Congratulations, Sis!

My Elder Sister who have been studying for her Social Works studies for the past 4 years just took her finals.


She did extremely well and was eventually invited to do an Honours program with the University.

Her finals result came out and she had gotten First Class Honours!!!


Wow!


Woo hoo!


Well done, Sis!


You deserved it.


So that's where all the family brains went to.


Yes, that's my Sis.

posted from Bloggeroid

House Hunting - Part 3

I told my boys that if I have extra cash after the renovation of the house, I will ask the carpenter to build them a tree house in the piece of land, just in front of the house. What a joy to be able to play in a treehouse whilst staying in the city!


You see, when I was a small little girl, we had a tree house. A make-shift one, with few pieces of wooden planks plopped on top of the tree. I remembered those times when I used to climb trees. It was great fun. I had often wished that for my 2 boys but it was difficult to get such opportunities, especially when we stay in the city. Now, it seems that God is granting my wish for my boys. The joy of childhood.

How about a simple little tree house?

Nice tree house... A great design

If I have this tree house, I wouldn't even want to go back home!

Joel, my 13 years old son is so excited with the idea of moving to the new house that he tells me EVERYDAY! He has plans of playing BB gun wars in that small little jungle! Both of them have drawn up the plans for their tree house and fantasized about what they will do there.


Well, not only the children have been fantasizing and planning, so, have I. Thinking of ideas to be done to the house has taken quite a portion of my time.


With limited budget for the renovation, I will be busy looking for bargains. Well, I will have a few months to compare prices and to continue to look out for bargains.


Lastly, I want to thank God for providing a miraculous house to us at a great price. I hope to be able to pass on the house to my grand-children. Haha. Such long term planning, eh? It would be great to see my grand children playing on the same tree house, their daddy had. Here I go dreaming again......

House Hunting - Part 2

At one point in time, it was so frustrating that we almost purchased a house which was a whopping half-a-million and it was just a double storey link house of 24 x 75!


We made various mistakes in the purchase of our previous home that I didn't want to repeat the same mistake this time round. So, I seek counsel from various people e.g. real estate agent friends, personal friends, my Pastor and his wife, my sister in law and even my Mother. Eventhough it was really confusing hearing many different comments/views but there is safety and wisdom in the multitude of counselor, as written in the book of Proverbs in the bible. I know that at times, our arrogance and pride stops us from wanting to hear what others have to say, especially if it contradicts what we want. Humility is the way to go!


There were various times when I went 'house shopping' with my friend, M. It was cute, 2 homemakers sitting in a car driving around, calling Agents, staring into houses, undecided where to go and even ended up at another friend's place chatting for 2 hours!


There was a particular time when I was talking on the mobile phone and an Agent asked me, "What is your budget?" and I replied, "Less than RM500K", knowing full well, that most of the properties were ranging RM400K and up. Even with half a million, it wouldn't be "the best" they have.


M gave me a nudge and said, "RM350K!!!".


I gave her a passing look. Not daring to stare in disbelief. But in my heart, I thought that she obviously have not been shopping for houses as long as I have. I have not heard of a corner unit house that cost RM350K. Its ridiculously silly to even have suggested it! But of course, not wanting to offend her, I kept that thought to myself.


Unknowingly to me, not her, this woman spoke out of faith. It was an impression that God gave to her. Obviously my faith was not up to her level. I couldn't believe God for a miracle... "Forgive me, God". Well, that's the reason why I asked her for help. So that eventhough this little "hard ears" of mine is unable to hear God, I will still not miss His best for me. Everybody needs help now and then....


A few days later, I contacted an Agent that took me around to view some houses. He brought me to 2 houses which I felt, I could shortlist. The 1st one, was a fully renovated corner house at RM500K. It was renovated to my taste but it was slowly breaking down, being almost 10 years old. The next house was an endlot with land but was a basic unit. A little rundown because it is 10 years old and has been tenanted all these while. The disadvantage to this place is the surau which was diagonally situated in front of the house. Will it be noisy? But its an affordable RM360K. Hmm.....


It took us another 1-2 weeks to decide on purchasing the house, after viewing another dozen or so houses, sitting outside the surau to 'test' the sound of the 'singing', if its bearable.


At last, I think that the house by the surau was what we were looking for and a good price to go with it. The Seller also reduced the price of the house to exactly RM350K, no more and NO LESS (we tried).


We paid our downpayment on 11 Nov 2009.


