Feed the Hungry Children

As I'm writing this blog post, my clock shows it’s now 12:13 am in the morning. It’s quiet and peaceful. The boys are sleeping soundly in their bed, all cuddle up and so at rest. But at the same time, a child dies from hunger in every few seconds. How ironic.

Recently, a friend shared this video on Facebook and I was badly affected by what I saw. I was weeping badly. I was very much emotionally disturbed. And, I showed the same video to Dylan. He started frowning when he saw the children lie helplessly on the dusty ground, and he started asking many Whys. I could see that he was puzzled and concern on why the children in the video were in such a bad condition.

We talked about what he saw and understood. How lucky he is to have hot meals served to him day in day out yet he would grumble or pick on his food. How fortunate he is to have clean cloths to wear, tv programs to watch, comfy bed to sleep on and many many more… while there are children out there going hungry, not knowing when is their next meal, or will there be any for them anymore.

I hope he knows and appreciate of what he has and being given. I wish he’ll become more selfless. And I hope he’ll be mindful of how fortunate he is.

On the 31st October 2011, the world population has reached 7 billion. Not something we should be celebrating about really. Out of this huge number, 1 billion people go hungry, which means 14% of our world population starve every single day. Alarming, I know.

This year, 6 million children will die from hunger related causes if we (YES, YOU & ME) don’t do anything about it.

Does this bother you? I do, and I hope you are too.

Some choose to dump millions of dollars to whip up a wedding of a century, some feast on exotic cuisine coupled with nice wine or champagne, some got sick of the variety of food they have and complains how ‘unfortunate’ it is…

With this intention in helping others, a group of fellow moms have come together to raise fund for this nonprofit organization - Children’s Hunger Fund. With US 5 cents, it’s enough to provide a meal to a hungry child.

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So I am appealing to you for your participation in this little fund raising activity. All you need to do is this:

1. Crop and paste any of this above information on your blog site, together with this logo (just right click and save image in your hard drive).


2. Appeal for friends and readers on your site to go directly to this page to make direct contributions. All it takes is US $5.00 for 100 meals for the children. Of course, it will be great if you can contribute more. You can also go to this page to make a direct contribution to areas that are most needed; like disaster relief.

3. Organise your own fund raising activity.

There are plenty of ideas that you can adopt to raise the funds;

- Bake sale
- Make and Sell a product
- Give up a birthday gift
- Lose weight by missing a meal and contributing what you might have spent on the meal to the Children's Hunger Fund

4. If you have a preschooler or a child who has learnt to save some money, talk to him/her to see if he can give a little of his money to help to feed hungry children.

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So many of us take it for granted that we always have a hot meal ready on our dining table for ourselves and our children and always have something to snack on whenever we are hungry. But the reality is not the same for many children around the world.

With each and every one of us to put aside a dollar everyday, with the accumulated amount in a week alone, lots of hungry children can be fed. And only when the children are fed, then will they have the energy to live, learn and be educated - this in turn equip them with knowledge to lead a better life, to walk out of poverty eventually.

Help us and Children’s Hunger Fund to show a child in some remote corner of our world that he / she is loved. Thank you.

Do drop me a note if you are interested to participate and will be putting this fund raiser activity up on your blog or FB page. My deepest appreciation and thanks in advance for your kind and giving contribution to Children's Hunger Fund!

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Three Is Enough

At first there was ONE, I met him 16 years ago. 5 years and 8 months ago, came another, which makes TWO. Life kind of took a turn and had quite a bit of bumpy rollercoaster rides. 2 years and 8 moths back, THREE joined in the line while hurricanes pay us a visit every now and then. 

[The boys in the house]

If you were to ask me 10 years ago have I ever imagine what my life will be 10 years down the road, I’ll take it as you’re cracking a joke. I mean, come on, no one knows what happen next isn’t it? How am I to know that I’ll be bonded for life by the THREE? All Three of them are so dear and important to me.

At times, I do feel privileged for being the only female in the house. I’m not the kind of girl who played dress-up when I was little. Many uncles and aunties had mistaken me as a boy. I played guns and swords with my brother. I was not that feminine after all.

Hence when I got to know that my first child is a boy, I’m delighted. I could play rough and there’ll be no princess thingy and mood swings to deal with. When I was informed that my second child has a birdie, I had a teeny-weeny bit of disappointment in me back then. We did wish for a girl. But we are thankful to be blessed with two healthy chaps who have been spicing up our life.


[The old boy was ignoring the whining little boy, while the young boy was daydreaming away]

Life is wonderful!

And the thought of having another child (especially on the account of going for a girl) has faded.

