Dearest Ashley and Abby,
Like you, Mummy always look forward to Our Fun Place holiday programmes. From the video, I can see you guys, together with Our Fun Place's children, were having so much fun dancing away! Mummy is so glad to start a fun learning center with Teacher Esther. Happy dancing, happy learning!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
A Special Tribute to Parents
Dearest Ashley and Abby,
Though this is the 7th time we celebrated Mothers' Day at DES, this year is especially special as your cousins were involved in the celebration and performance.
As Mummy watched Ashley delivered the speech as the MC and led the singing, the image of the 3.5 years old Ashley performing his first wushu at DES Mothers' Day celebration came to my mind. Gosh, Mummy, Godma, Ee Ee and Nai nai were so emotional when we saw you performing wushu that we used up 4 packets of tissue paper in just 3 minutes! You were like Ashwyn when you first started out at DES. You have grown so much.
Mummy liked the gentle look in your eyes as you sang, so full of happiness and kindness. Mummy admired your courage to step forward to showcase your talents. Ashley, just a little reminder - with more practice, Mummy knows you can do even better. Enjoy the video!
Love,
Mummy Dearest
Though this is the 7th time we celebrated Mothers' Day at DES, this year is especially special as your cousins were involved in the celebration and performance.
As Mummy watched Ashley delivered the speech as the MC and led the singing, the image of the 3.5 years old Ashley performing his first wushu at DES Mothers' Day celebration came to my mind. Gosh, Mummy, Godma, Ee Ee and Nai nai were so emotional when we saw you performing wushu that we used up 4 packets of tissue paper in just 3 minutes! You were like Ashwyn when you first started out at DES. You have grown so much.
Mummy liked the gentle look in your eyes as you sang, so full of happiness and kindness. Mummy admired your courage to step forward to showcase your talents. Ashley, just a little reminder - with more practice, Mummy knows you can do even better. Enjoy the video!
Love,
Mummy Dearest
Saturday, October 29, 2011
A Museum of failed products by Robert Maximus
Dearest Ashley & Abby,
Do you know there is a very special Museum in America that collects failed products ranging from Coca cola, IBM, and other big brands in the market? Why did the Founder, Robert Maximus decide to start this unique Museum in 1960?
Here's his reply," When companies try to create new products, 80% will fail. If we can analyse why the products failed and seek better understanding in terms of consumer's needs, then we can eventually create successful new products. Conversely, if we did not take failure seriously and learn from our mistakes, we will always make the same mistake and make no progress."
To succeed or fail is not the most important thing. The most important thing is not being afraid of failure. Instead, see failure as the foundation stone, and have the courage to start from ground zero again.
Similarly, children must always be prepared to fall. When the child falls, he/she must be prepared to get up. In order to build a resilient child, the parents must change first. When our child falls, instead of asking,"Is it painful? Do you want Mummy to carry you?", we should say,"You'll be fine. Must learn to endure the pain." and let the child get up by himself/herself.
As parents, are we afraid of our children falling/failing?
Please remember while we are afraid of our children failing, we're taking away his/her opportunity to grow. We should cultivate the courage of getting up after failing and the drive to continue to keep trying.
A child who encountered failure and learned from it will succeed in life.
As your Mum, being No.1 is not important. The most important thing is that you have put in your best effort. Even if you fail, you will have the courage to get up and try again.
Love,
Mummy Dearest
Do you know there is a very special Museum in America that collects failed products ranging from Coca cola, IBM, and other big brands in the market? Why did the Founder, Robert Maximus decide to start this unique Museum in 1960?
Here's his reply," When companies try to create new products, 80% will fail. If we can analyse why the products failed and seek better understanding in terms of consumer's needs, then we can eventually create successful new products. Conversely, if we did not take failure seriously and learn from our mistakes, we will always make the same mistake and make no progress."
To succeed or fail is not the most important thing. The most important thing is not being afraid of failure. Instead, see failure as the foundation stone, and have the courage to start from ground zero again.
Similarly, children must always be prepared to fall. When the child falls, he/she must be prepared to get up. In order to build a resilient child, the parents must change first. When our child falls, instead of asking,"Is it painful? Do you want Mummy to carry you?", we should say,"You'll be fine. Must learn to endure the pain." and let the child get up by himself/herself.
