Archive for August 2015

Cheerios to Learning!

Sunday, August 30, 2015 0 Comments A+ a-

Cheerios are seen not only on our tables during breakfast but now also on our play table.... purely because I will not be so paranoid to see ants crawling around, unlike in Singapore. And we can get to eat them as a treat after playing with them. (yes yes, I know what you are thinking, I will give them the ones in the box instead of those they have been meddling with.) In fact, hub's job was snacking with them right after... no doubt of the reason why he was sitting nearby while I was teaching them important life lessons - Counting.

I pasted some numbers on the table and then place playdoh at each number. Then I placed a stick on it. It was actually pretty messy because they took out the playdoh and played with it before my game and this home made playdoh was a little dry. However, it still served a good purpose in counting with Ko. My intention was just to let her count as much as possible, in different scenarios, in different times, with different objects. At two years old, she tend to count way beyond what was truly presented. For 1 and 2, it was ok, but beyond that, like if there were 3 dogs, she would go on counting 4,5,6. This game also encouraged finger training skills as the holes on the cheerios were small and she would try to put through the stick.



After that, I used the cheerios to count backwards from 100 with Imm. We have been doing some forward counting for a few days.


Before counting backwards, I have been doing counting to 100 using these monsters. I knew he loved monsters but I never know he liked it so much to want to count from 1-100 in 2 days straight. I then realised he did not know his tens... for example, after 29, he did not know how to say 30.

See him arranging these monsters. It was also easier that the 21, 31, 41 monsters looked the same and it was easier to spot. He also counted together with me.

Here is the monster link: http://www.themeasuredmom.com/free-preschool-counting-printable-monster-count-clip-cards/


Mission accomplished!!


Then, I worked on the tens issue with these cupcakes and singing a song that I know from Shichida. I just wished I had the abacus to show him. I wanted to count to only 100 but he wanted me to use all the cupcakes.

Here is the cupcakes link: http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2011/09/counting-by-10s-cupcake-cards-free.html


Some other things I did also with Ko of counting 1-10 was using pebbles to drop in the cups.



 Now with also Imm teaching her!


Health is Wealth - My Young Living Journey

Friday, August 28, 2015 0 Comments A+ a-

We have all been sick recently and what is worse than being sick yourself is to have two other sick whiny kids. With that, I had to drag along my sick body and tend to the little ones. Hub was also a little under the weather and tried to help as much as he could.

Frankly speaking, I could hardly remember the time when we were really sick. I tend to be a bit kiasu, like most Singaporeans and did all the research I could when I know we were going to be away from Singapore - the place where doctors are easily available. Furthermore, there was this last experience in which Imm was really really sick that he laid in bed for days. The medicine here in Cape Town was strong and tasted the worst. I had to force it down the poor boy's throat and sometimes he would vomit it out. I told myself that I was going to get medicine from Singapore/iherb (natural medicines) and just stock them in Cape Town. At the same time, Ko had mosquito bites and I read that the Purification Oil from Young Living is a natural insect repellent. After that, I began to learn more about the oils, became a member and the rest is history.

Now I have a full bag of oils at my disposal. I believe that prevention is better than cure and these are my all time favorites of keeping my family healthy. I would alternate three oils for the kids daily usage.

Thieves! To support a healthy immune system.


This is a blend of oils in which I mixed myself:
15 drops of melrose
15 drops of Thieves
15 drops of Lemon
15 drops of Oregano
7 drops of Frankinsence


Last of all, Immunpower! This is the least fragrant of all (and that is an understatement). However, I would rub under the soles of the children when they are really sick and I felt that the the flu bug would always go away more quickly than usual.


We cannot prevent sickness but seeking a holistic natural way of keeping my family healthy works for me. Healthy family = Happy family.





Mariner's Wharf at Hout Bay

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 0 Comments A+ a-

Well, Cape Town is popular for its seafood and beaches, so I cannot help blogging about them all the time. This is one place which we have been to many times... and we love the seafood here. Hubs had a craving for fish and chips during the weekend, thus we just had to go there, by hook and line.

Upstairs is the restaurant while downstairs was fastfood. The food was similar at half the price just that the restaurant had a theme and a nicer ambience. We do not need a nice ambience with the kids, we just had to satisfy our cravings and run off to the sand to play.



Whilst waiting for Hub to get the food, Ko and Imm was staring at the seagulls. Ko badly wanted to touch them and was just very happy looking at them flying around. It was relaxing for me just to look at the kids and the birds.



Ok, here comes Daddy savior with our food as Imm was starting to say "I am hungry...", for the umpteen time. Our fish and chips!! The children really loved this. Now I have been making my own batter... hope it will taste as good. :)


And my lobster!!


After our desires were fulfilled, Imm stood watching some baskers sing and perform.


It was indeed a glorious weather to head out. Sun+Beach = Perfect weekend. 



Super Daddy and Mr Imm-credible 


Feeling the golden sand between their toes as they played catching. When Imm stops, Ko will go asking him, "can you run, Imm?"


Caught you!!


Hats to block the sun!!


Letter to Reiko #37 Loving Imm's Ninja Turtles

Monday, August 24, 2015 0 Comments A+ a-


Hi Ko!!! This week, Mummy got to spend time with you because Daddy accompanied Imm for art class. We hung around at the playground. Without Imm, you didn't fancy climbing around much and just spent time singing and walking around with Mummy.



