Cats out of my bag!

Tonight, my kids got to know the cats out of my bag. It all started when Ashley shared with us in the car that one of his school mates teased his friend who failed the HCL paper. He was very mad and stood up for his friend. He also shared how he and his friends detest people who tried to put others down. He even mentioned that one teacher shamed his friend in class for getting the lowest mark in a compo.

We encourage him not to have negative thoughts about the teacher and focus on his PSLE. I assured him that I will back him up after PSLE. He just have to his job (do well in PSLE) and I'll do mine, as before. I cited various incidents that I helped him in the background how I navigated through effectively to reap positive results. I shared with him that I didn't share with you earlier as I felt that he didn't have the maturity then but now, I can trust him to handle the info with caution. He was sold!

I reiterated 3 lessons here:

1. When you share your joy, your joy doubled; When you share your problem, your problem halved.
2. Forgive and Forget -> try to be more understanding, you'll be happier.
3. You can always count on your parents but we can't solve all your problems. You need to solve your own problems. We can only advise and sometimes, depending on situation, we'll sprinkle some magic dust.

Abby's gentleness and kindness

Dearest Abby,

Mum is grateful to have such a gentle and kind daughter like you. Your acts of kindness have touched many people's hearts. I could share so many stories gathered just from this week...

You may not want how much you have calmed my mind & soul when you accompanied me on piano while I sang Chinese oldies like 海鸥, 酒干倘卖无, 走在阳光里 & 至少还有你. I enjoy the quiet and joyful moments with you singing in the car while driving you to school and gym class. Thank you for sharing my interest in songs way back in the 80s. Mum will try to sing "True Friends" by Miley Cyrus with you though I go off key quite often.

You were down with stomach flu on Mon & Tue. I could sense your pain and agony from your frail look and pale lips. When you feel like vomiting, you would run to the toilet bowl and none of the vomit was spilled outside the bowl. On our way home after seeing the doctor, you dozed off and slept for more than an hour in the car. I couldn't bear to wake you up and stayed in the car with you while you slept. You did not whine once, just ask me to read you "Ballet shoes" classic novel while you rest in bed. You're such a darling even when you're sick.

On Wed, Aunty Baolian came to help us clean the house. When I stepped out of my shower, she was happily sharing with me that you assured her that it was ok if she accidentally broke your lego creations as you could fix them back later. She complimented you for your sweetness and kindness as some kids would scream at her for touching their toys.

On Thursday, over at the breakfast table, you gave me the sweetest smile and shared with me that your Chinese teacher did not ask you about your stomach flu but your ballerina bun instead. She asked you who help you tied the beautiful bun and you answered Mummy. I could see your little eyes sparkled with pride and joy. So the next naturally thing was a request to design a new hairdo which was victoria pleats you learned in DES! Merrily, you wore the new hairstyle to school. The teacher commented that you wear a nice different hairdo everyday and that makes your day and mine too.

In school, you're well liked by your friends and teachers. You're a very thoughtful Class Monitress. You brought at least 7 story books to school to share with your friends everyday; you thought hard and long how to keep the class in order. The "ah ha" moment came and you eagerly shared with me that you could play the Chinese whisper game. At the end of the game, the group with the correct message would each receive a sweet. Sounds good! So off we went to NTUC to buy a packet of sweets. I waited anxiously to listen to your day after dismissal. You kinda of sad that you didn't maange to play the game but had given out all 48 sweets to your classmates during recess. You even proposed to buy another packet of sweet next month which we did.

Ah ma always praised your kindness as you always think of others first. Like mum & dad, she is so happy to have a thoughtful and compassionate grand-daughter like you. Mummy has more stories to share but now I need to hurry to prepare lunch before your dancing class. Love you, our darling.

Bear hugs,
Mum

Ashley's splendid 2012 in a nutshell

Dearest Ashley,

After browsing through the little journal detailing the sweet memories of you when you were a toddler makes me feel that the importance of keeping a record of Abby’s and your childhood memories that will warm your heart when you guys grow up.

P5 had been a great year for you. The No. 1 “Block Buster” was winning the Championship of the 21^st National Chinese Story Telling Competition. You and your team mates were cut out for the roles you all played. As the majestic King, you exude an air of confidence, charisma and power. When I saw you on stage, I couldn’t help myself from feeling that you’re the Most Talented Boy on Earth! All your hard work paid off. 刘老师 is indeed your 恩师.

You were also invited by Mdm See to join the Speakers’ House where you learned public speaking, debate and storytelling. You were the only one selected to represent school for the Good English Speaking Public Speech contest. You have trained hard. Though you did not win, the experience you gained is invaluable. A little setback like this is actually good for you. Life is full of ups and downs. That’s what makes life interesting & worth living!