As parents, are we afraid of our children falling/failing?
Please remember while we are afraid of our children failing, we're taking away his/her opportunity to grow. We should cultivate the courage of getting up after failing and the drive to continue to keep trying.
A child who encountered failure and learned from it will succeed in life.
As your Mum, being No.1 is not important. The most important thing is that you have put in your best effort. Even if you fail, you will have the courage to get up and try again.
Love,
Mummy Dearest
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Performance at the Singapore Lantern Festival @ Chinatown
Dearest Ashley and Abby,
Wow! Singing in the rain in front of Dr. Lily Neo and hundreds of live audience must be an exhilarating experience for you.
The fireworks and 孔明灯 were breathtaking! Did you make a wish before you release the 孔明灯 into the dark sky?
Jun Heng and Jun Tian also came to support you guys. So nice of them.
You guys sang very well and for the first time, Mummy saw your face on a big screen. You guys looked like Pros. Mum and Dad enjoy every performance of yours. Enjoy the video.
Love,
Mummy Dearest
Siblings bonding through playing "Genossa"
Dearest Ashley and Abby,
The best way to start the morning is by listening to your beautiful music. Mummy is very happy when I see you guys enjoy being together, learning and caring for each other.
Love,
Mummy Dearest
Friday, October 21, 2011
Talent vs. Passion
Dearest Ashley,
Did you recall the discussion of Talent vs. Passion Mummy and Mr. Peck had after dinner? Talent means the skill that someone has quite naturally to do something that is hard like playing the piano, acting, singing and public speaking, etc. Passion is an intense enthusiasm/desire for something that someone will go all out to do it for himself/herself despite challenges/roadblocks.
Mummy still remembers you would rehearse the scripts and songs for The Lion King Musical, Chinese Musical and School drama first thing you opened your eyes in the morning. You enjoyed these activities as you have the natural gifts/ talents for performing arts. However, talent is not equal to passion. Here's 3 real-life stories of Passion:
1. Kieran, the Passionate Pianist in pursuit of his dream
Kieran fell in love with piano at 18. He started his first piano lesson at 18 and in 8 months, he passed grade 8 exams. How on earth did he do that? He is so passionate with piano that he learned from 3 different teachers on techniques and compositions, practised 6~7 hours daily as he wanted to learn as much as he could.
Another 
amazing thing about Kieran is whenever he sees a grand piano in hotels, restaurants and Borders, he would approach the manager to ask if he could play the piano. I still remember we watched him playing the piano at Borders two years back. He also played the piano at the posh restaurant in Shanghai while we dined. The restaurant guests applauded.
He simply loves what he is doing. With hardwork, he has successfully transformed his talent into Passion.
He is on his way to Berklee College of Music where he will chart his career in music with unstoppable passion!
2. Mr. Peck and Jiu Jian 老师, Passionate Teachers who made a difference in students' lives
As a student of both Mr. Peck and Jiu Jian 老师, am sure you could feel their passion in teaching the students. Besides teaching you the skills, they will tell jokes and stories to inject more fun in learning; they affirm students for who they are and they are always encouraging and caring towards the students. I always remember you enjoyed entertaining your cousins with Mr. Peck's Tan Ah Teck story and the funny poems during Mr. Peck's class. With encouragement and coaching from both P
assionate Teachers, you have 
become more confident each day. Like what Mr. Peck said, he enjoys music but he is passionate about teaching. He has been teaching for 16 years and the passion to teach grows and glows in him with each passing day.
3. Mr. Willin Low, the Passionate and Charitable Lawyer turned celebrity chef, entrepreneur and culinary innovator
Remember Mummy shared with you the story of a lawyer who took bus to work for 8 years, never bought anything more than $1000 and work as a chef-for-hire on weekends? Willin is so passionate about becoming a chef that he would work very hard as a lawyer to save every dollar to open his first restaurant. He demonstrated the discipline and determination to pursue his life-long dream. This is Passion!
Willin’s work with the Yellow Ribbon Project (helping ex-convicts), Children Cancer Foundation (granting wishes to children with cancer), The Straits Times Pocket Fund (helping children from poor families) and Dover Park Hospice have earned his charity stripes in Singapore, it also made him the choice to conduct Gourmet Abu Dhabi’s inaugural charity dinner. This is Passion!
