Princess daughter, Adorable son, Sunshine baby

First days in new schools

santhi — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:50:05 +0000

All three started their next chapter of schooling in new environment. The lil one started Primary 1, same school as the elder brother but in a holding site, and the Princess went off to secondary school.

Excitement and settling into new routines, bedtimes and schedule were the order of the day in the year’s first week. As the weekend arrives, all are mulling over their CCA choices. Tennis, badminton, Science Club, NPCC and Archery are some consideration… more exciting times surely await this brood and their parents!

With his buddy-

Roller coaster year- 2011

santhi — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:52:55 +0000

It has been quite a whirlwind period the past year.. despite the usual life’ s tidal waves, I am glad we have kept our chins up and still enjoy happy moments… relive some of the good times with me!

birthdays, trips, school musical, and a heartwrenching move

Top row: Surprise birthday celebration at Princess’s fave restaurant, another beach outing, Birthday at Phuket (Kata Beach)

Middle row: Football players-to-be, the little sunshine plays a grubworm in his kindy musical, Princess getting her hair braided by the Kata beach.

Last row: Rock climbing with friends- one of the many outings during Dec holiday, playing amidst cartons packed for move, stunning sunset, maiden trip to Malacca

With that update, the blog is long overdue for a new look for the new year…

Š HAPPY NEW YEAR ! Š

The day I felt like a tourist in my own country

santhi — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:30:19 +0000

Theatre for Rock Musical

Our first visit to the increasingly popular Universal Studio Singapore was to celebrate Daddy’s birthday. Typical of our beloved island, the theme park is filled with snaking queues, which generally moved fast. The Transformer Ride, expectedly but deceivingly had the longest queue where we waited for nearly an hour! And it was worth the wait naturally. As long as one as the patience and enjoys the speedy rides, the entrance ticket is really value for money! But for us except for Princess, the Gallatica rides were stomach churning just to view the whizzing tram! Let the pictures tell you our enjoyment!

Memorable time

Am I depriving my brood?

santhi — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 02:52:32 +0000

@play and their creations

The collage above shows how my brood spend their free time when they are not glued to the TV or computer! ;o

This thought- depriving my brood- was running through my mind, thanks to a local news program. It posed the question if tween these days are too plugged into electronic gadgets and if they are too materialistic. Having two children in the tweens age group, this made me pay close attention. Adding to my thoughts was a recent discussion thread on the parenting forum that I follow.

I also asked Princess for her opinion- well more specifically what her peers had and how she felt about not having the same ‘essentials’. She was candid that at times she felt lacking but it has no effect on her happiness. She admits that she has much fun as her friends (if not more, me will protest ;p) with or without the ‘must-have’ gadgets of the little ones.

A recent column in the local papers shared my sentiments- being anti gadget or even anti toys in my situation. Knowing how to do the cycle kick on virtual world, as much difficult it is, is hardly something to brag about! I have been surprised to hear increasingly about how the very young ones- as early as before turning 2- can be adept at using iphone or ipod touch. Me- I am still a late adopter ;p and very happily so. I thought parents were being over indulgent til a close friend shared how she has more toddler apps on her iphone than apps for her own use. Hearing from someone very close made me understand the parents’s predicament better.

But I still believe its a matter of (parenting) choice. I accept that we cannot run away from technology. My current project requires me to work with e-books, not a personal delight. As much as it is pragmatic to embrace technology, we need to bear in mind that some time-old methods are still the best. I am still shying away from touchscreen phones (though the ipod touch new gen is very much coveted in this family ). These new gen phones simply remove the tactile factor though I have friends pointing out that my fingers are just too stubby for the onscreen buttons- i begrudgingly agree ;o The present day advanced tech just brings to mind those futuristic human characters from the Disney movie: Wall-E ;p

Just as some parents are proud that their offspring have or are proficient with the latest gizmos, I am even prouder that my brood are doing very fine without them! Of course having a bigger disposable income makes it easier to splurge on ipods/ iphones, PSPs, Wiis and what not, and thats when a stronger will comes into play. I recently spoke to a father who has a modest income and he sounded proud that he was able to get his 6 year old son the ipod touch so that he does not feel deprived. Many parents and even grandparents indulge the young one to make up for their ‘loss’ during their younger days. But sometimes, exposing children to these technology so young may actually deprive them of using their imagination to the fullest. Their imagination is the most powerful tool for their entertainment now and for problem-solving later in life. Thats why Lego is the all time best toy out there! No, we have not got it cos this mummy learnt this very late and instead the brood make do with plenty of cardboard (ala the first family’s style- the recent revelation was a welcome affirmation of my hoarding habit )

That is not to say tech toys do not have their merits. My take is that everything has its season and time. For my brood, i rather they enjoy the outdoors, be resourceful with what they have, treasure the limited toys that come by their way. I can only hope that my brood understand my reasons and are not resentful for such choices.

