Nurturing sport passion with Milo® Champions Clinic

This post summarises the 1-week school holiday for the boys.

I enrolled the boys in Milo® Champions Clinic (MCC) a week before the school holiday started on 11 September. Option of futsal and badminton was given; the boys chosen the latter sport. 

The kit arrived a day before school holiday, which consisted of 1 Milo training jersey, 1 badminton racquet with bag, 6 cones, and 6 synthetic shuttlecocks for each participant.

It is a 5 weeks of at-home training, where each week, the children will learn basic skills at home by watching a video clip, submitting homeworks to coach, then followed by a weekly online coaching session with an experienced coach, where the progress will be monitored to ensure that they learn the right techniques. So, from 11 September, my boys have been watching the Week 1 training clip, and learnt the techniques at home accordingly.  

Both are enthusiastic to learn, as one is a novice  and  of playful nature while another has exposed to the sport back in school previously. With the current pandemic, it is hard to get the children to sweat and get active while cooping at home, but thanks to Milo® Champions Clinic, there is a new way for children (age 7 to 12 years old) to learn and pick up sports, safely at home during this difficult time. 

Yesterday, the boys had their first live e-coaching session with their coach via video conferencing. It took around 15 minutes, where 3 participants interacted with their coach. Over 200 participants this round, where they are divided into groups of 3. Each group is assigned to one coach and a specified time for e-coaching every Saturday. 

I like the fact that the e-coaching is more personal, as not many participants so the coach could guide each participant well via video conferencing. The boys had chance to show the coach what they had learnt; and correct tips and points from coach were given. 

Over this 5-weeks of home training and e-coaching session with Coach Tan Shau Heng, I hope my boys not only have a fun time but at the same time, learn new useful, practical techniques through this programme.

Thanks to Milo® Champions Clinic, this school holiday isn't totally spent and wasted on TV and online games, but getting my young, growing boys to stay active and nurturing their passion for sport. At the same time, this mummy also get to practise along too!!! Years have passed since I picked up a badminton racket!! 😊 The boys' eldest sister also joined in the fun, playing with them! A nice bonding time for family, away from TVs, phones and gadgets.

If any parents are interested to learn more or want to sign up their children for the next session, please log onto Milo website.

Fun learning with Little Hippo books

I have been busy at home since Jamie stays at home. He doesn't go to school for over a week now. He was infected with chicken pox. 

So, what does he do at home? Others than disturbing me, playing my phone and watching tv, I am glad that he manages to read some books. Last week, he received these awesome Little Hippo books from Big Bad Wolf.

Known as "magic books" that "comes to life", BBW is Asia's exclusive seller of Little Hippo Augmented Reality Books! 

Suitable for 1 to 5 years old, the books were attractive and well illustrated. Make a lovely present for young children, don't you agree? 

All I need to do is download the free Hippo Magic App in my smart phone. And my tech savvy boy will point the phone to the book cover to download the "magic". 

His favourite book has always been The Three Little Pigs, so it is natural for him to choose that as his first book to read and play with.

He just point the phone to the Hippo Magic symbol (above), and the characters come alive and talk to him! He could touch the characters, colour, find hidden objects and even play musical instruments!!

Any kids would be excited to read and play with their favourite characters. I know my boy does. I have never seen him so keen to read books. At least the books keep him busy for quite some time while I could have some me-time and do my house chore.

If you are curious on how the magic books work, here is a short video for your reference.  

Collect all 13 titles, each sold at RM15. Now available in BBW Kuching book sale in Mydin Petra Jaya till 5th May 2019.

*** The books were provided to facilitate in my review, courtesy of Big Bad Wolf. I am merely expressing my feedbacks. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.***

Dear me,

Dear me,

Today is a special day in celebrating and remembering the love and sacrifice of mums (including me) around the world.

Life as a mum may be typical to some but nothing easy in bringing up children and at the same time balancing the household and works. It is a hard journey emotionally and physically.  And almost impossible some day.

But reality is everyday's thing. No daydreaming or a snap of fingers to escape from everything.

Let's have a look at my typical day.

