Da Man

Hubba bonding with our kiddos out at sea. Port Dickson, December 2010.


My heart still skips a beat whenever I see him. My husband. How is it possible?

Last weekend, we celebrated Father's Day in advance with a casual dinner as hubs doesn't like us to make a big deal out of it. "Its always the company over anything else", he'd always say... "As long as I have my family and people I love around me, nothing else matters".

He’s been the most wonderful husband and father, and I still love him oh, so very much.

Happy Father’s Day, darling.

Ever mine, ever thine, ever ours.

Taller than yesterday

This picture of my son Ethan was taken on the morning after his 9th birthday.

Just before he left home for school, with his sleepy puppy dog half opened eyes, he asked me this, "Mummy, am I taller today than I was yesterday now that I am a year older?"

And my heart – oh my heart – it melted into a glorious mush of love.

Clearly this poor boy was slightly affected with everyone's comments about how his younger sister who is two years younger than him is now almost as tall as him ....or dare I say taller by the millimetres!

Belle turns se7en!

Our sweet girl turns 7 today! We had a small celebration with just family over the weekend. Just the birthday girl had wanted, we had a poh-piah party together with other finger foods.

Birthday girl Belle had planned her birthday cake since her last birthday! She was torn between 2 cakes last year and kept the one she did not choose last year for this year!

Hubs and me brought the kiddos out today as its the March one-week school holiday. As birthday present, Chloe chose to do a session at BUILD-A-BEAR. Hubs and me weren't keen at allowing her mainly because she has enough furry bears and soft toys at home but more importantly because she's sensitive and has allergies. She chose a chihuahua instead of a teddy. After deliberating and making sure that it wasn't 'too furry', we relented. We did not chose any outfit for her new furry friend as we thought the prices were just too ridiculous. My mother could do a better job dressing her new chihuahua as she did with ALL her stuffed toys!

The kiddos spent some time at doing some craft work for about an hour whilst hubs and me spent some time hanging out together.

Picked the kids up before heading to our fave Japanese joint, Sushi-Tei for dinner.

Update

NEW YEAR'S EVE DINNER WITH THE PARENTALS.

"Can you just blog already!" friends sms-ed and emailed me sometime early last month. "We are all waiting for updates can!" Melly said as-a-matter-of-factly over lunch two weeks ago.

Yes, I've emerged from my shell.

2011 began on a ...hmmmm...I wouldn't say bad, it's too early to tell anyway. Rather, it started somewhat not how I would have wanted it to be. Does that make any sense? Hope it does.

Two days into the brand new year, I had an epileptic seizure. Yes, you heard me right. Some of you may not know it but yep, I have epilepsy.

The whole family were headed for brunch after mass when it happened suddenly. We were all very happy and chatting away after celebrating the first mass of the year. Whilst I was paying up for my meal, I fell unconscious and hit the left side of my head. It was a really nasty fall that left a really bump on my head for weeks! As per always, there were no warning signs and I totally didn't see it coming. I bit my tongue too coz when I came to, it hurt like crazy!

I felt really lousy when I opened my eyes. The paramedics were around, my aunt and hubba were around but I didn't see the kids. And being in that confused state of mind that moment, I had wanted to see them...BADLY! I wanted to tell them that I was fine and that everything was going to be alright.

I was taken by the ambulance to the hospital and was discharged 2 hrs later after observation.

That evening, my concerned family members came to visit me at home and I though I was in a drowsy state of mind, I felt really blessed and lucky to have all of them present.

This episode really shooked my children as it was their first time witnessing the incident. According to the hubs, they were so frightened and worried at the same time. Especially Chloe. She now constantly reminds me several times in the mornings when she wakes up and in the evenings to take my medication. And when they make their daily afternoon phone calls to me in the office, they ask and wants me to assure them that Uncle Lawrence (my boss) does not give me too much work to do ;)

And back to the question of my no-show for a while. Since the start of the new school term, the whole household has been really crazy! We all felt so sleep deprived. Now that the first term is almost coming to an end, thankfully we sorta got into the routine of things. Sometimes, we've just got to remind ourselves to go slow, to never take things for granted. To stop and smell the roses, however busy we all are with our daily lives.

The picture used for this post doesn't really go with the entry but it was taken just a day before my fits attack. Its a picture of daddy, mummy and me taken at midnight just before the clock struck 12. Just so you know, every year I take a picture of myself sandwiched by both my parents on New Year's Eve. Just one of those random stuff I do that became a MUST!

Ethan turns 9 today!

The yummy birthday cake specially chosen by the birthday boy himself.


Making his birthday wish and getting ready to blow out the candles!


His sister (and partner in crime!) gives her bro her well wishes!


February birthday babies in da house y'all!


Maria, Ethan's nanny, who has helped look after him (for eight years, and counting!) since he was a year old. She is truly GOD sent!


Finally, here's a family picture. Truly one for the album. They are MY EVERYTHING and how I love them all to bits!

Exactly 9 years ago today, a day after my own birthday, my firstborn came into this world bright and early in the morning. When hubs first held lil Ethan Scott in his arms, his heart melted when he saw his sweet angelic face. Mummy was overwhelmed too.We thank HIM for the blessings of our 9 year old.

