Sweet & Sour Tales

I'm still here!

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Oh me oh my...my last post was in March! Shame shame, it's been too long I know. Since stopping Kindermusik classes, my saturdays have been filled with family activities, which is really nice for a change. I missed the kids, but I certainly dont miss the hours I spent teaching on saturdays!

Just came back from a mission trip in Miri. Wow, words can't describe my experience there. It was simply awesome. The 13 of us from First Baptist Church bonded so well with the brothers and sisters at Piasau Baptist Church. We worked so well together. It was like we have known each other for years. We worked hard, we laughed, we prayed, we played....only 5 days we were in Miri but memories will last a lifetime. 48 kids came to camp. 23 kids accepted Christ, out of that 17 of them from unchurched family. It was wonderful to see how God answered our prayers, and see how receptive the kids were to God's word.

You can view the photos at http://fbcmorevbs.blogspot.com

Back in full swing again with school mum/driver/housekeeper..hehe!

Will try to write again soon! PROMISE!

Nearly a Year

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 02:29:00 +0000

Hiya folks,

It's been nearly a year ( shame, shame!) that I haven't been blogging. Amanda ( my soon to be 18 year old daughter) made a promise to blog everyday so here I am...inspired by her discipline, though I know I probably wont be able to find time or brain cells to blog everyday.

Many changes in my life. Next week will be the last day I am teaching. I am taking another break from Kindermusik. This time around, I feel like I really need a break because I am feeling tired, and the joy of teaching is not the same as before. I suppose lots of factors are involved. I miss the time I have with my family on Saturdays. Every weekend goes by so quickly. I have missed so many activities of my kids because I am away teaching. It's time to take a break. Hubby is glad, the kids are happy ( I hope) that mummy is less frazzled every saturday.

AND, Amanda is got accepted into a US college. Knox College in Illinois. My geography is pretty bad ( !) so I took out my dusty and neglected atlas to see where Illinois is. Sigh....it's very far away from Malaysia! She got a scholarship as well. Hubby and I are very proud of her. We know ( in our heads) that this is going to be a HUGE milestone in her life. Studying in US is going to open her eyes to so many things, and she is probably going to grow into a different person from who she is now. My heart is cracking though. It's very hard to let go. But I thank God that I have a God who loves Amanda more than I can ever love her. Even though I cannot be there for her physically, He is watching over her at all times. Gosh, I hope by the time she leaves, I am all cry-ed out. I am a mess at the moment....

I am also going to take over the role of the head of the children ministry in church. God has been speaking clearly and I know He wants me to do this. I know the workload will be tremendous, but I also know that as long as I am depending on God, the burden will be light. I pray that I will not lose focus on God, and will not lose focus on what is essential, learn to let go of the peripherals and concentrate on the important things.

Ha...I havent written this long for a long time. Excuse the grammar mistakes please....

The burst balloon....!

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:55:00 +0000

Adam and I were giving a ride to my new found friend and her son. We were yakking in the car and my friend E asked Adam about his siblings.

Says he, my kor kor Alex is 14 years old and my che che Amanda is 17 years old.

E then exclaimed...Sue, I don't believe this. You look so young!

Hehe...me ( the balloon) modestly said...No la...I am already quite old.

Before anyone can say anything, smart aleck Adam chipped in....yes, my mummy is quite old actually. She looks young because she dyes her hair!

Riiggghhtttt....thanks my son...said the limp balloon.

Cheeekkyyy!

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:05:00 +0000

My 6 year old son is developing a sharp sense of humour. My mum is visiting, and all three of us were having lunch one day.

Adam asked Por Por....how old are you?

Por Por said...err, opposite of 17....( hehe...my mum loves to tease him, a bit wacky like me la)

Adam opened his eyes big, and said in amazement...

Wow Por Por....you are 71 years old....you are nearly a 100 years old then!

He....good thing he is cute or he wouldnt have got away with that statement. For those of you who know my mum, she acts like a teenager and walk much faster and longer than me, especially when in a shopping mall.

Her room looks like an accessories shop selling bangles, earrings, hair pins, handbag...and all in the brightest color possible....

Why Do I teach music?

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:42:00 +0000

Hi folks, I read this at a kindermusik blog. I am so glad I am a Kindermusik teacher!

Why Do We Teach Music?

Not because we expect you to major in music.
Not only because we expect you to play or sing all your life.
Not only so you can relax.
Not just so you can have fun.

But...
so you will be more human.
so you will recognize beauty.
so you will be sensitive.
so you will be closer to an infinite beyond this world.
so you will have something to cling to.
so you will have more compassion,
more gentleness, more good--in short, more life.

Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live?