I share one of the many videos I have of my brood at work/ play. This was taken before Sunshine turned 5 and he took the initiative to select the right tool and went about the job. HE was troubleshooting some bike issue, without any prompting from anyone in the family. Mummy could only gape in amazement… tell me: does the video show you a deprived boy?

Creatively clever

santhi — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 01:49:18 +0000

Just had to share some gem blogs about craft and DIY stuff… some ideas really get me excited! LIke making coasters out of denim hems, garbage bin/ bowls out of paper and so much more… So if you are into craft and such, you may want to check out the links below )

Crafty Crow -So super cool and really really awesome ideas! I usually file almost every newsletter from this site.

Creative Jewish Mom – A newfound gem! Will be trying out the latest feature of using egg shells as mosaic pieces. Daddy needs to be warned about storing washed egg shells ;p

Artful Parent – Another site full of interesting ideas.

I love the sites above as there are plenty of recycling and repurposing ideas- my kind of craft! The following links feature mom/ bloggers who are really geniuses in their own right!

Make it and Love it - you cannot help going oohh… at her gorgeous projects. The tutorials are super easy to follow and very helpful.

Delicious Ambiguity – Wish I had discovered her blog when boys were much younger…. or have another baby just to try the fabulous ideas! ;p (No, T, I am still not going to have another bb )

Secret Agent Josephine – A very happening blog by a most interesting person. Check out her cardboard category- its a whole new art form! I have linked to her diary/ brain dump sketches. So original and absolutely creatively awesome!

Oh, this newsletter is a must share! – Fave Crafts : The link leads to crafting with small budget. But do check out the various categories and be blown away. I have a feeling that this xmas, our tree will be decked out with home-made decor… cannot wait to start! ;D

My google reader has so many starred posts from other creative bloggers out there… the list will take up too much of your time, tho .)) Hope the above links inspire you in one way or other ;>

UPDATE: I just saw this post via my google reader. I dare say this list is a must have for all pro and wannabe crafters like moi ;p Check out the DIY toys tutorial link at the blog!

The Best Children in the whole wide world

santhi — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:03:42 +0000

Being a mother- like most journeys, filled with ups and downs. Somedays, it seems like more downs than the other. Most of the time the up days make up for the down days.

All parents want their children to grow up well-mannered, to enjoy success in pursuits especially in studies. How we do so varies from family to family. The destination may be the same- more or less- but the route taken can be so different among different families. No matter how different the families or the background may be, most children are really the same. Reading from parenting books is one thing, seeing it in person is really another. I suppose pre-school teachers may understand this only too well.

I recently got to know a family with two boys. Intriguing experience to say the least- our backgrounds could not be any more different than day and night. Yet how the children behaved and reacted is similar. Thankfully, not all reaction was the same especially in certain areas that are very important to me. Children have their moments just like adults- they can be nice one moment, and mean the next. Loving and affectionate can give away to tantrums and aggression. Demanding turns docile…

Yet each child reacts to situations differently. Thats how my youngest made me proud when faced with challenging situation. The way he curbed his reaction and took the higher road, affirmed that my efforts in trying to bring the brood up well has not been futile at all. My children are really more independent than what I give them credit for. When comparing, you always fall short or better than others. So definitely my brood may not be as talented, as clever in studies, as hardworking – the list goes on…. With the zillion daily hugs and kisses, they are also nagged by me, chided by me or face the roaring volcano aka mommy. Nevertheless they are the/ my best children in the whole wide world! They have made me realise that many a times, a young child’s love is more unconditional than a parent’s.

It is often said that children have the best parents/ family especially when a child has obstacles to overcome. I would like to think that I have been blessed with the best children to love me, nurture me and guide me as I strive to be a better mummy each day I get to be with them. My brood deserves better from me cos, for this mummy- they are simply the BEST CHILDREN in the whole wide world!

FTB: Natural remedies

santhi — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:07:47 +0000

Many of my friends know that I hardly take western medicine for myself or give them to my brood. This started when I began nursing Princess. Though there are meds which are breastfeeding-safe, I was never comfortable taking in ‘drug’. Cos thats what modern medicines essential are- good drugs. I then dabbled with aromatherapy with great success. Now I am more into simple herbs and ingredients in the kitchen to combat common ailments. Lately daddy has taken to calling me the ‘witch doctor’ ;p

Fever:

-(Learnt this from another mother) Boil young papaya pieces- white flesh is better but brood and i prefer the pale orange. I add dried winter melon or honey/ rock sugar to sweeten this. Its very effective.

- Onion: Boil onion with sweeteners mentioned above. Another proven method. I actually first learnt of onion’s healing properties when I was looking up for natural expectorants and decongestants.

