Our Magic Tree

Welcome Back

2010-11-28T20:52:00.000-08:00

So glad to have the boys back. Although the house chaos started, I realised that I prefer the chaos than not having them at all.

This year's camp was better for No1. I think he didn't miss home as much as last years. I was so relieved to find that his mouth wasn't swollen like last year due to lack of water.

As for No2, he enjoyed himself and told me he didn't missed me! When I opened his luggage, it was like a rubbish bin. He mixed all his dirty clothes with the clean ones. He didn't follow my instructions and does whatever he likes! Ha! Ha! He survived though.

I am just glad they all came back safely. I also realised that there were actually 9 buses after all. There's one bus which steering wheel was faulty and the driver couldn't turn his bus......thank God they all embarked safely.

So next year, I don't have to worry when they are at camp since they are all experience campers now!!!!

Empty Nest Syndrome

2010-11-25T17:01:00.001-08:00

My two boys have gone to Church camp since 19th November, Tuesday. They'll be back tomorrow.......

During this time, I've a glimpse of a 'empty nest syndrome'. This is No2's first trip and No1's second trip. For 5 days 4 nights with around 250 other campers ranging from 8-12 years old in 8 buses going up to 'Peacehaven' our church own permise at Genting.

The house is extremely quiet. At times when I was so angry with them, I always wonder how life would be if I never had them. Now...I know...it's better to have them afterall.

I miss No2's chatter the most. He is very close to me perhaps because I took care of him all these while. whereas No1 was taken care of by 'kakak' for the 1st two years.

I am not too worried about how they will cope in the camp because I know they are in good hands. Last year, after No1 came back from 'camp' he told me it was a terrible experience.....which I finally found out that he missed home terribly. He also said, that will be his last camp. Of course, imagine going away on his own for the 1st time and it was 5 days 4 nights. This yearwith his little brother coming along , hopefully they'll adjust well. Still, I was glad he changed his mind and went this year.

After this camp, hopefully my picky eater No2 will be less picky. Last year, after No1 came back from camp, he washes his own dishes, fold his own blanket, make coffee for me......but alas....it didn't last. Wonder how it would be like this year........

Despite keeping myself busy with 'decluttering'.....my mind often think of them.

It has been a busy few weeks, we just came back from Port Dickson before they left for camp. Right after coming back No1 has to attend his friends birthday party....

Let's hope Saturday comes quicky cos I really do miss both of them.

English Today

2010-08-18T19:50:00.001-07:00

I cringed when I learnt on how English is taught today.
If you were to write sentences like these in your exam...

a) The boy is swimming.
b) He helped the old lady to cross the road.
c) Everyone gather at the hall for assembly.
d) The cat is sleeping on the sofa.
e) My uncle wears spectacles
f) The boy offers his seat to the old lady.

Do you know you will get no marks at all? The ones bold in purple are the helping words.

Okay, then what should the right answer be?
a) The boy is swimming now.
b) He helped the old lady to cross the road yesterday.
c) (Everyone) We gather at the hall for assembly.
d) The cat is sleeping (on) in the sofa. ( totally ridiculous)
e) My uncle wears a pair of spectacles ( as if one can wear more than a pair of specs)
f) The boy offers his seat to the old lady in the bus.

The ones bold red are the answers expected!!!! If this is how English is taught, I rather it not taught at all!!!

And do you say " There children are playing football in the field or playing football on the field?"

Actually I'm a little embarassed to post this ...cos these sentences are so so basic!

Lighter Load Please

2010-07-13T17:18:00.000-07:00

There has been 'talks' about pro and cons of abolishing UPSR and PMR.
For me , if they abolish UPSR, I will welcome that.
Without UPSR, most likely, my kids would have more time to read storybooks.
Language can only be effectively improved via reading, reading and reading.

But what concern me more, is the heavy load that my boy ( Std 4) has to carry each day. As if his trolley bag is not already heavy enough, he needs another hand carry bag. Each day, he has to carry his super heavy trolley bag up and down 3 flight of stairs. I worry about his back bone.

I think they are just studying too many subjects. Subjects like Moral, Sivik, Kajian Tempatan, Living skills textbook should just be left at school. Until today, I cannot
understand the logic of having PE textbook and PE test . Already the kids has only 2 PE periods a week with one period taken up for theory, which means actual physical exercise is only 1 period a week.

I really don't know what our education system is coming to.....and I've no faith with whatsoever decision that they are going to make....

UPSR or no UPSR, I just want a lighter school bag for the kids...............................

Weekend ( July 04 )

2010-07-04T19:57:00.001-07:00

It's been quite a while since we took the boys here ( Taman Tasik Permaisuri) since we normally patronise the Bukit Jalil Park.

As the weather was quite cool yesterday, we brought them here again.
Nothing much has changed except for some wear and tear and that the boys had grown much bigger by now.

As I was walking I saw quite a number of people holding something that looks like 'roti pita' ( eeerr...suddenly the name slipped out of my mind...will update it accordingly when I remember).

Curiosity and 'hungry stomach' gets the better of me so I too followed to where the source came from . Aha....it wasn't roti, it was actually a piece of turnip with a generous spread of rojak sauce and peanuts.

Not bad.....will definitely get these again the next time I come.

Email Blunder

2010-06-28T20:29:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me a email asked me to join a network called "
I went it to have a look ( since she's a good friend), not keen to join anymore networks cause I hardly had time for these things.

And I realise that by a few keystrokes of 'NEXT', they are sending to all my friends in my address book asking to join me in the network although I didn't 'add friends' or do anything.

Gosh....................So I am sorry if you happen to receive an email asking you to join the TUBELY network. Just IGNORE!!!!

Now I have to find out how to 'disconnect' myself from there.

Hari Yang Malang

2010-06-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

One of those days...when everything seems to go wrong.
Boys forgot their lunch bag.
Wrist watch died on me.
Head felt like war inside
Slipper broke

But the worst is...............

A secondary boy crashed his motorbike into my bumper while coming home from school.
Boo hoo.......I wanna cry. The car I took care so well is now plague with deep and ugly scars..............................Cannot even get any compensation.
The boy never said sorry, just quickly left.

Sigh...................life if tough!!!

Mid-Life Crisis

2010-06-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

School has started but I'm still plogging along. It's hard to get into the momentum.
This time I told the kids I won't be checking their bags anymore. Though they pack their own bags, I frequently check and frequently found them 'forgetting' certain books and sometimes homework....esp my happy go lucky No2.

This time round, I told them it's time they take responsibilty and bear the necessary consequences if they don't. I've done that for the past 2 days - close both eyes.

At the same time I am wondering if I'm going thru Mid-life Crisis. Lack of motivation in everything I do. Feel depressed most of the time for reasons that is not exactly clear.

So what is mid-life crisis?

Found this from here.

Answer:

A midlife crisis is experienced between the ages of 40 and 60. It was first identified by the psychologist Carl Jung and is a normal part of the maturing process. Most people will experience some form of emotional transition during that time of life. A transition that might cause you to take stock in where you are in life and make some needed adjustments to the way you live your life. Most seem to come through the process smoothly without making major life changes.

For some, a midlife crisis is more complicated. It can be an uncomfortable time emotionally which can lead to depression and the need for psychotherapy. Those who have a hard time with this transitional stage might experience a range of feelings such as:

Unhappiness with life and the lifestyle that may have provided them with happiness for many years.

Boredom with people and things that may have been of interest to them before.

Feeling a need for adventure and change.

Questioning the choices, they have made in their lives and the validity of decisions they made years before.

Confusion about who they are and where they are going.

Anger at their spouse and blame for feeling tied down.

Unable to make decisions about where they want to go with their life.

Doubt that they ever loved their spouse and resentment over the marriage.

A desire for a new and passionate, intimate relationship.

Most people who have a difficult time during midlife and go into crisis mode do so because of external factors. They may be experiencing stress in their life that makes the transition more difficult or they may have childhood issue that were never dealt with that come to the surface during this time.

Hmmmm...........I've have about half of the above. Now got to go read for solutions.
Hopefully, i won't end up in mental asylum.

Missing Gifts

2010-05-19T18:21:00.001-07:00

Should've written this post 2 days ago ....but was tooooooo....angry.....toooo....sad to write. Today, I feel much better, not angry but a little sad still.

I made 'beautiful bronze and bright silver ' bookmarks for my childrens' teachers to give them on Teacher's day. For some they only get pens but still beautifully wrapped and self designed card printed via colour printer for their teachers.

No2, forgot to bring his 'bag' of gifts and so his dad asked No1 to pass the bag that he left in the car. No1 lost the bag in the middle of passing to his brother.

How? I don't know. All No1 said was I wanted to give to No2, suddenly, the bag is no longer in my hand!

I was ....so mad, furious......all my effort gone to waste. Luckily only No2's bag was missing , cos No1's bag of gifts was in his school bag.

So No2's discipline teacher try to help him find the 'missing bag' but to no avail.
As far I can remember, anything lost in school will be gone forever. All the gifts has name of both giver and receiver....so if one wants to return it's easy.

Sayonara.....too badlah.....for the teachers because I definitely not gonna sit and remake those things anymore.

So much for "Moral" lessons taught in school. Moral values can only be instilled from home. No1's 'Lego car' was stolen during his 'Robotic ' class. And even though he saw the guy who took it ( who quickly left the class), the boy denied and the teacher couldn't do anything because he was confronted on the following week.

Sigh...................................what's the point of studying so much, so many subjects when one doesn't even know how to live right!!!

Update : Gifts found today. All thanks to the discipline master that goes from one class to another. So I've to eat my words on 'things lost in school will be lost forever'

Rojak Post

2010-05-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

Now that my boys have their own blog...I 've no more motivation to blog. Since this blog is getting 'mouldy' , thot just put some nonsense here....to entertain those of you who are still faithful coming here! Ha! ha!

Three more days to go and the boys would have finished their exam. Can't wait....
cos it'll mean 'holidays' are coming soon and month of 'May' gives us many reasons for celebration.....so 'good food' sure is in the plan.

By the way, No2 receive a rose from his classmate. Times have changed, nowadays, girls give boys 'roses' instead. Ha! Ha! And since roses are not for boys, No2 gave it to me . Eh....when exactly is Mother's Day?

Had this conversation not too long ago.....

No2 : Mummy, next time my house will have 7 people.
Mum : Why 7?
No2 : Me, my wife, 3 kids, you and daddy.
Mum : If your wife say, don't want to live with mummy and daddy how?
No2 : Then I'll buy a house nearby for you and dad to stay.
Mum : Wah....wife more important than mummy lah?
No2 : Then what to do?
Mum : Ha! Ha! Just joking only.

Quietly thinking..............
{ That would be the right thing to do Son, no two woman should live in the same house!}

My Little Herbivore

2010-04-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

While many kids , especially boys do not like vegetables, No1 is the exact opposite.
He will leave his vegetables to the last and slowly savour them as thought they are desserts!

He eats all kinds of vegetables but prefers mainly leafy vegetables....kangkung, spinach and some not so leafy ones like ladies fingers.

Lately , he started liking 'broccoli' ...much to my joy of course , cos broccoli has many health benefits.

Yesterday, when I asked him what he would like to bring to school for his tea break, he said 'broccoli'!!!!!! And he was serious. Of course I didn't give it to himlah..by the time he takes them the vege is no longer fresh.

Oh Ya! He even loves 'ketumbar ( chinese celery) & mint leaves....just like me!

As for No2, he eats most vegetables too...but need to cut in smaller pieces...else he'll say 'very smelly'!!!

Okay......End of My Vegetable Story.

