Less than 24 hours to go till 2010!!

Can you believe it? Where did the time go this year?

As Clara said on her post a few days ago – we really have had some ups and downs in our family this year. The latest tragedy being so close to Christmas day as my mum lost her beloved sister in Singapore. It was indeed a sad time for everyone..

So as this year, the final day of 2009 is about to end, I’m going to list down my most memorable moments that I am thankful for this year, all the big and small things that matters!

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Celebrating my dad’s 60th Birthday in Hong Kong with all 1o of us! And also meeting up with my parents in law there too!

Birthday lunch at Nobu (sorry no pictures of the birthday boy, he likes to remain anonymous:))

First Disneyland experience for the kids.

For my friendly neighbours..

You might remember my post about sponsoring a child many months back. I’m so thankful that this year we’re able to sponsor 1 more girl from the Philippines, again through Compassion. This cause is really something that is so close to my heart. I am forever grateful for God’s abundance blessing in our lives so that we can be a blessing to others in need. Please consider sponsoring a child too!

For making it to 30 years on this earth.

For potatoes, all kinds of potatoes..

For my casual weekend job..

For all the fun trips far and near..

Chinese new year festivities in Macao

Halloween in Bali

For books…

For Christmas time with all my family..

How did we end up with SO many presents?

Caroline and her family

and most of all for this cheeky, adorable little guy who has brought so much joy to our lives!

2 years old Jayden

Have a wonderful new year ahead everyone! 🙂

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Reflections

As the year almost comes to a close, it only makes sense to look back and reflect on the year that was 2009.

It was a mixed bag this year, full of highs and lows. For me personally, moving to Sydney and starting work would have to be the greatest achievement this year. I relocated from Perth and settled here to begin the part of my life as a working woman. Other highs for me would have to include Jay Chou’s Sydney Concert, a family trip to Bali/Surabaya and the purchase of my piano!

It was a great year, but in some aspects, it wasn’t the best.

Whilst others mourned the celebirty deaths of Michael Jackson and Brittany Murphy, my own family lost two very loving people, my eldest aunt and second uncle. These two were well loved among our family and will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Tua-Ie and Li Ie-Tiu.

Another scary time this year would have to be when Stella was sick. Being an aunt and I’m sure Kelen would agree, your heart skips a beat and you really pray and hope for a speedy recovery. Thankfully, Stella is back, happy and all recovered 🙂

If there’s anything I’ve realised more than ever this year, is that life is precious. Live each day as if it were your last. Love all and give generously. Be sincere and genuine to people. Don’t let the sun go down with a frown on your face and sort out all problems before you sleep.

So as 2010 creeps up on us, I really hope for a happy, prosperous and healthy new year. Let’s make 2010 one to remember and make it a year that you’ll look back on and be proud of.

And since a post always looks better with a photo, here’s one of the kids, all together!

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Tis the season to be jolly!

Merry Christmas!
  

  
Wishing everyone a blessed and fun-filled Christmas.

Enjoy spending time with family & friends and really cherish the moments 🙂

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The Gangsa, Sanur

A gangsa is a type of metallophone which is used mainly in Balinese and Javanese Gamelan music. It consists of several tuned metal bars each placed over an individual resonator. The bars are hit with a mallet, each producing a different pitch. Duration of sound intensity and sound quality factors are generally accomplished by damping the vibration of the bar with the fingers of the free hand.

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During our visit to Bali, we stayed at The Gangsa in Sanur. It was a truly lovely experience staying there. The place is very serene and the staff were really wonderful. The Gangsa is an exclusive private villa with just 11 villas in total. It is part of the Kayumanis group but is known as the ‘family friendly’ private villa as guests below the age of 17 are allowed to stay there.

The villas range from 1, 2 to 3 bedrooms and the one we stayed at was a 3 bedroom villa called Villa Ceng Ceng (also named after a musical instrument). Each villa contains an outdoor kitchen, dining and living area plus your very own private swimming pool.

Our very own private pool

Outdoor kitchen and dining area

The Gong Restaurant

Welcome cocktails on a Tuesday evening

Jayden enjoying his cocktail

The food cooked by Chef Sonder and his team, was always so delicious and beautifully presented. We had the option of dining at the award winning restaurant, The Gong or eating back in the comfort of our own villa. The chef was great at both the Western and local dishes so without fail, whatever we decided to eat was always a fantastic choice.