Flu:

- My perennial favourite: boil water with rock sugar/ maltose ($1 for 250g bottle from Bee’s Brand medical shops and around $2 for bigger tub in Sheng Siong ). Add thyme leaves and leave them to steep for a couple of hours. Thyme is filled wit anti-oxidants and taking this regularly is a great health booster!

- I have also been making this so shiok garlic soup, which is sadly not well appreciated by the brood ;O They are currently anti-soup.

More natural flu/ cough remedies- Little Green Blog : This site also has plenty other home remedies.

Lastly but not the least, our ultimate cure all- is the Manuka honey that I get from Hock Hua Tonic shop. We usually take UFM 10 for daily boost and UFM15/ 20 during illness. They usually have a year-end promotion where there is 20% discount. I stock up my bottles then.

Using these natural remedies has really given me a peace of mind!

Exchange of words

santhi — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 22:43:53 +0000

The following exchange between Daddy and Sunshine has been a daily affair lately. In fact daddy even adopted new nicknames for the two boys ;p

Daddy: The other one…

Sunshine: (Grunts and scowls) STOP saying THAT!!

This is how it all started… (oh, those who watch Tamil movies may better understand the joke on the word play )

Brood and I were watching TV when ads for the handphone ring tones came on. A series of them were shown within short interval. Sunshine then kept remarking about the different ring tones using the phrase ‘ the other one…’ Now those who have enjoyed Surya’ s recent hit- keep saying that phrase… dont you think it sounds like the title of the movie ‘Aadhavan’, which incidentally is a family favourite.

Mummy hearing the ‘pun’, teased Sunshine about it. Of course he hates being teased and got annoyed. And that started this roll of teasing and nicknames.

It is also evolving – we cannot say ‘that’ ‘following’ Sunshine’s order and Adorable extended the joke even further. This is one family joke not to be easily forgotten in years to come ;D

FTB: Feel Good posts

santhi — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:46:51 +0000

Yes with all the distractions- online and offline- I still would like to share some great posts that I have come across. I have shared some of the links with close friends. Hope you enjoy them too… Oh, while I was searching for images online, I came across this festival- interesting…

courtesy of http://www.dreamstime.com/free-photos

From Serene Journey- Some simple questions everyone needs to ask now and then….

Local daily reminders – Chasing our dreams…

From New Urban Habitat- Slow living- surely an alien concept to many of us in this busy busy island

Words of wisdom – Ego boosters that we all need every now and then…

From The Budding Planet- Aromatic remedy… (now this has given me the idea for the next theme for posts )

Not on FB

santhi — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 09:58:29 +0000

Recently my nephew uploaded another group picture of my teenage childhood kakis and myself. Gosh it seems so many lifetimes ago!

Apparently it brought back much nostalgia for those in the picture and others who know us. Princess then passed him the photo above that shows the ‘entire gang’… many of us were involved in various church activities and performances. We grew up together until some of us parted ways early teens or later.

While the above picture was being tagged, Princess noted that I was the ‘only one’ without a FB account ;p I do not think it is totally true. Actually there is one more person in the picture not on FB as the dear friend has passed on.

I kinda like the fact that I am ‘the only one not on FB’ as I have been boasting to some pals ;p I was never one to be mainstream. I have always enjoyed taking the path less trodden though it has not always been the right choice. ;> I am not a non-conformist for the sake of it, but really I believe in living the way I want for myself -mistakes and all- and not just jump on any bandwagon. Please do not mistake me for a prima donna ;o I do not expect others to accommodate my whims. I am just trying to say that I will make myself available if and when you want to get in touch, kwim ;p (Someone already commented online that ‘there is only so much (one )can do online’! My point exactly! ;D )

I have been asked many times to join FB but I always politely decline. My usual reply- gimme face to face interaction anytime. Its a great tool but not for me. I have enough online distractions, as my dear gfs can attest to- I am always bombarding their inboxes with links to blogs etc ;p

Thanks to very gracious friends and family, I still get to enjoy such pictures online. I admit I do miss out quite abit of action and news but I never feel left out. Thats because I have wonderful friends who make time to answer my calls/ text messages and even spend lunch or dinner time with me. Friends who are overseas regularly remain in touch via email or skype. Now thats what I need to thrive and friendships to grow steadily.

Sad to say, I am not in touch with majority of them in the photo above. During the online ‘discussion’, some were wondering who they were sitting/ standing next to and most of them seem to be in contact online. Great for them. There are a handful of them who remained in the community and are now married (but not within this group though- correct me if I am wrong ) It will be more fantastic if we most of us can get together sometime.

So a 20- year reunion anyone? Yes that picture was taken more than 20 years ago! ;D

PS- Those ‘long-lost’ friends, visiting from FB, thank you in advance for dropping by! I know I have missed alot of happeningz in your lives. Drop me a line at- the.loving.earth{alias}gmail [dot] com. Would love to be in touch with you! ;D

PPS- A close galfren just ‘scolded’ me for being mafun w/o a FB account ;p