Khaleeq's First PTM for 2010

PTM(Parents- Teachers Meeting) for Beaconhouse Bangsar is here again!!!! Waiting in line had the butterflies in my tummy run amok! It's always the case when it's time to have a face-to-face discussion with Khaleeq's teachers. hihihihihihihi (Read about the last PTM we had here.

First up was Cikgu Kamariah - the Bahasa Melayu teacher. She was really happy with Khaleeq's progress, citing that he has the right attitude towards learning and he concentrated better in class. His writing has improved so much so that she does not need to shadow them anymore. (i.e. Cikgu writes in the exercise book in a coloured pencil and Khaleeq writes over them with his pencil) Of course it could be very much better and neater and nicer. So, that takes a little more practice. She even related that Khaleeq knows some of the Jawi alphabets - I guess the Iqra' classes we have on the sides are really paying off. It also helps that the Iqra' method is similar to the Bacaan for Bahasa. But we still need to work more and practice more; both in reading AND writing. Hopefully, the mingling that he does at the mengaji classes would also help with his Bahasa. If he needs it, probably, I would have to consider sending him for Bahasa tuition come June. Just to make sure he is ready for Primary school. In any case, Yeay! I am happy!! Sangat happy! Phew! Lega satu perkara!

Next was his class teacher, Teacher Amy. Let it be known that Teacher Amy was Khadra's class teacher last year. So, she could really compare the two. Also, Teacher Amy ni is the strict type - disciplined, no nonsense kind of person. On the other hand, we have Khaleeq. Tulis pun tak berapa nak betul lagi, baca pun merangkak-rangkak. So, you'd understand my anxiety, lah. hihihihi

It turned out that she was REALLY happy with his progress too. She kept on saying that we should not compare between the two kids, each child develops differently. Khaleeq is more expressive, a charmer and he wears his heart on his sleeve. He'd go to a person and ask for a hug. He's that type. Whenever he is called up to the teacher to read, he would be standing close to her. Slowly, without even realizing it, he ended up reading while sitting on Teacher Amy's lap. hihihihihihihi.. Loving, gitu..

In a nutshell, she was happy with Khaleeq's attitude and approach for work. He had grown so much from last year. She related a story to me. One day, in Irises 2 class.
Khaleeq: "Excuse me, teacher"
Teacher Amy: "Yes, Khaleeq"
Khaleeq: "Do we have homework today?"
Teacher Amy: "No Khaleeq. No homework today. But thank you for asking"
hihihihihi. So sweetlah anak aku, mintak homework, please..

She said that his work has improved tremendously. He could write without shadows. Can copy from the board, can colour his pictures, but he takes his time a little. So sometimes he does not finish his work in class. Which is OK. With practice, he would be able to write and colour faster. She acknowledged the work we have done with him over the holidays and even now at home. She said for Khaleeq to improve more, we need to work together. Spend time with him at home and she will help when he's in school. (Note that , Ibu)

And the sweetest of all, get this: She volunteered to have a one-on-one session with him 2 times a week to let him catch up with the rest of the class. She said it would be a challenge for her, but she would love to help Khaleeq improve. She said he has the right attitude and that's why she's ever willing to help. Awwwwww!! So sweetlah teacher Amy. I really really heart her! Insya allah Khaleeq akan berjaya!

Yatta!!!

-dillz blogging out-

PTM is here again

It's PTM time at Beaconhouse Bangsar again! :) For the uninitiated, PTM stands for Parent Teacher Meeting. Butterflies have been fluttering in mommy's tummy since last night. Takuttttt nak jumpa cikgu.

First up was Khadra. I have to say the meeting was pretty smooth sailing. To put it in a nutshell, Teacher Amy thought that she was ready to transition into the big school. Primary One, next year, in SK Bukit Damansara. She was so sweet to say that Khadra is one of her "creme" in the class. Her Head of School's remarks were also very encouraging:

Khadra is an all rounder students with lots of potential in her academics. With this attitude and personality, she will be able to excel in her primary years and beyond. Keep up the fantastic work.

Sangat uplifting dan sangat bangga menjadi mommy Khadra. :) Good job, girl. I hope you'd keep this up all the way through your studies.

