inspired-to-create

lights up my life

2011-09-03T12:20:00.001+08:00

lights up my life, originally uploaded by <*>GEMS<*>.

she's 4 years old today!!!

So much thoughts about her but now isn't the time to pen down. the little princess is waiting for me to bathe for her now and blow her candles on the princess cake. :)

our family in feb 2010

2010-04-17T12:31:00.003+08:00

family0210-3, originally uploaded by marilyntan.

fun shot.

Scrapbooking-Celine Navarro

2010-01-01T01:59:00.001+08:00

Scrapbooking, originally uploaded by thegreenfrogstudio.

when can I get to lay my hands on this?

I've done it!

2009-03-29T13:01:00.003+08:00

in over a night, I've migrated and am glad that I have almost done a decent new blog. :D
head over here for the new look!

 d cuteness in U

2009-03-27T18:01:00.001+08:00

Though slow scrapping but manage to get this one out by evening. :)

Used: sassafras and SEI PP., AC Thickers, cupcakes cut from sizzlits. TFL!

Thanks for the cropping time, AM :)
Looking forward to our next session.

.:Post From MiPhone:.

Celebrating mom's birthday

2009-03-25T22:04:00.000+08:00

We have impromptu meet up with my 2nd elder brother at my mom's place tonight. To give her a surprise of birthday cake. My eldest brother can't make it due to work exigency. Mom was happy to have see both Seth and Grace since last met was almost 1.5 week back.

Here are the shots taken.

We bought the usual cake lychee martini from Pine Garden Cake

We also bought this cute little cows cupcake. So Bullishly adorable!

Time for a rest as I did not sleep much last night after a ghostly nightmare and sleepless night in SG till 5.45am!

.:Post From MiPhone:.

Is it a tad too heavy?

2009-03-25T14:53:00.000+08:00

To impose this fine if parked in front of rubbish chute?

.:Post From MiPhone:.

cutesy giveaway

2009-03-25T04:49:00.000+08:00

Such talented lady. Do check out her blog Noticle and her Smeeta etsy shop

Island getaway

2009-03-24T19:19:00.000+08:00

Some sneak peeks

crop @ Anne's

2009-03-21T17:34:00.000+08:00

Such a wonderful time spent at Anne's place. :D We had 2 consecutive crop sessions at her place and it has been a long while since we are able to crop together. The only missing is Jen who is away on a biz trip.

here are the LOs completed at her place and I feel accomplished. hehehehe..

Used : Unity Stamp Co., Stamps, Ali Edward's limited Edition Beautiful Stamp, Bo Bunny & Making Memories PP, My Little Yellow Bicycle's Clear Cuts.

Used: Chatterbox Inc. PP, Bazzill Cardstock with Glimmer Mist Bubble Gum, Sizzix Big Shot Die Cut flowers layer #3, (wonderful!!), love the flowers die cut, Unity Stamp Co. Stamps, Ali Edwards Beautiful Stamp, Prima Flowers.

TFL!

Rare venue gathering

2009-03-17T23:04:00.000+08:00

to have the whole family in Starbucks on Sunday, after our dinner at York Hotel, Singapore.
We tried the Penang Hawker Fare and it was pretty nice. Especially the Penang Laksa, PanCake and Char Kway Teow.

A Crumpler Duo

2009-03-17T21:14:00.000+08:00

We have got a mini crumpler for Seth. He was so happy and carrying it around. Insisted the Daddy to carry the bag as well, which normally the Daddy will hang on the stroller. Cute sight. :)

try this out with

2009-03-17T02:52:00.000+08:00

iBlogger

Bummer that unable to post photo with blogspot yet. Hope they come up with an update soon!

these are what touch me today...

2009-03-17T02:45:00.001+08:00

hop over and have a look.

.: falconbridge crew :. by Tara Whitney

.: Colin's Birth Story :. son of Amber A.

In the mood of scrapping....

2009-03-15T15:02:00.000+08:00

and the last day was served on Friday, 13th Mar. It's a mix feeling, of busyness, uncertainty....so much more. To de-stress this all, nothing beats a crop session with my buddy. And to also post up the past projects, I've done.... TFL!

mom's birthday gift for this year. :) Another Mini Album to add to her collection.

Then I realize there are these 2 mini albums that I've not really posted up online.

mother's day album for mom, last year.

the His Album I've created for Olive Tree, as a 11th Wedding Anniversary Gift. Also to match with my this album......

More of the pages of the above albums can be viewed here

Update of Grace's condition

2009-03-08T14:37:00.000+08:00

The week has passed so fast and we had come to the end of 1st week of March. Time truly wait for no man. Kids have been doing good at home. Grace has gone for her blood and urine tests review yesterday. She has to undergo a ultrasound scan due to the Urine culture test results, which 100k counts of organism being present in her urine. Dr Watt has advised to undergo the ultrasound scan to ensure that the bladder and kidneys are normal, with no abnormalities, such as different in size of kidneys due to scarring. She has explained to me in length of the condition likely to happened but since its the first account of UTI for Grace, we shall do a wait and see manner approach and ensure proper care are given to her especially in the hygiene aspect. Grace is still having loose stools but hoping all are the discharge of toxic and it will go back to normal soon. Her blood tests results are good and normal too.
She has almost completed the course of 2 antibiotics.

We had previously organized among closed colleagues to bring the kids to Children First event. This event was first sent by my good buddy, Clara, who is now in baking craze! :D Love the Cheesecake she made... yummy....
Anyway, the kids had a good time at Pyjamas Night...

the cuteness in them... :) makes our day...

Grace's hospitalised

2009-03-04T23:13:00.000+08:00

It was unexpected but when the fever came back after the diarrhea episode, my instinct tells me to have her go for blood and urine test.
Either she has caught a UTI if not another bacteria infection. Her diarrhea lasted for almost 5 days, after which a high fever on Thursday that seems relentless to drop. We have to administer a concurrent doze of bifen and panadol to manage the temperature.

On Friday morning, our PD, Dr Rhonda Watt has set up the earliest appointment for us to do the tests necessary and hoping the White Blood Cells count would be within threshold and she has said that if results came back with count as high as in the 10s thousands range, Grace has to be admitted to hospital to be given IV anti-biotics. (drip)

We had to subject our princess to the urine bag plastering on her groin area and taking of blood tests. she has cried so much. Grace was in such a trauma that she didn't pee for the 2 hours of time we spent in the hospital. While trying to get her to pee, Dr Watt has called and informed the blood test result came out and Grace's count of White Blood Cells as high as 28,000! (nominal 6,000-17,000) (ie. streptococcus infection) . She has to be admitted to hospital then. I have to hold back the tears and put on a brave front. It's the very first time of my life that my darling has to be admitted to hospital. All the thoughts streams into my mind.

The next wait of result will be the urine tests / culture tests of blood and urine. While the waiting game starts, Grace has to under go the procedure of putting the needle in her vein to prepare her for the IV drip. She must have HATED me so much then as I left her alone with the nurses and Dr. She was crying all the while and bet it has traumatized her further. When the door opened, she looked at me and calling out, "mommy, mommy...." heart wrenching totally! :( In the evening, Dr came back and informed that the blood culture results out and Grace has also contacted Mycoplasma, apart from streptococcus. That came as such a shock to us!!! My poor princess. That said, she has to undergo a 2nd antibiotics course. Inwardly, I felt bad that I did not treat her first condition of flu properly and fed her the flu medication and not thinking she might caught the bacteria from her brother.

her IV needle with support on her left hand

munching snacks while on IV drip

her IV machine and her hand

Seth accompanying Grace during dinner time. We have switched from double bedded ward to single bedded ward, which allow them to spend time together without disturbing the neighbor in the next bed.

Besides that, results from the urine test confirmed that she has also contracted UTI. It could have been the past / still on going diarrhea episode.
With all these tests results, it daunt unto me that I have neglected Grace's health much and I should be responsible for her current state. We can only pray that the Urine Culture test results is negative on the organism growth in the urine. Dr Watt, has advised us the necessary course of medication to take for Grace recovery and also hope that we can have Grace discharge as quickly as possible since the hospital isn't the very conducive place for recuperation. After monitoring Grace condition in the hospital and also that Grace has no more high fever during the stay in hospital, Dr Watt gave the green light for Grace to be discharge on Sunday and we are all relieve to have her go home. Bet Grace has missed home much as well. Both she and myself must have missed our bed!

We are given 1 week hospitalization leave for care of Grace. I have also stopped Seth from school temporary to avoid any likely bacteria/virus that he may bring back from school, while Grace is recuperating at home. The kids were having a good time at home spending time, bonding together. I have got the chance to spend the quality time with them, caring for them, cooking for them. It's invaluable to have spent such time with the kids and I feel it has been the best time ever since both are born. I especially love the time, I get them to brush their teeth together, breakfast time, and learning time. The kids played hard. I would be cooking and making meals for them. When they finished the food that I've prepared, it's heartwarming and knowing that they love the food. Yes, maybe to some who may say that it's because I am only being a temporary SAHM, if I were to do this permanently, I may not enjoy it everyday. Indeed, the enjoyment and frustration came as a mix, but the precious thing of these all, is to watch them growing up healthily, happily and filled with love.

morning routine

playtime

This Digital LO done during the hospital stay. It has been awhile since I last did a Digital LO.