Break Is Over

2010-03-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

Yeah...I know it's obvious but I still need to face the reality......the nice school break is over. I look forward to holidays as much as my boys.

I told the Lord, I need a break. A holiday and to be even more precise a free one!!!!
And He answered my prayer in even greater measure. I should have known better for My Heavenly Father is 'rich'.

So off we went to Golden Sands Penang for 3 days 2 nights. See initially it wasn't meant to be...but later because the selected couldn't make it, so they asked my hubby...and to me it's an answered prayer from my Great God.

Memories are made of these happy faces......but I'm too lazy to describe about the holidays...it's just the same old fun filled days especially for the boys.

Here.....like they said a picture paint a thousand words

Ahh....just too many pictures.........

Happy New Year

2010-02-09T19:00:00.000-08:00

I only have time to wish all those celebrating Chinese New Year...."A Blessed And Prosperous New Year".

My boys exam ends this Friday. We will then 'ta pau' them from school and leave for hometown.

Have a safe journey everyone.

Picture courtesy of my eldest :

CCTV

2010-02-03T18:24:00.000-08:00

No2 told me his friend always wanted to borrow his pencils. So normally, he would keep his mechanical pencil, and let his friend choose from his other normal pencils.

One day, the friend asked to borrow the mechanical pencil . So No2 told him 'cannot' because my mummy said, this pencil cannot lend to others. { which is true because they used to borrow his pencil, sometimes go missing }

So the friend told him, your mummy is not here, how would she know?

No2 said, my mummy installed CCTV in the classroom, she can see!!!

As unbelievable as it sounds, still it works!!!!

Ha! Ha! like that also can!!!!!

At 8 years old

2010-01-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

While No1 is experiencing the 'hardships' of school, No2 is still very free.
He's has almost the whole day to play / dream/ read/watch/eat and what have you.
It is quite different between Primary 1-2 with the Primary 3 onwards.

And of course that is also because No2 finishes most of his work at school. He's a fast worker but an untidy one. When he comes back I have to make him rewrite/redo almost everyday. Still ....he finished it before I can warm my chair.

And he really likes computer.......can imagine him being an addict if we don't control him. He not only likes to play computer games but blog, installing gadgets, meddling with youtube. He's quite scary when you see the things that he can do at computers.
I think I can almost imagine his 'pathway' in the future.

And he also like reality shows...esp. those like Ninja Warrior and My Dad is Better Than Your Dad. The other day, we saw him climbing the door from till the top ( like spider)...and gave him a good lecture + threathening that he will never get to watch Ninja Warrior again if we catch him doing that.

Next week he will be entering his singing competition at school but never bothered to practice.

After CNY, might get him to join the badminton club....since Taekwando has been shelved .

I'm glad he's still enjoying his childhood. I am determined that my kids would have a reasonable share of fun during their Primary School years.

So sian!

2010-01-22T18:07:00.000-08:00

Last night my boy did his homework till 11 pm. The day before 12:30 am. This morning he still has to go to school due to replacement for Chinese New Year.

Now he's down with flu and cough....probably due to fatique.

And I was asked to write a letter to the HM why I don't allow my kid to attend the after school tuition class. Isn't it obvious enough?

So here goes :

Mr HM,

I don't allow my son to attend the afterschool tuition because I don't believe in torturing kids with tuition. I believe in giving my child time to do things that he enjoy and to learn / read more books other than his boring textbook. I don't believe in making a child stay in school till 3:30 pm daily....and have lunch with the overloaded msg dishes at school. They are not machines....they are kids...and they can do well without additional extended boring lessons.

Thank You.

Ha! Ha! Of course I didn't say that la...............I said he already had personal tuition at home. Kononnya.....

Taekwando No More

2010-01-12T16:37:00.001-08:00

My worst fear is confirmed. When No2 started taekwando mid of last year...there were only 7 students. Then it dropped to 6, few months later it dropped to 2 because the other 4 shifted house. And this year only my boy is left so of course the teacher doesn't want to continue. Sigh...... Now how?

Actually, I don't mind he doesn't learn taekwando now as I think he's too young. ..no enough strength etc etc. But this place is sooo...convenient for us.

Maybe I start him with badminton....but then again this lazy mommy hates to chauffuer kids here and there for lessons. See how...at least I can see he's pretty good at badminton. Many has seen him playing and commented that he's a natural player.
But nowadays, we dragged our feet there ( court) just for his sake and I can see he's getting bored with us too....( ha! ha! ) so may get him started in March else he loose his interest forever.

Still The Same

2010-01-10T23:11:00.001-08:00

Yeah....my No2....still the same . Bag is still so messy. Writing is still so untidy. And today he forgot to bring his lunch bag home. Really haven't seen any improvement on his part.

As for No1...still so dreamy, still so blur. BUT.....his bag is neat so that's one big improvement.

Oh ya....just spotted another improvement.....shoes are reasonably clean ( both of them)

Babysitter Needed

2010-01-07T19:42:00.001-08:00

If any of you know of any good babysitter in Sri Petaling area, please email me ya.
Baby is expected to show face this May! ha! ha!

Back To School

2010-01-05T03:55:00.000-08:00

How was your 1st day of school? For me the worst is over as my boys are now in Primary 2 and 4. No more 1st day blues...........

However the jam on the 1st day was horrendous. In the afternoon it was even worst. Thank goodness my hubby was there too....as his car was still crawling thru the jam...I ran all the way up to the school. And it doesn't help that the sun was shining ferociously.

Today, is slightly better and hopefully tomorrow or day after would be back to normal as parents are no longer allowed to wait for their kids.

One thing for sure, the school bag is not getting any lighter. I thought at one time the government implemented the only 1 workbook allowed for 1 subject? No enforcement? And oh my what a lot of useless subjects my Primary 4 boy has to study this year....i.e Kajian Tempatan, Sivik, Moral and the ever 'cannot figure out why PE subject'. Oh ya ...another one " Living Skills". I remember these were only taught during our secondary days!! The worse is they have exams for these too ( I think).

And recess time starts at 10 am instead of 9:25 am. Poor kids must be quite famished by then. They have to wake up before 6:30 am ....gulp down their milk and off to school. And no food till 10 am. Hard life ya! At least at home I can slowly sipped my coffee and let my food digest properly before doing any work!

Sigh.....it's time to get back into the same boring routine.

Home Sweet Home

2009-12-07T21:54:00.000-08:00

Yeah...No1 came back in one piece.

Nope...he didn't lose anything. He brought back all his belongings.

But the first thing he said when he saw me was " Mom, it was a horrible experience!"
The teacher who was in-charge.. have a shock on her look. She said " I thought you enjoyed yourself". Later she told me he cried during the 2nd day, cos he missed home but was okay after that.

Generally he was okay except during sleeping time. He felt terribly homesick. He cried every night except the last night cos he knows he's going home!!! He wasn't prepared to be a way for so long. ...ha! ha! He wrote in pieces of paper 'Mom, I miss You', "Mom , you are the best". ..and signed his name! First time I see his signature a bit like mine cos he has the same initials.

I think the camp was really good for him and us. We learnt to appreciate each other. Although he said he doesn't want to go next year....I'll make sure he changed his mind. Through this camp, he also learnt to eat 'toast bread'. He used to dislike that. He learnt to clean up his bed....prepare the table, hang his clothes etc etc. And of course he learned more about God.

Next year No2 would join him....... and I think now that we know how it is going to be , all of us would be more prepared.

That's him......he had 'sores' below his mouth. Probably didn't drink enough water, however he recovered 3 days later. Luckily he wasn't wearing the same clothing as when he first left.

In welcoming him home , his little brother bought him a sandtimer....something which he had always wanted but mummy was looking for a cheap one...till we found it at a bookshop!!!

Few days time, we're off to another short family getaway. Bye......

Away For The First Time

2009-12-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

1st December 2009 marks another milestone that No1 has achieved. He is leaving home for the 1st time on his own.

No2 and I sent him to the Church basement where they were suppose to gather.
I wasn't feeling sad....in fact I felt happy and proud that he's taken this step of independence. Wow...there would be 8 buses taking the children ages 8-12 up to Genting.

However when we came back from church, No2 was in tears!!! This toughie can be quite sensitive sometimes. In the night before we slept he cried again. Despite his love-hate relationship with his brother, he discovered that after all it is still best to have his kor-kor around.

I did not sleep well that night. All of a sudden I was worried if No1 would be too cold, whether he knows how to put his dirty laundry aside, whether he knows where to find his things......and a whole lot of worries that a mother is capable of!!!! Nevertheless, I leave him in the Loving Hands of His Heavenly Father and also all the dedicated teachers. Hopefully this camp will make him a better person.

What's Happening?

2009-11-30T00:16:00.000-08:00

This blog has been abandoned for sometime now and may soon be 'antique'!
My 2 boys are now blogging on their own....so I don't need to keep track for them anymore.

The older one would be going for church camp tomorrow for the 1st time and on his own. They'll be at Peacehaven, Genting Highlands for 5 days!!!!. So I'm now frantically packing for him and will be doing some last minute shopping tonight.

So meanwhile if you happen to come here, just enjoy my little passion before you leave......

Holiday Starting

2009-11-17T19:57:00.000-08:00

My boys has already started their self-declared holiday. Mummy is freed from being chauffeur and waking up early.

But there are tons to do during the holidays. The wrapping of books, the holidays, the older one going for church camp for the first time and on his own, the back to school shopping. the balik kampong..........wah...feel tired already thinking about it.

No2 is in a dilemma , he is lazy to go back to school but says he misses his friends and on Friday is prize giving day....he had a share in it. If he doesn't go would the teacher keep his 'prize'? Me....aiyo...I hope he doesn't go...I'm already in holiday mood!

The other day when I was waiting for the boys, the Year 6 children were in the hall rehearsing their farewell and prize giving day. I feel so sad hearing their 'farewell' song. But when the teacher asked them how they feel, they all shouted 'hen kai xin' ( very happy!!!!)

Happy Holidays......................

Good And Bad News

2009-11-16T16:30:00.001-08:00

Bad News :
Tayar punctured just when I was about to pick up my boys from school.
Good News :
It punctured at the car park. I would have panic if it happens on the road.

Bad News :
Couldn't contact my sister to pick up the boys for me.
Good News :
Managed to get daddy to do it

Bad News :
Couldn't reached No2's teacher to ask her to inform No2 that I'll be late.
Good News :
Daddy was late for 10 minutes. Still better late than never. And No2 accompanied by his trophies during the waiting time managed to 'show off' to the others!!! Else he would have panic cos I've never been late for him throughout the entire year.

Thank you God for watching over us!

Update : According to the 'aunties' who were waiting with No2 for me, that little boy was actually in tears....so they all divert his attention by talking about his trophies. Kind souls....all around!!!

Weekend ( 6-8/11)

2009-11-09T16:44:00.000-08:00

We had our nothing short of a blessed weekend few days ago at Genting Highlands. Previously , there were already lots of photographs on Genting, so I will be cutting down in this post.

We were blessed because on the first day, I got a free entrance ticket for all parks. So I paid for the 2 boys. We had almost completed our rides when it started pouring. No1 wanted to ride the monorail as the last...but due to the rain the monorail was stopped. Feeling disappointed he prayed for the rain to stop. However, the 'jaga' told us that it is too dangerous and that the monorail ride will stopped indefinitely. Good thing, he didn't complaint ( which is he's trait that I'm trying so hard to 'rectify')

Nevertheless we had a pleasant surprise when Daddy got 3 more free entrance tickets for all parks for the next day. Daddy was there for a convention and the organizer happen to know that Daddy brought his 'troops' along and gave some tickets to him.....on top of that we also have free coupons for dinner and lunch. Now...you know why I feel so blessed.

