Dearest Ashley,
Do you know how Chinese grow bamboo? First they plant the seeds, then water, and fertilize them. The first year, nothing happens. the second year they continue to water and fertilize the seeds, and still nothing happens. The seed sower continues this process for a third and fourth year with no visual results. Then sometime during the fifth year, in a period of approximately six weeks, the Chinese bamboo grows ninety feet. The question is, did it grow ninety feet in six weeks or did it grow ninety feet in five years?
The obvious answer is that it grew ninety feet in five years because, if the grower hadn't applied water and fertilizer every year, no Chinese bamboo would exist.
Learning is like growing Chinese bamboo. If you give up learning how to ride the bicycle after a few falls, would you be able to enjoy the cool breeze as you cycle in the park now? If you refuse to learn your spelling, would you be able to enjoy reading your Pokemon comics and storybooks? With the determination of the bamboo farmer, you learn new things year after year. With years of learning and practice, you will be an expert in anything you set forth.
Persevere, enjoy the learning journey and you will reach great heights like the bamboo.
Cheers!
Mummy will show you the bamboo at our Secret Garden tonight
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
I thank my Mum for being the Meanest Mum in the whole wide world
Dearest Ashley,
You like to look into my iPhone schedule and you figured that Mum manages my day by tight schedule.
When we did our learning profiling, the results were amazingly accurate. I'm an action-oriented learner; Daddy is an analytical learner and you're an adventureous learner.
When I was your age, I planned my day to the minute as I've the Meanest Mum in the whole world. Looking back, I've to thank my mother for being so strict with me. I not only learned how to manage my time effectively, I learned about self-control at a young age. My Mum set limits for us and help us learn to stay within those boundaries. At mealtime, my Mum made us finish what was on our plates; she could track us down in no time flat; my Mum loved schedule and could hold down 3 jobs; we had to clean our rooms, dust, mob, cook and wash our own shoes; no movies or outings with friends till Junior College. But hey, I earned her trust enough that she agreed to let me stay in the university hostel for 4 years.
I grew up to be a healthy, disciplined, hardworking woman married to a man who appreciates and respects those standards of living. And whom do I have to thank for this? You're right, my mean Mum.
Being a Mum is hardwork; being your Mum requires even more hardwork as you are as strong-will as Mummy. Let's make a promise to practise self-control together - I'll try not to yell at you when you misbehave and you'll try to control your emotions and actions ok?
Yours,
Mean Mummy
You like to look into my iPhone schedule and you figured that Mum manages my day by tight schedule.
When we did our learning profiling, the results were amazingly accurate. I'm an action-oriented learner; Daddy is an analytical learner and you're an adventureous learner.
When I was your age, I planned my day to the minute as I've the Meanest Mum in the whole world. Looking back, I've to thank my mother for being so strict with me. I not only learned how to manage my time effectively, I learned about self-control at a young age. My Mum set limits for us and help us learn to stay within those boundaries. At mealtime, my Mum made us finish what was on our plates; she could track us down in no time flat; my Mum loved schedule and could hold down 3 jobs; we had to clean our rooms, dust, mob, cook and wash our own shoes; no movies or outings with friends till Junior College. But hey, I earned her trust enough that she agreed to let me stay in the university hostel for 4 years.
I grew up to be a healthy, disciplined, hardworking woman married to a man who appreciates and respects those standards of living. And whom do I have to thank for this? You're right, my mean Mum.
Being a Mum is hardwork; being your Mum requires even more hardwork as you are as strong-will as Mummy. Let's make a promise to practise self-control together - I'll try not to yell at you when you misbehave and you'll try to control your emotions and actions ok?
Yours,
Mean Mummy
The Funniest Storyteller Award goes to....
Dearest Ashley and Abby,
Unquestionably, the Funniest Storyteller Award goes to....Your Daddy. You guys were laughing so loudly that I'm sure the whole neighbourhood could hear your laughter.
