This is a Miracle

Zac's K2 Certification Presentation cum Concert 2009

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Zac's K2 Certification Presentation & Concert finally ended last Sunday @ ITE Simei Auditorium. It must have been tough on the participating children & teachers with the constant rehearsal prior to it!! *sweat*

Below is pic of Zac with his graduation gown over his concert attire. He took a pic with his best friend, Xavier. Too bad the 2 boys will not be in the same school next year *sob*

The VIPs for the event was Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Defence, Mr Teo Chee Hean. The boys were so honoured to be able to take a pic with him :):)

We also took pic with our MPs, Ms Penny Low. She is so friendly & even joked with Amos, who was shy at first to take the pic ;p

Thank you, my first commentator
Hip Mommy

KidSafe Your Home !!

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:46:00 +0000

I always believe in a safer home for the kids. I still remember we bought a total of 2 Baby Gates after Zachary learned to crawl. We preferred swing closed Pressure Gates, one each for the kitchen & Zachary's bedroom.
At that time, there wasn't a lot of Child Safety Gates available over here to choose from. I learnt recently that mothers nowadays are spoilt for choices. KidCo Gates offer a wide variety of baby gate. They have gates ranging from Stairway Gate s to Pet Gates & Extra Wide Baby Gate s for those with mighty homes. They even have Custom Fit Gate which is ideal for those with unusual & nonparallel walls.

The products offer great way to make a safe, secure, yet non-confining space for one or more children.

Have a peace of mind with KidSafeinc.com. You can even follow updates of them on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, and the KidSafe Blog.

Thank you, my first commentator

Kidz Amaze

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:51:00 +0000

The boys went to the newly opened Kidz Amaze at Safra Jurong last weekend. It is the tallest Ballocity ever built in Singapore with 5 levels & 31 elements of plays in the maze.

The family package for 2 Adult & 2 Child is S$26.75 ( for Safra Member). It may be slightly more expensive than Explorer Kids but the ticket is for unlimited play till 9pm.

It is definitely more fun over at Kidz Amaze as you can see below ... ...

Zac tried on these indoor spiral slide umpteen times. It is one of the tallest indoor spiral slide in Asia.

Amos on the other hand tried thrice on this twisty & turny one which is slightly shorter than the tallest one. I have to applause for his bravery cos mummy is too scare to slide down !! *scream*

We will definitely go there again very soon. Its just too fun for the kids. We spent a total of 3 hours there !! :):)

Thank you, my first commentator

Catch Fish

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:55:00 +0000

The boys tried catching fish for the first time after hearing from my friend that this particular pond on the NE side of Singapore has a lot of "longkang" fishes.

I specially bought 2 nets a day before the trip for the boys.

It was a hot afternoon.... when we reached there, I realized that I've forgotten to bring along food for the fishes *alamak* ;p

Nevertheless, we still managed to catch abt 50 little fishes. The biggest of the shoal of fishes was caught by Zac *applause*

We intend to go there again & this time with food so that we can catch the bigger ones!! ;p

We released the fishes back to the pond before we leave ... ...

Thank you, my first commentator
Little Prince

Amos and his "koala bear" HUG

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Amos jumped onto Zac the other day while we were dining at Tony Roma's.
He gave Zac a "koala bear" HUG & gripped onto him for a few second.
It was really entertaining ... ... ;p

Thank you, my first commentator
Marzie

Zac turned 6 !!

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:31:00 +0000

Zac turned 6 yrs old on 4 Oct 09... ...
We had lunch at Swensens, one of Zac's fav restaurant !!
Complimentary firehouse sundae for the birthday boy :)~~~

This year, Zac chose mango filling CAR 95 cake :)
We actually planned to cut the cake at the restaurant, however, Zac was too full to consume the cake. As such, we brought the cake to my MIL's house ... ...

We proceeded to Orchid Bowl at Downtown East cos daddy promised to bring Zac for bowling as he had scored 100 marks 5 times consecutively for his English Spelling in school !!
However, the waiting list was too long. The boys played at the mini-bowl instead. They played 3 sets of games together.

We went to the beach nearby after that. Amos saw a fallen kite from a tree... ... hehehe ;p
They had so much fun running with it !!

Zac's pressie from mummy & daddy. A CAR 95 pencil case, a world globe & Beados toy :)

Birthday Card, Swensen voucher & Tumbling Monkey toy from Auntie Molly :)

Toy glasses & UNO cards from Auntie Sri & Goodie Bags from Auntie Audrey :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, Darling Zac...
Mummy & Daddy hope you had great fun on your birthday & always stay cheerful & healthy *hug* :):)

Thank you, my first commentator
LJ

A little gift for Mid-Autumn Festival

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 01:00:00 +0000

The Mid-Autumn Festival is usually celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th Lunar month, which is around this weekend. We bought an exquisite mooncake for my parent this Mid-Autumn Festival. The auspicious red leather casing is simply appealing! It displayed an elegantly designed four-tier box with individually packed double egg-yolk mooncake by Award winning Golden Peony. The casing can be used to place candies on Chinese New Year... ...such a thoughtful design from Conrad Centennial !! :)

Thank you, my first commentator
Monica

Need Math Help?

