Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Guess what is your Grandpa's Proudest Moment?

Dearest Ashley,

Can you guess what is your Grandpa's Proudest Moment? Give you a clue: It has got to do with you. Guessed it?

He shared this with me in his most relaxed moment after his spa and a sumptuous lunch,"The Proudest Moment in my life is the day I became a Grandpa." That was the day you were born. I was so touched as I never expected that. I thought my Father would say the day when I entered University.

Indeed, when I looked back on the photos and videos of you and your Grandpa, he was always beaming with joy. I remembered I videoed Grandpa put you in a sarong when you were 4 months old and he hung a black and a white stuff toy puppies around the sarong so that you could see the black and white toys while you were in the sarong. I broke into laughter as he actually bothered to find a black and white stuff toy after I told him that black and white objects help babies in their focus. So sweet of him.

Do you remember Grandpa walked you to Nursery everyday? After school, he would buy you your favourite breakfast set of 2 eggs, 2 kaya toast and a cup of Milo? Do you remember he walked you up the hill behind his flat in the morning for Qigong? The list goes on....

As you entered Kindergarten and Primary school, you only get to see him every Saturday evening. Though the time with you has reduced signifcantly, I know that in Grandpa's heart, you're always in his mind constantly. Do you also always think of Grandpa?

For most kids, out of sight is out of mind. I think I know the answer. Won't you think a phone call from you would make his day? I know having fun is most kids' priority but having a grateful heart is the most important. You are a very blessed child surrounded by family and friends who love you. Remember to reciprocate the love as for it is in the giving that we receive.

Here are some lovely Giving and Receiving quotes I'll like to share with you:

"Before giving, the mind of a giver is happy; while giving, the mind of a giver is made peaceful; and having given, the mind of the giver is uplifted."
-Buddha-

"It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving."
-Mother Teresa-

"Every charitable act is a stepping stone towards heaven."
-Henry Ward Beecher-

"We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give."
-Winston Churchill-

"Giving people a little more than they expect is a good way to get back more than you'd expect."
-Robert Half-

"Before you speak, listen; Before you write, think; Before you spend, earn; Before you invest, investigate; Before you criticize, wait; Before you pray, forgive; Before you quit, try; Before you retire, safe; Before you die, give."
-William A. Ward-

Yours,
Mum who constantly thinks of you

Monday, September 27, 2010

Will my Mother be proud of me?

Dearest Ashley,


Mum would like to share with you a real-life story of a friend who touches my heart.

He is a trained Psychologist and worked as a Psychologist for 8 years before he became a Private Banker where he was extremely successful.

When his Mother was diagnosed with cancer, he suddenly realised that all the money he has, cannot buy his Mother good health. He started to question himself if his Mother is proud of him. It dawned on him that his Mother is not impressed by his wealth. In fact, his Mum was more proud of him when he helped people improved their emotional and mental health as a Psychologist.

He decided to quit Private banking and started his own company to help individuals and companies improve the employees' emotional resilience. This is a noble ambition. It is a gift to have the ability to help people build up their emotional resilience and regain their confidence. He is happier now and I'm sure his Mother is very proud of him.

His story touches my heart. Nowadays, sad to say that not many adults care about their Mothers' opinion, let alone, if their Mothers are proud of them. Do you care about your Mum's opinion? Do you think about if your actions and words will make your Mum proud? Mummy constantly reminds you that good children will grow up to be good adults; good habits now will stay will you when you become an adult.

From the bottom of my heart, Mum is very proud of you when your speech and drama teachers commented that you are humble and helpful; when you put in your 200% in the Lion King Audition; when you sang at last night's Mooncake celebration when teacher asked you on the spot; when you took care of Abby; when you ran upstairs to greet Ah Gong when you reached home. However, my heart sank when your school teachers told me you talked in class during their lessons; when you refused to learn your Chinese spelling; when you insisted on playing computer games during exam period; when you quarelled with Abby.

As I shared with you this morning, Mum and Dad have no intention to restrict your freedom. However, think about the right and wrong freedom. Freedom and trust must be earned. If we know that you make good use of the freedom given to you, we'll give you more. Conversely, if you abuse the freedom we give you, we will take back the freedom.

Just a simple daily exercise for you. Before you do anything or say anything, ask yourself one question, "Will my Mother be proud of me?". I love you, son.

Yours,
Proud Mum

Friday, September 24, 2010

Ashley, treasure your gifts

Dearest Ashley,

Mummy enjoys listening to you while you play the piano. As I watched you play, you reminded me of Kieran. Both of you play by ear with no scores in front of you. What surprised me most is you can play all 15 pieces Teacher Angeline taught you by ear. No wonder she commented that you have reached Grade 1 level in less than 3 months. She also mentioned you have very good ears and memory. However, the downside is your lack of familiarity with the notes. Thus, she wanted you to write down your composition in the music book.

You may not realise that you have a very special gift of hearing and remembering things that interest you. Think back on the Lion King's audition. You guys were taught new way of presenting a song with lots of movements. Did you remember all the moves and reproduce them in front of the judges? Yes, you did and you did it very well. Frankly, no one including your Mum would imagine you could get into the Finals.

