i never knew I'd grow to fall in love with them when I first hosted them. Puia and Esther are refugees from Myanmar, and I'd say, it was God's plan for us to meet. Sometimes they put up at my brother's place, and sometimes mine.

I've lots of memories with them...beautiful memories. But it all came to an end too soon, far too soon. I know they've gone to a better country where they will have full right to education and a better life instead of living in constant fear of being detained, raped or asaulted by local authorities. I'm thankful the UN has sped up their application, allowing them to leave in less than 2 years.

but as they left last night...I felt a part of me breaking. How did I allow myself to fall in love so much with these beautiful children...but I'm glad I did. I don't know when we'll meet again...

It's crazy, but I found myself crying the night....and as I drove myself to university for the very first class of this semester this morn, I again cried. I scolded myself for I could not show up with red and puffy eyes, especially when I'm the lecturer. it's ridiculous right? it is...I shouldn't be feeling and crying like this. but truth is I miss them.

Etched in my memory are the good times, the last hug where I just didn't want to let go..hearing them say I love you..their kisses on my cheek....i miss them it hurts. I really hope time will rationalize me and numb these feelings quickly so it'll be more bearable.

in the mean time, I pray that the work done by the UNCHR will be recognized here, coz until they do, the refugees here will continue to suffer abuse from certain parties..

MESS MESS!

Tippity tappity tippity tap…move the very quick, light and nimble feet of my daughter Jo. Very frequently when I’m teaching piano and Nel is away at language class, Jo would approach me while asking “what shall I do mum? what shall I do???” and I’d reply in a low, impatient voice “Go do whatever you want…now shoo, go, go.” She’d then usually ask “May I…..” as her voice becomes fuzzy in my mind as I return focus to my student…while simply replying “yes” to whatever she says.

Then…off she’d go, quick as lightning…tippity..tappity tap.

When the day is done, and I’m free…I’m often Surprised, HoRRified, Amused by her creations and MESS she’s created, either in all the rooms upstairs or in the kitchen or bathroom. Last week for instance, she cleared 20 over books off the study table, put a cloth over to build a tent underneath. Underneath the table she placed towels, blankets, and a whole lot of stuff. There were just books and clothes everywhere! Unbelievable mess!

On Fri, I discovered she’d taken out every single sock she could find in the house (my husband’s mine and Nel’s), laid a “jungle trek” from the living room, up the stairs, to the room. In between this “trek” of socks, were strewn all sorts of toys and stuff, bait it seems for Nel to follow the trek. It was MAJOR MESS!

Yesterday I discovered that she and Nel had ferried food stuff from the fridge to the living room, using the bike they brought in from outside. They were picnicking on 2 large towels, and needless to say, there were crumbs and dirt tracks everywhere in the living room.

Some days I’d find her in the shower…and judging by the way the water’s running out of the tub, she’s been in there for at least half hour, having imaginary conversations with her dolls. There would be damp towels on the bathroom floor, EMPTY bottles of soap and shampoo coz she’s bathed her dolls. [she’s done this many times…despite warnings…it’s time for the paddle?]

I won’t even begin to mention the mess in the kitchen and in the FRIDGE! Sometimes I laugh coz it’s so amusing, but most days I put on a stern voice and very firmly make her clear every single bit of mess she’s created. Still I have to do the mopping and vacuuming after she’s cleared up.

What am I gonna do with this child of mine? As I write this, my fridge is a mess coz she’s stuffed it with crackers and sandwiches she’s made for everyone, ice cubes she’s made in diff containers. And now she’s sleeping in an imaginary bed made by Nel underneath the curtains, surrounded by toys. This bed by the way is amazing. Built by Nel it even includes lighting (made by attaching a flashlight to a very long rope tied to the curtains).

