Christmas Gathering

Our monthly gathering had been a tradition for many, many years. We started off as singles and then added on our spouse. Of course the kids come onboard along the way. At full force, we now have 9 ladies (plus spouse) and 12 kids. You can imagine the crowd, noise and the mess. We used to have our gathering at fancy places, then turn either to outdoor places or one of the ladies’ homes. There are just too many running and wiggling little things around. It will be a nightmare trying to eat a proper meal at a restaurant. We had to spare ourselves the pain as well as be considerate to other humans, lest they think that there is an alien invasion. 

We take turn to coordinate the gatherings. I used to be super anal about people not turning up for gathering but came to realize many years back that different people have different commitment. Now, there are months where only 3 families can meet. Then we take the opportunity to do things that only small groups can do. There is always so much joy, fun and love whenever we meet up, whether big or small group. The kids always had a blast.

We had a superb Christmas gathering last Saturday. Auntie T generously opened her house despite knowing the kind of mess we would leave behind each time. We are like the tsunami. Food was pot-luck style and there was a lot of food! The very capable ones wiped up delicious dishes. The busier ones got food off the shelf. You can tell that I am always busy, right? Nevertheless, it was finger licking good. 

Adding on the fun, each family planned a game for the kids with plenty of prizes to be won. In some of the gatherings, we had an adult as the only game master. That adult nearly died from exhaustion at the end of the gathering. Now that the load had been shared, no adult was harmed in the making. Great! The kids also played a big part in helping to conceptualize and man the booth. There was a lot of quiet q-ing too. It was one of the quietest and most orderly gatherings that I have seen in a long while. Lol.

Of course the kids had fun, whether is it the games or receiving prizes. Then the best part – receiving Christmas presents and ripping off the wrappers. It was a mess. Each family huddled in a corner of the living room, wrappers flying and kids exclaiming in excitement. We gathered a big bag of wrappers to be recycled. It was great.

We ended the gathering with delicious ice cream logcake. 

And plenty of pictures too – part of our gathering tradition. 

See, how can anyone not love Christmas gatherings? I bet the kids wish that it is Christmas gathering every single month.

Mummy Lim

    

Happy Birthday!

The big man turned 38 last Friday. I had to sheepishly admit that I didn't do anything much. There was an intention to do something special, like a mini getaway or a staycation. However, it didn't materialized bcos his bday is so near to the Korea holiday. Oopsy, what a perfect excuse. Hehe. To make things even more pathetic, I had a company event followed by dinner in Orchard and poor Daddy Lim had to have his bday dinner alone. I am evil.

About a year ago, we celebrated Daddy Lim’s bday outside of Haborfront with a tiny piece of cake, which was robbed mainly by the kids. 

This year was a tiny bit better. The cake didn't grow in size but the kids were in Maths class, so Daddy Lim had almost an entire piece to himself.

At least I attempted to have a mini celebration after the kids’ classes at 9pm. We eventually headed to Holland V for an ice cream. Daddy Lim had to share with Lil Isaac though and it was a mad fight for the last mouthful. 

Happy bday Bb! You be surrounded by plenty of love in the coming year. We love you dip dip. Muaks.

Mummy Lim 

Counting Down to Korea

We are 6 days from our HOLIDAY! The kids had been counting down each single day and so are the adults. Daddy Lim and I are so needing a break from work and the life routines. To add on the agony, every other friend that I have in FB seems to be on some holiday or already back from one. It will soon be our turn. I don't think the kids realized that school will start soon after we come back from the holidays. Hahahahaha.

Popo is looking forward to time away from us. We must have tortured her quite some. We had invited her for the holidays but she declined after suffering from the bitter cold in Korea 3 years back. I am quite sure she will find her entertainment for the 9 days that we are away.

We have started to pack. The outer jackets, long johns, scarves, beanies and gloves that we would very much need upon arrival had been vacuum-packed and squeezed into a hand carry bag. This would be carried onto the plane to ensure our survival if it so happen that our check-in baggage is lost. It took us some effort to zip the bag and it is almost bursting at its seam. Daddy Lim seriously asked if we should tape the entire bag. 

I have also started to put the kids’ clothes together. I am intending to pack light and “recycle” some of the pieces. Anyway the outer jacket stays most of the time and nobody really see what wear underneath. Seeing what I have packed for the kids, I am quite sure we can stick to the target of 1 big and 1 medium size luggage on top of the hand carry winter clothing and the usual backpack. We have to travel light. It would be a nightmare to handle excess luggage and overly excited/ fussy/ whinny/ angry/ crazy/ (fill in the blank) kids. 

