Happy Birthday 2017

Our biggest birthday bash was way back in year 2011. In Narathiwas Residence, Bangkok. It was Princess's second birthday, a month before Speedy was born. It was really fun. But also really tiring. So we decided, instead of having a big birthday bash every year, we will have nice holiday for ourselves instead. 

Princess #2 Birthday

We still celebrate. Just simple dinner with family with special cake and extra toys to make up for it. Nothing extravaganza. 

This year, we did it in the school, which was so cool. We had lots of fun and all the children really enjoyed it. It was simple, yet meaningful. All their friends was there, and they felt special on that day. That's the best gift ever. To see my children happy.

All Peace And Quite Before Recess Time

Princess With Ms Shafina

Distributing The Cuppy Cakes

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With All His Girl Friends
*Actually He Wanted To Take Picture With Only One Girl (Yuero), But All Others Photobomb Their 'Moment' 😂

He Is Quite A Popular Guy, I Guess...

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First Day Of School

We started to look for school as soon as Daddy got the notice of transfer. Our first choice were definitely Singapore. No doubt Singapore's education is one of the finest. But to get into the school is not easy, especially for non citizen or PR. To enroll to Primary 1 (P1), Princess have sit thru an assessment test, AEIS, held usually mid year. Every year the enrollment exercise usually have 3 phases, first 2 were meant for Singapore Citizen (SC) and PR, and we belong to Phase 3. Only the best will be selected and allocation for foreigners are always limited. If you are lucky enough to have a placement, you have to accept whichever school you have been posted and that's final. Even if is far from your home. Singapore MOE, all school is good school. No appeal.

We missed the boat to apply for year 2017. As the AEIS were held in mid year and we got the notice in September, it was too late. As Daddy plan to apply PR as soon as he start his work in January, so we decided to wait till 2018 enrollment exercise and by the time, hopefully if all goes well, our PR will be granted and it will be easier for us to apply for the school. For PR, we do not need to go thru AEIS. By the way, fees for AEIS is about SGD600-SGD700, no refund, no appeal. And for PR, we still need to pay monthly school fees, but slightly lower than foreigner’s fees.

For now, our only option is to enroll them into school in JB. We have visited a few schools :

• Austin Height International School
• Seri Omega Private School
• Sri Ara International School
• Tenby International School

We chose Austin Height International School as we felt that's the best choice. There is early years, primary and secondary, which is great as I wanted to send both Princess and Speedy together. School is big, facility is great and staff are friendly. Fees is also reasonable.

We started mid term in January 2017. For international school, Term 1 usually starts in August/September. They were very excited on the first day, but the most excited of all, were of course me. As mom, I think most can relate, that first day of school is always one of the most emotional. Like your baby is going to school, how time flies, and now they are so grown up, stuff like that. Always a teary moment.

Princess were just few months shy 6 years old, she was placed in Year 1, and Speedy at 4 were placed in reception year. Now Princess is in Year 2, and Speedy is in Year 1. All in under a year time. 

😆👸

My Handsome Boy

😭

Blessed

The Help

I watched the movie while travelling from BKK to KL few years ago. I am not a movie buff. But this movie really touched me. Set in the year 50s or 60s, about the helpers stories in the household they worked in. Watch with an open mind. Very interesting.

Why? Because I have my fair share of helpers too. When we were in Bangkok, we stayed in a service apartment from day one. The term service is totally different from what you get in Malaysia. It means you get daily buffet breakfast, you get daily housekeeping and linens change, 24/7 standby technician service (that means you don't even need to change your light bulb), bellboy, reception service, etc. It's just like staying in a hotel with the comfort of home.

What's not to love. Totally spoil by it.

I still remember all the lovely housekeeping ladies. Some I still have their pictures. I stayed long enough to be friends with them. I really appreciate their help. Without them, my life with 2 kids, back then, would have been total chaotic.

Phi Jack . Princess . Phi Fong

Then my nanny, phi Fong and phi Cake. Phi Fong even travelled back with me to Malaysia, just to help me out with the new house and when papa was in the hospital.

Phi Cake And Princess

Then we moved back to Malaysia. The first week, almost breakdown. Overwhelmed. Missing Bangkok life so much. Not happy at all.

Few weeks later, got back on my feet. Life goes on. Wonder why I make fuss about it. But still not used to living in a big house. Still prefer condo.

Princess. Phi Fong . Speedy

Then came Jane. She is Cambodian, those days when the government allowed. She was my mom in law helper and she was so kind to send Jane for half a day on weekdays to help me out. Though she worked with me for a short period of time, she helped me so much. Before she went back to Cambodia, on her last day at my home, she told me, 'Mam, I want to see Caden walk before I go', Speedy was like 10 months then, I thought is impossible as Princess started walking few weeks shy one year. Then later that evening, Speedy took his first step. Jane is like a sister to me and she cared for my family as it was her own.