Shall I send her to boarding school to reduce the mess in the house? I guess…not an option for now, probably never.... sigh

Part of bringing up my children is allowing them to enjoy nature. And thus, we headed for yet another adventure, this time to Endau Rompin, and I can’t stop thinking about the wonderful time we had there. I miss that place. The whole vacation was just absolutely beautiful….beautiful weather, the sound of the gurgling river right beside our camping ground, the singing of the gibbon early in the morning, the funny “three tone” toad as I call it coz of it’s song…the singing of the insects…the cool weather. Magical is how I’d describe the place. Most of all, what made it so beautiful were the people who came along with us.

our campground

We were four families, living together on the same ground, sharing food and water. 10 adults and 11 VERY ENERGETIC LOVELY children. :) The first day was spent just lazing in the refreshing stream followed by a sumptuous meal of BBQ-ed stuff. What followed was shadow theatre, chit chatting and great fun and fellowship.
children doing shadow show :)

Our second day was in every way unforgettable. Based on the advice of the office at Bekok, we decided to track to Takah Berangin since it was only a 2 1/2 km walk, while Takah Tinggi was a 4 km walk. What WRONG advice it was! Later we found out that although Takah Berangin was only 21/2 hours walk, it would take the same duration as the other..total estimated time for both are 2 hours. Reason is that the path to Takah Berangin contained some very steep terrain and is the toughest track from our campground. Can you imagine us, especially 3 and 4 year old Lu and Jo doing that track? Thank GOD, we all MADE IT safely!

We got to the waterfall after a very very tiring and strenuous 3 hours, esp for the children (but which was also exciting with views of a millipede nest, elephant dung, exotic plants and insects!).

one of the many interesting sights along the way. A nest of millipedes

And yes, the waterfall was every bit worth it!!!! Beautiful and windy as it’s name-Takah Berangin! When you get to the centre of the pool you feel a very strong wind blowing, and also natural fish spa! yeap, could not get the fish to stop nibbling my feet! haha..

our guide in the middle of the falls. no photo of me in the falls

The journey back was equally tiring, and half way Jo fell asleep and poor daddy had to carry her.

Lu too fell asleep and Josh had to carry him. Finally ¾ way back, Josh unable to take the stress of carrying Lu any longer, put Lu down, and SLIPPED!!! His shouts and groans that followed were really frightening…. My first thought was that he’d broken his legs, but found out he had sprained BOTH legs! We prayed…fervently, but the guide told us to move on, as we had to get the children back before nightfall or it would get dangerous on the steep descent. We got out safely…and later when Josh finally came out with two walking sticks (GREAT THANKS to DING!) we all cheered and thanked God.

Night was delicious dinner …and the super children still very energetic despite the total tracking time of 6 hours, visited each other’s tents, had more fun doing shadow shows, playing with the torch, building sand castles at night and telling stories. There was so much laughter, so much freedom and joy…all under the beautiful Chap Goh Mei moonlit sky.

refusing to sleep they played late into the night under the clear moonlit sky... So lovely to hear the giggling and laughter of children playing their hearts out..


We didn’t want to leave on the third day and after a hearty breakfast right by the stream…

children feeding the fish before jumping in for a swim later.

we jumped into the stream and stayed every minute of the morning playing in the stream…..till the packing team shouted “TIME TO LEAVE!”.

Then with a heavy sigh and heart, we reluctantly got into dry clothes and headed home. I’ll definitely be there again…… When I asked the children “do you want to come back here again?” they shouted with a unifying “YES!!!!” Ian suggested we should stay for a month! Now I’m not sure if that’s possible! Hahaha….

We parents were definitely proud of our FABULOUS kids who made it through that tough climb to the falls. The guide told us, they were the first group of children he'd ever taken to the falls. Hats off to them! :)

My dad, who made us beautiful, huge, magnificent kites when me and my bro were young, decided he wanted to share his passion for kites with his grandchildren. So he invited us for an evening at Pantai Remis (located near K. Selangor).

The beach there is partly sandy and MOSTLY MUDDY! it's an excellent place to dig for mussels, lalas, cockershells. (oh yeah, fishing too!) Well...my children enjoyed flying kites for a while, but in the end abandoned the kites for something more TEMPTING,--------> MUD! MUD! MUD!I remember warning my children before leaving home "DO NOT WET YOUR CLOTHES!" It never occured to me that the warning should have been "DO NOT GET YOURSELF DIRTY!" and thus this is what happened..............

first muddy hands.....and feet...

then muddy dress..... and the ultimate...muddy spots on face! *uughh!*
So you know, if you have very inquisitive kids who don't mind some/a lot of dirt...beware! haha...Overall, P Remis is an ordinary beach, I give it a rating of C- or D. A little dangerous coz of the cars parked on the beach and Mat Rempits. However, SUNSET there is REALLY beautiful, I think lovely for artists and photographers.!


