Christmas Prezzies

The kids were given two huge presents this year. Gabriel had a new car! He loves cars so this is perfect for him. And Bryan has a new slide. Hopefully they'll want to go outdoors more often instead of watching TV indoors.

Festive Lunch

With Grandparents

Christmas Concert

Bryan singing in the concert put up by the Sunday School. He is one of the Kindergarten children singing 'Happy Birthday to Jesus'.

An Early Christmas!

On Hindsight

It's nearing the end of 2010. Looking back, it's been a good year. I'm thankful for a lot of things this year. Mostly for a great family. Hubbie's been very busy this year but he's achieved a whole lot. Very proud of him.

My two boys are great too. Bryan's progressing very well in K1, especially in his chinese. He's very smart. And generally a very good boy. Gabriel's growing up too. He's getting better with his speech but he still gets rather frustrated when he can't communicate his wants. I think he's a bit more spoilt compared to Bryan and he does have a bit of a temper. But he's still the baby of the family. And everyone at home pampers him.

I'm happy with where I am mostly. The clinic is doing better this year. And it's still busy even though it's almost Christmas. I've also stopped half of my Saturday clinics to spend more time with the family. I'm generally rather busy. Barely have time to shop or do my own stuff. So scrapbooking's progressing slowly.

I'm not very happy with my fitness levels and not having the time to do any workouts at all. I much prefer running in the gym on the threadmill as opposed to running outside. But it means I have to find a good 2 hours to spare. Maybe next year, during Gabriel's afternoon naps. I still want to get back to running 3-5km each week.

Meanwhile, in 2011 we have a lot of fun stuff and little breaks planned already. And it should be an interesting year for Bryan who is going to be in K2 and has to prepare for Primary One. Gabriel is starting school too. And I hope he adjusts well.

But to everyone else, a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Weekly Scraps

Using My Mind's Eye - Fine and Dandy collection. The photos were taken at the Jewelbox on Mt Faber cable car. The flowers are from Prima which are stitched. 

Hollywood Star Scraps

This layout uses the last of my Webster's Pages Hollywood collection. I saved it for the best photo. I've also cut up a program from Bryan's concert and incorporated it into the layout. The kraft envelope behind has the actual tickets for the concert inside. I've also used Prima's white flowers and jewel with lace. Inspired by Prima's December BAP.

Outdoor Activities

On one of those weekends when we are all at home lazing around. And I'm not too tired to get off my butt to bring my kids out for a walk. Or rather let them run around outside the house. Bryan's too big for his bicycle so he's on his scooter. Which he has now just begun to get the hang of a two-wheeler. Gabriel's taking his push-a-round toy for a spin too. 

Weekly Scraps

2Gether - Using Prima's Jack N Jill with crochet flowers, paper butterfly and alphabets. The rub-on below is from Lily Bee. The soft colour scheme is great for baby photos too.

Live Your Dreams - Webster's Hollywood line. Perfect for photos of concerts (Bryan's K1 concert). I used this with Prima's flowers and jewels. So proud of my boy. He's my little star.

Christmas Tree

We bought new decorations for the Christmas tree this year. It now has a red/gold theme to it. We opted for big ribbons and bows instead of tinsel. And a big star right at the top. Bryan helped too. He chose the small orange ornaments and put them up himself.  

I'm rather proud of the tree this year. It's just nice. Not too overdone but not too sparse either. It looks way better in person than in photos. I cheated a bit though. While the tree looks gorgeous from the front, the side facing the wall isn't decorated at all. Ah well, we'll keep the curtains drawn so the neighbours can't see in. 

The Season of Advent

Or 'What Christmas Really Means'.

In December, when I look around. There's Christmas decorations everywhere. The Christmas trees, bright lights, the Christmas sales.

But I wonder how many people out there walking around ever think about the meaning of Christmas. The reason for this celebration.

