Nana Perry performing "Firework"

We decided to go for Karaoke on our 3rd day in Batam. My Nana Perry is a natural!

It feels like a concert!

Top 25%

Guess what I received in the letterbox today?

A letter from MOE! And what a huge surprise it was. 

Nana was awarded the Edusave Certificate of Academic Achievement 2014 for being in the top 25% in terms of academic performance in the level and course and good conduct in school. 

Just a few days ago, she had won 2nd place in a Writers' Fiesta for a poem she wrote in school. 

Keep up the good work Bb!

Super Family

Remember the video which I made recently for my 15th anniversary? The kids saw it and were keen to learn to make a video too. Using iMovie to create, I didn't even have to show them how to get started. It was pretty simple and they figured it out all by themselves. Very IT savvy I must say!

Anyway, enjoy this video which was fully directed by our ever so talented Zac and Nana!

When skyping is our only way of communication

Here we go again with our school holiday routine. The kids spend their weekdays over at nenek's house while we work. Now that there is Skype, we tried to catch up face-to-face every night. 

And during the day, Skype is our way of texting each other. Because we always talk instead of messaging, it feels kind of exciting to see how the kids reply.

Zac's Form Teacher

Time really flies. It's the end of the academic year and both kids are moving on to their next stage of school life next year. Zac will be in P4 and Nana in P2.

Today, we attended the Parent's-Teacher Meeting in school. It was our 1st time this year. Prior to the session, I was telling the children how excited I was. I have seen Nana's teacher and have spoken to her a few times before. Where else for Zac, since he is in the morning session, and I had to work, I have never got the chance to meet her in person.

Zac began describing how he has been feeling in class this entire year. He was sharing how stressful it was for him. Apparently, his teacher has an eye condition where one eye actually faces outward, and thus looks like both eyes are not looking at the same target.

There were a few occasions where his teacher looked at a student and told him/her to stand up. But due to her eye condition, Zac panicked and thought he was the one being called out and immediately stood up. To his surprise, teacher always ask "Zac, why did you stand up?" Phew. That was a relief for him. Haha.

So when he found out that he is going to get another teacher next year, can you imagine how pleased he was?! That smile on his face says it all!  

Our 15th anniversary!

We have gone a long way back, from classmates to soulmates. Who knew you had a motive for not bringing your books to tutorials 15 years ago. Hehe ;p Amongst the boring notes and complicated equations, the drawings of tortoises and coconut trees on islands which you made kept me motivated. Love between us slowly blossomed.

Now, my life is indeed pleasurable with you around and I look forward to growing old with you. Hope you like this clip dear...

Cause we are her heart

Ever since we no longer engage a helper, my mum has been taking care of our children while we work. She will come for a stay over every Sunday night and only return home every Friday evening. Thank you Mak!

Since the children started their 1 week school holiday on 6 September, mum prefers that the children go over to her house instead. And because me and dear couldn't take leave, we had to stick to her arrangement. 

Today, we went to pick the kids up after work. After 5 days away from us, this is what we received from our BB girl. We feel so loved! 

Kids Olympic 2014

Our sporty babe with her first medal!

Nana's way of saying thank you

Nana came back from school, stood in front of me with a ring on her palm and said 

"Mama, I bought you this ring to thank you for taking care of us during your school holidays."

Now, that made me cry! I am blessed with a family who appreciates whatever I have done.

#.My.daughter.is.super.awesome.and.I'm.the.lucky.one.because.I.get.to.be.her.mama.#

SAF Central Welfare Fund (RSAF) Merit and Excellence Award Presentation Ceremony 2013

Congratulations my boy! You have worked really hard and you truly deserve this award! Keep up the fabulous work Zac!

Canberra Fiesta 2014

Zac's first Upper Primary Sports Day held at Woodlands Stadium. 

And his team came in 1st for the P3 Boys 8x50m hurdles!

Gooooo Team Falcon!

Our Model Pupil

What can we say? We are really proud of our two Model Pupil. Keep it up guys! 

Like what Mama and Papa always say, we should not only focus on academic excellence. It is equally important to have good attitude and character! And to be kind to everyone around you!

Papa!!!

So much has happened these past 2 weeks. The incident with our maid has left the kids traumatized. It really breaks my heart to see and hear the kids requesting to move house.

Everything happened when papa was away in Udon for detachment. Our maid sure knows when to cause a ruckus. Anyway, I managed to send her back to the agency, and thank goodness I didn't give in to her plea when she requested for a second chance. Found so much rubbish in her cupboard when I packed her stuff up! How could someone so pious do this! Such a b****!

  Anyway, papa requested to come back early. And thank goodness there was a replacement to cover him.

Look at how surprised and happy the kids were when papa appeared at the doorstep! Priceless smiles!

They didn't expect to see him 2 weeks early. 

Happy Mother's Day!

This mother's day is extra meaningful to me. Things haven't been smooth sailing recently. So much has happened and even when dear is away, they managed to pull it off together, preparing gift cards and making me a cup of coffee. All unhappiness and tiredness instantly goes away when I received these in the letter box last night. Their actions really melt my heart. 

Each time I feel defeated, looking at both of them do give me the strength to persevere and not give up. I've tried and failed at many things in life but I will NEVER stop giving my 100% at being the best mum I can be.

Having both Zac and Nana in my life is the best gift I could have ever asked for. 

And the kids have endless surprises for me. They woke up extra early today, took my handphone and played this from Youtube. Such a pleasant surprise to wake up to! What a great way to start my day! 

Happy Mother's Day to all mums out there! Enjoy this video!

Good Progress Award

Another award added to Zac's portfolio! 

We are proud parents! Fantastic job Zac!

No-Bake Strawberry Jelly Cheesecake

When jelly meets cheese... It is so mmmm refreshing.
Zac and Nana love this. What better way to enjoy some of their favourite food!

Got this awesome recipe from Mimi Bakery House...

Base

1. In a large bowl, combine biscuit crumbs and melted butter and mix well. Pour biscuit mixture into an 8 inch springform pan, levelling the base with a flat spatula. Use a fork to prick holes all over the biscuit base. Chill in fridge for at least an hour. 

- 170 gm digestive biscuit, crushed
- 85 gm melted salted butter

Cheesecake Layer

1. Dissolve gelatin powder in a bowl of hot water. Set aside for a few mins before placing over a pot of simmering water. Once completely dissolved, set aside to cool fully. 

- 2 tsp gelatin
- 50 ml hot water

2. Cream the cheese till smooth. Add in condensed milk and lemon juice, continue to mix until well combined. Add in the cooled gelatin mixture. Cream for 5 mins until well combined. Pour mixture into pan, and chill for about 5 mins.

- 250 gm cream cheese (room temp)
- 250 gm condensed milk
- juice of 1 lemon

3. Place cut strawberries onto the cream cheese mixture, decorate as desired. Gently press so that the strawberries do not glide. Leave to set in the fridge for at least 4 hrs.
- 1 punnet of strawberries

Jelly Layer
1. In a bowl, add jelly powder and boiling water. Whisk to dissolve the jelly crystals completely, then add cold water. Gently pour the cooled jelly mixture over the cream cheese layer. Return to fridge and chill for a few hours until the jelly is set.
- 1 box (90 gm) strawberry jelly
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 3/4 cup cold water

* With each slice of cheesecake, wipe knife clean with a kitchen towel and dip the blade in water. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.