From TAIPING with L♥VE

Please unbutton me

2012-01-30T13:21:00.008+08:00

1st button - 5 minutes

2nd button - (another) 5 minutes

I counted, there are 5 buttons on his shirt and he insists on putting them on himself.

At least little Chi is occupied for 25 minutes and I can complete one round of sweeping. Oh wait, if he wants to unfasten the buttons himself, I gain another 20-25 minutes :)

Loving red packets

2012-01-28T08:36:00.006+08:00

Avery shows ~~greedy~~ happy face upon receiving 红包 (hóngbāo, red packet).

Yeah!!

Little Chi, on the other hand, TEARS his hóngbāo on the spot and does this >>>

*speechless*

I have reminded him umpteen times not to open the red packets publicly :S

It must be my lucky year!

2012-01-26T14:53:00.005+08:00

I had steamboat twice in 3 days - on the first day of Chinese New Year and on the first day of returning to my office.

1) Went to visit my best old pal on 年初一 (niánchū yī, first day of CNY) and was cordially invited to join her family for steamboat lunch *lucky* If I remembered correctly, almost every year I ~~coincidentally invited to~~ have steamboat lunch at her place :p

2) Returned to workspace on the 4th day of CNY and again got invited for steamboat lunch by my generous neighbouring department *double lucky*

Some greens

Assorted fish balls and fish cakes

Thumb up - yours truly and Angeline

Final result

Have had good food with great people, isn't this a good start?

Chinese New Year

2012-01-20T10:16:00.000+08:00

There are only 2 significant views to indicate Chinese New Year in my house:

1) the word SPRING, 春 (chūn) on my front door

Greeting to welcome guests

2) lots and lots of cookie jars on the side table in the living hall


Clockwise: kuih bangkit, almond cookies, pineapple tarts, muruku, chocolate almond, kuih bangkit (again). 3 tins consist of kuih kapit and homemade prawn crackers

I'm lazy; no extra-extra decors at home and all the cookies are either bought or given by friends and family.

From TAIPING With LOVE will be back after the festival.

To all my Chinese readers,

Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái

恭喜发财

And for the rest,

A very happy holidays!!

Up to fishy business

2012-01-17T12:24:00.000+08:00

Sushi King small 鱼生 (yúshēng) @RM8.88

Put on the sauce...

And get ready to TOSS!

恭喜发财, 年年有余, 万事如意, 招财进宝, 大吉大利!!

Colleagues and I were celebrating the upcoming year of Dragon with a small plate yúshēng at Sushi King. And it was time to spend some $$$ since we had received our long-awaited-annually BIG B *wink*

Tossing yúshēng is a symbol for abundance, prosperity and vigor. Go, toss for HUAT AH!!! (发啊??)

Where's the mojo?

2012-01-14T10:15:00.000+08:00

Chinese New Year is just 8 days away. The house is already spring-cleaned, new apparels are washed and ironed to usher the dragon year. Cookies jars are ready for guests.

I've even got these ferocious red angry bird jackets for the kids.

....and yet I don't seem to prepare for it. Maybe I'm still adapting to my "schooling" schedule. Hope to get back my mojo soon....

Pre-CNY Dinner 2012

2012-01-09T17:34:00.000+08:00

My company organized a pre-Chinese New Year dinner (sau kong chow) 2 weeks prior to the festival with ~~averagely~~ so-so tasted Thai food.

Food (picture credits to Yan)

This event comes only once a year, so we let down our hairs and got loose *wink*

Ladies at my table

No, we didn't go crazy.... just enjoyed ourselves with lots of photos, food, jokes and karaoke ☺

Have you had yours?

A New Chapter

2012-01-06T17:18:00.000+08:00

for Avery is called S.C.H.O.O.L; I was back to the office after chauffeuring her on day 1 and 2. Parents are forbidden in the school compound, but that wasn't an issue - Avery was cooperative.

Happy face on the 1st day, but then.....

But when the grandparents sent her off on the 3rd day, she cried and refused to step into the school. Her reason?? She had t-shirt and track-bottom on, whereas others wore pinafores. Well, Avery's school 3rd-orientation-day required her to be in her PJ attire (which I explained it earlier). The "others" she saw were Standard 2 and 3 students..... *speechless*

p/s: crossed my fingers that Monday would be a better day

New Year Message with L♥ve

2011-12-30T16:48:00.000+08:00

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called "Opportunity" and its first chapter is New Year's Day.

- Edith Lovejoy Pierce

From TAIPING With LOVE sign-off year 2011 with additional message below...

"May you remember to say "I love you" at least once a day to your spouse, your child, your parent, your siblings; but not to your secretary, your nurse, your masseuse, your hairdresser or your tennis instructor"

Happy New Year to all my readers!

Size does matter during Christmas

2011-12-27T15:54:00.000+08:00

My daughter continues to believe in Santa Claus who uses his magic dust to enter our house. She had been asking about Santa a few days earlier before Christmas - "Am I a good girl?", "Will Santa comes this year?", "Will he remember me?", "Is he a bad person? Papa said he captures kids who are still awake on Christmas eve", and so on.

Years ago, the kiam siap (hokkien for stingy, kedekut) mama tried to delay the introduction of Mr.Claus and avoided burning holes in my pocket. But to no avail, Avery got to know about Santa's existence and his generosity of giving toys and goodies to all children around the world.

She'd got a "Barbie Bride" this Christmas. Yet she was jealous over Little Chi and kept questioning, "WHY HE GOT BIGGER GIFT FROM SANTA??".

Apparently the brother got BIGGER (and cheaper) present - a mini stroller which he was longing for the longest time. The contents are hand-me-down toys from their godfather.

Asked her to exchange the doll with his brother but she refused *rolled eye*

Deadly stare shocks my husband

2011-12-22T08:17:00.014+08:00

I've got my hair permed a month (or so) ago, as I wanted some distinctive changes to usher the Dragon year.

Wavy locks

Being ~~extreme~~ adventurous, I've got something else permed *wink*

My new set of eye lashes

Yeah, I wanted to have Bollywood thick long eye lashes so badly, I decided to try out the 3D lashes perming during my recent facial session. I like it very much as I don't have to 'kiap' (curl) my lashes in the hectic morning. Just mascara....

But guess what DH has to say......."Wah, you kena electrocuted or what?" Ceh, I think he meant, "Wah, your eyes are so attractive that I'm electrocuted by them!". Wakakakaka!!

I realize something

2011-12-16T15:22:00.000+08:00

Sms from hubb, "To9 movie @ 7.15pm".

I replied, "Wanna watch? I'll call sitter to prepare the kids. Duwan any dinner, go for supper after movie".

Reply from hubb, "Already got the tickets".

...continuing my reply in n times.

image from google.com

I realized, this poor woman is never too tired to talk. And her husband has to deal with additional 2 chatterboxes back home ☻

His obsession

2011-12-13T15:52:00.000+08:00

"我是媽咪的寶貝。" - I am mommy's baby

"姐姐是爸爸的寶貝。" - Sister is papa's baby

My almost-3-year-old darling

My son insists he (and not his sister) is my number one precious *hugs* and is a tad over-obsessed.

In a strike for THE day

2011-12-10T00:56:00.107+08:00

Memo to husband and children:

Kitchen is closed throughout the weekend.

No "tapau" is allowed in the house.

Preferable to dine in a posh restaurant.

Restriction to one set of clothes per person for 1 day.

Tantrums, whining and crying are forbidden in the house.

Expecting extra $$$ in the purse for self-pampering later.

XOXO.

Reason:

Today is the cook / cleaner / launderer's ultimate birthday

Delicious carrot cake ♥

Had an early celebration in the office with another colleague whose birthday falls one day after.

December-born ladies

Thank you to my dear colleagues ☺

p/s: The author of this blog is temporary on picketing.

Is that for real?

2011-12-07T12:24:00.001+08:00

My son has minimal exposure to animals, except cats, dogs and mice. We saw a crocodile statue at the entrance of Zoo Taiping, an attraction to kids whom sat on it like nobody's business. Little Chi, on the other hand, refused to take any picture for the album.

Walks pass the giant crocodile nervously

Inside the zoo when we reached the crocodiles' cage, both the kiddos were excited! The young lad kept asking me, "Are those real?", "Can I sit on it?". Sigh, when given the opportunity to pose with the statue, he rejected. Now, with a real one? I objected!!

Real crocodiles behind the fence

We realized the animals were kinda reserved during our visit. Because most of the pictures taken came out like this....