I know my boys think about the toys they'll be getting. Most of us with a full time job think about the end of the year and the vacations they've got planned. Mothers think about the family dinners and get-togethers.

Christmas is about all those things. But it's also about a baby that was born, who changed the lives of so many. He gives us meaning and purpose. And opened the way for us to reach God personally.

I wonder what Mary thought about when she realised her child would be the Saviour of the world. How do I know what my boys will grow up to be? How do I know the choices I make for them will be the right one? Or does it not matter? Will the Lord guide them to the right path anyway?

Colours!

Colours - Using Prima Jack N Jill papers, notecards, flowers, alphabets. I also added a Maya Road chipboard window. It's Gabriel and his new colouring book and new crayons. His crayons are in pieces now and the book is halfway coloured but he still loves it.

The Long School Break

It's the school holidays now for Bryan. And the holidays started out with his cousins staying over the weekend. They had a lot of fun. Mostly in front of the computer and the Wii. Even though Bryan is a good 5 years younger than his cousins, he got along quite alright.

I've planned some activities during the holidays for him. Just to fill up his time and get him to do something other than watch tv. I think he needs to get out of the house and have more outdoor time. He'll be busy with Chinese camp and the church Christmas performance. And of course activity books.

Meanwhile, I'm waiting for the end of year sales to start. I need to get the boys clothes for the new year, Christmas presents, etc. Singapore's slowly getting into the festive mood. With all the Christmas decorations going up. It's almost my favourite time of the year!

Just One, Turning Two

I only managed one layout this week. It's been a busy week for me. This layout uses the Websters Pages Garden Gala and Prima's flowers. I did this layout using the sketch from  'Get Picky's Sketch Challenge #2.

Weekly Scraps

I initially had a hard time working out which papers to use for these photos. But I saw My Mind's Eye 'Fine & Dandy' collection. The papers are perfect for boy layouts. I also used Prima's stitched flowers and Maya Road craft envelopes.

I thought the lanterns in Websters Pages Garden Gala collection was perfect for the Mooncake/Lantern Festival photos. I wanted the background to be a bit darker to reflect the night photos. The white Prima flowers matched the layout perfectly.

Swim Fun

The title says it all... It didn't matter that it rained earlier in the day and the water was cold. All the cousins were there. So it was FUN!

Short Trip

 It was a long holiday weekend. And we decided to take a short trip up to Malacca. Which initially started out as a bad idea because we were stuck in a 3 hour jam, just to clear the immigration. The kids were grumpy, hubbie was tired and we were all hungry. But things got better once we all had a bit of a rest.

We spent a lot of time just relaxing and having fun. One walk through a shopping mall led us to a stall selling slippers. And my in-laws bought both my boys a cute furry pair. Aren't they just so cute! It might have been our good luck charm because on the way home, there was barely any traffic.

Cable Car Adventure

 Today we decided to go for a cable car ride. A different way to visit Sentosa. Usually we just drive in and park at the beach site. The Singapore Cable Car was recently been renovated and featured all new cabins.

The cable car was up on Mt Faber. It's one of the higher points in Singapore. So it was very windy and the scenery was gorgeous.

This is one of older cable car cabins. It does bring back memories. The boys were very much at home there.  The newer cabins are definately bigger and there's even a tv screen. But it was the view that everyone was admiring.

On Sentosa, we took Bryan to the 4D cinema. Where he got to go on a 'roller coaster' ride and on a shooting adventure. Gabriel was a little too small for that sort of thing. So I took him to the Butterfly Park. The butterflies there were gorgeous. Gabriel was so fascinated.

After that, we went to Harbourfront for lunch and then headed for home. It was a very tiring adventure.

Bryan's K1 Concert

The the most exciting time of the year for Bryan. The end of the year concert. And he worked really hard for it too. He even had a full dress rehearsal before this.

Bryan was a turtle. In the ocean. He was helping to keep it clean. And he was very good too. I am very proud of him. It always amazes me what he is capable of.

