Shan got her first Distinction in ICAS and gee! I'm not even excited or as a matter of fact, I'm expressionless. The Distinction was for "Computer Skills" paper. I guess my reactions would be different if it was for English or Maths paper. Even so, she had only managed a "Credit" for her which she would indignantly reminds me that she's one of the 25% particpants across schools in Singapore to obtain this grade..

Obtained from UNSW

Actually, I had meant to let her take Science but by stroke of error, she ended up taking Computer Skills instead. 

Frankly, I was not sure if I had set too high of a standard on the kids. She told me that when she obtained her English ICAS cert, she was shocked to see only "Thank you for participating" and only to realised that she was been given her classmate's cert. She was only satisfied when she gotten her own cert and it stated "Credit". I guess this showed that she had a certain level of expectation on herself.

As for Sky, he recently got back a Math test paper with  a 36/40 score. I looked through the paper and I was disappointed. The paper was damm easy! And the best part, the 4 points he lost was due to carelessness. I should have told him "Good Job!"or "Well Done"! Instead, I nagged and chided at him for the 4 marks he lost. I really sounded like a horrible mum.

Later in the night, I took a step backward and thought if I should be a better parent. I should have smacked her with kisses or threw her up in the air or do whatever to make her feel good. Afterall, this is her first "Distinction" she gotten. I must really learn to be more encouraging and speak life into them. In short, I must learn to be a better mummy.

Sky loved sparring with Daddy on Chess even though out of 10 times they played, 10 times, he could not win.  I thank God that there was an opportunity for him to find his encouragment back. He came back from school telling me, he won a chess badge from his team competition. I though nothing of it. Only when I spoke to him over dinner, I realised that there were around 20 over students and only 3 or 4 students obtained the badge.He had emerged as one of the top 3 or 4th player. He even proudly told me he beaten his P4 classmates. Some kind of achievement huh! He's gushing over one classmate of his that beat him in seven steps and he's trying to learn the technique.


...and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary ~ Revelation 2:3:

During the 1-wk school holiday, we took half day off from work to bring the kids to the Garden by the Bay. We had briefly stepped in previously and this time, we aimed to cover all the paid conservatories - Flower Dome & Cloud Forest. And, we did just that.

At the awesome Flower Dome where we took endless photos!!

Succulent Garden Seascape

Dazzling flower display

Enchanting Cloud Forest

Kids were so excited to view the 35-metre tall mountain which marks the world’s tallest indoor waterfall showcases plant life from tropical highlands up to 2,000-metres above sea level.The cool air environment certainly refreshes you! Must remember to bring a sweater here, it can get rather chilly!



follow this guide and you will not get lost in the cloud forest.

 We took a lift to Level 6, which was the Lost World at the top of the mountain. And from there, we would descend through 2 walkways - the Cloud Walk and Tree Top Walk. The kids really love the misty cold forest!



The mountain is densely planted with a mixture of fascinating plants and ferns. The stroll along the cloud walk was breathtaking!

Restrictions that you should be aware at the Skyway. LOL on the "No Heels"

Come to think of it, our tiny Island of Singapore offers many exciting activities for young and old. Really blessed to be born here..ooh, why am I getting Patriotic here. The hype on the Night Festival got Allan excited (naturally) and he pulled us along on 1 Sept (Saturday). Almost everybody flocked there as well. Entries to the various museums were free. Carpark was not easy and while Allan and hubby were searching for a lot, we ventured the SAM first. All photos are taken with just an iPhone cos daddy left the cam in the car!

Fishtank at No. 8 outside SAM - live virtual aquarium with giant fishes. Seth had fun trying to "catch" the photos of the fishes using iPhone.

Beautiful stairway up the SAM.

1. The sound reactive wall - the images changes depending the level of sound you produced over the microphone. I  only took pictures of the images as the kids were hollering at the microphone.


2. Let's Dance exhibit. This section is cool. Participants went inside a small room where recording was made as they danced or acted silly for about 3-5mins. Subsequently, the recording would be playback on one of the many small screens on the wall of screen. The boys had fun making funny faces and dancing and coming out to see themselves appearing on the wall of screen. Shan said she was too shy and only did one guest appearance.



3. Glow in the Dark Garden - with glow in the dark origami flowers. It's beautiful.

4. The kids played a round of table tennis before exploring other areas.


We took a stroll towards the National Museum and there was light installations.



We also caught "Mylar" @ SMU Green - Four dancers in slipping and sliding in a translucent pool with some puddle of water, suspended high overhead. Coupled with performances nearby, swarm of people were stuck there watching the free sliding movement of the dancers and enjoying the artsy atmosphere.

The most satisfying of the Nite Festival was the Wedding Dress exhibition at the National Museum. It showcased a collection of wedding dresses from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It displayed gowns worn from the early 80s to present days and gowns by famous designers.  Usual admission costs $11. So it's superb worth it. Interestingly, Shan was highly fascinated and captivated by these gowns. She lingered at each section admiring the gowns, bags, shoes, reading word for word in details to find out more about them. We practically got to drag her back as it's past 12 and the little ones were already in dreamland.

Sky is in the last quarter of his P1 life now and thus far, he is enjoying his school life. Other than God and family members that were instrumental in our growth, friends are a necessity! Friends usually are the one that made an imprint in our growing years too.

I was intrigued when I noticed snippets of friendship notes in his bag from his buddies in school.  I asked Sky about it and apparently, they were exchanging friendship notes. I'm happy that he had forged great friendship and at this age, they were able to verbalise their feelings. May this friendship thrive and grow with them.

Hoursss before our flight back to my baobeis..

1.Found another Chinese eatery and we dashed in. The food here was much better than the first Chinese restaurant we ate. Satisfying.



2. Checked in Airport early and managed to claim all refund - Happiness with the little tinge of worry that my luggage of stuff may not cross the Singapore airport. Heard stories about people being stopped and asked to pay GST for the branded goods that they brought in from Europe.

3. Worries were cast out of my mind when we spotted Ferragamo boutique. We went in casually and found that the price were much lower due to no tax. After some quick calculation, we realised that the price was lower by some bits even after when you had claimed back your tax refund. Ronnie was so excited as he had been eyeing on a pair. He knew that pair of shoes were meant to be..The excitement spread to Remy and Jason and they gotten a pair as well. Allan wanted a pair but unfortunately luckily no size, so no wallet damage! Janice got a pair as well. Terrence and Kate bought a belt each. I caved in and got myself another pair of pumps as well! It's sooooo comfy! This pair was much wearable than the red pair I bought in Paris.



Ooooo..finally finished updating my Europe trip. Till the next holiday!

Started the morning with the visit to the Rome's greatest marvel - the magnificent Colosseum. We paid for the admission and it's super worth it to sweat under the blazing sun to glimpse the home to gladiators.