Thursday, June 21, 2012

Genting Highlands

After the PD camp, we rested for a day and we moved on to the next family getaway - Genting Highlands!  Thanks to Er Yi who has a free voucher for 2 nights stay in Highland Hotel.  We checked in without hesitation.  It was a relaxing time for Mommy after all the hardwork for the past 2 months.  The weather was cooling, unlike KL.  Since it was a school holiday, the theme park was packed with crowds.  Thus, we have to wait patiently for our turn to join in the fun.  Despite all that, I have so much fun that I did not want to come home! 

The 4 kids!

Erwyn's world

Enjoyed taking a bath

Ride de Paris

Carousel

Reindeer Cruiser

Astro Fighter

Rodeo Rider


Flying Jumbo

Antique Car

Cheeky smile

Junior Bumper Car

Erwyn 'riding' the prem

Zi Ying Jie Jie and me!

VCS 2012

This year the Vacation Church School (VCS) organised by Trinity Methodist Church PJ was held on 1st - 3rd June at Eagle's Ranch, Port Dickson, in conjuction with the Family Camp.  There were altogether 40 kids attended the VCS.  And I was honored to be invited as the Camp Speaker.

The preparation started since 2 months ago.  I began sourcing out for teaching material for the camp theme: Family Altar.  Many thanks to Sis Lisa from KL Wesley who have rendered much help in finding the material.  Unlike 2 years ago, I have ample time to write my own teaching notes and looked into every details; this year, I've got to juggle in between household chores and 2 kids.  Thus, the only spare time I have is midnight. 

Finally when the day arrived, we set off for PD.  We reached Eagle's Ranch around 3pm.  Since the teaching session only started the following day, we spent the whole afternoon setting up and decorating the hall.  My father in law and Andrew took over the care of the children, leaving me sufficient time to touch up with the final details.

The next day, the teaching kicked off at 9am with a photo of my father.  It touched on our relationship with our heavenly father and how we communicate with Him.  A short skit by Bro Steven brought much laughter to the crowd followed by 3 volunteers from the floor acting out the scene of Hannah prayed to God for a child.  Sis Janice and Sis Ruth skillfully presented how much important it was to have a good relationship with God in order to spend time with Him.

The second session started off with an exiciting Treasure Hunt.  Four out of seven groups found the treasures within minutes.  Indeed, God's written Word is just like the treasure map, guiding us to find the very treasure of life - God Himself!  The Puppet Skit presented by four teachers were the highlight in the second session.  It was indeed a challenge as they only have a night to practise.  The children certainly enjoyed the puppet show.  It was not an easy task for the 2 volunteers to go through an obstacle course with their eyes blindfolded.  It is as though we as children of God trying to live out our Christian life without reading the Bible.  Finally, the introduction of the Super Kid Diet was not warmly welcomed by the kids.  Simply because the Super Kid Diet was consisted of chocolate, potato chips, ice cream and all sorts of junk food.  After all, we cannot live healthly with this kind of diet.  We live by everything the Lord says in His Word!

The third and final session began after the lunch.  The viewing of the movie: The Chronicles of Narnia caught the attention of the children.  It is a great movie to portray how we ought to respect God just like the entire army bow down before Aslan.  The children were encouraged to develop the following sequence of prayer in their daily devotion with God: Praise, Confess, Read, Ask, and Thanks. 

The tea break came in just the right time with Magnum ice cream as a treat to the participants.  It freshen us up and got us ready to go for another round! 

The art and craft was done swiftly followed by a practise for the talent time.  Two kids were selected to present a puppet skit, while the rest of them sang the song 'Ever Move I Make'.  The kids picked up the action of the song quickly and in no time we were dismissed for another break.

The night drew near as we ran through a final round of rehearsal for the talent time.  Everything went on well and the crowd (the adults) cheered for the participants as the curtain closed.  That marked the end of my journey here with these TMC folks for the time being.  Farewell, kids!

We rushed back to our room and packed everything into the car.  The incredible Daddy drove all of us back home safe and sound. 