Feeding Them Were The Most Hardest Chore 😌

Our Last Day With Jane 😢

After Jane left, I have some part time helper which was not so good Well, nobody is perfect. I don't blame them. And I am kind of OCD.

Then came Mis, she worked with me longest, 3 years. She helped me so much with Tiny, I don't even need any confinement lady. She didn't cook for me, I respect her religion. But the things that she did for me, couldn't ask for more. I felt so blessed having her around. We say our goodbyes last year. It was a really teary moment. She have to go. Her family waiting for her back home.

Mis . Tiny

Next month, my new helper will come. I look forward to see her. Is not easy leaving home to work in a foreign land. Hopefully she will be just like them.

Something cannot be measure by money worth. Yes, I paid them to work for me, but the service they provided, were beyond that. Is human touch.

Sweet Home Shah Alam

We bought our first home in year 2007. It took 2 years to complete. We did some renovation. All the basic, extra wiring, plaster ceiling, cabinets and the most major of all were the extension. The contractor tore down the whole wall. What a big mess.

2007

2008

The renovation took almost a year. We moved in year 2010. We didn't exactly stay in the house as we were 'still' in Bangkok. Well, at least we have a home to stay when we were back in Malaysia.

2009

2010

2011

Then we were back for good. Year 2013. Was not really thrill. As I'm so used to staying in condo. Two floors, up and down with 2 children under 3. No joke.

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

It got better when Mis, our good helper came along. Then came Tiny. She is the first one to be born here in Malaysia (Princess and Speedy were born in Thailand). We put a lot of effort into the house, built a lot of lovely memories. 

Then last year, Daddy got an offer to transfer to Singapore's office. So here we go again. Year 2016.

Here We Go Again 😓

All Their Toys 😑

Year 2017. We only went back one time. We would like to keep the house, but if there is any offer, maybe is time to let it go. Thanks for all the lovely memories.

IKEA

IKEA, You and I. We go a long way.

First time in IKEA. It was at the basement of One Utama, in my teens. That was so long ago.

Then it was at Mutiara Damanara, when they relocated. 2015, IKEA Cheras opened. Since then, we have spent invested tons of time and money.

Been to IKEA Bagna, BKK too, few times, before we moved back to Malaysia. Have not explore the two in Singapore yet, currency, currency. Been to one in Hong Kong recently. Eye opener.

And now they are opening in Tebrau, Johor. On the eve of my birthday.

I may not be the IKEA's human catalogue, but I am your #1 loyal fan.

Now I know where to go. Now I have CHOICES. You will always have my support. IKEA.

Princess At IKEA Bagna, BKK

Meatballs 😋

Our Trio At Ikea, Self Serve, No Kidding 😙

Hong Kong 2017 | Part Three

Fourth day in Hong Kong. Is time to explore the city! We checked out Disneyland resort, and checked in Peninsula Hotel 😁, Sheraton, well it was just opposite.

Took an UBER to go from Disney to Tsim Tsa Tsui, just got to know from Leah, that UBER in Hong Kong is much more expensive than taxi, but their service is better. Well I have to take a big car anyway (5 person) so UBER was the best choice.

So we checked in the hotel, walked around the area, got ourselves some snacks from 7/11. We met Leah and Pok Pok at Harbour Front just before noon, and we took the ferry to Central. Had some more snacks, egg tart which was so delicious. Met a friendly American lady from Texas, who was clueless about the fare, she need us to help with the coins to buy a ticket, she got the wrong person, as we are tourist, lucky Leah was around, 100% Hong Konger. She was so kind and gave all the children some coins from USA in return. So sweet.

Playing With The Magic Coins

When we reached to Central, we walked to IFC, then we decided to have lunch nearby. No trip to Hong Kong is complete without eating at Char Chan Teng. We decided to eat at Tai Hing, not bad, the usual noodle and roast. But I ordered something, I believe it was salted lemon drink. Total regret, safe choice will be either Ice Lemon Tea or Milk Tea. Lesson learned, don't try to be adventurous.

Then we took the tram and went around the city, which was so fun. Stopped at Tung Lo Wan. First thing I spotted, street food. Not exactly on the street, but those shop that sells snacks. What else but Curry Fishball and Egg Waffle. After snacking, Leah brought us to a Lego specialty store. After that we went to IKEA. You will appreciate what we have in Malaysia, if you have seen their stores. No complain. Hong Kong is Hong Kong, land/space is precious and very very expensive. For a condo in Hong Kong, you can get a mansion in Malaysia. That's how expensive in Hong Kong.

We decided to go for an early dinner nearby. Not before we try our luck at Hong Kong Jockey club 😅. Derek went with Leah while I stayed with the children, no children allowed in there. Very strict. Daddy got one ticket 😑, with the hope of winning the jackpot. Inexperience player. Well, just for fun, and we checked the next day, we didn't win 😌.

I couldn't recall the name of the restaurant we dined in that evening, but it was nice, the usual Chinese cuisine, but again the portion was so huge, we couldn't finish the meal again 😳. We finished around 8, and we took the train straight back to our hotel.