Mummy likes his definition of Success - Successful people get to do what they enjoy and at the same time, makes the life of other people better. This is Passion!
Vdieo of Willin - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be1A4GKKjNI
Hmmm...what's Mummy's passion? My passion is to become the Best Mum to you and Abby!
What's yours?
Love you always,
Mummy Dearest
Another 
amazing thing about Kieran is whenever he sees a grand piano in hotels, restaurants and Borders, he would approach the manager to ask if he could play the piano. I still remember we watched him playing the piano at Borders two years back. He also played the piano at the posh restaurant in Shanghai while we dined. The restaurant guests applauded.He simply loves what he is doing. With hardwork, he has successfully transformed his talent into Passion.
He is on his way to Berklee College of Music where he will chart his career in music with unstoppable passion!
2. Mr. Peck and Jiu Jian 老师, Passionate Teachers who made a difference in students' lives
As a student of both Mr. Peck and Jiu Jian 老师, am sure you could feel their passion in teaching the students. Besides teaching you the skills, they will tell jokes and stories to inject more fun in learning; they affirm students for who they are and they are always encouraging and caring towards the students. I always remember you enjoyed entertaining your cousins with Mr. Peck's Tan Ah Teck story and the funny poems during Mr. Peck's class. With encouragement and coaching from both P
assionate Teachers, you have 
become more confident each day. Like what Mr. Peck said, he enjoys music but he is passionate about teaching. He has been teaching for 16 years and the passion to teach grows and glows in him with each passing day.3. Mr. Willin Low, the Passionate and Charitable Lawyer turned celebrity chef, entrepreneur and culinary innovator
Remember Mummy shared with you the story of a lawyer who took bus to work for 8 years, never bought anything more than $1000 and work as a chef-for-hire on weekends? Willin is so passionate about becoming a chef that he would work very hard as a lawyer to save every dollar to open his first restaurant. He demonstrated the discipline and determination to pursue his life-long dream. This is Passion!
Willin’s work with the Yellow Ribbon Project (helping ex-convicts), Children Cancer Foundation (granting wishes to children with cancer), The Straits Times Pocket Fund (helping children from poor families) and Dover Park Hospice have earned his charity stripes in Singapore, it also made him the choice to conduct Gourmet Abu Dhabi’s inaugural charity dinner. This is Passion!
Mummy likes his definition of Success - Successful people get to do what they enjoy and at the same time, makes the life of other people better. This is Passion!
Vdieo of Willin - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be1A4GKKjNI
Hmmm...what's Mummy's passion? My passion is to become the Best Mum to you and Abby!
What's yours?
Love you always,
Mummy Dearest
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Ashley: Mum, I love your 腊味饭
Dearest Ashley,
Mummy invited my family over for dinner tonight and you ate 3 bowls of Mummy's 腊味饭! Mummy loves it when you complimented my cooking tonight. Thank you for appreciating my effort. Interesting, the 3 hours of preparation and cooking was actually fun for me. While I was busy in the kitchen, I could hear you playing the piano. I love it! Very relaxing...
By the way, could you taste the improvement in my cooking? Remember what Mummy said to you earlier? If you love something or someone, the something/someone will love you back. Like cooking, I'm loving it more each day and I could feel my cooking loves me back too. Likewise, if you love learning, learning will love you too.
In my eyes, you're such an intelligent young man. You know you're capable of better grades.
Remember what you shared with me in the car on the day of your Kancil performance? You wish to be in the same class as some of your drama friends who are now in the top classes because you guys share the same humor and interest in drama? Mummy believes your dream will come true if you keep your focus in the coming 3 weeks before exams. This year will be a breakthrough for you, son!
All the Best to your exams.
Love Love,
Mummy Dearest
Mummy invited my family over for dinner tonight and you ate 3 bowls of Mummy's 腊味饭! Mummy loves it when you complimented my cooking tonight. Thank you for appreciating my effort. Interesting, the 3 hours of preparation and cooking was actually fun for me. While I was busy in the kitchen, I could hear you playing the piano. I love it! Very relaxing...