VCS - The End


Elyse helping Mommy to prepare for her teaching aids.

Yeah, it's done!

The hotel reception

This is where we were staying - the Paddock Chalet

Grandpa with grandchildren
Having fun in the room

This was where Ah Gong stayed - the Bandwagon

Never ever missed the swimming fun

Sleeping soundly in his cot

Breakfast time!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

New Addition

This May seemed to be a significant month.  Besides celebrating Ah Gong's birthday and Erwyn has turned one year old, we have added a new family member - Buddy Lim.  A name bestowed by none other than our beloved princess.

Let the story begins...

For those of you who have been following my post, I have blogged about how our princess girl enjoyed going to kindergarten for the very first time in January.  Little did I know that the happiness only lasted for a couple of days.  Elyse started to cry since the 3rd day of school.  Her reason: I missed Daddy and Mommy!

It was heart breaking to see her in tears every night before sleep - asking us is tomorrow a schooling day; every morning the moment she opened her eyes - pleading us to allow her not to attend school; everyday we stepped out of the house to send her to school - holding us tightly in fear of leaving the house for school; every time we left the classroom - running to us in hope that we may stay a little longer.

For parents who have gone through this before, I'm sure you understand how we feel.  As parents, we know that it is a big step for every child.  It is essential for our children to leave the comfort of the home and join the other children in learning.  But their tears speak about their anxiety, their fear, their discomfort - how many parents can ignore it and let it be?

It wasn't easy for Andrew and I.  We tried all sorts of ways - encouraged her, comfort her, assured her, prayed with her, promise to reward her.  It took her 3 months for Elyse to settle down and stopped crying.  Those nights she even had nightmares - begging us not to go to school.

We are thankful that it is over, finally!  A little chat with the principal we realised that Elyse is not the worst case.  There was another child who cried for 6 months!

As a result, we bought her a hamster as a reward.  Actually, Elyse asked for a puppy.  But let's start with a small and easy-to-take-care pet.

To our surprise, our little prince Erwyn also like Buddy.  He enjoys feeding him.  In fact, the whole family like this little pet.  This furry creature does has his ways to capture our heart.  At time, we find him a bit clumsy - always falling down.  And he is quite a picky eater.  He enjoys kuaci a lot. 

All in all, this pet is not only a reward to Elyse.  It is also a reward to the rest of the family, especially Daddy.  He always claimed that he had a deprieved childhood.  His wish is to have a Siberian Husky, Golden Retriever or German Shepherd.  But for now, we just have to be contented with what we have - our new addition in the family, Buddy Lim.


Elyse feeding Buddy "Hamster" Lim


Erwyn touching Buddy


Sunday, June 10, 2012

I'm One Year Old!

Hello, Aunty, Uncle, all the Jie Jie and Ko Ko...

Listen carefully... I am officially one year old now!

Happy birthday to me,
Happy birthday to me,
Happy birthday to me me,
Happy birthday to me!

It has been a marvelous year.  I have learned many things.  I love to see my Jie Jie jumping and dancing around.  I smile whenever she does that.  I love to snuggle with my Poh Poh and Mommy.  I like to push things under the sofa or TV cabinet.  I move my body along with the music.  I love to eat adult's food.  I like to go 'kai kai'.  I enjoy sucking the back of my hand instead of pacifier.  I like to imitate people.  I enjoy bathing and playing with water. I sleep through the night without waking up for milk since 4 months old.  I like to grab Jie Jie's toys when she's playing.  I know how to point my finger to the things that I like or direction in which I want to go.  I can crawl around pretty fast but I do not know how to walk yet.  I like to sit children rides, but not all of them.  Some I do not like, eg Merry Go Round.  I like to play peekeboo.  And I have 2 teeth!

