A full Year of Schooling

This marks the end of his first year in public schooling.


He started in the beginning of January 2010.


Its been loads of ups and downs.


But mostly up.


Joel has enjoyed this schooling year immensely. Even though its his first time to public schooling.


Many learning and growing opportunities.


His friends has provided heaps of friendship and fun throughout the year.


He is blessed with many good friends and wonderful teachers who are committed.


If you ask me, I think he is really really blessed to be it this school. I think he realizes it too.


Well, next year is just around the corner. It seems as if it was just yesterday....


Oh, forgot to mention that Ethaniel too had a good year :-)

Happy 9th Birthday, Ethaniel!

The days pass too quickly. Not that I am complaining. Glad that the diaper days, waking up in the night, potty training and all the drudgery of taking care of young babies has passed by. Gone.


Not sure when the baby in them actually grows up but outwardly, I have this cute little Ethaniel, all grown up.


He actually wanted to have a party for his birthday but since the The Garden was not ready, I told him that we will do it next year and he readily and cooperatively agreed.


We did a few things to celebrate his birthday over the last few days. Let's see... what did we do...


On the day of his birthday, he had a bad headache, so I excused him from school. For lunch, I took him to his favorite food, Bah Kut Teh (Pork soup). He ate 3 plates of rice!


The next day, we went to Shah Alam Park to try out the Skytrax but unfortunately we did not make bookings, so, they had no place for us. So, we went around the park on the mini bus, since we were already there. Mum had a great idea! Let's play ATV! A new place just opened near our home.


The boys love ATV and played it often throughout our 3 years stay in Bangkok, Thailand. Its difficult to get such an opportunity in Malaysia. Well, what do you know? One opened up 5 months ago, just 5 mins away from our home :-) The route is not as challenging as the ones in Thailand but it will do.


He had heaps and heaps of fun. With all the mud everywhere, due to rain.


The birthday ended with a meal at TGIF and his birthday monies put into his bank account, requested by him.


This year, most of the activities was haphazard because Mum was pretty occupied with other things on her mind... But all the same, I LOVE YOU, BABY! Err, I mean, little boy :-)

Wow!

We have been going for BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) for the last 10 months.


I usually do the homework with Ethaniel and we are currently studying the Book of John.


We read John 1:12-13

¹²Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— ¹³children born not of natural descent,^c]">[c] nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.


Ethaniel broke into, "Wow! Wow! Wow! Born of God! Wow! Wow! I am born of God!"


I was a little puzzled at his excitement till I read the verses again.... Well, isn't it amazing? I missed it. I missed the point while this 8+ years old boy understood it completely.


Me, of little understanding that He had to impress a little 8+ years old to remind me.


I am born of God.


That is a miracle.


Indeed it is.

Worth a million dollars

Now that Joel is going to school, he has friends of his age. Teenagers. That word might reek fear in some parents.


While Joel is in his teenage-hood, Ethaniel is emerging from his toddler-hood and barely in his boyhood (eventhough he will always be my baby), I didn't realise the adjustment both of them is going through. Previously, both of this boys were in the same world. But now, the environment seems to threaten it. Not necessary bad. Just different.


This happened in the car the other day.....


"Ethaniel, can you please behave normally infront of my friends? Don't make your shoulder funny or talk too much (as if that is possible)" complained Joel.


"I am not!!!" denied Ethaniel.


"My friend said that you talk too much and said that you complained about something" continued Joel like a dog not letting go of its bone.


"I do not!" said Ethaniel, his face now flushed. If it goes any longer, he might even start to tear.


They have been going to and fro and I knew that its a job for Mummy to butt in. We are obviously going nowhere with this....


I told Ethaniel to tone down when Joel's friends are around. Obviously some of his behaviours are causing embarrassment to him, this teenager. I also told Joel that he needed to understand that Ethaniel likes to talk. Its going to be impossible for him to be quiet. After all, I am his Mummy, I know that is impossible, unless he is asleep or his mouth is stuffed with food.


I had to ask Joel.


"Why didn't you stand up for your brother?" I felt annoyed.


"I did. I told them not to complain about my brother. And they don't. Not anymore" exclaimed Joel.


At that instant, I felt like jumping on him and giving him a hundred kisses. But of course, I couldn't, I was driving. So, I pat him on the head and ruffled his hair.


"I am proud of you for standing up for your brother", I said, beaming.


You should have seen the contented smile on my face and the warmth in my heart.