Likewise, in all the Chinese songs Jiu Jian lao shi taught you. Did you remember you were surprise you could remember the entire song, "The way home" after he has taught you? Did you see the pattern? You are all fired up when the activity is fun and interest you. You're just like a recorder with the power to record and play back 100%. Ashley, that's a very wonderful gift. Many people including your Mum do not have this gift. That's why I can't remember the piano keys each time you teach me.

Treasure your special gift and make good use of it. If you can activate your gift in school, Mummy is very sure you will achieve excellent results beyond everyone's imagination. Can you repeat the "Shock" you created in the Lion King audition in school? In my heart, I know you have the power to do it. You just have to do it for yourself.

Cheers!
Your Mum who can't wait to see the real power in you in school

Poems by Abby

Dearest Abby,

You never fail to delight your Mum. Last night, before Sponge Bob show, you started to create your own poems and asked Mummy to help you with the spelling. As promised, I've captured your lovely poems in my blog:

Animals Counting
1 2 3 Lazy cows chew
4 5 6 One more pig
7 8 9 Cute little chicks
10 11 12 Ducks in a cage
13 14 15 Sheeps in a pen

Happy Baby
Baby loves me
I love baby
We play together
Baby likes to play with me
I love my family

Rabbit in a hole
Quiet and lonely
She is waiting for her birthday to come
She is going to her cousin's house
To play all day

While I was coaching Ashley koko chinese spelling, you were busy doodling. I was so surprise to see the beautiful illustration you created for the Rabbit in a hole poem. You drew a rabbit in a hole and four lovely rats as the rabbit's cousins. In my heart, I know you will become one of the talented authors cum illustrators in the TV program, Stories come alive.

Hey, you are blessed with many talents and you can pursue your dreams of becoming a singer, author, artist, dancer, doctor, nurse and lego treehouse builder. Well done, my sweetie pie. Mummy is very proud of you.

Lots of hugs and kisses,
Your Proud Mum

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

The Best Teacher Award goes to....

Dearest Ashley and Abby,

Mummy is always amazed by the choices you made. When you were invited to sing at Teachers' Day concert, you decided on 梦高飞. An excellent choice as the lyrics goes, "though the rooftop is small, it has big dreams" As you said in your thankyou speech,"Thank you Teachers for your care and guidance, 有你们, 我们的梦能够高飞!" While filming you while you were singing on stage, I thought of 2 teachers whom I respected alot.

One of them is none other than your Godma. Having taught in Primary school for over 10 years, she is still very passionate about teaching. Remember, she was awarded the "Most Innovative Teacher Award" in 2007? She always make sure her lessons are fun and creative to engage all 40 students in class. She will always start her form class with some exercise to switch on their learning before diving into the textbooks. She is also a very caring teacher. She cares for her students and never hesitate to step forward if she finds out her students are not properly taken care at home.

The 2nd Best Teachers Award goes to Esther, the Founder of Genie-Kinder. She is one of the most caring and creative teachers I've ever met. Under her care, Abby loves reading, rhymes and poems. She even created her own poems. I was even more impressed when I witnessed how Abby uses her phonics skill to pronouce a new word. Her pronouciation is superb!

Besides academic development, Esther also looks into character development. Once, I was puzzled when I saw Abby crying in class. Esther pulled me aside and explained to me that Abby is very competitive in nature. She always want to be 1st in everything she does. If she comes in 2nd or has difficulties trying out new things, she will cry. She deliberately made Abby come in 2nd on Tue, 3rd on Wed and 4th on Thur to condition her. Now, Abby is less affected if she did not come in1st. Sometimes, she will share with me that she came in 2nd in class and complimented the kid who came in 1st.

The kids adore Esther. She is very kind but firm. I got to know her since the Tumble Tots days. She ran Tumble Tots for 10 years before she founded Genie Kinder. Abby attended Tumble Tots since she was 2 years old. Am very fortunate to get to know such an exemplary teacher like Esther. Am very grateful to her for coaching Abby.

Hugs,
Lucky Mummy

Ashley got into the Final Disney Lion King Musical Audition!

Dearest Ashely,

Remembered you had your 2nd audition on 17 Sep, my birthday? You practised hard for your audition songs almost every night. However, on the actual day, we were caught by surprise as they brought you guys to the dance studio instead of the stage. There, the Disney folks measured your height, trained you guys on your vocal, dance moves and acting skills. After waited for an hour, you came out and told Mummy you were selected for the next audition on 18 Sep.

When we came back the next day, we were informed this was the last audition and you were among the 7 Finalists out of the 100 contestants. While waiting for you outside, Mummy learned from other 6 Mummies that their boys aged 10 and 11 had prior musical and stage experience. Though this is your very first Musical audition, you had done exceptionally well to make it to the finals. Regardless of the outcome, Mummy is very proud of you as you have gone very far and you have done your best.

After waited for 3 hours, the audition door was opened and we could see you guys practising your piece. You guys were great singers and dancers. Despite the long hours of audition and no lunch, you guys still look so energetic and enjoying every moment. That's the spirit.