On the road to recovery, Grace is doing well... thanks to all the close friends and loved ones for the care and concern towards Grace's condition.

Finally some LOs

2009-02-23T00:54:00.000+08:00

these are completed over the weekend, Feel so scrap-a-mood to have the LOs churn out but am a satisfied scrapper now!

*first vacation*

*fun @ castle playground*

not forgetting a few photos of my darlings.

time for me to rest. the day gonna start off with a series of good happenings, I know God's love abound and surpass my imagination and comprehension. May your week be bountifully blessed!

Technorati Tags: grace, scrapbooking, seth

long overdue-family photos

2009-02-23T00:35:00.000+08:00

here's a couple of shots taken on our family photo.
I have not been so discipline at all to keep my monthly commitment.
Nonetheless, a couple of months lapse is better than nothing!

These are taken during cNy day 1. Tough to capture the moment when the kids are so playful.

Technorati Tags: Family, grace, seth

Chinese Lunar New Year 2009

2009-01-31T10:13:00.001+08:00

Celebrating cny, as we normally called it in Singapore. The décor at my mom's place always bring out the festive mood and relatives felt the little Chinatown can be found in amk....

This year is very different from the past year, the year 2009 did not start well for me. To think about the it. It's always invoking heart wrenching feeling and so it's been a month since the terrible accident happened. We miss him, and each of us have our own memories of him and I believe many thoughts have been good about him. Only till death, do we realized that he has make such an impact to many of the people he knew when he is alive.

Continual prayers go forth to comfort my aunt's heart and strengthen the family, in every ways. Keeping my aunt in good health always.

Leslie, as many has known you, to me, ah soon, you are the cousin whom I always hold great respect of and a model for me, with such good temper and quiet nature. Always filial and putting 6th aunt first. You are deeply missed.

Korean Pop Night 2008

2008-11-29T02:01:00.001+08:00

This is an eye opener for both Ed and me. It was quite an enjoyable evening and witnessing the majority Korean fans cheering their pop idols! Moreover, it was really eons that we have last gone for a concert, musical or something arts in tune.

Perk Up

2008-11-24T09:35:00.000+08:00

on a MONDAY!

It's always a joy to view the works from Tara Witney's blog. When it's all the joy and precious moments captured through her lens.
drop by and enjoy the journalistic shots.

It has been a rough patch, once again. When the kids are both unwell, fever monitoring, sponging, medication feeding.
Finally it took a toll on me and I am down with it. All about parenthood. Work front isn't going very well for me. I've been out of sort lately and things are going all in the wrong way.

Tough time but will survive. As I alway said, "Phases of life". It will come to past.....

3 Little Men

2008-11-10T23:19:00.000+08:00

This three little fellas have been interacting quite a bit recently. They had a wonderful time when we brought them to East Coast Parkway on 9th Nov.

The following are the brother and sisters of theirs.

Recording a milestone

2008-11-09T05:04:00.000+08:00

there's the need to record this important milestone as I feel that I have missed quite a bit of my two darlings achievement.

Grace started to walk on 7th Nov 2008. My interpretation of walk is where she really take more than a few steps by herself. Such an achievement and we are so proud of her. She has been a dare ANGEL as well in her water confidence training.

keep on smiling

2008-10-14T01:47:00.000+08:00

attempted another page for OLW's Challenge : Keep. I had fun doing this page, the ideas just flow and after selecting the photos, did some post-processing, the layout's completed in an hour or so. a simple page but to me, a meaningful one. :D

TFL!

leap of faith

2008-10-13T01:46:00.000+08:00

though I am really tired due to the time of the month, also being lethargic of the week ahead, I still brace myself up from the laziness and scrapped a layout of Seth. (Probably to also encourage me more and not to have too many negative thoughts.)

Used:: BG Obscure PP & Alpha Stickers., KI PP, 7g's Stickers & Gaffer tape, Maya Road tag, Go West Alpha, AC Alpha Stickers ::
TFL and may the week be a smooth flowing, great blessings one!

Here's my sweetie @ 13 months. :D

the big picture

2008-10-12T01:20:00.000+08:00

Hort Fun

2008-10-11T23:37:00.000+08:00

Olive Tree had a company bowling competition this morning, so after dropping him off at Safra@Mount Faber, I brought the kids to Hort Park.

Loads of photos to post and share with you. I am pleased with the photos taken today. Firstly, it's Seth Virgin photography trip. Also, I've managed to captured quite a number of photos of the kids in manual mode and glad they turned out pretty well. :D

Presenting, my little Photographer, Seth's work.

Here are the stuffs taken from my Canon digital rebel. Loving my 50mm f/1.4 Lens.

TGIF !!

2008-10-10T03:08:00.000+08:00

Another weekend has come and I am very looking forward to it. I hope to accomplish more things on the sb end. :D

Met my evil twin at MWL for dinner on Thursday nite. It was very enjoyable and we have talked about stuffs. I had suffered some damage on SB stuffs as well. heheheh... Clara has got her control really well though. Hope that we can start to crop together soon.

Trying to perk my mood up a bit, though on the work part, is still very LM and unmotivated. I have become so much "bo-chap" than any other time. It's not good but I can't concealed it much anyway.

OH! And my shipment is on the way.....gosh.... need to try it out next week and see what's the effect. can't wait...can't wait. I have came across quite a few quick cameras as well. If you are looking for some uniqueness in gifts ideas, you can try getting these.

jelly camera (35mm film)
Lens: 35mm f/9 plastic lens
Shutter: 1/120 - 1/100sec
Focus: 1m-Infinity
Size: 12.3(W)X8.9(H)X4.42(D)

Fuji Instax 7s (Instant Film Camera)

have a great weekend!

So LM and in LoMo mood....

2008-10-08T08:07:00.000+08:00

yesterday was really a bad day for me. Early in the morning, had an argument with my co.'s Pre-Sales and contractor. I am already on the verge of scolding my contractor for making mistake in a project. I am fuming hot and then the contractor's admin called me to chase debts. So peeved. Debts last year but wasn't paid worse is the work was done when I was on maternity leave. DUH!!!!

Anyway, the whole day didn't go on smoothly with mixing up of dates for meeting and such, had a tiff with dh in the evening about seth, I left mil's place in a jiff without dinner. ARRRH!!! I can pull out my hair for a very bad day. WORK, FAMILY.....

Anyway, previously, read AM's post on this and slightly caught the photobug, I was thinking to get it. Last night, I was in such a bad mood and thought retail therapy should help. heheheh... so I have ordered....
can't wait for the items to be delivered and lay my hands on the little toy.

here are some inspirations I've found on the net and sharing with you folks.

:: lomography.com blog
:: Urban Outfitters
:: the galeria
:: Diana Photography Flickr Group

Good mail day

2008-10-07T09:12:00.001+08:00

These came yesterday and they made my Monday happy. Worth the wait and reading them now....

Uploaded by www.cellspin.net

here I go....

2008-10-06T01:08:00.000+08:00

with more scrapbooking bugs pushing me to do another page and a card for my colleague's daughter's 1st birthday.

Thank you, J for the lovely Scenic Route Paper Co. Sonooma Line. Enjoyed using the Papers and scrap about my current stage in life. Lots of journalling for remembering what I've been going through.

trials

this little card was made for Princess Amelee. She's such a cutie pie and gorgeous babe with big sparkling eyes.

used: ac thickers and minimark rub-ons, mm tag, basic grey blush collection (never get tired of this!!), prima flower.

This weekend has been the most fruitful with me finding inspiration to scrap and finally did. Hope the coming week past with great happenings of goodness and grace, can't wait for the next weekend to do more scrapbooking!

have a great week ahead and here's my little man to cheer your week (Don't EAT SNAKE hor!)

{2 adorable}

2008-10-04T16:12:00.000+08:00

all excited as I've finally get back the feeling of scrapbooking!!! can't wait to post it here. TFL!!

making memories noteworthy pp, KI memories softies and rub-ons, prima flowers, stickles, AC letters, 7g stickers, fontwerks acrylic stamps

Grace Adventure

2008-10-04T01:37:00.000+08:00

Another shot of us

2008-09-28T06:32:00.002+08:00

Love this shot of us taken on the way to my gynae's clinic yesterday.

Uploaded by www.cellspin.net

Grace can be so cheeky

2008-09-28T05:51:00.002+08:00

We had lunch at OG Rochor. Grace was such a sweetie today sitting in her hair chair eating her lunch throughout. She got into this cheeky moment which I manage to capture in time.

