Archive for the ‘Special Occasions’ Category

Heard of this?

“The mediocre teacher tells.
The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires.”
- William Arthur Ward -

Yes, a great teacher never fail to inspire regardless of the aptitude or quality of the students.

In life, even if we are not qualified teachers by profession, we  somehow play the role of “Teachers”, to our children, family, friends and colleagues.

As parents, we try our best to TEACH our children many things ( like the right set of values in life, the right behaviours),

And we Prepare them for their new milestones and journey to adulthood.

[I remember when I was a child, my mom would TELL me not to do this and that but I never actually got to know why. When I encountered difficulties as a child, my mom would settle them for me and I wish someone would show me how instead.

Then, I wish I had someone to inspire me to do what I faced most difficulties in than having it done for me. And someone to tell me not to avoid when I meet obstacles and inspire me to continue with my efforts even if I might not get the result that I need instantly.

That was when I was a child and what I did not have the opportunity to learn back then .....]

Now as a parent, I trully appreciate the importance of our role as a parent and teacher in inspiring our children.  Easy to say and not so easy to remember all the time BUT I am learning.

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Anyway, Teachers’ Day is 2 days away and in appreciation, the boys had prepared some handmade cards and gifts for their Teachers. It is more personal to make than to buy and it also gives  the opportunity for the boys to work on art and craft which they hardly have the chance to lay their hands on recently - especially with more school homework.

So, with some materials bought from Daiso, these are some of the results of our joint efforts

The Olympic Games is well-known to everyone.

However, the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) is definitely NEW (click to find out more).

And…we are so excited that the inaugural YOG will be held here in Singapore from 14 - 26 August 2010! 

Especially our two sons….

[Don't know since when, they have become such ardent followers of some of the national and international events held in Singapore.]

So, that day, when I was on leave and we wanted to do something meaningful on the morning of Darren’s birthday, we decided to give our support at the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame (JYOF) Torch Relay Day 3.

Haha..besides showing our support, I must say that the boys had FUN as we drove ahead of the relay teams and waited for them at some of the crowd cheering points.

We are happy to experience these rare moments in Singapore’s history, together with many others in Singapore *grin*.

Especially on Darren’s birthday *wider grin*.

Take a look at some of the photos that we have taken at the JYOF Torch Relay *smile*.

 
Waiting patiently at the roadside, anticipating a grand appearance of the JYOF Torch Relay……

 See the large number of supporters on both sides of the road ….

Finally, we caught a close look at the YOG mascots, Merly and Lyo (not in real person) but on the surface of the bus.

It feels good to be youthful again…

Here comes the torch-bearer…

A special shot with one of the torch-bearers:)

Another torch-bearer..

The supporters….

Darren smiling enthusiastically.

Darren's unique cheering move - cheering with the *but++++*:)

So, the rings of the world will unite here in Singapore in 3 days’ time *smile*.

 Three cheers to our homeland - the Garden City of Singapore!

What special programme would you plan for your  young one on his/her birthday? An annual birthday party? An outing? Usually, are daddies and mommies both in charge of planning?

Today is my little one, Darren’s birthday. He has just turned 7 years old.

We know Darren does not like a massive celebration and so has mostly celebrated as a family. At least, for the first few years of his education, his BIG DAY will always be a school holiday since it is a day after the Singapore National Day *smile*.

Darren picks another of his favourite Pokemon Character "Psyduck" to be drawn on his cake.

In our family, each of us has a little contribution in making Darren’s birthday FUN and MEMORABLE.  

Mommy takes charge of buying and wrapping the presents, decorating the house, organising the programmes, and taking a day off to spend time with Darren.

Brendan takes charge of hiding and setting the clues for Darren to discover the presents.

Papa takes charge of taking the photos and videos, and also casting aside all other commitments to spend time with Darren.

Darren takes charge of choosing his own cake.

The day ends off happy with grandparents joining us for the cake-cutting.

At least Darren has fun.

In his words, he is happy because “I can find many presents. I like to cut cake. We go out together.”

I love to see the excitement on Darren’s face and his laughter on his BIG DAY.

“Happy Birthday, Darling Darren!”

Today, we celebrate Singapore’s 45th year of independance.  Happy Birthday Singapore!

Talking about National Day, we were not successful in the e-balloting for the National Day Parade (NDP) tickets *frown*.

Looking back, the only time when I was able to be there at the NDP venue was when I was performing in a dance segment (as a corner of a flower petal in a dance formation) many many years ago.  So, I recall the pom-pon that I made, the many sessions of practices after school and over weekends, the sweat, the excitement - despite all these, we were excited to be able to perform at a National event *smile*.

Still remembering those days when the NDP was held at the Kallang National Stadium…*nostalgic*.

As for Brendan, he was lucky to be invited to watch the preview “Live” at Padang, together with his school. Haha..Papa Ed and I were envious of our son *lol*.

He was so excited before and more after the event! Ha, then, Brendan “ïnfected” Darren and they could not stop singing the National Day theme song “Song For Singapore” since.