Anyway, took the opportunity to tell No1 that, sometimes when God doesn't answer our prayers, that's because He had something better in store for us! What a great lesson. So armed with these free tickets we ride till we dropped dead cos we ride on almost anything that can be ridden except for the few terrifying ones like space shot, flying coaster , cockscrew and a few more which both boys were not qualified!!! Ha! Ha!

I noticed that my 'scaredy cat No1' is now very brave. Due to No2's height, he couldn't get to ride the more thrilling rides like the coaster, so No1 has to go on his own ...because I can't leave No2 behind waiting for us as the queue is quite long for thrilling rides.

Here's some pictures for keepsakes ....
Riding on the jetplane.....these rides has become too mild for the kiddos now.

Rodeo rider...probably the last time for No2 as he has almost reached the maximum height allowable. No1 was too tall for this now. No2 actually felt shy cos he said the rest of the kids are so small compared to him!!!

The almost cannot be missed fun .....bumper car. No1 has to ride on Adult bumper car cos this is now too small for him.
Attacking the dino at the Dinosaur Land with his 'balloon gun'.

This gondola is one of the indoor rides and this is not exactly the best picture ( obviously) but this is the only one which you can't see me! Anyway, I post this out cos I had a interesting conversation with No2 here.

Mummy : Hey, see all the coins in the water? It says toss a coin and make
a wish. Your wishes might come true.
No2 : You must pray to God....where can use this way. Waste money
only!

I have to say...I'm so proud of his response. I'm so glad they brought God along with their holidays!!!

Okay.....end of story.

You Are Happy, I'm Happy

2009-11-03T23:56:00.000-08:00

This week most students would have got back their results. The same with my boys. As usual, some papers were good, some okay ( meets my minimum requirements) and of course some will be below expectations.

So I asked them both ( referring to the below expectation results)

Mummy : Are you happy with your results?
Boys : yes
Mummy : Okaylah...your're happy , I'm happy...
{ even if I don't think I should be happy}

{ I normally don't look at the papers immediately cos if I do, they sure get scolding from me!!! Hard to control.... }

Yippee , we're off to Genting this Friday. Forget about exam results ....life still goes on....and each day, we make the choice to be happy or to be upset over trivial things.......You with me???? I'm already into holiday mood!!!

The Young Dentist

2009-10-31T19:22:00.001-07:00

On Children's day, No2 lost one of his front shaky tooth. Apparently his friend ( a girl) in his class likes to shake his this particular teeth. It has been shaky over 3 weeks now. Of course he was in pain, when she shook too hard yesterday. There were blood and No2 let out a cry! Poor girl ....she got scolded by her teacher. I think I must go 'thank her' next week....she saved me 'dentist time and fees'. I now call her " The Young Dentist".

There was another shaky tooth...which I had a hard time trying to yanked it off. I use ice but No2 kept complaining of pain. The tooth was already 3/4 dangling and it makes him very hard to eat. Thought of bringing him to the dentist but the 'walk in ' dentist has already closed.

This morning, he called me on the phone and told me , after he cough...the tooth flew out. Yippeee......everyone is so happy . We saved dentist time and fees again!!!

Do you know what I do with their 'shedded' teeth? I throw them into my fish tank.... to provide my calcium.....!!!! Mad mummy ya!

Happy Me

2009-10-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

Phew! finally today the boys exam ended. I'm no longer stress up like before...just that I've to push myself to help them do last minute revision else I'll feel very guilty cos I'm a SAHM mah .

So excited about the days ahead....we'll be having good dinners, short vacation here and there.............

As for the boys, they have almost completed their Year 1 and Year 3.

No2 has also ended his 'draught season' when he finally got a consolation price ( 4th placing) for his BM story telling. He has been selected to represent his class in sports ( group and individual), badminton, English Poetry and StoryTelling, Chinese Poetry and Storytelling, BM Storytelling and Singing ( which he later rejected). Despite going thru so many 'competition' he's only able to clinch 1 prize....but it doesn't matter...cos he's so happy anyway.

No1 voluntered to bring 'Mee Hoon' for their class children's day party tomorrow....Nowadays...kids made decision on behalf of their parents!!!
This is the first time he made it for Children's day. During Std 1 , we went somewhere, St2 he was down with fever.....

Time flies....hope everyone else is also looking forward to the school holidays and year end escapade.....

School Food Fair

2009-10-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, the Primary 6 students from school held a food fair. All other children were asked to bring money to buy food from these students. The proceeds from this sale would then be channeled to the school various funds .

So when the boys came back these were what they each bought.

No1
a) A packet of Nasi Lemak
b) 2 container ( small ) of jelly
c) A Chrysanthemum Box drink

No2
a) Noodle Snack
b) Twisties
c) French Fries
d) Pokemon cards
e) Played bowling game

See, how they differ? No2 used all all the money...whereas No1 has some leftover. No1 bought proper food, No2 bought mostly junk..........but since this is purely for 'donation' purposes.... ...I let enjoy their buying spree.

When The Mind Is Elsewhere

2009-10-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

Nowadays I seem to have a lot of things going in my mind all the time.
The other day, when I hurriedly went to get my car to pick the boys...I stepped onto some dog shit! Yikes......took me quite a while to clean it.

Then just now , after posting a parcel ( post office walking distance), I accidently drop my slipper onto a deep deep drain right at my condo entrance. The gap between the drain covers were too wide....and of course I wasn't paying attention.

Now if that was an old slipper...I would forget it and walk home kaki ayam. But the slipper is quite new, good condition and not cheap!!! Thank God, some kind soul ( the guard and another tall guy), helped remove the drain cover and fish out my slippers. Yeah.....there are still kind souls around.

Now after these 2 warnings.....I better start paying attention and not daydream.....Hmmmm......now I know where No1 got his genes from!!!

Even the Fish Bone....

2009-10-18T18:21:00.000-07:00

Yeah...even the fish bone has to bow down to the name of Jesus!

Last Friday, while having porridge for lunch, I suddenly heard No1 coughing and choking. The seriousness of the sound jolted me from my computer.

I asked him what was wrong, and he told me the fish bone got stuck in his throat. Knowing little on how to get the fish bone out, I got him to eat more porridge ( not exactly effective but at that time there is no rice), ate banana...still the bone remain intact. He asked me to send him to the doctor.

Quickly I grabbed the necessary stuffs and off we 'zoomed' to the nearest 23 hour clinic. Thank God, the clinic has only 1 patient at that time. Also on the way, we prayed and command the bone to 'loose' itself in Jesus Name.

At this time, No1 has calmed down...so I guess it is not that 'emergency' after all. The doctor took a look and asked us to go the the hospital cos she doesn't have the proper equipment to fish out the bone.

At this juncture, I was panicking. No1 has Chinese tuition ( yeah...I finally got him a Chinese tutor....) in an hour's time. So I asked him if he could tahan till after tuition, then I'll bring him to the hospital. At first he said he can't , then I told he must ....

When we reached home, I stuffed more leftover porridge, ice-cream..to no avail. His teacher came and I went to the room to pray.

At one point I could hear him 'coughing, choking' really badly...that's when I sent my SOS ...the the one above. I remember telling God, that he called us to live by faith...I reminded Him of His words in Psalms 50:15 "Call Upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me"

I reminded Him that even 'dry bones' was brought to flesh ( in the old testament) and surely fish bone too has to bow down to His Name. Of course I told Him I really don't want to go to the hospital..cos the experience sound scary......I told Him He need to show my boy His Power..to encourage him in his walk of faith.

Then I realised there is no more sound from him. After tuition, he came to my room and told me the bone has 'vanished'. Praise the Lord!

Of course he was a little phobia....during dinner it took him ages to finish and he told me he's scared and need to be careful of the fish bone.
As of yesterday, his throat was still a little sore, and he's still slow in eating.

Actually, I wanted to go to town that day...so my plan was shelved. I told the Lord if this is one way He is preventing me from going to the town that day, then I will not go...but loose the bone so I know. Not only that, I got an email that night from a customer who wanted to do several remakes of my sold bracelets. And some of these items, I could only get in town ( which I have no intention to restock)...and because I didn't go earlier...I now could get the stuffs my customer needed....else I 've to disappoint her. Isn't the Lord good....when you walked with Him daily??? Praise His Name ....

So I'm doing my part 'To Glorify His Name" because He has delivered us from trouble.

Please note that I am not indicating in any way that one should not go to a doctor when in trouble....no...God heals through doctors too....it is just at that juncture that was my personal conviction and God in his mercy has answered our prayers ...........

Where Did It Go?

2009-10-04T17:43:00.000-07:00

Last night as No1 packed his bag he realised his chinese writing book ( bi sun) is missing. Just that afternoon, I remember checking his bag, took up the book, checked and saw that he had completed his book.

Now..this is the part that I'm not too sure. I'm not sure if I put it back in the bag or put it back in the pile of his school books where the the packing will take place nightly.

But how come it is missing? I looked everywhere , searched everywhere till 2 am...under the bed , under the mattress, boxes of books where their magazines are...under the table, behind ( in case it dropped there).....but NONE

Did I unconsciously put it together with the recycled papers which the newspaper lady took it away yesterday? It seemed the book has left my home ( eh...small house only).

Sigh.........poor boy! So I put a note for him to pass to his teacher. Hopefully she understands. Now my memory is really worrying me.

The last time , I remembered after giving No1 his eyedrop, I wanted to put it back in the fridge. But on the way, I put back in my pencilbox!!! It too me 2 days before I discovered it. At that time, I was 100% sure I put it back in the fridge cos that's what was in my head.

And now I'm 100% sure his book is either in his bag, or the pile of books and never left the room. But thinking of that past incident, I'm really not sure anymore!!!!

What a challenge after a nice weekend ...............

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival

2009-10-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

A quick one....wishing all my friends/visitors/mystery readers

A Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

We normally don't celebrate this although we eat mooncakes..but this year we will be at my sister's play so that the children can play lantern there....Ooopss..must get some lanterns soon.

By the way.....this lantern below was painted by No1 and the Mooncake is courtesy from...some Insurance Agent! And the Lantern is only for display...cos he doesn't want to spoil it...

A Surprise

2009-09-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

Does it pay to be a loyal customer? Sometimes it does I guess. 3 days ago, I was told I was picked as a winner in Carrefour's Sri Petaling Loyalty Customer Lucky Draw.
I was like ....huh what loyalty? what lucky draw? Don't remember I entered any lucky draw for ages. My hubby then said, I could be he used my name ...many moons ago.
Okay....so for once I'm lucky. I was told they would deliver the hamper the next day.
Waited...waited....waited...till the cows come home...still no hamper in sight.

Just now, we went to Carrefour for lunch. I dropped by the Customer Service and presto....here's my hamper!

Although, the contents is nothing to shout about..yet it feels good being picked as a winner......

Teeth...please shed

2009-09-14T02:41:00.001-07:00

Both my boys have strong and healthy teeth. First they don't take sweets or chocolates.
Secondly....I make sure they brush twice a day...and although they are so big now..I often do spot check on their brushing.

The problem of having healthy teeth is for No1....he shed his teeth easily. Never visited the dentist to extract any tooth...but the shedded teeth are all in good condition.

With No2....sigh....his teeth are so strongly rooted that the other time we have to get the dentist to extract 2 lower incisor cause the permanent teeth was already out but the milk teeth didn't budge an ounce.
And now his two front upper incisor is shaky but not that shaky. The permanent tooth are already sprouting and pushing his milk teeth to the front..still it was too strong to remove ourselves. I really hope the teeth will shed...pity him to go to the dentist and get those painful jects.........