Credit: CameraBag App

Uploaded by www.cellspin.net

Try out with CellSpin

2008-09-28T05:46:00.001+08:00

Testing out blogging from iPhone3G using CellSpin

I wish I really do...

2008-09-26T03:14:00.001+08:00

wish that I am not such a techie person.

Filled with such great urge to buy the car charger for my iPhone3G that I went down to SLS to hunt for one. I love using the iPhone but the battery life isn't really that fantastic which can last me about 1.25 days at tops, with my daily usage of internet surfing, mails checking, phone calls.

I am so glad I found this for the charger. this suits me well, I bought it at 50 bucks, with a usb cable and it allows me to charge my iPhone3G in the car and also in the office with the universal AC adapter. Cool!!

Then I succumb to get this ......

Not only it's a dock that allows you to plug in your iPhone3G, it also charges while playing the songs in the iPhone3G. This gadget too can be carried around, it's especially good for outings, and runs on 4 AA batteries. It works as a digital clock with dimmer capability, alarm functions and sleep functions too. Love the light weight and it's newly launched by iHome Intl just this End August 2008.

Geez, I have added two necessities for the iPhone3G. No wonder the advertisement goes, "accesorize your iPhone/iPOD. HEEEE...

Now that I manage to create a iTunes Account with the iTunes Store USA, I can download so much free podcasts and clips, etc and this really makes me an even happier woman today, at this wee hours....

The weekend is coming and tomorrow will be the first day for the F1 Singtel Grand Prix Night Race in Singapore! Wish I can go..... Hope you gals have a great weekend with your company. :D

finally

2008-09-11T15:18:00.000+08:00

got it on 22nd August not the midnight launch but during the evening time. Loving every bit of it. I am using this so much more than I am laying my hands on my powerbook and macbook pro. (**,) A dream phone indeed, and for those who are saying this phone is a toy? I think you have not used a windows mobile or symbian phone enough to weigh the difference. Also, you should be the very conventional mobile phone users who always feel that basic features (Forwarding SMS etc) is a must for all phones.

If you are not tech-savvy enough, I think this phone is not for you. You should be using this phone.

Super long HaiTus!!

2008-08-30T09:44:00.000+08:00

Just a quick post to say, "I AM STILL ALIVE!" and if anyone is still popping by to read my blog.

as if I have loads to update now.

The long and short of it all,

- came back from the States a month and a half back.

- work has been simply overwhelming

- kids have been great and growing well

- Grace needs to go for a surgery (gonna share more, hopefully soon)

- Grace's approaching her 1st birthday!!

And I am up now, to migrate the forum servers, the tidying up of place for the upcoming party.

too much, too little time. Hope all my friends are not turned off by my MIA.

Catch up soon. and a couple of photoes to update.,

How to get by this week?

2008-06-09T15:45:00.000+08:00

With ultra-high productivity, zero procrastination?
I am left with 2 weeks to go before I am on my long break. Jesus, need your strength to brave through this period competently, Amen!

Some photos to keep my weekdays happy.

In memory

2008-06-08T14:40:00.000+08:00

it has to come, as the time draws near. We know for the fact that Santa will not be living for long. We never expected it to be so fast. He has started to refuse food on Friday. He has not been able to stand since a couple of weeks back. The signs of old age started to creep in. He still eats and goes for his bowels breaks. We saw his frail body and we tried to accept the fact the day is near. And on Saturday, he was whimpering, lying on his side. We said prayers for him and Oive Tree told him on Sunday morning, to go in peace. We would not want to ever try euthanizing. Maybe in this way, we seems cruel to let him suffer in pain, but we can't bear to let him die on the cold metal piece where he would be given 2 jabs to end his almost 13 years of life. It's God's timing, and Santa left us about 8.30am on 8th June 2008, Sunday.

You are deeply missed, Santa
09-09-1996 to 08-06-2008

Swimming time

2008-06-07T23:50:00.000+08:00

These are taken when we were at KC's place for a gathering. The kids had fun swimming. I did not manage to take good shots of Seth swimming and anyway, he did not manage to swim but just waddling in the pool. Grace was a good sport. For a first time swimmer, she's cool and collected. Too bad no one to take her photo as I was the one guiding her in the pool. She had a good time.

KC's youngest boy, J2.

KC's eldest boy, J1.

Grace and Khim's daughter, A

Aged effect hahahaha.. from left, Salie, Grace, Aidan, June and J2.

Surviving June

2008-06-07T12:44:00.001+08:00

Hope your week has been good for the beginning of June. As usual, mine filled with tasks that need to be accomplished but again, not all are done with accordance to my wish. It's frustrating that I have to go through 2 meetings scheduled at 1pm, disrupting my milk expressing schedule and these are all last minutes change of time due to the other parties. I am so frustrated about such arrangement and will not entertain such requests to change the time to 1pm in future. It's not only disrupting to my pumping schedule and also my lunch time. I can hardly manage after the long meetings that ended about 4pm! Till then, I start to have wobbly legs, fainting spells. It's so crappy.

Anyway, the good side of it is weekend is here. As I can spend my time with my darlings and do things leisurely. Some photos here are taken somewhere back in April.

Seth and Grace in Penguin PJs

My crop buddy with Grace (Love this shot of them)

These taken in the morning. The sunshine gal always brings broad smiles to our lazy morning.

We are preparing......
our dog, Santa is dying of old age. It's painful to see him suffering at this stage. He has refuse to eat since last night. I can't bear myself to bring him to the vet and euthanize him. We have decided to let him die at home and then send him to be cremated. The tears just can't stop when I think about him at this stage and I hope I can cope well.

my cutie pie

2008-06-04T03:56:00.005+08:00

giggling away, with brother at play....

Technorati Tags: grace

fine details

2008-06-04T02:28:00.000+08:00

It's really amazing how time flies. Unknowingly, ya right, I wish, it's half year mark of 2008. What have I accomplished for the past half a year? Need to keep stock of what's going on in my life and what I wanna achieve for the later part of 2008. Think Think....

Anyway, this post is once again, on my darlings and also my new F100fd which was put into the test.

(All photos did not go into any PP) I am taking all these photos either in ISO100 or ISO400 and all settings were auto, there's no AP or SP function in the camera, so it can be a tad challenging to use it if you don't fully grasp at what ISO and Shutter, Aperture gives you the best results. Still exploring and want to master the handling of the camera, so that I will put this little champ into good use when I travel in 3rd week of June.

Drum roll....introducing the line-up

How's the IQ?

=} Nothing like I use to see in other P&S. Color is very natural, sharpness is superb. Love it

Handling?

=} Quick to power up, fast to capture, Face Detection is accurate and quick. Minimal noise at high ISO. That's the plus point.

Overall experience?

=}Not much complaints except for the battery life, (too pampered with my Digital Rebel XT's battery life performance)

With 2.7" LCD, the power consumption is pretty fast. But I say about 250 shots? As told, the battery performance is comparable to IXUS 860IS if not better.

Rating

=}8.6/10

So fine

2008-06-01T00:44:00.000+08:00

*All of the above photos did not under go PP.

What so great about these shots? Nothing really but just that it's taken with the newly acquired Fuji FinePix F100fd.

The decision of getting this was after reading the reviews, the forums and samples seen. Also, the PnS is so called, necessary now, since I find that bringing it around for our upcoming trip would be necessary. I must say the quality of photos taken in low light conditions definitely surpasses all that I've seen. Especially my old PnS Panasonic Lumix. I am eager to try out IQ again tomorrow morning and praying it's gonna be a beautiful day! Sam was telling me that be very careful with using this camera, cause when you really find it soo easy and obtaining superb IQ, you will tend to forget to use your DSLR! :D We'll see.

On site comparison of the photos taken at John 3:16, this F100fd really is much sharper as compared to Canon IXUS 860IS. Geez, which was what I have in mine previously if I wanna get a PnS. Then, the difference is F100fd is a 12MP and 860IS is 8MP, sharpness and color are more vivid. Since I've already owned a Canon Digital Rebel XT, I would love to have a variety of photos to rah rah about, esp the IQ. Not forgetting the intend is to purchase a PnS with great IS and also wide focal lens. Indeed, FinePix F100fd met all my needs and my budget.

Murmurs Playground

2008-05-27T01:45:00.000+08:00

We've visited the National Museum on 24th May. It was the start of School Holidays and I have always wanted to bring Seth and Grace to the Museum to check out the activities that are organised for the children. There were workshops, play, and interactive games in various parts of National Museum. Would have put Seth in one of the workshops but too bad the seats are selling like hot cakes and snatched up! :( Nonetheless, we have arranged to meet Chloe and family up to visit the Murmurs Playground and some of the areas that are open and not requiring any purchase of tickets. If you are keen, you can still check out the events here.

Colorful area where the spiral cushions squeak when you step on them, or you can stick the cushions onto the wall!