Nel walking on rocks as the sun sets..

lovely sunset

Anyway, yeah to clean Jo up, we headed to the nice clean toilet with the nice keeper, but it was closed. So we found another one located behind the stalls, where we had to pay 30cents each and 1$ for Jo. The lady was terribly RUDE!As for going back there......I'd say maybe..... but my children would answer with a YES

Of late, the pain in my neck, and back seems worse. I also get these tension headaches almost everyday, and sleep is often disturbed. I've seen a rheumatologist and orthopaedic, and they all say nothing's wrong. So there's nothing wrong? but the pain in my body persists.

I'm now seeing a chiropractor. So far, he's hardly done any chiropractor stuff. What he does is dry needling and trigger point massage.
Dry needling hurts, for me at least. It feels like a needle inserted into a nerve causing a painful sensation. So far, it's been 4 sessions. He says, it'll take a while before I feel any relief, since my pain is rather chronic. Let's pray and hope it will bring relief, coz I'm sick of the pain, really sick of it.
I know, I hardly write like this....I guess, I've come to the limit of what I can bear. I feel tired most days.

Putting that aside, today I taught at the refugee center. What can I say, their struggles are far more than what I've ever endured. Stuck in between nowhere, no legal status, fear of being caught and tortured.... life is certainly not fair for them. For those who've gotten UN approval to go on to new countries, I rejoice with them. For those who are still stuck here.... I pray for them. The children are such eager learners....they absorb stuff like sponges. What a joy to teach them. :)

I hear there is another group nearby. They've requested for help, many children there, and they don't even have food somedays....

Perhaps...if you know some refugee centers near you, you could do something to help. My life is kinda interesting at this point, I still lecture at the university on some days, I have some private students, and then I spend half of the hours teaching orphans and refugees.

As for my children, they come with me when I teach. I think it's good for them. They observe what I do. When we eat with them (the refugees), my children help to serve food to these less fortunate children. Truly it is more blessed to give then to receive.

end of post. I know....mostly rambling. Will end here...raining outside..how lovely :)

Ever since Jo was born, we've had help with the housework. Recently, we decided to do away with that help, and life has been different. My life of luxury has been removed and when I wake up each day, I wonder where to start.

Well, I don't really have to wonder, coz the first thing I see is the pile of laundry stinking the house. When I get that load of laundry to the washing machine, I see the mess of pee and poo that my dog's left in the laundry area. I think my crazy over excited dog has a bladder control problem. He pees far too much!

Oh yeah, I also have my two little "crumbsters", i'll call them that coz they leave crumbs, and spills and toys everywhere (although they're learning now to clean up themselves). Apart from them, there's also the poopy rabbits on my porch. THey never suffer from constipation, they seem to have problem keeping poo in their bodies. They leave a mountain of poop for me each day!

ahhh...the list goes on and on. For this week, I'll survive, as I'm on a break. Come next week.....*shivers* I'll have to learn to cope. For I work now 5 days a week....
if all gets a little too tough...I'll have to do something.

First on the list....
----- get rid of rabbits
----- bug hubby till he gets me a dryer. Drying takes too much time...especially with rainy weather, rewashing and redrying takes farrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr too much time!
------- keep Camel the mad dog in a cage when I'm not around
----move into a one bedroom hut to minimize cleaning (preferably built on stilts with holes between floor planks to minimize sweeping.)
------ get rid of all plates, leaving one per person to discourage random use of plates and cups
------ get rid of all clothes leaving 2 per person to discourage unnecessary change of clothes

Any other suggestions????? (I'll be happy to get some.)

Anyway, my kids have been kinda cute. Sometimes when they notice me doing work, they come along and queue up, little Jo behind Nel. They stand straight and say out loudly "Mummy's Helpers are Here! How may we help you!" haahha.....

the other day I told them to help me by bringing in their own clothes from the laundry line. After a while, they were still outside, and I went to peek. This is what they were doing...

Nel took down a trousers and said "Jo, this will look nice on your head." She put it on Jo's head as a hat. Next she took down a shirt "Jo, this will look nice as a cape." she tied it around Jo's neck. WHen they were done, little Jo walked in with clothes tied all around her body. She looked really funny and amusing. :) haha....


ok....ciao. gotta go...... work to do. Lecture begins next week too....I haven't prepared my notes... and filled in all documents.... heck, don't care. Gonna take the kids out today. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!!!!!!!!!

last weekend we decided to head to Bukit Cahaya in Shah Alam for some jungle experience. Part of our mission was to visit the 4 seasons house, which is currently featuring Autumn. It did not turn out as planned.