However, I don't like to drink milk and water.  I only drink 120ml milk, 4 times a day.  I scream and cry when I don't get to go out with Jie Jie or Mommy.  I struggle and scream when time to put on my shirt or change my nappy.  I refused to be potty trained when Poh Poh tried to do so.  I cry when Mommy leave me alone.  I am afraid of strangers.  I dislike going to unfamiliar places for overnight stay.  I hate to eat medicine.  I cry loudly when Daddy and Mommy disciplined me.  I refuse to hold my own milk bottle.  In fact, I often push it away or take the cover to close it.

That's me!

On my birthday, I was given a treat to a western restaurant.  But actually I think this treat was meant for the adults - rewarding them of all the hardwork for raising me up till this day.  Reason: I was not allowed to eat those food!  But my real treat came later, when everybody sang a birthday song for me and Mommy cut the cake.  I enjoyed the cake so much!  It's a taste of heaven!  Yummy!  Daddy & Mommy also bought a present for me.  Thank you so much, Mom n Dad!







Saturday, June 9, 2012

Happy Mother's Day

As a mother of 2 young children, Mother's Day holds a different meaning to me.  I finally understand why mothers are so awesome.  Their love and dedication for their kids are beyond words description.  From changing nappy to nursing their young, mothers tiredlessly offered their very best to their children.  The happiest moment is none other than when their children appreciate them, love them and even a simple smile means a thousand words to them.

Elyse came back home from kindergarten on Friday, 2 days before Mother's Day, and immediately she asked me to sit down on the chair.  Just when I was wondering what is this little girl doing, she offered a bottle of Vitagen to me, and wished me, "Happy Mother's Day, I love you Mommy".  That was the best moment of my life!  Such a sweet little girl she is.

Back in the kindy, when the teacher asked her what is she going to do for her mother, that was what she had in mind.  And she did it right away after school.

She may not be the most obedient child; at times she tests your patience to the limit; she could drive you crazy; she's not perfect - but she's my darling.  My dear one.  My joy.

Thank you, Elyse!  You are the best gift God has given to me.  Together with Daddy and Erwyn, all of you make my life perfect and beautiful.  I can't help but always thank God for every single one of you.  You complete me.  I love you, my child.

KL Tower

May 1st, Labour Day, it was also the day we celebrated Ah Gong's birthday.  Although Ah Gong's actual birthday is the next day, since Daddy was off, we've decided to celebrate it earlier.

For the past few months I have been pestering Mommy and Daddy to go to the Rapunzel's Tower, oops!  Supposed to be KL Tower lar.  Hehee... For those of you who do not know, I can see the KL Tower from my apartment.  Everyday, I asked Mommy: "When are we going to KL Tower?"  So finally Ah Gong has promised to bring me over on his birthday.  Heap heap hurray!  Hmm... but I couldn't seem to figure out why Ah Gong gave me a treat on his birthday.  I thought I should be giving him presents and brithday cake???

Anyway, we headed to the Tower early in the morning.  Since it was a public holiday, we wanted to reach there early to avoid the crowd.  It was fun watching through the telescope at the observation deck.  The cars and people were so tiny.  Best of all, I can even see the building in which I am staying now through the telescope.  Thanks to Daddy who adjusted it!  I love my Daddy!

However, I did not see Rapunzel in the tower.  There were many people, but none of them looked like Rapunzel.  But I am certain that Eugene could climb up this tower to meet Rapunzel.  By the way, I came up by a fast speed elevator.  After all, Rapunzel was not there to help me up with her long hair, right?

After that, we stopped by at the mini theatre for awhile.  There was a show going on.  It was a documentary of the construction of this tower.

Well, the fun time was not over yet.  Just before we left the Tower, I was offered to sit on a pony!  Yippee!  Apparently it was included in the entrance tickets to the Tower.  We may choose the go to the Mini Zoo or Pony Ride.  Daddy chose the latter.

The sad thing was: Mommy's camera was spoilt, thus no photos were taken that day.  Perhaps we should visit the Tower again to take some pictures!  Do you think this is a good idea?

We ended this fun day with a lunch treat for Ah Gong.  After all, we were supposed to be celebrating Ah Gong's birthday, right? 

Now I can proudly tell everybody: I have visited the KL Tower, and Rapunzel is not staying there!