We got lots of momentos of the concert. There's a DVD, lots of rehearsal photos, a picture story book and T-shirts. I liked the storyline though. It had a message of looking after the environment as well as 'Shine for Jesus'. Nicely done.

October Scraps

Laugh, using Webster's Wonderfall. The neutral colour combination, is great for almost any photo. I also used Prima's flowers, jewels and butterfly. I also love the cute baby stamp which I coloured with Copic markers.

When I got this collection by BoBunny, I wasn't sure about it. But it is great for guy layouts. And it turned out better than I expected. It's a little out of my comfort zone but I also managed to use up quite a few old scrap embellishments for this. Especially dedicated to my three boys.

Haircuts

I brought my two boys for a haircut on Sunday. They went to a new branch of their hairdresser in Bishan. Gabriel didn't fuss at all this time. He was very good and sat by himself. And his haircut was very nicely done. Bryan sat still the whole time and watched his cartoon. Bryan always looks forward to the stickers after the haircut.

Websters Layouts

Chinese Theatre - Bryan in his Chinese performance. I couldn't wait to start using Websters new collections. This one is from the Hollywood collection. I didn't think I'd use this collection much at first but I'm starting to change my mind. I might get a few more pieces to try out.

Websters Wonderfall collection is my favourite collection this release. It's neutral colour scheme means it fits most photos. And it's great for the kids. I stocked up on this collection. Especially the papers. Websters always go so well with Prima's flowers and jewels.

Colours!

I bought Gabriel a brand new crayon set and jumbo colouring book. Just for him. He really enjoyed himself. He knows how to hold the crayons properly and then put them back properly too. Now he has something to do when Mommy is busy with Bryan.

Orientation at 2

Gabriel just passed his 2nd birthday. And yesterday, he attended his first school orientation. He's never been to classes before. And this would be his first time. I was initially worried he'd just hang on to me and not let go.

But he surprised me a little. He explored the new classroom and play areas by himself. And he wanted to see what the fuss was about. He behaved enough to sit and listen to the briefing but later got bored and went off exploring on his own. He wasn't too shy with the other kids. But he was quiet. Didn't say much.

I also spoke to his new teacher. And she said that there are quite a number of kids also born in October. Plus Gabriel's older brother is in the same school so he should be fine. She was quite reassuring. I think once Gabriel gets used to her, he should be fine in the school.

I am still going to take the first week off work to accompany him in school just in case he has a major meltdown.

Sigh... my boys are growing up so fast...

More Jack N Jill

I dedicate this layout to my best friends. This was my chance to use pink in my layout. It was a shame not to use pink with the Prima Jack n Jill collection. So I saved some just for this. I've never kept any of my previous dedications cos I give them away but this time I'm saving this one. I used Prima's ribbon flower and their packaging, which this season is so recyclable.

At the Esplanade with my boys. I would love to look at this layout when my boys are teenagers and wonder if they still like to spend time with Mommy. Pretty much everything is Prima in this layout.

Happy Birthday Gabriel

Gabriel turns 2! Sigh... he is growing up too fast. In a couple of years, he'd rather watch tv then cuddle with Mommy. He can be such a good boy. But he does has his tantrums. He'll always be Mommy's baby. I'm not sure he actually realised what was going on though. But he did enjoy playing with his cousins. 

We celebrated at Seletar Club, where the restaurant is quiet and shared by only us and another family. The scenery is the golf course and very serene. The boys (and I mean all of them) like it for the piano on the stage. It's very nice for a quiet ceremony or family celebration. We were celebrating all three October babies and my father-in-law, who turns 71. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABRIEL! 

Prima's Jack and Jill

I'm finally back to scrapping current photos. And I'm using Prima's new Jack and Jill collection. It's a very sweet collection. I couldn't wait to use it. Especially the new Prima paper butterflies. Super sweet. In the second layout, I also used Prima's felt gates and crochet flowers and alphabets.

