Went drinking with hubs and friends. Went over to visit debs and I seriously had a blast of a time! It's been so long since I went out with hubs. I signed up for my December class and I am so happy to get the last and only place in the class I wanted! The class schedule came out only a day and classes are already full! Was hoping to get debs to join me, maybe can get into waiting list heh heh! My new class is in turquoise and beige which looks really yummy! Even though I love pink...

Kate's 2 year old party!

Kate had a smashing good time at her birthday chalet. She went swimming (always bugging us to go), had quality time with both familes, ate ice-cream cake (a combination of both her favorite foods), went to an indoor playground with her favorite Uncle Immanuel (free tickets courtesy of Costa sands) and was always being entertained by family and close family friends!


I'll let the pictures speak for themselves...Kate and Immanuel really wore my sis-in-law and me out at the indoor playground. We were chasing after them, running, dodging, climbing and crawling! Couldn't take any pictures in all the mayhem til we put them in a little ball area, but will post a video on facebook soon. =)
Explorer kids at Downtown east is fun!




















































**A pity the shot she took with all her grandparents were blurry! Poor gal just couldn't understand why we kept taking photo after photo when she wanted to is sing the birthday song and eat cake! She was so cute, blowing out the candles several times before we could even sing or take photos. Haha. So we were trying to be as fast as we could, snap, snap snap! Ooh I forgot to mention! She had a meet and greet session with....Yogi bear! Remember him?? Photo to upload next time, not in my com now. =)

***Pics of her and her godpa to upload too! He and his galfriend bought her a keyboard, so cute la!

****Pity my other brother and hub's other sister and hubby couldn't be around. Well, we can always organise another bbq when you all are either back or in my in-laws' case, or when we are over to visit!

The one with quick updates!

Just a quick picture update...


At Sakae sushi with Kate and family on Kate's birthday.




My recent canvas album class!!



Love this album to bits! Thanks to Merdrey, the lovely teacher. Can't wait for her december classes to be out!

More when I'm free! House's a war zone...messy messy!

Two years on...

Kate, you are two today. You wouldn't know why it is that we will be bringing you out later, and why you will be having an ice cream treat. You wouldn't know that today's a big deal. But you will be excited and enthusiastic all the same. Because its ice cream and its going out for a walk.


Know what I love about you being two? Everything's a big deal to you now, cuddly toys, sweet stuff, Barney, even a piece of ribbon would make you happy! And the smallest things can also set you off on yet another tantrum! But I love that everything now makes you feel, and that you feel with all your little being. When you scream, you SCREAM. When you laugh, you LAUGH. I love that. Your enthusiasm always rubs off on me, even if just a little.


How did you grow sooo fast?? I look at you, and as always, I marvel at God's gift. It's been two years since I started my full time job as a mother, and when I look at you, I only think of how it's all worth it. Worth all my sacrifices, worth putting my heart out there, worth every single moment and I cannot imagine it any other way. I love being with you, and having the time to do everything with you, and now I know... I'm not missing out on anything. It's others who are missing out on this. This bond, this affection, this love. I love you baby gal. And I always, always will.


**Just last night, when I opened the front door, Kate came running to me. "Go class ah? Go class ah?" And I replied her yes. Then she got all excited at my dress and kept pawing me, chanting over and over again, "Nice! So nice!" Lol. I couldn't stop laughing as I knelt down to hug her and show her the album I did. When I showed her my album and asked her if it was nice, she asked me in return; "Why?" Haha.

The one with Christmas layouts!

I know this is way early...lol.
But I signed up for 2 classes remember? So the one I attended last week was 3 Christmas layouts, photos to be added later... And I love the layouts, but class was going rather fast, and I was bit late so felt really clumsy the whole time. The lady sitting beside me was super nice to me though!

Gonna show you the 3 layouts! The last one was modified by me a little as I kinda spoilt it...but it still looks nice, I think. Haha!














