Selecting A School For Your Child

Where should I begin? My choice of Primary School for Denise is limited to Queenstown area because we wanted to stay near my in-laws as we foresee that we will need their help when Denise goes to Primary 1.

We have always liked Dover; quiet, small and assessible (as compared to Jurong...:p). So our Primary School choice was narrowed to just Fairfield Methodist Primary School. Cut the long story short: We managed to enrol her into FMPS without balloting for Phase 2C...:) (balloting was conducted for those staying 1-2km from school)

This morning, one colleague asked me, "I have flashes of memory; seeing Denise in Fairfield uniform before..."

Haha....yes! Yes! Yes! Last November, I needed to borrow a set of school uniform for Denise's performance at Asia Conference 2008. I managed to borrow a set of FMPS uniform from a friend's friend! Talking about visualization and confession! For those planning for schools... It works!

K2 Graduation Photo-taking

Last Thursday, Denise had to wake up at 7am to reach school at 730am for her K2 Graduation Photo-taking. The teachers were already busy dressing up the children when we arrived. All the boys were in white shirts and white pants, with red bow-tie and cumber belts. The girls were all in white dresses...:) i.e. the traditional outfit for Pat's Schoolhouse K2 graduating students. A beautiful sight!

After getting ready, it was some "kodak-moments" with her classmates and teachers.

We walked to Kampong Java Park for the photoshoot. There were a few standard shots they had to take. Throwing their scrolls...

Group photo with her teachers and principal.

Caught a closed-up shot of Denise...:)

Wactch out this space for more events lining up to her graduation...:)

Ethan's 6th Birthday Party

Last Sunday, Denise and Debbie attended Ethan's 6th birthday celebration at Kidz Amaze @ Safra Jurong. The place is an ideal place for birthday parties especially when you are expecting a huge kids turn-out!

Ethan had a "runway" cake from eCreative...:) And the playground was HUGE!!! The party was held at Butterfly Room. There is a special passage-way that linked the room to the playground. Some of the adults had to accompany their children into the playground. Most of us came out panting...:p

There are many spiral slides. You have to cross your arms in front of your chest to slide down smoothly. Those that tried to break the fall suffered from elbow abrasion...:( This is definitely more fun than any indoor playground I have been to.

National Day Performance

Denise had her National Day Performance in school. Look at the all the eager parents, ready to capture those precious moments!

Not only were the children and staff wearing red and white; many of the parents also turned up in red and white...:)

After the performance, we stayed for the Carnival. The kids were treated to games and free food! There were Nasi Lemak, fishball, nuggets, cakes etc... Below is a clip of Denise's performance...

SOT Graduation 2009

Attended Huimin's graduation last Sunday. The highlight of the service was the SOT performance! Simply mind-blowing! The students were so talented!

Huimin was nominated for Best Academic Performance Award and she emerged the 2nd runner-up! You made us proud!!!

Mum's Birthday Celebration

Celebrated my Mum's birthday at Zhou's Kitchen on Sunday. Went for Hi-Tea Buffet...:) Yummy... we tried almost every dish! The kids were there too; but Debbie was sleeping and Denise hiding behind JX... One of those "I don't want to take photo" mood...:p

Where Got Recession?

Was at Sincere Watch Sale Preview this afternoon... Overheard a man telling his friend...

"Wah, this Chopard watch is $10k! Must buy, you must buy!" And the friend took the watch and paid at the counter...

Oh man! Recession? What recession? A group of 20-30 people were crowding around the Franck Muller counter; not mentioning the queue forming at the cashier with their IWC, Longines and Chopard... The man before me bought 3 Christian Dior watches!!! I saw him taking pictures of the watches and probably sending them to the wife or girlfriend...:p

Me? Just 1 humble Christian Dior watch... Haha....

Cheesecake!!!

From top left clockwise:

Oreo, Choc-orange, Apple crumble, Strawberry, Bailey' and NY!