The Children Playing Together

Is very hard to say bye bye to Leah and Pok Pok this time around. This year, we were so lucky to have chance to meet 3 times! Once in Malaysia, then Bangkok, and now Hong Kong! A little teary on my side, really good friends. I would not have chance to go to so many places if is not for Leah and Pok Pok, really thankful.

My Good Friend, Lovely Leah 💖

Our last day in Hong Kong. We spent almost the whole morning in the breakfast buffet. Really good spread, and we were so full. Went out for a walk after that. Stopped by the Museum of Art, they were closed for renovation but there is a mobile truck nearby, the children did some activities. Princess and Speedy were so serious, like they have to finish the artwork, it was very important 😅.

So Serious

Sending Postcard To Museum Of Art

We went back to hotel to check out and go to the airport, it was a really fun 5D4N in Hong Kong and hopefully we can be back again soon. For more food and fun. Wait for us Hong Kong! 

Hopefully the next time we can meet up with Tracy, Max and James too!

Our Lovely Princess 💕

We Love Hong Kong 💖
Sorry, Please Excuse The Little Boy, He Couldn't Stop It 😓

Oh by the way, We got 15 Tsum Tsum plushies altogether, just to do this...

😒

Hong Kong 2017 | Part Two

We spent 3 days at the new Disney Explorer Lodge hotel. It was a really nice hotel with adventure theme, room was quite spacious for Hong Kong standard.

On the first day, we spent the evening walking around the resort. Too bad it rained, so we couldn't do much. We took the shuttle bus to Hollywood Hotel, is just next door 😅, just to check it out. I can picture Lorraine eyes rolling if she is reading this.

Decided to dine there as it was already late. Ordered the Hainanese Chicken Rice, Cheese Burger and Wantan Noodle. Lucky us, Hong Kong portion of food is huge. Like, is enough for 2 person for one order of main course. So for a family of 5 (with 3 children). 3 order of main course should be enough. Well, compared to Malaysia’s portion. But if you are a hearty eater, it might not work for you.

After dinner, once again the kids dragged us to the merchandise store. Tsum Tsum again. Told them no again. Lucky this time they listened 😓.

Second day, we ate at the theme park, lunch at the Banquet Hall and Dinner at Maxim. For dinner, we ordered the dinner meal set. Which cost us about HKD600. Food is just like the usual Asian/Chinese we get back home. If you think is pricy, well, this is not unusual for theme park or resort hotel. Food was ok though. Well, enough talking about food.

Let's go back to our second day of Disneyland fun. Our good friends from Hong Kong, Leah and Pok Pok joined us today. OOTD, pink. Princess C got this lovely fairy dress, Rosetta (Tinkerbell series) from her lovely cousin. Thanks Sarah and Teely. Never get the chance to wear it till that day. Day 1, Elsa. Day 2, Rosetta.

OOTD, Pink!

We started the day searching for Tinkerbell and we were lucky, we found her and managed to get a picture. Again, her dream come true 😒.

Hi Tinkerbell 💖🌈

Today we managed to do Star Wars. Had tons of fun in the Jedi Training. Thumbs up to all the cast members for the drama and effort they put into the show. They really take it seriously. Got them the light saber after that. It was more worthy (compared to the Tsum Tsum). It was like HKD400. For 2.

Then we head to Main Street for the Flight of Fantasy Parade. No time for sit down lunch, got some food from the food cart. Found a nice spots for the parade. The children even managed to get into the parade. So happy.

Darth Vader 😈

We Will Fight You 😝

Parade Fun 😍

After that we went to Adventureland. We got into the boat ride. Ride on the Big Grizzly (only Daddy and Pok Pok). Princess was too afraid and Speedy was too short. Then we walked to Toy Story land. On the way there we did the Mystic Manor. Which was really fun. Really appreciate that Leah helped out with Tiny, if not, we wouldn't be able to go on so many rides. Love you Leah 😍.

Then just before the sun sets, we managed to catch the Lion King show. Had a little bad experience. Got to share this. We were with 4 young children and we have to wait like 30 minutes before the show starts. 30 minutes is like an eternity for any  young children. There is this two elderly lady, which I supposed in their early 50s sat in front of us. They have already pushed us when we were entering, I supposed they want good seats 😒. Then they have the audacity to 'shush' us before the show even starts. One time is enough but they did it a couple of time. Is not like we are in Broadway or something. Is Disneyland. We told the children to tone down but really unhappy with this kind of narrow minded people 😡😱. 

Tiny C

Toy Story Land

The show was great. And we didn't stay on to watch the firework this time. Leah is going to bring us eat 'real' Hong Kong food. Wohoo. After days of eating in the resort, is good to have a choice.

We went to this place, Toh Heung at City Gate, nearby Tsing Yi station, we had steamboat along with some Chinese dishes. Delicious. Hong Kong's food can never go wrong.

Reached back around 10pm. Too tired. By the time we finished with the children, is already 11pm. Total blackout. Again.