Nice right? The lady who taught me for the beginner's class was also teaching this class--Merdrey. I really like her, she's nice & pretty & her name's real unique! In fact, without realising it, I booked 2 classes, both designed by her. Tuesday's my next class...


I had alot of scraps and embellishments left over from the Christmas class, so I did a card for a special someone and another layout! Still got some left but I gotta get some black cardstock first. This layout is sooo red it's like for chinese new year instead! *Wanted to use up some of my plain paper* I'm so proud of using up most of the scraps, usually the too small ones are thrown away!









Very red right? Maybe I should have just waited til I got my black card stock. Never mind, I like it still. Other than the brown piece of paper there, everything else was from the class leftovers. Sorry bout the quality of the pics--super lazy to take the layouts out from my album so the flash got reflected. Talking about albums! I got one from Spotlight a year ago. Now, I realised that I got to get another one--this album can't really contain the layouts with alot of pop-outs. But an album costs $50 and above, I think. So I'll get that next year. Super tight for the rest of the year what with Christmas coming and all. Check out the new holder for all my stash! I bought this at Toyogo showroom at Toa Payoh industrial park--super cheap, $38. Finally no more going up and down the stairs just to get materials or tools! Almost everything is inside and I'm so happy! Wanted my sister-in-law in Australia to get me a scrapbook holder but not sure if the stores had it .*Saw it on Target's website* So I'm glad I got this, because almost everything fit in! And it was inexpensive. Happiness! Organised now--just need to arrange the stuff inside the cupboard properly.





Here's Kate in cute leg warmers. She found them in the drawer while looking for clothes to wear out so she bugged me to let her put them on.









**This is such a super busy week! Kate's chalet coming up and I got two classes before that! Gotta rush through my homework for my jewellery class and pack and clear stuff for donation. Mad rush!

Reduce,reuse and recycle!

Daddy received mail from UOB today...The leaflets came in a small glossy black folder. I had an idea then...how about altering the folder instead of chucking it away?


The folder before altering;



The inside, with a slot on one side;



After altering!



Close up;



Inside;






Heh! For the first time, I used all of the 12x12 scrapping paper! Usually have a lot of remaining paper left, so I accumulated quite a stash of scraps. But for the folder, both papers I used, were used up completely. Heehee. The outside features Glitz design's "Polka" from the Scarlett Paper collection. I hate green BUT this paper just looks so beautiful with all that green and mustard! Think I'm gonna get a few more papers from this collection! For the inside, I used Webster's pages' "Shine a light" from the Hollywood vogue collection. Ah...I love Webster's pages papers....very dreamy, and vintage-y. Loves! Very pleased with myself...now I got a neat folder for all the air ticket stubs from past travel! I know the inside doesn't match the outside, I didn't have a theme, just used two of my favorite papers! Gonna put small little pics on the inside and will embellish the inside once I pick out the photos. Love my little folder to bits!So glad I'm gonna have my class tomorrow evening, will post pics!


Kate is sooo funny now! Whenever she bathes, I always tell her the water is hot, and not to touch it first. So now, when I'm trying to test if the water is too hot, she will pull my hand away and hug my legs telling me "Hot! Don't touch!" SO cute la! Like so concerned about me! When hubs came back earlier, he asked her what she was doing; she was sweeping the floor then so she replied him; "I'm doing sweep!" LOL.


And...just now, when trying to see if she is asleep yet, I gave her a kiss & said good night to her. She sleepily looked at me and firmly said, with a push, "Mommy, go sleep." Cannot tahan la!!