This year is Khadra's graduating year. So, after the one-on-one interview, we were given the graduation certificate and picture. She looks so matured and pretty n this picture. Note the purple band on her right wrist. That's her signature for these past few months. Sometimes one hairband, sometimes multiple. Apa punya pesen dok pakai getah kat tangan ni pun, I tak tau.. Hopefully, this would be the first of many many more! (graduations, not hair bands on the wrist!)

Next on the agenda: Khaleeq. The major cause of those darn butterflies, I would say. Takut okay nak jumpa Teacher Rita. hihihihihi..
All in all, Teacher Rita assured us that Khaleeq has no problems what-so-ever in the social / interaction / participation / gym / music / art side. He's excellent in those department.s :) On the academic side - the writing, the reading, the Maths ; still can be improved. hihihihihi..

So, we are thinking of spending a little more time with him during the school holidays, brushing up on his reading and writing especially. Teacher Helena, the Head of School, was gracious enough to let us borrow the Gin Reading System for Levels 2 through 4. (banyak woo.. every level ada 6 books) We'll see how he does in that. All this while Khaleeq has only read 2 books with Level 2 difficulty. A tough challenge for him, but we'll be supporting him in that! (sambil bercuti, sambil baca buku lah nampaknya..) Actually, he did the two books very well. His classmate, Adam told his mom (who happens to be my friend, Elly) that Khaleeq is the best reader in his class. So, sweet lah Adam.. :) hihihihihi I think the real issue here is that we are setting too low an expectation out of him. We need to raise the bar a little and let's see him swim!

In terms of writing, what else can be done? It just takes a whole lot of practice, practice, practice. I know he has improved tremendously. Earlier this year, he was even writing his alphabets all funky. At least sekarang, when he wants to, he could write beautifully. :) But it takes him sooooooooo long to finish them. Azrul is thinking of enrolling him into something more physical (like tennis or football) for the discipline, obedience and focus. Maybe it's a good idea. In the mean time, I just have to MAKE more one-on-one time with him for school stuff. We'll see how this evolveslah, ok?

So, all in all it was two great meets. It's good to see that the pre-school system allows us time for quality feedback session. I mean, it has to be two-ways, of course. Otherwise how would you know whether your children are on the right track or not. I mean , your children would have different needs. What would work on one may not necessarily work on the other. So, it's a constant learning preocess for the parents too... So, yeah, we have an action plan for the holidays already. Wish us luck. (Nanti ni, mak dia yang malas. hihihihi) Insya Allah, all will turn out OK. :)

-dillz blogging out-

Beaconhouse's Got Talent Live! 2009

The main thing the elder two were practicing for has finally arrived. We loaded the car bright and early and headed for Dewan MBSA in Shah Alam. Khadra and Khaleeq were having their annual concert. On top of that, Khadra was also part of the graduating class from Beaconhouse Bangsar. The morning session was a combination event for 4 schools; Subang Jaya, Jalan Gasing, Klang and of course, Bangsar. The afternoon session would be for Seri Petaling and Puchong. Personally, I thought there were too many kids there and could not understand for the life of me why Klang was not put in the afternoon session since their show was completely separate from the three other schools anyways. Just seems like a load balancing act gone awry. Aaaannnyways...

We dropped the two off with their teachers and off we went to catch a good seat. As the family (each child was allocated 4 guests only) of a graduate, we were given preferential treatment and got to seat somewhere nearer to the front. Apparently, we were NOT kiasu enough. By the time we got there, there were only separate seats available at the front. hihihihihi.. Kalah dalam pertandingan kiasu di situ..

The graduation ceremony was first. So, Khadra walked proudly to get her scroll. :)

As I remembered it, Khadra was in a few things - there was the Choral Speaking. It was about 1 Malaysia makan-makan and I have to say that they did pretty darn well. Just rasa a little tak puas coz it ended way too quickly. So semangatlah they all and the actions were pretty good too.. :) Here's a little snippet of it.

Other than that, she was also in the recorder performance. Then, there was the Swinging Bone dance which was really really good. Too bad there were too many people on the stage and we could barely make out her head in the crowd. Again, I am blaming the load balancing exercise! Wish they would have a chance to showcase it again some other time - you know, all that hard work.. So kesian (It is times like this that I miss the personalized attention at Early Years Playgroup. *sigh*)

Then, it was finally Khaleeq's turn - he was knocking on some instrument in the Kabemama performance. So funny, lah. His headband was falling off from his head , but he just tak kisah only!

And guess what? Khadra was the one at the side singing out load on the microphone. Eh, budak ni lagi.. hihihihihi

Later, we took more pictures. Lovely Ameema and Pez came bearing flowers for the two graduates; Khadra and Teyta. Even their BFF, Harissa got a small bouquet too. Thank you, Ameema, we love you lots. We got shooed off the Hall coz they had to prepare for the afternoon session.

The celebration then continued on 'coz Khaleeda turned TWO on the same day. :) More, in my next post, 'aight?

-dillz blogging out-

The Kids' 2009 Halloween

Yes I am lagging. That's what you get when you have a thousand and one thing to do and never enough time to do it. Since I am in my "mari" mode anyways, thought I'd post this basi story anyways.. :)

Remember all that preparation and mock rehearsal on the Halloween costumes sometime back? Well, turned out that it did not go to waste as the kids' school decided to have a Halloween Assembly one Friday. Yeay!! I decided to buy Khaleeq another skeleton outfit from Kampung Club - so no discounts there. hihihihi.. Anyways, they were up in the early morning to put on their costume, with their accessories in tow. Yup, Khadra actually brought her broom to school. (Kami keluarga poyo, thank you)

Comel tak that Micheal Jackson in Khaleeq's class? Apparently he had another mask of Osama Ben Laden too but decided to come as the late MJ anyways. Big head on a small body- too cute, right?

The shots at their assembly. The kids were so sporting in allsorts of costumes. There were pirates and witches and Autobots and princesses. Made me kinda wish I was as little as these lucky lot! :)

The next day was the Halloween costume competition at Bangsar Village. The two elder kids wore what they wore on Friday (haha - Recycle baju. More value for money, maa) and Khaleeda get to parade her outfit also. She absolutely refused the pumpkin outfit! So, she came as a Princess Bee instead. I had time to run up to Toys 'R us to add the antennea and butterfly wings. Bee + Butterfly = Nasiblah, insects jugak,kan. hihihihihihi But, she absolutely loved it. (Budak ni tau lak baju lawa dengan baju tak lawa.... ish ish ish) Their cousins were there too: Naqib as the Grim Reaper, Teyta as Jazzy Witch and Neyna as the Vampire Princess.

After the competition (in which neither of us won the top three placing), there were 'Trick or Treat'-ing around the shopping complex. Any shops that displayed a large candy by their entrance participated in the event. So, naturally, our kids were running around the complex 'Trick or Treat'-ing and the bounty were quite interesting too. We got loads of miniature Mars, Snickers, Milky Ways, obscene amount of candies and some vouchers too. Oh, Khaleeq opted out of the running around the complex agenda and had a haircut instead.

I say that the investment on the costumes was Berbaloi. In fact, Berbaloi-baloi. ;)

-dillz blogging out-

Ramadhan Challenges For Khadra and Khaleeq

Like many other kids in Malaysia, school started on Tuesday for Khadra and Khaleeq. In these past few days , they were faced with new challenges in order to keep their fast.

Challenge 1: Tak Bangun Sahur

First day of school and we all tak bangun sahur. :(

Khadra was the first to complain.
K1: "We didn't wake up, so we don't have to fast, right? "
Mom: "Yes, you do, Khadra. Just try your best. You didn't wake up on your first day of fasting, either. Remember? "
K1:"Oh ya. I forgot"

Khaleeq asked for a glass of water. I just replied that he couldn't have it coz he's fasting. He just said, "I'm fasting? Oh. Okay.."

Initially thought of just skipping school altogether, (they are only pre-school children, you know) but went ahead anyways.

Anyhoots, I thought it was the most difficult challenge for them coz I was also feeling the thirst and hunger by mid-day. When they returned home from school, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they had both kept their fast. But, the worst is yet to come. I just advised them to sleep it off and play their DS Lite to distract the feeling..

By evening, Khaleeq was barely talking. He just kept quiet and played on his DS Lite. Once in a while he would complain of his tummy hurting. No cries what-so-ever. Just a statement of fact. Parmi helped rub on some minyak telon and he immediately went to the gentlemen to relieve himself. Must be the angin already. It does not help that Khaleeda was munching on pappadom and keropok - Khaleeq's favourites! Aaah!!! I just cuddled him until it was time to berbuka. Khadra was holding up pretty well. Not even one complaint from the Missy. Cayalah, kakak!

As soon as the azan was heard, he gulped down a mug of Ribena and a few minutes later he vomitted it all out. Lepas tu, baru dia ada selera nak makan and minum. It must have been pretty hard on him with the angin and all. (I remember having the same kedegilan to stick it out when I was little too. Must have gotten it from me, huh? Perasan) I am soooo proud of my boy for holding on to his fast! Good on you, Khaleeq boy!

Challenge 2: Tak Boleh Bangun Lepas Sahur

Sebelum ni, makan lah pukul 5:30am pun, lepas tu budak-budak boleh tidur sampai tengah hari. Now that school has started, it is a real bitch to wake them up to prepare for school. All mata layu and sleep-walking. They get cranky too. So kesian. So, we decided to revamp our schedule a little to rectify this.

Ideally, sahur should start at 3:30am so that the kids get to be in bed by 4:30am. That gives them a full cycle of 3 hours sleep before it's time for school. Backtracking, that also means that they need to be asleep by 9:30pm to give them two cycles of sleep before it's time for Sahur. That would be ideal. We'll try to fit as best as we could.

This morning pun, we finished our Sahur at 4:30am, so the kids were in their bed 5:00am. Running a little late on the schedule , but still OK. Not so much crankiness, but there were some, still. Today, we need to try harder. :)

Challenge 3: Kawan-Kawan Makan Masa Break

Break time in school (ala-ala recess, lah) , the kids get to eat and drink in class. Imagine your classmates eating and drinking in front of you; and you can't. Must be hard, eh?

So, I have requested that their teachers send them down to the office during break time so that they won't get distracted on their fasting. Sure terliur tengok orang makan depan you kaw-kaw, punya.. From the report that I got from Khadra, Khaleeq did not come down to the office during break. But he is still fasting. Kuat iman rupanya anak jantan saya ni. :)

Status so far?

On this 12th day of Ramadhan, Khaleeq has only missed a day of fasting. (Hari pertama tu, when he got goda-ed by the fried chicken for lunch) And lil Miss Khadra is still holding the full records! Bravo kids. I hope you'll both get to keep it up till the end of Ramadhan. :)

-dillz blogging out-

To Hi5 or Not to Hi5

Have you heard of Hi5, the 5 team sensation who dances and sings while wearing quirky and fun costumes? They have their own tv show airing on Nick Jr. and happens to be Khaleeda's favourite. She loves them so much that when you count, 1,2,3,4 ; she'd continue with Hi5! She even memorizes some of their steps, I kid you not.

So, imagine our surprise when I found out that:

Picture from :here

AND to top the icing to the cake:

Complimentary tickets for each student in Beaconhouse Bangsar to watch Hi5 Surprise! show LIVE in Genting Highlands. No brainer, right? We should just get in the car and climb straight up to the hilltop.

Aah.. Do not jump your horses too soon , my friend for herein lies the challenge:

• The show is for TODAY, 31st August 2009, at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands ; and get this - showtime is at 4pm
  

What's the big deal?

1. Khadra and Khaleeq and me are fasting AND the show is at 4pm- hence, timing untuk berbuka puasa sangatlah sucks!
   
2. Logistics up and down the hill - imagine having to drive up AND down the hill PLUS today is the end of a long weekend. Just let your imaginations run wild with the potential traffic jam from the masses coming back from their kampungs. And we are talking about Karak highway here..
   

Khadra and Khaleeda really really wants to go. *Really* Khaleeq is non-chalant about it, he said it was for Babies and Girls.. So, he's quite okay with staying home (and finishing up his homework with dad) Have been going back and forth with this since the past 3 days. Kejap nak pergi, kejap tak nak pergi.. Kejap nak pergi, kejap tak nak pergi..

Decisions need to be firmed up and ASAP. I so wanna get them there but so malas to deal with all the other implications. Ikut hati, baik dok rumah je buat kerja or rest (a.k.a. tido). But, at the back of my mind, I have this mental pictue of Khaleeda dancing to the tunes and how so darn happy she'd be when she sees them LIVE. Aaahhhh.. Nak tidur lah kejap. I'll most likely just carpool with Ziezi and we'll just redah je lah.. We'll see..

-dillz blogging out-

Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

Tanggal 31
Bulan lapan lima puluh tujuh
Merdeka ! Merdeka !
Tetaplah merdeka
Ia pasti menjadi sejarah

Tanggal 31
Bulan lapan lima puluh tujuh
Hari yang mulia
Hari bahagia
Sambut dengan jiwa yang merdeka

Mari kita seluruh warga negara
Ramai-ramai menyambut hari merdeka
Merdeka !
Tiga satu bulan lapan lima puluh tujuh
Hari mulia negaraku merdeka

Merdeka !
Merdeka !
Merdeka !

-bak kata Allahyarham Sudirman Hj Arshad in 31 ogos

Wah.. Semangat pullok dia nak merdeka. Thanks to the National Day falling on a Monday, workers and schoolchildren across the nation enjoy a three-day weekend. :) Unfortunately, for most of us I really think that's all there is to it. Which translates the situation, at least in my books, as really sad.

Why do I say that? Well, for one, remember this?

Picture from: here

Our very own Malaysian flag a.k.a the Jalur Gemilang. Is it just me or are there really very little flags proudly adorning our homes and office buildings these days despite the fact that our nation is celebrating the 52nd year of Independence tomorrow? As of now pun, my mom's house in Pondok Azlul has yet to put up our national flag. Feeling bad, yesterday, my mom bought 2 flag lines from Giant - itupun tak tau mana nak letak lagi. I am also guilty for this. I have left my very own Jalur Gemilang and the TM's Spot-the-Merdeka campaign car sticker on my office-table. Macam tak kisah je. By the time I get back to work, our 52nd independence day would have already passed, and life would just go on as per normal.

Looking back, it was pretty more "happening" during my high school years. I remember looking at my schoolmates skintone turning darker and darker by the day during their practice and rehearsals for the National Day celebrations at Stadium Larkin. (There was this one time when the national celebrations were in Johor Bahru) - I tak masuk, puteri lilin, you.. hihihihi It was hardwork all the way, but many gained new girl and boy friends out of the experience. Amboi, sempat aje. ;) My mom, on the other hand, was actually one of the school kids performing group traditional dance at Stadium Negara on the day of Merdeka way back in 1957. *Serious. Bangga aku!* My dad pulak marched in the National parade every year as he headed the Tenaga Nasional Berhad contigent right up till he retired. *real semangat, right?*

However, I think there is still hope in store. The kids at school made a Merdeka hat each and here's Khaleeq proudly donning it with his laungan "Merdi-cart! Merdi-cart! Merdi-cart!" :)

Happy Merdeka, guys! If nothing else, do have a good rest.

-dillz blogging out-

Oh No! I didn't do my homework!

If you know Khaleeq. You would know that he and homework - well, they are not exactly friends..

Scene Setting: Kurang lebih 5 minutes before leaving for school.

Khaleeq: Oh No! Oh No! I didn't do my homework! I didn't do my homework.
(He was saying it over and over again...)

Me: What's wrong Khaleeq?
Khaleeq: I didn't do my homework, mom. I forgot.
Me: It's OK Khaleeq. You can do it tonight. I'll call your teacher and tell her you forgot.
Khaleeq: NO! Teacher Rita is going to be angry!
Oh, tahu takut sekarang rupanya...

Me: OK. Khaleeq. Get your homework and we'll do it now.
Khaleeq ran to his bagpack and retrieved a piece of paper - it was subtraction. Easy!
We went through the work and it was done in about 7 minutes. I thought we were set to leave for school now. Tiba-tiba, ada balik suara itu..

Khaleeq: Now, I've got to count my dots. I have to count my dots.
Me: Dots? What dots?
Khaleeq: I have another homework, mom. I have to count my dots.

Waah!!!! Dua rupanya homework dia. Kalau ku tahu awal-awal tadi, memang lah tak buat homework tu..

Pandai-pandai.. Inilah yang dikatakan survival techniques.

• If he had taken out both his work at the same time, I might have insisted that we just head to school and he'll have to deal with his teacher on his own.
  
• By taking only one worksheet out, mom would think, "Oh! It's just a quick one. Let's just get it over and done with"
  
• Once one worksheet was done, he pre-empted me with the Dots. "I have to count my dots. I have to count my dots." How to resist? Dah tu, dia lak yang sungguh-sungguh nak buat. Kesian la pulak... hihihihihi
  

Hai... Budak-budak zaman sekarang ni, macam-macam taktik ada... Sila belajar, tuan-tuan dan puan-puan..

(p/s: adnil9, please take note :))

-dillz blogging out-

Let's Keep It Clean

There was a health-talk by Lifebuoy at the kids' school last Saturday. One which we had signed up for a week prior and for which we had to skip 2 birthday invites. (Sorry Rita and Azni)

Some of the highlights of the events were:

• Story-telling with En Durian: It had a simple theme. Adventurous Kids gets themselves dirty, adventurous kid gets sick. Adventurous kids need to be clean and practice good personal hygiene. Adventurous kids get to be adventurous and healthy! The storyteller was the bubbly, expressive and energetic En Durian, who took his time and turned it into something fun for the kids. Here's a little snippet of En Durian in action:
  
• Hygiene talk and Quiz: After the story was done, En Durian explained the expected hygienic activities that the kids were supposed to maintain. How many times they should bathe with Lifebuoy shower gels. :) When to wash your hands, and how to wash them with Lifebuoy hand wash. The kids had to imitate a series of step-by step instructions and once again En Durian made it fun. Even Khaleeda joined in! :) There was also a simple quiz at the end of it.
  
• Hand-washing demo: The kids took turns, one-by-one, to step on the stool and have a go at the mobile wash basin. En Durian was there again to guide them. So sweetlah En Durian ni. And so patient. :) Here's Khadra giving it a go.
  
• Colouring competition & Facepainting: Next was the colouring competition and to complement the activity, me and Kira facepainted the kids too. :) No pictures, sorry. I was too busy "working".
  

I did think it was a great and fun way for the kids (and their parents) to learn about personal hygiene. Even I didn't know the exact techniques to wash my hand, know what I mean? All this while, I have just been winging it. Mana ada buat claw and gosok-gosok on the palms, segala. hihihihihihi Why lah zaman dulu takde pun orang nak ajar kita cuci tangan? Kids these days are so lucky, they have everything handed out to them, eh?

Anyhoots, with the influenza scare about town, it could not have come at a more appropriate time. Thank you , Lifebuoy! Thank you, Beaconhouse Bangsar! I sure learnt some great lessons!

-dillz blogging out-

How to Plan a Birthday Party in Two Days

Monday, 15th June 2009 a.k.a. Day 1

I was reminded by my precious girl that I owe her a small party in school. Nothing extravagant, just to celebrate her 6th birthday with her friends seeing that we've opted to sit out on the birthday bash this year. Aaah... Now, I remember... I also remembered that I promised that there'll be cupcakes with Sonic Underground theme and also party packs for her classmates. So, I said. Okay, we'll have it this week. Seeing that I already took leave Wednesday and Thursday, and Azrul will be leaving for Jakarta on Wednesday, it seems that the only day we could do it was on Wednesday and it was TWO days away!

*Panic,Panic,Panic*

The following task list was developed and executed on Day 1:

• Called up Beaconhouse to get the go-ahead and number of pax - Seemed that Wednesday was A-OK! at 10:30am, no of pax for Khadra's class: 9 girls and 7 boys, add 2 more BFFs from the other class & for Khaleeq's class: 7 girls & 5 boys. (Kakak punya party, adik punya class pun dapat party packs)
• Called up Ziezi, party planner extraordinaire to help me out on the party packs. She confirmed she has the premiums - 20 Ben-10 pencil cases for the boys and 20 Hannah Montana pencil cases for girls. But, I had to source the tidbits and small party favours myself. No worries, a quick trip to Village Grocer and Baloon Bouquet should sort that out.
• Cupcakes, cupcakes, cupcakes.. No one in the right mind would take an order this late, with Sonic Underground somemore... *Sheesh* But, as luck would have it, I chanced upon Edina's adorablecupcakes and she was willing! (Try clicking on the image below and you will also be transported to her page!) Thank you, babe. You're a real gem! She's a Srikandi too, btw. I just had to pick them up at UniSel on Wednesday morning, before the party. :)

Tuesday, 16th June 2009 a.k.a Day 2

More panic, panic, panic. I still had to go to work. Things still to do:

• Arranged for pick-up of premiums and party bag from Ziezi.
• Confirmed cupcake reservation thru e-mail.
• Off to Balloon Bouquet after work to get the extra-special "6-year old" candles and some party favours.
• To Village Grocer to get the snacks to stuff into the party packs; candies, Chupa Chups lollies, biscuits, Zip strawberry wafers, Daim candies..
• Started production lineup for party packs ; inducted Khadra and Parmi as operators. :) (Khaleeda pun nak tolong makan lollies)

Wednesday, 17th June 2009 a.k.a Party Day

Arranged logistics with other half to sort out kids and cuppies collection. Edina really went out of her way with the cuppies deco. There was a Sonic character on every cuppies and even the boxes were decorated with Sonic theme! Thanks so much, sweets!

Met up at Beaconhouse at 10:30am sharp for party.

The kids were literally pigging out on the cuppies. Yummy vanilla oreo! Nasib baik I ordered a lot of extras! Really wanted to do some face paints , but there wasn't enough time since we were actually pinching their snacktime. The main agenda was the Birthday sing song & candle blowing, makan cupcake and bagi party packs. Senang jugak buat birthday kat sekolah ni, tak payah pikir pasal makanan. :) By 11am, we were done! Yeay!

I'm glad all the preparation was well worth it. So, Happy Birthday (again) Khadra! We hope you enjoyed it!

-dillz blogging out-

The Day That Was..

We decided that this was the year for Khadra to join a preschool to ease her transition into primary school in 2010. (No, it's not thaaaat far!) For the past 2 and a half years, she has been attending Early Years Playgroup in Damansara Heights where they were more into wholistic development. I must say that they have done a terrific job on Khadra and she have blossomed into a sweet, confident girl who loves to draw, paint and perform- I mean, just look at her dance and sing. To think that she was barely even speaking when she first came in, it is truly amazing!

She is now attending Beaconhouse preschool and here's some pictures of her first day of school - all smiles in her new uniform. (also Naqib's first day of Primary One in SKBD) However, I found it extremely difficult to coax her to prepare for school in the mornings. She takes almost 30 minutes to down her "Shishu Milo", cries before taking her shower, finds all sorts of excuses to NOT go to school for that day.

There was this one stretch that she missed almost the whole week; cited reason - sick. (cough, vomitting, what not) The next week, as we were walking towards the car, all clad in her gym outfit, she vomitted infront of me. So, I thought, "Aahh.. She's not well.. Let's not go to school, then.." I took her up our house and from the corner of my eyes, I think I saw a little smirk on her face. The next day, she vomitted, even before we were out the house. Another day of NOT going to school. Khadra -2, Mommy-0.

That night, we were just talking and she somehow let out : "I made myself vomit. hah hah" and in my mind, I immediately went, "What? Is this girl playing me? Waaa.... so terror.. Tipah tertipu...." So that was the end of it. For the next day and the day after the next.. She was dragged to school come hail, or snow, or storm, or vomit.

Very sneaky, eh? I know it'll take some time for her to adjust to the new school environment. Bigger school, bigger class, new faces - both friends and teachers, new requirements (uniforms, homework). It is quite a lot to take in, I guess, for a little 4.5 year old Khadra... Maybe she just needs a little more time.

In the meantime, I think I need to just support her and bribe her with breakfast before school at the local mamak or an island holiday.. heh heh heh The things mommies have to do these days...

-dillz blogging out-