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Perspective.

Monday, August 20th, 2012

The other day I was circling around our local swimming complex’s car park looking for a parking lot when suddenly Athan blurted out “Look mum! That is a car spot! You can park there”.   I immediately looked for it but I could not see it until he pointed it to me.  He was pointing to this:

He said : “This is for old woman parking. Mama you are a old woman, you can park here!”.  At this point, I really did not know if I should laugh or cry. :)  Sensing my quietness, Calvin quickly said: “Papa looked much older than you mama.  It is true.” Athan added: “Yes, it is true, mama”. I then replied “OK, the two of you deserve a lolly each”!  Calvin looked puzzled and said: “Huh…. why do we get a lolly just by saying that”?  My dear boy is too young to understand what I mean! 🙂

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Just For Laugh.

Tuesday, August 14th, 2012

Thought I’d share snippets of what my friend sent me today in my mailbox.  Enjoy!

 

Children  Are Quick
____________________________________________________

TEACHER:     Maria, go to the map and find  North America  .
MARIA:          Here  it  is.
TEACHER:    Correct.  Now class, who discovered  America ?
CLASS:          Maria.
____________________________________________________

TEACHER:    John, why are you doing your math multiplication on  the floor?
JOHN:           You told  me to do it without using  tables.
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TEACHER:   Glenn, how do you spell  ‘crocodile?’
GLENN:       K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L’
TEACHER:   No, that’s wrong
GLENN:        Maybe it is wrong, but you  asked me how I spell it.
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TEACHER:    Donald, what is the chemical formula for  water?
DONALD:       H I J K L M N  O
TEACHER:    What are you talking  about?
DONALD:     Yesterday you said it’s H to O.
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TEACHER:    Winnie, name one important thing we have  today that we didn’t have  ten years ago.
WINNIE:        Me!
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TEACHER:    Glen, why do you always get so  dirty?
GLEN:           Well,  I’m a lot closer to the ground than you are.
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TEACHER:      Millie, give me a sentence starting with  ‘ I.’
MILLIE:          I   is..
TEACHER:      No, Millie….. Always say, ‘I   am.’
MILLIE:           All right…   ‘I am the ninth letter of the  alphabet.’
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TEACHER:     George Washington not only chopped down his  father’s cherry tree, but also admitted it.  Now, Louie, do  you know why his father didn’t punish  him?
LOUIS:            Because  George still had the axe in his  hand….
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TEACHER:     Now, Simon , tell me frankly, do you say  prayers before eating?
SIMON:          No sir, I don’t  have to, my Mum is a good cook.
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TEACHER:       Clyde , your composition on  ‘My Dog’ is exactly the same as your brother’s.. Did you copy  his?
CLYDE   :          No, sir.. It’s  the same dog.
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TEACHER:     Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on  talking when people are no longer  interested?
HAROLD:      A  teacher
_____________________________________________________

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First!

Wednesday, July 4th, 2012

Here’s Calvin after winning the cross country race at school today.  Photo was taken by my sister-in-law who was at school to support!  I did not go due to work. :(  I am so proud of my boy.  He came in first for the junior boys division in his year.  Robin and I did not expect that, but we did expect him to complete the run and be happy with whatever result he achieved.  Truth be told, Robin did train the boy for this race, although I have to be quick to add that the training was not very consistent.  I reckon Calvin has great stamina for his age, most likely from all his swimming classes and soccer training and running around at school with his friends (Monday – Friday).  Anyway, we have a very happy boy. 🙂 Well done, Calvin! Keep running!

 

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Math Logic.

Friday, May 4th, 2012

We were in the car on our way home from grandma’s when the boys asked for mental sums.

Me: Athan, what’s 6 + 6?

Athan: 12!

Me: What about 7 + 7?

Athan: (without hesitation) 13!

Me: No, its not 13.

Athan: Yes it is!

Me: How can it be 13?

Athan: You see, 6 + 6 = 12 and 7 is after 6, so 7 + 7 = 13!

Me: LOL!

Can you see Mr A’s math logic??  Love how his little brain works! 🙂

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School Holidays.

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

The boys are currently having school holidays.  I really can’t wait for them to go back to school!  Well, they will be back at school on Thursday this week.  Yup, Thursday as Monday and Tuesday are for teachers to return to school to prepare and Wednesday is a public holiday here.  We are nearly there.

The holiday has been a good break for everyone except that it is an unusually long one — 3 weeks.  They usually only have a 2-week break.  I have been working throughout the holiday and so I need to arrange their child care as well as activities.  This is the most difficult part for me, I guess.  Thankfully, Robin’s mum is here to help else the boys will end up at vacation care.