Look what is within the Fun Pack that he received. Wow! Darren was eyeing on many of the items, especially the tattoo stickers and flag. Mommy was eyeing the shopping vouchers ..*Hehe*.

This bag, which comes in different design, is heavy but wait till the boys unravel the many items inside!

Shopping vouchers! We all love shopping vouchers, huh?

I like this picture! The brothers were so naturally HAPPY, waving the Singapore flags.

The right flag that Brendan is holding acts as a clapper and it has lights...something new:)

 ——

While Brendan enjoyed the NDP at the Padang, these are some of the pictures (besides the earlier posted fireworks) that we had taken from the other side of the river (Marina Bay Sands) during the National Day Preview

Some of these pictures are with compliments from Darren ”taken by him” *haha*”.

Here is the lovely song “Song For Singapore” that the boys would want me to post here so that they can sing-along even more times than they are doing now *lol*.

Trust me, I can memorise the lyrics now ever since the boys gave me an overdose *lol*.

[It is good how much effect this song has on our younger generation. Hope they sing the song with an appreciation for the meaningful lyrics].

Hope you enjoy it as much as they do!

It was breathtaking!

It was loud and bursting with colourful flames and sparks!

Series of fireworks were set off just right before our eyes, at a real close distance!

This year, like any other years, we were there to view the fireworks display for Singapore National Day rehearsals.

Hmm…for a change, our new chosen destination at Marina Bay Sands offers a better view than before *thumbs up*.

[First, we didn't have to squeeze like we used to when we previously watched the fireworks display from the other side of the river, the space is wider, the night view even before the fireworks display is beautiful, washroom is accessible just within the building and the only disadvantage is the costly carpark charges.]

As a double bonus, we were welcomed by pleasant surprise that the National Day Parade contingents “migrated” from the official NDP venue at Padang to Marina Bay Sands during the ceremony.

This certainly heightened the Pre-National Day celebration atmosphere at the Marina Bay Sands - synchronsing the singing of National Day Anthem and reading of National Pledge with the official ceremony at the Padang *another thumbs up*.

I read that fireworks were invented in ancient China to ward off the evil spirits. Now, in Singapore, we view it as a form of celebration and where people get together, exclaim together, laugh together, to enjoy the beautiful sight and moment- not forgetting to capture the candid sight of the moment into videos or photos.

[I like it how our family is uniformly reacting now when the fireworks start. Papa will shoot video and Mommy will shoot with one camera while Brendan with another. Little Darren, who has always loves to play with camera, will never lose out by also capturing some pretty shots with my handphone.]

 Yah, I talked about how it has become a “date” for our small family to enjoy the spectacular display together annually.

Fortunately for us, the boys are not fearful of the close-distance colourful and gigantic fireworks display.

I certainly hope this “family date” will continue for many years to come. At least,  for the last few years, it has been a common event that the family looks forward to “together”.

Anyway, good things are for sharing. We hope you enjoy this breathtaking fireworks display as much as we do *smile*.

[The video was taken by Papa Ed. See what I mean when I say it is just "right before our eyes" and the last part of continuous fireworks is what we like best!]

Like any other 21st July, the schools in Singapore celebrate Racial Harmony Day today.

This day reminds us of the Race Riots that took place on 21 July 1964 and also emphasizes the importance of building a racial harmony society regardless of language, races or culture.

In schools, the children are encouraged to wear traditional costumes to schools.  The children learn more about other’s culture as they put on other races’ traditional costumes and also learn more about the traditional games played by others.

This year, Racial Harmony Day’s celebration presents a different experience for both Brendan and Darren.

Darren got to celebrate the occasion, for the first time, in a Primary School. He shared with us the traditional games that he played.

Brendan’s class was one of the few selected to take part in a musical instrument performance.  So, he has his first encounter with the agogo bells.

After 2 weeks of practice in school, he performed as a group today as part of the racial harmony celebration. His part was to create music with sticks and agogo bells. It is indeed amazing especially when the different small musical instruments can create such beautiful music!

This is a similar triple agogo bells that Brendan performed with

A happy Brendan with his little present (a little egg with beans) that he received after the performance

As the celebration ends with a high note in their school, I hope besides having FUN, the kids have indeed learnt the true meaning behind Racial Harmony Day.

We are celebrating Father’s Day on 20 June 2010 - Tomorrow.

We will be dining with my father-in-law and also my dad.  The special part is my dad insists to prepare “steamboat” for us instead of dining outside.

Being a great cook, my dad has never fancied dining at restaurants and have a passion for dishing out great meals for us.  I am a LUCKY one to enjoy such delicious homecooked food:)

My gifts are ready and the kids have also prepared cards for grandpa and Papa Ed.  Please see previous post.

In addition, they have also handmade these pouches for Papa Ed.

We used felt cloth. The kids chose the design and colour, got some ideas from the design that came with the felt cloth and did the cutting. I sewed. 