You see, that house by the surau (mini mosque) had all the criteria which we wanted. Not only that, it faced a piece of land which will not be developed because it is neither big nor small. I enjoy the view of the huge trees and the many papaya trees planted by the current tenant.


To be continued .................

House Hunting - Part 1

We have been house hunting for many months now. Its been tiring and frustrating!


We couldn't decide where to live!! We were shopping mainly at Putra Heights, Subang Jaya and Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam. Well, there were no shortage of houses to choose but unfortunately, we had a budget to stick to.


Honestly, the price of houses were almost ridiculously expensive, in my opinion. A double storey link house was going for RM450K to RM580K. Let's not even mention about corner units. The funny part was, people were buying them like hot-cakes!! If you take more than a few days to decide, its gone! Taken! Purchased!


I used to drive around these housing area, looking at "For Sale" signboards and would have spent hundreds of ringgit calling up Agents. It was a tiring affair but yet, I persevered knowing that there is a house specially stacked away somewhere by God, just for our little family.


I had my little "wish list" ....

1. Quiet area, away from city buzzing and traffic jam
2. Convenient to major destinations for children activities and Hubby's office
3. Guarded, for safety reasons
   
4. With heaps of greenery
5. Ample parking space
6. Not facing another house
   
7. Housing area which is children friendly e.g. playground, not many passing traffic
8. Preferably a corner or endlot with land
9. Not overly large or small but comfortable for a family of 4
   
10. Good buy and affordable
    

Is there such a house tugged away somewhere?



To be continued ........

Photos of Baby Ryan

This is photo of Baby Ryan 2 weeks old, I think.

The little feet vs my hand

Squeezing his cute cheeks

My sons with their baby cousin

Little Baby Ryan

"He is so red and beautiful" staring at Baby Ryan through the glass window. The exact same hospital Ethaniel was born.

Mixed parentage of Chinese and Eurasian, Baby Ryan has a good chance of having model looks and color too. Unlike my children who looked typical Chinese, small eyes and flat noses upon birth. Not that I am complaining, they now look like the most stunning young man in the whole of Malaysia. A little exaggerated but only a little.

I was not sure how to describe the emotions of seeing a newborn baby. After all it was 7+ years ago which I last held one. My very own little Ethaniel. The feelings is just so special. A special gift from God...so tiny, so perfect, so innocent, so angelic... It just melted my heart.

Congratulations to Corrine and Kerwin for the birth of their newborn on Sunday 14 June at 11.44am.

Go to Corrine's blog to see his photo. I will post some photos when I get my hands on some.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother’s Day

To my

Mummy

and all you Mummies out there

Who ….

Had awful labour pains in delivery

Stretchmarks on her tummy

Spent sleepless nights breastfeeding me

Changing all my smelly diapers… full of poos and wees

Tolerated my screams and cries

Endured the tantrums and pouts

Patch up all the bruises

Iced all the bumps

Thank you, Mum

I know it was not easy

But I am glad you did it anyway

See, what a wonderful joy I have turned out to be

You may beg to differ

But you cannot deny the grandkids

I gave you is the best ever!

I am, THE "Best Sister in the World"

This is a belated post.....


I am so touched by the birthday greetings made to me by my sister in her blog.


"Best Sister in the World!!!"


Now, how many Sister has received that award. Huh? Huh?


I should be proud....


I am proud.... *ahem* *ahem*


Thanks Sis... You're the best!

Happy Birthday

Life has been tough
It has not been an easy road
Especially in the last few years
The winds and waves of life hits


At times without warning
At times painfully hard
At times like a crushing dart
At times it mercilessly cuts


Is it not without pain
We will not know joy?
Is it not without trials
We will not have victories?


Who has promised us a smooth journey?
He has promised to be with us when we are lonely
But how can we be lonely when He is always there
Through the darkest and deepest valley


May you rise above it all
To see His power and faithfulness
Helping you accomplish your call
You shall be the Son, Father, Husband and Warrior


You shall.

A Very Happy Birthday


To Daddy

Love from us all,
Joel, Ethaniel and Me

Sleepover, Ice Skating & Fun

My nephew and niece came over to stay during their school holidays. This is their first time sleeping over at our place. Previously we stayed at their home, twice, so they got used to us. That was when we returned from Bangkok for holidays. So, this was a good thing because none of them made any fuss. Even the little girl.


Incidentally we were invited by a friend who was celebrating her son's 6 years old birthday, who decided to have it at Sunway Pyramid, Ice Skating. We have been to the ice skating in Bangkok various times but not the one at Sunway Pyramid.


