Dōngzhì or Winter Solstice Festival 2010

Master Prince is all into this festival, but only because he loves eating tong yuen.

It was an eventful day for him....

He had to 'beg' M to make the gingery sweet syrup.
He had to waited patiently the whole day for me to came back, even then I was later than usual, to make the tong yuen balls.
Discovered there was plenty of flour in the kitchen - plain, self raising, tapioca, sago, wheat, corn but unfortunately no glutinous rice flour.
It was drizzling then.
So DH got roped into getting the right flour.
In the meantime experimented with the other flours - nope, can confirm they all do not work! :(
Finally, the right bag of flour arrive and immediately went to work. Master Prince was all happy to roll & shape them; gleefully he fished cook the cooked tong yuen out. Finally the got his wish.....

The long awaited and most wonderful tasty bowl of tong yuen in Christmas colours :)

Yes, after a whole day of major anticipation he had double helpings - two huge bowls of them!!! Does that mean his age doubles up too with each additional bowl consumed??? lolz

For more information on this festival, read more at wikipedia.

Recipe to make the tong yuen mosey here.

Laces

Think I was able to tie my own shoe laces well before 7 years old.

These days, zap-ons are more popular especially with kids and parents. No surprising since they are easy and convenient to use: child can put on his/her shoes him/herself thus feeling more confident and accomplished; while parents just breath a sigh of relief (although feeling proud) that the child can do things by themselves.

But what about laces???? Not until very recently, could Master Prince handle or tie his own laces properly.

Tsk, tsk....i know

Does 'progress' means the future generation become more complacent and incapable of tying their own laces??? Would laces be regarded as 'old fashioned'?

Cardbox seats

Children are truly innocent and take almost everything at face value.

(almost always leading to something amusing!)

MP and I were having a conversation.

I've been psyching him (probably more for myself) that the budget airline that we are taking will not be too comfortable compared to the ones we usually take. So I warned him not to have such a high expectation compared the normal airlines we usually take - service will probably be bad, food not so good and expansive, drinks very expansive, have to walk very far, have to climb up the airplane, etc. etc. And so, no complaining & fussing OK!

Then it came to the topic of seats.

Me: The seat ah? Not as good and comfortable as normal airlines, smaller - probably like cardbox seats.

MP: What....cardbox seats?

Me: Yeah, cardbox seats with fake syntactic leather covering over them.

MP: Comfortable or not?

Me: Since I'm bigger and larger than you, you'll probably be more comfortable than me.

MP: Don't buy the tickets la. Get the normal airline ones, can or not?

Me: Bought and paid already....so, you want to go or not? If you don't want to, its OK.

MP: Want, want...

***little did I know that the 'cardbox seats' worried him so much that when we got home and he immediately asked DH (I was not around then), what are 'cardbox seats' as I had informed him that we'd be seating on cardbox-like seats on the airplane. So happen there were a stack of boxes lying around the house, so DH pointed to them. DH told me MP shriek in utter astonishment "WHAT....??? Why we seat on boxes??"

Then later that night while finishing some school homework.....

MP: Why are we seating on cardbox seats?

Me: *so mean but I burst out laughing because even after all those hours since our last conversation, he was still very concerned with the prospect of the uncomfortable 'cardbox seats'*

I explained to him that it was just a matter of expression that the seats are not as comfortable compared to the normal airlines we take; assuring him that the seats are 'proper seats' and not per se paper cardbox....just not so comfortable but since he is smaller than me, he should be fine.

MP: You ah (pointing finger at me).....you lie to me!! *smiling now*

Me: *Still laughing* No I didn't, as explained it was just a matter of expression to describe the seats. So are you OK now, anymore question on the 'cardbox seats'? haha

MP: But got TV and Computer Game RIGHT??? *this is all he really cares about*

Me: Yes lah....

Freaky Friday musing

Do you remember this movie with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan where mother and daughter switched bodies after a big argument, with each thinking the other do no understand what she is going through?

Master Prince was grumbling last night how my life was so 'easy' - all I do is go to work and when at home, just do some housework. So relax and easy!!

HAH!!! Exactly my thoughts??? Don't know where sonny got this idea but he thinks going to school, doing homework and tuition is MUCH TOUGHER.

Maybe I am too efficient or completing housework when he is not looking so he is not really aware of how much things get done UNSEEN.