This would be an F&E trip. Are we worried about the language barrier? Yes but I think we will survive. I am more worried about the cold; that I haven’t packed enough warm clothing especially for the kids. Luckily Seoul is a shopping paradise. Our itinerary had been planned, nicely typed and printed out. We have decided on this trip since 6 months back and I have all the time to do the necessary researches. We have also engaged a reputable private tour – This is KOREA! – to bring us around in a private car for 3 of the days. It of course comes with an expensive price tag but allows us to travel to further areas in comfort and the flexibility to amend the itinerary along the way. I had been liaising with the agent via email and they had been responding promptly.

This will be a great trip. Hmm.. what is next? Hahahaha.

Mummy Lim 

USS Once More

We bought the USS annual passes many moons back. Lil Isaac was below 4 and had free entry then. Our passes were definitely well utilized. I love theme parks as much as the kids and it was the perfect way to burn time on plan-less weekend afternoons. It would have been perfect if the weather had been more merciful. The passes expired about 1.5 year back. The kids’ lessons piled up on weekend and we didn't renew the passes. 

With Lil Shauna going for morning classes next year, we had overhauled the enrichment classes’ schedule, shifting most of them to weekdays and freeing up our weekends.  Naturally, I thought about purchasing the passes again. In the event that Daddy Lim had to work late on weekends, I could also bring the kids to USS on my own while waiting for Daddy Lim. The even-better news? Lil Shauna is now tall enough to take all the rides including the Cyclone and can now ride as a single rider for all rides. This means that she can now ride with Lil Isaac or ride alone when I have to be with Lil Isaac, which is crucial if there is only me and the kids.

As a trial, we bought the 6-month season passes. The passes are only slightly more expensive than the day passes and are totally worth it. We also dated C and T to USS! They have the annual passes. In the cab to USS, the kids were told of the rules for all future USS visits and of course they agreed or risk turning back home.  Us - on the way to USS. Perfectly behaving kids.

It was already afternoon by the time we got the passes done and met up with C & T. The kids definitely had a blast.

We took many rides. Lil Isaac tried many of the rides that he previously wasn't too keen in and took them better now that he is older. 

We caught the new Puss in Boots ride and a new show – Sesame Street. Though very kiddish, it makes me feel all warmth and happy inside.  

The average waiting time was about 10 mins. We even managed to catch Transformer with 10 mins waiting time. The longest was about 30 mins on display but we probably waited max of 20 mins. We had dinner in the park and left after the final Elmo ride. I was so glad that Daddy Lim was picking us up.

Of course we have to have our picture taken in front of the iconic globe. I have no idea why the kids are standing so far apart. By then, I was super tired and have no energy to yell at them to stand closer. Lol.

Overall, it was a great trip. It would have been perfect if Mr Sun wasn't working so hard. The kids were generally well-behaved. Towards the later part of the trip, when energy ran low, the kids started making more demands and the adults found it harder to fend them off “patiently”. We also tired lah. Strangely, the boys also started to monkey more, climbing, running and jumping. Shouldn't they be tired? It gets so much harder to tell them nicely to stop monkeying around and just walk like normal humans. 

Of course sleep was easy last night. We were all super tired after baking in the hot sun and all that walking. I thought I had a muscle ache in my thigh this morning. Definitely a good work-out.

Mummy Lim  

Buying New Books

As a child, I remembered the whole saga of buying new books and wrapping them for the new school year. Ahh, the smell of new books! Now as a parent, I still get happy handling the new books. Lil Shauna was polka face about the whole experience though bcos it reminded her that she still has to go back to school next year. Lol. She should count herself lucky, bcos Lil Isaac will get hand-me-down textbooks. I don't remembered using hand-me-down in primary school, maybe I did. See, memory is a funny thing. So Lil Isaac shouldn't feel so bad. 

Yday, I brought Lil Shauna along to get her new books and uniform. Her school is 15 mins walk away. It isn’t exactly that far but imagining walking home with all the books and uniform! I am quite sure Lil Shauna wouldn't help much with the carrying. I should count my lucky stars if she doesn't complain about the walking. I have no idea what bus to take but know that there isn’t a direct bus to the school. Nevertheless, I have a plan.  