H1NI

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:43:00 +0000

Hiya folks, the government is not doing enough to contain the virus. Please take good care, take precautions and build up your immune system. I pray that all will stay healthy!

Why Kindermusik?

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:35:00 +0000

You must watch this.....

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:28:00 +0000

Enjoy....!

I am back!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 10:02:00 +0000

Hello folks....sorry for the very long silence. I have been distracted, preoccupied, busy....and lazy...!!!

Just came back from attending a music workshop in Singapore. It was an inspiring time. It was a Dalcroze workshop - learning music through movement. The presented is a 74 years old (!!!) lady called Joan Pope. Honestly, I haven't seen such a sprightly 74 year old before...she danced, she leaped, she skipped, she sang, and played the piano...talked from 9am - 4 pm every day for three consecutive days. I found out later that the 3 day workshop I attended was just the tip of an iceberg. Joan went on to give another 6 day workshop after we left. Just thinking about it makes me breathless!

As I said, it was an amazing time. Hah...I did complained about my poor achy bones during the workshop but truly I came back, freshly inspired and challenged to practice what I have learned.

Today was the first lesson for two of my music classes....it's really great to see all the kids again, and I hope to continue to make music class a fun and learning experience for them.

And...I promise to write more often ya....

Amazing!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:58:00 +0000

You have to watch this...
Show it to your kids - especally those who have done or are doing weathers.

via videosift.com

Child Abused....

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:06:00 +0000

The Star headlines today is about a 5 year old boy allegedly abused by his mum. I knew of the case a few days before the news broke because I know the boy's aunt who reported the case to the welfare department. It took a lot of guts for her to do that, and I am so glad that she took that big step to do it, for the sake of the boy.

Anyway, I was talking to hubby about it and my 6 year old son overheard the conversation. He asked how the boy got hurt, and who hurt him. I told him in the simplest terms what happened without making it too scary. He asked me why did the boy's mum did what she did. Is she crazy? I told him she is, in a way, and she needs to see a doctor to help her.

He was quiet for a few minutes, and then held my hand and said...Mum, I hope you will never become crazy like her.

Indeed....I wish with all my heart that there will be more awareness of cases like this, and that there will be avenues for people that need help. There have been too many cases of kids getting abused, and dying because society turn a blind eye to their plight. I pray that for this particular case, we don't judge the mother or point fingers....but give real help to the boy and the mum.

Mrs Fish!

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Fri, 15 May 2009 03:57:00 +0000

Hi, hi, sorry I have been out of touch for so long. Don't know why, have not be exceptionally busy. Guess blogging is a habit...once you neglect writing, it's hard to get back to it. Anyway, I have been chased by some people ( you know who you are) and calling me old lady (!!!!) so here I am again....

One of the most favourite time of my day is to snuggle with Adam early hours of the morning when he just wake up. We wake up pretty early, at 6:30am for school. Usually, we will spend a few minutes cuddling in bed before getting up and I love to just smell his sweet smell and giving him kisses to store up my 'supply' for the day before he goes off to school...hehe!

Anyway one morning, his daddy gave him a hug and kiss and Adam said...Dad...you smell like a cucumber!

Of course mummy gave a big guffaw!

Dad quickly said, what about mum? What does she smells like?

Honestly, I thought he was going to say flowers or strawberry cake, or something along that line.

You know what the rascal said? Mummy smells like FISH!!!

FISH????? FISH!!!!!!!!!!

Of course daddy collapsed on the bed, snorting and laughing in an evil way!

But you know what my darling rascal said after that....but daddy, I love the smell of fish....!

Hahahaha......I got the last laugh....hehehehehe!

Oh me oh my!

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Oh me oh my indeed! Just realised how long I haven't blogged...the last entry was in January before CNY!

Nothing much happening. Music classes are on as usual...am glad that numbers of kids in classes have gone up despite the economic situation. I am still enjoying teaching....though I find myself feeling quite tired at the end of my classes. A sign of old age perhaps...

Which reminds me of what I overheard Adam telling his friend one day when they were both in the car going to school.

'You know....my mum ( very proudly) lived in the olden days!

Huh?

Well....I used to tell him Por Por lived in the olden days when there is no TV etc...so I guess he thinks I have fallen into this category too.

Sob...sob...

Please excuse me, I have to go clean my dentures ( .....hobbles away in her walking frame!)

Happy Chinese New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 01:45:00 +0000

Just a short note to wish all of you a happy Chinese New Year, and a blessed time of reunion with friends and family members.

Am taking a break of teaching for two weeks, glad to have the Saturdays free and just to be with my kids and hubby.

Got a call from an ex-student who has moved to Singapore. Ethan is two years old. My phone rang, and Ethan was on the line....Ms Sue, I missed you. My heart literally melted on the spot. His mum is signing him up for Kindermusik in Singapore soon.