Haiseh man.

And as you get it, he would really like to switch places with me by going to work instead! Says school is BORING wor. ha ha ha....all talk (I know him).

Thinking about it, could I survive as an 8 year old boy???? Think I'd probably faint & fail at the Chinese subjects. Other than that, being 8 would be completely cool - less complicated, less worries, less responsibilities and not to mention less liabilities!!!

Anyone else wishing to switch bodies with your child?

Simple Birthday cake

Back-dated post.

We celebrated Master Prince's 8th birthday in May. Decided to opt for an easier cake decoration using M&Ms compared to complicated figures/pictures like Naruto, Ben 10, Ultraman, Power Ranger, etc.

Due to certain circumstances, MP didn't have a big party bash - only celebrated with family. Needless to say he was very happy to have all the attention especially blowing out the candles. Hm, but without other kids, it was a tough job trying to finish the rainbow M&Ms!!!

Was thinking of trying to locate all MP's birthday cakes made to date. Think when he was younger I made more effort in his cakes....as he gets older my motivation wanes - why is that?? Poor boy.

Managing Stubborn child

Say one thing, do exactly the opposite.

My way or the highway?? Sigh, being a parent is not easy. Wish our children are more cooperative, matters could be achieved more effectively and efficiently, not to mention with less power struggles, tears & frustration too.

Found an interesting article here and sharing if other parents are also going through same thing. As each child is unique, hopefully you will find it useful.

A child tends to become stubborn when they have a feeling that they have control over a situation. Stubbornness is mostly found in toddlers and teenagers. For many parents tackling the stubborn child is a challenging situation. Here are some helpful tips for the parents dealing with stubborn child:

Talk and listen to your kids: Children are born with their own mind set. In the recent times when parents became very busy they don’t have time to talk and listen to their kids. It is very important that parents spend some time together with their child everyday. This will help you to build a trusting relationship.

Behavior: Every child has a stubborn behavior and they show it sometime or the other. Parents sometimes deal this situation with anger as they feel embarrassing if their child misbehave in public. But parents should understand that anger is not a solution it will only add fuels to the fire. In such situations, parents should have patience and find out the cause of the child’s stubbornness.

Give and take relationship: It is the duty of the parents to develop the habit of give and take. Teach them to share toys with their friends while playing. Let your kids take toys from friends in exchange of his toys. This way they will understand that to get something in life they have to give something.

Role model: Become a role model for your children. Stubborn kids are more tend to do things of their own and what they think is right. They often challenge their parents. Many parents try to manage things by putting physical force. Parents have to understand that this is not going to help their children in the long run. Being parents you can set example at home for your kids.

Do not shout: Shouting will make your child even more stubborn. Parents should stay calmly at such situation. Instead of shouting, explain your point of view to the child. Explain them why you do not want them to do like this and that. Be careful that your children do not feel your words commanding.

Problem solving: When you are dealing with the problems, allow your children involve in it to find the solution. Doing it this way children will not feel that you are enemy for them.Give respect: Because they are young does not mean that they don’t deserve respect. Give respect to your child. This way you will help to cultivate the habit of giving respect in your child as well. Behaving kind to child shows respect. Try to behave both respectful and firm from time to time. Be firm when you are asking child to do something.

Praise your child: Do not forget to praise your child for their well behavior, for any work they have done. You can praise them by the words like “You did a great job by helping me in the cleaning”. Praise immediately and honestly.

Guide: Be a guide to assist your child to develop their best personality. As far as possible allow your child to experience the consequences of the decision he made. This will make the argument little less. And when they realize that he had made the mistake he will understand that you were right.

Do not force: Do not act forcefully to your child to accept your rules. This will only make your child fear of you. They will not learn why and how would be the real consequences. Explain them with patience.

However, stubbornness is not always a bad thing. It also shows that your child is very much sure of himself and want them to happen what he thinks is right.