Friends do ask me (still) if we’re planning for a third, or are we trying for a girl. The answer is NO and we believe it’ll stay in this way. With one old boy, and a young boy, plus a little boy – my life is fulfilling. There isn’t a need to ‘gamble’ for a daughter nor is there any holes to be fill in order to make my life anymore complete.

With a loving husband who dote on me and two sons who bring so much joy (plus frustrations too), I couldn’t ask for more. *grin*

So my dear friends, no more question on whether I am planning to get myself pregnant again! The answer will remains the same. *wink*

To me, Three is enough. And I’m happy with this arrangement. ^^

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The Six & Three-To-Be

Four more months, the boys will be six and three years old. Gosh, I’m kind of lost at the thought of it. I’m approaching the busiest month of every year – January.

Recently we had an outing (just me, Dylan and Devan while the daddy was at work), I had such a hard time keeping up with their pace! They were like fully charged bunnies running, hopping, skipping and moving non-stop. I was the extremely exhausted mother chasing behind while pushing a stroller and carrying a DSLR. What a day! And what a workout! I was practically flat on the floor when we reached home.

They, although often drives me mad, are the core of my life. Being the mother of these two boys is a huge blessing and I couldn’t ask for more (or maybe I could). ;)

The Six-To-Be has two of his milk teeth out – his lower left central incisor went missing after he came home from his school’s National Day celebration. Then it was his upper left central incisor that went all shaky and bleeding when he was having his dinner. He was in pain and wanted to visit the dentist. I bite the bullet and pulled out his bloody tooth with my fingers. *Gross* Within two weeks, he lost two teeth – something which we should experience when he’s six to eight years old (according to the health booklet). Hmm… he’s growth is obviously ahead of most of his peers and I’m not so thrill with it though.

He has been attending swimming lessons coming to a year now, and we’ve been facing with some challenges along the way. We don’t expect our boy to be good swimmer, nor do we wish to have him compete in competitions and bring some glory home. But he’s one hard shell to crack in overcoming his fear when in the water without his float board. To be honest, I’m losing the patience to talk him out of his fear. I believe for one to succeed in anything, one has to be determined and brave to face whatever obstacles that’s in the way. We as parent can only boost his confidence and give encouragement. Seeing him giving up so easily, I’m disappointed.

Still, we’re not giving up on him. I know he can, it’s just a matter of mind game and perseverance.

On the other hand, the Three-To-Be is still in his terrible two! Oh man, I do wish he’ll snap out of this phase soon. His tantrums are nerve breaking and he whines big time whenever he couldn’t get things the way he wants. And I’m one evil mother who doesn’t give in easily.

He’s one very affectionate boy and he knows how to get us to forgive him when he did some naughty stuff. He eats well, he sleeps well and he plays plenty, he’s one happy boy whose very obsess with numeric and alphabets too. And he’s toilet trained! Hooray! It was a short but chaotic period in the house where he had a number of accidents with his pee and poo. It was then that I found myself having a puppy instead of a child. *Laugh*

Everyday is a new experience filled with challenges and joy. It’s sweet and joyful when the both of them behave and play well together. It’s madness and hair-pulling moments when they don’t see eye to eye and simply refuse to share.

I guess this is what most parents are facing. Ya? Or am I the only one having all these?

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Out of My Hibernation


This space was left untouched for five months. I went into hibernation. And I missed a great deal of the blogosphere! I missed the blog hopping, leaving comments on the many lovely blogs I bookmarked and regularly visit. I missed blogging – did not journal down a single of the precious memories that took place in these five months. And I missed receiving those loving notes that friends would leave behind whenever they visit this lil space of mine.

So, FINALLY, all these Miss-es got me out of my warm and comfy cocoon! I went about doing up a new blog header, did some dusting and arranging here and there, and now I’m all ready to start blogging again. Yeah! Ahem, do you hear my engine roaring? LOL

Life has been busy (as always) – everyday’s packed with things to clear, issues to settle, fights to stop and commitments to fulfill. Every single day has been fruitful and satisfying. The boys are growing and eating well. The husband’s still trying his mighty best to get me to sleep early. And I’m always fighting against time to fulfill my mountain-high of duties, attending to the kids, running the household, having quality couple time with the husband and running my humble online store.

But life is good. The universe has been very kind to me. And I’m a happy person. *grin*

Although this space has been quiet for awhile, but I do know that some of you still pop by every now and then hoping to find a new blog post. THANK YOU! I’m back!

This month marks the third year of my blogging journey. And I’ll make sure the counting continues. *smile*

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BULLIED By a 3 Years Old

The victim was not Dylan, nor was it Devan. But ME! My goodness, I was attacked by a 3 years old boy.

