Best MOM Award

Running the award that was awarded to me by Bonnie (sorry Bonnie for uploading it so late... please excuse me for my partially impaired typing ability due to my sore finger >.<)

Agree with what Bonnie has said in her blog. Every mom will always work within all means and all wits to provide the best and only the best for her children. That's why we have "Mother's Day" to remind all of the unending and undying love a mother has for her child/children.

Rules:

1. Show the award logo in your post.

2. Pick a picture you have with your kiddo(s)

I'll pick a picture which I've snapped with Shawn just a couple of days back before I left for work, and before Shawn left for school... *psst... it's kind of pretty hard for me to gather all my 3 boys for a snap off-hand - but that doesn't mean they are loved less or not remembered*

3. Post should include your best experience as a Mom.

The best experience I had as a mom came was when Shawn made me the first hand-made "I Love You Mom" mother's day card when he first attended nursery back in year 2004. Though it was hand-made, to me it was - priceless! Imagine the card was cut, coloured, written and drawn from the little hands of my little boy is something money cannot buy. Since then, Shawn has been making me more hand-made cards and other little-little gifts such as stationery holders that gets more creative and artistic every time.

Also, not to miss out. Since at the age of 3 years old, Shawn has been bringing me flowers he picks whenever he goes to the playground to play. And lovingly leave them on my dressing table and dropping me a note saying "Mommy, you are as pretty as these flowers" *awwhh... don't that melt a mom's heart?*

4. Nominate other blogger moms out there that you consider the best mom, like yourself.

I'll like to nominate Hooi Ling and Guat Khim for the best mom award too. You ladies I know, goes beyond your limits to provide the best for your little ones.

Our 2009 Valentine's Dinner

I did not blog about the valentine's dinner I had with Nick on last Sunday earlier as I can't seem to find anytime to do it then. Frankly, after being with Nick for over a decade, we actually never had any out-of-home valentine's dinner - minus out our dating days okay... Reason for it is mainly because we both understand that love is where the heart is. So, flowers, chocolates, lavish dinners are not a necessity for us. Knowing darn well that most business will take this opportunity to raise their prices to cut-throat tags and love does not need all these to sustain or to fuel it further.

All our past valentine's celebration had been done cosily at home. And most of the time, I will be the one who prepare our own full-course candlelight dinner. But, our dinners will definitely include our kids and our maid - so, its not really a two-person kind of celebration. But hey, our kids and our maid are part of our family and our loved ones too. Speaking of our maid, she has been with us since Shawn was born, that means 9 years with us. That's why it is more like a family and loved ones proper sit-down dinner than a 2-person lovey-dovey valentine's dinner.

So back to my story..., earlier in January when the church I am frequenting organised an event for married couples called "A Moment Together", I pounced on it. Not that I had been longing for a quiet moment together with Nick, it is because the venue for the event is at the place where we both met - Hotel Waterfall. The place is not some kind of posh hotel or restaurant, it is more like a cosy little restaurant located in a motel, as the hotel is an old hotel from the 70's or 80's days. Having a dinner for 2 at a place where we got to know each other would be a great memory. And all the more when we have never revisited that place ever since we met, it would definitely be a memorable one.

At the dinner, since it was a church event, we were not alone as we do have plenty of other couple friends around too. Every couple is seated at a table for 2 persons, and the table is decorated with a candle pot sitting in a wine glass, rose petals strewn on the table, a cut-out butterfly marking out table number, and a box of ferrero rocher in a heart-shaped container. And we got a very nice table located at the corner of the room - pretty cosy.

The restaurant had been blocked-out by our church event, and the room is filled with hot air balloons, soft music and is dimly lit for that cosy and romantic atmosphere. Every couple dressed up for the event in their best suits and evening gowns. We have gentlemen donning their tuxedos and coats, and ladies wearing their best evenings gowns. *Ahem... forgive Nick and myself for not dressing up, as I had been busy the entire day in rushing my assignment till I completely forgot about the dress-code for the event - silly me*. I still remember Nick asked me on what attire should he put on for the dinner, and my reply was "Ah... any outfit is possible, just put on a collared t-shirt will do, or anything that you feel comfortable in". Thank God that Nick did not put on his usual 3/4 pants that he feels most comfy in :p

As I've mentioned, the event was a church event - so, it was filled with games, best-dressed man & lady of the night, sharing session and dance ;). Couples were asked to answer quizes and questions about their partners *without discussion* and to find out on how well they know each other. The dinner had been a great event for both the church as well as for Nick and myself. We had a great time reminiscing our earlier days together.

