3rd day, he sold his remaining erasers. Everyday he gleefully told me how much he 'made' after school and then happily 'deposit it into his 'ATM' machine bank that we bought for him. For someone who is so 'money-minded', it is surprising that he does not ask for pocket money during school days. To date, I have only given him $1 on less than 5 occasions when I did not prepare lunchbox for him. He brings a lunchbox which contains either bread, cereal bar or biscuits and a packet of milk to school. Although I had suggested giving him a fixed amount which he can save up, he had refused that offer.
His usual 'income' comes from doing well in school, like getting 100% for his spellings or getting above 90% for his tests. Now he can supplement that 'income' through his salesmanship!!
I was mildly surprised when he told me that he 'sold' things to his friends. It was a matter of time. His dad has been telling him to earn his own money and we have also been telling him stories about how we make our own money through selling things when we were younger. Just recently, I read him a news article about a man who created Rochester Park in Singapore and now owns the tallest pub in Singapore. He also started out by selling Christmas cards during his schooling days. What surprised me was the things he sold. On the 1st day, he sold his 'Pocky', 3 for 10 cents and he sold sold rubber bands to his friends for 10 cents per piece. I was appalled!!! That evening my hubby and I had a talk with him on what are the 'right' things to sell. I told him that Pocky should be shared with friends and rubber bands are cheap item that does not fetch such a high price. We lectured him about how 'trust' is an important aspect of a client-seller relationship and how he should be an honest seller. After that he gave me a bunch of rubber bands ( which he had already put in his spectacle case) and decided to sell his brand-new erasers instead the next day.
The 2nd day, he again sold 3 'Pocky' for 10 cents and his erasers. On the 3rd day, he sold his remaining erasers. Everyday he gleefully told me how much he 'made' after school and then happily 'deposit it into his 'ATM' machine bank that we bought for him. For someone who is so 'money-minded', it is surprising that he does not ask for pocket money during school days. To date, I have only given him $1 on less than 5 occasions when I did not prepare lunchbox for him. He brings a lunchbox which contains either bread, cereal bar or biscuits and a packet of milk to school. Although I had suggested giving him a fixed amount which he can save up, he had refused that offer.
His usual 'income' comes from doing well in school, like getting 100% for his spellings or getting above 90% for his tests. Now he can supplement that 'income' through his salesmanship!!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Hectic Week
A Hectic Week
Never in my life have I imagine that so many things can happen in a short span of a week. I am truly drained of all energy, both emotionally and physically.
The week started fairly uneventfully with the usual lessons in school and then on Tuesday I was on childcare leave as Meryl was not feeling well and had to go to the doctor's. On Wednesday, Kyle also had a short bout of fever in the evening which was rather sudden. As usual he demanded the usual pampering, such as massaging his tummy, applying vicks on the sole of his feet etc. Thankfully, his fever subsided and he was up and going the next day. On Wednesday it was my turn. I suspect that the virus was going around and my throat was again first to succumb. I had fever on Wednesday night and had to forfeit my weekly badminton game and stayed at home to rest. I made myself many kinds of flu tea and the fever subsided and I resolved to go to school the next day as I had planned some remediation lessons with my classes. But fate had a different plan for me.
On Thursday morning, I was awakened by the vibration of my phone at 4.40am in the morning. It was to be the most shocking news of the week...to be continued..
Never in my life have I imagine that so many things can happen in a short span of a week. I am truly drained of all energy, both emotionally and physically.
The week started fairly uneventfully with the usual lessons in school and then on Tuesday I was on childcare leave as Meryl was not feeling well and had to go to the doctor's. On Wednesday, Kyle also had a short bout of fever in the evening which was rather sudden. As usual he demanded the usual pampering, such as massaging his tummy, applying vicks on the sole of his feet etc. Thankfully, his fever subsided and he was up and going the next day. On Wednesday it was my turn. I suspect that the virus was going around and my throat was again first to succumb. I had fever on Wednesday night and had to forfeit my weekly badminton game and stayed at home to rest. I made myself many kinds of flu tea and the fever subsided and I resolved to go to school the next day as I had planned some remediation lessons with my classes. But fate had a different plan for me.
On Thursday morning, I was awakened by the vibration of my phone at 4.40am in the morning. It was to be the most shocking news of the week...to be continued..
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Meryl's Massages
Meryl's Massages
If you ever have a chance to piggy-back Meryl or carry her in your arms, you can always request for one of her massages as payment. She is Great at it!
This is how it goes; She steps on your back and uses a variety of 'steps' to ease your aches away. (she uses the ledge of our platform to steady herself while doing it)
Her routine includes, 'marching steps', 'walking on heels', 'the twist' (latest)'tippy toes' and a funny one that she stands on one leg and uses the other to 'pound' on the opposite side. I love her 'walking on heels' most as the effect is so good especially on all the vital acu-points.
She has perfected her 'art' to the extent that she can read her books while giving one of her 'foot' massages to me or her daddy!
If you ever have a chance to piggy-back Meryl or carry her in your arms, you can always request for one of her massages as payment. She is Great at it!