Other alternative reads suggest the following - source found here

1. The first and most important part of disciplining a stubborn child is to maintain a kind but firm attitude. When the child is behaving well he or she should be awarded with encouragement and kind treatment. When the child is misbehaving you must not bend the rules or make exceptions for him/her, and you must always be consistent. The child must know that if a rule is broken, there will be a punishment, and the punishment must fit the crime.
2. Give the child a time out. This means no talking, no playing with things found near himher, and no jumping around. The child must sit until the time out is over. If the child refuses to go to time out, simply look at your watch and tell him/her that however long he/she waits to get into time out, that much time will be added to their punishment. This may not work the first time or two, but after sitting an excessively long time out due to refusing to go sit down and the child will learn to take the punishment when it is given.
3. If the child argues or mouths, add more time in small increments to the time out given. Each time you add on to the punishment, inform the child of how long you've added it and why you've done so. Let him/her know that any mouthing off or arguing will not be tolerated. Discipline for backtalking should not be overlooked.
4. Once the child has sat the first part of their time out, sit down next to them and kindly but firmly talk to them about the offense. Ask what they did wrong. The child, of course, should already know this but its often much more effective to make the child acknowledge that they've made a mistake and gives you the chance to tell them that they know the rule, and had no good reason to break it. Then ask the child to tell you what he/she should have done instead. If the child refuses to answer you or is disrespectful, tell them they can sit and think until they are ready to talk about it.
5. Even if the child apologizes and claims it won't happen again, make them sit the rest of their time. This transgression will not go unpunished on the promise of avoiding future transgressions. You should, however, respond kindly to the child if he/she apologizes. Say thank you for apologizing, but you still have to finish the rest of your time out, and give the child a chance to prove to you that it will not happen again in the future.
6. If the child is throwing a tantrum, do not escalate the situation by shouting. It is important to remain calm, because if you are not calm it will take the child that much longer to calm down. Never allow a child to cause your temper to boil over. You must be the authoritative voice in the situation.
7. It is also very important to be fair. No matter which child breaks a rule, the punishment for breaking that rule should be the same. Disciplining children can be tricky, and may need to be tailored a bit to a particular child, but you should always remain fair and avoid playing favorites among the kids.

Growing

M has the smallest pair of feet in the house.

It was only a matter of time before Master Prince caught up.

RHS is MP and LHS is M.

Master Prince was in fact rather ‘ugly’ for the first two months as he had milk rash and mild eczema all over his face.

IMO, he was the cutest between 4 to 8 months, that was when he was the chubbiest and all drolly!!

Now 7 years of age, he is all skinny as a twig (very sau-mang-kai) and of course much taller. No longer is he a cute baby but a growing boy.

Kids, at times can't wait until they grow up fast but when they actually do (usually in a blink of an eye), just wish they stayed small and young!! He he he...that way I get to stay young too mah!!! ;p

Lanterns

Colourful display huh? This local chinese shop with its main business of selling incense has been around for the longest time, since I was a little girl. I vividly remember that they used to sell heaps of fireworks (when it was not made illegal/banned) during Chinese New Year.

To Master Price, mooncake festival is more about playing lanterns, candles and eating mooncakes or chu chai pang. Over the years, the traditional significance has been watered down. Just like Easter, youngsters look for the chocolate Easter Rabbit or eggs instead!!

Since there is a mooncake family gathering over the weekend, decided to replace MP’s old and torn lantern. M’s face was all wrinkly when I showed her the lantern – what happen to the cute zodiac animals they use to sell?? They do sell fishes (Nemo looking ones), dragon, rabbit, chicken, etc. but with commercialism the lanterns need to keep up with mainstream cartoon characters – otherwise how to sell right? Actually, was hoping to get a Ben 10 for MP but power rangers is still his number 1 favourite! Find the music in the plastic one a little too loud and annoying. But I must admit that they are much better alternative and safer for young children than the ones with fire and candles.

Couldn’t resist, got a smaller one for myself. Afterall since have to look after the kids, might as well join them right? Besides I think they make great decorations. Maybe I should get a few more??? Ha ha ha - yes I can be a 'big kid' sometimes :)

Children's Day

Master Prince came back one day from school all excited - there was going to be a party at school to celebrate Children's Day. Each child is suppose to contribute and bring something to share with their classmates. No surprise, Master Prince requested for some snacks.

Some sort of bento box did cross my mind but since he's in the afternoon session, didn't want to risk the food going spoilt.

So today, there is no class and no lesson. I'm sure they will create havoc at school for the 5+ hours 'partying'!!

Got Master Prince to pack the treats, afterall it is his contribution right? He was a little reluctant but finished it anyway after some persuasion.