I ordered these "pretty and delicious" 3 inches-sized cheesecakes from a friend...:) I love them all; rich and creamy. JX's favourite is Apply crumble.

For price and more info: email to ncbakeshoppe@gmail.com

CHC 20th Anniversary

Denise was part of the Children's Choir during the CHC 20th Anniversary Service. The entire team of musicians, singers, dancers and choir consists of children aged from 5-14 years old! It was amazing seeing them performed! Truly the NEXT generation!

A short clip of her on stage! She should be easily spotted; standing extreme right on the 3rd row... Haha...

Astons @ SIA Sports Club

Went Astons @ SIA Sports Club for dinner after service @ Expo. Indoor dining is open for members only. As the restaurant was empty, the staff kindly allowed us to dine inside. It is very near to Expo and usually the restaurant is rather empty. We get to have the whole place to ourselves!

The children get to play at the waiting area. They were all pretending to be in a plane...:)

Youngest kid on board - Leonidas!

Denise was waiting for her food to be "served"... Which, of course, we didn't... Just pretend-play.

Cool huh? All the children posing...:)

Debbie Posing!

Debbie posing here with Regina...:) Debbie is so adorable... Hehe... I am bias...:)

Farewell Lunch - 沈老师

Denise had a new Chinese teacher from Shanghai this year. Recently she discovered a growth in her throat and was advised by her doctor to remove it. She was also advised not to use her voice too much during this season. As a result, she has decided to go back to China in August so that her family can take care of her after the operation.

Today (Jul 24, Friday), the parents organized a farewell lunch for 沈老师. There was a "new" student...Hehhe...Debbie :) See how she was trying to make funny faces like Jaden (the boy sitting beside her).

Everyone brought something. Bee hoon, marshmellow, cocktail jelly, mini-sandwiches, snacks and we brought fruit juice.

The children were having a FUN-time...:)

The mothers had earlier made a scrapbook for both Ms Wendy and 沈老师. It was meant for Teachers' Day. But it was in time as a farewell gift instead.

Every kid wrote something for the teacher and it was so nicely done! Thanks to the group of dedicated mothers in the class! Not sure if it's the same for other classes; but I really like the mothers here. We have somehow become friends; after attending so many birthday parties together...:)

Beatrice, Bryan's mummy, bought a nice strawberry cake for the occasion. She took 16 candles so that every child can place a candle and say their well-wishes to their teacher...:)

The children dedicated a song to her.

Notice the boy behind the teacher? He couldn't stop sobbing for 20mins...:( The mood turned so sad and touching when the teacher started crying too! She even made a personalised photo-frame for every child, it framed up the photo she took individually with every student...

She wrote a note to all the children and parents; apologizing for being "irresponsible" and not being able to see them graduate... Sigh, I felt very sad for her too! I know that she has a passion for teaching and loves the little children very much! As a new teacher in the school, she quickly won over the students in a short time. I wish her all the best and speedy recovery after her operation! And that she can eventually go back to teaching...:)

沈老师，加油!

CG Retreat @ Orchid Country Club

Last Friday, we checked-in at Orchid Country Club for a retreat with Ps. Tan. We booked 5 Deluxe rooms and 1 2-bedroom Suite. The group met at the living room for 4 sessions of sharing by Ps. It was awesome! It was like taking a full 4 course spiritual meal!

Above is the proof that we really had a great time! And Ps. really poured out his revelations!

This was the group that stayed overnight. More came and joined us at night...:)

We drove out for dinner. It was an "ulu" place; opposite Sembawang Country Club. But the food was SUPER delicious! We had cold crab...

Fresh coconut juice...

The best part was the lobster porridge!!! Look at the GIANT bowl above! It's a 10 pax portion and each of us have half a lobster to go with our porridge. The pot above cost $120. And it was already discounted because Brian is a regular there...

