Thursday, August 26, 2010

New Rhymes by Abby

Dearest Abby,

After buidling your lego tree house and castle, you suddenly recited several rhymes. Mummy suggested to video you and you jolly well accepted. We had so much fun making the video and here's your lovely rhymes:

1. Cloudy Day

These are the clouds
Way up high
Hear the thunders
Roar and crash
Raindrops on the floor
Puddles big and round

2. Clocks and the mice

One clock here
One clock there
Two mice have a problem
One Big Papa mouse has a big idea
He uses the tools to fix the clocks

3. Ocean

This is the sun
Round and big
This is the seed
Snug in the ground
These are the flowers
Waving in the breeze
This is the yatch
Sailing to the sea

4. Mr. Golden Sun

When you see Mr. Golden Sun
Let's go to the park to have some fun
When you see Mr. Golden Sun
Many children play and run

Chorus:
Sunshine, Mr. Golden Sun
Sunshine for us to have fun
Sunshine, Mr. Golden Sun,
Sunshine for us to play and run

5. Rainbow

This is the rainbow
These are the puddles
Here comes the rainbow and the sun
We play outside our home
When we see our brother, we play with him

6. Rabbit

Here is a rabbit with long ears and short tail
She likes to hop around to look for her Prince
When she finds her Prince Dog, she is as happy as can be

7. Ice cream and Marsh Mallow

This is a kid, riding in his scooter
Waiting for the ice cream man
The girl is at home
Waiting for the marsh mallow shop to open

To be continued...

Lots of love,
Mummy who loves all your rhymes

Our First YOG!

Dearest Ashley and Abby,

You guys are so lucky to witness one of the most important events in Singapore - First Youth Olympic Games in the entire universe! Am so excited when Abby told me about how enthusiastically her school mates and her cheered and clapped for the athletics as the YOG bus passed by their school; how the Flame was passed around in Ashley's school and the special moment came to a standstill when Ashley held the Flame!

As a family, we watched the Women's Diving prelimiary round at Toa Payoh Swimming Pool. Wow! You could feel the roaring energy as the spectators cheered the participants on. When Singapore participant walked pass the audience, the cheering was magnified by at least 3x! When each participant took to the diving platform, you could feel their highest level of focus and calmness. Mummy's heart was pumping very fast when I saw the girls did their handstand at the edge of the platform. I couldn't believe my eyes. The wonderful somersaults took my breathe away!

Ashley, remembered how we cheered for Isabelle in front of the TV during her match with Yuting from China, who is the under-15 world No. 1. Did you see Isabelle's eyes? She was focused and calm throughout the competition. She did not crumpled under pressure. You could feel her fighting spirit. We are so proud of her. Mummy read from the papers that she is so focused that during her four months of intensive training, she did not call or sms her parents. She is very determined to win. Her efforts paid off beyond anyone's imagination!

Isabelle and all the YOG athletics are indeed world-class, both in skills and character. They have put in years of hardwork and made many sacrifices to be where they are today. Today is the closing of YOG which symoblizes a new beginning for each participant. They have proven themselves to the world and more improtantly, they have proven to themselves that they can achieve what they have dreamed of. The new beginning means a new set of records await them.

Hey, Ashley, you might want to consider a world-class wushu expert cum singer profession? How does that sound to you?

Hey, Abby, you might want to consider a world-class water gymnastics cum singer career since you love to swim, dance and sing. Ok?

Whatever you guys decide to do, Mum and Dad will always support you.

Cheers!
Mum who still have the YOG fever

Friday, August 20, 2010

What makes a Good Friend?

Dearest Ashley,

When you confided in Mummy that you were sad when someone instigated your good friend in school to hit you. Mummy was very disturbed by the incident too. I felt that he is not fit to be your good friend as he chose to listen to bad advice instead of standing by you. However, you told me that you know he is a true friend as he is sensitive. I didn't quite understand but I respect your feelings.

As you learned in Adam Khoo camp, we are constantly surrounded by good and bad friends. We are influenced by our friends. So, what makes a good friend? True friendship can start instantly but takes time to build. Here are some qualities you find in good friends:

1. A good friend is someone you can trust and trust you

2. A good friend cares about you

3. A good friend sticks with you in good times and bad

4. A good friend accepts you for who you are
Remembered the part the two boys discovered their good friend is learning ballet in "Before I was awesome" last night? They accepted their friend for who he is and affirmed him that they are still his good friends even though he may wear his tutu someday. That's acceptance.

5. A good friend is supportive of you and your goals
If your friends continue to tease you that singing and dancing on stage is sissy, then they are not supportive of your goal to be a singer. A good friend shares your dream and supports you all the way.

6. A good friend is attentive and listening

7. A good friend is fun and interesting

Friends come and go. True friends stay by your side always.

Lots of Hugs and Kisses,
Mum

Friday, August 13, 2010

Develop consistent behaviour when you are young

Dearest Ashley,

While removing your contact lens before we head for school this morning, you told me you have Chinese spelling. I was fuming mad because you did not learn your spelling. What angered me most was when you said, "I don't care". Mummy can accept your forgetfulness but I can't stand the "I don't mind" attitude.