We were out of the house within minutes of waking up to avoid the little monster. His nobody-is-beside-me device sounded off very quickly and he caught us when we about leaving the house. Fortunately, he was half awake and the afternoon visit to USS was a perfect bait in exchange for him to stay at home. 

And our plan? Lil Shauna and I each carried an empty backpack. Additionally, we scooted to the school! Clever ah? I made sure that we were safe. We didn't go very fast and dismounted to push the scoot at every road crossing. We also stopped along the way to have Mac bfast. Woohoo!

It was a really sunny day. The trip back was more tiring with a full backpack and no pit stop. Lil Shauna totally enjoyed herself. She said that it was the best scooting journey ever and no complains at all. Truth be told, it was really quite fun especially when there was a big slope along the way. We were sweaty and messy at the end but we didn't mind.

Mummy Lim 

Big Boy, Big Bike

We finally bought Lil Isaac his Christmas present - a bigger bicycle. We checked out a branded bicycle shop but eventually bought his bike from some neighbourhood shop; the exact same one that we bought jiejie's bike a year back.

Of course we had to start practicing. On Saturday, we only managed to practice at the void deck bcos of the rain. Lil Isaac wasn't stable given that his feet couldn't touch the ground and he crashed quite some many times. Luckily he had his helmet and knee guards. He didn't give up though and kept trying and trying. If I am him, I probably gave up long time ago.

The next day, the weather was better and we hit the park. The little boy was so much better. Though he still fall quite many times, he wasn't injured. We brought the adult scoot; Daddy Lim and I took turn to scoot/ run after the kids. It was really "run" after. The kids could go so fast now.  The parents definitely had a great workout. Lol.

The kids declared that cycling is their favorite sport now and I am one step closer to getting my new bicycle too. Hehe.

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 33

After missing the ice last week, I had thought that Lil Shauna would need more time to warm up but she was good. There is a big real Christmas tree outside the rink. Christmas is indeed coming soon! I can smell the tree's green.

This month will be lax. Teacher Raymond is bringing his students to BKK for competition next week and we are away the following. Teacher Raymond did ask Lil Shauna to partake in the competition but she declined, insisting that she didn't want to lose. Zzzz. We saw Janelle practicing. J is 10 this year and will be taking part in BKK competition. She looks really good practicing her figure skating routine that she would be using for the competition. Suddenly, I hope Lil Shauna could be this good and also she had agreed to compete. I also saw another Caucasian girl, who is probably younger than Lil Shauna and she is super, duper good. She was super fast and when she spins, it goes on forever in different postures. Woohoo! Her parents must be proud. That is what I called talented. Her bravery must definitely helped too. Unfortunately, falling is part and parcel and kids who are daring do better. Lil Shauna is forever fearful. Zzzz. I shall be comforted that at least Lil Shauna enjoys her ice skating.

Her class was uneventful.  Teacher Raymond taught her a new move and it is screaming "more practice". Her spin had improved. She went too fast for her own comfort. The remedy? More practice to get used to the speed. Haha.

At the end of the class, I asked Teacher Raymond if she needed to change her skates. His reply implied that it isn't crucial now; her skates are still usable. However, if she is outgrowing her current ones, there is no harm to change into figure skating skates. Hers are for recreation now. Teacher Raymond had a pair of 2nd hand Jackson skates that he is helping to sell but they are too big for Lil Shauna. I also asked if there is a particular brand to buy. His reply? Any brand will work for beginner lah. Chey! I would like to think of my girl as professional mah.

The end is coming to an end and so is the 13th month bonus. Looks like we have some $$ to spend. I am also thinking of skating skirt and leggings too. Mummy must he feeling rich. Haha.

Mummy Lim

Kids @ Work 2

About 2 years back, the kids had the opportunity to visit mummy’s office. Being a MNC, such events are big things. It wasn't held last year and 2 years later, the kids are back. The kids do remembered about the last Kids @ Work – the potato chips and fizzy drinks that they flavored. Lil Shauna also remembered doodling on the big white board while Lil Isaac kept reminding me the big Christmas present that he received. Lol.

Waking up was easy despite going to bed beyond bedtime last night. Waking up is always easy when there are fun things to do. We cabbed to work and Lil Isaac was reminded to behave when he is in the office. The reminders definitely fell on deaf ears. Duh!