Worth a million dollars....


All the memories of their rolling on the bed, hitting each other, roughing it out, arguing loudly in the car, annoying their Mummy with this constant boy-play was momentarily erased... Bliss for a few seconds...

You Are My Best Friend

"You and My Sister are my best friends," Ethaniel related the words of the Little Girl, his new classmate. Just two weeks in school and he has smitten this cute little girl.


I like to ask him about his daily school experience. Most of the time, he will say, "I cannot remember." But when he does, he usually have some cute stuff to relate.


Like...


"Lunch was disgusting!!! I need tasty food. I have taste buds!!!" Ethaniel says it with such dramatics and wrinkled expression while relating his lunch prepared by the school..., "We had brown rice, chicken, carrots and potatoes. The chicken was OK but the rest was disgusting!!"


The Teacher told me that Ethaniel went to her 3 times to ask if he has to finish his rice... then the potatoes....and then the banana. He obediently finished them by mixing the banana and the brown rice. Hmm... interesting combination.


This Little Girl whom Ethaniel has smitten is a very cute twins of mix parentage. Chinese + Caucasian. Very friendly. Usually smiles and waves to me whenever I pick him up. Warms my heart to know that he is so loved and adored by his mates. Well, who wouldn't? He is sooooo cute and loving.


And I am not biased. After all, Mothers are NEVER biased towards their children. Right? Let me see a show of hands out there.


The Teacher also said that Ethaniel is such a blessing and so cute. His classmates really enjoys him and she is so glad to have him in the school. Wow! What nice things to say about my little boy. I hope he keeps up with his good behaviour and not show his true color in the 2nd month.

Ethaniel Off To School

Since a few months ago, I knew that Joel's education would be settled. So, I just had Ethaniel to worry about.


About 1 month ago, a homeschooling Mother advertised that she was going to open up a learning centre. So, I did meet up with her and was happy with the prospect that Ethaniel will be in good hands of such an experienced teacher.


Unfortunately it did not materialize and I knew about it a day before I had to send him. I was out of the country for almost 1 month - the whole of December 2009. A little dazed, I knew there is something better for him.... On the same day, I discovered another learning centre and called up. It was promising and even better than the 1st one.


To summarise it, Ethaniel has been going to this place for 1 week from 5 - 9 Jan and he totally LOVES it. He has made some very nice little friends. He is also learning well. He has some complain about the lunch but other than that, he is having heaps of fun.


"I am very sure that I want to go to this school. For sure. Until I am big." Ethaniel said with such joy on his face.


I am just a blissful Mother!!!


Both the boys are enjoying school so much. What more can I ask for?

National Science Centre Trip

This year, I was just too lazy occupied to organise a birthday party for Ethaniel. Eventhough he had wanted one.

In the past, I managed to organise birthday parties for both of my sons for the longest time. As late as last year, Ethaniel still had a party. I just couldn't manage one this time round. The thought of planning, cooking, preparing, entertaining and cleaning was more than I could bear!

I felt bad.

He had wanted heaps of presents from his friends. I know, its nice to have heaps of presents eventhough half of them are either pencil cases or books. Nevertheless, its still nice. He is just 8 years old and the joy of birthday parties are still great!

So, instead of managing 20 children in a party, I have decided to bribe offer to take a few of his friends to a place of his choice and enjoy 1 whole day of fun, companionship and memorable activities. Well, he chose National Science Center in Bukit Kiara and we went on 30 Nov 09, Monday. The place is huge, fun, educational, cheap and surely able to keep his other 8 years old friends occupied. Nobody will be bored or restless, hopefully. Let's see... who is in his guest list.... Matt and Jon from BSF (Bible Study Fellowship), Timothy & Stef (cousins) and The Thomas's children. So, in all, there will be 8 children inclusive of Joel, his evil twin.

A carload full of ethaniel's friends

The Little Boy aka Robot Monster

The children at Science Center

Trying their hands at taking out the rope from the metal loop at the Science Centre

They spent a few hours at the Science center and then we proceeded to a open playground for them to play. The lake opposite Amcorp Mall in Petaling Jaya seemed to have a great playground, not the best but nice enough. They had a great time running around and really sweat it out!!!

Matt

Joel and Timmy

Jon

Stef and Ethaniel

Happy Birthday Ethaniel. I hope you had a great time hanging out with you friends.