Here is Nick deep in thought with the questionaire... *apologise for the picture quality as it was taken from my mobile, and the room is dimly lit*

And here is a picture of myself captured by Nick on his mobile camera... *I know, I know... I look washed-down... I'm blaming it on my assignment - lol*

Lucas's 6 months to-be Milestones

I guess I've missed out Lucas's development when I had to totally isolate myself from my family for the past week. Lucas's rough motor-skills have definitely improved by tons, as he can gradually control his hands and fingers over his toys and other items that interests him. Here's a video that I captured today when we were at Gurney Plaza this afternoon. And oh yes! He concentrates intensely also :p



Aside from his rough motor-skills, Lucas is now seeking for more attention. He doesn't like to be left alone - so, he will be making noise and calling out for attention whenever he is being left to play alone on his playmat. And Shawn had been really sweet at devoting his care and attention for his little brother, and at the same time helping out our maid in baby-sitting his baby brother whenever he's done with his homework and at play.

As for physical developments, Lucas can now almost on all 4 - ahem... all 4 means his 2 hands and 2 knees *lol*. He can "reverse" when he's laying on his stomach, and he "reverses" whenever he props himself on all 4 and hit backwards. I do not have a chance to capture his video when he's doing this - will post it IF I happened to "caught" it later.

And here is how Lucas looks like now...

Hectic Week

I've had the most hectic week of my life for the last few years. I have left the study world for quite some years back, and now as posted in my earlier post - I have embarked on taking my Masters starting early this year.

Everything has been 90% new for me this year - a new job, new chapter in life and a new mother again (well... kind of ler since Lucas is a week away from 6 months). All in all, life in the past week has been overwhelming for me.

It all started with a total of 7 assignments to complete. And out of the 7, 3 are those which requires summarising of 10 journals each i.e. 30 journals *pengsan*. To be frank, I did not start on any of them since I was tasked with them :p - so, the result..... I had to rush like a mad-cow this past week to settle 1 of them which is due tomorrow. Since last Saturday I had to work because we conducted the first session of open interview on a weekend to avoid clashing with normal work hours, so Sunday was the day that I obediently sat in front of my laptop to start working on my first assignment. And guess what? I only got to finish summarizing 3 journals in the whole day! So, what happened to the remaining 7? Right... I told my boss on Monday that for the whole of the past week, I will be leaving on the dot to rush home and work on my assignments >.<

And I did! Since Monday evening, I have been diligently sitting in from of my laptop, working on my assignment, having my dinner right through my assignment, and really "dumped" and "ignored" my 4 boys (3 kids and 1 old kid) *LOL* till yesterday evening. Thank God that I managed to complete my assignment by Friday morning, got it tape binded and have the courier pick it up from my office to be sent to the Uni by this Saturday morning. So now... I can catch a breath of air before I start diving into my next assignment again tomorrow.

Pardon me for my absence in blogging, and also to visit some of my blogger friends' sites during this time. But, I'll take my chances to update the blog whenever possible.

Adios!

Expressions of LOVE

This is an interesting topic that I heard on air this morning through Mix FM - it goes with this question "Why do men always have to be the only person who has to spend lavishly on each Valentine's Day?" - why? hmmm... What is your opinion? And what will be your thoughts?

For me, it will be simple - LOVE is where the heart is. Gifts are a mere sign of showing affections one has for the other person. It need not be necessary expensive gifts or lavish dinners just to weight on how much your affection is for a person. To me, its the thought that counts. The gift could just be in a form of a self-prepared meal, a self-made card or even a simple but touching note will be just as meaningful when it is done, prepared or written with a loving thought. This gift to me is PRICELESS!

Just as the definition of LOVE elaborated in the book of 1 Corinthians 13, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres - Love NEVER fails.

Having said all the above, the conclusion to the question above - NO, it need not always be the man only who spends for Valentine's Day. It is just an activity or day for both individuals to remember a day by with fond memories... so, a small but sweet gift that acts as a memory token will do. And as long there is sincere love, everyday is Valentine's Day!

Taking this opportunity to wish all my blogger friends, friends and loved ones out there a very Happy Valentine's Day!

5 Things You Don't Know About Me

Got this tag from Sandra again after the "25 Random Things About Me" in Facebook. Hmm... I think for the first time that I am sharing so much about me by listing it all out by lined items *LOL* - but, hey.... its interesting. This is how we get to know each other better, and this will be the platform to greater friendship ;)

1. Just like Sandra, I learned both ballet and piano during my elementary school days. But I guess I was build for tougher stuffs... so, I was practically dropped out from those classes and what was taught to me was returned back to both tutors :p - maybe also because I had two left foot *yikes* that's why I can't dance tempo steps...
2. Was not the prim and proper type of little lady since my girly days. I played and wrestled with the boys from my nursery days till eermm.... end of my elementary days... (I think..).
3. Hates mathematics! Don't give me figures, I will NEVER figure myself out when I'm stucked in it. Still remember once I brought home a math paper which I scored only "19" marks and my dad practically shot up the ceiling :p *LOL* - anyway, still hates them.
4. My no. 4 is SO, SO, SO like Sandra... the gift of reading people, their expressions, verbal communication method, body language, eye movements, habitual characteristics and so forth... from all these, I could practically read 90% of the person. Most of the times my circle of close friends are "picked" through this "feeling" that I have.
5. And just the opposite of Sandra's 3rd item. I CAN sing.... heehehee.... but not up to the contest-entering-type of level lar... Represented my high school's soprano choir team back then.