It's October

Doesn't time just fly? Just the other day Gabriel was learning to walk and talk. And it's now already October. Gabriel turns 2 this month. And it's nearly the end of the year 2010.

We have accomplished much this year. And there's so much more coming. Bryan's learnt a lot this year. Like swimming, where's he's already gone up a level. And then there's Chinese. Which he's picking up fast. And in school too, Bryan's kindergarten concert is end of October.

Gabriel is growing up too. He's learnt to walk, run, jump, climb. He's learning many more words too. And he's becoming more vocal too. He can feed himself and drink from a cup. He also tries to dress himself and undress himself.

Before long, they'll both be in Primary School and then picking a career, university... Sigh...

Riverboat Ride

On the Riverboat at the Singapore Zoo. We use it as a short cut to get to the Children's Rainforest Kidzworld. Bryan wanted to take the pony ride. 

The Riverboat ride is now $6/$3.50 for unlimited rides. Previously it used to be just a roundtrip ticket.

And at the Kidzworld, they have a package of $10 for 3 rides. Which is quite a good bargain. Since each ride can be up to $4 each. So Bryan went on the pony ride and the horse carriage ride. Gabriel tried the carousel but decided that it's not quite for him. 

Living It Up

At the Singapore GP on Friday night. We took Bryan along to watch the practice session. It was an adventure for him.

We took the new MRT City Circle line from the North-East down to the South. It's very convenient now. Previously we had to stop at a station and take a bus to the entrance. Bryan is always very excited to take the MRT. He gets to tap his card at the entrance and exit. And then he gets to sit on the very fast train. From the MRT, there is a 5 minutes walk to Gate 1.

Hubbie had Sky Suite Tickets. Which means we get VIP treatment. It's a bit of a walk from the entrance to the Pit Straight. We took the lift up to the top floor. And at the Shell Suite, we were greeted with air-conditioning, a full dinner spread, dining tables, TV in the suite to watch the races. There were hosts there to serve food/drinks. There was even cocktails and Bryan had an ice-cream. Hagen-Daaz no less. And if you wanted to watch the action live, just head on to the balcony. There are seats there, right across from the Pit Garages. With the names Massa and Alonso. Just a few garages away was Schumacher. We could see the drivers go in and out and the pit crew working. Sooo exciting. So much better than watching it on the tv. So this is what living it up is all about. I think I was more excited than Bryan. Heh.


On top of that, there was the Village Stage nearby. Here's where music performances were staged. So happened that Daughtry was performing that very night. I've never actually been to a rock concert. It was fantastic. They were fantastic. To hear the band perform LIVE on stage. Not just on the CD in the car. So this is why people pay hundreds to see bands peform live.

A once in a lifetime experience. I'll never be able to just get grandstand tickets and feel this excited. Isn't Hubbie just the BEST!

We got back late, almost 11pm at night. Bryan was still excited and didn't get to sleep for almost another hour. But he had a lot of fun. He was so excited he didn't stop talking all the way there and most of the way back. (The above is my best photo, taken with my Panasonic Lumix camera. I love my camera. Hubbie picked it for me. )

Happy Birthday My Darling

Happy Birthday Hunnie! It's just us celebrating your birthday with you today. But I hope you have a good time with us anyway. We all love you very much.

Fooze Ball

Over the weekend, we were at a cousin's birthday party. They had booked the multipurpose hall to play badminton. Tucked in a corner of the hall were a couple of foozeball tables. 

I haven't seen one of those in a while. Reminds me of the TV series Friends. I'm not too good with it at all. But it can be quite fun. Bryan could just about see the top of the table. And it's the first time he's tried it too. I wonder with all the computer games and such these days, do kids still play foozeball?

Do-overs

Child of God - This is actually done with Websters Home for the Holidays collection. The chandelier stamp is from Prima and the lamp post is from Inkadinkado. And my favourite butterfly stamp. This photo was taken at Gabriel's baptism.