By the way, could you taste the improvement in my cooking? Remember what Mummy said to you earlier? If you love something or someone, the something/someone will love you back. Like cooking, I'm loving it more each day and I could feel my cooking loves me back too. Likewise, if you love learning, learning will love you too.
In my eyes, you're such an intelligent young man. You know you're capable of better grades.
Remember what you shared with me in the car on the day of your Kancil performance? You wish to be in the same class as some of your drama friends who are now in the top classes because you guys share the same humor and interest in drama? Mummy believes your dream will come true if you keep your focus in the coming 3 weeks before exams. This year will be a breakthrough for you, son!
All the Best to your exams.
Love Love,
Mummy Dearest
Ashley, you'll have your first taste of acting in a movie very soon
Dearest Ashley,
Sometimes, Mummy just feels that you take after Godma more than me. Like her, you enjoy stage performance. Thanks to your school, you were notified to go for the Movie audition. So nice of your school Chinese teacher and Jiu Jian Laoshi to prepare you for the audition.
The big day finally came. While Mummy was waiting for you at the Substation for 45 mins, I glued my ears to the door to hear what was happening inside the audition room. I could hear big bang so I guessed you might be doing some wushu stunts. I could also hear dialogue between you and a lady so I guessed you might be acting a scene with the lady. When you finally came out of the room, I could see your face lit with joy. At first I thought you got the role on the spot! The organizer informed us that the results will be out in Oct.
In the car, you shared with us that you had to act out a scene with an actress in Mandarin on the spot. Wow! I don't think Mummy can do it. The best part is you enjoyed the experience. Great stuff!
When we learned that you got a supporting role in the movie in Oct, we're overjoyed. Am sure it will be another memorable learning journey for you and Mummy. Thanks for all the exposures you've brought to us. Now I know what is a feature film. Thank you, son.
Love,
Mummy Dearest
Sometimes, Mummy just feels that you take after Godma more than me. Like her, you enjoy stage performance. Thanks to your school, you were notified to go for the Movie audition. So nice of your school Chinese teacher and Jiu Jian Laoshi to prepare you for the audition.
The big day finally came. While Mummy was waiting for you at the Substation for 45 mins, I glued my ears to the door to hear what was happening inside the audition room. I could hear big bang so I guessed you might be doing some wushu stunts. I could also hear dialogue between you and a lady so I guessed you might be acting a scene with the lady. When you finally came out of the room, I could see your face lit with joy. At first I thought you got the role on the spot! The organizer informed us that the results will be out in Oct.
In the car, you shared with us that you had to act out a scene with an actress in Mandarin on the spot. Wow! I don't think Mummy can do it. The best part is you enjoyed the experience. Great stuff!
When we learned that you got a supporting role in the movie in Oct, we're overjoyed. Am sure it will be another memorable learning journey for you and Mummy. Thanks for all the exposures you've brought to us. Now I know what is a feature film. Thank you, son.
Love,
Mummy Dearest
Abby's 1st composition
Mummy loves your first composition, very joyful and catchy. Keep up the composing spirit!
Hug Hug,
Mummy Dearest
Thursday, October 6, 2011
You really take after your Daddy, Abby
You would build your own playground, house and play with your toys by yourself for hours. The stories you made up are out of this world. Wow! Happy story telling!
Love Love,
Mummy Dearest
A Multi-talented Singer in the Making...
Dearest Ashley,
Mum & Dad love to watch you sing, dance and wushu moves. We're so captivated by your charm on stage. Well done! Take a look at the video in Mummy's Facebook as I'm unable to upload it on my blog.
Mummy can't wait to see you on the big stage at UCC on 4 Dec. You go, boy. Give it your best shot!!!
Love You Always,
Mummy Dearest
Mummy can't wait to see you on the big stage at UCC on 4 Dec. You go, boy. Give it your best shot!!!
Love You Always,
Mummy Dearest
OMG! Ashley, you're the Most Charming Kancil on stage!
Dearest Ashley,
OMG! I can't believe my eyes that it was my boy on stage this morning. You were totally into the Kancil character and every part of your body moved like a mouse deer. Mummy's eyes wer teary as I watched you acting and singing on stage. Well done, my boy. Mummy is very proud of you.