Look at the pink bowl; you can compare both the bowls and imagine how big the GIANT bowl was...:)

Didn't managed to talk pictures of the other dishes. We had smoked duck that tasted like beef; yummy! Vege... and other stuff... Will definitely go back again!

After dinner, we went back for a night session till about 11pm. Then we had durians for supper...:) Yes, what else but "mao shan wang". Many of us couldn't sleep; but we just hang around and chit-chat.

The next morning, we had a prayer meeting after breakfast. Finally checked out at 12pm and met again at 530pm for service at Expo. What a retreat! The next time we will be having it overseas.

Denise & Ethan

A friend sent me a photo that Denise took with Ethan in the Suntec Nursery when they were 2 years old. She commented that while Ethan still look pretty much the same, Denise has grown up! This must be what people say "girls mature faster than boys".

Had a chat with a mother recently. She has a 8 years old daughter and I was asking her about parenting a growing gal. I shared with her my concern about Denise wanting to wear dresses, wear high heels, put on makeup etc. She says I should be MORE WORRIED if she only wants to wear pants and hate all the girly stuff...:p

Haha... That's so true! So for now, let the girl be a girl...:)

Denise & Jewel

Denise has a long-time friend; Jewel Quek. These were photos taken when they were 2, 3, 4 and the latest 6 years old. So interesting to see them grow in these photos...:)

Debbie's Hair Clip!

Haha... Managed to clip Debbie's hair....:) But not for long; she is not used to it!

Book of Promise & Reward Chart

Denise is turning 6 this December and I suddenly realised that she has GROWN UP! I mean, she prefers dresses and skirts to pants. And when she wear shorts, she prefers those hot pants...:p

I have been asking myself if I am doing well as a mother. In the area of character development and preparing her to be a "lady"... I wonder if there's anything else I can do better. To "express" her independence, sometimes it gets rather hard to expect her to "do as you are told". It's no longer as easy as "Yes, mummy..."

Anyway, I was praying one day (yes, it got spiritual)... I had an idea of starting a Book of Promise and Reward Chart with her. I started her on writing things she promised me on the book and later bring it out to remind her to keep her promise.

For instance, she wanted to wear her spaghetti-stripped top but I was concerned that she would be cold when she comes to my office. I got her to promise that she will wear her sweater when she visits me. It works! When she came to Suntec, I reminded her what she wrote, and she willingly put on her sweater! That was easy! No arguement or whining....:)

Next came the Reward Chart! I got Denise to write down a list of things/tasks which she will be rewarded for if she does them. And it works!


Thus far, a week now, I have no problem waking Denise up every morning and she will go to bed on her own...:) No fuss and no complaints! For every 10 gold dots she accumulates, she can buy a special gift. To encourage her, Daddy already bought her a set of Magic Colouring Markers from Crayola...:) The 2 blue dots at the bottom... Well, she misbehaved....haha....

Random Photos

Took some random and silly shots with Denise...

Debbie's 2nd Birthday

I LOVE this picture!!!

Debbie turned 2 on July 10th. Like Denise, we celebrated her birthday in the Nursery with her "little friends". I ordered a "Winnie the Pooh" agar-agar for her. Prepared goody bags for her friends... That was a tough job because most of her "little friends" in Nursery are below 1.

Our helper woke up "super" early to cook for the party. We had bee-hoon, chicken curry, sausages, nuggets, chicken fillets etc... Wanted to order food but she offered to cook for the party...:) Yummy....

Many of her friends were there! Denise even dressed up like a fairy...:)

All eyes were on the agar-agar "flowers" and "leaves"... The mummies had to keep removing those little hands while I lighted the candles.

Debbie knew that it was her birthday. She was so eager to blow the candles and cut the cake on her own. Denise had an Elmo cake for her 2nd birthday. Can you spot her? The little gal in the pink jacket.

Debbie is so blessed! She received so many presents; clothes, toys, $$$ and many warm wishes! Thanks for making it special for her!