Shy away from us and show bum-bums

My kids couldn't care less about the animals' mood and request to visit this place again.

Heroin(s) save my holidays

2011-12-03T11:56:00.000+08:00

Not wanting Avery to get glued to games and TV 24/7, I arrange and balance her fun time and study time during the long year end holidays.

For instant, beside giving her some random spelling / ejaan / 听写 (Tīngxiě) every night, I got additional Year 1 exercise books from book store to coach her.

Exercise books for Year 1

This kiasu mama only concentrates on work books and had totally forgotten to get some bedtime story books. Till recently... we received a pleasant surprise from Little Sprouts' mama.

Greetings

Avery was the happiest upon seeing her all-time favourite heroins story books - The Powerpuff Girls.

Books and books

Little Chi was excited as well while flipping over his new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse book.

Frankly, Avery was a little sulky when I overloaded her with dictations. These Christmas presents came early (and in time) and my girl can enjoy both learning and leisure :D

She repeatedly asked, "How do I thank Aunty Alice?", and my reply, "Take great care of the books and read them to your brother every night" *wink*

p/s: Alice, I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks for your thoughtfulness and generosity. You are our heroin....

Revenge on the Green Pigs

2011-11-28T15:41:00.000+08:00

Neither he knows about the game nor plays it on IPhone or IPad. But Little Chi is obsessed with Angry Birds.

He received a "family" of Angry Birds plush toys from my SIL recently and he hogs his sister's Angry Birds toys all the time.

Shows mummy a Black Bird

Luckily Avery is generous to share her birthday present with dìdì. I wonder where he learned these birds from @___@

I'm no angry mama, I'm no bird.... and I'm certainly hope I'm not being regarded as the green pig.

To help a crying voice

2011-11-22T15:04:00.000+08:00

My son cries for help each time he could not reach for something.

image from fanpop.com

But unlike Scrat the saber-tooth squirrel in Ice Age (above pic), who is stuck in iceberg and unable to grab his favourite acorn, my little Chi is just plain lazy....

Mummy, I can't reach!!! Help~~

Duh!

Oh My Egg!!

2011-11-18T16:04:00.000+08:00

That was my exclamation, upon seeing my son tossed a pack of quail eggs into our shopping cart.

source from google

Little Chi is always confined in the trolley when we do our grocery shopping. I leave him to be in-charge of arranging the goods (otherwise he has no place to stand or sit).

Usually we have our recycle bags ready at the cash registry, place everything in and leave; in order not to hold the queue. During our recent shopping trip, the crowd was huge and I sped my kids to help me move everything back into the cart after scanning at registry.

By the time I recalled I have a pack of quail eggs, it was already been dumped under piles of other groceries. "Oh, my EGGS!!", special thanks to my Speedy Gonzales I was preparing to give him a good lecturing.

Okay, should I blame my absent-mindedness or him?

I hate myself for so engrossed...

2011-11-14T15:17:00.000+08:00

Laying on the newly-changed bedsheets, I found my comfort with my eyes and fingers glued to the screen; obsessed with the game I wanted to win (no, I wasn't playing Angry Birds). Both the kiddos were chatting and teasing each other on the other end of the bed.

Out of sudden, I heard my 6 years old girl giggled and said, "Mommy, you see, dìdì peed on the bed". I was furious, put aside my game, brought out my ultimate magic wand and gave each one a few strokes.

Minutes before, I overheard them cheekily mentioned about urinating and pooing. Little did I realized that Avery had actually influenced her brother to pee on the bed (!!). It wasn't his bladder leaked. He did it intentionally, after being challenged.

I gave Avery a good lecture and more spanking, as being the eldest she would've show good example and guide little Chi, and not encourage him to do otherwise.

Partly I blamed myself for being so concentrated in my game and stayed ignorant to their mischievous.

p/s: Adults are so engrossed to games, let alone children....

Mortarboard makes me cry

2011-11-09T13:08:00.002+08:00

I don't usually show my soft sensible side, but I was almost choking back the tears upon seeing my daughter in her academic dress.

Avery and I; with classmate KY and his mother, Karen

Avery graduated from her kindergarten and will be entering Primary One next year. I remember vividly how small she was, weighing only at 2.75kg as a newborn. It's hard to believe that the little girl in my arms 6 years and 2 months ago, is now hitting another milestone in her life.

Guess what Avery performed for her concert?

60's Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley

This freakishly expensive simple costume cost me RM80; and parents were requested to provide own shoes, stocking, hairdo and makeup :S

By the way, Barbara, spot anything similar from the photo below? *grin*

我sayang你

2011-11-04T14:24:00.002+08:00

My son loves to hog the phone. He insists to engage in any tele-conversation regardless whom the caller is and bored his listener with his limited vocabulary and grammar.

Both the grandparents are very good in term of entertaining him on his repeating questions. But not his impatient papa. I was over the phone with DH and little Chi started pestering for it. DH refused to converse with the boy and hung up (?!) after I passed him the phone.

I'm pretty sure my boy is trying to hide his bruised ego with the below monologue:

Little Chi: Papa..... (silent)..... PAPA!! (long silent).....

Little Chi: 我sayang你, papa....(darn, papa missed this moment!!)

Little Chi: Papa said okay already (and handed me the receiver).

*chuckle*

Diwali and Sweet Tooth

2011-10-28T16:57:00.000+08:00

I have 'limited' Indian friends ever since I graduated from secondary school. I used to enjoy Deepavali season during my teens whereby my Indian neighbor gave us lots of cookies and biscuits and we placed plain sugar in return for their sweet generosity (wonder why?).

To enhance the festival mood, I decided to hit the bakery shop and grabbed some ingredients to make...... SUGEE biscuits. Got the recipes from here and it was superb easy. No egg and whisking needed (you'll be surprise to know how dummy I was in baking)!!

Frankly, I failed my baking. The taste was almost there but the look of my biscuits were ugly. I couldn't get the desirable smooth texture, I've got the coarse texture instead. And my biscuits were kinda flattened. Blame it to the proportion of flour and ghee I used. Is castor sugar the culprit?

Ok, here's my recipe:

Ingredient:

300g plain flour

125g sugee / semolina flour

125g castor sugar

150g ghee

Step:

Mix flour, sugee and castor sugar.
Add ghee and mix well. Make a soft dough.
Make small balls.
Bake at 180°C for 10 minutes in preheated oven.

Sigh, I couldn't get a simple baking successful....

And I love her so....

2011-10-24T15:24:00.001+08:00

We fought a lot and screamed to each other during our childhood. I vented my frustration and anger toward my sisters quite often. Being the eldest, I was a control queen back then.

We had fun and joy, too, from playing masak-masak to undressing barbies. Yes, I engaged with toys until I was 16 years old and I was nicknamed 大牛 (dà niú) by my parents.

Today my kid sister celebrates her 27th birthday.

Blueberry cheesecake from La Promise

I'm grateful and thankful to God because my sisters are one of the best thing I've ever had, beside my parents and family :)

Happy birthday, Celine~

l-r: Cute bear hair clips, earrings, skincare and (fake) Barbie dolls

And many thanks for the lovely souvenirs from her Korea honeymoon. I love ya!

Am thinking of a kidnapping plot

2011-10-22T12:10:00.001+08:00

♥ Lovely princess ♥

Looking at Angeline's beautiful newborn, I suddenly had the urge to have one myself (Congratulation, 2nd time mummy!). I love babies, I love their smell, I love the way they sleep, yawn, stretch and cry *geram*geram*

Angeline, a day after delivered

I honestly have the thought of ~~kidnapping~~ cuddling one home from the hospital nursery.

Ain't babies the cutest things?

p/s: On the other side, my toddler and pre-schooler are so monstrous!!

Merge F&B

2011-10-19T16:58:00.001+08:00

There is a new café in town named Merge F & B and we had just tried it out.

Pict-menu on the wall

Fruits and Beverage counter

I wonder what's the name 'MERGE' is about (I know, it's quite awkward).

Let see some of its menu, shall we?

Laksa @ RM3 (top; Hakka Lou-See-Fan with minced chicken @ RM3.80 (bottom)

Red bean in Sago cream @ RM2.50 (top); Rainbow jelly ice @ RM2.50 (bottom)

Rojak @ RM3 (top); six-treasure dessert @ RM2.50 (bottom)

Nothing to shout about the food and beverage - they tasted so-so. I think they need to improve their service especially during peak hour. Their price is kinda pricey, I reckon.