Eventhough it's advertised to be the biggest in Malaysia, its still half the size of the one in Bangkok. Still enjoyable, I must say.

Timmy was extremely brave eventhough its his first time ice skating

I can't believe this! She is so gung-ho that she will just hold on to the side and walk around the rink without help

Joel's new friend

Everyone freezing... Ethaniel didn't want to play... There was once that he fell badly while skating in Bangkok. So, paranoia rules!

The children enjoyed themselves immensely. I promise to come back on another day when its not this crowded. A weekday will be nicer.

Condolence

I would like to send my deepest condolences to my Brother-in-Law for the passing on of his father *sigh*.


I have known Uncle Khoi since the day my Sister dated her boyfriend, now husband. That would have easily been 20+ years ago. I have seen him as a quiet, man-of-few-words, good provider, soft spoken and temper-less person.


He has been such a great Father and Husband. Its amazing to see how his family stands by his side throughout his long ordeal of sickness.


I guess, what you sow, you shall reap.


He was converted a few years ago to Christianity and I strongly believe that I shall meet him one day in Heaven.


May God bless you and your family at this very difficult time, Garrison.

Have a Grand Time!

Sitting: Sister-in-law, Elder Brother, Baby
Standing: My Mum

I would like you to get to know my Elder Brother a.k.a. The Bully. We are 6 years apart. He is blessed with a boyish look that makes him look half his age, but of course, that does not depict his maturity.


Some factual information about him extracted from Animal Planet...

He is a left hander. Read between the lines.

Thinks out-of-the-box kinda guy. He consistently had to leave his room. Yeah... we were not well to do, so his room was slightly bigger than one of those 62 inch plasma TV box. No... no.. just kidding.

Excels in everything he put his effort... e.g. badminton, classical guitar, business... girls.

Can choose the best durian by just shaking the fruit and smelling. Very canine indeed, excellent breeding. So, Mum and him will go to Ah Kau's roadside stall during season and pick from the "RM10 for 10 pcs" pile. Usually the unripe, wormy and rotten fruits will be heaped there but both will return home with the most delicious fruits that even the D24 type cannot beat. You can almost hear Ah Kau cursing after they left.

He is a real bully. I can still remember clearly but ignore the malice tone in my voice. He was never in the Mafia or Loan Shark Gang, though. He might have thrived as the Head Member.

To reiterate my point above, let me relate a real life story which happened...

I was hardly 6 years old, I think. I cannot remember my exact age, just the trauma. On a particular morning, I woke up to realise that Mum was out and for some reason did not return till late. Hunger pangs hit and Bro decided to cook. We went around the backyard hunting for chicken eggs. The chickens we reared was given the liberty to run around. Don't ask me why. Anyway. After hunting here and there, we found 1 miserable egg. Glorious food!

Bro. cracked the egg, whipped it and gave it to me with firm and strict instructions, "Don't spill the eggs!" It was said in such a way as to instill fear.

I felt goosebumps on the back of my neck and cold sweat trickling down my brow.

I repeated to myself... don't spill the eggs...don't spill the eggs...don't spill the eggs...

Cling! Clung! Clung!

Both of us looked at the spilled eggs with disbelief!

To my Elder Brother... there goes the breakfast...

To me... there goes my neck....

Aaaarrrggggghhhh!!!!!

I ran out of the kitchen, screaming for dear life.

Then, I saw Mum walking towards home... I ran to hide behind her. My refuge, my strong tower, my help in time of trouble.

Phew, that was a close call. God spared my life.


So, now, you believe me?


Anyway.


The reason for introducing my Brother is to congratulate him on the celebration of his marriage with a dinner tonight. A little overdue. But better late than never. Due to the short notice given to us and the uncertain conditions of our situation, we are unable to attend this dinner. With deep regrets.


Have a grand time!

Sshhh....

It was Ethaniel's birthday, so, he chose the restaurant for dinner.


Guess what?


KFC... Kentucky Fried Chicken.


We have not gone there for ages.


Anyway, I ordered the food but the lady gave me the breast part of the chicken. None of us likes it. We all either go for the drumstick or thigh.


So, I went over the counter and told her to exchange it for thighs. I forgot to ask for drumsticks. Upon returning to our dinner table, I spoke to Hubby....


Me: I hope its OK for you to eat thigh.

Hubby: Sssssssssshhhhhh.... sssssssssshhhh....

Me: *wide-eye-puzzled-look* Huh?

Hubby: Sssssshhhh.... We don't want them to know we eat Thai. Ssssshhhh......

Me: *eyes rolling* Very funny :-/


Another smart alecks in the house.