The utensiles hanging, and pots and pans clanking......

Colorful Pool of Balls

Play Pals

HANG in There! This is so fun when it's the enlarge version.

Video Wall, this time round, it's in portrait!

In deep coloring thoughts, free for all ages.

Grace getting ready to eat and posy.

After the visit to the Museum, Chloe recommended us a great Ramen place at Robertson Quay. The chef from Japan, and the Ramen made is so different from the rest you have ate at Ajisen. Simply Yummy. The pork soup and the pork strips, so tasty and tender.

Dry Ramen with Cheese and Mayo

My spicy Ramen..... Mouth watering experience!

Will visit again when we are near the area. I would recommend you if you are an avid Ramen eater. :)

Eat with your Family Day

2008-05-23T23:34:00.000+08:00

Guess it's not practice in every company, but today is the "Eat with your Family Day" It's also the starting of a the National Family Celebration 2008 for the children school holidays falling on 24th May-28 June. This day, the fathers are encourage to cook at least one dish for the family. HA! That's definitely a plus for the daddys to do something for the kids which is out of the ordinary.

Olive Tree and I get to knock off early, as early as him, at 4.30pm and mine, 5.00pm. However, we have a different plan. I dated him out instead as I felt that we have not been having any more dates for a long long time. Since having the grandma and helper to take care of the kids, we caught a movie at Toa Payhoh Eng Wah. It's not Indiana Jones or Iron Man that we've watched. :) I've chosen Made of Honour. It's gonna be a date, right?! A simple romantic movie creates the mood for us! It's an enjoyable show, the theatre has less than 10 movie goers! I love the sound track. This genre of movie always makes me feel very light hearted and also the simplicity of the story line are more in tune with our relationship with our partner. The story line is pretty much like "My Best Friend's Wedding". So if you have enjoyed watching that, you would like this as well.

There was this little accident that happened, I put the bag of unfinished popcorns on the arms rest of the vacant chair and alas! The whole bag fell and almost all the popcorns dropped out! GEEEZ. I felt so bad having created a mess for the cleaner and left at my carelessness.

After the movie, we had a subway dinner. Was telling Olive Tree that we should do this dating night more frequently, as we can have our own time, getting a breather from the kids as well as keeping the little sparks in our relationship. ehehehe... I believed he does feel the same. I was telling him I felt like we are young again, and always smiling all the way, holding each others' hands (not holding the kids), cuddling and all. It was a great night.

We fetched the kids at 8.30pm, and headed home.

Here's a couple of Layouts I did over the two weeks. One which I did last night after being inspired by my crop buddy's creation. :)

a case of jealousy

Used: Scarlet Lime Kit - MM Noteworthy, 5th Ave PPs, MM & HS Alpha Stickers, Cosmo Cricket Black Board, 7g book clip

daddy's gal

Used: MM Noteworthy 5th Ave PP, Cardstock Stickers, 7g Gaffer Tape, Scarlet Lime Clear Acrylic Stamp and Tag and handmade flowers.

Remember, the National Family Celebrations 08 starts tomorrow! Go here for a calendar of events, discounts for outings, entertainment,dining. Remember to show this to entitle for the discounts. :)
Have a great weekend!

Our trip to Sentosa Photos, Update of the kids

2008-05-06T07:54:00.000+08:00

These are some of the photos taken when we were on vacation at Sentosa. It was quite a fun time for both Seth and Grace. Though we didn't manage to get both of them in the pool, but we manage to get them into the bath-tub and swim together. :)

Nothing like spending quality time with your kid.

Learning to play the Rubik's Cube

Grace's Cheeky Look.

First for Grace in her Swimsuit. Getting a bit small to fit on her though. hahahaha!

Will post more of the trip photos to my Flickr account.

I need to be really discipline to update the milestones of the kids. Otherwise they will surely be forgotten when the time passes by.

Grace started to wave bye-bye when she's almost 8 months. The adorable part of it is, when she waves, she will then clap her hands, as if praising herself that she waves bye-bye.
Indeed when you have repetition actions, words with your babies, they will learn really fast.
She started off learning how to clap her hands when I was singing to her, clap, clap clap your hands when we are traveling in the car. That was when she's 7 months old and after a few session, she grasped the action and I am amazed she managed to clap without missing the hands.
Grace begins to call ma-ma when she's about 7 months old too. She's one fierce gal when she cries. Seeing all
her tears rolling, screaming and also quivering lower lips, really breaks the heart. Geez,

Seth, the singer at home. Day in and out, he sings and talks and talks. Now, he is able to also play with his animals and do imaginary talk with them. Sometimes, it's so comical to see him talk to his animals in an adult manner.
I've started to do painting with him. He enjoys the session and hope that he'll pick up the interest and come to love to draw. Though he is still unable to really write well, he loves to do scribbling here and there. His pincher grip is good and able to hold the pencil quite well. I always enjoy seeing him in full concentration when he writes on the paper.

Ok, time to get ready, A long day at work. :( This week onwards there will be loads of things to be settled.I am so looking forward to June. :)

snapshots... of life

2008-04-27T01:54:00.000+08:00

A layout completed in a crop session with my dear sis. Had a great time today cropping and sharing, fun with Seth and Grace.

Our precious darling fell from bed last night. IT was really a bad fall, as he got bruises on his forehead and eyelid were also bruised. He is now spotted with a big bump on his right forehead, a O-Mak-Kart (blue-black bruise) on his eyelid. Poor boy, has also bitten his tongue when he fell off. We felt so guilty about it. However, even not having enough sleep last night, as he slept at 4am this morning, he is still so active during the day. playing so hard and not even napping at all. He enjoyed the co. of J.

Got loads of photos taken during our short getaway. Will try to post soon. Have a great Sunday!

Show your True Color!

2008-04-16T00:02:00.000+08:00

Was reading Amber's blog and found this interesting test.

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Yellow

You're yellow, the color of joy and energy — two things you definitely bring to everyone around you. It's hard for anyone to be sad or lonely in your presence; your sunny disposition and cheery outlook just won't allow it. The warmth of your personality shines through in the kindness you show friends and family (and strangers, too). Always ready with a lighthearted joke or heartfelt compliment, you know how to make people feel good about themselves, so they can't get enough of you. Yellow is a warm and inviting color for a warm and inviting person — you!

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=colorogt&c=50652

Doggy Poo

2008-04-15T08:01:00.001+08:00

Seth's into this Korean Anime Craze now. He was so into Pororo for the past 2 weeks. Then last Thursday, he has a new fav, Doggy Poo. The Anime is quite a meaningful one and Seth enjoys watching it, he names the characters, he asked about the story line. The funny part of it is hearing him say, "Doggy Poo" with such a cuteness.
The story tells the little ones and even us, adults, God has a good plan for all of us, no matter how insignificant we may think our lives are.

Image courtesy from Wikipedia

Tomorrow we are sending Seth for his review. Hope his lungs are cleared and the medication feeding days are over. It's really a great struggle to feed the little guy his Antibiotics. Even now, he can goes on and on repeating the word, "Anti-biotices". Compose a tune about it! Aiyo. :(

a helper in need

2008-04-06T12:51:00.001+08:00

Finally the help has arrived. After many months of deciding, arrangement, our helper has arrived on 3rd April 2008. She's from Philippines and 30 years old. She has a daughter same age as Grace. When my helper sees Grace, she dotes her very much and says Grace like her daughter, very quiet.

We are still trying to get accustom to having a helper around. Especially when we go out. As we are so used to carrying things around going where we wanna go. Now with a helper, it's another extra responsibility to ensure that she's following us closely, not lost etc......

At home, we are adapting to having her around during the weekends. During the weekdays, she'll be at my mom's place, taking care of the chores and also help to look after the babies. She has been cleaning up the house and all. We have finally got the kitchen stuffs more or less cleaned up by her. OOH! imagine the kind of grease and eeweeew... thanks to her initiative.

There are some more details to tie down with her on her employment with us. Also, I've to complete the Work Permit application online when the medical result will be out tomorrow.

Hope we'll find this helper as what we have imagine to be.

Update

2008-04-05T21:13:00.001+08:00

Road to recovery....is always not easy.

On Monday, 31st March, whole of the family was down with the flu bug. We thought that the new PD and new medication will help to speed up the recovery of the kids. Grace on nebulizer has actually helped her in breathing better and less wheezing, just phlegmy. However, for Seth, he's condition turns for a worse on Wednesday night as he ran a temperature of 38 deg C! His fever were like roller coaster for the past few days and the highest it went were 39.6 deg C, on Wednesday afternoon. We had to rush him to KKH A&E.