In other countries, Children's Day is made a public holiday, probably like 'Labour Day' to us adults? To kids its just all about FUN, play, food and to enjoy a day at school without any lessons/homework! I'm sure any child would be happy with that!!

Nice long Raya break

Had a relaxing long weekend. Almost a week in total since Hari Raya fell on a Sunday :)

As you guessed, was super reluctant to return to work by the end of it, haiya so fast leh * sob* But bills must be paid and so dragged myself out of bed and was very happy the traffic was super clear, ha ha people must still be away. Well I'm not complaining *big grin*

We didn't do much, ie go anywhere. With the H1N1 pandemonium, we have been reluctant to go anywhere. Think many people also share this thinking.

Managed a short trip to Pahang to visit an Aunty last minute (sorry Kel for missing our meet-up - but glad the weather was great unlike a few of the previous wet days which were perfect for a late sleep in :) ).

Manage to see two movies with MP - er, all kiddies of course - UP and G-Force. UP was nice but thought it was probably a little too adult for small children with all the hidden meanings, etc. Didn't realize the "G" from G-Force stands for gunnie pig. From the trailers, thought they were hamsters! Still don't know the difference. Anyway, it was entertaining and managed to trick the grandparents into coming too, ha ha.

Also spent some time surfing the net at cafe's with free WiFi.

Master Prince gets very excited and totally absorbed with his online games - whole body moving and everything, leg thumbing/shaking PLUS extra own sound effects - chew, chew, chew-chew-chew, eeeeeeeeeow, come on, go go go etc!! Glad the cafe music is loud enough that I do not feel too conscious - although I do get a few occasional amused smiles from nearby tables when the volume of his voice gets louder!! Lolz

Update: As for how the house renovations is going....we are now renovating on weekends. Yep, weekend builders, er....renovators!! At this 'slow' rate, not exactly sure when we will 'finish' and move in. Guess even after the official move-in there will still be lots to do, TIME (lots of it) will make it home-y!! Btw, for those interested - HomeDec is next weekend, great place to get ideas etc. We still need to look for a reasonably priced mosquitoes netting. So far the ones we liked are a little pricey. But hiya they are such a necessity here right? Just absolutely get so annoyed when mosquitoes manage to get into the bedrooms and disturb our peaceful slumber!!!!

Have a good weekend.

Snapshot

One for the shelf.

We were pleasantly surprised to find out that Master Prince received a trophy for getting second in his class (I think) for an English quiz. Really didn’t see this coming and also didn’t know he sat for such a paper last week. Shows how much he really tells us about what is going in school huh. Each time we ask we get a very non-committal and brief ‘Fine’ or ‘Good’ or ‘Ok’. Dig deeper and the answer is merely repeated or we get a blank stare!! Perhaps he thinks he will get into trouble or more nagging if he reveals too much??? Lolz

Since he missed school on Monday he didn’t get to go up on stage during assembly (wow, that would have been a real treat huh) to receive the trophy in front of the whole school. Grandpa informed me later that a lot of his classmates were very excited and happy for him, congratulating him - his girl partner even giving him a hug for doing so unexpectedly well. Hm….probably an indication how much mischief he actually gets up to in class, ya *can’t help sounding a little suspicious!!*

Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS we are all proud and happy for you. We hope you are too of your own achievement and realize (even a little will do) that if you just focus and put in some heart and effort, you will be pleasantly surprise with what you can do.

Tried drumming whenever I can that whatever toys, clothes, books etc he currently has, wears or thinks he owns actually all belongs to Papa, Mummy, Kongkong or Amah as primary care giver; in school or sports or other activities the effort and the end result produced is his own. He can then truly declare that he OWNS them or they BELONG to him – good or bad. Am trying to encourage him to give his BEST and do a good job in everything that he undertakes. It is a slow process as he hasn’t received the ‘enlightenment’ yet.

Kids thesedays are too ‘soft’ or pampered, getting things too easily and just not valuing things given to them. Ha ha....I suppose the adults should show some restraint too ya!! It may seem to be tough going but earning the ‘hard’ way is not only memorable but sweetest in terms of satisfaction (when you know you have tried and done your best); not only that I think it builds character too. Ok I digressed….congrats again honey boy.

Bad fever

Not too sure how to write this post as I have differing diagnosis. Whatever it is, we are glad MP is much better now and his appetite back to normal.