Happy Birthday, Son! We love you so very much. Like how Papa and Mummy would say to you every night, WE LOVE YOU TO THE POWER OF INFINITY!

Hope you enjoyed yourself today and good luck for your paper tomorrow.

Back to the future?

Though the kiddos love their occasional mini glass of moscato which they are allowed to have during special occasions. It stops right there.
And at the moment, the kiddos control both hubs and me especially when they see us having a drink or two. Crossing fingers their dislike for alcohol and its scent last as long as possible.

Family Vacation 20-23 Dec

Gone on a family vacation. Will blog and post pictures upon our return.

Cheerios everyone.

XOXO

Home Sweet Home

Hubs was at school, so I sat at our cozy nook by the window listening to the crickets chirrup outside our balcony window with my dinner of a yummy home made Japanese salad with Goma dressing (the best and I'm hooked btw!).

I then nestled into the sofa and did some reading. The house was so quiet. So tranquil. The kiddos have found new spaces within our (not so) new home to nestle just like me. I think they feel really at peace with the quiet of the area as well.

Do I miss our first home? Of course I do. Just ask the kids, they miss it too. Without a doubt. But I realize now that what I will miss are the memories that we have made in it. Small it may be, it was perfect. We held many parties and gatherings which brought people together. The kids used to enjoy playing hide-and-go-seek with their father. Roller blading and riding their skate scooters along the corridors was another pastime they enjoyed playing with their cousins. And the good thing about that is I can take those memories along with me, wherever we may go. A home is not made just our of nice furniture and lighting, it's made of the LOVE within it.

There's no place like home. Dorothy was right. There really is no place like it.

ps. I'll leave you with a picture of the kiddos in their new fave corner within our nest. Of all places, at the corner of the steps in our home.

the TANs and their MAC!

Last Sunday, my family went crazy at the Infinite MAC (and not MAC) Store in Millenia Walk. Hubba-Dubba-Do, Scott and Chloe headed straight for the gadgets that rocked their boat as you can see from the picture above!

As for me, well since I was too busy taking their pics with my iPhone, all I am lemming for right now is the uber cool iPhone docking station that'll play all my fave songs from iTunes in the mornings when I dress up and get ready for work ;)

Big Hint to Santa cause I've been a really good girl this year! Ahem.

Birthday Shoutout...

...going out to the in laws. Happy Birthday Ma and Pa! GOD bless the both of you with good health. Thank you for everything that you have done for us and your grandchildren! We love you both so very much. Hugs.

ps. Doesn't the hubs look cool in the Frankenstein do?

Brother and Sister

Everyone, come meet the proudest big brother on earth last Friday when his little sister graduated from the same kindergarten he went to when he was younger.

:))))

My baby graduates from kindie!

This is Chloe Isabelle, my dearest daughter at six months. I can remember very clearly when and what happened after this picture was taken. It was taken on a Friday night after hubs had washed her up and I had changed her. Hubs and me made a great tag team, either he would bathe one of our kids and I would change them and vice versa. Anyway, she was in such a smiley mood that evening that I actually have a series of pictures we took of her. So so precious and looking back, I'm glad and lucky too, I had the camera ready!

Oh was it not just like yesterday when she was a little baby? Today at 5.50am when I opened my eyes, it all seemed so surreal. There I lay in bed thanking God for the day (of coz with the Bazooka Bass sounding snores of the hubs in the background! LOL! Sorry couldn't help it! Love you hon!) and for blessing us with our awesome kiddos!

In a blink of an eye, six years have flown by and our youngest graduated from kindergarten today. Another milestone for Chloe Isabelle.




Got all teary eyed and emotional today (and choked, too!) when we gave the loudest cheers when her name was called for her to get on stage to receive her Graduation Certificate!

Birthday Shoutout!

Folks, meet Sara Laetitia, my niece,
she's an aspiring gymnast and singer,
she's my sister Anna's second girl,
she's mild natured and has a heart of gold.
She's everyone's favourite.

Its her 8th birthday today.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAETITIA!
GOD bless you and keep you in HIS tender loving care always.
Love and Tight Squishable Hugs,
Auntie B

Birthday Shoutout

Birthday Shoutout going out to the dearest and loveliest lady I know. She's my rock and my stronghold and from time to time, she's one solid gem that I draw strength from. She's given me life. Sacrificed a hell lot for my dad, siblings and me and oh, not forgetting her 5 grandchildren whom she so dearly loves and adores. She's one person I know who never fails to put family and others first before herself. Ask anyone who knows her, I bet you my life they'll say the same. She hardly ever goes on holidays, for fear that we'd be left uncared for. And no matter how tired she is, all her children or grandchildren would have to do is to open their mouth and mention their craving and voila, in an instant, she'll prepare it, without much fuss. Lovingly and of course full of yummylicious goodness too! (Digress. Her fridge is really magical! Always stocked with all her special ingredients that at anytime, upon request, she'd whip out her specialities!)