He was so traumatized by the previous experience when he was 1.8 years old. He was screaming and complaining to go back home and not stay in hospital. We had such a difficult time getting him to calm down and not scream. Seth was subjected to sponging, instead of cold shower which I refuse. He was administered with Paracetamol Suppository. Thereafter, a chest X-ray to determine the cause of the high fever. The result came out with his right chest infected with phlegm. He was to continue with the yucky Klacid. and more medication. Seth has to go through 6 medication all at once. How terrible can that be for a young toddler like him?

It pains our hearts to see him crying so badly whenever he has to go through the medication feeding, the aftermath of the vomit when the medication were all fed to him in a shot (our fault)

He is such a darling son to us and we feel so helpless in getting him well enough. We can only fervently pray to God for the supernatural healing and to take away all the bad experience he had throughout this period. For this period, his only enjoy is Pororo. We've bought him Chapter 3 & 4 of Pororo DVD and he enjoys watching them throughout. He can finish the DVDs and watch it over and over again within the whole afternoon! We surrender.

Another Boyish looking Grace to greet you a great sunday ahead.

Medical House

2008-04-02T00:32:00.000+08:00

filled the kitchen top. Various medication to feed Seth and Grace. Sometimes, we can get a bit confuse and in a fluster, we nearly feed the wrong medication to the kids. HIAZ! That's really bad.

Grace have been having the coughs almost every time she's asleep. I am so concern about her not having enough rest. Just last night, I was on guard waiting for her to wake up from the cough and give her a session of nebulizer. But then she slept till 4am, I did not dare to wake her seeing that sleep is so precious for her. When she cried herself from her sleep, her temperature was 38.8 deg C! Gosh! Immediately, I fed her iBrufen to bring down her temperature. Poor gal.

Seth's getting ok. He is just having the phlegmy cough and also the phlegm that flowed back to his ear that needing him to take antibiotics to prevent any infections.

Tomorrow will be work day and gonna be busy as our helper will be flying in from Philippines, so will pick her up from the airport tomorrow evening.
So many things will change. Having a helper is always a very last resort of ours but guess we have to get one for mom regardless the discomfort of having to stay with a stranger, having another liability to take care of.

Alrighty, better sleep now as tomorrow will be work day. I can imagine who will chase after me. My mail box is at 356 counts of unread emails since Friday! Crazy!

we can be what we can?

2008-03-30T22:23:00.000+08:00

When are faced with adversity, trials, somehow, we are pushed to the limits to accomplish what we have previously deemed impossible to be done by oneself.

For the past 3 weeks, it is definitely a BOOT CAMP for me to be as independent as I can, without having the husband around to share the load of caring for the family. ie. the children. I have done these things by myself and thinking back, it sure is one chapter of my life worth scrapbooking about.

.: Wake up daily at 6.30am to prepare for the day, prepare Seth's stuffs for the day at school

.: Brought both kids to see PD when they are down with a flu bug, slinging Grace, chaperon Seth around in the mall and the clinic.

.: When both are asleep in the car, how do I overcome in carrying them up to my mom's place which is not a lift-midlanding? Ans: Carry Grace up first, locking Seth in the Car while he is still asleep. Put Grace in the Sarong Rocker. Lock the house door. Go down to the carpark and carry Seth up to my mom's. At the same time worrying that someone may call the police when see an "abandon" kid in the car!

.: Raining season, having to juggle between Seth's tantrums when I pick him up from CC (always on the dock, 7pm, and the last to leave the CC) and carrying the loads of stuffs (my laptop bag, my breastpump bag, freeze bag, Seth's school bag and an umbrella, I have somehow developed strong arms muscle, losing 2kg in 2 weeks!!

.: Another side of it, to carry the sleeping Seth with all of the above! Gosh, though it's only 3 storey flight of stairs, I am bushed when I reach my mom's and totally out of breath!

.: Rushing at work, worrying about the kids getting well or not in school or at my mom's. Travelling 110km/h minimally to places that I need to go so as not to be late for: business appointments, ferry Seth from school, back to mom's to relieve her of her stress of the day (my niece and Grace are baby-sitted by mom) and in time for her to have dinner and bathe.

.: be on Sentry for the kids to take medication as they were running temperature. Imagine, feeding one at 9pm. Hoping she is ok all the way. Then at 1am, it's the brother that is running the temperature. It's really terrible to see them in such a situation and not able to relieve them of the discomfort from fever and all.

I am unable to recall all that I've done but all I can say, the used to be impossible are accomplished when one has no choice.

Even when now the husband is back, he is too tired to even help much with the kids and all. I simply hating the aftermath of the reservist period. IT's make the men so low in EQ, causing the wives to go through all the mental and physical stress. MINDEF should pay not only for the pay the salary of those that go for reservist, but also the emotional, physical damages the wives have to go through when their husbands are not around. Though no amount of monetary value can compensate the damages.

What's the compensation having to brave through this period, : DOWN WITH A FLU and FEVER. that's what I get.

Heartpain

2008-03-30T12:17:00.001+08:00

To see my little princess coughing badly. She was unable to sleep well last night. Her irritant cough kept waking her up. If not, it's Olive Tree's coughing or my sneezing that woke her. She slept so little and so tired. Pray for supernatural healing for all in the family as we all got the flu bug. :(

Her favorite

2008-03-29T12:17:00.001+08:00

Past time would be eating, the label off the toys of hers. Now, she enjoys fingering the labels, touching, action as if counting the paper money.

Penryn

2008-03-23T21:48:00.000+08:00

My previous post stated I am excited. And indeed the dream came true on 7th March 2008.

Now I am able to do this.....

This is what I've dream of and it's now a dream come true. :)

with this

I simply love my new MBP

the multitouch trackpad is super cool and I am now so use to using it. hee....

for the record

2008-03-22T23:23:00.000+08:00

Grace started to be on all fours when she's about to reach 6 months. Her milestones achievement is much faster than Seth.

Here are some random photos taken during the period of March. (I am so delayed in my blogging but hope the photo blog can help to capture some of the moments of the kids growing stages. (can't wait to scrap about them with these photos)

This is when she's 6.5 months.

Feast@East, celebrating Grandma's birthday

Morning Ray on Grace

Angry, Happy, Fierce Seth when he is 2.9 yrs old

Water Parade

2008-03-09T14:08:00.001+08:00

Seth's into water Parade for the moment. He needs plenty of fluid. Poor chap has a irritant cough for at least 2 weeks. That always worry us as he never had such a bad cough. Pray that he'll be well soon.

Grace 1st

2008-03-08T17:08:00.000+08:00

in her solid food career.....

TGIF

2008-03-07T09:07:00.001+08:00

Am I glad it's Friday! Not only I have time to spend with the kids, despite a very bad day with Seth yesterday, (shall talk about it more later), it's the D-Day! It's coming and I am really excited! ;-)

Photobooks

2008-03-02T20:18:00.000+08:00

It has always been on my mind to create a photobook for both Seth & Grace. I was even more inspired by Ali's, Brenda's, Danielle's.

So I went googled around and found these offers, both locally in SG and overseas. Enjoy and have your memories captured into timeless treasure in these photobooks. :)

SG Store
@ FotoHub
Current Promotion for March 2008
.: 8"X8" FotoJournal (20pages) at S$39.90 (Usual: S$59.90) :.
.: FotoStory of Sizes - 6"x6", 6"X7.5", 12"x8", 8"X12", 12"x12", 12"x15" :.
.: Prices: (20pages) from S$69.00-S$305.00 :.

M'sia Store
@ PixArt
.: Offers Pocket PhotoBook ranging from to Coffee Table Photobook price at USD 15.00-28.00 (excludes shipping) :.
shipping rates applies.

US Stores (as shared by spjulio.wordpress.com)
@ MyPublisher
Offers till May,31st 2008
.: Enter your email address to obtain a coupon code that entitles you to 2 Photobooks at a price of 1! :.
Terms & Conditions Applies

@ blurb
.: Prices start at only USD12.95 for a 40-page softcover, USD22.95 for a 40-page hardcover with dust jacket :.
shipping rates applies

@ PicaBoo
.: Buy 1 Get 1 Free Until Mar. 31th - Use Coupon Code MARBGF At Checkout :.
Pricing ranging from USD 9.99 - USD 39.99
shipping rates applies

Technorati Tags: photobook, photography

Penryn

2008-03-02T10:37:00.000+08:00

I just love the word Penryn. Why?
ETA: 11/03/2008-13/03/2008
Just can't wait!

Technorati Tags: gadgets

It's the last week of Feb

2008-02-25T18:07:00.000+08:00

After a year of not scrapping (from Dec 2007-now, 2008) hee.... Here's what I've managed to come up with, and not really a good one, but enough to document a day when I forgot to pick Seth up from School. Geez, how bad can I be?

I've used, Crackled Paint for the stamping (Stamp from Not your ordinary foam stamps, CK). The effects turn out quite cool.

7G ATC Revolving Holder-Our Story

Started another project for our family story. :) Have gotten this revolving holder for so long, but yet to do ATC. Glad that I've got a chance to do a crop with J last Friday and we started off our projects.