Now that MP's fever has subsided, we were informed (on the 4th day) that he had a mild brush with swine flu. 'Mild' because he was treated early and the 'flu' had not entered his blood stream yet.

DH took the 1st night grave shift, making sure he doesn't over heat and wiping the sweat before I took over early in the morning. Its always worst at night isn't it? That's the thing with Chinese medicine, more effort is usually required not to mention can get very exasperating and stressful coaxing him to drink the bitter smelly black medicine!!! More than a few incidents we had to persuade him from gagging. Its all in the mind really though I must admit it does taste FOUL!!

At one point DH came to me (when I was deep in ZZ-land) telling me that perhaps MP should be admitted to hospital. Think I mumbled something like “No need, just make sure his head is kept cool!”, bad sleeping mum huh? *pink in the cheeks* >n< DH revealed later that he was slightly spooked because at one point MP’s hands were trembling and he was acting a little delirious (not normal fever behaviour).

It started with a sore throat, high fever and now, a mild dry cough. Chinese medicine usually takes a little longer.

Very relieved that the fever dissipated within 2 days.

Coincidentally I also took MP on the 1st day to see a paediatrician as I was a little concern that he may have HFMD since he had a little sore near his mouth. Thankfully it was just false alarm. Was told that if it was HFMD, he would also have lots of spots on his hands/feet and mouth - sounds painful, huh? We were sent away with normal fever and cough medicine which I didn't use since I had planned to take him to see our family chinese sinseh.

MP is fine now - smirking with glee, knowing that he can skip school again today. One more day of rest. Let's hope nothing else crops up as his tests starts tomorrow. Rather demanding parents aren't we? Can't be helped, blame it on bad timing!!

Coke eruption (Experiment #1)

Master Prince got pretty excited when I told him that we'd be doing some science experiments together.

Remember watching this on MythBusters a while back.

All you need is coke and some mentos sweets.

Suppose to get plain mentos but after walking to 3 shops we finally gave up and bought 'iced flavoured' ones only to discover the 4th shop had what I wanted, sigh!

We got one normal coke and diet coke to see whether the jet eruption would be different. Of course, it would be better planned if you got them the same sized bottles!!

The trick is to ensure that you drop at least 5 sweets into the coke all at once and then move out of the way - least you don't mind getting a little wet and sticky. DH was afraid of getting drenched so he only managed to drop one mentos and see how tall it shot up! I would have stuffed the drops myself if I were not taking the pictures :)

Master Prince had a go with the smaller coke bottle - had some reaction but not as tall with the larger coke bottle. A very simple and quick experiment - think it took longer gathering the materials together but FUN all the same!

You can read more here - the MythBusters "concluded that the caffeine, potassium benzoate, aspartame, and CO2 gas contained in the Diet Coke and the gelatin and gum arabic ingredients of the Mentos all contribute to the jet effect".


Hm.....considering a contest on who can make the tallest coke jet, anyone game?

Last count at four

3lilangels mentioned something in her blog about school bags.

What can I say about Master Prince….its a similar recurring theme. It must be a record that he manage to trash 2 bags in his first month of school!! In total, that’s 4 bags and we are only half way through the school year. Btw, these bags are not cheap costing between $70-100 each.


After a mishap with his 3rd bag, we just gave up and told him he was not getting a new one - well that was until a fortnight ago since it was really in a dreadful state. *will he be teased thus getting scared emotionally for life?? - probably NOT* In fact, grandpa was all up into taping the flap with a stronger masking tape or stapling it. Thinking about it now, I should have just cut it out totally and maybe start a new trend - the 'worn holey look', do you think it will takeoff like those tattered hole jeans??

Perhaps the bags are of interior quality with the main gripe being the zippers getting spoiled first every time. Also noticed that perhaps there are just way too many school books to bring, splitting the seams and handle too easily. Wish the school would seriously consider providing lockers so that the kids do not grow stunted carrying their heavy school bags. But wait, kids thesedays don’t really carry but roll them right? Well then environmentally & socially minded bag makers should consider rubber tyres for rollers instead of those flimsy plastic ones – gee, for a moment that could work but probably be torn apart for not maximising profits!!! *boss sure ketuk wan*

So perhaps we shouldn’t be so tough on MP. Then again we really wish he would just learn to take more care and just be mindful about his own things!! Somehow he just doesn’t seem to value his things – probably he's part of the comfortable generation 'P' (=pampered) who gets things too easily?