The one with chocolates *yum*

Ok! On tuesday I went for my first chocolate making workshop. The moment I stepped in, I was rather overwhelmed by the number of participants attending. There were twenty three, including me. My jewelry class only had eight, a comfortable number, not too many. This class was cramped and though we had hands on, I didn't join in as there were just too many people. But the class was quite good, just too crowded and I couldn't really stand those who were complaining about the cost of making chocolates. Um hello? Chocolates right? Ain't exactly cheap to buy the finished product either... The cost of making it of course wouldn't be cheap. But it's rather easy to make; just that it requires a lot of work and involves a lot of mess and you can expect to gain a few pounds just by licking up the chocolatey goo off your fingers haha! I think I'm gonna try making some. Hubs and I tried the chocolates. It's as yummy as it looks! *Yumms!*


Anyway... Hubs have taken up a new challenge at work and is now under training for his new role. One that was planned for him nearly two years ago but he left for Desigual. It's really amazing how the Lord works. After a few years, and after giving hubs a little dilemma, it's back to that same post. Hubs was trying for another post at Dfs when he was offered this job at Zara but he couldn't make up his mind. Long story but it's funny how on the end both companies offered him a similar package and position. And both companies ended his dilemma on the very same day too! So hubs will be sent for overseas training and though we are not sure exactly when (most likely next mar) and how long (can be up to six months), it will be definitely be in the Asian region. I didn't think of going with him though dad thought I should but um... Living in a hotel room for more than a month isn't something I want to do with Kate. How am I to cook for her? I can eat out everyday, but not my little one! But the thought is tempting la, by now you guys already know right, me and adventures! But the sane side of me knows that it's not exactly great for Kate since I can't cook in a hotel room, and I do feel a little unsafe bringing to tour around alone. If there was someone else, yes. But hubs will probably be very busy and tired there. Another thing is my classes. In order to fulfill my promise to hubs, I must attend them properly. And... I know everyone will miss Kate. But should this be hubs going over to work, and having an real place to stay then sorry, we should go as a family. So probably will just not go along for this training. Maybe just a short holiday, depending on the location. I would love to go to Hong kong, Japan or Korea!! But who knows? That's the exciting part about life, you won't know what happens next!

My favoritest season of the year!

Oh joy! My favoritest season of the year is coming! I know it's still awfully early but! *Skips around* I heart Christmas!


Anyway here's my crazy class schedule for november!




I really can't wait for my scrapping class! *Loves*
I managed to make use of Papermarket's $80 off 2 fully paid classes, so I get two classes for $66! Yipee! The classes are usually ranging from $50 to $$80 with all materials provided and some freebies thrown in, so $66 for two classes is reasonable! *I know it's pricey but really can't resist le*


Here's a review of my beginner's class with Debs. (Wrote it to someone who wanted to find out how it was.)


Hi there!


Writing to give you my two cents worth on the beginner class!


Hmm...I enjoyed myself today but....if you already know the basic scrapbooking stuff, the class may not be as informative to you. For $35, they teach you how to use the various tools and some techniques such as;


-Inserting an eyelet
-Using a brad
-Using a trimmer and punches
-Different papers and their usage
-How to distress your paper using the tool or inking the edges


They allowed us to pick 2 patterned papers (any kind, cost don't matter), a card stock and a sheet of American Crafts alphabet stickers. You get to keep that all, and a tape glue. They also allowed us to use the materials in class such as distress ink, punches, ribbons and the teacher was nice enough to give us some extra embellishments according to the theme that we picked. All you have to do is bring your own photos, 3-4 pieces, of the same theme eg. a birthday party or the beach. Class was about 2.5 hours. And you get a $10 voucher - the catch? You gotta spend $50 first to use that voucher.


My suggestion is that if you already know the basics, then go for the other classes which they update every month. On the website, papermarket.com.sg, they tell you what classes they have that month, what will be taught and some classes comes with freebies! *Related to the project on hand.* This month they have the 2 classes for the price of 1 promo, which is great but I'm bit tight after shopping there so not going. Haha! The classes cost about $60 to $80 odd, materials provided but think you gotta bring scissors, glue, foam dots and paper piercer. If you don't have, I think they can lend you the tools but not the glue and foam dots.


I know there isn't alot of this month left, haha!