This is how it goes; She steps on your back and uses a variety of 'steps' to ease your aches away. (she uses the ledge of our platform to steady herself while doing it)
Her routine includes, 'marching steps', 'walking on heels', 'the twist' (latest)'tippy toes' and a funny one that she stands on one leg and uses the other to 'pound' on the opposite side. I love her 'walking on heels' most as the effect is so good especially on all the vital acu-points.
She has perfected her 'art' to the extent that she can read her books while giving one of her 'foot' massages to me or her daddy!
Meryl's sweet talk
Night time. Bedtime. Both kids sleeping over in room with me. Meryl started coughing and it was phlemy. I asked her to roll over and kneel down so I can pat her back to loosen her phlegm. After patting, she turned over and said this to me.
"Mummy, tomorrow you remind me to massage your hands ok?
So thoughtful.
"Mummy, tomorrow you remind me to massage your hands ok?
So thoughtful.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Kyle's request
Kyle's request
Tonight, I showed Kyle my blog about them and read to them what I wrote about their antics. I wanted to acquaint him with blogging as I told him that I would like to start a blog for him whereby he can also try and write about his day's events. He was tickled pink to read with me what I blogged about as he could still recall the events vividly, especially the day when he gave me his $50. Meryl came in halfway and listened to what I read and laughed at all the right places with me. I even verified with her what she said to me that night and she was able to tell me again, verbatim.
After that, he said that he would read me 3 Chinese books (as I had just read him the entry on him making the promise to me) and he did it very well. Then I put them to bed. As I said the goodnight prayer with them, Meryl started doing somersault while repeating what I said. Then Kyle started doing the same thing. I immediately took the cane and told him that I would not hesitate to use it on his buttocks if he does it again.(btw, the canes have all become white elephants as there was no real need to use them)
He asked, "What did I do wrong?'
I told him that he is talking to God and he is being most disrespectful by doing gymnastics in the midst of praying. He then apologised and we finished our prayer without much ado.
Before I left their room, he requested that I 'write it down' in my blog. I ask him, 'Write what?' He replied to write about what he did wrong down. So here I am writing this blog entry!
Tonight, I showed Kyle my blog about them and read to them what I wrote about their antics. I wanted to acquaint him with blogging as I told him that I would like to start a blog for him whereby he can also try and write about his day's events. He was tickled pink to read with me what I blogged about as he could still recall the events vividly, especially the day when he gave me his $50. Meryl came in halfway and listened to what I read and laughed at all the right places with me. I even verified with her what she said to me that night and she was able to tell me again, verbatim.
After that, he said that he would read me 3 Chinese books (as I had just read him the entry on him making the promise to me) and he did it very well. Then I put them to bed. As I said the goodnight prayer with them, Meryl started doing somersault while repeating what I said. Then Kyle started doing the same thing. I immediately took the cane and told him that I would not hesitate to use it on his buttocks if he does it again.(btw, the canes have all become white elephants as there was no real need to use them)
He asked, "What did I do wrong?'
I told him that he is talking to God and he is being most disrespectful by doing gymnastics in the midst of praying. He then apologised and we finished our prayer without much ado.
Before I left their room, he requested that I 'write it down' in my blog. I ask him, 'Write what?' He replied to write about what he did wrong down. So here I am writing this blog entry!
Daddy's New book
The Choice
Their uncle and aunt brought the kids out for dinner tonight and the parents tagged along! We had a meal at KFC and then walked around a bit and the kids had ice-cream. Then when we gave the kids a choice, as to where they want to go next, surprisingly, Kyle chose Popular Bookshop over Kiddy Palace! He went straight to his Ben 10 section to browse through Book 9 which was opened by some others ( I had already bought this book but he has yet to earn it from me). Meryl also settled down very quickly on the floor with one of the Princess book for a good 20 mins.
I left them to entertain themselves and browse through the adults non-fiction. I came across a book titled, 'A gift to my children: A father's lessons for life and investing' by Jim Rogers. I had happened to watch an interview given by him that very afternoon on Channelnews Asia while having my lunch at 4.30pm. He is a very successful investor, fund manager and had made enough to retire at the age of 37. He had since penned a few books on investment but this book was a collection of wisdom that he hoped to pass to his children. It struck me that the he uses a lot of his life experiences as examples to teach important values for the young. It was vaguely similar to my hubby's nightly 'Thinking Game' ( a term that Kyle coined for the time the dad spend with them before they sleep) with the Duo. Every night they will 'talk' about a topic and the hubby will ask them questions and they have to 'think' and then answer. The Duo loves this 'Game' and looked forward to it every night. They also compete with each other to see who can 'think' faster and come up with the 'answer' faster. More often that not, they have to explain their answer before the dad is satisfied with it. So as I thumbed through the content of this book, I thought that the topics Jim Rogers touched on would provide a more structured guide for teaching the kids 'Character Development'. The Content includes topics such as 'Swim your own races: Do not let others do your thinking for you', 'Focus on what you like', 'Learning to Think,'Good habits for life' etc.
I bought it as a gift for my hubby hoping that it would be his gift for the Duo.