Brothers - Using the last of my LIfe's Portrait. Together with Prima's jewels and flowers. This was taken in 2009. Too sweet. :) And did you notice the butterfly stamps on the top right corner?

Marina Square Playground

Did you know Marina Square has an indoor playground? One with a big house and a slide and lots of bouncy stuff. Bryan had fun climbing up and sliding down. Gabriel needed a bit of a help to get up but he didn't have a problem sliding down.

Then there was this cute bouncy car complete with a steering wheel and gear. Which all the kids were taking turns to drive. Then we had lunch with friends at Pasta Waraku. A lovely family friendly restaurant.  With all sorts of yummy pasta. Bryan likes the clam one especially.

Changi Airport

There was a huge jam on the highway to the city after church so we decided to go in the other direction to the airport. It's not very far away from home. And there are lots of restaurants in them. Changi Airport is also one of the busiest airports in the region. Apparently every few minutes, there is a plane either landing or taking off.

We ate at a Japanese noodles restaurant. It was yummy. An interesting mix of spaghetti and Japanese special sauce. Hubbie ate some squid ink thing. And I had my favourite cabonara. Gabriel loved it too. Bryan meanwhile, ate his fill of clam spaghetti. As a surprise, the restaurant gave both boys something to play with. Bryan got a set of checkers and learnt a new game.

After that, we went to the viewing area to look at some planes. Gabriel's new word is air-plane or rather 'air-hane'. He had a lot of fun running around the wide spaces in the airport with his big brother Bryan.

We finished the outing with MacDonald's soft-serve ice-cream. And on the way home, Gabriel fell fast asleep in his car seat. He was so tired after being out the whole morning and afternoon.

One Scrap

Hope - I was re-doing some of my old scraps because I wasn't happy with the layouts. And I wasn't intending to publish any of it online. But I really liked how this one turned out. I just love everything Websters. This is using the last of Life's Potrait papers, journalling cards and stickers. Combines together with Prima's jewels and flowers. The butterfly is actually a stamp. It's one of my favourite butterfly stamps.

Chinese Performance

Bryan's Chinese class had their end of term performance on Saturday. All the preschool classes had a little set of chinese rhymes they had to perform. It was very cute. And in Chinese too.

And another little surprise, Bryan had a end of term test last week. The paper was returned to him today.  He actually did quite well. He is really doing well in his Chinese after just only 10 lessons. The class is very good for him. The teacher also said that he is able to follow the class. I think it's money well spent. It gives him an environment that he can speak chinese in.

Build-a-Bear!

Bryan was invited to his classmate's 5th birthday. It was held in a Build-a-Bear Workshop. I've seen one in United Square. But didn't really pay attention to how it worked.

So today was the first time I saw how a bear is made. First you had to choose a bear. Or if you prefer, a lion, or rabbit, or dog. Then you had to make sure it's something you really want. Cuddle it and let it speak to you.

Sit down and think of a name for the bear. You can name it Teddy or Nemo or even Jerry. Whatever you'd want your new friend to be called.

Then get a small red heart and put it into the bear. You are going to bring the bear to life. Then stuffing is but into the back of the bear and closed with strong thread. You can decide how hard or soft you'd like Teddy to be. 

Finally dress Teddy up. You can make Teddy anything from a biker bear to a cheerleader bear or doctor or nurse. They have every accessory you can think of. From sunglasses, to skateboards. And the selection of shoes is phenomenal. You can give Teddy flip-flops or top of the range Sketchers sneakers. 

And how about dress ups, like Buzz Lightyear Teddy or Woody Teddy... It's something unique. They even have cutesy bears like the Sanrio characters. Ah... brings back memories. What I would really like is a Forever Friends bear. Do you remember those? They were all the hype back when I was still in school and a favourite amongst us girls.

Bryan really likes his Teddy. He carried Teddy home in a box all by himself and didn't ask anyone to help. I think he calls his bear, Nemo.