One of the highlights for Calvin is his recent soccer match.  He has recently joined our sister’s church’s junior soccer group, and they had a inter-church soccer match last Saturday.  The boy was quite nervous and told me minutes before the match that he was scared.  I tried to remained calm and encourage him to just try his best.  I was worried that he would pull out last minute.  Thankfully, he persevered on.  He even managed to saved the ball a few times!  I am proud of him.  His team won 4-2.  It was a great effort from everyone.  Here’s the happy boy:

He may be sweaty, but he is very happy!  Everyone gets a little trophy at the end.  I like it.

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Good Friday.

Saturday, April 7th, 2012

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

by Isaac Watts, 1707

We sang this hymn at church yesterday as part of the Good Friday worship service.  The lyrics reminded me of the work that Christ has done on the cross for you and me. That, there is nothing I can boast of as my own. That, there is nothing I can do on my own to save myself from my sins.  Only by the death of Christ on the cross can we be saved from sin.  Thank God for His grace.

May you all have a blessed Easter.

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Overheard.

Thursday, April 5th, 2012

The scene: The boys were playing, well, more like wrestling while I was preparing their dinner.  I overheard this conversation between them:

Calvin: Athan, what’s 10 + 10?

Athan: 20!

Calvin: Good, and what’s 10 + 11?

Athan: ummm….. I don’t know.

Calvin: It’s just one number after the answer you said just now.

Athan: 11?

Calvin: No, its 21.

Calvin: Ok, now try this: what is 10+12?

Athan: I dunno know.

Calvin: It’s just the number after the one that I just said.

Athan: 13?

Calvin: *getting a little impatient* No, its 22! OK, then what is 8+2?

Athan: 10!

Calvin: Finally!

I was silently smiling to myself throughout the conversation.  I am not sure if Calvin realised that Athan can only add/subtract within 10 at this stage. 🙂 Love the idea that he is trying to teach his little brother!

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Questions.

Sunday, March 4th, 2012

The boys and I were taking a walk around our estate one warm evening. Amidst the peaceful evening, the boys were as usual fighting to walk in front of each other as well as fighting who should be the leader of the walk. I  just left them to sort the problem out themselves.  Somehow after a while, they settled.  They seemed to have reached an agreement. And we continued to chat happily while we walked until Athan asked me this question:

Athan: Mum, how come birds can stand on the power line and be alive?

Calvin: yeah, why mum?

Me: You mean how come the birds are not electrocuted, meaning killed by the electricity?

Athan: Yeah.

Me: *trying hard to form an answer for the boys when I honestly did not know the correct answer* Why do you ask this now?

Athan: Because I want to know.

Calvin: Maybe because they stand on their claw?

Me: Maybe …. but I will go home and use google to find the correct answer because I don’t know why as well (at least I was honest!).

Calvin: What’s google?

Me: Its something on the internet that helps people to search for answers to all sorts of questions.

Calvin: Oh mum, then you can google to find out if God made himself! Yeah, mum, I want to know how did God make himself!

Me: *totally not ready for such questions* Well, I thought we already know God did not need to make himself?  He has always been there.

Calvin : But how?

……………………..

I know Calvin is still very bothered by his own question.  The husband and I have tried to explain to him many times that God did not make himself but he just can’t seem to accept it just like that.  I guess his little brain is inquisitive at this stage of his life.  Hopefully as he grows up he will be able to accept that there’s some mystery in the Christian faith that cannot be explained.

I am also quite surprised by Athan’s question.  This little man has never asked me such a question.  He surprises me sometimes.  I did go home and google for the correct answer.  However, the answers I found were quite complicated and I am not sure how to simplify it.  I just told the boy that birds do get shocked by the electricity when they stand on the power lines, but their bodies are able to take it because it is not live electricity on the power lines.  They seemed happy with my answer — for now!

When I recounted the conversation to the husband, he laughed out hard and said that that was  the best conversation he has heard so far!  🙂

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Calvin has always been fearful of darkness.  He is afraid of going to the toilet by himself  if the hall is not lighted.  When we got home from our walk, I asked the boys to go wash their hands and feet.  By this time, the sun had nearly set and the front living area was in semi-darkness.  Athan went straight to the bathroom and cleaned himself while Calvin went to talk to his dad.  When I reminded him to get washed, he said:

Calvin: But I am scared to go to the bathroom by myself.  Its dark there.

Me: Just turn on the lights and you will be fine.

Athan: Ya, “gor gor” (big brother) you have to learn!

*really sounded like the husband!*

Me: *trying very hard not to laugh*

Calvin: *growled at Athan* I want you to come with me!

Athan: You are big now, you have to learn!

Calvin: If you don’t come with me, I will never build you another spaceship, but if you come with me I will ……

Athan: *no response. He did not seem to care what his brother was saying*

Me: *going to laugh out loud* Athan just go with your brother. Be good.

Athan: O….K…!