Others in the menu are, Homemade Spaghetti, Spaghetti Bolognese, Merge Special Nasi Lemak, Siam Beehoon, Fried Rice, Toast, Sandwiches, traditional kuehs, assorted hot and cold desserts, fruit juices, and ice blended drinks.

Do find this café at:

(sorry, can't remember the shop number)

Jalan Lim Teong Chye,

34000 Taiping, Perak.

I hate School, but then....

2011-10-14T15:27:00.001+08:00

20 years ago, I disliked school and wished that I would grow up in no time. I hated the teachers, I envied those smart / bimbo / nerd students, I hardly survived my History and Geography subjects, I dragged myself for the extra-curriculum and I was so bad in sports that I came up with lame excuses when Sport Day approached.

Out of 210 school days per year, I had always (and never failed) looking forward to this one particular day - a Friday in the month of October, whereby we got to celebrate CHILDREN'S DAY, yay!! No books, no bags, no teaching, only games and food.

What else could an average student like me asked?

Children in our country celebrate their day on 29/10. Mine celebrates hers today with her classmates.

A bag of junkie to be shared with her friends and a RM5-equivalent present for gift-exchange session

I hate school, but then I miss school now......

Coffee Addiction

2011-10-11T16:20:00.002+08:00

I've always like to see lil Chi when he tries coffee, iced Caffè Americano to be more precise

Wonder why?

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

And he boldly takes another sip although I thought he would stop after seeing his facial expression

@.@

Makan-makan with Birthday Girl

2011-10-08T10:22:00.000+08:00

I'm here to wish Hayley a very blessed and happy birthday!

Although we no longer work in the same office, Hayley still stays in touch with us (ex-colleagues). To keep the friendship alive and kicking~

Some familiar faces ;)

We went for an early celebration with the birthday girl yesterday during our short lunch. Below were what we had ~~>

l-r: Curry fish head, pan-fried pork with dark soy sauce

l-r: Assam prawns and stir-fry taugeh (bean sprouts) with salted fish

Total bill of the day = RM74.

The curry fish head is reportedly the best in town and this restaurant has a sister restaurant called Aun Loke Restaurant whereby we visited last year (read it more here).

Group photo with the birthday girl

My personal opinion, I prefer curry fish head in the old Aun Loke Restaurant although it has one downside - the place is unkempt and quite dirty. For someone who is particular on cleanliness, do visit the newer place at:~

Saujana Curry House

52, Ground Floor,

Jalan Medan Saujana 8,

Medan Saujana,

34600 Kamunting, Perak.

Papa asks to fart.....

2011-10-06T12:06:00.001+08:00

My daughter is very much engaged with the game - Smurf Village lately.

Smurf village screen shoot from google.com

One of the significant feature in this game is, we can plant crops and harvest them later in order to gain coins and experience level. We can then use the coins to build houses / building and buy stuffs.

Avery loves to seek advice on what to plant on her farms. Her statement on one fine day almost made me fall off from my chair. She said, "妈妈, 爸爸叫我放屁 (Māmā, bà ba jiào wǒ fàngpì)", literally translated, "Mama, papa asked me to go fart".

I was about to tell her that daddy was being rude and she should not pick up this line, she abruptly repeated her words, "不是, 爸爸叫我放 PEA (Bù shì, bà ba jiào wǒ fàng PEA)", which then I instantly knew her father had advised her to 'plant peas in the fields' @_____@

Something goes wrong in our communication here.... *scratch head*

Sweetest Night

2011-10-04T15:04:00.003+08:00

We do not attempt any ~~illegal~~ dangerous act like what we did last year, during the recent Nine Emperor Gods festival. We only parked at illegal spot and paid RM2 to illegal parking attendant per entry *stuck tongue out*

Cartoon by Jennifer Runberg

As usual, DH follows his strict vegetarian diet for 9 days to 'cleanse' his soul and sins.

The kiddos on the other hand, are looking forward to this event because they get to get sweets, lollipops and jellies while watching street parade. This year, they collected two bags :s

Papa distributes those sweets evenly

I refused them any sweets and they are only allowed to keep them. I do not wish to seek any dental treatment later.

Today, my girl received more sweets from her classmates. Sigh, every kid in town brings a bag full of sweets around and is generously 'promoting tooth decay' to their friends.

Link.a.Doos

2011-09-29T16:53:00.002+08:00

I received a big parcel from Little Sprouts' mama last Saturday - have been waiting anxiously for the postman everyday. A month ago I got lucky to be selected as the 1st runner-up in one of Alice's featured Fisher-Price contest :D

Wining from the contest :)

The prize was a kick-and-play little piano, Link-a-doos from Fisher-Price! This toy is colourful with attractive buttons, a good stimulus recommended for infants to toddlers.

Clothing piano

I hid the toy in the store room now, as both my children have out-grow it. I'll keep it for future use.... *wink*wink* What are you thinking? Not for myself but I've got a newly-wed sister, remember??

Again, many thanks, Alice!!

Welcome to the House!

2011-09-27T16:12:00.002+08:00

A new member has join our family. No, I'm not pregnant nor delivering a new baby :)

Over the weekend I was tied up for my sister, Celine's wedding. My baby sister was a gorgeous bride on her special day. We had Chinese tea ceremony in the morning,

l-r: Avery, yours truly, Celine and lil Chi

and attended the wedding reception later in the evening.

The bride and the groom

I had a few photos with other colleagues (as we are working in the same company) and everyone was enjoying themselves with a couple of glasses of beer and wine.

A group photo of the bride and her jiěmèi (姐妹)

clockwise: Hayley, Yan, yours truly and Avery

I personally love this shot the most -->

My grumpy prince!

Thanks to everyone who attended this wonderful event with us. And thanks to the voluntary photographer-friends who captured those beautiful and memorable moments.

**photos credit to Hayley and Lijing

Happy Weekend

2011-09-23T13:30:00.001+08:00

Weekend is here and I'm expecting a happening one! Our family will be busy for a BIG occasion =)

image from google.com

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

My Maiden Bake

2011-09-21T13:11:00.003+08:00

I love reading blogs about cooking and baking. Those delicious recipes never failed to leave me feeling hungry, yeah, just by looking at the pictures. "Eat with my eyes and soul", a self-comfort I'd always made for myself.

No long ago, DH brought home an oven (finally!). I must make full use of this oven, otherwise I predicted DH wouldn't get me any other kitchen appliance in future.

So, I made this cheese baked rice (recipe from Lian) for the kids.

First bake from the oven

I'm a noobie to baking and when Avery said I cooked pizza* rice and finished almost three quarter of the portion, I took it as a compliment :p

p/s: pizza* - because of the cheese topping on the rice

Silent Night No More

2011-09-15T12:24:00.001+08:00

The only little electronic keyboard in the house failed to function, x years ago. All thanks to the roughness contributed by Avery.

A present from the grandparents

Poor little Chi is forced to use it with his mind. He pretends there is music from the keyboard while bobbing his head and sway the body to the imaginary music.

We are grateful to receive 2 hand-me-down keyboards from Yan (since all her children are upgraded to little pianists). A big thank you to the generous friend!

Karaoke session

Sometimes I wish there is a MUTE button at home because they play, sing and dance non-stop. They would fight and cry for the keyboards, although both are identical. Hence, I only allow one keyboard at a time - my rule: they have to share!!

For the extra keyboard.... I'm planning to place it at the grandparents' house =) to occupy their free time there and less hogging on the computer.

My girl turns six

2011-09-12T15:54:00.001+08:00

... on last Saturday. We had 2 birthday celebrations in a day - with Avery's maternal grandparents in the afternoon and paternal grandparents in the evening.

Black Forest cake (left) and Chocolate Fresh Cream cake (right)

Little Chi was as excited as the birthday girl and insisted it was his birthday, because he ~~fought~~ got to blow the candles, too.

Sister frowned when asked to share the candle-blowing moment

Again, lil Chi waiting anxiously for the candles to be lit

I surprised Avery with this significant red round cake. Angry Birds is very popular here.... She even received the toys from her Godfather. Little Chi was presented with jumbo jigsaw puzzles.

One for each of the kiddos

Avery asked for Barbie doll from my mother, same request as last year.

Lil Chi just 'tumpang' in the photo, he is not allowed to play

But I have a feeling that something huge is smurfing over Angry Birds, hahaha! Birthday girl got a cute Smurfs t-shirt from her yi-yi and bf.

Hamsap smurf!