All is not lost when the V.P. invited you to deliver your speech “Should children play more?” at Talent Fest. When the entire hall of students and teachers cheered for you during your speech, streams of tears flowed down my cheeks uncontrollably. You’re amazing! Even the Principal, Mrs. Foo and the Superintendent were very impressed by you. After your speech, you earned yourself a playful name called “Play Boy”. Mum almost fell off the chair when you shared with me this joke. Hahaha…

Another highlight was your appearance in Street Racers. That was awesome! From making the audition video to the onset filming, Mum was totally impressed by you and Emanule. You guys formed a great team. Working in a team is about complementing your team mate and being able to work well as a team to achieve the common goal. Your confidence, resourcefulness and eloquence were apparent on TV. Despite running in the hot sun, you did not lose your cool and was always focus on the tasks on hand. It’s the laser-sharp focus that gave you guys the winning edge. Great Job!

In school, you organized and led the class performance during Teachers’ Day Concert. Your Form Teacher, Ms. Eileen Tan, also praised you for your leadership in the report book.

Last year, you acted as the Golden Crane in your school’s play. I love your acting, very natural and energetic. You really belong to the stage!

You also received your G2 Piano distinction and merits in G3 theory. Mum is so envious of your natural gift in music. We love to hear you play.

You had so much fun in the Taiwan Immersion Trip with your roommate, Jin Hao and other boys. You took lots of interesting pictures and participated in many local cultural activities. You also sang solo 细水长流 and group singing at Taiwan Primary School. Mum is proud of you for being so sporty and participative. It was a bonus when we found out at the airport that Mrs. Foo was going to Taiwan too!

As a family, we visited 四川 with Dance Ensemble Singapore (DES) in June. The cultural trip was fun and tiring for you and your cousins as you all had to practize wushu and dance for the first 5 days. Mum was very impressed when I saw you on stage with the older boys and teachers performing 国风.

Life is full of surprises. We never knew that our visit to 杜甫草堂 could be your Chinese Public Speaking topic in 7 months’ time. This reminds me of your very 1^st Chinese Public Speaking at Story Island in P1 假如我是….. You wanted to be 黄飞鸿. We guessed you got the idea from visiting黄飞鸿博物馆 with DES again 7 months ago. See, history repeats itself for good.

You were so gutsy when you tried snow-boarding in Korea for the first time. In one day’s time, you have conquered the 1.8km beginner slope at least 5 times all by yourself. Mum & Dad are so proud of you!

As Mum is detailing your P5 days, I was simply taken aback by the long list of accomplishments you have earned. It takes more than talent to achieve all these. The daily dose of hard work is an essential success ingredient. Tei Han is also a very talented boy. Mum is happy that, through thick and thin, both of you have forged a strong friendship. At the same time, you know you’re not racing against him but yourself. If Ashley Today is better than Ashley Tomorrow, that’s one step closer to reaching your goal. That’s SUCCESS, according to Adam Khoo.

Talking about Adam Khoo, you attended his 5-day camp in Dec. You had the best time in your life. Making new friends and more importantly, having an inspiring coach, Xavier. He commented you were the gel of the team, rallying everyone to work towards a common goal. He was touched when you stood up for him when he was scolded by Adam Khoo. Your team is the Winning Team out the 13 teams. Superb! You also shared with Xavier and everyone at the Graduation Ceremony that you wish to score 265 and enter Hwa Chong. Xavier said you have to work hard to get into Hwa Chong. Mum has confidence that you will reach your goal.

Mum is so proud of you when you received the Model Pupil and Endurance award last year. Well done!

The only target you missed was to be in the Top 10. It was a pity as you were top 6 in SA1. I know you were sad and Mum shouldn’t add salt to your wound by reprimanding you for missing your target. I should be more understanding. In retrospect, you have the best teacher in P6 – Mrs. Ivy Lee!

As 2013 unfolds, you’ve already won the 1st place in the China-Singapore Bilingual Public Speaking competition just before Chinese New Year. Wow!!!!!!!!!!! When you shared with me that you used your eyes to signal to 宇辰 to be your buddy, Mum was laughing away. Through this exercise, you have transformed yourself into a script writer and Director by combining the two 5-minute scripts into a 3-minute script. The teamwork and synergy between the two of you were marvelous. All these were accomplished in less than 2 days. Unbelievable!

One of the setbacks was you didn't do well in your G4 piano exams as the exam date coincided with your competitions leaving you very little time to practise. I could sense your disappointment as you refused to talk about it and didn't touch the piano for more than a month. Dad and mum just left you alone and hey, we were so glad that you overcame the negative emotions and started to pay "Pay Phone" & "River flows in you". We were mesmerized by you and your music....

As you're growing up, Mum is also learning to see and treat you as a young adult rather than the little boy who loved butterfly kisses. I guess we need to give each other time to adjust as you enter a new phase called puberty and teenage years. We're living in a imperfect world and no one's perfect. With a little more tolerance and patience, our lives will be happier and richer.

Before mum signs off, I just want to tell you that Dad and mum love you for who you are, not just your talents but your temperaments and everything that's you. You're our first love and we love you, our beloved son.