MP’s Alien birthday cake

As far as I remember, I have always made MP’s birthday cake. So when MP told me he wanted a Ben10 party theme, I was a little sceptical that I could pull off such a complicated cartoon character. Must confess that I toyed with the idea of getting it catered it since it would have been much easier and probably nicer looking getting a professional to do it.

After surfing the internet for ideas, I decided that perhaps ominitrix cupcakes would be easiest for me.

It has been years since my last fumble with fondant. As you know when you don’t do something often enough, things not only get rusty but also memory fails. So had to ask for assistance and read up on how to handle fondant. Decided to use commercially bought fondant instead of making my own. Time was running out and with so many party activities planned (think I basically over planned and stretched myself a little, ha ha!!).

Omnitrix cupcake toppers.

Getting grey colour was not as difficult as getting 'black'. Had to add a lot of colouring (used chef master). I also mixed in some coffee emulco which helped a little and smelt great!!

Used corn flour when rolling out the fondant. Could have used icing sugar but was afraid it would be too sweet!

Only problem I had was trying to get rid of the excess cornflour - perhaps expert bakers could give me some advice here?

Idea was a simple one, cupcakes for the children and a small cake to share for the adults. Afterall, when it comes to eating birthday cakes, a lot of people seem to shy away and for some reason to be on a ‘diet’!!

Ta-da…..as long as Master Prince was happy with the cake, I’m happy too :)

Should have added his name but forgot the alphabet cutters and didn’t have time to get them.

This was actually Blackie’s 'opening debut' cake but don’t think I manage to do a good job (cake ended up slightly dense to me) since I wasn’t familiar with the machine. Halfway through, had to frantically pull out my trusty hand-held to help me finish mixing the cake properly. Thinking about it now, I think I used the wrong beater to start off. With the hand-held there was limited choice & function, compared to now. Ha ha

I followed Lucy's Chocolate Mint Cake. Made the cake a while back before and it turned out well (except when it counted, sigh!!). For the cupcake icing, I used equal parts of melted chocolate and condense milk. For the adult icing I use chocolate ganache so that it would not be too sweet.

Anyway, for the kids - the highlight was probably helping the birthday boy blow the candles out faster than he could!!

The Party Plan – Ben10 Theme

Master Prince's actual birthday date was smack right in the middle of exams. So we postponed his birthday celebrations one week later. If not, doubt any of his friends would be able to come to his party!! :(

Not sure how to structure this post so I'll just share the birthday party plan. Besides, like any other event, things never 100% really go to plan. Just have to go with the flow and the crowd that turn up that day!


Party theme invitation cards

Grab bags (for children to put their loot)
Mask


Omnitrix craft



Activities
Fishing - Idea is a simple one. Each child fishes out their own treat/loot.

Pin the omnitrix (black out masks for older kids)

Get the ping-pong balls onto the trays and get a prize!

Pinata


Games
Superhero
Pass parcel
Musical chairs or steps
Freeze dancing
Paper dancing
Drinking game with straw
Balloon blowing contest
Balloon bursting
Step in & out

Party bag gifts
Since I already have a piñata which will be filled with sweets, bubble gum and other treats, thought parents would appreciate less sugar-filled items.

Badges
Pencils
Rulers
Sharpener
Rubbers
Stickers
Notepad
Cute paper clips
Other smaller toys – clicker, yoyo, whistle
Homemade slime (didn’t get to do this but thought it was a good idea)

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

Some thoughts.....

#1

I actually find it exciting planning a party especially for kids - its so fun. Finally realized that we do not really need to entertain a bunch of kids. They can actually entertain themselves very easily, if not even more creatively than adults. All you need is a few balloons and a playground!!! If I have to judge the success of a party by how loud the children were screaming, I think this one turned out pretty well. The noise from the playground was deafening and really had difficulty talking to other parents!!