VBS aka Vacation Bible School

This year, Ethaniel went to VBS by himself. Initially, he had wanted Joel to join him. He almost does not want to go anywhere without his evil twin aka Joel. Unfortunately, the evil twin felt that since he has 13 years old, he is far too old for VBS. Ahem.. ahem... Oh well. Let it be. So, Ethaniel refused to go too.


I didn't force the issue. Eventhough I knew he will go... somehow.


The Children Church did a good job of advertising and selling the VBS to the kids. So, he signed up. From 24 to 26 Nov 2009, Tue to Thur, he was there from 8.30 to 5pm. He had a good time eventhough he was tired out everyday! Haha. They really know how to tire out these little children. Good job!


26 Nov, being the last day of the VBS, they went to Petronas Science. (It was also Ethaniel's birthday. So, I told him that we will celebrate his birthday some other day. Which he agreed). I was talking to him in the car about his day and he told me that they had Kentucky Fried Chicken for lunch. He was so hungry that he not only ate his whole meal but had additional 2 pcs of chicken! 4 pcs for this small little fella???!! Apparently, he went around asking for more chicken, some were willing to "donate" and he ended up having enough to eat. My goodness! There is a bottomless pit somewhere in there. By the way, I feel tickled just imagining this boy going from table to table asking for more.


Obviously this boy will survive with or without his Mother or his evil twin.

Happy 8th Birthday, Ethaniel!

Happy 8th Birthday, Ethaniel!


Oh my goodness... It was not so long ago you were just a small baby. Now, how you have grown. I still call you a baby because you are my baby, the last one.... There will not be another baby after you...


You have brought so much of joy and laughter in your 8 years of life. A lot of irritation, annoyance and pain too. But the joy has out-weight the "inconveniences" you brought.

Don't be deceived by that new born innocent-look. Since the day he was born, whenever he is hungry, he screams his lungs out!!! His face turns red and his umbilical cord puffs up. "Very healthy lungs" commented the Doctor tactfully.



Ethaniel had "octopus" hands because eventhough he only had a pair of hands, he was into EVERYTHING. Drawers, containers, cupboards and everything within his reach were not spared. He had special obsession for batteries and toothbrushes.


He took his own sweet time to talk but his personality was of obvious bubbly, joyful and gutsy. Has a compassion of a saint, sensitive heart of a Mother, persistence of a 2 years old and independence of a teenager.




A rare grumbling look. So cute, huh? Well, not when its directed at me (which often is the case). He keeps nothing in his heart. As transparent as a can be, he speaks his mind - good or bad!

Thank you for being yourself. I wouldn't exchange you for anything, except maybe all the wealth in the world, oh.. oh... I mean, nothing. All the wealth will be meaningless, if I do not have you in my life.


I will also not change a single thing about you... well, except, that you don't bug me too much, be more diligent in your studies, eat less sweet stuffs, tone down on your passion for cats and dogs and those wet kisses on my cheeks, just keep it coming.

What a handsome boy you have turned out to be.... To match those looks are a real loving, compassionate and a heart of gold. I have been so blessed to have been given you, as a Son

2 Piano Teachers

In the last few days, I have decided that I will take up piano. I have wanted to play piano almost forever but never had the opportunity.


My children, have been taking piano lessons. Joel (12+ yo) for the last 1 year and Ethaniel (7+ yo) for the last 4 months.


When I expressed my interest to pick up piano, you should have seen the eager teachers!!! Both of them were so zealous.


"I want to sit beside, Mum," chirped the little teacher


"You move to the other side," insist the bossy teacher


"Mum, Mum, here's what you do," both teachers talking at the same time!


"Good job, Mum," compliments the bossy teacher


"Wow," claps the little teachers


"No! Mummy needs to play this page first before that!" insist the bossy teacher with a sharp look


I was amused.


I noticed the difference between the two teachers. One is so systematic and insist that I begin with page 1 and continue page by page. Whilst the other younger teacher insist that I play the piece he has just finished learning, without looking at the book, just "look at me, like this, Mum!" Obviously my Son thinks that I am some prodigy!! Haha.


How to learn just by looking? After 2 kids, brain cells have decreased in numbers, you know? I have a hard time trying to recall what I went upstairs to take!!!

Monkeys

Ethaniel and Daddy was chatting away....


Daddy: So, when you were in the car today, what did you see along the way?


Ethaniel: Monkeys.


Daddy: Really? Monkeys.


I had an urgent urge to add some remarks.