Anyway, let me know if you going for any of the class, maybe we can go together! =)


Happiness is when you love doing what you do. Whatever that may be. And for me, reading used to be my only hobby. Loved reading a book all day, doing everything else while reading, getting lost in another world. Only read thrillers and mysteries though...not into romance. Haha. So I'm so glad to have two other hobbies now, both hands on and really stress-relieving actually; jewellery making and scrapping! Love, love, love!


Oh! And did I mention that Kate has quit her little addiction to her pacifier?? Yes! I'm soooo proud of my baby! She's "cleaned up her act"! Haha. Seriously though...Tonight's her third night without a pacifier. This is what happened;


Three nights ago, I tried YET again to talk her into not using her pacifer. I've tried bribing her, and threatening her and even putting chilli sauce on it; doesn't work. She sees the red colour and kicks up a fit asking us to wash it off, haha. So that evening, when mom had her church friends over for net meeting and there was a baby boy around, I tried to trick Kate. I told her the baby was crying so maybe she can offer him her pacifier. She did. And I told her I'll put it into his mom's bag so he can have it. Later on she asked me for it, and wouldn't stop whining so I got out another pacifier and told her that her good pacifier was with the baby and this was the lousy one. I put vinegar onto it and then passed it to her, warning her it would taste bad. She sucked on it and then looked at me and continued sucking. I was like, "Huh?!" So I told her to wait awhile, and I went to dab tobasco sauce on it this time. *Very bad right?* This time she made a face, and asked me to wash it. So I pretended to, and went to dab some more. This time after sucking on it awhile, she cried and refused it. I told her that I washed it already but it's lousy so that's probably why it tasted bad. *I know, I'm super mean la!* Gave her water but when I went to the back to make milk for her, she suddenly started screaming the house down, saying that she wants water! She refused her milk so I gave her water...she starting screaming for medicine saying that she was sick, poor gal! In the end, mom realised that it was her surrounding mouth area and lips that were hurting, probably because some sauce got onto them. OOops.So we cleaned that off, gave her a cold pack (told her it was external medicine lol) and she calmed down. She only asked me twice after that for her pacifier, once before she slept, and another time when she woke up in the middle of her sleep. But with a reminder of all it hurt her lips, and a little coaxing and praising about how well she was doing etc, she was ok.


The funny thing was, when she woke up on the second day, she played with her fingers and then stuck her thumb into her mouth. Wahaha! I laughed and told her she was too old for thumb-sucking already. Every night in the past, she would wake up in the middle of her sleep then look for her pacifier (using her hands to sweep across the mattress area near her head, without even bothering to open her eyes), and when she finds it, she pops it into her mouth. Everytime she's grouchy, pacifier calms her down. It's like her security blanket, she calms down quite a bit when she has it. So I was actually bracing myself for more trouble from her, but thank God (literally), none came. I'm glad. And I'm so proud of her because I know it must be hard for her to part with her "tutu". Well, her pacifier days are over!!


On another note, we are having a family chalet for Kate's birthday! Bbq for both nights too, can't wait! I think I've only been to one bbq with my parents and I can't wait for this bbq! It'll be family night, with my family and hubs' family, and Kate's godparents. *Have you informed Mark, hubs??* Can't wait!


**Seems like november's looking great for me!

November baby

http://www.theshabbyshoppe.com/blog/


Here's the November baby! *Yes, now she loves taking photos with that face, lol*
Twinkle, twinkle little ar, up a wonder what u ar, up a wonder what u ar! *Kate's version of twinkle twinkle little star!*

The one with the scary incident

Kate's been really mischevious recently. I attribute it to the "Terrible twos syndrome". Screaming, disobeying on purpose and whining. She's usually rather obedient so it's kinda hard for me to adjust to this "new" her. I guess she just wants to express her growing independence. Throwing tantrums is now almost a everyday affair and it's really hard to control my anger when she acts up. Grrrr. I know its normal for them to get this way, that its part of growing up but boy ain't it hard to keep sane around here! Got this off the net;


