Day 28 of JM's US Detachment Trip

It is Tuesday again ... Oswald will be having him swimming class and as usually I'll be praying hard for good weather so that the kids will not feel that cold in the water. But, today also marks the start of my own swimming lessons ... hahaha ... yes ... this mummy learning to swim only like NOW!!! Not to worry ... if you think I'm late ... my MIL is even later ... hahaha. For the 2 non swimmers in the family, today's our 1st lesson.

As usual, Oswald was looking forward to head to the pool I did not have trouble getting him downstairs. He was also happy when he saw Billy walking towards us but things were not the same when lesson start. 1st, Oswald wasn't that willing to get into the water but still managed to. He wasn't that willing to do what he was instructed to do but still did it. After awhile, I'd concluded that it was probably because the water was a wee bit colder today and hence his unwillingness. Got to find means to keep him warm in water. He was shivering by the time lesson end and was asking for towels to wrap round him ... poor boy. Oswald is still scare of water touching his face and hence is still swimming 'upright'. I hope he will conquer that fear soon.

So much about Oswald and his swimming. How about mummy? Hmm ... here goes ... by the time its my turn, it was already coming to 6:00pm. The water felt so COLD when I sat by the pool. OMG ... what the f*** ... no wander Oswald was that unwilling to go in. It took me awhile to get into the pool and to get used to the temperature. Damn ... where's the sun!!! Lesson turned out to be pretty ok. The only thing is that I too, like Oswald, got the conqure the fear of dunking my head underwater. Somehow, I just can't past pulling myself down pass my ears. The moment I reaches the level, I somehow start to panic and will push myself up already. Hmm ... really got to work on this one. Mum ... exactly opposite me. She's is fine putting her head down but nervous when she got to swim around even with the aid of the kick board.

Oh ya ... we've got visitors during lesson today. Owein and Dad came to join us while Oswald's still having lesson. That little one is a brave boy. He was only a little frighten when he entered the water but once he'd adjusted, he's a happy baby in the pool. With his back float and a kick board, he's enjoying it.

** Owein was a little frighten to get into the water initially **

** Once he gotten used to the idea ... he's enjoying it **

** Happy baby **

Recipe - Cream of Mushroom Soup with Puff Pastry

One of Oswald's favourite cream soup is Cream of Mushroom Soup. So far, he only gets to drink it when we dine out and at restaurants that serve it. Now, he gets to enjoy it at home because this mummy found a nice and simple recipe ... and made it for one of his recent lunch.

Day 25 of JM's US Detachment Trip

** Gotten my fringe back again ... **

I was all set for today's baking class ... with my new hairstyle (cut my hair yesterday ... hair too long and too thick liao ... its time!!!) and my new pair of sandals (hehe bought it on Thursday at Junction 8 while waiting for my car to be buffed up).

Had arranged to meet Perle at Paragon and since I'd arrived early, I'd decided to walk around. This 30 minutes of walking around was not cheap ... I'd created some damages while doing so. 1st was a pair of shoes from U.R.S and next, a fitted sheet and quilt cover set from Aussino. But the shoe ($20+) and the bed sheet set (all in $55) was so cheap ... can't resist the temptation.

** Isn't this cute ... Queen size all in only $55 **

Wahaha ... lucky I only got 30 minutes to look around or else I don't know how much bigger the damage will be.

Today's baking class is all about CHIFFON ... my all time favourite. They are so light and so easy to eat. The class today focus more on technique ... technique of whipping egg whites which are essential in the making of chiffon cakes.

The 3 cakes we made today are:-

** Golden Citrus Chiffon Cake **

** Banana Chiffon Cake **

** Pandan Chiffon Cake **

We were also taught how to make crystallized flowers and used it for decoration purpose.

** Crystallized Flower **

Day 21 of JM's US Detachment Trip

Today was a busy busy busy day ... I was occupied practically the whole day.

The day started having to get the kids ready so that we can head out to United Square for hair cut. I'd also decided to bring the kids (the both of them had been coughing since Saturday and does not seems to get better with the medication I'd given them) to see the PD there because Dr Dorothy Ong is closed for the week and next week school re-opens liao. Got to get Oswald well before school starts. PD appointment was made for 10:00am and after that hair cut and lunch. By the time we were done with lunch it was already 1:00pm. Time to head home so that Oswald can catch some rest before his swimming lessons.