The lively characters such as the Big Baby, Boots the Monkey, Mickey Mouse, Strawberry Shortcake and many more came alive in Daddy's hilarious story. Personally, I like Boots the Monkey best as he is so funny. Remember he said he liked his upside down banana tree and when Mickey Mouse asked him where was the upside down banana tree, he said, you just hang upside down on the banana tree and you would see the upside down banana tree. Hahaha....
Aren't you glad that I finally videoed Daddy and his funny story using my iPhone? Next time when you want Daddy to tell you another funny story but he is busy at work, you can just listen to him on the iPhone. Please give Daddy a breather at times so that he can think of another funny story to share with us the next time. Be patient and appreciative ok?
Lots of Hugs and Kisses,
Mum & Dad who love to hear your thunderous laughter
Unquestionably, the Funniest Storyteller Award goes to....Your Daddy. You guys were laughing so loudly that I'm sure the whole neighbourhood could hear your laughter.
The lively characters such as the Big Baby, Boots the Monkey, Mickey Mouse, Strawberry Shortcake and many more came alive in Daddy's hilarious story. Personally, I like Boots the Monkey best as he is so funny. Remember he said he liked his upside down banana tree and when Mickey Mouse asked him where was the upside down banana tree, he said, you just hang upside down on the banana tree and you would see the upside down banana tree. Hahaha....
Aren't you glad that I finally videoed Daddy and his funny story using my iPhone? Next time when you want Daddy to tell you another funny story but he is busy at work, you can just listen to him on the iPhone. Please give Daddy a breather at times so that he can think of another funny story to share with us the next time. Be patient and appreciative ok?
Lots of Hugs and Kisses,
Mum & Dad who love to hear your thunderous laughter
Abby with her quail eggs and garlics Multiplication Table
Dearest Abby,
You woke up this morning with such a bright smile. When I carried you from your bed, you said,"Mummy, I want to learn Times Table." As always, I went with your flow. I took out 10 bowls, a bag of garlics and a box of quail to the living room and started our very first lesson of Times Table.
As usual, you wanted to contiune with 4x Table even though I wanted to stop at 3x table. You were having so much fun putting the quail eggs and garlics in the ten bowls that you didn't want to stop. When I see the sparkle in your eyes, I also didn't want to stop. We continued playing and counting till 4x Table.
Mummmy enjoys learning with you too.
Cheers!
Mummy is going to cook quail eggs for you tonight
You woke up this morning with such a bright smile. When I carried you from your bed, you said,"Mummy, I want to learn Times Table." As always, I went with your flow. I took out 10 bowls, a bag of garlics and a box of quail to the living room and started our very first lesson of Times Table.
As usual, you wanted to contiune with 4x Table even though I wanted to stop at 3x table. You were having so much fun putting the quail eggs and garlics in the ten bowls that you didn't want to stop. When I see the sparkle in your eyes, I also didn't want to stop. We continued playing and counting till 4x Table.
Mummmy enjoys learning with you too.
Cheers!
Mummy is going to cook quail eggs for you tonight
Ashley, you'll on your way to achieve your goal!
Dearest Ashley,
You were in such a happy mood yesterday. You read to Abby in the library, enjoyed your octopus double cheese balls in the car and read your library book in your bedroom. At night, you focused on the Math exam paper and you scored 98 marks. Well done!
This morning, you were stilling wearing your joyful mood and asked me which exam paper I would like you to do at 7:15am! Again, you were very focused doing your English paper while I teached Abby in the living room. You scored 97 marks. Congrats! See, when you are 100% focused, happy and relaxed, you did very well. You exceeded Mummy's expectation!
Exams is 2 weeks from now. Be aware of your feelings and you know you can control your feelings. When you feel happy, you could concentrate better and score. Remember the goal you set for yourself beginning this year? Mummy is very sure that you will achieve what you set for with your continuous happy and focused effort. You go, Boy!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers!
Your No. 1 Cheerleader, Mummy
You were in such a happy mood yesterday. You read to Abby in the library, enjoyed your octopus double cheese balls in the car and read your library book in your bedroom. At night, you focused on the Math exam paper and you scored 98 marks. Well done!