Apart from toys, she received several red packets from her babysitter and grandparents =)

Loving Nova Check

2011-09-10T19:46:00.001+08:00

A friend and his wife came visiting us during the long break. I couldn't help but to admire her beautiful Burberry hobo handbag.

Burberry Nova Check Hobo Handbag

I haven't got the chance to own a designer bag yet (pending in my ~~Valentine's~~ Christmas list)..... still counting the coins in my piggy bank.

We had supper together, caught up with stories and sent them home shortly. Back in our home later, Avery said, "Aunty's bag same like my dress" and smiled broadly.

School uniform

Oh ya, she is dressed in imitated nova check skirt every morning before leaving for school. She regards any nova check or similar pattern is following her school attire *roll eyes*.

Asian Fair 2011

2011-09-08T13:07:00.001+08:00

2 weeks prior to Hari Raya celebration, both my children were excited upon seeing the trailers parked at an open ground, just opposite the town's hawker centre. These trailers drop a visit here twice annually and they carry huge and colourful compartments, which later, assemble into stalls and amusements.

Yes, I'm talking about funfair! I'm physically too old for it but it seems that my kids couldn't get enough of it. We went and allocated RM20 (stingy!) for the whole session initially. But we spent almost RM50 for selective rides and it was expensive!! - RM4 per ride =(

In the Ferris wheel

Carousel

I was trying my best to snap lil Chi on the train (below) but he was distracted and looked elsewhere.

Another carousel - Wonder what caught his attention?

On the other hand, Avery is now brave to embrace the ride herself. Years ago she would say, "Mummy, please stay with me... (+ puppy eyes)", and I stepped down from the after-ride feeling nausea and giddy.

Lone ranger

Last ride of the night - Carousel again x__x

Little Chi was dragged out from the fair as he refused to leave and was making a scene. It was his first time.

We ended up at a nearby kopitiam to fill our growling stomach with a plate of fish and chips.

Nothing to shout about this one

I'm hoping the funfair will pack and leave earlier because my children keep pestering on going for another round.... and they ~~whine~~ talk about it every single day *sigh*

D-I-Y Key Chain

2011-09-06T17:25:00.003+08:00

When I'm heading towards my car, I must not only bring the key (common sense, duh) but also must not forget to grab its remote control (??!!).

Why?? Because the remote control was detached from the key. I was stuck with this condition for more than a week and there was a panicking moment once when I failed to locate the controller.

Sheoh Yan noticed my problem and told me her encounter of this detached remote control, which I happily share here on how to overcome it :D

First, find a key chain and remove its ring (together with the dangling tinier rings).

Then, remove the cover from the remote control. Remove the broken strap and replace with the ring.

Tada!! Quick tip credits to Sheoh Yan's knight ♥

Easy, right? And no fear of broken strap anymore (cross fingers)~

DH offered to help out earlier, er, like 1 week ago. But I got to settle it myself eventually T_____T If his daughter were to ask for help, he would definitely get it done within minutes *jealousy meter beeping*

Enjoying the fresh air

2011-09-05T16:18:00.002+08:00

We are unfrequented visitors to the infamous Taiping Lake Garden, although we live nearby to this serene place. The reason is, I'm not a nature love. I prefer to stay at home and cope with my chores; rather than sweating in the park.

Not wanting to be labelled as a lazy mother, I sacrified my beauty sleep and agreed to let my kids experience the fun at lake garden during the recent long Raya holidays.

Feeling excited, on the way to playground

Little Chi refused to leave the park

~~Running~~ Jogging... and little Chi injured his knee from a fall

Happy faces (or rather, annoyed face showed by lil Chi)

It was a cool and refreshing morning and I reckon we should do it more often.

On the way back, we spotted some local artists doing MV there for the upcoming Chinese New Year, with lots of 'supporting audiences' by the roadside, including us.

And caused minor traffic jam... we are so typical Malaysians :p

I'll be missing...

2011-08-27T11:23:00.000+08:00

from blogsphere for at least a week. I'm going to spend this long holidays with family.

Hopefully will get enough rest and not stress (caused by both kids).

I take opportunity here to wish my readers here,

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI,

maaf zahir batin

And happy celebrating 54th National Day!

My Girl Loves It!

2011-08-23T17:15:00.001+08:00

I've mentioned several times that Avery is very picky in terms of food. She isn't adventurous when we bring her for dining and only accepts selective food.

Sadly, I'm not a stay-at-home mother and I couldn't afford to make beautiful and delicious lunch box for her. Time is indeed very precious to me (I'm always on the rush, to be exact!). Moreover, it's quite difficult to spot any bento-making stuffs here.

One day, I was surprised to receive a parcel sent by a blogger friend. One of the items in it, was a set of these colourful food picks -->

My girl adores the animal picks and finished the bread I prepared with. And she's looking forwards for more of these in her meal :)

A BIG thank you to our dear friend (you know who you are *wink*) and her cute daughter - From Taiping with Love ♥

Baby and Chi

2011-08-18T10:22:00.001+08:00

Beside admitting he is the monkey of the house, sometimes I'm really dumbfounded by the things my son said.

Recently my children's caregiver is taking care of a newborn. New baby means new excitement for my girl who loves ~~dolls~~ babies. She would coos and gurgles with the baby. However, my son doesn't show much interest in the extra member of the house.

I think he's jealous when everyone showers the newcomer with lots of attention. For example:

Me: Dì (弟), I bring this baby home with us tonight, ok?

Chi: No (shook his head repeatedly). He will cry and papa will scold him.

** The fact is, little Chi always get reprimanded from DH whenever he throws tantrum and cries.

Me: You must be careful not to step on dìdì (baby sleeps on the mattress), ok?

Chi: I'm Dìdì, he's Baby (stressed sternly)!!

** Little Chi's pet name is Dìdì.

Me: Mummy love Dìdì, ya?

Chi: (Nodded).

Me: Mummy love Jie (姐), ya?

Chi: (Nodded).

Me: Mummy love Baby, ya?

Chi: (shook his head repeatedly).

Me: Mummy love papa, ya?

Chi: (again, shook his head repeatedly).

Me: Why (surprised)?

Chi: Papa is too BIG already.

** Little Chi treats hugs = love.

This was narrated by the caregiver..... The baby was crying loudly for milk earlier in the morning. Little Chi moved closer to the baby and said, "Noisy baby", and stuck his fingers in his ears.

Me: Dì, you like baby?

Chi: No.

Me: Dì, I give you another baby, ok?

Chi: Noooo......

Ok, that's concluded that I should stop my 'production', kekeke :p

Baby Crabs Dish

2011-08-16T17:31:00.000+08:00

I was introduced to baby crabs dish when colleagues and I went for our lunch at Xin Tian Tian restaurant. Remember the over-friendly cook (previous visit here)?

It is hard to get fresh one in our humble town here. No other seafood restaurant offers this particular dish.

Mouth-watering kam heong baby crabs @ RM10 per plate

This kam-heong crabs, I tell you, is heavenly delicious and I could not stop munching on it once I took the first bite! It is a must try dish!

Another dish the lady cook recommended us was, Golden Sun Fried Rice - got bombastic name :O some more. I spotted generous amount of succulent, juicy prawns and mantis prawns. My tastebuds were thrilled by the chilli padi (bird eye chilli) and loved the aromatic curry leaves.

1, 2, 3 prawns and counting.... @ RM8 (for 1 person)

Last recommended dish was something like thick eggy sauce rice. Couldn't remember the lenghty superb name invented by the cook. There are prawns, greens and the fish belly in the gravy and for those who prefer their food this way, I bet it is a choice not to be missed!

Hong Kong-styled fried rice @ RM10 (for 1 person)

Such a satisfying lunch and we are already planning for our next trip.

The moon that shines at night

2011-08-13T11:06:00.001+08:00

A friend of mine related this to me, that her 10 years old daughter encountered a tricky question during her recent term-exam.

Moon?

Her answer, "Moon" was wrong and the correct one should be, "Crescent". I wasn't sure what the question was, but it certainly made a lot of students lost their mark on this one.

My kiasu-ness mode was turned on. Back at home I poured information about shapes and moon to Avery, thinking ahead her future teacher would give her such ambiguous question.

I told her there are full moon, half moon, new moon, crescent moon and gibbous moon. Most importantly, in hope she would get the idea of the shapes of the moon. That night we got to see a beautiful bright gibbous moon.

"Eh, where does that banana moon go?", my vain pot asked. B.A.N.A.N.A......