After watching you in the Chinese Musical and today's Kancil drama performance in your school, Mummy is pretty sure you'll definitely pursue your passion in drama seriously in years to come. I can almost see a shinning star on the world's stage. Good Job, Son. Keep it up!!!!
Mummy can't wait to watch the full drama performance in Nov during Prize Presentation ceremony. Remember our little secret? With focus and hardwork, am sure your wish will come true on the Prize Presentation ceremony.
Love,
Mummy Dearest
OMG! I can't believe my eyes that it was my boy on stage this morning. You were totally into the Kancil character and every part of your body moved like a mouse deer. Mummy's eyes wer teary as I watched you acting and singing on stage. Well done, my boy. Mummy is very proud of you.
After watching you in the Chinese Musical and today's Kancil drama performance in your school, Mummy is pretty sure you'll definitely pursue your passion in drama seriously in years to come. I can almost see a shinning star on the world's stage. Good Job, Son. Keep it up!!!!
Mummy can't wait to watch the full drama performance in Nov during Prize Presentation ceremony. Remember our little secret? With focus and hardwork, am sure your wish will come true on the Prize Presentation ceremony.
Love,
Mummy Dearest
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
A Graceful Dancer in the making...
Dearest Abby,
Mum & Dad love to watch you dance. You danced so well at last Sun's Children's Day celebration at DES. Mummy simply can't take my eyes off you. Kudos to your superb groove and memory. In my eyes, you're the "Prettiest Shepherd". Mummy had a good laugh watching you chasing the "goats". Hahaha...
Love Love,
Mummy Dearest
Love Love,
Mummy Dearest
One stormy night...
Dearest Abby,
In the middle of one stormy night, you climbed into Mum & Dad's bed. You were looking for your Pooh Bear qulit. Once you found it, you shared my pillow and slept close to Mummy. You even covered me with your Pooh Bear qulit and hugged me to sleep. So nice of you to take care of Mummy even in your half-asleep mode. Mummy is very touched. You're indeed a very filial daughter. Sob...Sob...Mummy is shedding tears of joy now....
Love You My Darling,
Mummy Dearest
In the middle of one stormy night, you climbed into Mum & Dad's bed. You were looking for your Pooh Bear qulit. Once you found it, you shared my pillow and slept close to Mummy. You even covered me with your Pooh Bear qulit and hugged me to sleep. So nice of you to take care of Mummy even in your half-asleep mode. Mummy is very touched. You're indeed a very filial daughter. Sob...Sob...Mummy is shedding tears of joy now....
Love You My Darling,
Mummy Dearest
Pillow talk with Abby
Dearest Abby,
Mummy was very touched by your matured and humble sharing last night. During our bedtime story session, you asked me who led the singing rehearsal in DES. Typically, Kor Kor will lead the singing but last Sunday he did not join the singing as he had wushu practice. You whispered into my ears that you held the mic and led the singing. Well done!
What surprised me was your very factual reply:
Abby,"I know how to sing 点石成金 because Mummy sent me for singing lesson."
You did not comment how good was your singing nor share with Daddy or Kor Kor or anyone that you led the singing session. You did not brag about it though Mummy thought this was a big thing as it is a honor to lead the whole afternoon session of over 60 students and teachers. For a little 5+ years old girl, you have showed a much higher degree of maturity and humbleness than anyone older than you.
Mummy is very proud of you for being a talented and humble girl.
Love Always,
Mummy Dearest
Mummy was very touched by your matured and humble sharing last night. During our bedtime story session, you asked me who led the singing rehearsal in DES. Typically, Kor Kor will lead the singing but last Sunday he did not join the singing as he had wushu practice. You whispered into my ears that you held the mic and led the singing. Well done!
What surprised me was your very factual reply:
Abby,"I know how to sing 点石成金 because Mummy sent me for singing lesson."
You did not comment how good was your singing nor share with Daddy or Kor Kor or anyone that you led the singing session. You did not brag about it though Mummy thought this was a big thing as it is a honor to lead the whole afternoon session of over 60 students and teachers. For a little 5+ years old girl, you have showed a much higher degree of maturity and humbleness than anyone older than you.
Mummy is very proud of you for being a talented and humble girl.
Love Always,
Mummy Dearest
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