Their uncle and aunt brought the kids out for dinner tonight and the parents tagged along! We had a meal at KFC and then walked around a bit and the kids had ice-cream. Then when we gave the kids a choice, as to where they want to go next, surprisingly, Kyle chose Popular Bookshop over Kiddy Palace! He went straight to his Ben 10 section to browse through Book 9 which was opened by some others ( I had already bought this book but he has yet to earn it from me). Meryl also settled down very quickly on the floor with one of the Princess book for a good 20 mins.
I left them to entertain themselves and browse through the adults non-fiction. I came across a book titled, 'A gift to my children: A father's lessons for life and investing' by Jim Rogers. I had happened to watch an interview given by him that very afternoon on Channelnews Asia while having my lunch at 4.30pm. He is a very successful investor, fund manager and had made enough to retire at the age of 37. He had since penned a few books on investment but this book was a collection of wisdom that he hoped to pass to his children. It struck me that the he uses a lot of his life experiences as examples to teach important values for the young. It was vaguely similar to my hubby's nightly 'Thinking Game' ( a term that Kyle coined for the time the dad spend with them before they sleep) with the Duo. Every night they will 'talk' about a topic and the hubby will ask them questions and they have to 'think' and then answer. The Duo loves this 'Game' and looked forward to it every night. They also compete with each other to see who can 'think' faster and come up with the 'answer' faster. More often that not, they have to explain their answer before the dad is satisfied with it. So as I thumbed through the content of this book, I thought that the topics Jim Rogers touched on would provide a more structured guide for teaching the kids 'Character Development'. The Content includes topics such as 'Swim your own races: Do not let others do your thinking for you', 'Focus on what you like', 'Learning to Think,'Good habits for life' etc.
I bought it as a gift for my hubby hoping that it would be his gift for the Duo.
Meryl's sweet nothings
On Monday night, I lost my cool when my girl took extra long time to get in bed despite it being way past their bedtime. That night we allow the Duo to stay up till 11 to watch Survivorman on Discovery, as it was Kyle's current favorite show (and only show that he can watch on TV besides Man vs Wild). The girl, as usual, refused to sleep any earlier than the brother. By that time, she was already showing signs of tiredness but was trying to keep up a strong front. So when the show ended, I quickly whisked them to bed but the girl was still trying to prolong the bedtime. By this time, I was getting impatient especially when she whined and insisted that I repeat the prayers as she wasn't paying attention. She took an extra long time to climb up her bunkbed and I refused to start the prayers over again and lost my cool with her. She burst out crying and her dad came to her rescue. I went out of the room to collect myself before going up her bed to explain to her why I was angry with her for wasting time and how it is already so late and that it would affect their rest for the next day. She was appeased and went to bed. After my hubby settled the Duo, we went to do our own things. About 10 mins later, she called for me. I went in, prepared to lecture her again. Instead I was surprised by her.
"Mummy, I want to tell you something.'
"What is it this time, Meryl?' I asked her impatiently.
"I'm sorry I was so rude to you just now." she apologised.
"It's ok, but try not to do it again ok? Mummy is sorry that I shouted at you too'.
At that, she suddenly burst out crying. I realised that it must have taken a lot out of her to apologise to me but I was glad she did. At least she was reflective and realised her own mistake.
On Wednesday night, the dad was out of town and the kids requested to sleep in our room. I agreed and the Duo bunked in with me to 'keep me company' whilst the hubby is away. I was dead tired that night and was in bed by 10 as I did not take a nap in the afternoon. Before sleeping, we talked a bit about the day's events. The I told them no more noise. Meryl turned to me and cuddled my hands and commented that my hands is always 'so nice and warm'. Then she said something really sweet to me, out of the blue.
'Mummy, thank you for everything that you have done for me. I love you sooooo much.'
Of course, it brought a big smile on my face. I have no idea what brought upon such a remark and I have no idea if she really understood what she was saying. All I know is that she one expressive kid who is in touch with her feelings.
"Mummy, I want to tell you something.'
"What is it this time, Meryl?' I asked her impatiently.
"I'm sorry I was so rude to you just now." she apologised.
"It's ok, but try not to do it again ok? Mummy is sorry that I shouted at you too'.
At that, she suddenly burst out crying. I realised that it must have taken a lot out of her to apologise to me but I was glad she did. At least she was reflective and realised her own mistake.
On Wednesday night, the dad was out of town and the kids requested to sleep in our room. I agreed and the Duo bunked in with me to 'keep me company' whilst the hubby is away. I was dead tired that night and was in bed by 10 as I did not take a nap in the afternoon. Before sleeping, we talked a bit about the day's events. The I told them no more noise. Meryl turned to me and cuddled my hands and commented that my hands is always 'so nice and warm'. Then she said something really sweet to me, out of the blue.
'Mummy, thank you for everything that you have done for me. I love you sooooo much.'
Of course, it brought a big smile on my face. I have no idea what brought upon such a remark and I have no idea if she really understood what she was saying. All I know is that she one expressive kid who is in touch with her feelings.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Kyle's Penitence
Kyle's Penitence
Our library books were overdue and we needed to make a trip down to Compasspoint. The Duo immediately settled down on the ground, pouring through the books they found. It was without much hassle that we chose the books they liked. Kyle chose a book by Dr Suess, 4 books on Berenstein bear and a pictorial fantasy. The only problem we had during check out time was that we had 2 books too many.