Am sure you will always remember your 1st Musical audition - though competitive, you guys had so much fun together. You got to witness the high standard of performance by each boy. As you analysed, you're no. 2 in singing and dancing; no.3 in acting and martial moves (you could do the cartwheel but not the worm). Am glad to hear such objective competitive analysis from you.

The results will be out in Oct. Mummy is keeping my fingers and toes crossed. In my eyes, you already won the Simba role. Too bad, Mummy is not the judge.

As Mum and Dad always say to you, it is the journey that matters the most, not the end results. If you get the Simba role, it will be a great bonus. If not, you have learned so much during the 3 auditions and that is invaluable. In fact, you will be better prepared for the next Musical audition. Your dream of playing Suko in Aang Musical may just come true. Afterall, you're just 8 years old and you have a long way to go. Mum, Dad and Abby will support you all the way! Cheers!

Lots of hugs and kisses,
Your Mummy Dearest

Monday, September 13, 2010

Abby, the Photo Copier of Ashley

Dearest Abby,

Each time I asked you who you love most, you always mentioned Ashley without fail. Whenever Koko learns a new song, you will learn from him and the next thing I know, you could sing the entire song. Like the Lion King song, "I just can't wait to be King" and "My Favorite Things", you sang with immerse enthusiasm and perfection. Mummy loves to listen to you and Koko's singing everyday.

When you see Ashley going for swimming lesson, you also wanted to learn swimming. Daddy enjoyed teaching you how to swim as much as you enjoyed his company. You're such a Darling. You listened so well to instructions that you can now swim without your armfloats. Mummy always enjoyed the Part 2 of the swimming lesson, the Fun Part! We had so much fun "firing" the water pump at one another and the swimming board target.

When you see Ashley does his homework, you also wanted to do your homework. Mummy is very surprised that you could write your Chinese name. You even ask me to teach you how to write,"I love my mother, father, brother and family" in Chinese. Your writing is so creative.

When you see Ashley does his triple cartwheels, you also wanted to show off your cartwheels. When Ashley is practising for his audition, you also wanted to practise for your Princess Talentime audition.

Enjoy your photo copying time with Ashley Koko.

Yours,
Mummy who enjoys the double dose of happiness

Ashley's First Disney Lion King Musical Audition

Dearest Ashley,

When Mummy said this is a once in a life time experience, I'm not exaggerating. Disney's Lion King Musical is a world-class production and they have performed around the globe. They are looking for a boy to play Simba. Initially, I just wanted you to go for the fun and experience. I couldn't believe my eyes to see how composed you were in front of the three judges on a big stage. You introduced yourself and sang the song, "My Favorite Things" so well that the judges asked you to come back for the 2nd audition on the spot! To be frank, my heart was pounding while watching you from the audience seat. You were Fantastic! Special thanks to your Godma who helped you practised the song.

Though you are talented, there are many talented boys around and some are more talented and experienced than you. They are all vying for the Simba role. Thus, you need to put in the 10,000 hours to polish your singing and dancing. The moment you slacker, you give other contestants a greater chance to win. If you decide to do it, give it your best, nothing less.

Coincidentally, your 2nd audition falls on my birthday. I've reserved my birthday wish for you. I wish you will get the Simba role. Having said that, in the event you are not selected, you still gain alot in the entire process. You gained the 10,000 hours and the experience. The next time a new Musical such as Aang come to Singapore, you will be more confident and prepared to win the role of Szuko! Have fun and enjoy every time you perform on stage.

Your Amateur Choreographer,
Mummy

Ashley signed me up as a Parent Volunteer

Dearest Ashley,

Thanks to you. I never knew being a Parent Volunteer can be so fun! Though I was not assigned to your team at the Swim Saver Program, I get to see you from far on the 1st day. You had so much fun with the boys in the pool. Mummy is very glad to see my happy boy surrounded by friends wherever you go.

I didn't know I was the only Parent Volunteer last Sat at your drama club's performance at Clementi Moon cake festival celebration. Mummy enjoyed your company as much as you enjoyed mine. I got to help out in carrying things, helping the kids make up, fixing the girls' hair and helping the kids with the costume. The best part is to see you guys rehearsed and the actual performance. You guys were great! Your Tortoise role came alive with your superb performance. You spoke and walked so slowly like a real Tortoise. I love the part you told the Hare how you won the race,"While you were sleeping, I continue to walk. I'm constant and patient." That is the spirit in learning too.

The bonus as a Parent Volunteer is to get to know your classmates, teachers and other parents better. I know your juicy stories in school. Most teachers gave me good feedback about you. See, you're an obedient and humble boy in their eyes. So, please don't assume that your teachers see you as a naughty boy.

Thanks for volunteering me. I've got to know so much about the new you in school. Just do me a favour. Next time, please ask me first before you put up my name. Btw, I've volunteered myself in your class upcoming Children's Day Party as being a Parent Volunteer has become my new found hobby. Cheers!

Always your No. 1 Fan,
Your Mummy Dearest