My sweet hubby brought us to a new eating place over the weekend that serve nice food and provide great atmosphere. The restaurant wasn’t crowded and we had a nice cozy corner all to ourselves as we rest and relax while enjoying our meal.

Halfway through our dinner, I noticed there was a family seated near us but couldn’t see them as the partition was blocking our view. It was after a good 10 mins or so when a little boy started running around the place - barefooted. His parent was calling out to him (gently) to return to their table. But of course the little fellow ignored them and continued with his race in the dimly lighted restaurant.

Suddenly there was a loud bang from the floor near me that made me jumped. It was the little boy, on all fours, obviously had a heavy fall due to his wild horse racing and he probably deserved it. He didn’t cry, probably used to falls or he must be a real tough little guy. He smiled at me and got up to continue with his mischief. Although it was quite disturbing to have a wild kid racing around while we had two of our own to attend to, we chose to ignore that kid and hoping for the parent to handle their child before any nasty accident happen. The last thing we wish to witness was to see a bowl of hot soup over the boy’s head or he knock into one of the waiter holding a tray of dishes and glasses.

Anyway, the next thing I knew was being smacked real hard on my right arm! Ouch, it was a painful one. I was in shocked. The fact that I was smacked hard by a little kid was just a little difficult for me to digest. My hubby was surprised too and he could imagine how much force that little guy used to make the loud sound from my flesh.

And that monkey still had the cheek to giggle at me before he raced off from my side! Oh man, I was bullied by a little kid out of the blue!

What can I do? Or what should I do? Confront the parent for allowing their child to misbehave in the public and going around hitting strangers? Maybe I should have done that.

Due to my hesitation, we allowed the boy to strike AGAIN. This time, he casually walked over to the side of our table and dipped his right hand into my drinking glass! I was pissed! And I was sure he knew I was not very pleased with what he just did, for I saw a small fraction of worried look on his face. What he did was unacceptable, rude and ill-manner.

Dylan saw what happened and he too was puzzled why the boy did what he did and not being punished. And we took this chance to educate him.

Not long after, we saw a couple walking out of the restaurant, the boy was being carried by the husband. The parent had failed to control their child, allowing him to go around disturbing others (without the slight knowledge of it). If I had approached them to complain on their son’s monkey business, would they be apologetic and take discipline into action instead of thinking its perfectly fine for a child to treat all places like a playground? I’m not sure about that. They left the place before I could have the chance to speak to them.

But one thing for sure, my hubby and I are doing what a parent should do - To educate our sons the right values, the ability to conduct ourselves well and respect others.

I do hope the boy who bullied me do not get into any more trouble which was too late for regrets.

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Dylan – He at 5 Year & 3 Months Old

Yesterday morning, he came to my bedside to kiss me goodbye before leaving the house with his Papa to catch his school bus. After planting a light kiss on my lips, he said: “Mama, you continue to sleep some more ok?”

Isn’t it sweet to hear these words early in the morning? I was beaming.

Yet later in the day after he came home after his school, his nonsense gets the better of me, resulting in multiple times of scolding and naughty corners for the five years old. This son of ours, our first born, he has been getting on our nerves, while on some fine days he can be so sweet and sensible.

And the thing is, he behaves really well when being alone – like those days when his baby brother has yet arrive into our family. He can be such a sweet darling when he do without his aggressive questions and persistent requests. He’s been picky on his food lately, not wanting to take this and that from his plate and ended up being lectured by his parent for wasting food and how he was being ungrateful to be given enough to eat and drink while many others are starving in other parts of the world.

We might be too hash on him at times, hoping for him to behave himself on many occasions and being more sensible than behaving like a two years old instead. I guess, for a young boy like him, all he has in his mind is to play, play and play till the sun goes down and his last bit of energy drained.

He’s living according to this famous quote – Life’s Short, Play Hard!

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Wishing For MORE Harmony

It could be rather rare to have the brothers behaving well when near each other – for the elder one will be finding trouble for himself as he tired to disturb his younger brother in any possible way. The latter will yell, scream, and whine, making himself heard as a way to protest.

The elder wants the younger one to do this and that, while the young one has a mind of his own. The elder one wants to hold his brother’s hand, but the stubborn little one resist the idea. Off they will get into another argument which sends ‘electric waves’ through their mom’s head. There could be so much madness, especially when we were in our tiny home. The cries and yelling will circulate, bouncing between walls, creating a surround sound system. Man, we can literally go crazy!

They quarrel, they fight, they yell, they laugh, they do silly things together. Although most of the time they seems to be each other’s pain in the neck, they do love one another (at times). This brotherly thingy seems to have more or less settle into their system and they do miss each other’s company.