After that we proceeded to the Kopitiam foodcourt to have some dessert. That was when Kyle's 'nonsense' started. He wanted to go to Popular bookshop to browse through his Ben 10 books and was very impatient. He started whining and then insisted on playing with my handphone although I gave him strict warning not to. The whining did not stop even after we got to Popular. He discovered that his daddy had gone for a haircut and he whined that he wanted to have one as well. I immediately set him in a corner to tell him off. He wanted Popular in the first place and now he changed his mind. He grouchily submitted and turned his attention to the books. He was soon engrossed in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. He asked to get it and I agreed on condition that he reads 3 Chinese books for me per day. He agreed and I bought.
At the hairdresser's, he met his dad and sister and he again whined that he wanted a hair cut despite our telling him that we will bring him to his usual hairdresser which costs only $7 compared to $10. He made a big fuss and said that he will pay with his own money. By this time, both the hubby and I were of the same mind that we needed a talk with him. He was to stand and face the wall once he reached home.
Once home, we told him what was it he did that upset us and how it had spoilt the outing. Then we spoke to him about the value of money and where it comes from. He is aware that we have to work for every cent we spend. He also claimed that he has worked for his own money by swimming and doing work (written)and has a right to spend it (btw, he had earned about $50 to date). I then told him that that is a reward that the daddy gave him and the dad still has to work for it. With that we let him go.
Minutes later, I was at the table writing a cheque for his insurance policy. I told him how much it cost and that I have to write another cheque to pay for their school fees as well. He stood there for a while and then he made up his mind. "Mummy, I'll give you my $50." he offered graciously. I accepted and thanked him. Following suit was Meryl who wanted to give me her $10 but her brother told her to give me her $2 instead since he had given me $50 already. Of course both were praised for their generosity.
Footnote: Just before sleeping, he asked me how much his Transformer book cost and I told him $10. Then he commented that he gave me more than what I paid for the book, almost regretfully. I then reminded him that his insurance and school fees came up to more that $2000 and he hurriedly nodded his head in agreement!
Our library books were overdue and we needed to make a trip down to Compasspoint. The Duo immediately settled down on the ground, pouring through the books they found. It was without much hassle that we chose the books they liked. Kyle chose a book by Dr Suess, 4 books on Berenstein bear and a pictorial fantasy. The only problem we had during check out time was that we had 2 books too many.
After that we proceeded to the Kopitiam foodcourt to have some dessert. That was when Kyle's 'nonsense' started. He wanted to go to Popular bookshop to browse through his Ben 10 books and was very impatient. He started whining and then insisted on playing with my handphone although I gave him strict warning not to. The whining did not stop even after we got to Popular. He discovered that his daddy had gone for a haircut and he whined that he wanted to have one as well. I immediately set him in a corner to tell him off. He wanted Popular in the first place and now he changed his mind. He grouchily submitted and turned his attention to the books. He was soon engrossed in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. He asked to get it and I agreed on condition that he reads 3 Chinese books for me per day. He agreed and I bought.
At the hairdresser's, he met his dad and sister and he again whined that he wanted a hair cut despite our telling him that we will bring him to his usual hairdresser which costs only $7 compared to $10. He made a big fuss and said that he will pay with his own money. By this time, both the hubby and I were of the same mind that we needed a talk with him. He was to stand and face the wall once he reached home.
Once home, we told him what was it he did that upset us and how it had spoilt the outing. Then we spoke to him about the value of money and where it comes from. He is aware that we have to work for every cent we spend. He also claimed that he has worked for his own money by swimming and doing work (written)and has a right to spend it (btw, he had earned about $50 to date). I then told him that that is a reward that the daddy gave him and the dad still has to work for it. With that we let him go.
Minutes later, I was at the table writing a cheque for his insurance policy. I told him how much it cost and that I have to write another cheque to pay for their school fees as well. He stood there for a while and then he made up his mind. "Mummy, I'll give you my $50." he offered graciously. I accepted and thanked him. Following suit was Meryl who wanted to give me her $10 but her brother told her to give me her $2 instead since he had given me $50 already. Of course both were praised for their generosity.
Footnote: Just before sleeping, he asked me how much his Transformer book cost and I told him $10. Then he commented that he gave me more than what I paid for the book, almost regretfully. I then reminded him that his insurance and school fees came up to more that $2000 and he hurriedly nodded his head in agreement!
Our Current Fave books
The Reading Family
Both the Hubby and I started on the 'Belgariad' by David Eddings sometime in March. It was one of our favorite fantasy epics which we both read during our late teens. In fact my hubby claimed that his English only improved after he started reading the series which consists of 5 books in "Belgariad', 5 books in 'Mollareon' and another 5 in 'Elenium (too bad he only started reading after his 'O's). There were also branch- offs from the series on specific characters from the book. So by his standard, that's a LOT of books he read then! Both of us decided to re-read it Again (3rd time or so for me and him too)! Every night we will commence reading time before bedtime and everyone of us will pick their own books and do individual silent reading, Meryl included. We will then spend about 15-25 minutes reading before lights out. (Btw, I am almost done with the 10th and final book of both Belgariad and Mallorean !)