Me: Yeah. There were 2 monkeys in the car too (trying to imply Ethaniel and Joel).


Without missing a beat.


Ethaniel: Yes. And its Mummy and Koh Koh (Older brother in Chinese)


*Me laughing away*


Such a quick witted boy.


My son, obviously.

Another Near Miss!

*screams*


"Mom!"


"Mom!"


I saw Ethaniel screaming hysterically and crying while lifting up his t-shirt.


I saw patches of white on his stomach and soon discovered that while Joel was pouring some hot water into a cup, the kettle's cover flew open and the boiling hot water landed on Ethaniel and his stomach.


I scrambled to get some aloe vera which I usually have in hand due to my constant usage of it for vanity purposes. I cut away the skin of the aloe vera leaf and made a paste to put on Ethaniel's wounds. The wound was as large as the palm of my hands. Due to the pain, I was not able to put whole pieces on it, so, I squeezed the gel onto the wound and summon Joel to get Paracetamol as a pain killer for this little boy who was in obvious excruciating pain.


It was a daunting sight.


He was brave.


After 10 mins, he was still in a lot of pain, so we decided to take him to the Emergency Ward of Sime Darby Medical Centre in Subang Jaya (used to be known as SJMC). Arriving at the hospital, I could see people in face mask. H1N1. What a place to be at 12.10am.


Ethaniel was wheeled in. After watching ER on TV, one tend to have a distorted expectations of having doctors and nurses running to you when you enter the emergency door. To summarise it, it was a disappointing experience. For a burn case anyway. Was not dramatic at all.


The doctor ordered the nurse to give Ethaniel some paracetamol through the anus. There is name for that medication, but trust me to forget that scientific name. I thought they were going to give him an injection. So, imagine me staring at him for another 25 mins in excruciating pain. Why do someone wants to go to the Emergency if not to have immediate cure. Anyway. After collating enough information, I realised that once the painkiller kicks in, the nurse will wash his wounds with saline and apply a cream.


OK, OK, call me a skeptic but I could easily have done that at home. Obviously my ignorance in how hospitals treat burn patients was a wasted trip and 1.5 hours of wasted time. The aloe vera which I used to treat him was a much much better way. It heals the wound naturally and as I observed it, the scalded flesh was from inflamed red to pink and slowly looking less scary. I use it when I get oil splashes during my cooking sessions too. It works perfectly and leaves no scars.


Of course, for Ethaniel's case it was more serious, his scalded stomach caused the skin to peel showing pink flesh. Eeewww.... Poor boy. Anyway, Thank God it wasn't his face or eyes.


After reaching home at 1.30am, I took more aloe vera, de-skinned it, laid it on the wounds, covered it with gauze and taped it up.The next morning, I took out his patch and saw that the wound was healing nicely. This aloe vera work wonders! And not forgetting to thank Ethaniel's guardian angel for taking care of him again after the drowning and "sand-in-eye" episode (for those who read the blog post which I took out)


I wonder if the guardian angel is standing beside God complaining of all the hard work he has been putting in for the last month. Hmm....

Have you seen a cuter or more adorable smile? Bet you never.

Black Tie Event

My boys seldom wants to wear a suit. Especially Joel. It was difficult to convince him to wear one. He has outgrown 2-3 suits without having won it once! Ethaniel on the other hand, is more willing. He enjoys looking coooool.


Attending our Bangkokian friend's wedding in Penang, again, we tried to convince the boys to wear their suit before they outgrow it again.


When they actually put it on, all I could see was ...


stunning...


handsome...


unbelievably good looking...


totally "leng chai"...


drop dead gorgeous...


Cannot take my eyes of these handsome boys!!!


Well, I could be a little bias, but just a little.

making sure his hair is nicely combed

Joel looking all grown up

Ethaniel trying to keep himself occupied during the wedding ceremony.

Miss Universe

Ethaniel and I sat down to watch the ending part of Miss Malaysia/Universe. They were already calling out the winners. My little boy asked me, "What is that?"

I tried to explain that it is a contest to decide who is most beautiful. And unexpectedly he said, "You are most beautiful", gave me the sweetest smile and stared into my face and continued...

"But you have to clean your forehead"

"Make sure there are no dirt (eye-shit) in your eyes"

"Let your hair down long"

"Make your body shiny (I think he meant clean and without dirt)"

"Change to a beautiful dress"

(lastly but not least)

"Slim down (he even measured and showed me with both of the palm of his hands. Looks like a size 0)"

Sigh.