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:34:00 +0000

Have you ever get stuck while trying to solve a math problem for your child? Get math help, it is an online math tutoring just a click away !! This online math tutor is specifically for K-12, back to school and college tutoring. It offers an interactive way of learning through connecting with an unlimited tutor online instantly! It is just like working face to face with a tutor minus the hassle of traveling to a tuition center. They are just more convenient and entertaining!

They offers free online math tutoring demo service too. You get and experience the benefits of their free online math help yourself.

Get online math help now, you will be amazed how interactive & fun it is !! :):)

Thank you, my first commentator
Marzie

Life Insurance

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:11:00 +0000

Most of us would have purchased one or two term life insurance from the many life agencies available worldwide. Life insurance is one of the most crucial financial products ever created. It helps families stabilize their financial future. For those who doesn't like to meet up face to face to discuss, online term life insurance quote might be handy to you! It enables you to compare rates instantly & choose one that is affordable & meet your requirements. There is also a toll free number for customer support.

The site has much to offer & hopefully enable you to make the right life insurance decision for you and your loved ones.

Thank you, my first commentator
Marzie

Hermit Crab

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:28:00 +0000

My sister bought 2 Hermit Crabs recently. It cost S$75 including the tank. I was amazed by it!!

The Hermit Crab is a type of crab that doesn't have a very hard shell. It uses other animals' old shells for protection; they especially like old whelk shells. As the hermit crab grows in size, it must find a larger shell. It is their habit of living in a second hand shell that gave rise to the popular name "Hermit Crab".
There are about 500 different species of hermit crabs around the world. Most hermit crab species live on the ocean floor, but many live on land. Female terrestrial (land based) hermit crabs must return to the sea to breed.

I happened to witness how the crab molt (shed its skin). See bottom left hand corner of pic . That was the discarded skin & limb from the crab !!

Interesting pet to have at home if you're not afraid of sharp creepy crawlers.... hahaha :D

You can read more about Hermit Crab here.

Thank you, my first commentator
Marzie

Win a Versace Green Jeans for Men

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:00:00 +0000

My friend, Marzie is celebrating her birthday this month. To celebrate her birthday, she's hosting a giveaway over at MPG. She's giving away a 7.5ml miniature bottle of Versace Green Jeans For Men!

In order to win that, I have to guess the number of perfumes Marzie has in her MPG collection.
Here are my 3 guesses: 130, 137 and 140

Btw, I used to collect Miniature Perfumes too.
Here are my collection if you have not taken a look before!!
Janice's Perfume Collection Part I & Part II :):)

Thank you, my first commentator
Jackie

My friend from Manila

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:42:00 +0000

I met up with the lovely Pia from Manila 2 weeks ago on her first trip to Singapore ALONE. She decided to proceed with the trip even though her friend couldn't come along with her. Luckily, she has a brother working in Singapore & stays over at his place.

I was on my way to the hair salon when I received her message via my facebook. She has been trying to contact me but I didn't get her message until her 3rd day in Singapore *sweat*

My hubby & I went to her brother's place to pick her up for dinner. We went to East Coast Park for dinner. Hubby ordered so much local dishes. Fried Carrot Cake, Fried Oyster, Fried Kuay Teow, Chicken & Pork Satay with rice dumplings, Popiah, Dessert & Drinks. Pia was having slight cough but cant resist those food. hahahaha.:D
She told me her favourite among all is Fried Carrot Cake!!

After that, we stroll along the park & then give her a City Night Tour... ...

Pia alighted at Raffles Hotel to take pic after hearing from hubby that her idol, the late Michael Jackson, stayed over at this hotel during his visit to Singapore many years ago :)

We send Pia back home around 10+pm. It was a long day for her cos she visited Sentosa during the day time .... .... alone....... such a daring gal *hugs*

Thank you, my first commentator
Pia

Transformer

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:20:00 +0000

Daddy bought Transformer for them as promised during his recent trip to Korea. I'm surprised that it cost cheaper there compared to Singapore !! Amos chose Optimus Prime while Zac is satisfied with Bumble Bee !!

Thank you, my first commentator
Marzie

Happy 44th Birthday Singapore

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:00:00 +0000

We went for the National Day Observance Ceremony held on 8 Aug 09 at the basketball court near our house. Here are the pictures... ...