I do wish for more harmony between the both, at the same time be closely knitted and being each other’s best buddy till they grow old together. I wish I wish I wish…

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His T.E.R.R.I.B.L.E Two

When he couldn’t have things his way, he give us this – having it all out and lay flat, face down, stay still till we go up to him to give him the comfort he wants. By the way, in this photo he was kind enough to rest himself on a stone bench. On other occasions, he would settle on the spot… be it on a polished granite floor in a busy shopping mall OR a pavement along the roadside.

This boy was a different category from his elder brother who was rather tame, reserved and cautious at the age of two. He’s bold, wild and short-temper. Man, we’ve a wild pony here!

He’s in the want-to-do-it-all phase. He wants to switch on the light before anyone does, if not he’ll whine and whine and whine till we off it and carry him up to switch it back on. He wants to brush his teeth on his own, resulting in having him to eat up all the toothpaste before he ever gets any teeth brushed. He wants to push the stroller rather than sitting in it, kicking into people and we apologizing non-stop. How draining it is mentally and physically! These can be so nerves breaking at times too. It’s as if my child is having serious emotional issue – crying buckets this moment and laughing the next second…

Having to go through this the second time does make life a lil easier to handle. I had learnt not to jump at the lil boy (with 2 horns on his head) but to leave him alone to cool it off. He had realized that his tantrums don’t get him the results he wants (most of the time), leaving him to wonder off to find his next target.

That’s parenthood, most will say. And yes, I agree!

Our life is pretty great except for the few opera shows that pop up every now and then on a daily basis. Ha!

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Dylan – His Lil Achievement

Date: 10th Nov 2010 (Wednesday)

I HAVE to blog this down, in case many years down the road – when I’m old and forgetful… this blog post will serve its purpose to remind me of how proud I was when my soon-to-be five years old brought home his very first art competition prize - a nicely wrapped box with a big pink star on it.

I was surprised when he showed me the box after he got off the school bus. And I was thrilled to discover he had won himself a prize in the school’s annual art competition! Yay! I was grinning from ear to ear.

So it seems like my boy takes after me in the artistic way after all!

Although it was a consolation prize, but hey we got to start somewhere isn’t it? And Dylan has made his parent so proud of him.

Well done baby!

PS- A lil wish of mine – I wish to witness my son to go on stage to receive his award. (I’m sure to be all teary and emotional when that day arrive) ^^

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Our H.A.P.P.Y Halloween

Alrighty, this was a VERY much delayed post. It took me three months to get it up! I was busy with lots of things and was so caught up with my Scrappin’ Love, kids, parties, blah blah blah… BUT, I know, no excuse for being this lazy to blog!

Anyway, better to be late than never! *wink*

This is a fun post. If you decided to keep reading on, I’m sure you’ll be well entertain! *grin*

Two weeks before Halloween, I checked with Dylan what he wishes to dress up as. A pirate was what he wanted. Next I spent a week pondering whether to make the costume or to get an off-the-shelf kind… in the end, the daddy was tasked to source for the costume and he returned with two sets (a set each for Dylan and Devan). But the boys could not fit into them!

The pumpkin costume was way too short for Devan and the pirate one was too tight fitting for Dylan. The age indicated on the tag simply did not match with the measurements… argh…

I ended up altering the pumpkin costume and hunt for an alternative costume for Dylan. It was crazy I tell you - to look for replacement just hours before we headed down to Woodgroove Ave for our Halloween celebration!

And here we have - a smart lil wizard and a lil pumpkin patch! Aren’t they cute? Initially I wanted to dress Devan up as a lil mummy but hubby didn’t seems to like the idea of having his son being bandaged from head to toe with cotton mesh. Ha!

Happily we went down to Woodgroove Ave for our Trick or Treating. There we saw all kinds of figures, you name it we have it, from pretty goddess to scary-looking ghost, from monster to funny-looking walking shark. And we met the dragon again! The same one we saw during our last year’s Halloween when Devan was just a 9 months old baby.

Our wizard and pumpkin had fun collecting candies, especially for Devan as half the time he was very busy counting his treats and going through his colorful collections.

Oh, we came across a hunted-looking house too! How exciting!

We headed back after a fruitful Trick or Treating. Stopped by a shopping mall near our place for dinner and people was amazed when they saw the boys (still in their costumes). Some slowed down to take a closer look at them, some smiled seeing their cuteness and some even said “Trick or Treat, Happy Halloween!”

What a fun day we had! And am so looking forward to our next Happy Halloween!

Click HERE for our last year’s Halloween adventure.

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