First we walked in the hot hot hot sun. Passed the padi fields...which was interesting (although children were really, more absorbed in their ice cream and the scarecrow.)

Padi is really almost ready for harvesting. So I plucked some and showed kids the husk and rice inside.
Then we walked on in the hot hot sun, towards the animal farm. Viewed porcupines, horses, deers, guinea pigs, birds.

Walked on in the very hot hot sun.....and then we heard it.

Kaboooooooooommmm!!!! Brrrrooooooooooommmmmmmm!!!!

Thunder roared through that forest, warning us of the imminent storm, despite the hot hot sun. Within seconds it started becoming very very windy.

I shouted out to Mil and our kids, "walk faster! walk faster! we've gotta get to the house with Four seasons. It's featuring Autumn now. Walk faster!!"

Alas, our kids saw a hanging bridge, couldn't resist, had to detour to cross that one. They did not cross just once, but several times back and forth!

Crossed it....

more Loud, thunderous warnings resounded through the whole forest............

I yelled "walk faster, walk faster!"

We walked as fast as the little ones could go, youngest being Dudu (2 years) and Jo (3). Mind you these little shorties can walk quite fast and for a good long distance!

Then we saw the sign , Autumn House 50 meters away. It started to drizzle. We saw a small drink stall ahead. I yelled "faster, faster!!" The last of us got under that stall and it POURED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! real heavy heavy rain.

It was dark, windy and rainy. Thank God we had shelter. waited for More than an hour! Rain turned to drizzle, park was closed. Didn't want to risk being shut in there, we decided to walk in the drizzle out.

We had not hats/umbrellas, so I made Little Jo put on this shirt on her head, and we walked......a long way... out. That was our day at the park.

Simple Science project at Tasik Biru

Drove to Tasik Biru Kundang. (If going there, it's near Sg Buluh, in an area called Kuang.)

Somehow the lake is not as blue as it used to be anymore. It's more like green now, and the water is getting a little dirtier. Still it is a nice place for a picnic. THere were lotsa kampung kids diving into the lake, doing summersaults and water gymnastics.


we brought with us.... Lemang and rendang, nuggets for the kids, water and a change of clothes.
(Lemang - rice cooked in bamboo poles. This one's been taken out of the bamboo and cut for us)In the tupperware is the rendang (like beef curry...totally delicous if you can take spicy food)

Our objective of heading to that lake was to have a good time, to relax and help Nel with a simple Science project.


Project was - to discover things that float/sink. For this we brought: egg cartons, styrofoam, bottles, wooden spatulas, rope and tape.


The egg carton went in first. Of course at first it float . Nel placed a rock on it, stepped on it and it eventually sank. Now she knows, paper stuff eventually absorbs water and sink.
(pic missing)

Finally dad helped her create this simple boat (3 bottles and 2 spatulas). She put her dolly on it, and had a fun time pulling her dolly in the little boat...


Nel setting her dolly on sail. Someone told me, it looked like the reenactment of the Baby Moses among the reeds story. haha...


Later we discovered that her dolly didn't need the boat as it can float by itself too.




Next, pulled her dolly in the styrofoam which was spacious with a little hole in the middle for dolly to sit. Nel asked "Mum, this has a hole, but it can float. Why then, does a boat sink when it has a hole?"

Enjoyed the water a little more, and then headed home.


was a beautiful day.....i think kids love learning science this way, instead of being cooped up in a room learning from text books. Am planning for more such projects.

Sepang Gold Coast Beach

Have been on several short day trips recently... mostly nature trips.... I have this believe that part of my job as a mother is to get them to love nature places and to appreciate the beautiful things GOd has made.

Last week we went to the Sepang Gold Coast Beach (about 15 mins from the F1 circuit in Sepang). Someone told me that it was more like a swamp area.... Anyway, we went to check it out. What we found was major development going on. They're building chalets on water...

Anyway there were 2 main picnic areas. Ok, honestly my bro rated it the World's Worst Beach (and that's partly coz he suffered a deep gash in his feet after stepping on an oyster shell, pointing upwards, hidden in the mud. OUCH!!!) . .Anyway, i think it's a wonderful learning place for children. At low tide, the water recedes several kilometers, uncovering the muddy bed of the sea. Thus it became a learning site for the kids.