We spent some time having bread in the office and I tried my very best to check some emails while Lil Isaac monkeyed around. Aiyo. I do wish to tie him up. The event finally started at 9am. Phew. 

Last year, I was able to throw the kids to the organizing committee and peeked on them every now and then. This year, I am the organizing committee and was assigned to the kids’ group. I had to witness my son’s mischief and he was so clingy bcos mummy was constantly in sight. Zzzzz… Luckily, Lil Shauna was an angel the whole time. 

The event ended with lunch and the kids didn't eat much. They had Christmas presents as well this year. Lil Isaac was thrilled and even asked for a picture. Unfortunately, he wasn't very please when he ripped off the wrappers. Lol. The present was much smaller and less exciting than what he had expected. Well, presents nevertheless. 

The kids burnt more time monkeying around in the office before they were packed off to the company bus. Popo collected them from the Boon lay MRT where they were dropped off. Finally, I had peace and could work. I was so exhausted. 

I think the kids had fun. I am not sure how much more do they now know what mummy does at work or what mummy’s company makes. All it matters is that they had fun. They also bring with them 2 big bags of goodies. Tell me, which kid wouldn't be thrilled? 

Mummy Lim

Cycling Part 2

The kids had been asking to go cycling again and so we did on Saturday evening. Despite the overcast sky, we pushed our luck and headed to the Jurong Park. I was even in my running shoes, getting ready to run up and down the park behind Lil Isaac.

Then, amazingly, Lil Isaac could cycle! He was on the bike and peddling for a good 5 sec at many times. There was no need to run after him; I could catch up with him with a fast walk. He was wobbly but definitely cycling! We did 1x up and down the park and would love to continue but the dark clouds were really angry and it started pouring. 

We went for dinner and stole more moments to cycle at the void deck before heading home. Lil Shauna perfected her turn and can now go 1 big round at the void deck without needing to stop. 

Lil Isaac can now start peddling without help. He definitely needed a bigger bicycle. His is so tiny and he needed to peddle very hard before his bicycle takes off so slowly. It reminds me of the snail-like monster in Monster University who was late for school on the first day. That monster tried to go faster but barely move an inch, just like Lil Isaac on his mini bike. Lol. Then, the hard peddling makes his bicycle wobble. He tried jiejie’s bike and was so much more stable but his feet couldn't touch the ground, which makes it even more dangerous when he is already a hazard – to himself and the people around him.  A new and bigger bicycle will be his Christmas present. Daddy Lim is looking at all the branded bicycles while I am happy with one from kiddy palace. Lol. I think I will win.

I want a new bicycle too. Then we can all go cycling. Hehe.

Mummy Lim

CNL Boot camp

This is the 3rd year that the church kindergarten that the kids attend(ing/ed) is holding a children boot camp. We missed the 1st 2 years bcos we were overseas. This year, we could finally made it and both kids are old enough! The camp takes in kids from 5 to 12 yo. It was held on Thursday, Friday and today. Many classmates/ ex-classmates attended the boot camp. Felicia was  there too.

For Thursday and Friday, Popo sent the kids to the church at 8.30am and picked them at 5.30pm. The kids had a blast and Popo probably had a lot of rest and peace. It was super cute to see the kids practicing their team cheer and claps in the night at home. Felicia even stayed over on Thursday night but she complained that she didn't sleep well bcos both Lil Shauna and Lil Isaac kicked her. I am not surprised. They do that to me so very often. Felicia was curled up in a corner on Friday morning when I checked on the sleeping kids. Poor thing. The kids were in all different groups but they didn't mind at all.

On Saturday morning, I sent the kids to church and was drooling at the thought that I have the whole freaking day to myself!!!!! Only to find out that parents were invited to the kids' performance at 2pm. Zzzzzz. I still rest nevertheless. I went home to do some housekeeping, got to watch 1 episode of the K drama and even sneaked in 1 hour of shopping in JP. I hope there are holiday camps every weekend! Lol.

The kids' performance turned out to be great. Additionally, we got to see what the kids really do during the camp. There were plenty of cheers, claps, worships, dances, games and lessons incorporating magic. No wonder the kids had a blast.

Lil Shauna's group was performing Daniel and the lion den.

The Lions didn't get to eat Daniel and was hungry. It settled for a ham roll later.

I was reminded of the Navteen camp. There was so much energy. I think the camp will continue next year.  I must make sure that we are in Singapore for the camp next year. Haha.

Mummy Lim