Thank you, my first commentator
Marzie

Men's Fashion

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:49:00 +0000

There aren't many fashion magazine available over here for men. I found a perfect site on men's guide to getting dressed. It guides you on the fit and style, especially useful for newbies. You should never wear a tie over a short sleeve shirt unless you have graduate to upper tiers of fashionability!! Also, if you are still wearing pleated pants, you should really read on to know what suits you best.

The change of season may not be quite as exciting in the world of men's fashion compared to women's trend. Would you want to know what are the top trends of Spring 2009? Go for light colored button down shirts and relaxed jeans!!

If you are traveling to cooler countries in the later half of the year. Take a peep at the Winter & Fall picks. Its always wise to know what's hip or classy for you so you won't fall victims to fashion mistake.

Thank you, my first commentator
Marzie

Singapore Turf Club

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:12:00 +0000

The boys went to so many places during the June holidays that I am still posting outings of them till now. They get to enter the Singapore Turf Club during one of the nights when it was opened to public. We went there right after their day Splash Day at SSC. You can imagine how tired they were. Amos actually dozed off during the journey there & when he woke up, he refused to walk & as such, only Zac posing at the entrance ... ...

Amos was soon fascinated with the place as there were food fair & games stalls ... ...

There was a race on that day but its more for entertainment & not for betting!!
The boys get to bring in their popcorn & drinks & watched the race at the comfort of the air-con seats.

This was the second time I came to the Turf Club. The first time was a supplier event & we get to enter the VIP room. I can still recall the excitement of betting & watching 'live' matches. It was truly an experience for me then !! The VIP rooms were closed on that day & I could only watch the empty seats from the next door... ...

Do you still recall my WW of The Boy's Age? The sculpture were also taken there. There were a total of 10 numbers ;p

Thank you, my first commentator
Marzie

Singapore Flyer

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:00:00 +0000

We went to the Singapore Flyer last month during the "Kids fly for FREE promotion".
This was the 2nd time Zac went up on the Flyer but the first for the rest of us :)

We could hardly feel that the capsules were moving.... we were at the PEAK in just a blink.
I must have been so busy snapping photos away & din realized that time passed so quickly ;p

Thank you, my first commentator
Marzie

WW : The boy's Age

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Thank you, my first commentator
Marzie

Ribena !!

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:30:00 +0000

Heard that this plant is actually the fruit to make Ribena ??
I saw it at my MIL's garden. So amazing :):)

Thank you, my first commentator
Little Prince

Splash Park at SSC

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:00:00 +0000

A friend recommended Sembawang Shopping Centre (SSC) to me after knowing that my boys love water playground. SSC was re-opened after a year of renovation. The new shopping mall houses four retail floors and a rooftop “Splash Park” as a designated water play area with interactive features to provide lots of entertainment and amusement for children.

The water jet operates at 2 time interval : 2pm & 5pm. So be there at the right time to avoid dissapointment :)

This is the DRY playground with interesting slides, see-saw, ropes & rocks for climbing & balancing.. ...

This is the splash area with colorful & amusing display of water jets in all directions. Watch out if you step into the area. A pail of water might just fall onto you :)

We'll definitely be back again before the school term starts. The boys spend 4 hrs of fun-filled time at the mall :):)

Thank you, my first commentator
Marzie

Hoopla @ Parkway Parade

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:00:00 +0000

The boys have been watching the programs on Playhouse Disney ever since Daddy subscribed the channel for them during the March holiday this year . They are so familiar with the varies showtime and the names of the characters.

I saw the Disney Hoopla Workshops advertised on the newspaper way before the June holiday begin. I have scheduled a date to bring the boys over.

A min spend of S$30 is required to participate in the Workshop. There are four thematic workshops to choose from. The best part is that they get to bring home a Free Disney Tote Bag (while stocks last!) at the end of it !!

I need to spend at least S$60 for the boys to participate in the workshop. I'm thrilled to know that receipts from Giants are eligible. Its easy task for me to grab S$60 worth of grocery... ...

I enter the workshop with the boys!!
First is the "Handy Manny" station ...

I was surprised that both the boys knew the character names of the tools in the show when the lady asked them. They have never mentioned to me about the names . It was a JOY seeing them so enjoying something they are familiar with !! :):)

Next is Amos' favorite "Little Einsteins" - its all about musical notes.
The boys were required to follow the beat and play their instruments. Zac handled the percussion while Amos was in charge of the drum. The boys knew their rhythm *applause*

Moving on is my favorite cartoon - Winnie The Pooh Bear.
The boys had to drive through the woods to reach the other end... ...

Last but not least, the Mickey Mouse Club House!!
The boys had to complete a puzzle & then find the designated shapes from a pool of balls.

I'm so impressed by all the colorful display & interactive games.
The event is very well organized !!