Some parts were so muddy, we found our feet sinking till mud covered our ankles. Lovely thing is the children found all sorts of muscles, lalas, cockershells, and even beautiful Sand dollars!

I was excited when I found the long sea worms. (That's what I call em.) It brought back memories of childhood. My dad used to be an avid fishing kaki. We went fishing at lakes, ponds and seaside. My job was always to hunt for worms for my dad. I remember digging through mud at low tide to hunt for these very long thin worms. So to see them made me so excited! I'm not sure if my kids were excited as me, but now they know you can find worms under the bed of the sea! haha..

WE also talked to a fisherman there. He told us that before the construction began he used to yield about 4 kgs of lalas (clams, muscles..) Now he's down to only about 1 kg. :(

Anyway....the sunset was quite lovely, and we bought some kites to fly....followed by a really delicous finger licking good dinner consisting of a variety of seafood...

Here's some pics...... A word of caution .....if your kids are going there...you'll need lotsa sunblock, hat, and if you have boots better... coz i think bcause of the construction there...some bricks and stuff get buried in the mud. And bring lotsa water and a change of clothes.

The beach at low tide (notice how far the water receeds..caution, do not go too far out. Fisherman warned us, coz some people had been stranded on portions of the beach before when caught unaware by the rising tide.)

fisherman's son/grandson digging for lalas

L throwing sand into the sun

little Jo looking for her share of shells

sunset

nxt post will be on Kuala Selangor Nature Park (we were there just yesterday)

it's been raining almost everyday... i love the rain, love the smell of it outside my window...love the way it cools down the day, love the smell of fresh wind blowing through my window.

I don't like the fact that time flies by so quickly. Just last week, I registered Nel for primary school. Come December, I will go get her her first set of primary books, her first pinafore, her first white school shoes, her first bag with wheels as I've been told they have to carry a lot of books.

After debating whether to home school her or to enrol her in a Chinese school, we've decided to give Chinese school a try and see how it goes. While most kids here start going to kindergarten and all sorts of enrichment programs by the age of 3/4, I only started her at 6. I wanted to hold her back a little longer, spend more time with her....

but time has gone by so quickly...and really, now it's almost time when I will see her only half a day, while the teachers and friends will fill the other half. I am a little anxious, I know silly me. *sigh*

Anyway, today, me and hubby attended the first session of the Marriage seminar. A truly wonderful course, people say. and yes, I enjoyed the first session. The hall was decorated with flowers, soft lights and fabrics. Every couple was seated at their own table decorated with more flowers and candlelight. oh, and there was also yummy desserts served.

well.. Today, they talked about the seasons of marriage.

I'm at what they call the "summer" season. I suppose it's true. Take perfume for instance, i used to love breeze, fruity scents. I still love them...but I'm also beginning to love the warmer, richer scents. These days are filled with activities around the children..and some with the hubby. He has reminded me not to neglect him. haha...

I cherish this summer season....for it will not last very long. I cherish the laughter of my children filling my household, I cherish the sweet voices calling me "mummy", I love the smell of their little heads as I hold them in my arms... i love the feeling of their soft hands in mine...i love everything about them.

As in every family there are "hotter" and difficult days when things go wrong and tempers flare... and there is sometimes tiredness and fatigue.....but overall...I enjoy this season....
and while it lasts, I pray the Lord will grant me wisdom, strength, love, patience and much joy..

we've had a string of birthdays recently...so there's been plenty of cake to eat! haha...

Anyway....can't believe it, but it's gonna be almost a year since my car glided off the road and hit the divider. Till today, I thank God for protecting us, specially after I read of the high rate of deaths and accidents which occur during rainy seasons!

I've another testimony to share here. Last thursday I was at church late coz I was at a musician's practice. Drove home close to 11pm and felt that my car was kinda wobly but didn't give much thought to it. just wanted to get home.

the next morning, rushed, got ready coz it was my turn to send the kids to school. SO I packed the kids in the car at bout 7:50am and went over to pick up my bro's kid. On the way to my bro's place, I passed by my bro's neighbour who was on her morning walk. I honked, she waved.

Arrived at my bro's house, picked Lyd up and drove off to school which is half hour away.
As I drove out my neighbourhood and was about to approach the highway, my handphone rang.
I picked it up, though I don't usually do when I'm driving.