Both boys ran to the bathroom and within less than a minute, I heard Athan said: ” bye! I’m off!” That really set Calvin on *fire*! I think Athan knows his brother weakness and simply enjoys making fun of him.  I hope this is part of their brotherly love. 🙂

 

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The Chart.

Thursday, March 1st, 2012

Not too long ago, I decided to re-introduce the reward chart system to the boys.  Main reason being that I wanted to try to be a positive parent — well, it is my new year resolution!  I have also decided not to yell/shout at them too much when I am angry/frustrated at them.  I am hoping that I can use the chart as a way to encourage good behaviour.  When they have collected 10 stars , they can each get a small prize.  This system can work well for young children if implemented correctly.  I hope this chart will encourage good behaviour and in time to come the good behaviour can become good habits.  So, what good behviour am I looking for?  Being able to go through morning routine (brush teeth, change to uniform, have breakfast etc) by themselves without me having to nag, putting in effort to speak mandarin at home, no tantrum at swimming pool when it is time to go home, pack up all toys after play are just some examples.  They have earned a little prize each so far.  Once they see how their good behaviour can earn them a prize, they are motivated to be obedient, especially Athan.  This boy still tend to throw massive tantrum at swimming pool. By the way, Mr A decided to start a new chart after completing the previous one.  This is what our chart looks like now:

He wrote the names all by himself and when he could not draw a star, he decided to draw a sun instead! Cute. By the way, he decided to give himself and his brother a “sun” as he reckoned that they have behaved very well. 🙂 What a good helper I have!

What other “clever” thing has Mr A been up to?  Well, he has found himself a corner in the house which he calls the “naughty corner”.  No, it is not for those who misbehaves.  It is for him to sit and enjoy his favourite cheese and cracker after school!

Mr A brings much joy to our family each day.  On the other hand he brings many frustrating moments too.  As his parents, we love him as he is, and teach/discipline when we have to.  We hope he will always be cheerful. All by God’s grace.

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New Beginnings.

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

January 2012 is almost gone! The kids will be back to school tomorrow.  I am really looking forward to it, I kid you not.  The boys have been on holidays for the last 6-7 weeks and they are certainly ready to go back to school.  When I asked them about school last night, this is what I get:

Me: Athan, are you excited about going to pre-primary?

Athan: No, I want to stay with you!

Me: I have to go to work.  If you don’t go to school then you will have to go to child care full day everyday.

Athan: NO!

Me: Then its either school or child care.  Which is it?

Athan: I want to go back to kindy!

Me: Well, if you loved kindy, you will certainly love pre-primary!

Calvin: Yeah, there’s a lot to do and you can still play at the playground.

Me: You get to wear your new shoes too.

Athan: OK, then.  I will go to school

Gee….I thought this little guy is so ready to go to school tomorrow!  I think he is a little hesitant due to new teachers and classroom.  One good thing is that his whole kindy class will be in the same pre-primary class.  That helps a lot.  I just hope Mr A will adjust well at pre-primary. *fingers crossed*.

——————————————————————————————————-

Me: What about you, Calvin?  Are you ready for school tomorrow?

Calvin: No, not really.

Me: Why?

Calvin: I am a bit worried about year 2, mum.

Me: Why?

Calvin: Because I am not good enough to be at year 2!  I wish I can go back to Mrs L class!

Me: Well, Mrs L told me you are very ready for year 2 and she can’t have you in her year 1 class again.

Calvin: Really?  Did you talk to Mrs L?

Me: Of course I did.  Mrs L said you are definitely ready and so does Mr H, the principal.

Calvin: *big smile* OK, I want to go to school now!

As you can see, Calvin is lacking in confident about himself.  This little guy needs a lot of assurance even though he is doing well at school.  I find that what the teacher said about him has more weight! Well,  he seemed more convinced .  In any case, I guess with Mr Calvin, I have to be very careful with what I say to him and about him to others. Also, I need to help him to be more confident about himself.

We have also decided to let Calvin learn piano this year.  The husband and I think he is very ready.  We will give it a go and see how far he can go.  As I have no musical background myself, I guess I have to learn too so that I can practice with him.  Its going to be very exciting, I think.

We do pray for the boys that they will enjoy school this year and that we can guide them in the right way.

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On a lighter note, last night I overheard this conversation between the boys:

Calvin: Oh………I can’t draw this properly! (Calvin was trying to draw a picture and was rubbing and drawing and was teary)

Athan:Oh “gor gor”, this thing (pointing to the picture) looks fat!

Calvin: Mum! Athan said my picture looked fat! *going to cry soon*

Athan: Don’t cry “gor gor” (big brother), its only a picture.

Calvin: hmmph!

Athan: If you cry some more, I will tell papa when he comes back!

I was somewhere hiding and listening t0 all these and trying hard not to laugh!  I know its not very funny, but I could not help laughing at Mr A, the way he talked. Such a little adult!

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