This morning, you were stilling wearing your joyful mood and asked me which exam paper I would like you to do at 7:15am! Again, you were very focused doing your English paper while I teached Abby in the living room. You scored 97 marks. Congrats! See, when you are 100% focused, happy and relaxed, you did very well. You exceeded Mummy's expectation!
Exams is 2 weeks from now. Be aware of your feelings and you know you can control your feelings. When you feel happy, you could concentrate better and score. Remember the goal you set for yourself beginning this year? Mummy is very sure that you will achieve what you set for with your continuous happy and focused effort. You go, Boy!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers!
Your No. 1 Cheerleader, Mummy
Friday, October 15, 2010
Abby and her Unicorn hairstyle
Dearest Abby,
While we were reading the 5 little piglets in wigs, the one with the Unicorn hairstyle reminded Mummy of your very own Unicorn hairstyle. Remembered you wanted me to tie a very high ponytail and loop it so that it can stand up high? I thought that was creative. When your classmates commented that was a funny hairstyle, you were a little embarassed but you still stick to the Unicorn hairstyle till you reach home. The next day, you wanted me to tie the rainbow hairstyle for you, then another one with multiple little pleats, then another one with shiny balls around your head, then another one with tiera, then...
Mummy must confess that when I was busy working for the past few years, I didn't notice your hair has grown so long and touches your shoulder. Let alone, comb your hair or tie your hair. This year, I took up a new hobby as your new hair stylist. Mummy loves to comb and style your hair. Very therapeutic...
I wonder what hairstyle you will ask me to comb for you tomorrow?
Hugs,
Your Ameteur Hair Stylist
While we were reading the 5 little piglets in wigs, the one with the Unicorn hairstyle reminded Mummy of your very own Unicorn hairstyle. Remembered you wanted me to tie a very high ponytail and loop it so that it can stand up high? I thought that was creative. When your classmates commented that was a funny hairstyle, you were a little embarassed but you still stick to the Unicorn hairstyle till you reach home. The next day, you wanted me to tie the rainbow hairstyle for you, then another one with multiple little pleats, then another one with shiny balls around your head, then another one with tiera, then...
Mummy must confess that when I was busy working for the past few years, I didn't notice your hair has grown so long and touches your shoulder. Let alone, comb your hair or tie your hair. This year, I took up a new hobby as your new hair stylist. Mummy loves to comb and style your hair. Very therapeutic...
I wonder what hairstyle you will ask me to comb for you tomorrow?
Hugs,
Your Ameteur Hair Stylist
Abby, you exceeded my expectation!
Dearest Abby,
Though it was just 30 mins of Chinese homework time, Mummy's simply very impressed by your driven attitude.
When I read the sentences for you to match the pictures, you not only got them all correct but you even read the sentence back to me after that. What blew your Mummy away was during the Comprehension study. I was expecting you to verbalize the answers after listening to the story, but you wanted to write the answers. As the word 葡萄 appeared several times in the answers, you wanted me to cover the word so that you could write the word by memory. Mummy's jaws dropped each time you pushed yourself to do more. I'm so happy to see such a driven 5 year old girl.
Last night, you sang the song, "我家门前有小河, 后面有山坡"I was already very surprised you wanted me to teach you how to write the lyrics. Mummy loves your singing and writing. Most of all, your attitude towards learning. You set your own pace. Mummy will do my best to support your learning interest. Happy learning!
Love,
Mummy loves your learning attitude
Though it was just 30 mins of Chinese homework time, Mummy's simply very impressed by your driven attitude.
When I read the sentences for you to match the pictures, you not only got them all correct but you even read the sentence back to me after that. What blew your Mummy away was during the Comprehension study. I was expecting you to verbalize the answers after listening to the story, but you wanted to write the answers. As the word 葡萄 appeared several times in the answers, you wanted me to cover the word so that you could write the word by memory. Mummy's jaws dropped each time you pushed yourself to do more. I'm so happy to see such a driven 5 year old girl.