Look...how his 'Mater' teeth looks like now ...( remember the character in CARS )

Painters For Hire

2009-08-31T03:33:00.000-07:00

We finally got the house painted on Merdeka day.

From Inside......

To outside...........Kor-kor worked till sweating all over

See....I did it all by myself
Eeerrr......forgot to take pictures of our sparkling new home.

Friday, Don't Come So Quickly

2009-08-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

This holiday seems to fly by. It seems like only yesterday we started our holiday.
The boys are enjoying their holidays ................
Just a fraction of the mess ...........everyday

No2 monkeying around

Though we did not go anywhere....we played badminton, went cycling, lots of food etc

Sigh....Friday, don't come so quickly please!!!!

My Little Joker 3

2009-08-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

No2 has some imaginary students. Here's how it goes.

Parents : Pkip married to Ms Owl
1st son : Yoong Boon ( Chinese name : min er )
2nd son : Hiang Hsiang ( Chinese name : han er )
3rd daughter : Hairy ( Chinese name : fa er)...fa as in 'hair' in chinese.

Yoong Boon is suppose to be the smartest. No2 even has some exercise books for Yoong Boon to do...ie. Chinese writing, maths etc. He will marked Yoong Boon's books as how his teachers does it...putting Stars for nice writing and ? for missed exercises. Whenever No2 has exams, he will also set questions for Yoong Boon to do ( of course he is the one answering his own questions...hence 100 marks most of the time!!!)

Now Yoong Boon has another friend.

Parents : Mr Wong Yik married to Ms Lee
1st daughter : Sha Sha

******************************************************
Mummy : Eh...next time don't choose a girlfriend by the name of Ms Owl!
No2 : What if Ms Owl is very rich?
Mummy : hah? { almost pengsan - must be watching too much of Taiwan soap..where the guys are after the girl's properties }.

*******************************************************

Acting Monitor

2009-08-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

No2 has been very happy these days because his teachers has been asking him to 'take care of the class', carry exercise books to the office, dispatch books ( etc + all the donkey jobs that a monitor has to do) although they have 2 'legal' monitors in his class.

I told him never to accept the job as a monitor (official) should the teacher asked him. ( selfish mom). But he likes it because it makes him feel important. Being a monitor means you may have to miss your lessons...a little bit and you have to be able to copy things down very fast due to the reduced time.....and you might make some enemies along the way...cos the teachers always asked him to write down names of 'naughty children'.

I'm not sure if this motivates him in class because he did extremely well this exam though I spend most of the time helping his kor-kor ( the dreamer that makes me aged 10 times faster).

I'm so glad that my children are easy to please.....a mechanical pencil as a reward will satisfy then. So now No2 asked for a new pencil case cos his has been so 'run down'....I wonder how he used it!!! Of course I'm most delighted to buy it for him...even if he doesn't do well, I still need to buy him a new one....so kaput already his current pencil case. His kor-kor can use the same pencil case for 3 years...this guy can't even last him through the year!!!!

Friday, quickly come!

2009-08-10T17:02:00.000-07:00

I just can't wait till this week is over. In fact I'll be happy if today is Thursday...cos the boys exam would be over. As I hear more and more schools are affected with the H1N1 flu. Don't like to have things disrupted in mid way. And in 2 weeks time it would be school holidays......Wooooohooooooooooo...I just can't wait, almost like I'm the one going to school!!!!

By the way, No2 told me
"Teacher said, if you have fever, cough, flu or little bit sick, also cannot come to school".

The only way as I see it to fight the H1N1 flu is thru the power of prayer. Look at how it is spreading....almost unstoppable.

Mr Taekwando

2009-08-09T04:56:00.001-07:00

Finally, he gets his wish to join Taekwando at the Kindergarten behind our place (since I refuse to let him join the one at his school...too lazy to send him on a weekend). Not exactly a good option ( cos the class is so small), but for convenience and time saving, I'll leave it as that first. Afterall his interest might dwindle as time goes by.

I was told that it is not good to send a child this young for Taekwando or any other form of Martial Arts...cos when they are injured , they can't really tell......

So far haven't heard from anyone that it is hazardous.

No Longer Hates School

2009-08-06T16:17:00.000-07:00

Last night, I asked No2 whether he still 'hates' school because he's been telling me so
much about school that I realised he seems okay with school nowadays. No more 'tummy ache' at all like he used when he started school. .

Mummy : You like school now?
No2 : Yes.............but still a little bit don't like.
Mummy : What are the things that you don't like about school?
No2 : 5 things
a) Toilet is smelly
b) Toilet just got painted....full of lead!!!!!
c) My classroom is dirty....children simply throw rubbish on the floor.
{ As far as I now, he's one messy kid himself}
d) Teachers are very fierce { nothing new about that}
e) Sometimes children are too noisy.
{ good never complaint about school work}

Mummy : So what is it that you like about your school?
No2 : The "li tang" (school hall) is so nice and clean now. ( newly renovated)
I have many friends.
My teachers little bit love me! { hmmm....little bit only ah}
I like "xia ke" (recess) because I can go and 'pao bu' ( he likes to run)

So 6 points verses 4 but that's good enough for him to feel okay about school.
As far as No1 is concern he doesn't like school till today. Worst still at Std 3, his homework and the level of difficulty in Chinese has double up.

How do you respond?

2009-08-04T00:09:00.000-07:00

Scenario 1

Son : Mummy, I got 96 marks for Chinese and BM Penulisan.
Mummy : Why so cha? ( cha = lousy)
Daddy : Not bad!

Scenario 2

Son : Mummy I got 100 marks for Maths.
Mummy : How many people get 100?
Daddy : Not bad.

Okay, don't learn from this mummy okay. She's bad. By the way, she has repented ( hopefully permanently) from this 'bad attitude'.

The Survivor

2009-07-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday No2 called me from school to tell me that " I " forgot to give him his Art bag.
His Art teacher is very fierce that's why he was afraid. Now, that's my kid(s), always blaming me for things that they forgot!!! The packed their own bags and on most days I'll check. Sometimes I slack...and some times I too ' mislook'.

But what strucked me was the fact that he always know how to 'solve' his problem. That is why I hardly worry about him but not his kor-kor ( almost the exact opposite).

No2 has all the ingredients to make him a survivor. He's brave, he takes part in whatever event at school that he can take part whether he's good in it or not.

When I asked him whose phone he used to call me, he told me it was his BM teacher.
He's not afraid to ask his teacher!!! You know, I would have suspected I took
back the wrong baby if he doesn't resembles me ( outwardly). Because there's none in my family nor my hubby's with his 'brave' gene and witty words.

Just the other day, his teacher asked him how come some of his writing(Chinese) are nice and some are not, he nonchalantly replied : " Because some I write fast, some I write slow" without blinking and without thinking ................

The truth is the nice ones....mummy wrote!!!!..(.to teach him to write properly.) But there's truth in his words, when he write slowly, his writing is better than mine but being the impatient boy that he is he normally write fast.

Now if both boys are like this....I think I would always look young with little stress and worry. I guess God has to teach me lesson which I can only learn with someone like No1.....the famous dreamer!!!

Wish They Were For Me

2009-07-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

My neighbours are Filipino students. Occassionally, one of them would receive beautiful bouquets of flowers. Since they are always not at home, the delivery man would asked me to receive the flowers on her behalf.

Yesterday, was the same. So I decided to take a picture....
Now how I wish they were for me. However, if my hubby were to buy for me , he'll probably get a good scolding as the expenses for the boys are spent faster than he can earn.

I think I really deserve a bouquet cos the last few weeks was crazy. Rushing for the Kiwanis Charity and getting the boys prepared for exam. Slept late almost every night.
Now that the items has been submitted , I only have to concentrate on the boys for another 2 weeks....before I go back in full swing with my hobby.

Time Flies

2009-07-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

Time flies..and my mind is swirling.

We're now into the 2nd half of 2009. Boys will be having exam again. Me busy rushing my handmades for the Kiwanis Charity.....aiyo...panicking now.

All I remember throughout this whole year is H1N1, Math n Science in English and the demise of The Rock King.

The last post was on July 9th. My backlog posts never got done.

Sigh....sign of poor time management.

Now ....how about you guys? Especially my 'silent reader friends' who are enjoying my post , laughing at my mishaps....but never comment. These are my friends ( ex-unimates, ex-colleagues) who has been faithfully reading but never say a word here. So shy meh? Nevermindlah....can continue to email me.

Miserable Income

2009-07-09T00:02:00.000-07:00

I just received a snail mail from Google Adsense with regards to my payment pin.
I started blogging in 2006. After 2.5 years my adsense earning is jeng ...jeng...jeng

USD 11.32

How miserable can that get? It will take me another 10 years perhaps to qualify for payment!!!! And not to mention my paypal has a miserable USD 5! Sigh.....

And my new baby is not taking off either............
And my boys have not been winning any price for all their various participation either.

This is the season of draught.........................

Yet, there are people that is far more worse than me. ...that truly in need of some help. So come give your support to Kiwanis Charity Food and Funfair.

Weekend In Terengganu

2009-07-06T23:44:00.000-07:00

This trip the boys were extremely excited. They have a first in a number of experiences. This is even the first time they took taxi!! All these while we either drive the car or take the train.

We arrived early at KLIA on Friday evening. Since we have ample of time, the boys played at the playground at KFC, KLIA.

Already started having fun............

At the back of the 'Aeroplane Playground'.

Our plane was delayed for 15 minutes. But that was actually a blessing in disguise cos we were transfered to a bigger plane. Since this is the boys' first time on plane, they just couldn't contain their excitement. No2 has to announced to the whole world that this is his first time one plane and he's so excited!!!!And the air steward gave No2 many packets of Salted Peanuts ( which I wallop all).

By the time we arrived at Ri-Yaz Heritage Hotel it was already 10 pm. We were transferred to our chalet via buggy. The boys were all excited again, cos this is the first time they sat on a moving buggy. It was really refreshing......

Arrived at our chalet. Didn't expect to see such a huge chalet , extremely well equiped and in great condition. But it was dark inside and my pictures didn't turn up well. I like their while bedsheet and comforter....looks so clean...unlike most hotels their brown hairy blanket makes me itchy just by looking at it.

The bathroom....this is only 1/3 of it. On the left is the shower with glass door, on the right is a huge square bathtub.

The next day, the weather were pretty hot, so we stayed in most of the time. Visited Pasar Payang to buy some things. Pass through Crystal Mosque.............

Boys having snack in the garden

The last day, the weather was really nice. So they boys played at the playground, swam at the pool and stroll around the area.

Our Chalet

Good Morning Snail

Chalet Back View.....there's a river behind.

Around the Chalet

At the Playground

We had our lunch at the hotel...courtesy of daddy's company. Soon we're off to the Airport. Sigh....they confiscated my Swiss knife which was a gift from a friend. The knife was bought in Switzerland....had been with me for over 10 years, travelled with me far and wide. That's the only setback in this trip.

The boys were excited again as we took the Firefly home. We did that on purpose to let them experience different kind of airline. No1 was so excited, he just ran all the way without realising we were busy taking photo behind.
Hoi....Come Back....Take Photo First

One for the album....Gosh...it was so coldddddd.....in the Firefly. Thumbs up to the Firefly, they were so punctual...and the air stewardess is sooo...pretty.