So many things to do to be "beautiful". How to measure up? Am I that beautiful in his eyes?


Maybe, "yes" but only after I clean my forehead, eye shit, leave my hair long, take a shower, change to a beautiful dress and slim down.

The Cockroach

Ethaniel enjoys his art and craft class immensely! Looking forward to the weekly class and seeing his face lits up when the Art Teacher gives him an A+. He has always enjoyed drawing but since going to the art and craft class, he has been doodling even more.


I was wondering what he was up to....

What is this?

Aiyo! Looks like one of those cockroach I squashed the other day. Eeeeww... the stomach looked as gross as the real one too.

A Box?

Ethaniel has an annoying habit of talking while sucking air into this mouth. It sounds horrific. Try it.


He has done that various times while we travel in the car. I usually ask him to stop because I feel that it affects my breathing. Gives me a suffocating effect. Like difficulty in breathing, you know. I told him but he still does it to annoy me. Sometimes Joel joins in too, well... you know... just to annoy me. That's all.


This afternoon, while we were in the car, Hubby told him to stop doing it.


Hubby: Ethaniel, don't do that!

Ethaniel: Why?

Hubby: Because it will spoil your voice box

Ethaniel: I didn't know my body has a box! *in the most curious and innocent voice*


I laughed and laughed. It was so funny...

Healthy Relationships

A friend read my blog and commented that I actually expressed my feelings about my son on the blog??!! Read the post here. What if my son reads it? In fact, my son, Joel reads my blog regularly. He is one of my fans :-)


I see him regularly sitting at my laptop and reading my blog post.


Actually, I have a very transparent relationship with my children. I don't keep them guessing on how I feel. Especially about them. If I am unhappy about something they did, I will tell them. If I am happy and pleased with them, they will also know. At times, when I feel down, I will ask them to pray for me too.


When I am upset with them and vice versa, after I expressed my feelings and thoughts, the anger is not held on for long. If I need to forgive them, I will. So, that's the reason why I have a very good relationship with my children and not afraid to be transparent with them about my emotions.


When children does not walk on egg-shells around their parents, they will have a sense of security and confidence. The boundaries are clear and expectations achievable. Such an environment is important for them to thrive.

Wohhhhh, that is big!

Just a few days ago, whilst our Bangkokian friends were visiting, they reminded us of something which happened 2 years ago. We used to travel together in Thailand.


We had another friend, Pi K who was part of the "travelling gang", she really enjoys the company of my children, especially Ethaniel.


There was once we were swimming together in the pool... Pi K was about to come up from the pool by pulling herself up using the railings. Ethaniel was next to go. When Pi K was half way up, Ethaniel looked up and her buttocks was staring into his face. His immediate response, without a pause, "Wohhhh, that is big!"


I was obviously embarrassed of his very loud remark but Pi K burst into laughter. She was so cool with it that she started telling that as a joke to some of the girls.


Reminding us of that incident made us all laughed again, this morning.

Touching Moment

Sometimes the most precious things in life are the simplest.


Hubby's birthday was two days ago. We went out for a simple western dinner at TGIF. The children and I planned. They were wondering what present to get him... socks? underwear? chocolates?


They ended up paying for the dinner. Both of them shared the cost by using the monies which they have earned doing chores and giving massages to pay for the meal. Daddy was really touched knowing they are so very careful with their money....


Hubby relating it in his own words via email to my sister...


"We had a quiet celebration by having dinner @ TGIF just with Chris, J&E. Guess what? J&E paid for the dinner with their own packet money. I'm so touched. They are usually very careful with their money & are saving up for some toys which they are eyeing on. So, for them to part with their money to spend on me means that I'm more important than the toys. LL, words can't describe how I feel. I'm sure you know what I mean."


Like I said, the simplest things in life gives us the most joy.


P.S. Moments like these makes us forget how annoying the children can be, at times.

Free Promotion

I walked into the bedroom two nights ago and saw Ethaniel giving Daddy a body massage.


He happily chirped,


"I am having a promotion. Free massages for the next 12 days"


Ooohhh.... That's nice. FREE. That is absolutely a big deal for this little boy. He remember debts for days and years... to the cents. Very persistant Ah Long a.k.a. Loan Shark. No one in this family gets away owing him any money.


So, if he gives anything free, better grab it!


But.


Only family members. Outsiders still have to pay. Maybe I can convince him to give a discount.