For Kyle, I introduced him the Ben 10 comic series (currently Book 11) knowing that he prides himself in knowing everything about Ben 10. It was also because he was aware that the books that we were reading comes in a series. Thus when I told him about the Ben 10 series, he was very excited and couldn't wait to collect all ( like mum and dad). However, he has to work hard for it. It was a form of reward for him when he does something well, such as Abacus, swimming or taking initiative to do his work without prompting. It worked Wonders!! He is currently at Book 7 and still needs to earn Book 8 and 9 which I had already bought. Every night he'd pour over the 7 books he has, scrutinising the pictures and reading the words in the dialogue boxes. In fact, more often than not, he would refuse to go to bed until he finished going through the selected books for the night at least once. He seldom bother us when he is reading and is happy to be on his own. Now he has also acquired the habit of bringing along a few books whenever we go out!
As for Meryl, she is into her Princess books. It started when I played them an audio CD of 'The Little Mermaid' in the car. They enjoyed it so much and was able to follow the narrator so well that by the end of 1 week, both could recite the story. I then went on to buy a few more such as "The Lion King', Snow White and the 7 dwarfs', 'Cinderella', beauty and the Beast', 'Thumbelina' etc. Meryl loved to be able to pick up the books and look at the pictures and make Many comments on them. She also loved to just sit there and listen to the cd, lost in a magical world. There are times, when I would play the cd in her room for her and there are times, she was just thumbing through the books during our reading time, on her own. Like her brother, she also insists on bringing books out with her. I am comforted to know that I have managed to impart my love for books to them and inculcate in them this habit of reading.
The kids have an assortment of books ( about 3 shelves full of both English and Chinese books) that I salvaged from book fairs and Popular in JB ( I LOVE Book Fairs!) There are also certain authors that I have introduced them to with a wide selection under their belt, such as 'Curious George' by Hay Reyes, Tony Ross, Dr Suess, 'Berenstein Bears' etc. It helps that they are familiar with the characters in the stories and sustains their interest. I have found it an effective way to keep them asking for more as they are curious to find out what else the characters in the series do. Kyle started with 'Curious George' at about 2 plus and he is now able to read it on his own. There are periods when they are obsessed with certain things and we will then go library to borrow more on the subject. One example was when both of them were fired up about learning the different functions of the body. Books on 'Digestive System', Respiratory System', 'Nervous System' were then hunted down and they poured over it.
One of my favorite place when I visit JB is Popular Bookstore at CitySquare. Here is where I buy All the Chinese storybooks for the kids. They cost about half the price in Singapore! They also have bundles at times which made it even cheaper. For some reasons that I do not understand, the cost of Chinese books (those with big pictures and one sentence below it) is ridiculously high, sometimes between $3-$6. The kids love the bright, colourful pictures and the words are simple enough for them to understand. There is another series that comes with dialogue boxes and the children are suppose to role-play. It was definitely a good way to engage them in reading Chinese. I LOVE it! I usually buy about 3-5 books per trip and then add on to their collection with every visit.
If you ever have a chance to sit in our car, you will notice that the pockets of the seats behind are overflowing with books. This is where I read most of the Chinese books to them when we are travelling from place to place. This is where they listen to their CD( when their mom is feeling lazy) and follow the narrator in telling the story. This is where they Fight most of the time over books as well. Now that I am blogging on this, I am thinking that actually most of their learning to read took place in the confined space of the car, since they have nothing better to do!! In fact, last week, we took a ride from a friend in their car and the 1st comment that Meryl made when she went in was, 'How come you have no books in your car?? Where are all your books?'
Both the kids know that their mummy will not buy toys easily for them ( in fact, hardly ever now) but when it comes to books, she will part with her money willingly...provided that it is not too expensive lah!
Both the Hubby and I started on the 'Belgariad' by David Eddings sometime in March. It was one of our favorite fantasy epics which we both read during our late teens. In fact my hubby claimed that his English only improved after he started reading the series which consists of 5 books in "Belgariad', 5 books in 'Mollareon' and another 5 in 'Elenium (too bad he only started reading after his 'O's). There were also branch- offs from the series on specific characters from the book. So by his standard, that's a LOT of books he read then! Both of us decided to re-read it Again (3rd time or so for me and him too)! Every night we will commence reading time before bedtime and everyone of us will pick their own books and do individual silent reading, Meryl included. We will then spend about 15-25 minutes reading before lights out. (Btw, I am almost done with the 10th and final book of both Belgariad and Mallorean !)
For Kyle, I introduced him the Ben 10 comic series (currently Book 11) knowing that he prides himself in knowing everything about Ben 10. It was also because he was aware that the books that we were reading comes in a series. Thus when I told him about the Ben 10 series, he was very excited and couldn't wait to collect all ( like mum and dad). However, he has to work hard for it. It was a form of reward for him when he does something well, such as Abacus, swimming or taking initiative to do his work without prompting. It worked Wonders!! He is currently at Book 7 and still needs to earn Book 8 and 9 which I had already bought. Every night he'd pour over the 7 books he has, scrutinising the pictures and reading the words in the dialogue boxes. In fact, more often than not, he would refuse to go to bed until he finished going through the selected books for the night at least once. He seldom bother us when he is reading and is happy to be on his own. Now he has also acquired the habit of bringing along a few books whenever we go out!