By learning more about this normal stage in your child's development, it can make it easier to get through it and make sure that you aren't contributing to more battles than are necessary. (Haha)

Other tips for helping your toddler during the terrible twos include:


•having a regular routine for meals, naps, bedtime, etc. and try to stick to them each day


•offer limited choices only, like 'would you like apples or oranges for your snack' and not just 'what do you want for your snack.' This helps your toddler feel like he is making some decisions and has power over things, but he isn't able to choose unacceptable alternatives.(Sneaky)


•learn to set limits about things and don't be surprised when your toddler tries to test those limits to see what he can get away with.(I always set limits, she and everyone else breaks them!!)


•don't give in to tantrums. *Roll eyes* Don't get me started.


•begin to use time-out and taking away privileges as discipline techniques.

•provide your toddler with a safe environment that is well childproofed to explore and play in. It really isn't fair that your toddler should get in trouble for playing with something he isn't supposed to if you left it within reach. (True.)


Ok. When I said that Kate and everyone else breaks the limits...I only meant that no one else re-inforces my limits. Hmm...that makes me sound like a tyrant. I do set limits for Kate, but I find it hard sometimes when no one backs me up on it. It makes things harder for me as parenting is all about consistency. So that means all of us gotta sing the same tune and all. Which I know is difficult as all of us are different and may feel differently about the same things. And also, of course we gotta inform everyone of what is off limits for Kate. Consistency also means to not make exceptions just because its easier. Honestly, I wanna give in to her tantrums sometimes, like when we are outside and there are tons of people around--its just easier and less embarrassing. But I tell myself that those people will get over it so I just have to grit my teeth and be firm. Its hard too, when she's crying non-stop. I do, of course, sometimes give in to her tantrums. Its just so much easier la! What will inconsistency do? Hmmm...it makes it harder for you to re-inforce the rule after. For example, if I tell her no chopsticks, and then some other time someone else gives her the chopstick because she's whining for it, when I try to implement the "no chopsticks" rule to her again, she's bound to throw a fit. Because she knows it will get her her way. Its a really small thing actually, but every little thing can lead up to her throwing a tantrum---which drives everyone nuts. I know she's not being defiant or vicious, children are just children and they are intelligent. They just like to test limits and all...I'm not unhappy with hubs or anyone...just that I get really frustrated sometimes, with everyone and anyone, only because I have to face the little tyrant 24/7, so I get it from her all the time. It used to be alright but recently its gotten really f.r.u.s.t.r.a.t.i.n.g. Quickly get to the terrific threes and fantastic fours already!!

Anyway...yesterday hubs, mom and I had the fright of our lives. Kate goes amok sometimes, when we go out. There have been many, many times when she would fling our hand off and run away. Sometimes she runs to the escalator, but we always get to her in time. Yesterday, she did the exact same thing to mom again, and ran off to an escalator heading up to our level. I was inside the fast food store and hubs near me--but we were no-where near Kate. I saw mom giving chase but Kate had a sudden burst of energy when she heard mom's footsteps behind her and all I saw was her falling on the escalator. Unable to control myself, I shouted to mom, "Mommy!" I meant "Save my girl." To my immerse relief, mom caught Kate, though she hurt her back doing so. Kate didn't really hurt herself...but did fall hard on the escalator. When I got her water bottle out of my bag, I realised I was shaking. Thank the Lord that nothing happened, because so much could have. She fell face down, and if not for the fact that the escalator was heading up and pushed her back in to mom, she would have really gone all the way down. Hubs was really quiet after that, and mom was too. Everytime I think of what could have happen, I shudder. And stop thinking. Because nothing happened. And I really thank the Lord for keeping watch over her. Even though we looked really calm after the whole thing, I know we were all shaken. Hubs said my shout wasn't loud, but there was something in the tone that made everyone look. I think it was the urgency and fear in my voice.