Got another call day before yesterday from a current student, Jayden. Mum told me he asked to go Ms Sue's class every day, in the morning before school and after picking him up from school. Driving her crazy! So, these two weeks break is going to be a long one for him and her ;-)

For those of you who are travelling over this holidays, have a safe and traffic jam free journey. We will be in KL.....

Gong Xi FA Cai!

Happy New Year 2009!

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 09:53:00 +0000

Hiya folks....a new year all stretch out in front of us. I didn't make any resolutions this year. Guess I kinda fumbled into this year!

The end of last year was spent rather quietly, though we did have a small party at home. Adam, my going to be 6 years old son, was sick the last few days of the year so we just stayed home. I was desperately praying that he get well in time to start school. Mum-in-law celebrated her 70th birthday with much ado with friends and family. Wow....I was just trying to imagine myself when I am 70...what will be the thoughts going through my head? ( hopefully with a full head of hair, haha!)

Adam and Alex ( my 14 year old) are now in the same school so I am doing the very early morning run. Yawn.....Adam started his real school ie year 1, with much longer school hours, taking lunch in school, and wearing his brand new uniform. Thank God he had a few friends starting at the same time so the first day of school was tears free for him. Mummy almost broke down when I bid goodbye after the bell rang. This is my baby of all baby.....and he is starting year 1. A friend who knows me well texted me asking whether I was bawling my eyes out. I told her I have been crying in my heart for days now, praying that all will go well. Thank God it did. He adjusted well, waking every morning, eager to go to school. Happy mummy and child!

So now I have even more free time so I am looking for stuff to occupy me, hopefully some part time job apart from the one that I am already doing now, ie teaching music. Times are tough....so it will be wise to gain some extra income if possible....

Started back all the music classes....I missed the kids so it was really good to see them. Today was special....had two siblings from my ex students who have finished the program come back to me. Looking at the students that have grown so much and so well....and now starting the cycle all over again with their siblings....makes me feel really good!

Chinese New Year is around the corner....more feasting and spending! I am still reeling from Christmas....so I think it will be a quiet CNY! Definitely not going anyway as both sides of the family are here in KL.

Adieus for now folks.....

Christmas Eve 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:12:00 +0000

Hi folks, it is the time of the year which holds a special time for our family. We celebrate the birth of Jesus 2000 years ago. The time of the year when the Christmas tree is up, presents to be given and received, christmas greetings and cards from friends all over the world, and the time to be thankful for all the blessings that God has showered on us.

I am taking a break from teaching till January next year. It's nice to have this stretch of holidays, especially the weekends with the family. We are not going away, involved in church services for Christmas and New Year.

Please read our family blog which we updated: http://shiewsletter.blogspot.com - we update this blog once a year so that friends can have a brief peek on what we have been up to as a family.

The kids are pretty excited about tomorrow. Christmas Day is just a very special day - no matter how old you are! Even as I am writing, my two older kids ( 16 and 13) are sitting down chatting by the christmas tree, trying to guess their presents! Adam is going to be one excited boy tomorrow as he will be getting the present he always wanted but mum and dad said no because it's too expensive.

Here's wishing all of you a blessed Christmas and a meaningful year ahead.

Much love.....

December....

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:57:00 +0000

Hiya folks.....I survived VBS and had a blast. It was so tiring....but so much laughter, joy, moments that touched my heart....it was WORTH it. Check out the blog http://fbcvbs08.blogspot.com ( look out for the crazy looking lady with gigantic glasses and bright blue dress!) Now the followup work begins. At the last count, a total of 50 plus children accepted Christ ;-) The committee is seriously working on how to continue to keep track of these kids and encourage them to grow deeper in their relationship with God.

Adam had a good time. Made some new friends. Love singing the songs and doing the movements. Love his teachers, especially teacher Elizabeth who is SUPER cool.

I am now having withdrawal syndrome! Next VBS we are going to the land of the Kangaroos.....We hope next year we can have more kids attending. This year we had 385 kids attending, which is GREAT. The whole church was filled with chattering, excited, jumping, running, singing, laughing, smiling kids....how can one not be filled with joy just watching them?

Anyway, I promised that after VBS, I will start preparing for Christmas. So far have started a pathetic attempt to wrap some gifts.......But at least the Christmas tree and deco are up....makes the house looks festive and the heart ready for the special time of the year.

Adieus for now.....off to wrap some more presents!

Sigh......

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:10:00 +0000

My five year old son and I were sitting down watching TV today. It was his last day of school yesterday so today we are having a lazy day....

He asked me.....mummy, what's in your tummy?

Ah...I thought....not too late for a science lesson. I went into a detailed explanation of all the organs in that part of the body....the stomach, the intestines, the womb etc....