Banana moon

I guess she still doesn't understand me - There is only one moon despite many shapes it takes, dear.

What he reply

2011-08-08T13:21:00.000+08:00

Little Chi

Don't be fooled by the innocent look. My son is cheekier than his sister, frankly. He gets more spanking from his father for being stubborn; more bruises due to excessive adrenalin pumping; and more lecturing from me for his acts and behaviour.

He is an active child - running about the whole day and making Avery screams on top of her voice.

When my mother recently asked him, "What are you doing?" upon seeing him climbing up the couch, he replied bluntly, "I'm a monkey".

*terus pengsan* Now where did he learn that from??

On A Lazy Evening

2011-08-05T15:04:00.002+08:00

or when DH has to work overtime, I normally opt to have some ~~under-nutrition~~ simple meal when I return from work - yogurt, 2-3 pieces of biscuit or 1 slice of bread with peanut butter and a glass of milk. Both my kids are already well fed by their caregiver when I pick them up. Psst... I wonder how come my weight still remains when I have dinner like that.

When I get my mojo for cooking (which is rarely), I would prepare something like this....

A more balanced dinner for myself - Watercress soup and onion omelette

I'm in the midst of preparing myself to adapt to next year schedule. You see, my eldest daughter is soon entering Primary One for the afternoon session. This mean, I have to rush home and cook for the family every; or at least, alternate evening. No longer can rely on the caregiver :(

It feels so ..... wet and cold

2011-08-02T18:25:00.000+08:00

Before kissing everyone good night, I would put my now 2.5 years old son in his disposable diaper. It's a routine; and how could anyone possible forget a routine? Well, I did.

My glutton boy

2 night ago, in the midst of my sweet dream I felt my left sleeve wet. I didn't drool THAT MUCH (!!) of saliva during my sleep, did I? I was then rudely awaken when DH shouted, "Flooded!".

Apparently Little Chi had wet his pants and our bed - I was left wondering why it leaked.

I recalled I was over exhausted and forgotten to put the diaper on him *slap forehead*. That night, my son and I had the whole bed ourselves because DH decided to sleep with his princess.

Why I dislike dogs....

2011-07-27T16:37:00.002+08:00

Stray dogs, to be exacted. While I'm grateful to have them accompanying and guarding my neighbourhood, I'm not happy with their present.

I face huge flea/tick infestation. I have disturbed night during their mating season and in the seventh month of Chinese calendar. I feel sympathy towards the postman and newspaper vendors. I fear for my children who love to play outside.

I would recall it's rubbish collection day whenever I see this...

The dogs sniff for food, e.g. chicken carcass and rip the bag into shreds.

Worst of all, my slippers had been 'attacked' on the day when I forgotten to close the house gate. Fine, it was my mistake for the carelessness.... but I really find them nuisance.

Ten Things I Wish I Could Do

2011-07-22T16:30:00.001+08:00

I'm going to do another tag received from Yan.

I wish I could

send the Big Cheese out from the office and never have him back.
work 4 hours per day, for 5 days and still receive the same amount of salary (or higher).
be more patient when dealing with my children's tantrums. No spanking, no yelling... only love.
cook like a pro and prepare my family scrumptious meals everyday. And my kids would go, "Maggi mee?? What's that, mum?".
restrain myself from having delicious, yummy, unhealthy processed food a.k.a junk food.
be taller and don't need to rely on high heels. I'm still in-love with heels though.
watch my favourite show on television peacefully. I have to ~~negotiate~~ schedule the time table with my kids currently.
stay in a single-storey house.... I'm lazy to walk the stairs.
keep the house spotless and tidy 24/7.
be nicer to the stray dogs loitering around my neighbourhood. They are our unofficial 'guard dog' anyhow.

That's all in my almost impossible wish-list.

And readers, feel free to share your wishes here ;)

Frog and Lizard

2011-07-20T11:59:00.000+08:00

"Frankly, I'm too scared to ask about the frog."

"Chameleon."

Image from google.com

Pascal the chameleon from movie Tangled has become my kiddos favourite pet. My son thought it was a cute green frog, and kept insisting, "FROG" when I corrected him. On the other hand my girl asked me to get one from the pet shop.

I hate rubbery things - both frog and lizard are in the list. Being an anti-lizard, I would spray it with insecticides, chase it out of the house or drown it down the toilet (if I caught it). Cruel, am I? Avery and little Chi are quite used to mommy's action upon seeing lizards. They are my Second Lieutenant to report any existing of the enemy.

When I revealed that Pascal is just another lizard, only BIGGER, both my children stared disbelief at me. Little brother even showed his eww reaction, like this....

Young kids should be banned from

2011-07-16T12:09:00.000+08:00

whining and grumbling before bedtime and when awake in the morning.
being choosy and picky on food prepared by their mother.
trying to be a fashionista and dress up themselves horribly.
screaming to each others with names-calling.
hogging the TV, when their homework is not finished or when their mother's favourite show is about to start.
using the phone to dial random numbers.
spilling food / drinks on the couch, floor and table.
having any games console - PS2, PSP, IPhone, IPad, computer, etc....
comparing on what they have with their peers in school and come home asking for the same one.
ransacking toy storages, cabinets and refrigerator.
giggling or making monkey faces when their mother is ~~scolding~~ talking to them in a severe voice.
mimicking any TV superheroes' super moves and super powers.

I've been tagged by Yan to share about things my kids should be banned from. I won't be tagging anyone here but it's interesting to know the items in other parents' list.

So, feel free to write, ya!

THE Letter

2011-07-13T13:52:00.000+08:00

I've received the letter above and happily thought that the application for our six years old into our preferable primary school is fruitful. Yes, my baby is entering Primary One next year =)

However this wasn't the confirmation letter from Jabatan Pendidikan. It was a letter from the school's management requesting for kindergarten academic *roll eyes*

A sort of assessment for preschoolers before entering Primary One?? Sigh, life is getting tougher for young generation, eh?

Snow pea shoots

2011-07-11T14:02:00.000+08:00

Is called dou miao in Chinese; not very well-known among locals in my hometown. My mother's menu does not have this type of vegetable. My sister does not eat it. My dad, em, I doubt if he eats it.

Earlier, an elderly lady queried me as we were both at the vegetable stall, "What is that on your hand? How do you cook it?". My reply, "I stir-fry it like taugeh".

I like my dou miao when sautéed quickly with garlic, slightly wilted and still crispy and crunchy.

Sautéed dou miao

It's a fast cooking dish and DH's favourite greens. Most important, it's low in calories , no fat and high in vitamin C and K. Beside that, it contains certain amount of vitamin A, B, E, carotene, calcium, iron, phosphorus and amino acids.

Barbie In-Progress

2011-07-06T13:05:00.002+08:00

A proof of what I mentioned in my previous entry

I caught my girl in action

Avery converted her tutu skirt into a tube top. Vain or no?

Plait and Late

2011-07-02T12:47:00.000+08:00

My girl, Avery, is getting more concern of her appearance lately. She insists on changing into 'prettier' dress whenever we step out of the house. She doesn't fancy pants. She pesters her daddy to get her a pair or two of high heels, although we afraid she might has a nasty trip on the road.

She asks for braided hair each day before leaving to school.

Not merely two plaits, but a whole head of tiny plaits!!! Okay, 6 is the maximum plaits I can come up. We usually are running out of time in the morning.

She develops this 'braided-hair' fever after watching a kungfu-action movie - The Karate Kid 2010 recently.

She really sets her eyes on Jaden Smith........'s hair!

Would you do it?

2011-06-29T15:00:00.000+08:00

I've seen this lady numerous times on my way to work in the morning. She is in her late 50's, spotted with grey hair, wears modesty and carries a red pail filled with some stuffs. She stands beside the roadside in my neighbourhood and halts for any car for a lift.

Feel sympathy for her, I always wanted to stop and ask where she is heading to. But with the crime rate so high nowadays, I drive pass her reluctantly. From my rear mirror, she would just stare at me, (must be) thinking, “Haiyah, why no help this old lady one?”

Would a lady whom approaching her golden age does any harm? Would you give a stranger a car ride?

I know most guys would stop for a pair of legs like these, but I'm not sure if it's a middle-aged women :p

I wish I could offer the lady a lift, but I didn’t *gulped my guilt*.

Progress Report

2011-06-24T16:44:00.001+08:00

I thought only parents with kids attending primary and secondary schools need to meet up with teachers for assessment, a.k.a Parent's Day. I'm not excepted, too, despite having a 6 years old pre-schooler.