** Owein's fresh look after the hair cut **

My worst fear happens on the way back. The kids were so tired that they knocked out even before I drove out the carpark. Oh dear ... if they sleep now, confirm will be waken when they are being carried upstairs and bye bye to their afternoon nap. And really sad to say ... that powder nap in the car really upset their resting time. *Sigh*

As time nears for swimming, bad weather started. Sun's out, cloudy sky and thunder heard. Shortly after, the rain came. Because of the rain, lesson was push back to 5:00pm. Though lessons started late and water was slightly cold due to the rain, Oswald still had fun in the water. He was more willing to enter the water this time though there was some hesitation in the beginning.

** Oswald all ready to start his lesson **

** Oswald + Instructor Billy **

** Having fun in the water with swimming buddy Cayden **

** Panda eyes ... result of having goggles on for 1 whole hour **

Day 20 of JM's US Detachment Trip

Yesterday I finally managed to bring Oswald to attend his 1st Sunday School and myself the 1st church service after so many long long years. The last time I remembered stepping into a church was during secondary school time ... during then, it was an school event to attend it.

We met Oswald's teacher (Peggy Yong) at church. It was very nice of her to be there to guide us to the sunday school classroom and made all the necessary introductions. She had also asked her husband to lead my MIL to the sanctuary for the service. I made my way to join my MIL after I'd completed the paperwork to register Oswald.

After service, I went back to the classroom to pick Oswald up and only to realised that Peggy had stayed with him all those while. So sweet of her to make sure that Oswald feels comfortable in the new environment. Oswald said he like attending Sunday School ... hope he will continue to behave next week and like it equally even if Peggy was not around.

Day 19 of JM's US Detachment Trip

Attended my ever 1st baking class yesterday. Baking class was help at Creative Culinaire and was jio-ed by a friend (Perle). If not, I really don't know when my 1st lesson will ever begin. Lessons at Creatuve Culinary is so popular that we had to book way in advance for this lesson we are attending. But after attending the 1st lesson, I fully understand why it is that popular and so expensive.

1st part of the lesson, which lasted about 2 hours, was all talk and demo by the chef. She will go through the steps and note what are the things to look out for etc. All me and my partner did was to listen and keep taking down notes. Kinda got a feeling like we are back in school ... hahaha. After all those talking, a short 15 minutes break was given before we got to head back and this is where the real action begins ...

I say, Perle and myself worked quite well together. Considering this is the 1st time we worked together on the same thing. Here's the result of our efforts ...

** Sunflower Cupcakes **

** Marbled Butter Cake **

** Walnut Cake **

Day 14 of JM's US Detachment Trip

JM is away for 14 days already ... time is flying but I feel is not fast enough hahahaha.

Today is MIL's birthday and so happen SIL is on leave too ... so we'd all decided to head out for lunch. This time round, we finally manage to try the geoduck seafood set meal from Ah Yat Seafood Restaurant. We had went there 2 times in mind to try that set but the geoduck was always out of stock. This time, we make sure that there's stock before we head down :p

These are what we had ...

** Lobster in Pumpkin Sauce **

** Chilli Crab **

** Bamboo Clam **

** Shark Fin **

** Geoduck n Salmon Sashimi **

After all these yummy food ... (dear just too bad you had missed it ... the lobster was really yummy) ... every one headed back to Quintet.

Today, also a big day for Oswald. Oswald will be having his 1st swimming lesson. He's not really a water lover so initially I was quite worried that he did not want to get into the water at all. But surprisingly, he did not perform as bad as I thought he would be. Lots of coaxing got to be done but in the end he still survived the 1 hour lesson and had asked for more next week.

Recipe - Red Wine Sorbet

I'd my 1st taste of it at Tom Ton @ The Central. Quite a different sensation compared to the usual sorbet flavours. Because we had friends who are regular customers at the restaurant and were on talking terms with the manager, I'd manage to ask for the recipe to make the sorbet.

It was really a very easy recipe to follow. Worth a try if you are a red wine lover or you want to try something different.

Day 10 of JM's US Detachment Trip

I've got some errands to do at Lot 1 and had decided to take a train down instead of driving. Oswald was so excited to hear that we are hopping onto the train.

The walk out to the station was a bit sunny and Oswald was complaining about the sun while walking. He was angry with the sun for making him perspire. Owein too was 'soaking' up the heat but sat quietly in his stroller. His back was all wet by the time we reach the station. I'd kinda regretted making the decision to take the train instead of driving.

Oswald was enjoying himself while Owein just continue to sit in the stroller looking around quietly. Oswald's happiness ended when I noticed that one of his jibbitz (Mayer, the tow truck) was missing. He was shocked and looked so lost. We were already at the station platform waiting for our train to head home then so he'd got no choice but to accept the fact that it is gone. That poor boy ... he was still trying to think hard where the jibbitz could be.

Just as we were walking toward the lift at Yew Tee station, something familar on the ground caught my eye. IT WAS THE MISSING JIBBITZ!!!!!! How amazing that was ... I never expect that it could be found because I don't even know where we had lost it in the 1st place. Erm ... don't ask if I can be sure that it is the one that Oswald lost. The fact that he'd lost his and we found one ... was still quite unbelievable. At the end of the day, the happiest person was Oswald. He kept looking down at his shoes while we walk back home just to make sure that Mayer is still on his shoe. Hee Hee.

Day 8 of JM's US Detachment Trip

It is a week since JM left and guess what ... Owein had fallen sick with a bad cold and myself ... I think almost there if I don't pump myself up with enough Vitamin C.

Owein's down with very bad flu. His nose is super block ... hear him breathe hard when he's sleeping ... so xin tong. He's coughing badly too due to all the mucus and phlegm. Now, hope the doctor's medication works fast on him to relief him all the agony.

For me, I guess I am slightly affected by the little one. Nose getting abit stuffy but still not that bad ... its time to pump up myself with Vitamin C.

P/S:- Daddy ... let's web cam more often ... really fun to see the kids touching the screen trying to HONK your nose ... hahahaha

Day 2 of JM's US Detachment Trip

** Ring ... Ring **

My phone went ringing while I was shopping at Giant this morning. I only realised that it was JM when I heard his voice over the phone. He had finally arrived and settled down at base. We'd exchanged a few words and had arranged to talk again when I get back home so that everyone can talk to him.

By the time I got back, it was around 11am (about 8pm over his side). At the very 1st moment, I switched on my computer and got myself ready to web cam him. I've got both Oswald and Owien by my side when I 'rang' him. After a few rings ... VIOLA ... the kids and myself can see him already. Oswald was so excited to see daddy on the computer screen and Owein just stared at it. I guess Owein probably was thinking hard on what's happening. Web cam session was sweet and short as JM was quite tired from all the travelling.

Still feeling short of my rest, I slept as Owein was taking his nap. That 3 hours nap really did me good as I felt so fresh after that nap. Since I'd promised Oswald to go for bicycle ride yesterday so I'd decided to bring both down. We head to the park connector behind our place for the ride. Oswald had so much fun till he almost did not want to head back.

Day 1-2 of JM's US Detachment Trip

** Yawnz **

I was so tired and fell asleep while putting Owein to bed. I was deprived of my sleep all thanks to my dear hubby. All because he had left his packing to the very last minute, we had only manage to finish packing his bags around 1am ... and we've got to be at the airport ... 4 hours later. Slight less than 2 hours rest was all I've got before we head off to the airport.

Everything went on quite smoothly during check-in and we manage to squeeze some time for breakfast before he proceed to the boarding area. I'd stayed on the the last possible moment ... at last, he'd cleared customs and I know it is time for me to head back.

The drive home was quite a challange to me due to the little rest I had. But, thank god, I managed to get home safely. I was greeted with Owein's curious look in the hall way when I got back. That innocent look made me smile hard at him and with that smile, he came runing towards me and gave me a big hug and guess what's next ... he said "MILK, MILK" hahahaha.

I guess I'd fell hard asleep while Owein was drinking milk. That's because I cannot recall anything at all. The moment I came awake, Owein was gone and he's already outside playing with Oswald. And the funny thing is ... I still feel very tired after the rest. I guess lots of sleep got to be caught up to get myself re-charged.

** Yawnz **

Time to head back to lala land ... really need all the rest I can get to keep up with daily pace. Now with JM away (for the next 5 months), I guess I've got to work double hard during this period of time.