It was a great weekend, admist a short one. The area is really nice ...but my photos can hardly justify that. This is by far the most well equipped hotel I've been....better than Legend Water Chalet and Aldephi

Away This Weekend

2009-07-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

We will be away this weekend to the land of 'Keropok Ikan'. Gotta do packing, some shopping, pick the boys and off the the Airport.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Money Minded Child

2009-07-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

No2 is very money minded. He looks for all ways to earn money. Recently he has been creating 'magazines' and sells them for 10cents per copy. The time he took to produce each magazines ( abt 3-4 pages) is less than 15 minutes.

Guess who bought his magazine? My nephew who took pity on him.
His magazine as you can see comprise of bad spelling, bad drawing and bad English.

Magazine 1

Magazine 2

Magazine 3

Magazine 4

Magazine 5

Now his older cousin wanted to buy some from him too!!!

Last night I asked him to pull out my white hair and for each white hair I've to pay him 10 cents. He pulled 2 white hair and 5 black hair!!!!!

Labour of my hands

2009-06-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

Finally after months of procrastination I've got another site set up although not fully as I still have some loose ends to tie ...........

So here " Welcome to Chains Of Joy"....my new baby!!!!

Little bit, little bit

2009-06-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

Scenario 1 :
Daddy was resting on the floor mattress after coming back from Awana. No1 was running around and accidently stepped on his toes.

Daddy : Look where you are going. I cane you ah?
No1 : Little bit, little bit cane! Little bit, little bit angry.

Daddy decided not to cane anymore.

Scenario 2 :
While looking at No2's homework....

Mummy : How many times I told you not to do this way. Okay...don't want to listen,
no computer this week.
No2 : Aiyah....small matter only...also get so angry. Little bit, little bit also get angry.

Mummy decided not to scold anymore.

I wonder we as parents are we putting up to much expectations on our kids. Are we expecting them not to make mistakes......in the name of raising them up properly. Are we empahising too much on things that does not really matters..............

I think I'll better learn to be more 'bo chak'....I have to cool down............ The kids are reminding me and dad....................

Empty Handed

2009-06-21T19:02:00.001-07:00

My boys had their sports day last Friday at Stadium Bola Sepak , Cheras. I have always secretly hope that they won't take part in Sports until later years i.e Std 5 and 6 simply because I don't like going under hot sun and doing lots of waiting.

Anyway, No2 participated in 3 events ( all the events for Std 1). 50 m individual and 2 other obstacle race. Two of the participants from his class did not turn out. Sad to say, he has to come home empty handed because his team just could not clinch a medal. Because they were short of participants, so they took another student in ...who runs like he is a newbie....and helped them to get first from the bottom ( no kidding).

I am surprised that No2 represented his class ( 2 from each class) in the 50m individual. There's certainly no runner in my family or hubby's. Anyway, I think he was like 3rd or 4th from the bottom!!!

I am glad he still enjoyed himself despite not winning any medal.

As for No1, poor guy, only managed to be a 'reserved' so he joined me at the spectator's seat. Maybe I should asked him to go with the participants and he might get a chance to be called up. Nevermind, maybe next year..............

Ha! Ha! you can see from my post that I'm not even enthusiatic in 'reporting' all the going ons...events...presentation in the sports day.

However, I would just mention that their school clinch the gold medal for both the girls and boys 4x100m relay . I am surprise cos the other 4 schools were not even close nor giving them a good fight. I wonder why??????

The 11th Commandment

2009-06-16T17:46:00.000-07:00

"Thou Shall Not Use Your Mother's Name In Vain".

That's what I told No1. Yesterday he came back saying

No1 : Mummy, teacher said school work is more important than your brain
exercise!
Mummy : Why did she say that?
No1 : Nolah...she just say only.

Mummy : Ok, tell me did you forget to do your homework yesterday.
No1 : No....
Mummy : Which homework did you forget? ( See....mummy knows him inside out)

No1 : Maths English
Mummy : So you lied to your teacher....said mummy gave you too much 'brain exercise ( that's what I called whenever I give them my work), and you have no time to do , is it?
No1 : Yes
Mummy : Why did you lie? I didn't give any work at all last night. Even if I give, I will only give if after you have finisned your homework and that also if you
have little or no homework.
No1 : I am scared the teacher will cane me.

Mummy : So did your teacher cane you?
No1 : No

Mummy : You have to accept the consequences. You just have to tell your teacher , you forgot about it. If she wants to cane you , you just have to accept. So the next time, you won't forget. ....Don't ever tell lies and use 'mummy's name again. ......blah blah blah ........{gave him a good 30 minutes {almost} of lecture}

Now what should I do? Do I go see his teacher and tell her the truth? What if she punished him severely for telling lies? This is NOT THE FIRST time he used my name. Perhaps the 3rd ....but I only realised now looking back at the feedback the teacher once told my husband. Now it all makes sense to me. I think the teacher must be thinking this 'mad, kiasu mummy ( in which I'm definitely not) who has no other work but give her son work all day long"!!!!. This teacher has been very kind to No1 I should say. No1 often tells me how the teacher explained to him whenever he doesn't understand anything. Hmmm....maybe she thinks this little boy is abused by his fierce mother at home.

End of the month is the parent's teacher meet. But I may not be going cos I'm might bring the kids to Awana ( follow daddy)....which means the kids have to ponteng their Saturday replacement class. Then again, I might not go, cos next month we have another trip Terengganu and they have never there yet. Can't ponteng so many times. See first.............

Back to the problem......fear makes a kid lie. No1 has been one of the most honest kid
that I've known and now realised that he needs to lie to 'survive'. He used me as an excuse and since it worked previously he has continued using my name and his teacher believed him.!!! Sometimes , he forgot and sometimes he missed out the pages due to his outstanding 'dreamy' nature. ....but he will never intentionally not do his work.

No matter what, I told him this is the last time .........else ...........Mr Cane will visit him.

Sigh.........kids at all stages gives us different 'challenges'. During younger days, it's more a physical challenge, and as they grow older it's 'emotional challenge'. Give a choice I rather have physical challenge.....cos emotional challenge can really make me lift up the white flag sometimes.

Play Like Mad

2009-06-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

This June holidays has been what it is suppose to be for the boys and me.
We had a restful time back in hometown. Did everything that they would like to do, i.e

Wake up late

reading their favourite magazines

play computer games

swimming ( or should I say play water), badminton

build sand dunno what at the beach, play with cousins

go for motorbike rides ( so suaku like that) with grandpa

eat like no tomorrow

spend a night at Damai Laut.

Came back and mummy was feverish for 3 days. Few more days and it is back to school. Got to slowly get into the school routine now .....sigh.................

Cry Like Mad

2009-05-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

I was shocked when I went to pick No2 yesterday. He was crying....really crying...loud and 'tersedu-sedu'. He cried all the way home....couldn't even talk. He cried as if someone has 'tong tong cheng'.

So I asked him...he mention about one of his teachers. I thought he was spanked. ..since he's so naughty. He told me the teacher is leaving. He won't be teaching them.
In my heart, I was rejoicing. This teacher to me is very lazy. He hardly marked their workbooks and hardly give any work. I was always telling my boy this teacher really shoudn't be a teacher.

No2 said, he is not lazy. He concentrate on text book and he's very kind.
I told No2, I thought you hate school, how come you can cry when your teacher is leaving? If it is your class teacher I would understand cos she's really nice but this teacher???

He said he felt sad, cannot control himself. Hmmm.....this is one side of him I've never known.

Childhood Games

2009-05-24T17:24:00.001-07:00

We have not been to the park as usual for several weeks already. All thanks to the rain which always come at the wrong time.

Yesterday, we took the boys downstairs to play with their water guns. My boys don't own any other guns except water guns. Don't ask me why, we just don't buy guns for them and thank goodness they hardly asked.

We met a 'Mat Salleh' boy whose height and size is much bigger than No1 although he's only 6. I thought they would have problem communicating since he's accent is pretty strong. Somehow they 'duck and chicken' managed to communicate. No1 gave his water gun to the Mat Salleh boy "V" and they started chasing each other.

Later V asked my boys not to go anywhere while he goes up to his home to get his bagful of 'guns'. Somehow the Mat Salleh kids are so independent and matured. He's younger than both my boys but he's 'in charge'. He's also alone downstairs which we Asian parents would never allowed our children to be by themselves.

He came down with his bagful of 'treasures' much to the delight of my boys. And they started to play 'police and thief'. They giggled, laughed , run as how a child should be.
Then only I realised how deprived as a city kid, my boys are. They are always cooped in the house and only weekends we take them out. They hardly play 'childhood' games....cos everyone's busy.

Now No2 cannot wait for the next weekend to play with V again. In fact they made an appointment to meet at 5 pm.......No2 forgot next week we're off for holidays.

Poor children of this generation.....their lives are filled with enrichment programs where they should be allowed to play and run and be the kid that they should be.

Things They Do At School

2009-05-21T18:12:00.001-07:00

No2 : Mummy, today there's bee flying in my class. So teacher asked who wants to kill
the bee, so I put up my hand. Then I used the 'mosquito catcher' (electric racket
type) and smack at the bee. Then the bee died. Then teacher said "Great Job".

The End.

Side story :

No2 brought back his food container cover without the body!!! Sigh...what to do with this absent minded boy. Already make him pay so often to get new eraser, colour pencil, glue from me.

Go Or Not Go?

2009-05-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to go back to my hometown this coming June. At the same time, I'm little apprehensive. Both my parents and brother back home had 'Chikugunya' attacks some month ago. By God's grace they recovered very quickly. Apparently there quite a number of cases back there.

So how? I want to go home badly. I miss my parents. I also wanted to go Damai Laut Lumut during my stay back home. But there's this scare of H1N1 ......am I paranoid or what.

I had dengue before during my working life. I can never forget the 'discomfort' that plague me ....so I'm extra wary of 'mosquitoes'. Furthermore, my boys attracts mosquito!!!

The only way ....I guess is to cover my family members with prayers and to supplement with repellant.

Happy For The Wrong Reasons

2009-05-17T19:30:00.000-07:00

This morning, both boys woke up saying that they are very happy. Huh? They normally grumble because they have to go to school.

Mummy : Happy? How come? You got exam today you know!
No2 : I like exam.
No1 : Because exam has started. After exam finished, I can do a lot of things. Like
play computer, go swimming, buy plasticine for my project.

See....they just want to get over the exam in order to do things that they want. Exam to them is quite meaningless.

Since exam is coming, I didn't allow them to go to the pool , in case they catch a flu ( almost always happen that way). Didn't allow them to play computer cos there are just not enough time to do revision ( last minute work is like that) and can't allow them to to their project which takes a long long time.

Still Evolving

2009-05-14T20:37:00.003-07:00

First From This :

Then To This :

And Now To This :

I wonder whether I'll make the 4th version almost like eat full nothing to do.

My Gifting

2009-05-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

Was on skype with a friend and mentioned to her that I missed her message cos I was busy shouting. She laughed saying that she does that too. I told her she certainly is not the kind of person that shouts. She said the same of me too.

The thing is I discovered that I have this 'gift' of 'shouting, yelling' and it gets louder
over the years. Somehow they can't hear nor move if I don't yell. Sigh........

On another note, how different can I(and many of us) be at home. To outside world , we can be so patient but to my/our kids? It's like a roller coaster ride, be gentle....then angry...then ferocious (according to No2)....feel guilty then go back being gentle peppered with lots of patience before the next round starts.

So this 'gift' is certainly not what I wanted!!! Do you have this 'gift' too?

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-09T04:29:00.001-07:00

My boys got this courtesy of Newkidz. So here's wishing all mothers a 'Happy Mother's Day'.

