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Mummy blogs… (Part 1)

How many of you remember your Nursery Rhymes and Fairy Tales?

As a parent of 3 pre-schoolers, I’ve to tell stories, sing songs and recite nursery rhymes often.

On good days, I’ve the luxury of having a book to rely on. That’s when I can confidently role play, change my voice, do silly actions and make strange faces to illustrate my point. (think of the BIG BAD wolf speaking in a low rumbly voice, and how Humpty Dumpty’s face would look like when he fell!)

But woe to me, if I’ve to do any of the above when I don’t have the book with me. You see, I’m not so sure of all the stories! I do know the basic story line. Alas, the actual words, or the actual ending? hmmm…like what ever happened to the wolf in the 3 little Pigs?

Here’s my struggles. This is Part 1—Fairy Tales:

1. Red Riding Hood

There was a little girl, (who wore red, had a red hood, red dress, blah blah blah). She went to visit her grandma who lived in the woods. When she reached the house, grandma was replaced by the wolf.

Sigh… that’s when I realised I forgot to tell the part about her meeting the wolf on her way there. So I back track. Then, I got stuck, when did they meet? How did the woodcutter (or was it a hunter) come into the picture?

Ohhh! and was grandma eaten up? Or was she tied up in the cupboard? And how did it end? did the wolf die? or it ran away?

2. Three Little Pigs

There were once three little pigs who each built a house (one straw, one wood, one bricks… blah blah blah)

I thought this was an easy story. But I found it rather incredulous that each pig had enough time to RUN to the next house while the wolf blew the house down.

Then came the ending. The pigs boiled a big cauldron of water, and wolf fell in from the roof. And then??

Nicole said, the pigs ate the wolf. Some friends told me the wolf screamed in pain and ran away. Some said that’s it, the end. So what happened?!?

3. Beauty & the Beast

Long ago, there was a girl who… uh oh… why did she go to the Beast’s house?

Oh yes, her daddy went there. erm.. but why?

Anyway, she went there and the Beast didn’t let her go (can’t remember why?!?!) and she made friends with the pots and pans and forks and spoons. (Cue for me to sing Shall We Dance here).

And her daddy (now back at home?!) was sick, so she left. Then the Beast got sick, and she went back, and they kissed and they lived happily ever after.

Gee what a terrible memory I have! I hope all of you have a better idea of these fairy tales! I’ve not dared to tell The Shoemaker and the Elves, Rumplestilskin, Princess & the Pea etc…

Tune in for Part 2 of my struggles—Nursery Rhymes!

Related posts:

1. Nursery Rhymes Song
2. Kidz Amaze – Childrens’ Playground

Mummy blogs …

Recently, Nicole surprised us with a really cool song from school. Check out how she remembers the planets in our solar system:

(Sing this to the tune of “She’ll be coming round the mountain when she comes”)

There are eight planets going round the sun

There are eight planets going round the sun

Mercury Venus Ear-th

Mars Ju-pi-ter and Saturn

Uranus Neptune going round the sun

When I first heard it, I actually clapped in pure astonishment. It was a fantastic song, and she knew the names of the planets and all in order! (cos I didn’t know!)

Well, we asked her questions about the solar system, and she was really quite a little expert at it! Things she learnt (and we learnt too):

1. Pluto is the furthest away from the sun. And it is so so far away, we can’t really see it. So it is not really a planet.

2. Mars is red, only Earth has water

3. The earth moves around the sun, and it also rotates itself

4. We all live in a solar system called Milky Way

5. She could identify the planets based on pictures we shown her!

Oooohhh aren’t you impressed? She’s four-and-a-half, and knows so much!

That’s not all! Out of this *deep* interest in planets, she requested the following for her birthday present this year:

1. A telescope that we can put in the house, so that she can see all the planets! (haha…I’m not even sure if our Science Centre has that powerful a telescope!)

2. A BIG book on planets. She says our current ladybird one is too small, she can’t see all the pictures of the planets.

Request 1 was easy to settle. We told her, we need to find such a good telescope. We don’t think it’s sold in Singapore! As for Request 2, my initial reaction was, ok. I’ll get it for you.

I felt really guilty after a week of persistent asking. I mean, my daughter is asking for a BOOK, and a EDUCATIONAL one… why am I so hesitant to get her that? I can save that for requests for PSP, iphones, toys, chocolates, ice creams etc…!!

So this week, we brought her to Borders to choose her Big Book on planets. This is what she chose! And I really like it too! Not too wordy, easy to understand, nothing overly scientific!

She is one happy Planetary Scientist!

Tips for Parents:

Songs make learning really easy! The tunes have to be catchy so they pick it up real fast. So it does help for us parents to up our repertoire!

Related posts:

1. Parenting: Science at home!
2. Mead Johnson at the Science Centre
3. Finding a Quality Preschool (Guest Post)
4. National Day Performance at Preschool
5. Free tickets to Asian Civilization Museum

The next few days promises to be one of great merrymaking and one where there is lots of eating.

Chinese New Year is a time when we Chinese dress-up and we have our own version of Thanksgiving, and when we spend time with our family.

Last year, Nicole really did well, as she danced her way into the hearts of the relatives.