As for Meryl, she is into her Princess books. It started when I played them an audio CD of 'The Little Mermaid' in the car. They enjoyed it so much and was able to follow the narrator so well that by the end of 1 week, both could recite the story. I then went on to buy a few more such as "The Lion King', Snow White and the 7 dwarfs', 'Cinderella', beauty and the Beast', 'Thumbelina' etc. Meryl loved to be able to pick up the books and look at the pictures and make Many comments on them. She also loved to just sit there and listen to the cd, lost in a magical world. There are times, when I would play the cd in her room for her and there are times, she was just thumbing through the books during our reading time, on her own. Like her brother, she also insists on bringing books out with her. I am comforted to know that I have managed to impart my love for books to them and inculcate in them this habit of reading.
The kids have an assortment of books ( about 3 shelves full of both English and Chinese books) that I salvaged from book fairs and Popular in JB ( I LOVE Book Fairs!) There are also certain authors that I have introduced them to with a wide selection under their belt, such as 'Curious George' by Hay Reyes, Tony Ross, Dr Suess, 'Berenstein Bears' etc. It helps that they are familiar with the characters in the stories and sustains their interest. I have found it an effective way to keep them asking for more as they are curious to find out what else the characters in the series do. Kyle started with 'Curious George' at about 2 plus and he is now able to read it on his own. There are periods when they are obsessed with certain things and we will then go library to borrow more on the subject. One example was when both of them were fired up about learning the different functions of the body. Books on 'Digestive System', Respiratory System', 'Nervous System' were then hunted down and they poured over it.
One of my favorite place when I visit JB is Popular Bookstore at CitySquare. Here is where I buy All the Chinese storybooks for the kids. They cost about half the price in Singapore! They also have bundles at times which made it even cheaper. For some reasons that I do not understand, the cost of Chinese books (those with big pictures and one sentence below it) is ridiculously high, sometimes between $3-$6. The kids love the bright, colourful pictures and the words are simple enough for them to understand. There is another series that comes with dialogue boxes and the children are suppose to role-play. It was definitely a good way to engage them in reading Chinese. I LOVE it! I usually buy about 3-5 books per trip and then add on to their collection with every visit.
If you ever have a chance to sit in our car, you will notice that the pockets of the seats behind are overflowing with books. This is where I read most of the Chinese books to them when we are travelling from place to place. This is where they listen to their CD( when their mom is feeling lazy) and follow the narrator in telling the story. This is where they Fight most of the time over books as well. Now that I am blogging on this, I am thinking that actually most of their learning to read took place in the confined space of the car, since they have nothing better to do!! In fact, last week, we took a ride from a friend in their car and the 1st comment that Meryl made when she went in was, 'How come you have no books in your car?? Where are all your books?'
Both the kids know that their mummy will not buy toys easily for them ( in fact, hardly ever now) but when it comes to books, she will part with her money willingly...provided that it is not too expensive lah!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Meryl's school report
Meryl's school report (1st semester)
I had a pleasant surprise waiting for me when I reached home after a long, long day at work. Meryl's progress book! She received mostly Good for all areas such as Intellectual Devt, Self help, Motor Skills, Social Skills, Reading Skills, Writing Skills and Numeracy Skills. What surprised me was the number of Excellent grading she got! I must say that I have lower expectations from her than from her brother thus I was pleased to see that she was excelling in some areas. They were Emotional Development, Language and Literacy skills (speech, hearing and story) and in area of Creative Expression. I showered her with praises and at the same time told her of the areas that she needed improvements in.
Later that night, Meryl's teacher had a tele-conversation with me over her progress in school as I was unable to attend the Parent-Teacher meeting last Saturday. She told me that Meryl was an articulate, expressive and sociable girl in class and was the 'Little Helper', making sure that everyone packed up after class, keep their chairs etc. She was also a 'trend-setter'among her classmates. According to the teacher, Meryl has been singing "Ponyo on the cliff' ( a Japanese cartoon I brought the kids to watch and thereafter they learnt the song on Youtube) everyday and her classmates had caught on and they were also trying to imitate the Japanese cartoon characters and how they walk. However, she will also talk ten to the dozens in class whenever she does her work thus resulting in her always being the last to finish in class. In fact, the teacher mentioned that this was one of the problems she has; lack of focus as she only wants to talk and talk! The only time she can complete her work on time is when the teacher sits next to her.
Recognising words was another area of concern I brought up to the teacher as at her age, her brother was already reading independently with minimal help. Her teacher claims that she is progressing well although she discovered some of her 'tricks'. She will always choose to be the last to go through the guided reading with her teacher and on the pretext of being gracious, let others go before her. But instead of playing while the teacher is busy with the rest, she will be furiously going through the book and trying to catch the story in snippets from where she was, hoping to remember the words when it comes her turn (btw, she has a fantastic memory and can recite her audio books of 20 pages from 1st to last page). That was how she managed to score 9 stars in her recent Wordbank Booklet. No wonder when I tested her at home, she was unable to read some of the words!