And since I have the flow of words, I am revealing another 2 more things that you don't know about me - in short, I want to make it a perfect no. 7 *lol*

1. As grown-up (or matured) as I may be, I still have some really childish habits that I can't feel off. I still sleep with using a pillow to hug, and a most of the time whenever I travel, I pack along my little pillow as well. My best friend still teases me "eh... you & your bantal busuk => smelly pillow" *AHEM* excuse mua... my pillow is NOT smelly ha... it is being washed and sun-dried often. (I think both my elder boys picked this behaviour from me... Shawn has a favourite pillow which he fondly call "pillow penyek" a.k.a. flat pillow, and James with his smelly bolster) *LOL*
2. And as tough as I may be, but I can't watch any thriller or horror movies. People will be shocked by my screams rather than by the movie.... kahkahkahkah...

Fast-track to Beauty Tips...

As we all know, Valentine's is peeking round the corner and many of us ladies are practically like "OMG! How on earth can I look great with such little time?". Well, here are some tips which I got from my Cosmo's mags, and other beauty tips readings which I think helps a great deal in giving that last minute much needed fix :-

Get a Sexy Body

1. To de-bloat, try this quick detox diet. You’re going to have five meals a day for two days. For the first four meals, whip up a shake made of a) a scoop of protein powder equaling 20 grams of protein, b) a handful of fresh or frozen berries, c) a teaspoon of flaxseed oil, d) ice and water. For the fifth meal, grill or bake four ounces of lean protein (fish, chicken, or turkey breast), one and a half cups of steamed vegetables, and five nuts or olives.
2. If you’d rather not stick to a strict diet, simply eliminate simple carbs (white bread, rice, pasta) and sugar. Also, resist sprinkling salt on your meals — sodium causes you to retain water.
3. Drink at least four cups of water plus four cups of green tea (it’s a great fat burner) each day. And nix alcohol, which is high in calories, slows down your metabolism, and makes a mockery of your willpower.
4. Don’t eat later than 8 p.m. Chowing down at night will leave you puffy and sluggish the next day. Plus, it interrupts the production of the growth hormones that your body produces at night, which decrease body fat and build muscle mass.
5. On that note, get between seven and eight hours of sleep a night to give your body enough time to make those growth hormones. Even just a couple nights of good sleep will make a big difference.
6. Two days before the event, start increasing your workout to 90 minutes. Do 30 minutes of cardio, followed by 30 minutes of weights, and then finish up with another half hour of cardio. This will give you instant definition. Can’t swing 90 minutes? Aim for one hour.

Make Your Skin Glow

1. Exfoliate your entire body in the shower the night before the party for smooth, gleaming skin.
2. The fastest way to fix puffy eyes or dark circles: Brew two green tea bags, and let them cool. Then lie down and place them over your eyes for 10 minutes. The caffeine will tighten the tissue and reduce swelling.
3. If you have a zit, shrink it on the spot by wrapping an ice cube in a thin dish towel and resting it on the pimple for three minutes. This will alleviate inflammation and redness. Then cover the zit with a dab of lavender oil, which will dehydrate the blemish and kill bacteria.
4. To fix dull and peeling lips, try mixing honey with coarse brown sugar, and use it to exfoliate your lips. The sugar will roll-off the dead skin and honey will act as an agent to repair your skin.
5. Sleep is as crucial for your complexion as it is for your figure, so don’t skimp on it. Your body replenishes skin cells and produces collagen and elastin (which keep your skin strong and plump) while you’re sleeping.

Happy trying!

How Do I Love My Husband?

Running the tag which I've received from Bonnie earlier this week. Since it's in conjunction with the Valentine's Day which is just a week away from now, this topic is going to be a very appreciative topic for me to review the reasons on why I decide to be part of Nick's life, and to be his life companion.

• I love him for the boldness hidden behind the shy-prone outlook. The perfect blend of shyness and boldness that keeps me intrigue in our relationship.
• I love him for placing the family above all else when it comes to making any decision.
• I love him for allowing me to participate and be involved in major decision making issues and that my thought, advises and ideas does weight to him.
• I love him at how fatherly he can be when he babysits our children. When I say babysit means he really does babysitting from A to Z... including nappy changing, making milk, bottle feeding, bringing the children to the doctors, bathing them & so on...
• I love him for being homely as he is. Home is his comfort nest, he cleans, repairs, decorates and improve everything within our home.
• I love him for being so straightforward, honest and truthful without any hidden agenda.
• I love him for the patience he has whenever my temper flares.
• And I love him for being himself... true to his personality, true to his nature and true to character.
  

I guess if I were to go on, the list will just continue without an end. The most important liner that we should always bear in mind - Yesterday is history, and nobody knows what tomorrow holds for us, better it is for us to remember this day with the blessings that has been bestowed upon us, rather than speeding through life and least noticing the wonderful strawberries that makes this marriage and life so sweet and meaningful to live.

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy...