I'm a bread lover and a number of artisanal bakeries had been sprouting in this tiny island. However, I'm working in the western side of Singapore and it's not quite possible and within my reach to feed my craving. I certainly can't depend on my "I'm satisfied with my Gardenia bread" DH to buy such atas bread.

Happened to send Shan to her English class in town and during the 1.5hours, my mission was to check out Maison Kayer, a France bakery at Scott Square and Paul Bakery at Takashimaya. Bought a few croissants and bread from both outlets and there was no turning back for me and the kiddos when we had our first bite on Maison Kayer's Croissants. It's simply a buttery divine creation. One croissant costs $2.60 each and despite the hefty price, we were so hooked on them. Unfortunately Thankfully, I have a "tai tai" friend who occasionally will strut along Orchard Road and after my intro, got into the same craze. Hence, from time to time, our family will enjoy some atas breakfast. I don't think my dear DH knows the price of the croissants he's eating now and then.

Am going to Europe soon and hope I won't come back feeling sick of dough.

Seth woke up in the morning and in his sleepy tone demanded, "Milk! Mama"

In turn, I called out to Daddy, "Milk!"

Daddy spent the next few seconds preaching on "Please and Thank You" and Seth had forgotten his "May you make milk for me, please?" and I have to provide good example.....

Seth was getting impatient and wondering why his milk took longer than usual to arrive. I was rushing to shower and cut Daddy by saying, "Milk, please. Thank you"

Daddy then shouted from the room "TESS, MILK!"

I was like what the #$%#$%^*!!!!!! Needless to say, he got a earful from me and he sheepishly added, "PLEASE!" So much for the preaching!!!

Both of us thought back the incident and had a good laugh over it. But indeed, this small episode teaches us to think and examine ourselves on how we behave as a parent before we teach the kid. Parenting is a learning process!

Dear Sky

You are seven now but with a frame of five. Thank god that you have grown taller but unfortunately, our efforts to fatten you up seemed to be fruitless. You are active and your motor skills are fantastic.You picked up cycling within a day, roller blading within hours, wave boarding within 2 nights and ice-skating within seconds (you said it was similar to roller blading and thus easy peasy). I guessed when come to play, nothing is too tough for you. I wonder how your small frame of body could take your big burst of energy.

I wish that your level of determination to these activities could apply to reading and studying. Your "taste" for books differs from Jie Jie. While she devours in fictional books, you go for non-fiction books such as Facts of Sharks, Encylopedia on Dinosaurs stuff or some scientific stuff. Yet, your love for books is not as deep. By far, I have not seen you automatically take a book to read at your own will! Thankfully, my nagging still works at your age. While I have to scream at your Sis to stop reading, I will have to scream at you to read. You are fine at playing masak with your 3yo brother.

Surprising, I have comments from your tutors and art teacher that you are smart. It seems unbelievable at times since you are so slack with your studies. You are gentle, soft spoken, afraid of insects and tolerant to your sibilings. Unlike your Sis who got a stubborn streak in her (you have it too but her dosage is stronger), you had a way with your pleading eyes to stop me from caning you and most of the times it works (shhhhh). Maybe I am afraid that you will have middle-child synrodrome and I should be more careful with you. But alas, I realised that you have a way with girls. Somehow, your P1 life is tainted with girls surrounding you at recess, I heard. Just by bringing you to school on a adhoc basis, it proved to be a daunting experience for me. You strutted in and shortly, your "friends" would be screaming your name, mostly in high pitched voices and you will wave at them in your mild manners.

You are a GEM and I knew that God has laid a path for you to walk. I prayed that God will use you mightly to be the salt and light of the world and you will always grow in his faith, hope and love.

With plenty of kisses
Mummy

Shan had put in effort for her recent exam and she scored rather well. To recognise her efforts, we took her out for a meal without her (in her words - annoying) brothers.

Daddy brought us to a cozy little pizza bar at Clark Quay since Shan loves pizza. Despite the small outfit, they produce freshly hand made thin crust pizzas. We ordered half Enzo (Peking duck) and half Barzini (Bacon & Mushrooms) and it was superly good. The high tables and chairs alfresco dining experience doesn't seem to be friendly to kids though.  After dinner, we had a light walk back to proceed to second part of the evening - Movie time with the rest of the gang including Yes, her annoying brothers :)