545am  I wake up and get ready breakfast and kid's snack boxes

6am  My girl comes down for her breakfast after her bath and waking his brother up

610am  I takes my bath

630am  Hanging out the laundry to dry

640am  Bring the kids to school

700am  I wake the youngest up and give him some milk before having him to brush his teeth and wash his hands and face

715am  Prepare light breakfast for the boy and we eat together

745am  Send him to kindergarten

805am  Start working at my dad's shop. Whenever possible, I will blog-hopping and leave comments in blogs

1130am Buy lunch

1230pm Drive to school, drop lunch for the girl and wait for the boy to finish his class at 1pm

100pm Lunch with the boy. When he has tuition in afternoon, I would be busy chasing him to be faster and ready his books and homework for tuition

220pm Send the boy to tuition

330pm Pick up the girl from school

400pm Cook dinner then takes my bath before going out

445pm Pick the younger boy then the brother home

530pm Dinner

On some day, I would be driving out again to send the kids to their evening tuition classes. Otherwise I would chilling out in front of tv, provided no one fight for it.

700pm Catch up on my Chinese drama

800pm Preparing posts for my blog and visiting friends' blogs

900pm Getting the kids ready for beds and tossing the dirty laundry into the washing machine

930pm Sleep and dream of the same routine the next day!

So to dear me, thank you for the sacrifice, undivided love and time. Motherhood is nothing but joy.  The joy of family and loved ones around me. Let's celebrate that not only today but everyday. At least I think I deserve it. :)

About them

I have not been posting much about my children's update for quite sometime. 

Life with the three is never short of excitement, joy, headaches and pains but at the same time, it is a journey of discovery and bittersweet for me. Every day is a new chapter for me and them.

The eldest has been busy with schools. UPSR is 6 months away. But her 12th birthday is next month. Asked her if she would like a birthday party, she said no. She is not into those big parties or don't want so much trouble for her special day. So maybe a little celebration at home or her favourite meal for her special day.

She loves music and still an avid reader. She likes to stay most of her time in her room, her private place where she is very protective of. I respect her privacy but sometime I do miss chatting to her. Her brothers aren't allowed into her room unless she invites them to.

The second child is a headache as he is getting rebellious at his age (8+). Smart but lazy, he has trouble in school. Average learner. So I spend more time with him, understand him and learn together with him.

However he loves to keep stuff. A young collector, I called him. He is learning to keep his room and stuff clean and tidy. Better in keeping his room cleaner compared to his sister. ;)

The youngest has finally adjust to his full day in kindergarten. No more wailing and excuses whenever I drop him off at the kindergarten compound. He enjoys his time with his friends. Academic-wise, he is learning but need a bit of pushing.

He can write his English name now. Also able to write few Chinese, English and BM words. He still enjoys doodling on papers. I let him doodle, write and draw as it is a way to express himself and encourage him to learn. More talkative and some day I couldn't get him to stop talking for a second!

Life as kid is no longer that fun as 5 years old needs to learn spelling. Not fond of it as I think kids as young as he is, should be enjoying their childhood and learn in a fun way. Education indeed not the same nowadays, unlike my time.

Ok, that's from me for now.

Holiday with them

Life has been awesome at the moment, hanging out with my kids during this school holiday. But alas, school is just a week away and then everyone would be back to school life!

We had a relaxing Christmas weekend over here. On the eve, we went to church and then we spent the rest of the day in Vivacity Mall for shopping, lunch, movie and dinner. On the Christmas Day, we went to morning mass, had Christmas lunch in Mamak shop. For dinner, I cooked (no turkey though), just my comforting lamb stew on our dining table.

We basically hang out at home catching up on some DVD. I Know, sounds boring but that what we did. And I like hanging out at home. Chilling out with my family is more fun and meaningful than doing other stuff. ^^

During this holiday, I got my kids to help me around. Weeding, cleaning up their toys boxes and rooms. We also went out on a short drive to the stores some day but other than their extra classes and tuition, we mostly stay indoor.

Few nights, we all bunked into my room and pretend a sleepover by having pillow fight, story-telling and making shadows in the dark. Reliving the time when me and siblings used to sleep together and had all those night fun together.

Of course they did made a mess with the stuff around the house and I got to get crazy over it but I like it. I guess that is what a mummy is all about. Going crazy and hair pulling but at the same time, enjoying the every seconds with them.

Life with 11, 8 and 4yo just get exciting and noisier every day!

How it goes

Exam is done and dusted. Kids are enjoying the rest of the remaining school days before the year end holiday begins.

Kids bring and play games (like Snake&Ladder, chess, aeroplane board games) in classes, join some friendly competition and play monkeys around teachers.

For some reasons, I have made some adjustments when it comes to my kids' enrichment classes and tuition schedule.

Last month, Jay had his last piano lesson. He has learned for over 2 years but somehow he does not show much interest in learning so after talking to his piano teacher, we decided to stop his lesson. I bet he was very relieved not to play on the piano anymore. Theoritically, he can master the notes but he does not show enthuasiasm in practising on the piano. Hopefully he will pick up again some day since there is a piano at home and the sister can encourage him to play anytime.

Last month, Jan also joined in a pra-UPSR BM tuition on Tuesday evening. She is average in her BM; scoring 60 and 72 marks for both papers. I wanted her to expand her knowledge and learn more from tuition in preparation for her next year's UPSR exam.

As expected, Jay did not do that well in Chinese and BM subject. Quite worrying as he could not catch up with both languages well.  I found him a home-based tuition teacher who can do a BM 1-to-1 session with him. He just started this month. As for Chinese, I need to speak to his current Chinese tutor on improvement or maybe find him a 1-to-1 tutor that willing to help him.

Their arts class is going to end this month as to give way to their school activities and tuition next year.  We will see how things go in 2018.

Ok, all said, I couldn't wait for our family holiday now!! ^^ I bet everyone feels the same. Time to enjoy the year end season.

Not perfect mum

I have to admit that most of the time, I am not a perfect mum to my 3 children. Sometimes I were not there for them.

Maybe because of tiredness or I just want some me-space away from them. Some day I were mean to them; raising my voice and scolding for no apparent reason.  It was my fault.

I am as guilty as charged!  Not been there for them, comfort them, teach them, listen and talk to them as much as I want. But I know that to my children, I am a perfect mum. They know my flaws, accept me for who I am and love me unconditionally. Because I am their mum no matter what.  I love them too.

Today is Mother's Day.  The day where it is not much any different from other normal days.  I still care, cook and do stuff for them.  But then again, the feeling of joy is doubled inside of me when I wake up on Mother's Day and my kids come over to wish me "Happy Mother's Day!" and give me kisses on the cheek. To me, that is the best present I ever wanted! I love them with my whole heart.

Happy Mother's Day to all awesome moms out there.  You are the best, and perfect in your children' hearts.

2016 school is done!

It's official! School is out!

School holiday has already begun and it feels surreal to me. It is like yesterday when they started schooling.

Both Jan and Jay are doing fine in school. Jan has a little hiccup early of the year as the new syllabus implemented and some tough transition from P3 to P4.  However, am glad that she is adjusting well to the new syllabus and doing fine academically.

She was in the top 3 throughout the year.  The previous 3 exams she was in 2nd place, but this time round, she dropped to number 5.  However the overall performance for the year, she is in 3rd place and on Wednesday, she collected her 3rd place trophy in school.

Jan  has works to do in improving her marks in few subjects especially BM. Next year she will be attending afternoon tuition which is compulsory in her school in preparation for UPSR the following year.

Chinese - 70 (Paper 1) + 80 (Paper 2)

BM - 70 (Paper 1) + 40 (Paper 2)

English - 98 (Paper 1) + 88 (Paper 2)

History - 72

PM - 99

Maths - 89

Science - 71

Pendidikan Kesihatan - 80

The most surprise came from Jay. Initially I were so worry about him adjusting to Chinese school but he proved me wrong. He is adjusting well in P1. Now he is more daring to speak Chinese to us. And his marks in Chinese has improved over the marks since he gone to tuition. BM is his weakest subject in class, but overall he is doing fine in his exam. Still, his handwriting is less desirable and need more improvement.  Teachers have been complaining about his messy handwriting. 

Jay is an average achiever; academic is not much his stronghold. His interest lies on other thing. So far in his school exams, his standing is middle (around 15th and 16th) out of 30 students in his class. 

Chinese - 77

English - 83

BM - 58

Maths - 80

Science - 76

Morale - 74

Pendidikan Kesihatan - 84

For fun, I posted 2 photos of them.  1st day of school and another was taken this Monday, the last week of school. Any difference other than they are growing taller?

Jan 2016

Nov 2016

Soon, my youngest will be following his older siblings' footstep in venturing into kindergarden.  I wonder I would be getting used to going back to an empty and quiet house after dropping Jamie to kindergarden next year?? Well, I might as well enjoy the time I have with him and my other children now. Happy holidays!!

Learn from the trees; values from roots and changes from leaves. Stay grounded and keep on growing.

Lately and breakfast

Hi there!  Can't believe it is already middle of the week and soon October is almost over as well.

Life has been usual; the same routine, busy with kids while last week, I were recovering from my little sickness.  I am all better now, but alas, not much going over here, so nothing much to write and share.

I had a little hiccup with my internet line last week. Keep bouncing in and out and it was frustrating to blog from my laptop. I tried updated from my phone but the little one has finished up my data quota and it is not even month end!! Gosh. Need to wait for more than a week for the new quota renew. Or maybe I should consider better and higher data??

Kids' final exam is coming up in a week time and it means it is stress-time for not my kids but me as well!!  Then again, it means that 2016 school calendar is almost over.  I couldn't believe it!!  One year is almost end on us and it just feels like yesterday when school started.

A long school holiday starting this Friday. For the 1st time, we are having Deepavali school holiday. Friday till the following Wednesday. The school also taking a special holiday on next Wednesday for the All Soul's Day. So kids would be busy revising over the holidays before the final exam is started on 3 November.

This year has been a challenging year for everyone. We experimented with many things but eventually we settled down with our routine and I think so far it has been the best arrangement for everyone.  But I am sure more changes and adjustments next year with tighter schedule.  For now, I don't want to think about it. Let just enjoy the present and worry about it when the time comes.

On Monday, I made this super delicious muesli yogurt breakfast for myself.  Alas, if only my kids enjoy this so I could make for them but they are not so fond of muesli other than taking few nibs here and there.

Simply irresistible with the extra goodness. I used blueberry yogurt with my muesli.

I added layer of muesli and yogurt in my glass and let it chill for a while before dig in.

Having muesli for breakfast is so much fun and tastier now. *wink*

His story before turning 3

It has been a while since I did his update so here it goes. 



Turning 3 in less than 2 months, Jamie looks very mature for his age.  Everyone thought he is more than 3.  Maybe of his thick and dark hair.

This smartpant is very much of a baby some day when he loves to bite his quilt.  As you can see, he has not grown out of habit of biting it!  And his reluctance to let me wash it! Eeeewww!

He must have his quilt, and two soft toys when ever he sleeps and drinks milk. He seldom takes afternoon naps now but sleeps early at night, around 8pm. If he does nap, it would be 2 hours in the afternoon.

Jamie has been trained on potty last year and he is now officially dry during the days and most of the night too. I saved a lot of his diapers.  I still let him wear diaper whenever we go out for convenience but most of the times, I would bring him to the toilet to let him does his small business. Big business is another story, as he prefers to poo standing than sitting on the toilet seat or potty. So, mummy needs to work harder and be patient in training him to poo the right way in the right place.

He is brushing his teeth nowadays as he would not want me to do so.  Correct or not, clean or not, I let him does it himself. But he can rinse his mouth with water pretty well.

As for his temper, he has his moment.  The stubborn moment where it is unbearable but it is a phase and as a parent, I have to teach him how to behave.  Not everything is his own way.  He cannot get what he wants all the time. 

As he is going to kindergarden next year, I am preparing him for it.  Well, he knows what school is as he follows me sending and picking his older siblings. Some day he is an eager beaver, bringing his bag along.  Follow what his older siblings do.

And to make him at ease around other children, I bringing him to Sunday school every Sunday.  Let him mingle and get used with children of his age. So far, it is good and he is not afraid of sitting and playing with other children.

But when it comes to writing, he still likes to doodle than proper writing.  His vocabulary is now 6 and more words per sentence. He could be very babbly and we are having hard time to keep him quiet at home. However he hardly talk to stranger or someone he is not familiar with.

His birthday is coming soon.  No plan to hold a big celebration for him.  Like previous years, it would be a simple and family celebration at home for him.  Wait till he is bigger and we will do a party for him.

About them

It has been a busy week.

Firstly Jan went to her Grade 2 piano exam on Wednesday. I was as nervous as she was but it was done and behind us now. 

Few months ago, I did mentioned on Jan and her BO problem but luckily her BO has cured. The remedy?  Lots of lemons and limes!! She used slices of lemons and limes to rub on her armpits during shower and after few weeks of using them, her BO has gone.  Now she does not use any deodorants or anything and I do not smell anything unpleasant when pick her up from school anymore.

And this year, she learns about menstrual, pre-teen, body changes etc in Pendidikan Jasmani in school. So she was curious and asking me this and that.  And she also tends to be more aware of her body.  Oh dear, my girl.  I remember the first time I had my menstrual and how unprepared I was that time. Mum never talk and prepare for it!

Time has changed, and kids learn all those stuff in school at earlier age.  I think it is good thing as kids nowadays tend to mature earlier.  Must be the food or milk that they consume.

Jay is turning 7 in 4 months time.  He loses 2 teeth in the lower jaw so far. School-wise, he did fine in his previous exam.  Mostly scored 60+ (Grade B) while Maths being highest at 94 marks and English being second (82 marks).  We were surprised that his Chinese scored at 70 marks.  Well, I guess all those extra effort at home and tuition work.

But being a boy, he could be playful and careless sometime.  So once a while, I need to push him further.  When it is play, let him plays.  When it is study, let him studies.

The other night while we were in bed, Jay suddenly came to me and said,"I lost my brother." Oooppps. What makes him said that? Curiously I went out from the room and here was a funny sight that I could not resist not to snap a photo or two.

My Jamie! Taking and putting on the girly stuff (again!). He has the habit of digging through his sister's room and plays with what ever he fancies. Finder's keeper, sometime. Really a big headache. I will keep this photo and show him when he is bigger! *wink*

Jamie's vocabulary has also improved lately.  Getting very babbling now.  And busybody too.  Sometime while I were busy with something, he would come over and ask,"Mum, you need help?" or when I hurt myself, he would say, "Mummy, are you okay?" That boy, he could be so adorable.

Maybe being the youngest and surrounded by sister and brother, he learns fast and talks faster. He speaks mostly English but we are conversing both Chinese and English with him so he could be bi-lingual.  We think this is better for him when he goes to school.

No kidding

Kids! They are precious to me. They are incredible human beings. They make me who I am today. A mummy!

But some days my kids can make me so furiously mad at them. No kidding. But why they made me scream and shout at them??

....don't leave your toys on the floor...

....keep all your toys away......

....why have you not finish up your homework...

....don't eat cookies before your dinner....

.....don't be lazy, wash your own dishes....

Yes, the same speech bubbles every day. Each day, I would go through bickering, disagreement, rules setting, discipline, voice raising and tantrums with my 3 kids.

And what hurts more?? When they back talk me. Like my almost 10-years old girl. She is too smart for her own good. Maybe her teenage attitude starts to show out earlier, she back talks, rolls her eyes and pretends she doesn't hear me but some day she could be emotional, sensible and loving to me.

Sometimes I wish I could take a break. Or maybe disappear and have a breather, even it is only for few seconds.

But after all this when I am back to my clear mind, nothing really matters to me but my kids. 

Sometimes at the end of the day while I am resting my poor tired body in the bed, my girl will pop in and ask "Are you okay, mummy?" She even offerred me a back massage although it was not much of a massage but it does sound good. Hmm. Who am I kidding with? 

I am happy and contented. My kids bring out the monster in me but at the end of the day??? I feel incredible again. 

My kids. They make my life whole!

Interesting at home

Busy as ever. It is busy, but it is a blessing that I am happy to receive!

Jay was suddenly down with fever last night and woke up middle of the night vomitting on his bed. This morning I brought him to see doctor and thankfully it was nothing serious. Doctor diagnosed him with wind in his stomach and maybe the cause of everything. So he "ponteng sekolah" (skip school)

 today.

Over the weekend I bought these 2 new herbs home. Purple basil and celery leaf. My old basil plants are old and do not grow well lately. The baby basils also do not strive well but surviving. So I thought I bought new herbs to try out. Actually to motivate me. *wink*

Trying to keep the house in order but the little monster (spells "J-A-M-I-E) makes my work harder. He loves leaving his toys everywhere.

As my initial plan was to put my little monster in kindergarden but that would be on hold this year. Both grandparents and dad thought he was too young to go to one. So I am trying to make his time at home more interesting by home-schooling him. 

Wish me luck!! 

Btw, he can recognise some of the alphabets and show more interest in learning lately. That is something there. *wink wink*

Back to one

Early this year, hubby received a notification on his transfer to Sri Aman beginning March. So this morning after a breakfast with him, hubby has to drive more than 2-hours on the wet road under heavy rain to the remote town.

It is neither near nor far, but again, he will have to be away from the family due to work whether he likes it or not. And again, just a month shy of a year, I am back to one. A solo parent, taking care of the "fort" and my 3 kids.

Been there, done that. I guess it would not be any difference or harder than last year. Of course, the kids and I will miss hubby around the house but at least we got to see him on weekends if he can make it.

Just wonder how long he would be stationed in the new branch this time?? Anyhow, wish him all the best, take care of himself well there.

No more

We have survived four weeks of school. Everyone is getting used to sleeping and waking up early by now and I am glad for some quieter moment in the mornings.

Since schools have started, both Jan and Jay have their sleep around 9pm on weekdays.  I'm rather strict about their bedtimes. No more staying late watching tv or playing.  They need to be up by 6am to take their breakfast, bath and ready for school which starts at 7am.  Luckily the school is just a minute drive from our place.

Jamie on the other hand, has been sleeping very late and some nights, he would wake up once or twice; whining and reluctant to sleep again. This has beenb going since early this year. Some more, he has a peculiar request; he wants to sleep with lights on!

In the middle of the night, he would wake up and request for the lights to be turned on!  So for a month now, we have been sleeping with lights on when he wants to sleep or wake up at night. Sometimes I would switch it off when he dozes off while some nights, I would dozed off before he did, leaving the lights on. 

So, with the nightly interruption from the little one, I felt pretty tired during the day last month because of not enough sleep and need to get up early before the kids do. No more afternoon naps for me most of the time since I would be busy with their afternoon tuitions and activities.

Call it that stage or anything, Jamie who is 2 years and 4 months old is getting very stubborn and strong-headed. He never listens to our reasoning when we say "no". Just hope this behaviour will go away or change when he starts his kindergarden classes.

Luckily for me that I do not cook lunches.  I cook breakfast and dinner on weekdays and dinner on weekends. For lunches on weekday, I would go out and buy for me and kids. So in the morning, I could get some rests (if Jamie leaves me alone!) or do some housechores.   

On one Friday, I came to this coffee shop.  It was around 11am and the school was going to end by 1130am.  So I looked for some quick meal and decided to give this chicken rice stall a try.  My kids tasted its steamed chicken rice once.  I think it was fine, nothing spectacular or something to shout about.

Somehow the food pictures in front of the stall attracted me that day.  I actually told myself that I would not want to try the food from this stall but at the back of my mind, I decided to give it a second try.  Turned out that I should have stick to my initial decision! 

I ordered a nasi ayam penyet for myself while the kids had its nasi ayam goreng.   Thought it would be fast, but Jamie and I have to wait around 5 minutes to get our order done.  The middle -aged uncle and aunt were taking their time preparing our food.  But I guess it was alright since they looked friendly and earning their hard living from selling food at coffee shop.

My nasi ayam penyet (RM8.00) was not that impressive.  The chicken was soft and not too dry but lack of spices and seasonings.  The sambal was not spicy at all.   They gave few slices of cucumbers and cabbages underneath the chicken thigh.

They served this yellow-coloured rice.  Maybe they used turmeric for the colouring and fragrance?? The rice was soft though.  I actually enjoyed the rice more than the chicken and sambal!

The kids' nasi ayam goreng did not looked that good but at least both kids ate their meal. 

No more buying from this stall.  It is not that the food was that bad but somehow I do not feel it is value for money.  I could get a better food at such price from other place.  All well, at least I tried it out and know now.

A little responsiblity

Another milestone for my 9 years and 7 months old girl when we gave her a mobile phone last month. She has been requesting for one for quite sometime but we only gave her my old Samsung Galaxy S3 few weeks ago.

There is always one question in every parents on whether should they give mobile phone to their children and if do, at what age. For me, a mobile phone is a big responsibility for a young child; it is not a privilege or novelty. Having a mobile phone comes with big responsibity and trust between parents and children.

Initially I agreed for Jan to have her own mobile phone when she is entering secondary school or even better, when she goes to college. And I myself only owned a phone when I were studying in college in West Malaysia!! Old age to own a phone, I know. Lol

However somehow few weeks ago when she went to a school holiday camp organised by a church, hubby and I started to talk about it and finally agreed on giving her one. Only to be used to call me when to pick her after the camp.

With 2 of her classmates in the camp

When she was in Kapit, I whatsapp with her almost every day to check on how she and Jay were doing. Other than whatsapp, calling and photo-taking, she is not allowed to do anything with the phone. No games or internet definitely. We would not want her to be too besotted with the gadget.

It is using a Pre-paid plan so we could control on her usage.   We agreed that she would not be allowed to use it on normal day other than afternoon classes and tuitions. After all schools would not allow students to bring mobile phones.

If you ask me, there is no right age but control and supervision are necessary. Talk to your child on do's and don's. I just hope I did the right thing to my girl and she would cherish this responsibilty well.

Schools ended with a proud mom

Finally the school calendar for 2015 has ended and I couldn't be any happier and a proud mom.  Please bear with me as I go on talking about my kids. *wink wink*

It has been a good school year for Jan and Jay as both adjusting well in their respective schools. They met new friends, new teachers and both have learnt and developed new skills this year.

With his trademark sign and smile!

Jay had his graduation concert last Saturday afternoon in his kindergarden and I am happy to note that he has grown more confident and catching up in his learning from his teachers.

Jay's assessment tests

When he began school early this year, the teachers had problem with him as he is a slow learner but glad that the teachers took extra time to guide him after school.  I also found a good tuition centre and since then, he has improved well.  Hope he will do better and adapt well when going to primary school next year.

Jan is truly an amazing girl, and I am proud of how she is doing in school.  This term exam however, her result dropped in one subject but overall she did well. Too much fun and relax this time round, maybe. Lol.

Jan's Primary 3 report card

Teacher commented Jan is a good student; hard-working and smart. She is also very active; volunteered in few competitions in school this year and sometime she could be disheartened for not winning something but I have to remind her that it is the participation and interest that matter. Winning is not everything, I told her.  Now she just join any contests and activities for the fun and challenges!  She has at least got a trophy or certificate every year, which is a good achievement to me. :)

Consolation trophy in Maths competition

And Jan ends the year with a 3rd placing in overall Primary 3 academic achievement in her school. Well done, Jan!

With her bronze trophy

And by the way, I noticed that Jan started to have that underarm odor few weeks ago. At 9 1/2 years old, she has that stinky smell whenever I pick her up from school! She did not realised it till I could not stand it one day and get her a natural roll-on to be used in the morning. Gosh, I guess that it is  a sign of her growing up.

I am truly blessed to have wonderful kids.  Each one is different, they are special to me.

And thank you, guys for reading my post!  Hahaha!  Have a great weekend, everyone!