We then had this conversation.
Mummy : Eh, did anyone asked you what did you give Mummy for Mother's Day?
No2 : Got.
Mummy : So what did you say?
No2 : Me already a gift to mummy
Mummy : OOOOOoooooo so You are the Gift to me on Mother's day...so no need to give anything else is it.
No2 : Yes

No Flowers Please

2009-05-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

These 2 days I see a lot of schoolchildren holding plastic roses and bunch of flowers.
So I asked No2 what's happening.

No2 : They bought the flowers from the book shop because Mother's Day is coming.
Mummy : How come you didn't buy for me?
No2 : I want to buy but I don't have money.
Mummy : Good, don't buy because Mummy don't like plastic flowers. Remember, I don't like plastic flowers. If you buy, I will get angry.
No2 : I will make you a present.
Mummy : Yeah....that's better. But most importantly, I want you to be a good boy.

But it is sure nice to see so many children getting flowers for their mom. Shows they are all good children and loving their moms. And the bookshop sure knows how to make money!!!!

Starting Young

2009-05-06T17:33:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, kids really start young. When No1 was 6 years old, he likes a girl (A) from a distance. When he went to Std 1, he was so happy to see her at the same school but they were in different class. In Std 1 and 2, he then like the girl seated next to him (B). She invited him to her house but No1 didn't go.

So this year, No1 and his first 'crush'(A) are in the same class due to streaming.
He is happy but then he realised that he now like the 2nd girl more(B)! Yesterday, the teacher seated him behind girl (B), he said he was so happy!!! Hopefully, that helps him perform his test better!!! Ha! Ha~! he's having test this week.

As for No2, he too like a girl in his 6 years old class. Even now he's in Std 1, he constantly pops the question on where is that girl. His former classmates email each other about 6-7 of them, but not the girl. So he's asking me if he could ask for the girl's email address from another friend!!!

Wah........nowadays! No wonder parents with teenagers (age 14 only) are having problems with their kids having girlfriends!!!!

Golden Showers

2009-05-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

The golden shower outside my condo unit is in full bloom. Each day as I sit
on my dining table and look outside the window, these beautiful blooms really captivates my heart. Such beauty...............

Unfortunately I've to capture this picture via the window, so it doesn't look as nice as the real thing. Well, if you happen to visit here today, I hope you day will be as beautiful as these golden showers.

Have a blessed day!

What You Sow, You Reap

2009-04-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

No2 receives a cup of beans last week at Newkidz. Eversince then he has been diligently taking care of his beans by himself. He was so excited to see the beans sprouting....although this is not his first. I used to do this project with the boys but most of the time I'm the one taking care of 'them' in the end.

On the cup is printed the following words : You Will Reap What You Sow

Honestly, I wish it is as straight forward as that. Sometimes the 'reaping' never seems to come. I talking about sowing into your kids the values that you want them to have. Maybe I've not been sowing the right way. Maybe I lacked 'watering' or 'fertilising' or what ever. Maybe I just need a little more 'patience'.

Exam Again

2009-04-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

Exam will be next week. And now that I've 2 having exam at the same time, I wonder how I am going to help them do revision especially when both are not very interested in studying for exam! Who does right? See...I haven't even started yet.

I find that one of the most 'boring' job in parenting is helping my boys prepare for exam. I hate exams myself...so how?
After 3 years ( No1 is in Std 3), I find myself slacking each time. Maybe it is good for the boys too......cos I think they are having too many exams in a year. I rather they spend time reading more books other than text books. They seem to learn a lot more from their reading outside......so be it.

I really hope they will take the initiative to do their own revision....but fat hope! Both of them can go for exam without lifting a page of their text book.....no kidding. Good thing No1 has good memory as long as he doesn't dream ( which is quite impossible), and pays attention in class he will do quite well.
No2......{ shaking head}....the most careless boy I've ever known.Hopefully he'll outgrow this attitude.

Soooo....I feel very scared to read blogs that tells how they help their children prepare for exam....cos this mummy is feeling very quilty.

After Holidays Sympthons

2009-04-25T23:35:00.000-07:00

We just came back from Legend Waterchalet and the boys " pontenged" 2 days of schooling. My kind nephew brought back No1's homework and since then No1 has not stop whining. He regretted for pontenging and now have to suffer with a loadful of homework. This guy.....really ungrateful. He's some a complainer...at all times....and sometimes I feel like making him into mince balls....just kidding!

As for No2, he is lucky as no one brought his homework for him. So I guess he'll suffer later...

The one thing I notice about my kids after each holidays is they really drive me nuts.
It is as if they have not enough of holidays and very 'mmm kang wan' (unwilling) to come back and therefore manifest their disatisfaction thru their annoying and irritating attitudes.

And the two of them is at logger heads every other minute!!!!

I can't seem to let them realise how fortunate they really are............
And today, daddy was so mad with them, he removed all their computer games!!!
Ha! Ha!...I see some signs of improvement...

Cherish each moment

2009-04-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

For the past few days, I've been hearing about sudden deaths about people not
directly related to me.....some thru papers and a few through blogs. Life is indeed so unpredictable...so gotta to live and cherish each moment.

I was thinking of whether to get the boys to 'ponteng' school to join daddy at Legend Waterchalet in Port Dickson sometime this week. This is our second trip and that place is really nice. If on our own, we probably would not spend the kind of money staying there.

And today, I've decided...off we go to Legend. What the heck missing school for 2 days...it won't make them any smarter or stupidier... And homework? Aiyah...don't carelah! Do when they are free.

And today, I've decided not to 'bark' at them for losing eraser, dirty uniform, messy school bag , horrible writing, chatting non-stop..............etc.

And today, I'm going to enjoy them as they are.....................

Have a nice day everyone!!!

Wedding Nowadays

2009-04-19T23:44:00.000-07:00

Nowadays youngsters are really getting more and more sophisticated. I just attended 2 of my relatives wedding some months ago ( one niece and one nephew). Gone are the wedding march...it has been replaced by some more 'romantic' songs in which this 'old aunty' is so out of touch. Gone are the age old 'speeches' by MC ( master of ceremony) who brags about the 'groom' and 'bride' achievements. It is all about the couple's goodness and how they are match in heaven???? Gone are the short thank you speeches, it has been replaced by by miles of ‘gratitudes towards their parents'.Now me as a parent is feeling the pressure. What if my kids have nothing much so say about me on that day?

Not only that, with all the wedding planners doing most of the planning for you as long as you have the money....one can already set the mood of wedding right from the bridal shower cards that comes in all sizes, shapes, colours and themes. No headaches about card design. You can also choose your budget range for the the cards....really one is spoilt for choice. If I do receive cards like this…I usually keep them. They are just too nice to be thrown away.

As for my niece and nephew they did have nice set of wedding shower invitations. Everything made so beautifully even before the wedding started. And that is the beginning of of a perfect wedding.

School Happenings - Part 3

2009-03-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

No2 has lots to say each time he comes back from school.

No2 : Mummy, the dentist came to our school today. She checked my teeth and said
all my teeth are very good!

*************************************************

No2 : Mummy, I like Art lesson but I hate my teacher. She is so fierce. Always shout
shout. The other day, some of my friends forgot to bring their Art book, so they
have to stand outside for one hour.

**************************************************

No2 : Mummy, my class teacher is very nice but she is very particular about "sen zhi"
(Chinese writing).....very scary!!! I'm most scared of chinese writing.

Note : Do you know what happens if you have a teacher who is very particular about Chinese strokes to the very dot and a boy who writes very fast and couldn't care less about getting the strokes accurately?
Answer : An exercise/workbook with full of holes due to extensive rubbing!!!

****************************************************

No2 : Mummy, I like my Science and English teacher because they are so lazy
never give homework. Especially my Science teacher, somemore can sleep in
class

*****************************************************

No2 : Mummy, tomorrow we have running competition, so must wear PE T-Shirt
although there is no PE tomorrow.

******************************************************

*************THE END***********************

Ni She Shui?

2009-03-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

Handphone rang.......

Mummy : Hallo?
Other line 1 : Hallo, dan yat zhan ( Hold on....in Cantonese }
Other line2 : Hallo, Wo yao jao XXXX XXXX ( I looking for No2)
Mummy passed the handphone to No2.
No2 : Hallo?
...........................
No2 : Ni She Shui? ( Who are you?)
...........................
No2 : Ni she she mo ren? (Who are you?)
..........................
No2 : Aiyah....phone cut off already.
Mummy : Who was that?
No2 : I think is YYYY YYYY. She speaks bahasa.
Mummy : I thought it sounds like a boy. He was speaking Chinese. How come
your friend has mummy's handphone number?
No2 : I don't know!
Mummy : You better go and find out tomorrow who called you and how come
they have my number.

Gosh.......how did they get my number?????

Update : No2 told me that the girl who sits next to her was the one who called him yesterday. And that he gave my h/p no the last time because she asked for it.

A new day

2009-03-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

Wow...it has been hard ...in fact extremely hard to get back and start updating this blog.
In fact I almost wanted to 'close shop' already. I think I better continue writing else my
brain would lay dormant and not be 'revivable'!!!!

Among all holidays, this has been the least eventful and most relaxed and perhaps nothing
really interesting to shout about. We only took the boys to Malls to read books. Ate at some 'better quality'
restaurants and try out new food.

Nevertheless, the boys had a great holiday lazing around, reading their magazines and playing like no
tomorrow with extended computer hours and certainly you can imagine their reluctance to go
back to school. Don't talk about them....me too.....school starts means it's early morning rush
all over again. Then I've to got to be the driver, tutor and a student myself!!!And my volume would
automatically tuned up.

This holiday, I picked up a new hobby. Would update on this later ...( I hope) or perhaps start another
new blog. I must be kidding...I'm only updating one blog while the others has gone to rust...so if I do start
another one it may end up with the same fate as others.

We'll see.

Put The Books Back, Please!

2009-03-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

Almost every Saturday, we will bring the boys to a bookshop so that they can have ample choices on what they want to read.

However, I feel a little disgusted that every week, there will be adults and children who would take the books from all over the place and just leave them at the place where they were reading.
The fact that they are there tells me that they are 'educated' parents so the least I would expect is for them to put the books back where it belongs and teach their children likewise.
Sadly this is not so....no matter which bookshop we go to.

Some will leave their children there who would talk loudly and incessantly without a care in a world. And my poor boys get reprimanded ( by me) each time the volume of their voice is too loud for my liking. And others would let their todder strewn the books all over the floor without picking it up later.

These people take the 'generousity' of the bookshop for granted. Is it a surprise that the decline in civic mindedness and moral in this young generation? Afterall , with this kind of 'role model' , will they ever learn the right thing?

OK, I'm done ranting.

All Is Well

2009-03-04T17:01:00.000-08:00

No2 has been crying every morning at school. He said he's scared and anxious and he kept running to his daddy. Sometimes unto the road where all the cars are parked ( still within school compound) when he couldn't see his dad. At one time,he made the security guard call his daddy on the handphone!!!

So early this week, his class teacher asked daddy to bring No2 to the teachers' room each morning and she will handle him from there. She said No2 runs so fast that they ( the teachers) have hard time chasing him and they fear for his safety as he runs unto the road. Even his kor-kor ( No1) could not restrain him.

So beginning this week, daddy has been bringing No2 to the teachers' room. And No2 is very happy about it! Yesterday, he helped the teacher 'chopped' ( using school chop) unto some papers. He says he's no longer scared. The teacher will hold his hand and bring him down to where they gather each morning to do morning reading before going to their respective class.

Hats off to his teacher who has to put up with his nonsense!!! I'm really grateful to her for taking the initiative to help No2 settle down. And his daddy stress level has gone down. Starting from next week, No2 will no longer be in the teachers' room but be with the rest as usual.