Bear hugs,
Your one and only Mum & Dad

The blogger's back!

Gosh, I didn't realise time passed so quickly. Better late than never so here's my 1st blog of 2013. Hmmm...where should I start? Since we were feeling so high & happy yesterday, I shall try to capture our joyful moments here...

Yesterday, when Ashley got into the car, his face was lit up with a very broad smile.

Ashley,”Mum, I’ve 2 good news!”

Mum,”What is it?”

Ashley,”I’m going to Cambodia! I’m the highest in HCL! I’m so happy!”

Mum,”Wow! That’s great news! I’m so happy for you! Let’s go celebrate!”

He called daddy right away to share the good news as we headed to the row of restaurants near NJC. We enjoyed the food and each other's company.

Being the first to share his joy makes me happy.

Last week, we received a call from a secondary school informing us that Ashley got in through DSA. We jumped up with excitement! More than a month ago, I accompanied him to the DSA audition. While waiting for him (>1 hour), I walked around the school and fell in love with the school. The school was buzzing with energy and excitement with many students jogging around the school and sports practices going on. There was a group of boys playing piano too. What a lovely sight.

During the last week of June holiday, Celine was very nice to offer her place for the boys to study. To me, the best part was not the academic aspect but the musical collaboration. The duo came together so naturally and their music flowed beautifully. I was so glad that I recorded their wonderful recital "River flows in you".

We had a lot of fun during our Penang vacation. Lone Pine was an excellent choice! The kids were having so much fun in the spacious hotel room (plus the toilet) and the beach at our doorstep. They simply loved the Adventure zone, zipping down the blue and red slides. The two older boys did parasailing! Kudos to them as I can never do that! Our brood did banana boat and donut! Our Fairy Godmother took so many nice photos! Ah mah was very nice to help Abby & Ashwyn washed the seashells they collected. 

I'll insert the videos and photos another time so as to preserve my train of thoughts. I can't wait to pen down all the little precious memories!

 

Saying goodbye to 2012

Dearest Ashley & Abby,

Ashley started the game of "What did we learn from one another" in the car yesterday. Here's what Ashley said.

Ashley,"I learn how to compose myself from Daddy. I also learned how to be a good dad."

Wow! That must be the best compliment Daddy gets!

Ashley,"I learn never give up and good values from Mummy."

Am so happy to hear that.

Ashley,"I learned how to be a better teacher to Abby."

Abby is indeed the luckiest girl to have a coaching Kor Kor.

Year 2012 has been a great year for us. Let's work towards a fantastic 2013!

Cheers!
Mum Dearest

Abby, you're so a brave girl!

Dearest Abby,

Mummy was surprised when I saw you at backstage with the hand drum getting ready for your performance. I remembered you only practised once and we thought you were supposed to perform the 黑珍珠 at the Heritage Fest.

Mummy could sense your anxiety as your lovely smile was missing. You pressed on and completed the entire dance. You finally smiled at the ending pose. On our way home, Mummy asked you in the car why you pulled a long face and you said you didn't do well in the dance. Mummy praised you for your courage and hey, you did well. The audience enjoyed your performance. That was 2 Saturday ago.

Yesterday, with more practice, you did the same dance again and this time, you were more confident and smiled beautifully when you danced. Well done, Abby. Mum and Dad are really proud of our little courageous girl.

Enjoy the 2 videos Mummy took during your 1st and 2nd Heritage Fest performance.

Love,

Mummy Dearest

Ashley, you have transformed your mum into a script writer and a song writer!

Dearest Ashley,

Last night, while you were drying yourself after shower, you asked mum if you should audition for the Teachers' Day performance. Then you mentioned your class is going to put up a skit and a song item for your form teacher who will be leaving Pei Hwa. You plan to sing solo "世上只有老师好的歌有几首" and you asked Mummy to help you with the lyrics. Wow, you really have lots of ideas and even pulled in your mum!

Mummy is most delighted to help you with the lyrics. The thought is so sweet to honor the teachers with a lovely song. And guess what? Mum has completed the song. Will sing with you when you're awake.

You know, you have uncovered mum's hidden talents - song writing and script writing. Thanks to you, I get to try something new and loving it! When you delivered the speech, I couldn't believe my eyes that my son is reading what I've written as my command of English has always been so so. Got a A for PSLE but C5 for O levels. But I guess as long as we have the passion for it, "the new thing" naturally becomes better. Likewise, this year you tried several new things such as public speaking and Group Chinese Story telling. Gosh...everyone around you can feel your passion! Can't believe "the new thing" becomes a honor to represent school for the 26th YMCA Plain English Speaking Awards and Group Chinese Story telling. You're like a rocket, shooting high up in the sky!

Guess what? Mummy already has some ideas for your next script - "What I learned in School" Gosh...I'm catching your "virus"...can't stop writing now. Hahaha....

Hugs and Kisses,
Your equally "crazy" mum