The teacher also praised her on her leadership skills (!!! btw she is the shortest in class!!!) Apparently, she will help to issue instructions in class and makes sure that everyone follows suit. I have seen her in her element at home, trust me, she can be very determined and aggressive when it comes to certain things! According to the teacher, she is a natural performer...ha ha...seeks the limelight, will relish every opportunity to sing/act.( I recounted to the teacher a time when we were at Malacca and Meryl saw people performing on a stage and she insisted that she wants to go up to sing her 'Hokkien song'. It was only after much persuasion that we managed to get her to drop the idea. Phew! So far, she had taken part in 3 competitions, a Toddler contest where she came in 1st Runners up , a RC- organised talent song where she got 1st and a fancy dress cum talent show where she sang a medley of songs on stage without any signs of stage fright in front of a whole hall of audience).
Now my job at hand is to help her read better and learn to be more focused when doing her work!
I had a pleasant surprise waiting for me when I reached home after a long, long day at work. Meryl's progress book! She received mostly Good for all areas such as Intellectual Devt, Self help, Motor Skills, Social Skills, Reading Skills, Writing Skills and Numeracy Skills. What surprised me was the number of Excellent grading she got! I must say that I have lower expectations from her than from her brother thus I was pleased to see that she was excelling in some areas. They were Emotional Development, Language and Literacy skills (speech, hearing and story) and in area of Creative Expression. I showered her with praises and at the same time told her of the areas that she needed improvements in.
Later that night, Meryl's teacher had a tele-conversation with me over her progress in school as I was unable to attend the Parent-Teacher meeting last Saturday. She told me that Meryl was an articulate, expressive and sociable girl in class and was the 'Little Helper', making sure that everyone packed up after class, keep their chairs etc. She was also a 'trend-setter'among her classmates. According to the teacher, Meryl has been singing "Ponyo on the cliff' ( a Japanese cartoon I brought the kids to watch and thereafter they learnt the song on Youtube) everyday and her classmates had caught on and they were also trying to imitate the Japanese cartoon characters and how they walk. However, she will also talk ten to the dozens in class whenever she does her work thus resulting in her always being the last to finish in class. In fact, the teacher mentioned that this was one of the problems she has; lack of focus as she only wants to talk and talk! The only time she can complete her work on time is when the teacher sits next to her.
Recognising words was another area of concern I brought up to the teacher as at her age, her brother was already reading independently with minimal help. Her teacher claims that she is progressing well although she discovered some of her 'tricks'. She will always choose to be the last to go through the guided reading with her teacher and on the pretext of being gracious, let others go before her. But instead of playing while the teacher is busy with the rest, she will be furiously going through the book and trying to catch the story in snippets from where she was, hoping to remember the words when it comes her turn (btw, she has a fantastic memory and can recite her audio books of 20 pages from 1st to last page). That was how she managed to score 9 stars in her recent Wordbank Booklet. No wonder when I tested her at home, she was unable to read some of the words!
The teacher also praised her on her leadership skills (!!! btw she is the shortest in class!!!) Apparently, she will help to issue instructions in class and makes sure that everyone follows suit. I have seen her in her element at home, trust me, she can be very determined and aggressive when it comes to certain things! According to the teacher, she is a natural performer...ha ha...seeks the limelight, will relish every opportunity to sing/act.( I recounted to the teacher a time when we were at Malacca and Meryl saw people performing on a stage and she insisted that she wants to go up to sing her 'Hokkien song'. It was only after much persuasion that we managed to get her to drop the idea. Phew! So far, she had taken part in 3 competitions, a Toddler contest where she came in 1st Runners up , a RC- organised talent song where she got 1st and a fancy dress cum talent show where she sang a medley of songs on stage without any signs of stage fright in front of a whole hall of audience).
Now my job at hand is to help her read better and learn to be more focused when doing her work!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Return of the Bamboo
Return of the 'CANE'
The cane has been conspicuously absent from my home for the past year as my hubby was all for alternative punishment (see earlier posts on corporal punishments). I remember times when my temper went amok that I went combing through the whole house for something even remotely similar in its function to a cane. For a short while, I found a substitute using the balloon sticks but atlas, it usually could not withstand the force of my anger. And the kids are not SCARED of it as the pain inflicted is too minimal!!
Of late, I found the need for one again. The Duo are getting way out of hand; not responding when called, taking their own sweet time eating their meals (and everything else), fighting (verbally and physically), throwing temper tantrums and being disrespectful at times. My endorsement came from another mom with 3 daughters. Her cane RULES!
Actually I have been threatening to buy one for the longest time but each time, my hubby will talk me out of it. Finally, last Sun, I bought 2 but lost one even before I reached the house. That cane which costs 50cents only lasted 1 use. Either I have super strength or they don't make canes to last nowadays.
I explained to the kids the 2X rules. If I call them and they do not respond by the 2nd call, they will recieve one stroke. If they play with and do not 'respect' the cane, they will also get 1 stroke. I hang it in the kitchen where they can see.