Hoppla @ Parkway Parade
Date : 29 May - 28 June 2009
Time : 11am to 9pm daily

Thank you, my first commentator
Marzie

Transformers : Meet & Greet Session

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:50:00 +0000

We went to Downtown East for the Meet & Greet Session. However, we were late for the 3pm session. All the photo passes had been given out at 2.30pm (half an hour before show commenced). The boys were disappointed... ...

As such, I brought them back again for the next show at 7pm & collected the pass at 6.30pm.

The boys were patiently waiting for the the passes to be issued outside the enclosure ... ...

Yippee... ... We got the 3rd & 4th set of passes for the evening's photo taking session.
The boys set down in front of the stage & showing off their passes. It came with much patience & sweat!! :):)

It was an entertaining show. I was amazed at how the Bumble Bee & Optimus Prime were transformed !! Totally worth the wait ... ...

The boys fully concentrating on the show... ...

The much awaited moment to take photo with the Transformer !!
I was so worried that Amos will get frighten of the machines, but he bravely step forward alone :):)

If your kids love Transformer, bring them to Downtown East now.

Transformer : Meet & Greet Session
15 to 28 June 09 (Except Thurs)
3pm & 7pm

Thank you, my first commentator
Marzie

Amos finally on the dentist chair

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:00:00 +0000

I tried my luck to bring Amos to the dentist once again cos he failed to co-operate during the earlier visit. Zac was co-operative on that visit though. You can read about it here. I am careful to schedule his time slot in the morning this time so that he will be alert & less cranky.
We arrived on time & Amos waited impatiently for his turn and making noises outside. He told me he was afraid and did not want to go in. He is still young and cannot comprehend the importance of having clean oral hygiene, so explanation doesn't work on him... ... However, I have my own ways to dealt with my little fella though... ... ;p

It sure works !!

A few mins later... my little mischievous became calm and walked bravely into the treatment room. He sat on the familiar little lime green ikea chair (we have that at home too) waiting for Zac to complete his restoration & polishing :) The was Zac's 3rd visit to the dentist but his first to The Dental Inn.

Finally, its Amos turn !! He climbed up the dentist chair & sat down stiffly (see pic) on it. I bet he must be really nervous!! *hug*

He started to feel more relax after chatting with the Doctor as you can see from his body language. Both his hands are behind his head after a while !! haha :D

Doctor explained that he has slight cavity showing on his upper right molar. I requested the Doctor to clear up the plague on his upper teeth for this visit. Amos felt uncomfortable with the polishing bits and so he was asked to gaggle. He enjoyed it & was fascinated with the little glass basin. Doctor taught him to press the button to re-fill his cup. This little involvement has made him really enjoyed his first dental visit ... ...

With this first visit, I believe the subsequent ones will be easier to manage cos he would have been familiar with the place & the procedure. Good Job, Amos !! :):)

A BIG Thank You to :

Dr Winston How for his patience in attending to my boys & the complimentary treatment. :):)

Thank you, my first commentator
Monica

Childhood Wish

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 06:08:00 +0000

I used to envy those families with a big garden to construct a play area for the kids. A playground with the safe choice of playground equipment to keep the kids entertained on my busy days is what I am keen in. My ideal playground is one with a wavy slide that connects up to a colorful roof top house whereby the kids can have some 'private' times up there too !!

There is a swing set at my mother-in-law's house. It has been there for more than 30 yrs & my brother-in-law gave it a new paint recently. However, one can still tell that it is old from the constant screeching sound it produced despite the new coat of paint :)

I am thinking of getting a new swingset to replace the old one. I like the idea of having a tire swing, tire that connects to a chain & can sit 3 or 4 children at the same time. This has always been my childhood wish to own a mini playground, I bet the kids will love it too !! :):)

Thank you, my first commentator
kkf

The Animal Resort

softboxes@hotmail.com (J@n!ce) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:07:00 +0000

I've planned a whole series of activities to keep the boys occupied during the June Holidays... ...
We went to The Animal Resort (free entrance) on 4 June 09.

First, we walked around the farm before purchasing the food for the boys to feed the animals. It cost S$1 per packet or 3 for S$2. There are different food for different species of animals. The crane, chicken, pigeon & duck shared the same food. Rabbit, horse, goat and guinea pig consume carrots & bread :)

The boys were so excited to feed the animals.

Amos is afraid of the mighty horse & stand so far away while feeding it. LOL :D

A gaggle of geese followed us when they saw food in our hands. One of them came so close that it bite Amos' finger. I'm startled by the overwhelming swarm of animals & we have to throw the last bit of food on the floor for the hungry herd :)

It was a great experience for the boys to interact with the animals at close distance. We spend about an hour there. We could have stayed longer if not for the unbearable heat & mossie stings !!

The Animal Resort
T81 Seletar West Farmway 5
Singapore 798061

Thank you, my first commentator
Sandman