We went to Hout Bay during the weekend. You were very mesmerised by the birds and wanted to touch them. How you  wished they can just land on your hand right? :)


After lunch, we went to the beach and spent a couple of hours playing with the sand....

And then running around after that!! Kor was chasing you!


Sun was Imm's birthday. On Fri, we went to bring his cake over and you took photos with him.


On Sunday, we went to Panarotttis and you enjoyed the pizza.


Shared Kor's birthday ice cream with him!!


Because Kor had his Ninja Turtle bed, Mummy also bought one for you - an owl bed. You were so supportive of Kor's birthday. You sudddenly sang the Happy Birthday song when Daddy was building the bed, out of your own accord. We were so surprised.


That night, you managed to sleep in the bed yourself till nearly morning. You protested though, you wanted Daddy to sleep beside you. Somehow, we had to let you grow up faster and leave our beds earlier. Mummy had always wanted to let you sleep by yourself and you could do it when younger but because Imm was not ready, you took to sleeping to our bed as well.


Sorry baby, somehow we had to make you grow up a little faster than Kor. But you are so adaptive, so cheerful and receptive to generally everything. Koko's strength is her positivity to all situations and remaining cheerful when things do not go according to her way. Thank you for being such a dear and singing for Kor so beautifully. We love you!!

Letter to Immanuel #37 You turned Fantastic Four!

Monday, August 24, 2015 0 Comments A+ a-

Hi Imm! You have finally turned 4 years old! You kept asking us when is your happy birthday and you just couldn't wait.... On one hand, Mummy really wanted you to grow up cos sometimes I just dunno why you whine, is it an age or your character? I just wished you would grow out of it. On the other hand, I just love your innocence, how you asked questions, how you believe what we say unquestioningly because sarcasm, irony, deceit, white lies and adult ways are just not your ways yet. And we do try our best to shield you from all these that will taint your innocence. We built a shelter for you to let you grow up in the best innocence possible.

Two days before we celebrate your birthday in school, Mummy started packing your goodie bags for your friends...


And also made your beary cute cheesecakes for your friends. This is like your signature, cos I know you are a cheesy boy... in a very realistic way. And underneath it is your favourite oreo.


The day before, Daddy collected your cake and we all went "wow!!!" Mummy had a problem getting your avengers cake because the cake shop here does not have "boy designs" which got Mummy super frustrated and was worried at the thought of your disappointment. "how? No Avengers cake for my boy?!" Luckily, Daddy had a contact and could get someone to make for you just 3 days before. And this cake was really so detailed and beautiful. It is truly the details that matters! The cracking of the words, the wall, the expressions on the Ninja Turtles. You stared at it for some time. :) Were you very amazed too?


And it has your name on it!!


We brought it to school in the morning and took photos with you.


The celebration was done with your teachers and friends because somehow they did not allow parents to go during tea break as it could be disruptive. Still, your teachers took lots of great pictures for you!!


They made a crown for you, the Birthday Boy!!


You and your teacher Jackie.... you would be leaving Green class for Yellow class next month. Mummy really liked your Green Class teachers, hehe...


You and your best pals, Alex, Hayden... You will be going to Yellow Class with Alex!


That day, we went to Panarottis to celebrate your birthday. We had pizza and your favourite Alfredo. Mummy was a bit disappointed over the celebration there. The free ice cream was tainted with fireworks black sparks and we returned it. The song actually shocked you. The highlight was actually the rainbow ice cream that you shared with Ko. :)


 But it is ok, the present is here! We went to get it in the morning. A bike!! This bike allows you to fix the wheels on when you get the hang of balancing it. A lot of children struggle with balancing and pedaling it at the same time so we thought you can focus on the balancing first. You just couldn't wait.



It is done! We shall find one day to pedal during the week since it is already night time now.



What??!! Another surprise?? What is that??


Daddy started fixing up Ko's owl bed and then fixed yours. Mummy wanted to make this a big thing for you, since you turned 4 years old. When I asked you before your birthday if you would sleep by yourself if you had a ninja turtle bed, you said yes. And you kept saying you would sleep by yourself when you turned 4 years old. So I went to different places to check out the price.


You kept your promise and slept in the bed that day, together with Ko. Mummy knows how hard it is for you since you really love our bodies next to you for security and protection. I know cos I also felt scared sleeping by myself when I was young :P I thought this bed seemed to give a secure feeling since the thought of a big adult bed can be quite immense. Haha....


Near morning time, you cried and climbed onto our bed to sleep. But it is a small breakthrough. Mummy knows you tried and you kept your promise. We have to keep believing you will try to see it through. 

Happy Birthday my boy, you have come a long way. Many more blessed years to come and we pray that God will continue to watch over our boy and helped him to grow up to be happy, loving, selfless and faithful. Despite our inadequacies as parents because you are our first born, just know that you are very very loved. Any failure not to give in to your demands is not because we want to deprive you but we don't want you to be spoilt. Any harsh words and scoldings is because we feel certain ways are not the best for you. All things are done in loving thoughts of you and to help you grow up in the best way within our knowledge and means.
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