#2

I don't think I am being anal but to avoid any misunderstanding, I really wish (out of reasonable politeness/courtesy) parents would properly note the RSVP date and also talk/communicate properly to the parent of the birthday child especially if they are coming or bringing along siblings. Was really put in a spot when two came 'unannounced' - well it seems that they did RSVP but somehow I never received any sms message or call. Being responsible adults, we should at least seek/insist on a sms response/reply back right(?) - after all it is fairly common that the sms could have gone astray, this includes voice mail messages. One or two additional friends is fine (more the merrier right?) but the main concern for the organizer is the sudden lack of party packs. Since I didn't want to nurse/store any leftovers, I only packed for the number of children that confirmed their attendance. I know that I could have probably packed aside some emergency party packs but didn't want to have the headache of keeping/disposing extras afterwards - so wasteful la.

Also, if your child is not able to go the party, it is only polite and courteous (IMHO) to let the invitor/organizer know this. Really helps the orgnizer from stressing or growing a long weary neck wondering - coming or not, coming?? No???? yes??

Haiseh- man...organizing the activities is one thing but actually trying to get RVSPs from the parents is the most difficult part!! Why-ah, so difficult meh?? *shakes head - even have to send reminders to some*

Next time…

Last weekend activities has left me thinking that its probably better to plan all the school holiday activities upfront rather than later. Next time we should probably leave a day or two (i.e. the weekend) for some R&R before school starts. Otherwise, probably wiser to opt for a less taxing and physically challenging activity!! Lolz

Master Prince is now nursing a sore throat (probably too much screaming and shouting) and bruises. For me, I’m nursing soreness and tenderness everywhere (a sad reminder that I am not as agile and body-able as I used to be), not to mention a pair of blisters.

Despite the drawbacks, we had fun and lots of tumbles.

This was what we were upto this weekend.

It was a toss between Genting, Sunway Lagoon, ice-skating or roller blading. Since DH was also nursing a sore throat and our nephew struggling with stomach woes the night before, the trip to Genting was sadly abandoned, despite strong protest from Master Prince insisting that ‘he is fine’. After weighing the other options, it was decided that perhaps roller skating could be mildly interesting, if not fun!

Can’t quite remember when I last put on my pair of skates, too long to remember!! Glad to share that it is like riding a bicycle, once you learn, you almost never forget. Everything seems to fall back into place, well except for the balancing and confidence part!! What can I say, weight and gravity are not your best friend as you age.

We went to Jungle Gym located on 3rd Floor of BSC (read about this place from 3lilangels).

Look at these mood lights – aren’t they cool? Reminds me of the ‘mood’ cabin lights on the newer MAS aeroplanes.

I must say that the ‘Rangers’ (aka employees) there are friendly. Not only do they quickly come to assist you up when you fall (well I think that’s probably to ensure the traffic flow and avoid body pile up which would be dangerous), they also give handy tips and on the spot lessons (probably to ensure novices do not hog the glass windows). They were a real hit with the children especially those who love to play catching! Overall, the friendliness and attitude of the Rangers make it a positive experience for the children leading to repeat visits.

This is the first skating experience for Master Prince. Needless to say, he kept falling, slipping and tumbling. But thanks to the patience and guidance of the Rangers, he managed to stay on his feet for a fair distance before landing on his bum! I admire his spunk and determination to stay up, roll and catch me and join in the fun with other kids. *Relieved that he was sporting about the whole experience and didn’t cry, manja or cling on to me at all* I suppose when it comes to ‘play’ he goes all out. I also noticed that he was trying to imitate other kids and also experiment by angling his right foot slightly which has a rubber stopper behind your heel to ‘stop’. Give a few more times and I am sure he’ll be spinning circles around me.

There is also a charming café there too. Not the tastiest in terms of food but a nice place for adults to hang about for bite, chat and wait for kids.

Forgot to mention that a flat rate applies for the entire day – so, how long do you think your child can last? Ha ha...if having fun, probably a couple of hours is still not enough!

Silver lining

When my dad was admitted to hospital we had to re-think and coordinate MP's schedule and schooling. It could probably be a long term arrangement since my dad will also need time to recuperate. If things work out well, may be it could be a permanent arrangement.

Needed a quick solution for MP and in the meantime, temporarily suspended all MP’s activities.

During that stressful and uncertain time, I sms-ed one of MP’s friends parents as I knew his son was also attending a daycare. Got a little annoyed when my calls and all sms-es went unanswered (even to the extent of turning off the phone to avoid my calls, imagine that!!). All I really wanted was some references to compare. By enquiring it didn’t mean that MP would be going there at the end of the day.