This morning I went to Avery's kindergarten, well prepared for the feedback I'm going to get - I've got an active girl here.

She didn't score with flying colours and is merely an average student. But what surprised me was, all 3 teachers (of major languages) said my girl is obedient, independent and listen to instruction well. Eh, where goes the talkative, non-stop-mingling-with-other-classmates and daydreaming girl?

That's the least I expected, but am glad that Avery's concentration in the class is improving. Now I need to get her to improve on her handwriting. Yes, every teacher I met also complained she has horrible handwriting.

Things he says when angry

2011-06-22T15:39:00.002+08:00

"I don't like you..."

"Go away..."

Crosses his arms, frowns and pouts at me

My son is currently going through this phase, sigh..... He does it almost daily to all his family members whenever he is upset over some thing *shake head*

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-20T15:30:00.000+08:00

We'd planned not to have any special lunch or dinner on this day. First of all, the in-laws were away to visit their youngest grandson in KL; secondly my parents aren't keen for a meal with mountains of people; and thirdly we needed to attend a friend's wedding banquet.

We started our day with brunch before sending little Chi to his sitter. I intended to bring only Avery for the wedding function - two are too much to handle.

Lunch hour: getting ready for wedding reception

Late afternoon, we managed to catch the movie Green Lantern, this time with little Chi tagged along. I have concluded, he improves since the 1st experience in cinema 6 months ago. No more puking, no more visiting toilet for 5 times within 1 hour and no more interrupting others with his constant babbling.

Little Chi was awe-mazing (awed + amazed) at the actions and fightings

An action-packed movie with humours, not bad!Got handsome lead actor and sexy actress!

The day wouldn't be complete without a wish / card / present for the man of the house. For both father and godfather, Avery gave them a homemade card and a hug each.

I helped with the cards.... 80%

Do you find the sea creatures looked familiar? Hehehe....

Stoopid

2011-06-16T16:37:00.001+08:00

Over times, I've received numerous compliments that my son is a shy, quiet and pretty boy.

Well, his innocent look always deceives on-lookers and whenever strangers approach him, he just hide behind my back.

Frankly, he's a rascal at home. He purposely blocks his sister from watching her favourite cartoon. He blames his sister for any malfunctioning toys when the fact is, he spoils them. He fights with his sister to get his "car seat" territory.

He shocked me by uttering "stoopid" when I reprimanded him. There was once he showed me his tongue (signal). Two incidents happened and I gave him a good long lecturing. Looks like he's been picking up bad behaviour from his surrounding.... sigh.

I'll remember to watch my words and movement now(I never swore in front of the kids, but DH does *shake head*).

Aunty Y@n

2011-06-14T12:17:00.000+08:00

While I was flipping through the pages of a magazine, my son stopped me and pointed to the picture shown below:

Little Chi mumbled, "Aunty, aunty", and I replied, "Ya, this is an aunty".

He kept on mumbling, "Aunty, aunty" (or so I thought), until I realised he was actually telling me, she (the picture) is Aunty Yan.

There is similarity between them, don't you think so?

I reckon it's her hair and smile that do the trick!

Curry Chicken in Bread Basket

2011-06-10T15:00:00.001+08:00

An hour to lunch, we craved for the local infamous fried tai lok mee from Restaurant Xin Tian Tian.

Upon reaching there and before we could place our order, the lady cook recommended us to try her special dish of the day - Curry Chicken in Bread Basket.

Close-up of the curry chicken in aluminium foil:

The succulent pieces of chicken is sinfully delicious and cooked to perfection. The meat is juicy and tender while the curry is thick and rich. I could even scoop it directly into my mouth and let my taste buds get simulated. Kiahahaha!

I shall return to the restaurant for this dish again, and the lady cook said it's their current promotion dish.

It is priced at RM18 and suitable for 3~4 persons. Cheap or no??

Double F's

2011-06-08T15:41:00.002+08:00

FOOD and FRIENDS.....

I counted, it's been more than 4 months since I had good feast with friends. If we weren't invited to a colleague's wedding dinner recently, I guess we'll have to wait for the upcoming company's Chinese New Year dinner.

Before the food was served, we siok-sendiri and snapped photos umpteen times. Here's one...

l-r: Lorita, yours truly, Celine and Yan

This usual eight course dinner was nothing to shout about. It started with Five Happiness Combination Platter, followed by the rest... as shown below:

Five happiness combination platter

Braised shark fin soup

Steamed chicken with Chinese wine

Steamed sea garoupa with special sauce

Baked king prawns in Thai sauce

Stir fried assorted vegetables with minced garlic (doesn't look like greens to me, though)

Orang Kampung fried rice

Mochi

Frankly, the food was so-so and the service was bad. The restaurant was overcrowded and seriously understaffed. The event ended at 11pm eventually. No, I left at 10pm.

And again, no, I didn't manage to get a photo with the newly wed because our table wasn't in 'their itinerary'. Hehehe, like I said earlier - overcrowded :(

Nevertheless we enjoyed ourselves that night.

Today's the day

2011-06-06T11:32:00.000+08:00

for eating bak chang!!

Mom's best rice dumpling

Expecting extra kilos to my weight now :(

Today marks the Dragon Boat Festival which falls on the 5th day of the 5th month of Lunar calendar. Coincidentally today I'm celebrating my wedding anniversary. It's been 7 years since we are married.

I'm looking forward to a decent meal with my other half and the kids tonight.

Happy anniversary, 老黄...

And dear, please come home later with this....

Note: Fake one not acceptable

Tell the time

2011-06-02T17:17:00.002+08:00

image from here

My girl said the clock shows 十点十二个字?? literally means ten (10) o'clock twelve (12) (sorry, bad translation for both Chinese & English).

I almost vomit blood when I teach Avery how to tell the time. And I'm still struggling...... But she's good at digital clock.

McD latest craze

2011-05-30T17:06:00.003+08:00

is this....

My one and only "can" glass and it doesn't look pink

Don't get me wrong. I'm not addicted to the McDonald's Coca-cola Can Glass like SK does :p It's just happen the other day, I'd ~~bribed~~ promised Avery that I would buy her some McD nuggets after her arithmetic class, provided she didn't show me her long sour face. Previously, she showed some rejection upon going to the extra night-class.

McD has comes up with many collectible items such as:

McD's snoopy from around the world

McD's coca-cola tall glass

McD's Hello Kitty

Just curious.... why do people still collect them despite the long queues and frequent eating of McD (no jelak of the food ka)? Undoubtedly, those Hello Kitty soft toys are adorable and limited to the fans.

**picture from google.com

Daily Bread

2011-05-28T08:54:00.021+08:00

Apart from having ~~heavy~~ heavenly delicious lunch and being thanked profusely by the lady cook (as mentioned in Hayley's entry), colleagues and I will take a detour, heading to Daily Bread Bakery (天天) and get something for afternoon tea party.

A couple operate this shop and what impressed me is, both of them are deaf and dumb. Those helping them are their relatives.

Their story was published in a local paper. Read their inspiring tales here (in Chinese).

Assorted buns

Cakes and cookies

Below shows part of our loot, with each of us end up buying at least 3 buns - for tea break, supper or breakfast, for the entire family.

Fresh and yummy breads

Daily Bread is located along Kamunting Road. Although the location isn't very strategic but their business is good :)

Oh yes, I could have bread daily....

** picture credits to Yan

When I grow up....

2011-05-26T15:33:00.002+08:00

I want to be a mermaid - Avery.

image from here

She has become even more additive to mermaids after watching the latest instalment of Pirates of the Caribbean. She even wants me to call her 'Ariel'.....

GREAT (imagination)!!! .... Now where can I buy a tail from?

Eye bath

2011-05-24T12:26:00.000+08:00

Avery complained of her irritated eyes one day. She rubbed them harshly and they became teary and red. In order not to make thing worse, I introduced her to eye bath.

I experienced hard time teaching my elder daughter to use eye wash.

Initially, I had to hold the third-full eye bath and 'vacuum' it to Avery's eye. Then I constantly persuaded her to raise her head and blink her eye. It was quite hard for both of us.

Glad she offered to do it herself after a few attempts. I'm not good at coaxing.

Normally I use eye drop on her. But I find using eye bath is much more effective. What do you think?

Lovely Craft Items

2011-05-20T15:30:00.000+08:00

A few week back, I left a comment on Yeong Shong's giveaway entry in order to win something for Avery. Lately, my girl has been obsessed with arts and crafts. She enrols in an art class, she draws free-hand on papers and she requests for craft time during weekends.