Nevertheless No2 wrote something in his book for his dad and after reading I'm sure his dad will feel all his efforts and stress were well worth it.

No2 wrote : Thank you dad for taking care of me at school. Thank you for
supporting me.

As for me, I'm so thankful to his teacher....although I felt she wasn't really friendly cos she doesn't smile when she speaks . According to No2, his teacher is very nice. ...that is good enough.

School Happenings - Part 2

2009-03-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

Careless Whispers

Remember No2 told me about his 'bus driver' teacher the other day? Yesterday, I got a clearer picture from him.

No2 : Mummy, today some of my friends got caned by the teacher because they didn't
bring their Moral exercise book. Luckily I brought my book.
Mummy : Is that the teacher that drives bus early in the morning and sleep in the teacher's
room?
No2 : Yes
Mummy : How do you know he drives bus? Did he tell all the students?
No2 : No, he told us he's tired and he wants to sleep for 15 minutes. So he taught us for 15
minutes and went to the teachers' room to sleep.
Mummy : Then how do you know he drives bus?
No2 : My friend whisper to me and to other friends. He saw the teacher come to
school by bus early in the morning.
Mummy : Wah....when did you people become little 'gossipers'?

{ So this is how the story transforms from bus passenger to bus driver - The End}

Can't Beat Them, Avoid Them

There is a boy in No2's class who likes to disturbs others( I often see him pulling other people's bag or using his trolley bag handle to hit other people's head). He even fight with girls. The thing is he's so small size ....I always thought bullies are big size...but this boys is almost the smallest size in class.

No2 : Mummy, today I told the 'naughty boy' " Ni hen huai, Wo gen wo baba mama
jiang"
{ You are very naughty, I will tell my dad and mom }.
Then he said " Hao wah, wo ye gen wo baba mama jiang" . So I don't know
what to tell him already. { Okay la, I also tell my dad and mom}
Mummy : Tell him " Wo de baba se jing cha" { My dad is a police}

Then later, I saw the boy's dad came to pick him up. He normally takes the van. His dad has 'tatoo' on his arms. Alamak! I think I better tell No2 to just avoid the boy! Stay far away from him.

Too Little Homework

2009-03-02T16:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday when I went to pick No2 ....another mom came to me and asked me if there is a lot
of homework for No2. Actually, her daughter is in No2's class ( I've just discovered ) and it is funny she asked me if there is a lot of homework.

So I said, not much. Then she said....no homework most of the time. I said there is but most probably her daughter already finished in school....as what No2 has been doing. She said 'No wor'. Beats me! Anyway, she mentioned that her friend's son in another class has lots of homework everyday. I am aware cos my neighbour's son came down to me almost everynight asking me to help her son with his homework....and I realised that he gets a lot more practice than No2.

But for me....no homework better still. So that No2 can spend his time reading. At this young age, reading will help them acquire their language and written skill which you can't really get by reading boring textbooks and doing writing everyday.

So I've no complaint if no homework. I can always give him some myself. I understand my friends' kids overseas bring lunch boxes and a different storybook to school each day. They don't give children below 10 more than 15 minutes of homework each day. See.....how much their education system differs from our.

One thing for sure, their children loves school....mine hates school. No2 asked me to homeschool him or open my own school for sometime now. Of course this won't happenlah.........

School Happenings - Part 1

2009-03-01T16:56:00.000-08:00

Case 1 :

No2 : Mummy, today we have 'ting xie'. Some of my friends put their books in the drawer
and copy from the book.
Mummy : Did your teacher know?
No2 : No. I also do that.
Mummy : Why? You already learnt your 'ting xie' last night, why do you have to copy?
No2 : I forgot one word - dao.
Mummy : Copying is wrong. Nevermind, if you didn't get all correct. It is better than getting
all correct because you copied. Never do that again. The teacher might give you a
zero.
If your friend copies, never mind, let them copy. You don't do that ever again. It is
wrong, understand?
No2 : Okay.

{ Almost pengsan.....so fast get influence already. Good thing about this boy, he tells me everything. The other time, he let his friend copy his spelling .}

Case 2

No2 wrote me a long 'mail ' again.
Mummy : Eh, how come you have so much free time at school, can write such a long mail to
mummy?
No2 : My Science teacher said he has to drive bus early in the morning and he's very tired.
He taught us for 15 minutes then go back to the teachers' room to sleep!
So I have a lot of time to write and draw.
Mummy : ??????????????

{ Not sure how true his words are........................}

Missing RM1

2009-02-26T18:17:00.000-08:00

Case 1
Mummy : Eh, How come you have only 1 RM1 left in your pocket?
No2 : My friend lost his canteen money and everyone else has only RM1. So I got no choice
I gave him the RM1 because I have 2 ringgit. {he likes to use the word 'no choice'}
Mummy : That's very thoughtful of you to help your friend. But you must let him know that you
are lending him the RM1 and not giving him okay? Otherwise, all your friends will
come asking you for money.
No2 : Okay

3 days passed......no shadow of the RM1. Nevermind, at least I know this 'money-minded' boy of mine has a good heart after all.

Case 2
Mummy : Did you use the RM1 in your pocket today?
No1 : Oh, teacher asked us to give RM1 for donation.
Mummy : What donation?
No1 : I don't know.
Mummy : You didn't listen or you don't understand?
No1 : I didn't hear properly!

Sigh....this boy ah....still so blur wan!

I Love Parcels

2009-02-23T16:21:00.000-08:00

Don't you? I find it exciting to receive parcels especially the unexpected ones. Of course these happen far and few. Afterall, I hardly shop online nor have many friends.......ha! ha!

So imagine my surprise when I received a call from Skynet to say that they will deliver a parcel to me today.

I wrote about eoe online and "printing at your convenience" on Thursday. Submitted it and received a confirmation that my review has been accepted. Then on Saturday, as we were out almost the whole day, came back and saw a message from Skynet slipped under my door saying that there is an undelivered parcel for me.

Wow......Saturday and they have already sent out the parcel. And all thanks to Skynet for being so efficient, called me first thing Monday morning and checked if it is alright to deliver the parcel the next day ( today).

And here comes the much awaited parcel. Thank you so much eoe online for your generosity.
As far as the pictures are I concerned, I felt the colours were a little too dark. Perhaps it would have looked better with lighter prints. I wonder if I could specifically request for lighter print the next time round.

Still Not Settled

2009-02-22T17:47:00.000-08:00

Ya...No2 the one I thought would give me the least problems prove to me 10 times harder than his brother in adjusting to his new school.

Still anxious....because he said he's the only ONE in the class that can't speak Chinese.
Still anxious.....because his heart go 'poop poop poop' and he can't control himself.
Still anxious ....and needs to visit the toilet each morning.
Still anxious.....he has to cry because he can't control himself

But once he's in his class, he said he's okay already. No amount of encouragement, counselling, prayer seems to help so far. Until last week, I threatened him instead. And he was okay...didn't cry, didn't run to his dad. Said he told himself " What for cry, daddy is there waiting for me".

After this weekend the drama started. Anyway, his dad said his teacher pacified him this morning.
Just last week(18/2), he wrote me a 'p-mail' (physical mail in his rough book) and I though....all is well from now onwards. His p-mail unedited:

Mummy, today I got Chinese test. The Science teacher is also the Moral teacher. I prayed to God that I will do my best in the the test. I am getting better each day. I am also a super reader and I feel like nice attitude. I ran to daddy 2 times. First, I have no place, Second, I have to shit.

I know who I am and I feel great about myself. Bye { some happy icons with music notes}

Cheers,
From : No2

p/s it wasn't a test just some worksheet.
p/s Tried to take picture of his letter but the words just cannot be seen.

No More School Bell

2009-02-19T17:18:00.000-08:00

My boys' school no longer uses school bell...the ones that go Rrrrrrrrr...inggggggg!
They have been using music. Once the music play, the students know they must move
their butt from wherever they are and start queuing up at their respective queue.

The other day , No2 came back and told me :

No2 : Mummy, the school music sound so sad. I almost cry!

When I went to school, I've to agree, the music sound a little sad. I thought they should pump up 'energetic' music so as to excite the chidren.

Nevertheless, I think it is a good idea to use music instead of the traditional bell.

Photo Printing At Your Convenience

2009-02-18T17:47:00.000-08:00

Is there anything valuable which is free in this world? Except for air, I can't think of any other. So, imagine my skepticism when I learnt that there is this website called eoe online that is having a promotion offering FREE PRINTING(yes FREE) 50x4R and 2x8R photos for bloggers after doing a review on their website.

Wow....this is something too good to be miss. I have to occassionally send my photos for printing and sometimes I feel really lazy because first I've to download my photos to a disk, then go find a print shop ( added with all the petrol and parking charges) and having to wait for at least an hour ( that is if not many customers in queue) which means some time wasted too.

Now I can do that all at in one shot at the comfort of my home saving money and time! Not only I get my photos printed but it will also be delivered to my doorstep.

Eoe Online is currently having a promotion (see below) which I think is highly attractive:

* Print 4R photo at RM0.30 each
* Print 5R photo at RM0.50 each
* No additional charges
* Free delivery for orders RM35.00 and above

By the way, this promotion ends on March 31st 2009. The payment options available
are credit cards, debit cards, bank transfer or bank in .

I thought the printing charges must be expensive but RM0.30 for 4R...gosh that is cheap! I will see how my first 50 prints comes about and hopefully it is truly satisfactory then I will continue using their services.

Let see, eoe online not only helps you to print photos, they also have a wide range of photographic products available for online shopping. Besides, one can also enjoy the many activities of the site such as photo competition, photo gallery, photo dedication, wallpaper download, and loads of articles on photography!

So back to the FREE printing, you just have to do the following steps,
a) make sure your blog is at least of 6 months and have a minimum of 30 posts in your blog.
b)) get your instructions and terms of condition here
c) Send your review link with your personal particulars including your full name, contact number, email address and order ID to share@eoe.com.my (Part 1).

Finally sit back and enjoy and wait for your delivery !!

Skinny boy

2009-02-18T17:04:00.000-08:00

When No1 was a baby and toddler and pre-schooler, he was pretty chubby.
His weight starts to spiral downwards after he went to Standard 1.
Another 2 years later....he's just so skinny....really beh ta han.

He doesn't snack much but he eats well in all his three meals. In fact I think he eats quite a lot at times.

Each time when I pick him up from school, I will see this skinny boy coming down from stairs about to be blown away. Okayla I exaggerated. But he is really skinny. It doesn't tally with the amount he eats.

Now if anyone know of some 'no side effects', 'good supplement' to help him gain weight, let me know ya! My email icon is just at the corner.

A Responsible Friend

2009-02-18T16:59:00.000-08:00

No1 has a friend who will call him whenever he is unsure of his homework.
This boy is a very nice, responsible and street smart. I'm so happy when I first
know him to be a friend of No1. He also came over to our house once and played with both my boys. He is so well behaved that I hope my boys would learn something from him.

When the teacher happens to give very little or no homework for the day.
He will sure to call and check with No1....to make sure he didn't miss anything out.
He wants to avoid cane at all cost.

I've never once see No1 being worried whether he got his things intact or homework correct.

I think this responsible attitude is inborn...hard to be taught.

Exam Time Is Here Again

2009-02-16T16:53:00.000-08:00

No1 is having his first term test this week. Rest for a week than resume for another week. They are 4 test in a year.....basically every 8 weeks.

After so many round of test, I begin to 'slack' , 'close one eye'...or whatever.
It is tiring to always try to 'achieve' great results because even if you do very well this time...there will come another and another and another...for many years.

So now, I just make sure he does his homework, do whatever revision he can(which normally he won't without me) before exam and 'forget about it'.