I suppose some parents are just not the sharing type. This turned out to be one of them.

That’s OK, we can probably read in-between the lines with the cold unfriendly snubs. *how rude ya?*

We moved on very quickly.

In the end, we decided on a daycare located just a few houses down the road from my parents' place. Since it is so near, it is very convenient, especially if I am working late and can’t pick him up on time. It was comforting to find out that he has other classmates there too. MP settled in very quickly.

Since he has been attending the daycare, we noticed a marked improvement in his behaviour. Even to the extent of wanting to finish his homework first before watching TV. Usually there would have a big tussle about it.

Bonus part is that we (parents) now do not need to stress out anymore with MP completing his homework at night as the centre supervises this in the morning. This means more harmony, peaceful and relaxing family time after dinner.

Things have worked out well for all of us. I am thankful and grateful (especially for the s*ob that never picked up or bothered returned my call, bless you anyway).

Master Prince's 2008 – some reflections

Just running down a few milestone achievements for Master Prince for the Year 2008:

* Stopped drinking milk from the bottle (I know that some mothers would be shocked horror on this especially in the West where most toddlers stop drinking milk from the bottle by 1 year old. I allowed this exception and was glad he finally dropped it at his own time).

* Stopped wearing pampers (We had long battles with this, plenty of soiled beds to go with it, tears, frustrations and not to mention lack of sleep. MP is getting better though if he got his way, he would probably prefer to keep his pampers, such a lazy boy! Some days he would put them on himself without us knowing! The only plus side is that he changes his soiled clothes by himself (without waking us) and put all the soiled things to one side for laundry.)

* More willing to sleep on this own. Some days, he doesn’t come into our room anymore in the wee-hours of the morning. He only does so when he has to change his clothes.

Lost 2 baby teeth (bottom front teeth). His permanent teeth are a little big so he’d probably need braces when he is bigger.

* Can do multiplication though must constantly keep it up otherwise will forget easily.

* Likes to read English books and can read fairly well on his own.

* Still accepts cuddles but not too much – sob, my big baby is growing up :(

* Loves to swim – well more playing with water than anything.

* Less resistance communicating in Chinese. Now to work on his BM!

* Take less afternoon naps (think we adults need them more!!). Its funny how they want to sleep in during school days but are wide awake early during non-school days!! They really got their bio-clocks well tuned.

Next year will be interesting as he begins school....

Happy New Year Everybody!

All in the week for MP

Master Prince will be in Grade/Primary 1 next year.

In transition from pre-school/kindergarten, he has orientation this week. As you could have guessed, he was very excited with the entire experience - going to a bigger school, being a bigger boy (yep, no baby anymore!), etc. Couldn't believe to learn that his classrooms are equipped with air-conditioners! Talk about children being pampered and studying in comfort. Wonder and worry about the future generation double XYZ!

At first he was a little quiet as we were locating his classroom. But once he saw a few familiar faces and friends, he literary lit up and started his 'nonsense' of grappling, kungfu moves, air punching and kicking - probably a boy thing? Needless to say, we were rather disappointed that he got into 'trouble' with the teacher on the first day, only an hour into class!! *eyes roll and head shake*

The other highlight of the week was D misplacing or losing his school folder containing all his books which led to the possibility of having them re-purchased! D spending many hours frantically retracing his steps and questioning his memory in search of the missing pink folder as he thought it was his fault the folder dropped out of MP's bag. Only to discover the next morning that MP had in fact left his folder behind in his desk drawer!!! Poor D. MP got told off for being so forgetful in the first place!

MP's favourite is recess, canteen shop/food and money to buy stuff from there. Well, I've informed Master Prince that he will not be allowed to take money to school as he will be bringing snacks from home (so as to ensure that he eats healthily). Not sure how long this will last, perhaps for the first year??? A far contrast to my primary years when I had pocket money to splurge at canteen junk food! ;p I can still recall the 40cents small bowl of over salted and highly spiked MSG noodles!! Definitely not healthy but its deeply etched in my childhood memory.

A friend told me that some school canteen operators are CROOKS. Why? Because they cheat from unsuspecting Std 1 pupils who are still quite unfamiliar with money and will either conveniently forget about the change or give less!!! Unbelievable!?