The next morning after I bought the cane, Kyle tested me out. He was to be given 2 strokes. However, when it was time to be caned, he bargained with me on how it was to be executed (how many percent strength i was going to use, to have his pants on, not wanting to pull his shirt up etc) It was really testing my patience and I added 1 stroke each time I counted to 2 and he was still not by the wall. It totalled 8 when he asked me to 'Shut up' and that made it 9 and then the 10th stroke was when he hit the wall with a massager. I really saw red by then and as much as I wanted to keep my cool, I lost it. The cane broke into half on the 1st stroke. The rest of the 9 strokes came in quick successions using the other half.
The next day, I stumbled on a medicine shop which was selling all kinds of stuff and bought another 4 this time (not taking any more chances with flimsy canes). That night, Kyle got 2 strokes ( in his underwear) and this time, he did not dare to bargain and stood by the wall for his punishment. He cried and I told him that I only cane using 10% of my strength and that this will increase with each punishment. My girl recieved 1 stroke but did not cry. Thankfully, all 4 canes are still intact!
The cane has been conspicuously absent from my home for the past year as my hubby was all for alternative punishment (see earlier posts on corporal punishments). I remember times when my temper went amok that I went combing through the whole house for something even remotely similar in its function to a cane. For a short while, I found a substitute using the balloon sticks but atlas, it usually could not withstand the force of my anger. And the kids are not SCARED of it as the pain inflicted is too minimal!!
Of late, I found the need for one again. The Duo are getting way out of hand; not responding when called, taking their own sweet time eating their meals (and everything else), fighting (verbally and physically), throwing temper tantrums and being disrespectful at times. My endorsement came from another mom with 3 daughters. Her cane RULES!
Actually I have been threatening to buy one for the longest time but each time, my hubby will talk me out of it. Finally, last Sun, I bought 2 but lost one even before I reached the house. That cane which costs 50cents only lasted 1 use. Either I have super strength or they don't make canes to last nowadays.
I explained to the kids the 2X rules. If I call them and they do not respond by the 2nd call, they will recieve one stroke. If they play with and do not 'respect' the cane, they will also get 1 stroke. I hang it in the kitchen where they can see.
The next morning after I bought the cane, Kyle tested me out. He was to be given 2 strokes. However, when it was time to be caned, he bargained with me on how it was to be executed (how many percent strength i was going to use, to have his pants on, not wanting to pull his shirt up etc) It was really testing my patience and I added 1 stroke each time I counted to 2 and he was still not by the wall. It totalled 8 when he asked me to 'Shut up' and that made it 9 and then the 10th stroke was when he hit the wall with a massager. I really saw red by then and as much as I wanted to keep my cool, I lost it. The cane broke into half on the 1st stroke. The rest of the 9 strokes came in quick successions using the other half.
The next day, I stumbled on a medicine shop which was selling all kinds of stuff and bought another 4 this time (not taking any more chances with flimsy canes). That night, Kyle got 2 strokes ( in his underwear) and this time, he did not dare to bargain and stood by the wall for his punishment. He cried and I told him that I only cane using 10% of my strength and that this will increase with each punishment. My girl recieved 1 stroke but did not cry. Thankfully, all 4 canes are still intact!
Kyle's Accomplishments
Kyle's Accomplishments in JuneKyle has taken up roller-blading and cycling this June holidays. His interest started with blading when he spotted the blades on one of our grocery trips to Giant. He insisted that he can blade and promptly tried a pair on and showed me on the spot. It looked promising. I ended up with a pair that costs $69.90 which can be expanded from size 32-35 (I can also wear them!).
He picked up blading pretty fast as he was not afraid of falling. This interest was shared by another friend of his, who also got her parents to get her a pair of blades. She was even better and became Kyle's 'teacher'. Now they blade together downstairs or during badminton nights.
Earlier on, I had ask Kyle to learn how to cycle on 2 wheels but he was not keen. He started out by cycling on 2+1 ( i removed one side of the training wheels) and became quite dependent on the 3rd wheel. The breakthrough came last Monday 22nd June.
It was their 2nd Art lesson at SKCC and I wanted to pillion the 2 of them there but Kyle insisted on cycling. I gave in as I did not want to waste time arguing with him (nowadays he likes to bargain and argue about stuff which usually end up in me getting angry and him, upset). I did not realised that his 3rd wheel was spoilt (it was bent and unable to support the bike). In his headstrong attempt to prove to me that he could cycle, he actually did, on 2 wheels!
I could see halfway that he was struggling as beads of perspiration were dripping from his brows and his shirt was drenched at the back. Even though we were running late and I was on my bike with Meryl in front, I tried to give him last minute instructions as patiently as I could. Amidst shouting at him to watch out for pedestrains, I also had to apologise to some of them who were strickened with fear as my son tried to manouvre his bike as best as he could, without banging into them. Still, he did a great job on 2 wheels for the 1st time! I was also totally exhausted, but thankful that I did not have to push the 2 bikes and 2 kids to their art class.
The next day, he practised some more along the corridor and on the 2nd level. His confidence was greatly increased by the success of the previous night. On Wednesday, he cycled to AVCC without much fanfare this time and he is now able to brake and turn smoothly. Hurray!!
As for my girl, I have been telling her that I want her to learn to cycle on 2 wheels soon. Her answer to me was, " Mummy, I will cycle on 2 wheels when I am 6 years old, ok?"
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