He listened to me, respectfully and quietly, and then said....

No wonder your tummy looks so BIG!

Hah.....thank you very much. Jeez!

Haha......;-(

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:18:00 +0000

My 5 year old asked me today, " Mum, if daddy die...will you marry again?"

I was caught offguard....we were having lunch together at Old Town White Coffee restaurant and I was kind of preoccupied with my lunch.

Took the easy way out. "I don't know", I said.

Wise young one said...."It's not fair you know.....you are already so old, how can another man marry you?"

WELLLL.....thanks a lot my son. You certainly made my day!

Silence

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 09:51:00 +0000

Sorry folks, have been pretty busy lately with many things : new music classes, bible study and vacation bible school ( check out this blog http://fbcvbs08.blogspot.com)

Vacation bible school is happening in two weeks time at our church. This year I am in the planning committee and we have currently about 400 kids registered to come over one week, two sessions a day. I am also in the midst of planning for the family day concert...which involves me dressing up and acting as a Hawaiian queen. Haha....it's going to be lots of fun and I bet pretty tiring too.

In December, if all goes according to plan, I will be helping the youth organized a drama workshop for their annual youth camp. Have in mind to do something like " Whose line is it anyway?" At the moment, no time to dwell into this yet until VBS is over at the end of the month.

Music classes are going great. Opening up a new class this Saturday. A new challenge but am looking forward to this opportunity to bring music awareness of these kids to a higher level, and developing further their love in music.

Adam is also saying goodbye to his old kindy in November. He will be starting Year 1 in a new school, Tenby International School in Setia Alam, joining Alex who is already there, doing his Year 9. Praying that he will settle well in the new school, with longer school hours. Mummy has to get use to waking up earlier too!

So you see....that is why the silence.....hehe...just no time to sit down!

Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:47:00 +0000

My husband and I often pray together with our kids, especially young 5 year old Adam. Before sleeping at night, Adam will always request for us to pray with him. Sometimes he prays and we listen, sometimes we pray and he listens.

Just now, I was walking into my bedroom, I heard someone talking in my bathroom. I recognized it was Adam's voice and he was praying as he pees!

Dear Jesus, please protect me as I know you are very powerful, more powerful than knights and soldiers. Please take care of me......

My heart stopped beating for a second. It is one thing to pray together but it is touching when you hear your 5 year old son praying on his own accord. He reached out to God on his own, and to me, it shows that he has a personal faith of his own....he doesn't believe just because mum and dad say so, he believes from his heart.

He certainly wont be half dead and half alive in heaven ;-)

Half dead half alive!

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:58:00 +0000

Adam has a penchant of asking his friends whether they are Christians. He is very concerned whether his friends will eventually go to heaven and be with him forever and ever.

He was been asking a certain friend that he plays with quite often in the park....are you a christian? The poor boy said no the first time. But our friend here keep on asking him....why are you not a christian?

Well today. the friend decided he wanted to cover all grounds. He told Adam....Adam, I believe in all Gods OK?

Adam looked at him straight in the eye and said....then you will be half dead and half alive when you go to heaven!

Because you only half believe in Jesus.......

Vo-ca-bu-la-ry!

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:52:00 +0000

Hi, my 5 year old son ( 5 going 20!) loves to ask us meaning of words he doesn't understand. Mum....what does alert means? Mum...what does alarm means?

I got a pleasant surprise last night. He was playing with his toys and he asked me how to manipulate a certain device on the toy. I told him...you figure it out yourself. He turned to me and said....but mum, you are so INTELLIGENT!

Hah....he didn't say clever but used the word Intelligent....Mmm....pretty good eh for a 5 year old?

This afternoon, he wanted to tie a rubber band on a chopstick and then tie it on his wrist. I was too lazy to figure out how to do it (!!!!) and he sighed....OK then, I will ask Che Che...since she is more CREATIVE!

Wah.....I am quite impressed lor....tee hee!

I'm back.....

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:02:00 +0000

It's nice to be back teaching again......I have missed it....it feels different this time around, definitely less pressure and more liberating.....

Taking it slowly...

But, it's GOOD to be back!

O level results

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Shiew) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:46:00 +0000

Some of you knew that Amanda ( my 16 year old) was taking her O levels exams and a few of you prayed for her.

Well, her results came out about a week ago....she got 7As ( A* for Maths) and 2Bs!

We are mighty proud of her....we thank God for her good results, and we are just so glad that all her hard work paid off.

I was so happy....could have gone hug all her teachers who have helped her along the way.

Special thanks to Ms Angeline who stood by her since she started school.....she is the kind of teacher every kid needs in their school life...committed, hard working, caring, responsible, and always look out for the best in the child....