Sometime ago, I read about a high achiever girl in the Parenting Magazine on how she woke up one day ( in University by this time), and couldn't function anymore!! She has been a high achiever all along...One day she woke up , she felt she couldn't continue to do it anymore. She was exhausted. And eventually needed counselling.

Another case was a high achiever who couldn't function after going to University ( first year) because all along ,her life has been planned by her mom. To go from one activity to another. To sit from one exam to another....etc. Finally when she is on her own...she didn't know what to do, how to do, where to start.....I think this case is quite an exceptionlah!!

I thought the education Minister said from this year onwards, it will be less exam oriented. Now what exactly does that mean?

No2's Companion

2009-02-15T16:23:00.000-08:00

They accompanied him to the toilet.
They accompanied him while he's eating.
They accompanied him while doing his homework.
They accompanied him during his leisure time even while watching tv.
They accompanied him even during car rides.
Never seen him so 'engrossed' with these companions before.......
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Yeah....the Kokko and May Series. The original is in Chinese so the English and BM version are the translations. He just likes them so much! For someone who doesn't like to read.....I'm happy eventhough it is just Comics!

Are they one of mine?

2009-02-13T17:04:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, I went slightly earlier to the school to pick up my boys. As I approached the school hall, I realised that the whole school was in there practising for the farewell of their headmistress tomorrow.

They were singing a well known Chinese song which is normally sang during farewell but out of tune.....whole school is singing mah.

When I peeped into the hall ( all doors are wide open), I saw a handful of boys and a girl standing by the side of the opposite end of where I was looking. They were 'pulling' their ears!!!

My heart went 'bib bob bib bob'. Are they mine? Then I remembered that No2 has PE today, so he's in PE T-shirt. All the boys were in white school uniform. Phew! It wasn't him.

Then I started looking to see if No1was one of the boys. They were all skinny like him but no specs. Some slightly shorter. Phew! Thank goodness, none of them is mine.

What is one of them is mine? I guess, I just pretend dunno and give them a good lecture back home. Wah....school is not only stressful for kids, but also for me!!!!

"Sua Ku" or "Orang Ulu" or "Frog Under Coconut Shell"

2009-02-12T18:25:00.000-08:00

I am RM625 richer. All thanks to the government for their petrol rebate. Nowadays, every dollar is hard to come by ( esp. for me) and this gesture sure makes me happy.

Anyway, I went to the Post Office at 9:45 am because I thought they open for business at 9:30 am.
When I arrived , there was a short queue as the door of the PO was still closed. Then only I realised the PO opens for business at 10:00am.

Nevermind, I join the queue. At 10:00 am sharp the door opens. Glad that the people are civic minded and they all queue up to get their numbers. I was like the number 6th person, but I saw the number printed at my ticket was 2001!!!!. It start with 1001...so how come mine is so far behind.

I sat there for a little while then I notice the guy who came later than me has the number 1018!
The kiasu me assumed that most probably it is a system glitch and went over to 'press' for another number. This time it gave me 1022.

While I was comtemplating whether to 'complain' or just wait, I heard the number 2001 called.
Ha! so there was no system glitch. It is just their numbering system.

You can tell how often I go to the post office from this experience!!!! Truly, like a frog under a coconut shell.

Husband ,Wife and children

2009-02-11T16:50:00.000-08:00

Scenario 1 : At Pearl Point Parking Area

No1 & No2 : Daddy, park over here. Got parking space.
Mummy : Daddy will park near the lift. There's one there !
Daddy parked his car at the 'recommended lot'.
No2 : Wah..this daddy ah, never listen to children, only listen to wife!!!
Mummy : Of courselah...but next time when you find a wife make sure your wife listens to
you.

Scenario 2 : At home relaxing.

Mummy was jokingly 'arguing' with daddy.
No2 : How can wife scold husband?
Mummy : Not scolding, we're joking.

Scenario 3 : After coming back from somewhere.
Daddy went back home first via lift. Mummy and children tailed behind.

No2 : What sort of daddy are you? Never wait for your wife and children!

Mummy had a good laugh at daddy. Kena 'bombard' by his son.

Sunday At Bukit Jalil Park

2009-02-09T17:06:00.000-08:00

Almost every Sunday, we will 'parked' ourselves at Bukit Jalil Park after an early dinner.
There are ample spaces to jog, move, play, admire etc etc. Just SOME of the pictures captured yesterday. As you know, I'm not exactly very enthusiatic about taking pictures...

This park is really huge and can be divided into 3 parts. The children's playground, the feeding fish and jogging area and the last one is the International Gardens with beautiful landscape ...perfect for strolling.

Every weekend, I'll see lots of families with their toddlers running around, cycling and having picnics. Ah.....the joy of toddlerhood. The pictures below are taken from the International Gardens section.

Traditional Malay House

Moving to the International Gardens

This area represents Thailand.

And Canada....

I'm a statue.

And Holland...Ooops....Kor-kor Windmill propelling the wrong way!

The Lake......the fishes haven!!!

Possessions Recovered

2009-02-05T16:38:00.000-08:00

Ha! Ha! No2 came back with all his 'lost' properties yesterday.
His brand new eraser, colour pencils and pencil.

Thank goodness he didn't come back with 'extra' { other people's } properties.

So....my nagging works!

No2 wrote me an 'email' in his 'rough book'. He said that he had BM test today. He said he doesn't know why question 15 is so difficult but he finally managed to do it. He happily signed off with all the emoticons!!!!

I learnt from michelle that the test is called KIA2M. What will happen next is they will probably changed him to another class ( cos his class has been reserved for the weaker ones )and he has to start making friends all over again. The same thing happened to his brother the last time.

Another 2 years of goyang kaki

2009-02-05T16:34:00.000-08:00

My maid told me yesterday that she wants to continue working for me for another 2 years.
Her contract ends this April. She has been with me for 5 years.

I was already brazing myself for days when I will no longer have maids. Now that she wants to continue for another 2 years, its time for me to think doing / learning something new. I do need some extra income. Perhaps going to writing paid post if there is still money to be made there.

Whatever it is, looks like I have another 2 years of goyang kaki.

Absent minded No2

2009-02-04T17:04:00.000-08:00

From young I can see both boys are very different in character. While one is proper the other is 'chin chai'. While one takes care of his things, the other destroys them. While one have relatively good memory , the other is sooooo...absent minded.

So that's my No2. The day before the CNY break, he lost his eraser at school. The first day after CNY, he lost another eraser. This time, I gave him a good lecture. Then yesterday, one of his pencil is missing and when enquired, he told me he gave to his friend. Nevermind, later he discovered that he forgot to bring back his colour-pencils. And the worst, he took back another friend's exercise book which he ( the friend) has not completed his homework. Pengsan!!!!

Everyday, his bag looks like a rubbish bin to me. His books were upside down, folded and whatever... His face is black, his knees are black and his shoes even blacker!!!!

While No1 was 'nagged' for almost 2 years, come to think of it, No1 was much better in this area compared to his brother( which means I must have over-nagged him). No1 however has been doing well this year in terms of taking care of his things and getting his work done...perhaps he's grown up and not so much of my nagging ( who knows). He also comes home 'clean'.

No2....gosh...I tried to teach him the proper way to take care of his things but it doesn't seem to
get into his head!!!! I think it's about time.....I show him the consequences..............

Meanwhile....I think I need to look for 'brain food/memory food' for No2.

After the break ...

2009-02-03T20:48:00.000-08:00

After a wonderful long CNY break I really had a hard time getting in routine again.
The boys of course have even harder time to accept that their CNY has come to an end.
During our stay back in hometown, they had a great time with their cousins from both sides
and made themselves a couple of hundreds richer from the angpows collected.

So I let them take our a tiny winy portion of their angpow for them to buy their 'Kokko and May' comics. Hard life huh.....nowadays kids have to use their own money. Ha! Ha!

Anyway, 2 days before school reopen .....

Mummy : Are you glad to go back to KL?
No1 : I feel depressed.
Mummy : Huh?
No1 : I am not ready to go back to school.

{ there you go.....small kiddos now know how to feel depressed!}

As for No2

No2 : Mummy, tomorow I want to ponteng school.
Mummy : Cannot!
No2 : Just one day only!
Mummy : No bargaining.
No2 : I only want to go to Primary school that is 3 hours!
Mummy : That you can only get from 'Mummy's school'. { i.e if I homeschool }

He was teary eyed last night. Said he was afraid of his fierce 'xiao zhang' { headmistress }.
After a lengthy couselling....he was still looking for his dad at school today and daddy is now stressed out!!!!

Note : As for No1, he no longer gets the 'crazy numbers of homework after that particular week!'. Thank goodness. Maybe the teacher was trying to catch up with all the CNY holidays!

Getting Better

2009-01-19T16:45:00.000-08:00

After days of 'complaining' I better change the mood of this blog. Okay....how's No2 doing in school.

He had badminton in school the other day and he was happy.
He played 'chasing' with 3 girls 1 boy during recess time and he was happy.
He had computer class yesterday and he was happy.
He is now very 'famous' in school because the seniors call him " No1's didi".
He finished all his homework at school so he's not complaining about school work.
His class teacher is kind although he said 'She's getting fierce now" .

But he said "School Is Still A Little Bit Horrible" because

a) Children still walk so slow. { So mummy said, Thank God that all of you can walk}
b) Toilets is still so smelly . { Thank God that there is more than 1 toilet in school}
c) Teacher still talk very loudly. { Thank God you have no hearing problems}

Surprisingly, he didn't complain he can't understand Chinese in school...which I am quite sure
he is still 'blur' as to what the teacher is saying. When it comes to Chinese Vocab he's really slow. Hopefully, daily being 'swarmed' by Chinese speaking people will help him increase his vocab faster.

BUT....when he's beginning to settle down, the Chinese New Year holidays is coming.
Uuuurgh......I just hope he doesn't have to start trying to 'settle down' all over again.

Every morning, he still complains when I wake him up. He's like me the "lazy bird" while his kor-kor is like daddy the "early bird".

Then And Now

2009-01-18T17:31:00.000-08:00

Then :

When my boys were in pre-school/kindergarten, after picking up from school,
I used to ask them

Mummy : Did you have fun in school today?

Now :

In Chinese Primary School, after picking them up

Mummy : Did you get caned in school today?
OR
Mummy : Did you get scolding in school today?

The Lost Boy.

2009-01-18T17:16:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, after the boys' replacement class , we took them to Mid Valley because daddy wanted to trade in his old camera. There were some end of year clearance offer.

As we were late by the time we made it to MidValley, all the eateries were filled to the brim. We couldn't get a seat anywhere. Who says we 're in recession?

So we decided to go to The Food Garden in 'The Gardens' as we know that food court has less people. Indeed the were ample spaces and the food were not too bad.

After the eating, we began to walk back to MidValley. No1 as usual like to breakaway from us.
If you have been to The Gardens, you know that you can walk parallel with several little bridges that connects you to each side .

No1 was running ( yeah...boys ah...they always run) but I was watching close from afar. Then he overshot and realise that he couldn't see us. He ran from one bridge to another and 'panic' starts setting in. I thought he saw us but he must have been too panicked.

So he yelled and cried for mummy! Everyone's was looking. I walk towards him. When he saw me he ran over and hugged me and said "Mummy, next time I won't do that again. I just want to see the other side".

Let's hope he has learnt his lesson. I told him the next time, if he ever gets lost, he must stay put and not run everywhere. We will come back for him. Of course I don't let him out of sight...but sometimes....we do slip unintentionally.

We later adjourned to MPH where the boys read a couple of books before we call off the day.