Here's a photo to cheer up the monday. My two lil darlings are done with Flu again. :( So, on leave to look after them.
Have a great week ahead and I pray that they recover soon too.

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking, seth

Delayed Posting

2008-02-24T22:29:00.000+08:00

I've been on a hiatus from my blog and my crafts. I guess from the last post I did, I need to readjust and prioritize my daily stuffs. Of course, the work still take most of my time, apart from time with the kids and dh. It was very comforting for all my fellow scrappers to drop comments and thank you for all the encouraging words. I am still coping and hoping to cope better and not to take things too hard, let loose a bit on the parenting aka not being too harsh on Seth. He knows of the things that he did were wrong, and they are all out to get our undivided attention, but lots of time it fail and thus the actions of all the disobedient things surfaced. The almost angry-funny part of them all, it's his apologies. Just last Friday night, he was into his mischief again. I reprimanded him, carried him to the toilet to wash his dirty hands, then

he said, "Mummy, I love you!"
Me: URRRGH! ^-^

Again, he has me wrapped around his finger.

He has been falling sick almost fortnightly. Still trying to fight the viruses that go around in the school. What can we do but just to pray for God's health and wholeness in Seth and his antibodies strengthen to fight the viruses. Overall, he is still bouncy and running about.

Grace's creeping around already, she can do the back and front creep, move towards the items she want to take. Her grasping is quite accurate as well. Overall FMS and GMS are good. She starts to drool alot starting from 4-5months, I guess she's quite ready to stgrt her semi-solid career. I am hoping she'll like the introduction of semi-solid food, as my BM has dropped quite a bit, daily stressing over expressing enough BM for her. Tried drinking oats with milo, plenty fluid intake. Next will have to go purchase Fenugreek. Hiaz... I wished to BF Grace all the way pass 1 year old.

Following are the pictorial posting of the recent CNY and places we've been to during the festive period.

Mickey & Minnie wishing a Happy Chinese New Year of Rat

Grace with our new bedsheet, Disney Mickey Filmstrip Collection

Roses Red and White to match the Bedsheet

Seth & Grace Random

Mommy with Seth

Grandpa with Seth & Jurnus

Jon's family

Grandma, Me, Seth Jurnus and Jeral

Jack's family with Seth

Olive Tree and Grace

Xiu Qui Hua

Technorati Tags: Celebrate, cny2008, grace, seth

Singapore Airshow 2008

2008-02-23T17:54:00.001+08:00

Feeling of awesome to be standing below the A380 propeller. The weather was hot, crowd is massive. The Display by BlackKnights is good. The only dismay, to see a pool of incompetence Singapore Police Force managing the civilians getting in line to board the Shutter buses from Exhibition Centre to MRTS. I feel ashamed we have seen inefficiency people in actions.

I went home with a sunburst face and tiredness in squeezing with the crowds.

Chinese Lunar New Year

2008-02-07T22:59:00.000+08:00

Happy Chinese Lunar New Year!!

Technorati Tags: Celebrate, Family, cny2008

Is there a hole?

2008-02-04T17:02:00.000+08:00

to let me go into hiding? I wish I can hide from the world forever. It's very dampening during this period of the year. All things didn't work out for the good in my case. Daily being chased and chased to meet deadlines, so many things on hands to do. So many, I am not competent enough to clear all my backlog. Juggling work and home is too tough, and it really take a toil on me mentally and physically. I feel fatigue, I can't articulate my thoughts well, I am very hot-tempered, at the slightest things. Seth's get on my nerves daily. I can scream and scream. Am I going mad? I am sinking into depression again?? How much can I endure? How much more perseverance should I show. How thick skinned can I get?

I am defeated and I needed to break away from all these things that are happening around me. I can't handle them at all. Was it a mistake to even consider having no. 2? Probably life would be easier without no. 2. Life's simpler and work can be handled better. In all ways, I can't seem to snap out of what I am in. I can't stop the negative thoughts, I can't challenge myself further to do much better than I should. Simply loosing my drive. All of me is drowning, spiritually, physically.

I am running away. I don't know where can I run to. I feel like dropping everything I have and go to a far far away place. Out from all the responsibilities. Out from the noise. I hate to fight back the tears and show a brave upfront for my family, for my children, for my bosses and peers. Will this ever be a last blog entry?

In the cab

2008-02-04T13:40:00.001+08:00

We sent our car for servicing. Seth's had his first MRT ride (meaning with the knowledge of what is the MRT) from Tiong Bahru to Outram. We then took a cab back to service centre as our car is ready before the expected time.

Happy with his first Lollipop

2008-02-02T19:43:00.001+08:00

Very first time Seth has his first sweet, lollipop. It's so funny that he is eating little by little as if afraid he consume it too quickly.

Grace in Daddy's Arms

2008-02-01T22:57:00.000+08:00

As shared by Danielle Thompson, I've managed to have my photos corners rounded! It's very easy to do and next is to make action out of it! :)

Technorati Tags: photography, techniques

End Now

2008-02-01T09:59:00.001+08:00

End Now
End Now
End Now
End Now
I wish my life End Now as well with the stupid lousy windows that I am using...:(

CNY - Nightmare

2008-01-28T00:19:00.000+08:00

Why is it such a nightmare? Though I enjoy holiday, especially the long ones, preparing for this year's CNY is a nightmare for me. What I dreaded was being sooo busy at work, and still have to think about the CNY preparation. Ya, nothing much to prep in fact, except to get the new clothings for the kids, Olive Tree and myself. Weeks back, we've settled the daddy's and the kids stuffs. As for me, I didn't think getting clothings would be a challenge for me till I really can't find clothes that I can fit and are nice!! URRRGH! Also, I soon realise that the days are getting so near to CNY and nothing was bought yet.

So yesterday, we went out for the CNY shopping. Though I very much wished I can stay at home to sleep or scrap, but I can't. We head done to one of our friend's kid's birthday at Aloha Resort before going for our shopping trip. Here's a card I've done for his birthday.

We've gone to Parkway ParadeIt was dampening that I can't find any clothes at my usual hunt, Dorothy Perkins, Topshop. Even can't find much clothes at Isetan. End up, we've got ourselves each, a pair of Levi's jeans. I manage to get a pair of heels from Itti and Otto. Pheew....I was dead tired already after walking for so long. This little guy, was so restless that he started to fool around at Isetan. Playing and "flashing" his tummy to other kids who are also running about in the shopping centre. Olive tree tried to stop his "flashing" but was turned a deaf ear. It got Olive Tree so mad that he just walked away with Grace and I was trying out my jeans at the fitting room. Imagine when the kiddos whom Seth were playing with, were about to leave, the mommy brought Seth to the nursery room to look for Olive tree. HA! Seth could even said he wanna follow the Kor Kor and Jie Jie home! *faint*

The little guy got a tongue lashing from Olive Tree and myself while on the way back home. He was soooo tired and didn't even dare to cry. We've warned him as well, if he still disobey us when we are out, we will walk away and not look back to get him. If he get himself lost, he'll find his way home( ya, like real!) and don't cry for us. It's bad to threaten but he is getting a bit out of hand ever since he started his childcare days.

Both Grace and him are still unwell, Seth with occasional running nose and cough. Grace with her blocked nose (guess it's the sensitive nose) and mucus. So worrying and feel so upset to see them like that. Ok, here's a couple of photo of Grace taken today.

Ain't she boyish??!

We continued our shopping again this afternoon. Though I needed very much to work and complete my office stuffs. But the heart is so reluctant though the mind is pushing........So we went, Robinson's! Yupz, and indeed manage to get some stuffs, beddings, tops for myself. Also, we've got from Gap, Seth's pants, Grace's jeans (at 50% off after buying Seth's pants at 10% off), quite a good deal. another top and a pair of velvet jeans for myself. (yeah!!) So the mood kicks in, I went to Mango and got myself another 2 tops to go with my jeans. Viola! completed my shoppping! And totally glad with myself. But it was sooo late to even think of going back office to work. We headed home at 5plus and napped a bit. For now the kids are finally asleep, which is 11pm. :( How much can I do on work???!URRRGH!

Here's what we've exchanged with the spending done at Centrepoint today.
2 set of this teacups, 2 posters and 2 packs of ang baos!

On the gadget front, I am sooo impatient but I've got to wait PATIENTLY on the silent update of this. I hope it comes soon. I needed a new toy for a brand new CNY!!!!

Ok, here's wishing you a restful week ahead. Just as soundly rested as him

*CNY-Chinese New Year aka Lunar New Year which falls on 7th & 8th Feb, this year

Technorati Tags: Celebrate, grace, seth

my girl

2008-01-24T01:49:00.000+08:00

A layout that I've started at MWL's Christmas Crop and didn't manage to complete. This is a 1st layout of Grace in 12X12. I am still trying to do up the 6x8 album for Grace but sooo slack in progress.
Used : RF PP, MM Chipboard Alpha, Glitter Alpha & velvet Alpha Stickers. MM flowers funky brads, KI Pop Culture Chipboard Tag, Hambly screenprints, KI Love Elsie's Zoe PP, Glitz Netz.