We were extremely spoilt at The Gangsa. The staff knew all of us by name and were committed to ensure that we had the best time there. It is definitely a place I would recommend everyone to visit. You get to see a more peaceful and tranquil side of Bali and you won’t ever want to leave!

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Jacob Ballas children’s garden

When we were in Singapore, we took the kids to Jacob Ballas children’s garden.  It iss a beautiful garden, that is dedicated for children up to 12 years of age.  And ta-da… admission is FREE!

The garden, is divided into loads of different sections.  When we were there, it started to rain, so we were playing hide and seek a little bit and unfortunately didn’t stay as long as we would love to.

Check out their website to view the map of the garden.

Both Stella and Charmaine had a great time there, these are a few snippets of what they did.  Unfortunately, the waterplay area was being renovated.

the magic of photosynthesis

Cotton plant : you are wearing my hair!

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Fun day at Singapore Zoo

In the beginning of October we went for a trip to Singapore for my father in law 60th birthday reunion, then to Jakarta and Surabaya.  The kids, well let say Stella was so excited about the trip.  Stella and Jake met up with their cousins Charmaine, Nathan and Brian for the first time.  We took the kids to the Singapore Zoo, which they absolutely loved.  The only thing was, the weather was hot and extremely humid.  I bought a small fan for the kids, and that didn’t help…

The kids loves looking at the animals and the shows.  But I think the highlight of the Zoo trip was the waterplay.  The zoo dedicated a huge area for kids, there were merry-go-round, farm animals and the waterplay where they have slides, huge buckets, small buckets, sprinkles, all sort of things that spray water… it was a huge hit with the kids and the adults too.  We went to the water play at the end of our tour of the zoo, so it was a great cool down time, especially in such hot and sticky wheather.  This is a must go place when you go to Singapore with kids.  The zoo itself is really clean, they have restaurants, baby change area, is stroller friendly and most importantly the animals are happy.  (I said this, because I’ve seen zoo where the animals looked really sad and their living conditions were sigh… unbelievable)  And remember to bring towels and swimsuits.

Family reunion in Singapore

Nathan, Charmaine, Stella and Bryan (Jake was having a nap)

Jake loves watching the elephants!

Charmaine & Stella

Nathan

Bryan

Jake

For some reason, Jake was very upset at the end of the waterplay…

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Employed!

Yes, that’s right!! I have a casual weekend job now at a new Gumboots store at the Chase. I love the shop, I’ve bought a few things for J before, so I’m excited to be working there. Plus I get to do something else besides being a full time mum and I get to meet new people and big plus.. I get extra pocket $$ :). So, last Sunday was the first time I was ever away from Jayden for longer than 4 hours (seriously..), Joe looked after him that day and it turned out really well, since Daddy is now much preferred over Mummy anyway…

These photos were taken in Rosehill Garden during Joe’s company carnival last Saturday. Love his expressions, so innocent! Don’t you think?

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My little girl is 4!

Happy 4th birthday Stella!

Four days after being discharged from the hospital, Stella turned 4!  After what we’d been through I was so relieved that she made it home for her birthday.  In the beginning of the year, I told her that she won’t be having a party at home, but she will bring cupcakes to share with her friends at kindy and that I will make a cake for her.  At first she wanted mermaid cake, then about 3 weeks before her birthday she wanted a princess birthday cake, with Aurora on top!

Stella went out for dinner to celebrate her birthday, unfortunately I couldn’t go because Jake has got a virus and was running a fever!  Yes, it’s true!

She came back home with a huge smile on her face, she was so happy!  We were all so happy that she is a healthy and happy 4 year old.  Happy birthday my dear Stella, we all love you very much!  Lots of hugs and kisses from mummy, daddy and Jake.

Stella with Nainai and Grandma

Stella posing with daddy and Jake

And no, I didn’t get her the bike or the glamour jet!  I got her a surprise haircut and a bracelet that I made for her.  She does have a lot of people that loves to spoil her though.

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