Am glad we had the following conversation in the car:

Mum: Ashley, do you like Mummy to always talk to you in a loving way instead of sometimes raising my voice at you like this morning.

Ashley: Loving way always.

Mum: I also want to talk to you consistently in a loving way. Doing things in a consistent way means no unpleasant surprises like this morning. Mother is always home after my work; there's always food on the table; Ah Mah is always there to cook you your meals after school; Mummy always drives you to school punctually. So, you see the importance of being consistent in our behaviour?

Ashley: Yeah.

Mummy: Imagine when you become a singer, you sing the "I don't care" songs. Do you think your Fans will care about you? Do you think they care to buy tickets to watch your concert? Don't you think it is important to expect a high standard of yourself and consistently present high quality music and performance for your Fans?

Ashley: Silent.

Mummy: The best time to start developing a consistent behaviour is when you are young. Instead of getting full marks one day and 60 mark another day, can you aim to get good marks which you are capable of? Can we agree to start a consistent plan to learn spelling on Wed after your piano lesson and revise one more time on Thurs?

Ashley: Ok, Mum.

Mummy: Good. With a consistent plan, you will achieve consistent good results. Now, quickly go learn your spelling. Love you, son. Bye.

Ashley: Ok, Mum. I love you too.

Love,
Mummy promised to speak to you in a loving way consistently

Thursday, August 12, 2010

I missed my Daddy ~ Journal by Ashley

With Ashley's consent, I've posted his journal on my blog in case he lost his journal...

"As I'm writing this journal, my Dad is in Taipei. We skyed each other on his first night. He showed us his hotel room and it looks quite big and cool.

Before he went to Taipei, he went to Shanghai for work. He has been very busy with his work lately. Last night, when I heard the Carpenters's song, "Yesterday Once More", I thought of Daddy as the lyrics touched my heart. I really missed him, especially the time we spent playing Maple Story and Naruto Wii together.

When he is less busy, he will help me with my studies and Lead.com. I enjoy the happy times with him. Sometimes, he will talk to me when I was feeling angry or down. I felt better after talking to him.

In my eyes, he is the Best Dad in the entire galaxy. I love you, Dad."

Ashley

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

What is Courage?

Dearest Ashley,

Remember the book,"What is Courage?" that talks about riding the bike without training wheels for the first time? Checking out the noises in the middle of the night? Sleeping with your lights off and protecting your little sibling in front of bullies, etc?

How about you? What is Courage to you? This is how Mummy sees it in you:

Courage is learning swimming for the first time, didn't cry and now practising hard for your Gold!

Courage is practising wushu in the hot sun and enduring the extreme stretching by teachers and never give up!

Courage is giving a splendid performance despite a spinning headache at the 2 Voices, 10 fingers concert!

Courage is practising the piano everyday on your own and having composed your first music score!

Courage is balancing on the shaky log the 30th time and finally reached the other side after falling 29th times!

Courage is rehearsing hard and giving your best performance on stage and came in 1st in the school's talent contest and 3rd in National Day Inter-class singing contest!

Courage is taking the Space Mountain ride and the tallest slide in Singapore and wanting to go again and again!

Courage is paying attention in class and respecting teachers at all times.

Courage is being fearless in front of new challenges and enjoying the journey in overcoming these challenges.

Courage is being focus at study and at play and not mixing them up.

Courage is becoming the Best that you can be!

Let's work together to overcome the next big challenge in 2 weeks' time. Getting it is a bonus; but what matters most is the effort and focus you put in during these 2 weeks and on the actual day. You have nothing to lose but all to gain. Ashley, only YOU can choose to become the BEST that you can be. Mummy will always sypport you. Cheers!

Love,
Mummy who is very proud to have a Courageous Prince

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Our Sports Girl of the Year!

Dearest Abby,

Wow! Mummy was very impressed by our very own talented Sports Girl of the Year. You're just like Lola who can really really concentrate. Remember how you balanced the ball in the spoon between your eyes and mouth, just like Lola? Not once did your ball drop. Well done!

You had so much fun at the shool's sports day yesterday. You ranked the washing machine game as your No. 1 favourite, followed by the Tap Tap Goose, Flag Relay and Kangaroo Hop. You listened to instructions and played well with your friends. Win or lose is not important. The most important thing is you did your best and enjoyed yourself thoroughly.

Mummy also observed that you really cared for your friends. When Melody said, "I don't want" or "Don't choose me" in the games, you knew she injured her knee and you cheered her on during the games. You also cheered the little ones like Gavin. You're our Caring Sports Girl.

Yours,
Mummy who will start inventing our own washing machine game at home

Friday, August 6, 2010

Live our Dreams, Fly our Flag!

Dearest Ashley,

Mummy was smiling from the heart as I was blogging this morning. In the car, you were practising the National Day song you and your classmates will be presenting later in school. Mummy is very proud of you being the lead singer and the music conductor. I know how much you wanted me to watch your performance but I need to video Abby later at her school's sports day. Thank you for your understanding. Mummy is very happy that you have matured.