Help!!!

Little Baby Eric Junior

I have just received photos of my youngest brother's 1st born, Son.

My brother and his little bundle of joy

The little angel sleeping soundly

Welcome to Fatherhood
Its a wonderful journey
Of more than sleepless nights
Dirty diapers and milk bottles


It's to love
And be loved
To give
And be given (eventually)


To give beyond what you think you were able
To receive more than you think existed
To understand far above what God had done
When He laid down His Son Jesus for you


Now you will know
Now you will understand
Now you will appreciate
Now you will thank Him


It's a wonderful journey... Enjoy the ride!

Congratulations Eric!

glitter-graphics.com

Congratulations to my youngest brother


Eric & Saori


for the birth of your


first born, Son


May God bless your little baby boy with good health


Joy, Peace and Love


Always

Not So Good News...

The last few weeks has been full of uncertainties.


The reason being.... Hubby's company has been going through some retrenchment exercise and he discovered that he was part of it. Since since he is part of management, he was the first few who knew about it.


Since that day, 6 Oct, we have been waiting, praying, waiting, praying.....


It is now official, as of this morning.


He is jobless. He was given 24 hours notice... or was it few hours. Anyway. He was back since lunch time today.


Its a daunting time but we know that God has a better plan for us... whatever that is.


Our trust is in God.


Will you pray for us?


P.S. Better still if you have a job for my hubby

Beaded Jewellery

My Sister-in-law is a very creative lady. She makes all kinds of creative things..e.g. bags, quilting, crochet, cross-stitch, cards and etc.


Of recent, she has started a collection of beaded jewellery which she is selling, all handmade personally by herself.


If you are in Malaysia, check it out at http://www.jinggatulips.blogspot.com.

I'm Leaving on a Jet plane .....

On Saturday morning, at about 8.40am, Josh, his Nanny and the Driver was waiting in a van to pick Ethaniel.


Ethaniel's 1st ever sleepover at someone else home... without Mom, Dad or his older Brother.

Packing his own clothes... so cute to see this 6+ years old boy packing clothes worth a whole week when he's just going to sleepover for 1 night. He didn't forget his toothbrush...

Josh came into the house to help Ethaniel

Ethaniel taking his shoes, with his good friend Joshua overlooking

"But... but... I will miss you... Come over and give Mummy a big kiss." *wiping tears* (Mummy's tears, that is)

On Sunday evening, we picked Joel & Ethaniel from KG's house... and we were fed with Hokkien Mee (Black noodles) and deliciously braised Black sauce pork. Man! That was delicious! His Daddy, Alvin the "Singing Chef", cooks amazingly well. We had a great time chatting about our upcoming camping trip.


The reason Ethaniel was eventually at KG's house was because he followed Joel after church service on Sunday. To make it easy for us.

I went over to Josh Daddy's Facebook uploads on all the fun things they did. They did soooo many things in one day! It was swimming, the Underwater Aquarium at Siam Paragon, watch the movie Clone Wars and played PSP.


Ethaniel said that he had a great time.... But... He missed his Mummy. Oooo.


You know what?


His Mummy missed him too....

Congratulations, Sis!

I am really proud of my Sister. My older sister. The key word is "older" but... looks annoyingly younger.


She is

... smarter
... sportier
... popular-er
... prettier
... nicer
... calmer
... mature-rer
... wiser
... bossy-er
... fierce-er

... than most of the population of this world but.... not me ;-)


She has 2 boys below the age of 13 years old and yet, she has managed Uni for the last 2 years.


To top that, she has done exceedingly well in her studies.


She has been invited to join ...

The Victorian University Chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society.

"The society provides international recognition of high academic achievement to the top 15 percent of undergraduate students across all qualifications. Membership is by invitation only and is based on academic excellence and achievement. It has 350 Universities/chapters across seven regions. " www.goldenkey.org


Sis, I am so proud of you. You deserve it for all the hardwork you have put into it.


Well done!!!!

P.S. Don't forget me when you are famous and rich, eh?

Its The Little Things

I was at the Women's Retreat during the weekend. I brought some cash but I left it in my pocket and I knew that my wallet was empty.


On Friday when I reached the Resort, SH and I was sitting in our room and just relaxing....


When I looked into my wallet, I saw THB2,500 (RM250) *pause*. I knew in that instant that my hubby put it into my wallet that morning before he left for work.

Thanks, Dear. It was a really sweet thing you did and yes, it touched my heart. I know that its those little things which you do for me which makes me feel loved. And shows that you care.