I love the Glitz Netz as I have seen it used on layout and love the way it looks on the layout. Finally got my hands on 2 packs when one of the forumer organised a spree. :)

I am tired as usual. I didn't manage to accomplish much today but I've attended the launch of office:mac 2008 at Screening Room. I had a great time chatting with Kath and also her account of Macworld Conference experience. Wish I had a chance to visit Macworld conference.

Just a short review of the experience I have on testing out the Beta Version of office:mac 2008

Excel
This is one of my fav program compared to the rest of the offerings in the office:mac 2008.

the good:
- fast launch of the application
- greater ease of use
- toolbox is useful now as compared to office:mac 2004, as it comes with more functionality at one glance and categorised in tabs
- It has a Gallery which has a wide range of customised templates for your needs ranging from business uses (invoices, budgets, Account balance) to personal usage (savings passbook record, credit card statements)
- Wider range of Charts that you can use and simply by few clicks and data entry, you'll get the professional looking charts ready for presentation
- SmartArt allows you to create flowcharts, in terms of business and also personal use.
- Functions and formulae are now easily displayed when you enter the prefix of the formulae eg. "=S" pops up a drop down list that allows you to select the formulae that you need. It display the hint of how to use the formula as well when click on.

the bad:
- I have not really found a bad thing about this. As I've been a user of both Windows and Mac Office, I must say this version meets above my expectation

Word
the good:
- It has great publisher's interface, allowing you to do up a very professional publishing layout for business use.
- It comes with quite a fair bit of useful templates, which you allow you to get down to work on a report fast and effortless.
- Also, it has smartart graphics as well.
- It does auto text alignment (if you ever used Microsoft Publisher) before, this would be a feature which are not native to the Word in office:mac 2004 or the Microsft office 2003. So even if your graphics are placed in between the typed text, the text will be auto aligned properly

the bad:
- start up time is longer on my Powerbook G4 as compared to the previous version of Word in office:mac 2004 and also the Excel in office:mac 2008
- With the publisher's function, it is somehow lagging a lot. Especially if you are inserting high res graphics.
- Typing on the doc can be a pain at times if you have too much resources being utilised by other opened applications.

Entourage
the good:
- since I've been using Entourage, I have never looked back at Thunderbird anymore. I love most of the features in the Entourage
that includes: Projects - allowing you to create the project and set the rules to link emails, documents, appointments in calendar under the project thus allowing you to quickly look into the project and view at a glance what's the outstanding, or completed tasks.

- My day: which is like a widget that's pinned onto the desktop displaying your tasks, appoitments.
- Rules categorization for your emails, it's so easy to use. Now the mails that comes in from various mailbox will be autmoatically flow to the right folder which you've assigned.

the bad:
- It's just a learning curve to get around the application so as to enjoy the functionality of the application.

PowerPoint
- I've not tested much of the PowerPoint but the additional look and feel of presentation are great and so much more eye-candied. Once I've used, I would get back on a review on PowerPoint.

If you are keen to acquire the office:mac 2008 the SRP are as per follow:

1. Brand New
Office 2008 for Mac 2008 (S$749.00 (incl 7% GST)
Office 2008 for Mac Special Media Edition S$959.00 (incl of 7% GST)
Office 2008 for Mac Home and Student Edition No upgrade price and retailed at S$269.00 (incl of 7% GST)

2. Upgrade price:
Office 2008 for Mac US$239.95 (retailed new at US$399.95)
Office 2008 for Mac Special Media Edition US$299.95 (retailed new at US$499.95)
Office 2008 for Mac Home and Student Edition No upgrade price and retailed at US$149.95

It's been great to be selected by Microsoft to do the Beta Testing for offce:mac 2008. Thanks, Microsoft for the goodies bag and the Special Media Edition office:mac 2008.

Technorati Tags: gadgets, scrapbooking

Please take my order?

2008-01-23T09:20:00.001+08:00

We went to the jap restaurant at Taka basement 2 on Sunday for our lunch. Seth's was really hungry and ate his food furiously, taking bite by bite of his fav fried prawns. The sliced cabbage and pork omelette is really nice.

You Are

2008-01-22T03:37:00.000+08:00

This mini album is my 1st attempt to complete a sheer project. I've done this for my Olive Tree's birthday.
Used: Maya Road Sheer Scallop mini album, KI Love Elsie's Ribbons from Noel, Lola, Zoe. BG Obscure & Daisy D's PP, 7G 97% stickers, Glitz Netz, HS Bling and Alpha Stickers, CI Epoxy Stickers, BG Rub-Ons, BG Recess Alpha Stickers & CK KOTM Foam Stamps for all the stamping. TFL!

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking

Grace @ abt 4 months

2008-01-19T11:35:00.001+08:00

She had her 3rd vaccination on 11th Jan. Currently weighing 6.5kg, length of 64.5cm. She has cross over to the milestone of roll over very quickly now, changing diaper for her is challenging. She creeps a bit, when you place her on the mat, she manages to move from one area to another area by herself. She reaches out to touch the things she wants, her grip is strong as well.

What's amazing is she can scream so loud! She's simply adorable.

Birthday Tag

2008-01-19T09:20:00.000+08:00

This birthday tag is done for Sarah's 6th Birthday.

Used, Cosmo Cricket PP, UL Clear Stamp, Maya Road Clear Stamp & KI Love Elsie's Ribbon

Laughters

2008-01-19T04:37:00.000+08:00

Just came upon this Digital LO I've done in 2006. Gosh! How time flies. I love the way Seth laughs and the photos I've selected to scrap about. He's so adorable in my eyes.

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking, seth

flowers-inspired

2008-01-19T04:08:00.000+08:00

by AM on her drawings. Though I've bought my bamboo fun much earlier, I've not been playing with it much. Seeing AM's drawings truly inspired me. I started to draw this. Though nothing really great but a good start to get used on drawing using my bamboo fun.

I am inspired as well by this and this. :) Hope you find your daily inspirations and enjoy the process of creation!

Technorati Tags: bamboo fun, drawings

I love to sail

2008-01-19T00:13:00.001+08:00

on a sailing ship, sail away to sea. Sailing, sailing, a sailor's life for me.....

Singapore flyer

2008-01-18T13:20:00.001+08:00

Finally took a photo of the Singapore Flyer. I thank God i've survived this week. ;) great to see weekend coming

LOL--this is what it means

2008-01-10T22:57:00.000+08:00

10th Jan, this is the day that we see her chuckles so loudly. She's simply adorable.

Technorati Tags: grace

I succumbed

2008-01-08T22:19:00.000+08:00

to the stress. Finally, I broke down. :( just can't help it. The period of sending Seth to CC. Seeing him crying, especially today, he just grabbed me so hard when I put him in the Centre. I felt I am such a lousy mom to cause my child to go through emotional stress at such a tender age.

For the past 2 days, work has been crazy, pretty much just attending meetings to resolve issues, and also not even having time to do what I needed to do. It's so terrible lor. I have close to 400 emails to read and I am not able to do much.

the schedule for the day as such,

8am-Seth needs to be in CC at this time.
8.30am-Send Grace to mom's
8.45am-Send Olive Tree to work
9.15am-reached office or customer's site for meetings
12pm-express milk or lunch first and express my milk. by this time, I could be quite engorged. as like the past 2 days
2pm-by this time, my pump have to be washed, sterilised and stored away for the next pumping session
2pm-5.30pm-work and if not meetings again. I really dislike meetings as they caused me to be really unproductive!!
5.30pm-I need to pick seth from CC near my place, then drive him back to mom's to have dinner and pick Grace up
6.30pm-expressed my milk.
7.30pm-dinner
8.30pm-get the kids ready to go home
9pm-reach home, get Grace to sleep
9.30pm-Shower
10pm-Do the laundry, Iron the clothes for next day, prep Seth's bag for the next day
11pm-check my emails, browsed the internet, if not doing my work (like I need to do my work now, responding to 2 ITQs by 11.59pm)
I will spend the late night's either doing some stuffs going to bed at only 1-2am. It has been so for the past week!

Gosh! I lack of rest and I am so stressed. when I go for meetings, I just want the meeting to end asap!!! I need the avenue to make myself to have peace.

Technorati Tags: Me

Back to Work, Seth's to School

2008-01-07T23:27:00.000+08:00

It's so heart-wrenching to see my darling son, Seth cried so badly today. He woke up and first thing that he said, "I don't want to go to school!" We took awhile to coax him to wear his uniform and got him to calm down by giving him his favourite FreshMilk Chocolate.