I was so overjoyed that you finally agreed to take part in the Family Chinese story telling/skit contest. Mummy stated 2 reasons why I encouraged you to take part:

1. Your teachers are very sincere and they keep encouraging you and calling Mummy to sign up for the contest. Your teacher praised you for your stage presence, verbal ability and sleek wushu moves. You can incorporate all these in the story.

2. You agreed to seize every stage performance opportunity to beef up your stage confidence and experience.

Horray! Mummy can finally act alongside with you and Abby.

2 things you said in the car made me laughed so hard this morning:

1. You told me this will be your 45th time on stage and what better way to celebrate our Nation's 45th Birthday than this. You commented that performing on stage is like eating rice. Am happy you enjoy your rice and your stage performance.

2. You wanted to play the elderly man role instead of the Army General in the skit. You know Mummy's job is to place the right talent in the right place. When I asked you whether you in the right role, you thought through and decided to play the Army General role. Am glad you know your right place on stage.

Each time I hear you sing our National Day song, it reminds me of my idol, Kit Chan. She is one of Singapore's earliest top foreign Singapore Pop export, way before Stephanie Sun and JJ. She sang several NDP songs and even led the theme NDP songs on the huge stage during NDP for several years. It is a great honour to sing in front of the whole Nation of 5 Million people. Today, you lead your class in front of the whole school to sing the National Day song. Hold on to your dreams as tomorrow you may lead the school and when you become an adult, you may lead the whole Singapore in our 55th NDP. Dreams do come true for people who work hard and never give up.

Mummy would like to leave you with the story of David Beckham....

David Beckham is a soccer genius. Was his spectacular success in the field purely the result of natural gifts? Absolutely not. He took what nature gave him and ran the formula: Focus plus daily improvement plus time equals genius. He just devote to being brillant at soccer. And he is.

Yours,
Mummy who shares your dream

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

The little Surprises in store for me by Abby

Dearest Abby,

You never fail to give me little surprises each day. Last evening, Mummy brought you and Ashley Koko to Ah Mah's playground. While Koko and Mummy were playing badminton, you waited patiently for your turn at the swing. After 10 minutes, you finally get to sit on the swing and you were swinging by yourself. Mummy suddenly realised you have grown so much compared to the times when you sat on my lap and we swing and sang together.

You were so brave when you took the lead to sing solo at the Residents' Night. As Ashley was busy with his buddies, Mummy asked you if you would like me to accompany you on stage, I was taken aback by your reply. You said," It's ok, Mummy. You just video me and I will go on stage by myself."

You surprised everyone including Mummy when you sang the entire Mama song at Kieran's 21st birthday concert. You sang with such clarity and grace.

Though it was alot of hardwork during the 4-day Music camp, you were always smiling when we picked you up at 10pm after your camp. Your performance at the Art House was stunning! Mum and Dad were impressed by your confident stage presence and elephant memory, of course.

When you danced on stage, you did not look at the big jie jie as you remembered all the steps. Mummy was so proud of you when teachers told me they named you the leader of your team. Well done!

You wanted to learn violin right from the start. Even though Mummy and teacher Angeline advised you to start with the piano, you insisted on the violin. You know what you want at 4.5 years old.

When Mummy's Thai friends visited us at our home, the adults were pleasantly surprised when you served them drinks without being told.

When Mummy was tired, you would massage me with your little fingers.

When Mummy wanted to buy you a new toy, you would say,"Mummy, don't buy, I have alot of toys already." You hardly asked me buy things for you except the bus for your little friends and the mic and recorder for you to record your singing.

When Mummy reached Ah Mah's home after work, Ah Mah would sing praises of you saying how well you behaved and the songs and poems you taught your little cousin Amanda.

Mummy is very lucky to have a understanding, kind, confident and talented daughter like Abby. Thank you for all the little surprises and gifts you have showered on me. I love you with all my heart.

Yours,
Mummy who loves to sing and swing with my little Princess

Monday, August 2, 2010

Kids, You Rock at the Residents' Night!

Dearest Ashley and Abby,

I never know you guys can be so spontaneous and courageous on stage until I saw you both singing and dancing with the Malay entertainer and the Magician on stage. Mummy was pleasantly surprised when you were picked to go on stage. I guess it must be your widest and most beautiful smile that wooed the performers.

Abby, Mummy was so proud of you when you sang the song, Yesterday Once More during the Karaoke session. You sang beautifully. You noticed all the little children gathered around the stage to cheer you on. Well done!

Ashley, Mummy was so happy for you that you got better each time you sang the Mama song. Your voice quality has improved tremendously. Your buddies, Wei Jie and Wei Ran, cheered the loudest for you. Kudos to you!

Your Granny, Grandpa and Mummy also went on stage to play games. Thanks so much for being our greatest cheerleader. We love it but please take care of your voice when you screamed.

Am sure we'll always remember the Residents' Night 2010. We look forward to your official performance during the Residents' Night 2011. Cheers!

Regards,
Rock Stars' Mum