Arrival of the long awaited parcel

Surprisingly, I've won the giveaway and the lovely patterned papers and beautiful shining stickers came in time, school holidays is just around the corner. Maybe I should take a day off or two and make effort to do some crafting with Avery.

Assorted papers and stickers

My girl is eyeing on the colourful jewel stickers

Little notes

Beforehand, I need to do some 'research' on the Internet to sharpen my skill on crafting. Seriously I have minimal knowledge and experience on this area. Do hop over to yeong shong's blog to steal some creative ideas.

Thanks once again!!

Chi's Favourite

2011-05-16T17:13:00.001+08:00

I've learnt that my son's favourite food is FISHBALL.

Moody boy

Why I said so?

Because he told me, "Fishballs, mummy", and point to the below picture.

Fishballs???

*speechless*

Look ma, baby~

2011-05-11T15:10:00.001+08:00

Over the past weeks, Avery had been very anxious, eagerly counted down for the day to arrive. She was the happiest girl during our recent trip to KL when she was introduced to Ethan,

her one and only cousin =D

My SIL gave birth last month and we attended Ethan's full month celebration held in Fullhouse, Sunway Giza.

Nice ambience, but the weather was a tad warm that day

Pink polka dot mini car with Avery's matching dress

Avery wasn't very pleased during our high-tea party there because she had not have her nap yet and was drenched in sweat (hot! hot! hot!).

A forceful smile

Cute sleepy baby Ethan

Last but not least, you must be wondering where was little Chi?

>>> He was feverish and vomited thrice 2 days prior to the visit. Thus, I 'banned' him from this trip and was well taken care by his sitter.

Monster Unleashed!!

2011-05-09T16:39:00.001+08:00

Give me 4 hours and preferably (lots of) cash in any shopping mall in Klang Valley and I'll show you how I survive it - compares to my other half who would probably sit for 2 hours in Starbucks and 2 hours in the cinema.

1. Some beauty and skin care products.

2. Apparels from numerous outlets (which requires heavy walking and clothes-trying).

3. Shoes and ballerina flats.

Another shoes is not in the pic

4. Children's clothing from Cotton On ♥ ♥ ♥

Avery requested to have ballerina flats like mummy does

5. And a quick lunch

at a Japanese restaurant

This is SHOPPING MONSTER from Taiping, who ain't going to waste any minute once she steps into the shopping mall.

I felt guilty after returned from my shopping spree because I didn't get anything for little Chi, whereas his sister received pretty blouses and skirts. Not forgetting, DH got his princess a Skechers shoes *envy*envy*

Purchase of a pair of Skechers shoes will entitled a lunch box

because he thinks that mummy has bad taste in shoes, ceh!

We spent our previous weekend in KL but it wasn't exactly a shopping expedition. Just that I managed to steal some time for retail therapy. We had another purpose there. Check it out in my next post ;)

To all Mothers

2011-05-06T13:34:00.000+08:00

Happy Mother's day!!

And to my special someone,

Mum,
You may be treated like the maid,
you may be treated like the gardener,
you may be treated like the daycare,
you may be treated like the chauffeur,
you may be treated like many things.
But one thing is for sure,
You will always be loved.
For a father's work may be from sun up till sundown,
but a mother's work is never down.
And all that I have, am, and hope to be, I owe to you,
So this is for all the times I forgot to say THANK YOU!!

- Alison Thompson

A token of appreciation from Celine and I

I LOVE YOU, MUM!

New Bicycles

2011-05-04T11:57:00.000+08:00

My parents bought a blue bicycle for Avery when they saw both their grandchildren fought over a tricycle.

Here comes the happy girl with her new bicycle.

The little brother looked green with envy and abandoned his tricycle. Now he's fighting with his sister over the newly bought bicycle *shake head*

The doting grandparents, could not bear to see little Chi loses the fight and runs into their laps sobbing unstoppably, have bought another red bicycle for him.

I didn't own a bicycle when I was young. I used my mother's instead. They are such lucky brats!!

Something about me

2011-04-28T09:49:00.001+08:00

Reading "Something about..." in Yan's and Barb's blog is interesting and I decided to share a little something about myself.

Making: dumb and idiotic face when don't feel like answering the Big Cheese.

Cooking: is something that I'm suck in.
Drinking: coffee every morning without fail, to keep me 'alive' for the rest of the day.

Reading: blogs during day and flash cards / children story books at night.

Wanting: a more relaxing job.

Looking: tired and sleepy from 8am to 5pm.

Playing: and entertaining to my children is exhausted.

Wishing: to have 48 hours a day.

Enjoying: doing house chores, re-organizing and re-arranging.

Waiting: for the Big Cheese to retire.

Liking: a whole collection of IKEA.

Wondering: how to eat as much as I like and still stay slim.

Loving: a clean, tidy and comfy home with well manners and good behaviour kids.

Hoping: for the Big Cheese to get sacked.

Marveling: at Astro Classic Golden Melody Singing Competition lady contestants who managed to maintain their body and beauty despite their ages.

Needing: to continue working because I refuse to make enemy with $$$.

Smelling: at my kids' freshly washed hair is one of my favourite activity.

Wearing: loosely and old clothes at home just to be comfortable.

Following: instructions from the Big Cheese because I'm too tired to argue with him.

Noticing: my girl's colouring skill improves :)

Learning: to control my temper and be more patient.

Thinking: of how to make my floor spotless and kitchen shinier.

Bookmarking: the day Big Cheese retires.

Giggling: terribly when get tickled, at any part of my body.

Feeling: happy, blessed and contented with what I have.

A extra one - Dreaming: of becoming a millionaire and quit my job.

Big sister does not want it

2011-04-27T16:42:00.002+08:00

Both my children loves Andes chocolate, mint-flavoured one.

Occasionally my son would be the one asking for this; and his sister, at somewhere around the house, not knowing that Mama Santa is giving out chocolates. To be fair, I ask him to pass one to the sister.

Just a few days back, I gave little Chi 2 pieces of Andes and reminded him to give a piece to Avery. Minutes later, Avery stomped into the kitchen with sourish face and demanded for the chocolate, "Where is mine??"

Thinking little Chi must have had 2 pieces for himself, I ~~scolded~~ questioned him:

Me: Chocolate leh?

Little Chi: {pointed into dustbin}

Me: No, not the wrapper. Chocolate????

Little Chi: {pointed into dustbin again}

Me: NO, NO. 给姐姐 boh (got give to big sister)?

Little Chi: 不要, 丢掉.....(don't want, throw)

I found the untouched chocolate in the dustbin....*slap forehead*

Apparently Avery (whom was glued to her cartoon channel) brushed her brother off when he offered her the chocolate. Little Chi thought she wasn't interested and threw it away.

I wonder why didn't he have both instead???

*** we converse in Bahasa 1Malaysia =p

Easter Day

2011-04-26T14:31:00.001+08:00

We attended a Sunday school in one of our local church, in conjunction with Easter Day. It was our first time XD

There were children's singing and story-telling about the rise of Jesus on the 3rd day after his crucifixion. Luckily Avery didn't ask me, "Is he a ghost?"...

The only attraction which caught my girl's attention was, Easter egg colouring contest. But how to win if the egg was decorated like this >>>

Easter egg.... with hello kitty sticker

We shall try again next year!

My 老黄

2011-04-21T12:06:00.000+08:00

He sends Avery to school and little Chi to his sitter's house every morning so that I could have more time driving to my office.

He gives us a smooch on our cheeks before we tug ourselves under the blankets and call it a day.

He sometimes wakes up earlier and offers to buy us breakfast in the morning, although we are all rushing for work and school.

He sponsored my first Coach handbag.

Not forgetting a wristlet from Coach, which was also sponsored, too.

Best of all, he gave me two monkeys whom I treasure and cherish much.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, 老黄.

Thank you for everything.

Painting Egg Carton

2011-04-18T21:09:00.006+08:00

After blogs hopping and some research on the Internet, I decided to occupy my children with egg carton painting while I am preparing our meal. They are disturbing and always get me distracted. Hence I come out with ideas to let them utilize their pastime.

Avery is engrossed with the activity and requests to have it more often.

My girl colours with high concentration

On the other hand, little Chi enjoys the painting session, too. Obviously, he only likes to see the effect of applying colours on both his palms.

I should allocate them more activities, but this lazy mummy is afraid of cleaning their mess afterwards.