When we reached the childcare centre, he starts to be so clingy to me. He wanted me to stay and I stayed with him for awhile. Attended the chinese class with him. In fact, he enjoys the learning, but at times, he'll get over to me, and said he wants to go home. Whined a bit as well. I couldn't stay with him as I need to go back office, Ed's had meeting and then Grace got to be at Marg's place. I told him I need to leave and he was pulling me so tight, clenching onto my top blouse! Refusing to let go. That moment, I wished so much to get him back home with me, I take care of him but I maintained the composure and left him with his Teacher. \\

It's really not easy to withstand the cryings, but we need to work! So Seth kinda of suffered some emotional damage Which we prayed that God's heals his emotional state soon.

Ok, I am really sleepy, need to sleep already.

Technorati Tags: seth

Aval's Baby Shower

2008-01-06T22:42:00.000+08:00

Aval had her baby shower on 6th Jan. We had a totally family gathering. Meaning, my elderst sil was there at the celebration. Finally, after almost 1.2 years, we talked! hahaha! Amen! I enjoyed the day better than any other day.

here are some photos taken on that day.

This photo is so precious as we never had a photo taken like this one. All the kids with Grandma, including Jack and Jacq.
More of the photos of Aval's Baby Shower can be viewed here.

Technorati Tags: Celebrate

a day in the life of a SAHM

2008-01-04T19:04:00.000+08:00

1. Sending Seth to ChildCare Centre. Accompanying him till he settled down. Then off to the market, which is conveniently located in the same building as Seth's CC. :D

2. Took an online course today. Since we need to employ a maid for mom and help her to take care of Grace and Aval.

Stir Fried Cauliflower & Carrot in Ketchup (this is the uncooked version)

3. Prepare the dish for tonight's dinner. I am going out for dinner. So cooked for Ed. Spare Ribs in Rootbeer and Char Siew Sauce. hA!

4. It's a cloudy day, and rained heavily for awhile.

5. Grace did not sleep much in the afternoon. Was juggling between cooking and entertaining her.

6. and finally, she slept! I could do my cooking, get ready to pick Seth up from the CC at 5.30pm.
When I reached the CC, he was clinging to his Teacher, crying. Aiyo, His teacher told me that he was clingy today and cried a few times. *heartbreak* I am worried for Monday comes, that he refuse to go to CC all together. Pray to the Lord, that He will take care of Seth's temperament. Seth starts to display his disobedience this 2 days. Desperately wants our attention. He ate and ate so much last night. Today, he is slightly better but when he is eating, he just chew and chew but never swallow his food. Hiaz.

Technorati Tags: grace, Me, seth

Grace rolls over...

2008-01-04T13:32:00.000+08:00

Grace roll over and Seth on the Slide

Technorati Tags: grace, seth

fun times

2008-01-03T01:52:00.000+08:00

Seth playing with his uncle Jack

Technorati Tags: ourblessedseth

walk with his school bag

2008-01-03T01:45:00.000+08:00

He just want to do things by himself.

Technorati Tags: ourblessedseth

1st day in school

2008-01-02T23:51:00.000+08:00

Though it's not really a full time school that he is attending, but to us, it's a big milestone. It's the day when Seth goes to school! I woke up at 5am. After feeding Grace, I went about doing the name tag for his school bag, wanted to sew his name for his towels but I guess I am still not the expert in sewing. :) Anyway, I am too excited to sleep. The task will be upon me to bring Seth to the childcare centre. If Olive Tree were to bring him there, I would bet my life that Seth would not let him go off. He is sooo clingy to his daddy!

When I reached the CC(childcare centre), It was pretty chaotic, new school term, new kids on the block, crying sounds here and there. I was kinda worried Seth will get frighten of the cries but he was pretty ok. He can even remember where his shoes should be placed on the shelf.
I coaxed him to go into the class (he's in class PG-A). Some of the boys were really crying. I should say that the probability of Boys crying is so much greater than Girls! HA! What has become of this world? Girl Power is in the house, I have to say.

Seth was shy, as usual. In the beginning, he was reluctant to move much. He wanted to play with the toys but afraid to take the initiative to ask for them. After much coaxing, he relaxed and can tell me the stuffs in the class. I showed him where his bag will be placed, told him his teachers' names. I can't help but feeling proud about him, as he certainly has very good memory skills of all that was said. About 10am, I told him that I need to go to the toilet, he said to me, "I want Mommy go toilet." So, I did. I told the teacher that I am leaving and have informed Seth about it. So he should be ok playing in the class with his friends. So I left.

I went home feeling a sense of loss. Ha! Crazy isn't it? The feeling of, my boy has grown up. The mixed emotions of him attending a childcare. The worries that the classmates are not feeling well, passing the bugs to him etc. Aiyo, it really makes me want to give up working full time and just spend my days, taking care of him and Grace. I am possessive!! URRRGH! I just want Seth to stay at this stage. He is really fun and adorable. In all the things he learnt and will be learning from, I have no doubt he will do well but just can't accept the fact so nonchalantly, HE will grow up!

I thank the Lord for overseeing Seth in class, shelter him and giving him the courage, the joy in attending childcare. I pray that he learns much more and able to display his traits. Let him be the head and not the tail. Let him shine with the Lord's Glory. Amen. :)

Looking forward to tomorrow's in school again.

Technorati Tags: ourblessedseth

Something about Grace

2008-01-02T22:13:00.000+08:00

She's 4 months. She's a babe, to us. Simply adorable and so sweet.
We love her eyes, Olive Tree came out of the toilet outside, KFC, Thomson Plaza. He said,

" Ah Gal's eyes so bright and shiny!"

We love the way she coos and aahhs. She talks and talks. These days, apart from her screaming affair, she will mumble and mumble, as if complaining. She makes the most noise, to compare her with Seth. Woman's nature! hahaha!

She's able to roll over and prone steadily now.
Just today, she starts to kick her way around, the early signs of learning to crawl.
She started to grab for things in front of her. She's quick at doing that! I am amazed.
She just love you to talk and play with her.
She's always smiling, laughing. A very happy gal.
She makes mommy spends even more!! HEE! Whenever we are out, I will also browse for baby gal's stuffs. Her clothes are in a big bag, and I can still tell Olive Tree,

"oh, She hasn't got enough to wear for her age now."

She's daddy's gal.

Technorati Tags: PrincessGrace

Happy 2008! Mosaic for the new beginnings

2008-01-01T11:42:00.000+08:00

1. Untitled, 2. Birthday - Nicole, 3. w, 4. amanda visell's pink elephant, 5. DSC_0757 White in blue, 6. Happy New Year, 7. Counting down..., 8. Welcome to the New Year !!!, 9. Getting Trolleyed, 10. plum card, 11. don't worry be happy new year, 12. Sydney New Years Eve 2007/2008, 13. Bubble Mania! NEW YEAR EVE!, 14. Smile!, 15. Ciao 2007!, 16. SoCal Wonderland, 17. step into a new year!, 18. HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS!, 19. Wisdom, 20. Borderless New Year, 21. * Happy New Year .., 22. Thank you. (:, 23. ~The Hand Of Beauty~, 24. Baby Little Mermade, 25. Happy New Year 2008

I've missed checking out great photos. So glad I've managed to do this in the 1st morning of 2008. :)

Technorati Tags: flickr, photography

Last day of 2007

2007-12-31T23:23:00.000+08:00

What did we do on the last day of 2007??

.: Woke up at 8.30am, prepare the meals for today :.
.: Fried EE-Mee and cooked Green Bean Soup for Eldest Bro who came for lunch and see the kids :.
.: Prepare the kids for outing in the late afternoon, after daddy's return from work :.
.: Went to VivoCity to shop for a while, Bought, and finally, Bakerzin, macarons! :.
.: Had dinner at Jon's place :.
.: Home for a cute photo shot :. Priceless!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! 2008!!!

Technorati Tags: Celebrate

on leave

2007-12-28T12:43:00.000+08:00

feel so bad that I am on leave since 24th Dec, but I am working almost everyday and neglected spending time with Olive Tree and the kids.
Every morning, I wake up, I was busy checking office emails and doing work. Feel so sad. Neglected myself as well. i have so many things to share and document about, but I didn't manage to update on my blog. URRRGH!!

Hope I can find time this week to do updates of the recent happenings.

Technorati Tags: Me

This is Christmas....

2007-12-24T21:18:00.000+08:00

Celebrating the time of Jesus's birth, His Love, Joy and Peace with us. I always love these period of the year. :)

Technorati Tags: Celebrate

Create Something

2007-12-23T23:57:00.000+08:00

just a simple frame with our photos. I've used BG's Figgy Pudding in this frame.

These 2 frames are done as Xmas Gifts as well.

These altered PEGs are larger than the normal size. I've done these as altered gift for TSL Gift Xchange.

This altered cheeseboard is done for my dear sis in Christ.

Finally, a small card for my ex-colleague for his birthday on Christmas Day

Technorati Tags: Altered Project, scrapbook