That few hours of efforts are worth it - to show their father their love and thoughts:) Outcome is a contented father with his newest additions, handmade by family……

In fact, the kids are so excited with the outputs that they can get from efforts of sewing with felt cloth. So, we are going to make more stuff!

……..

By the way, how are you celebrating this special day with your father or father of your kids or even father-in-law?

I was making payment at a bookshop the other day when my little one ran up to me with a magnet in his hand.

On the magnet, it stated “GREATEST Mum“.

I looked at my boy with a grin while he insisted that I buy the little magnet as his gift for me.

So I paid for the magnet for myself at less than S$3 (a gift that was meant for me)…haha..

The difference is - it is a warm appreciation, a sweet thought……from my little one *smile*.

Hmm….I am gonna treasure this little magnet for a long long while……

Most interestingly, he told me to place the magnet at my workstation at home .

What a great idea! Whenever I am overwhelmed by frustrations or angry with the boys, it reminds me that “Hey! I am The Greatest Mum or I am trying to be The Greatest Mum, and I am gonna cool down and be patient!”*lol*.

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I believe in our children’s heart, we are the Greatest Mother except that they might not always express it:)  Believe it in our heart and we will get that additional motivation everyday…..

Our love for our children are limitless.

To all Mothers: 

Here’s wishing all Mothers -  “Happy Mother’s Day” , “Happy Motherhood“. We deserve a BIG PAT on our shoulders *3 cheers*.

My Special Gratitude To My Mother….more than words can say.

To all Fathers:

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”
- Theodore M. Hesburgh-

Two weeks ago, during my birthday, I have birthday greetings from POKEMON CHARACTERS *hee*.

Brendan and Darren, like usual years, have decided to present to me their BIRTHDAY WISHES in THEIR OWN SPECIAL WAY— through self-made pokemon cards (their favourite cartoon character of all time).  I have indeed received a number of self-made POKEMON cards from Brendan over the years. However, I still like them because each of them reflects their individual effort, their beautiful thoughts and improved drawing skills.

What really touches me are not only their efforts in making the “cards” for me but also their “thoughtful words” and “their impressions of me” which are explained in the cards.

FROM BRENDAN

He designed A CARD, A BOOKMARK and A POEM. 

The card……( I love the words and the cute pokemons)

Front Cover

 Inside of the card

Back Cover

The huge bookmark ….. ( lovely!)

The poem…. (4 simple sentences means a thousand words)

It warms my heart to stumble on “A Paper of Concept” where Brendan conceptualised what he wanted to make for me. Somehow, I am very happy to see this.  It shows his effort to do his best and also that he has learnt to organise his thoughts and plan.

 FROM DARREN

Haha..Darren didn’t want to give less than his elder brother and so he also designed A CARD, A BOOKMARK and A POEM.

I especially like the way he described me to be as “LIKEABLE” and “NICE” as PIKACHU! *lol*

Also the way he has constantly drawn my hair. I am not sure how that two pony tails come about but that has always been the way I have looked in my other portraits drawn by Darren*grin*.

Haha…I have won myself a “Star” and “Lots of love”.  Not sure why I am called Alice and perhaps he meant Alice in Wonderland?

Finally, a blue colour and heart shape paper gun (his kind thoughts to keep me safe) and another blue cut-out, with a heart, to illustrate to me that his love for me is inside his heart.  Really very sweet!

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In my heart, these are one of the most precious gifts I receive each year. I really like them and also the “Candles” that came as a pleasant surprise.  Thank You! FATHER AND SONS *I appreciate*.

1 Birthday cake…..

2 specialised greeting cards…..

Greetings from my family members and friends….

Yeah, yeah…..it is MY BIRTHDAY today.  Why am I not looking forward? Well, it is because I am getting a year older.

Nevertheless, it is still a HAPPY BIRTHDAY because I am THANKFUL to have my loved ones to celebrate with *Smile*.

Thank you, Ed and boys *Cheers*.

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In my teens, I can’t wait to grow up and be truly independant.

In my twenties, I can’t wait to graduate from university, start my career, and set up my own home and family.

Now in my thirties, I have my career, a home “I call my own”, and a family with two lovely boys.

Next, Hmm…why is there a strong urge to hold back time?  Time flies and I wish it can move slower.

          Maybe, I don’t wish to grow older, maybe I want to treasure every moment that I have now when the kids are still by my side.

         Motherhood journey is still a long way but I will certainly love more  moments for myself ……(A wish).

Participate in Earth Hour by turning out your lights from 8.30-9.30pm on 27 March.  

Not only that…spread the message to your friends, relatives and colleagues….Oh yah…and to your blog readers too.

To show our support, I have also signed up for Earth Hour at http://www.earthhour.org.  I am glad my organisation and family are playing a part too *smile*.

Why not you show your support by signing up too? And not forgetting to join many in the world to turn out your lights at 8.30pm on 27 March!

Actually, we can do much more for our mother earth besides participating in Earth Hour. You might be interested to read my earlier post on Go Green Episode 3.

Here’s an official video on Earth Hour 2010.