Sunday, July 29, 2012

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

Saturday, July 14, 2012

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

Abby can swim!

Dearest Abby,

Mum is so proud of you. You set new record yesterday - 12 breast strokes!

You started with 5, then 6, 8, 10 and 12. Well done! Though you swallowed lots of water, you pressed on. When mum wanted to call it a day seeing your red face and nose, you wanted to continue to break your record of 10. And you did! Mummy is so proud of you!

Let's show Dad and Kor Kor your Super Duper 12 breast strokes this Sun!

Love,
Your No. 1 Cheerleader

Ashley's performance at the 26th YMCA Plain English Speaking Awards

Dearest Ashley,

When you randomly picked the card at the registration counter, your no. is 1. You were shocked but you quickly sprang into action by rehearsing your speech on your own while Mum and Teacher Karen chatted. You gradually embraced the fact that you are the first speaker and followed by 19 other contestants. We tried to comfort you by saying being the first contestant is better as you can enjoy the rest of the event vs. waiting anxiously for your turn.

When Mum saw you staying on stage to deliver your speech "Should we play more?", Mum's heart was at my throat. My heart was pounding away as I watched you. You were steady and confident and you delivered your speech smoothly and convincely. Mum is so proud of you.

During tea break, you asked me where is your standing? You did well and you agreed with me the Indian girl is the best. She speaks like a pro. Hey, if you can pick up some tips from her by observing how she speaks and pauses, and how she connects with the audience, that's part of training to become better.

After tea break, you watched your Ole, your Lion King contender, delivered his speech. He is solid. You agreed with mum that these two strong contenders are ahead of you. Mum is happy that you are objective in your thinking.

Regardless of the outcome, in mum's eyes, you are outstanding, Ashley! The confidence and steadiness you demonstrated on stage is exceptional. Mum can see that you have put in your very best effort! Bravo!

In order to be as natural as the two two contenders, you need more practice. Am sure your coach will "polish" you more. You're a gem in the rough. Your brilliance is starting to show! Cheers!

Love,
Your Proud Mummy

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Mummy is so proud of you, Ashley

Dearest Ashley,

This morning, Mummy woke up at 5:30am to iron your school uniform. I must say I've never so 认真地iron for a long time, I can't even remember the last time I ironed. As I ironed your school uniform, I was smiling from my heart as I know that my little Prince is maturing....

Remember you complained in the first few days after school reopened because you have to stay in school for rehearsals for drama club, Group Chinese story telling and English Speaking awards till 6:30pm everyday. However, after you immersed yourself in the rehearsals, your passion grew and the complaints ceased. Whenever I fetched you from school, you'll rehearse the script in the car. Mummy is literally "moved" by your passion that I've to keep a distance from you as you were sound so loud in the car that shook the car, Mummy and Abby. Hahaha...

You mentioned you will be very proud of yourself if you made it to the finals during dinner last night. Mum said that you should be very proud of yourself to be selected to represent school in both national events. I don't know how you did it but hey, Mummy is the Proudest Mum right now in this whole universe. From the few weeks of intensive training, Mum can see that you put in tremendous effort. In this world, a simple equation governs the whole universe i.e. Efforts + Focus = Results

P4 set the positive note for you and P5 sets the new benchmark for yourself.

Keep up the good work and great effort, my son. You will ripe the fruits of your labor without you even knowing!

Cheers!
Your No. 1 Fan, Mummy