Anyway, it was Crl, my bro's neighbour! She said "You know, there's something wrong, your tire is totally flat! totally flat!!! I heard a strange noise as you passed me, and I checked with my husband, and yes your tyre is flat! So I rushed home, grabbed my handphone and called you!"

I thank God for Crl, coz she ran home just to call me. And the timing was excellent, coz it reached me, just before I hit the highway. I was able to pull up to the side and got down to inspect my car. Yeah, the tyre wasn't just a little flat, it was TOTALLY flat, running on the rim!

I thank God for protecting us yet once again. coz I would've sped..and with that tyre, it would have been dangerous!

So the kids and I waited and my sis in law came to get the children while I made a U and drove home very slowly.

Yeap...God is good. I thank God for His protection...

tday I had the afternoon off. That was nice, as I hardly get Saturdays off. Since it was a cool afternoon, me and the girls went out to sit on the swing. Naturally the girls took off their shoes and went barefooted. Later, while gettin off the swing, Nel picked Jo's shoes for her. Little Jo put on her shoes with a smile and said in the sweetest voice, "Thanks Nel, thanks for giving me my shoes, that's so awesome. "

I told that to my hubby later and we had to giggle about it. hahaha...it's a word we hardly use around here, but she must have picked it up from the tv. :)

Anyway, that was followed by some gardening and catching worms for an upcoming fishing trip.

As for me, I've been busy working, and the kids have been up to mischief as I work. Today I came up to find oily finger prints over my computer screen. The things you find in a house with kids! let's see what I've found in the past...

mouldy rotting cheese under sofa
poop in the bathtub
rotting banana in the kitchen playset
toothbrush in the toilet bowl
empty shampoo bottles all emptied down the toilet bowl again
pepper and salt in my drink
and the list goes on............................

In fact, just last week, while reading, I noticed that there seemed to be an endless stream of ants going in and out of my handbag. I emptied it but nothing unusual came out. Then I checked the tiny side pocket, and lo and behold, I found Jo's half eaten lollipop from a week ago. It was covered with dead black ants, and needless to say, that pocket was filled with ants!! ewwww.....
i killed them all! and showed the lolli to my children. I said "See, lollis attract ants! That's what you get in your mouth when you eat lollis." I thought that would deter them from liking sweets for the rest of their lives. Alas, I was wrong. The very next day I walked into a shop and guess what Jo asked for? a Purple lollipop. Purple remains her favourite color.

ok, the night is here.... time to head to bed, but not before preparing a little for next week's lecture. taaa all.

we had a lovely weekend at the beach...my family and my bro's. The apartment was nice. It was a double storey apartment with three rooms. Anyway, we were mostly in the sun....and the weather was beautiful...cloudy, cool and windy.

The first day the waves were rather strong...so the children spent most of their time building sandcastles.. while I had a good swim, well, dip, in the ocean.

The children had a whole room to themselves, and thus once back in the apartment, they decided to lock the room door to give themselves some privacy from the adults. Finally after too long a silence, I knocked on the door and threatened to blow the door down if they did not open. They opened the door, and I saw them, biscuit crumbs all over the face. They were having a picnic in there. Cans of biscuits opened and stacked up on plastic bags turned into mats! hahaha...

in marched the mums, (me and my sis in law) who made them pick up every biscuit, return them to the cans, and clean the floor which was really covered with all sorts of crumbs!

Night was exciting... all tucked up in the same bed, I talked to them a little...before lights went out.

Day 2 started with a hearty breakfast of nasi lemak, sausages and noodles before more time in the sun. The tide was low and the water was far out, making it fantastic for catching crabs, and so we did. Anyway, some random pics...

Louis playin in the sand

Jo tryin to build a castle

Sunset at Port Dickson

ONe of the small crabs we caught. We let them all go again, back to the sea.

Kenny G

the kids still have it, Nel has not been to school for 4 days now. Knowing the schooling system here which gives kids 2-3 homework each day, there will be TONNES of homework for her to do once she's back in kindy. *sigh*

She's got ulcers on her lips still, and as for Jo, she's much better. Her statement yesterday was "mum, i've got blood on my tongue!" but today she said "i'm ok already mummy." but on looking into her mouth, there were still some small ulcers at the back. We're all tired of being cooped up at home and patience is running low.