Avery made some ladybirds and bees.... but I didn't snap the end result, opps. I was busy nagging the small one because he coloured on the floor (on purpose).

A Birthday Card

2011-04-14T17:08:00.001+08:00

I told Avery that April's (Yan's daughter) birthday is approaching and she excitingly suggested to get her a card; which completely took me by surprise. Never knew she has the initiative, haha!

We have some DIY cards at home, hence no need to shop for any. Also, she would be occupied with glueing and pasting to do; I, could peacefully put on my beauty mask and relax *wink*, or so I thought.

But then..... she kept asking me all sort of unrelated questions while her hands were busy sticking flowers on the card. Chatterbox!!

Spelling out A-P-R-I-L and I told her, she would be writing April's name on all her exercise books this month.

Tada!! A birthday card for the birthday girl~

I hope April doesn't realize the spelling mistake!

My favourite fruit

2011-04-12T11:24:00.001+08:00

This is it, the season for king of fruits - Durian.

image from google.com

DH brought home 4 durians on a Sunday evening. I was touched, for he remembered his wife loves this fruit the most. He purposely bought them despite how much he dislikes the smell that lingers in his car afterwards.

.....Wait.....

But I was wrong, he DID NOT buy them at the first place. He never did have the intention to satisfy my craving (unless if I were pregnant). A friend of his gave them to him. He even ushered me to finish all of them instantly because he barely could tolerant with the strong odour.

So, now I had all the durian and the extra kilos myself. And I thought he cares for me, ceh.

Forgetfulness

2011-04-09T11:29:00.000+08:00

There are days when my kitchen is lacking of bread and biscuits; and my elder daughter requests to have kueh for her school recess hour. Upon that, Avery would bring along an empty container for her father to "tapau" a piece of ban chang kueh (a traditional Chinese pancake with peanuts filling), as he gets his crave for iced coffee at a nearby stall.

image from google.com

I'm embarrassed to admit but it happened twice that my daughter has had nothing for recess time. Yes, I forgotten to remind her father to get some kueh and he, didn't realise his princess went to school without bringing any food. As clumsy and forgetful likewise, Avery realised about her empty container when everyone in her class starts eating...

Have this ever happen to other parents, I wonder?

Enrolment in Art Class

2011-04-07T12:52:00.004+08:00

When Avery has finished her homework, she would start drawing on the white board.

She doodles some cartoon characters, such as these...

Try to guess who they are...

or, sketches according to her school exercise book.

My MIL, too, noticed Avery's interest and suggested to send her to an art class. I agreed, partly because she has horrible colouring skill.

Multi-colour giraffe *fainted*

And partly, I'll have more "alone-time" with little Chi.

Last Monday Avery went to her 1st art class, with full of smiles.

She returned home later in the evening, looking forward to her next session. I hope she's keeping her enthusiasm and not giving up halfway or "hangat-hangat tahi ayam".

Upgraded!

2011-04-06T07:28:00.005+08:00

I've officially promoted little Chi designation to "Copy-Cat" (previously known as Little Chowder). He's been doing very good in imitating whatever his sister does lately.

For example:

Avery refused to eat taugeh (bean sprout) in her noodles and little Chi followed. "Yucks!!", he exclaimed.

Avery had her bang clipped and little Chi requested for the same.

Avery poked a huge hole on the Vitagen's seal and little Chi did the same; on top of that, he spilled the content on the sofa #&^%*$....

Avery practised her spelling on the white board and little Chi doodled all over his sister's exercise book (knock my head on the wall).

And the latest imitation is,

Concentrating hard on his business

He demanded to be seated on the toilet seat, without kiddy seat. Sudden movements scare ~~the sh*t out of~~ me. What if, he let go off his hands???

Giveaway from Huiwearn

2011-04-05T12:59:00.014+08:00

I tagged several names (without their consent) in Huiwearn's FB photo and surprisingly, Celine, my sister was selected as one of their giveaway winner! Yay!!

For my own benefit, hihi!

Ahem... I was 'borrowing' their FB accounts in order to win something =p

Yesterday, Celine received a parcel containing a LEGO colouring and activity book.

This activity book is just perfect for Avery's mid term school holidays - to occupy her.

Thanks to Huiwearn Kids Store.

♫ I should be so lucky, lucky[3x] ♪♪

Morning Routine

2011-04-02T08:29:00.002+08:00

Contradict to little Chi's morning blues, his sister starts her day quite well (apart from her kiasu-ness and to get up earlier than everyone else).

After brushes her teeth and changes into her school uniforms, Avery offers to:

Spread her own bread and set into her lunch-box

Prepare milk as breakfast

Wash her cup and mine :)

Frankly, I'm a lazy mother. I trained Avery (with less fuss) to do most of her stuffs while I'm preparing myself for work. Nevertheless am happy and content that she could be independent.

Mummy, there is ghost in the ceiling fan!

2011-03-31T20:33:00.002+08:00

That was what my elder one said to me the other day.

Avery calls aloud, "鬼, 鬼 (ghost, ghost)" especially on rainy nights. She learnt this term from her classmate. I only introduced her "monsters" after we watched Disney's Monster Inc.

She doesn't look terrified of "ghost" from what I observed. She gets alert when television channel is telecasting some supernatural show. Like yesterday, I switched to channel NTV7 which was showing 'Incredible Tales' (true ghost story encounters). Avery had her eyes glued on the black box and asked me various questions.

Part of me is telling me to feed her with information, another part asks me to divert her query. I don't want to fright her with ghost stories, but I know I could not hide the truth forever. Soon, she'll be overwhelmed with "toilet ghost", "girl-who-fall-to-her-death ghost" when she starts her primary one. Kids tend to scare each other.

Emmm, I've decided. I'm going to tell her about ghosts.

Morning Blues

2011-03-30T16:24:00.001+08:00

There is no more long, sour faces shown by Avery in the morning and I thought I would be going to work in the finest mood.

No, I still start with bad hair day, occasionally.

WHY??

Because of little Chi - He refuses to change his pyjamas and reluctant to leave the house unless we drag him and he, wailing non-stop.

Monster-in-progress

I even tricked him by saying this, "If you don't want to change into this pants, your doggie is going to wear them on starting from today", which is quite useless.

Grrr.....

From TAIPING with L♥VE

Please unbutton me

Loving red packets

It must be my lucky year!

Chinese New Year

Up to fishy business

Where's the mojo?

Pre-CNY Dinner 2012

A New Chapter

New Year Message with L♥ve

Size does matter during Christmas

Deadly stare shocks my husband

I realize something

His obsession

In a strike for THE day

Is that for real?

Heroin(s) save my holidays

Revenge on the Green Pigs

To help a crying voice

Oh My Egg!!

I hate myself for so engrossed...

Mortarboard makes me cry

我sayang你

Diwali and Sweet Tooth

And I love her so....

Am thinking of a kidnapping plot

Merge F&B

I hate School, but then....

Coffee Addiction

Makan-makan with Birthday Girl

Papa asks to fart.....

Sweetest Night

Link.a.Doos

Welcome to the House!

Happy Weekend

My Maiden Bake

Silent Night No More

My girl turns six

Loving Nova Check

Asian Fair 2011

D-I-Y Key Chain

Enjoying the fresh air

I'll be missing...

My Girl Loves It!

Baby and Chi

Baby Crabs Dish

The moon that shines at night

What he reply

On A Lazy Evening

It feels so ..... wet and cold

Why I dislike dogs....

Ten Things I Wish I Could Do

Frog and Lizard

"Frankly, I'm too scared to ask about the frog.""Chameleon."

Pascal the chameleon from movie Tangled has become my kiddos favourite pet. My son thought it was a cute green frog, and kept insisting, "FROG" when I corrected him. On the other hand my girl asked me to get one from the pet shop.

When I revealed that Pascal is just another lizard, only BIGGER, both my children stared disbelief at me. Little brother even showed his eww reaction, like this....

Young kids should be banned from

THE Letter

Snow pea shoots

Barbie In-Progress

Plait and Late

Would you do it?

Progress Report

Things he says when angry

Father's Day 2011

Stoopid

Aunty Y@n

Curry Chicken in Bread Basket

Double F's

Today's the day

Tell the time

McD latest craze

Daily Bread

When I grow up....

Eye bath

Lovely Craft Items

Chi's Favourite

Look ma, baby~

Monster Unleashed!!

To all Mothers

"Frankly, I'm too scared to ask about the frog."

"Chameleon."