Last night, you sang the song, "我家门前有小河, 后面有山坡"I was already very surprised you wanted me to teach you how to write the lyrics. Mummy loves your singing and writing. Most of all, your attitude towards learning. You set your own pace. Mummy will do my best to support your learning interest. Happy learning!
Love,
Mummy loves your learning attitude
Thanks for your feedback, Ashley
Dearest Ashley,
The ticks on the page will always serve as a good reminder for your Mummy. Thanks for speaking your mind and I'm very happy to receive such honest feedback from you. Mummy will continue to work on my patience and being fair to you and Abby. In case we misplaced the book, here's the poem and your ticks:
Children Learn What They Live
If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, her learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with encouragement, her learns confidence. (Ticked)
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate. (Ticked)
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith. (Ticked)
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. (Ticked)
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world. (Ticked)
Talking about love, you shared with me that you had a nightmare last night. You dreamt of a group of girls chasing after you. I almost fell off my chair. You said that one of the girls look very familiar and she may be your future wife. I can't stop laughing. You're such a funny and loving boy. Mummy loves it when you said,"I love you, Mum." every morning before you get off the car at the school. I just keep smiling the whole day....
Love,
Mummy knows that you'll gonna be a good husband to your future wife.
The ticks on the page will always serve as a good reminder for your Mummy. Thanks for speaking your mind and I'm very happy to receive such honest feedback from you. Mummy will continue to work on my patience and being fair to you and Abby. In case we misplaced the book, here's the poem and your ticks:
Children Learn What They Live
If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, her learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with encouragement, her learns confidence. (Ticked)
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate. (Ticked)
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith. (Ticked)
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. (Ticked)
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world. (Ticked)
Talking about love, you shared with me that you had a nightmare last night. You dreamt of a group of girls chasing after you. I almost fell off my chair. You said that one of the girls look very familiar and she may be your future wife. I can't stop laughing. You're such a funny and loving boy. Mummy loves it when you said,"I love you, Mum." every morning before you get off the car at the school. I just keep smiling the whole day....
Love,
Mummy knows that you'll gonna be a good husband to your future wife.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Abby, Lindy and Katey's 1st Disney Princess Talentime
Dearest Abby,
Thanks to Ee Ee, you got to join Lindy and Katey in the Disney Princess Talentime and Tea Party. You gals had so much fun and though this was the first time three of you catwalked and introduced yourself on stage, you gals were marvelous! You all delivered your speech with great clarity and confidence.
You were well behaved during the audition and actual performance. Keep it up. I could see your little face lit up when you saw Dad and Ashley Koko rushed in time to cheer for you on stage.
You also had fun designing the doll house and making bear bread during the tea party. Mummy took lots of photos and videos of three of you. You gals reminded me of my 2 sisters and I when we were young.
It's great to grow up with so many cousins around you. Have fun!
Hugs and kisses,
Your Mummy Dearest
Thanks to Ee Ee, you got to join Lindy and Katey in the Disney Princess Talentime and Tea Party. You gals had so much fun and though this was the first time three of you catwalked and introduced yourself on stage, you gals were marvelous! You all delivered your speech with great clarity and confidence.
You were well behaved during the audition and actual performance. Keep it up. I could see your little face lit up when you saw Dad and Ashley Koko rushed in time to cheer for you on stage.
You also had fun designing the doll house and making bear bread during the tea party. Mummy took lots of photos and videos of three of you. You gals reminded me of my 2 sisters and I when we were young.
It's great to grow up with so many cousins around you. Have fun!
Hugs and kisses,
Your Mummy Dearest
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Lift yourself up, Ashley
Dearest Ashley,
I hope you remember what your parents said to you last night. More importantly, I hope you remembered what you promised us and yourself that we would not receive such letters from your teachers. Your mischievous behaviour in class is not acceptable.
This is not the first time. You are getting overboard. As what Dad said to you, you either choose going up or down. If you continue such mischievous behaviour, you will naturally go down. Look around you. You are lifted by your parents, grandparents, teachers and many people who love and care for you. Look within yourself. Who is stepping on you and crushing you? You.