Anyway, 2 weeks ago before this whole HFM thing started, hubby had bought me a surprise ticket to Kenny G's concert in Gentings. The last time he was in Malaysia some time in 1990, I was there too. :) Back then he was very popular and lotsa people were crazy about him. Now...he's so so.

Still hubby's idea of a surprise night out was REALLy nice. :) Well the drive took about an hour and half. The concert was enjoyable. I told hubby how Kenny G liked walking in from the back of the auditorium, and true enough, he did that, surprising and thrilling the audience to bits and pieces! haha... Anyway, can't believe how crowded Genting is, even on a fri night. People have too much money to throw away? (for my friends abroad, Genting is a highland famous for it's Casinos and Theme parks)

Well, photos are in hubby's phone. I've not downloaded them yet. However, we did queue up like crazy people (hundreds were in line!!!) to get his autograph. and here's the proof...hehe....



For today...I'm gonna attempt making home made ice-cream. Will let you all know how it turned out. Blessings..

Day 2 HFMD

as predicted it pretty much a sleepless night. Jo woke constantly, whining each time. As it is, I'm a light sleeper ... and with last night's whining, I was a non sleeper. Awoke with slight headaches, but did not nap at all today. That just doesn't happen. Hubby on the other hand had a wonderful 2 hour nap during the day! (public holiday today..Labour day.)

Jo was cranky most of today....while Nel was feverish in the morning complaining of throat pain. I asked them both to open their mouths, and .....errrghhhhh.....tonnes of red and white spots on the upper palate, and even more in the throat area behind the tongue. In fact, the whole throat looked so swollen. No wonder the crying and whining.

Thank God, the doc had given me Cataflam Oral Drops in case the children experienced severe pain. So I gave Jo the cataflam, and wonders and wonders, she became her usual self for about 3 hours before the cranky side of her reappeared. Nel was quite ok after some fever/pain med, perhaps because she's older. Eating is hard for both of them, and they have just been surviving on milk, cold liquids and ice cream.

Jo is already skinny, and I suppose, this will take more pounds off her.

Anyway....yeah, about to put these babies to bed, and as of now, spots are beginning to appear near their lips, palms and feet. arrghhhh......

Nel is crying a little...she's asking "mum, will the blisters get more painful? it's pain mum...." I'm praying they won't get more painful.

gotta go.....

Day 1 Physiotherapy

Finally ... I started my physiotherapy today. The session lasted for an hour and a half. Some of it was painful, some of it was relaxing. The ice packs were nice. My shoulders have gotten so bad lately it's hard to wash my own hair or do things for the children without some pain. So I figured, time to get it fixed.

Jo sat down quietly and observed what they were doing. She's really good for a 2 1/2 year old. :) but at one point, when she saw them putting stuff on me, she panicked, and the poor little one started crying badly. So I told her to stand by my bed and hold my hand. She did that in between sobs. I'd to assure her that I was ok, and the physio was helping me and not hurting me. Let's hope the shoulders and back will get better with each session. I'm praying hard.

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Tonight as I put the children to bed Jo said "Mummy, I'm so happy to be with you."

As for Nel she said "Mum.....I wish I was a baby again...."

I asked her why she wished that... and she replied "When I was a baby, you hugged me while I closed my eyes and you used to tap my back till I fell asleep."

I recalled back to the days before Jo was born. Nel being the very affectionate person she is, would snuggle close to me, her hand always touching my shoulders to make sure I was right there beside her when she slept. but when Jo was born, we had to move Nel to a different room, coz Jo was a super wakey baby, waking up 5-6 times a night.

Anyway, so today, I snuggled close beside her, and she held my hand with one, and with the other, held my shoulders like she did when she was a baby. Then she said "sing me my favourite song mum, "May The Lord Bless you.."

So I sang..and she fell asleep, soundly like a baby. :)

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As for my weekly cooking/baking sessions with Junee...last friday, me and Junee attempted to make Onde Onde...and here are the pictures. Yup, they turned out delicous and are very easy to make . :)

The Paste - Glutinous flour, tapioca flour, juice from screwpine leaves

Fill each one with palm sugar and roll into balls making sure sugar is properly sealed inside.

boil, drain and roll in coconut

Bite into it and fill it "burst" in your mouth as the palm sugar melts in your mouth. yumm...