Happy Birthday to my dearest MUMMY! I am sorry that I couldn't make it today for the lunch outing with you and the rest of the family. This sore throat, conjunctivitis and cough that I am nursing are a nasty one! Promise to make it up to you soon! I love love LOVE you more than words can ever say! Not a day goes by without me thinking of you. You are really special to us. I'd be so grateful to GOD if I only have half your energy, patience, your loving ways and of course your talent in cooking and sewing. You are the BEST MOM in the whole wide world! Thank you for all the sacrifices you've made for us and for your grandchildren. GOD bless you today and everyday. Tight Hugs.


Here's a pix of this afternoon's celebration with mum just sent to me by my sis, Anna.
Dad and mum with their Famous Five :)

Sacrament of Reconciliation

My eldest one received the second sacrament of his life yesterday. Yes, it was Ethan's First Confession and boy, was he truly nervous about it or what!

He was all cool this whole week when I reminded him from time to time to remember to reflect on his wrongdoings. But as the days went by which let to Saturday, especially when we were on our way to church earlier, he sort of became all serious and asked to practice the reading that he was doing for the little ceremony. As his catechist (and mother), I was getting quite a quick out of seeing him all serious and panicky. { Ethan if you are reading this, I truly apologise. But someday when you become a parent, you'd know how proud papa and me were of you, buddy!;) }

Congratulations my dear on your First Holy Confession. Thank you for helping me out in class. I must say its been quite an experience and I've enjoyed journeying and growing together with you spiritually.

Hugs,
Mummy

The kiddos enjoying Timbaland

I know I've posted this before but I really, really miss the kiddos when they were in the kindie age group. For those of you who have yet to see this, all I say to you is to sit back and ENJOY!

This is a classic! I can't wait for their reaction say...8 to 10 years from now!!!

Look Ma! My tooth!

Finally, the front tooth that's been standing solo for close to a month came off this evening. NO, there was no wrestling match involved, no slamming of any door with string-tied-to-door-knob-on-one-end-and-shaky-tooth-the-other-end. Thank GOD.

It all happened when Belle was watching tv and suddenly felt the need to just shake her tooth violently. There was blood all over her face, of course....which gave me a heart attack when I walked up to her. Luckily before I threw a fit (in every sense of the word), she grinned and gave me the sweetest smile ever and said that she was NOT IN PAIN. Phew. The tooth was still hanging off her gums and just when I turned my back to grab a warm towel, our dear helper Maria just put her fingers in Belle's mouth and yanked her tooth out before anyone could react. It all happened so fast...too fast that we all ended up rolling with laughter!

Now my little precious one was serious when she said, "ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS MY TWO FRONT TEETH!" and urm, "TWO DOLLARS FROM THE TOOTH FAIRY, WHEREVER YOU ARE, WON'T HURT EITHER!"

Friday Sake Night

Friday evening saw us at EN, our favourite Japanese dining bar for sake and their lovely beef carpaccio and wafu steaks. Hubs' cousins are a merry making bunch and I think if you ask diners at their River Valley branch last evening, I think we were really the loudest and easily without a doubt, the group that ordered sake like there was no tomorrow!

After dinner and umpteenth sake rounds later, we staggered (don't ask me how I did it in my 4-inch platforms!) to Jiak Kim Street about 15 minutes by foot to our favourite club, Velvet Underground where we partied the night away till the early morning. Yes! Hubs was on the dancefloor boogie-ing too!!! Phoo!!! What an incredible night it was! But the time it was for us to go home, we were all birthdayed out!

I'll let the pictures do the talking!!!

Happy Birthday Honey

Today is my husband's birthday! We had a lovely dinner celebration for him and my bro in law, hub's bro (whose birthday falls two days earlier on the 25th) over the weekend - what a crabby affair it was! With Mellben Seafood just a stone's throw away from us, we indulged in Crabs. From the claypot bee hoon version to crabs cooked with salted egg. It was so, SO yummy...and finger licking good. Both birthday boy and the kiddos enjoyed themselves tremendously. Hey, when the kiddos enjoy their food and clean up their palate, its pure joy for both hubs and me!

As for today, frankly, I wasn't actually planning to do anything birthdayish for my darling husband. But as the day ticked by, I just couldn't help myself. It just seemed so wrong to NOT honour someone you love and cherish ever so deeply on their birthday.

So I called the spa, booked us for a nice couple massage, booked tickets for a movie (INCEPTION was just simply great! It totally blew both our minds away). I had also arranged with my mother in law for a home cooked meal of steamboat dinner after our movie so that the kiddos could celebrate with their dad.

I always say that a birthday ain't quite a birthday without a cake! My actually-wanted-a-low-key-celebration-with-just-the-family birthday boy was caught off guard when he realised that they was cake.

Anyway, there were birthday wishes made, lovely toasts all round and we're looking forward to another birthday celebration this Friday....this time with his cousins minus the kiddos. And NO! Nobody is allowed to drive...so you know what that means! ;))))

All I want for Christmas is ...

...MY NEW FRONT TOOTH!

Father and daughter wrestling caused Belle's front tooth to be knocked out. Ref Scottie cried out 'Foul Play!'