Why do you continue to misbehave in class despite your parents and teachers' advice?
Self-regulation and self realisation have to come from you. Nobody can make you realise that. We can only guide you as much as we could. If you refuse to listen, you will bear the consequence.
I shared with you the story of my friend, a gangster turned a successful business man. He was the most mischievous boy in school. He would throw a cat from the 4th floor of his school building, smoked and skipped school, agrued with the teacher and even hit the teacher. The news of him fighting the teacher came out in the papers. He was severely punished for such unacceptable bad behaviour. His Principal informed his parents of the corporate punishment to be conducted in front of the entire school. His Dad came to witness the corporate punishment and requested the Principal to double the caning.
After this incident, he still did not realise until at 18 years old, he was involved in a gang fight and he almost killed someone. In the jail, he reflected on his past actions and was very remorsed that he has caused so much pain to his parents. Since young, he was very jealous of his younger brother. He did all these just to catch his parent's attention. When he looked back, he felt so foolish. His parents love him as much as his brother. It was his jealousy that blurred his judgement. Once he realised his wrong doing and more importantly, his capability, he studied hard and tried his very best to make up for the lost time in school and with his family. Now, he is a successful businessman and he is very close to his parents and his only brother.
Though it is a happy ending but not many are as lucky as my friend. His family never give up on him. However, many have fallen and never stood up. They continued to be in their darkest and loneliest cell. Mother does not wish that you go through the struggle my friend went through. It pains me so much that you are stepping on yourself while we are doing our best to lift you up. You are a talented and capable young man. If you put your heart in class, pay full attention to the teachers, you will not have the urge to talk in class and misbehave in class.
All said. The choice is yours. We love you, son.
Yours,
Mummy awaiting to see the shining star in class
I hope you remember what your parents said to you last night. More importantly, I hope you remembered what you promised us and yourself that we would not receive such letters from your teachers. Your mischievous behaviour in class is not acceptable.
This is not the first time. You are getting overboard. As what Dad said to you, you either choose going up or down. If you continue such mischievous behaviour, you will naturally go down. Look around you. You are lifted by your parents, grandparents, teachers and many people who love and care for you. Look within yourself. Who is stepping on you and crushing you? You.
Why do you continue to misbehave in class despite your parents and teachers' advice?
Self-regulation and self realisation have to come from you. Nobody can make you realise that. We can only guide you as much as we could. If you refuse to listen, you will bear the consequence.
I shared with you the story of my friend, a gangster turned a successful business man. He was the most mischievous boy in school. He would throw a cat from the 4th floor of his school building, smoked and skipped school, agrued with the teacher and even hit the teacher. The news of him fighting the teacher came out in the papers. He was severely punished for such unacceptable bad behaviour. His Principal informed his parents of the corporate punishment to be conducted in front of the entire school. His Dad came to witness the corporate punishment and requested the Principal to double the caning.
After this incident, he still did not realise until at 18 years old, he was involved in a gang fight and he almost killed someone. In the jail, he reflected on his past actions and was very remorsed that he has caused so much pain to his parents. Since young, he was very jealous of his younger brother. He did all these just to catch his parent's attention. When he looked back, he felt so foolish. His parents love him as much as his brother. It was his jealousy that blurred his judgement. Once he realised his wrong doing and more importantly, his capability, he studied hard and tried his very best to make up for the lost time in school and with his family. Now, he is a successful businessman and he is very close to his parents and his only brother.
Though it is a happy ending but not many are as lucky as my friend. His family never give up on him. However, many have fallen and never stood up. They continued to be in their darkest and loneliest cell. Mother does not wish that you go through the struggle my friend went through. It pains me so much that you are stepping on yourself while we are doing our best to lift you up. You are a talented and capable young man. If you put your heart in class, pay full attention to the teachers, you will not have the urge to talk in class and misbehave in class.
All said. The choice is yours. We love you, son.
Yours,
Mummy awaiting to see the shining star in class
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