This year, Nicole had some great advice for her siblings on how to say Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Nicole says:

1st, you got to make a “Stone”

2ndly, you got to make a “Paper”

And when you put them together, you have got a:

Have a Great New Year, and all the best from the Tay Family!

Related posts:

1. Chinese New Year Performance
2. Planning for a 4 year old Birthday Party
3. Baking cakes & cookies with the kids
4. Learning how to be a better Parent: Baby’s Constipation
5. Brits got Talent – 10 year old Hollie Steel

You are invited to a sneak peek at a upcoming blockbuster exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) … The Treasury of the World is THE exhibition of the year at the museum…

Wow! When I saw the email invite, I was curious! A blockbuster exhibition? Treasury of the WORLD?

When I read on, I realised this is no ordinary collection! It has been shown in the British Museum in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Louvre in Paris… and now for the first time in Asia—in Singapore!

I’m no historian, but when I read about what would be shown at this collection, I really wanted to see the artefacts up close!

So along with Nicole, we went for this exclusive sneak peek! Ooohh it was a night of Indian Culture! We had a short introduction to the Mughal Empire – one of the wealthiest dynasties ever in the world.

Some interesting facts:

- the Mughal rulers lived lavishly. Everything they owned was jewelled with precious stones. Check out the dagger…

It’s adorned with rubies, diamonds, emeralds, ivory and agate! And that round ball-looking thing? That’s a mouthpiece for a smoking pipe. It’s just good ol’ rubies that they used!

- the Mughals loved life and lived it to the fullest! They smoked pipes, and collected art pieces.

- the Mughals were passionate people. The famous Taj Mahal was built by a Mughal emperor, out of his love for his beloved queen. One of the rulers who had a harem of 5,000!

After the presentation, we were treated to an Indian dance performance, and were even taught basic dance steps! (See how shy Nicole was!

Nicole had a blast as she bravely offered her leg to the Henna artist. We had to convince her one leg is enough! She wanted her hands and legs and face drawn!

Artist at work:

Near completion:

Check out Nathan—our little Mughal prince! (much thanks to ACM for the turban)

I can’t wait for the exhibition when it runs from 12 February-27 June! The whole family would be going down to see how the Mughals lived, try their clothes, taste their food, and have a hand at some jewellery designing. I know Mummy is definitely going to check out those precious stones!

FREE TICKETS TO THE MUSUEM

AND… I have 5 pairs of tickets to give away to my readers!

To qualify, simply leave a comment on this post by completing this sentence (less than 50 words):

“I have a bit of the Mughals in me because … …”

Please send in your entries by 5 Feb 2010, 2300hrs .

Winners will be announced on 7 Feb 2010.

Valentine’s Day Contest

Well, that’s not all! The museum is having a Valentine’s Day contest for visitors in February.

In celebration of the Mughals’ passion, ACM is giving one lucky visitor a chance to win a prize of a venue sponsorship of ACM’s River Terrace and River Room. The location is ideal for a wedding, anniversary party, or any special occasion! Look at the pictures!

To win, simply fill in a contest form stating your favourite artefact and why. You can drop in your form into a box at the end of the exhibition. More information is available at the museum. The contest closes on 28 Feb 2010.

So quickly send in your entries to win those tickets!

Below are additional details about the exhibition:

Date: 12 February to 27 June 2010

Venue: Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555

Website: www.acm.org.sg

Admission charges: $8 (adults) / $4 (concession); Family packages at $20 for up to 5 pax. Free admission for children aged 6 and below and seniors aged 60 and above.

Opening hours: Mon 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Tues to Sun 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (to 9 p.m. on Fri)

Tips for Parents:

On the 27 & 28 March, ACM is organizing a weekend festival for the Treasury of the World.

It’s going to be carnival time as you get to try out the Mughals’ favourite past-time of archery, and get to watch live performances of song & dance!

Cool Yah!!! See you at the ACM!

Related posts:

1. Results: Free Tickets to Asian Civilisation Museum
2. Free Singapore F1 Grand Prix Tickets
3. Children’s Fairy Tale
4. Chinese New Year Performance
5. Yona Yona Penguin

I am always looking for new places to bring the kids and today I decided to bring them on the HSBC Tree Top Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir.

The reservoir has existed since I was a small boy. However, I was unfamiliar with where the entrance to the Tree Top Walk was.

I did some research and to my surprise, the nearest entrance to the Tree Top walk is at Venus Avenue which is located after Thomson Plaza (Towards Sembawang). This is very much further from the main entrance of the MacRitchie reservoir, which most of us are used to. 

In fact, this is found off Thompson Road, in the direction of Singapore Island Country Club.

The HSBC Tree Top walk is open at these times:

Tue – Fri: 9am to 5pm

Sat, Sun and Public Holidays: 830am to 5pm

Closed on Mondays

Most of us who have kids think that after we park our cars,  the HSBC Tree Top Walk would not be too far away.

Well, Be Warned: This TREE TOP WALK…

 IS NOT CHILD FRIENDLY AT ALL!!!

First of all, forget about your strollers and prams! You will face undulating terrain!

It is like Army Terrain found in Lim Chu Kang, and most of the time, you are walking along the ala Cross Country Trek that you ran on in secondary school. Check out more of the terrain below:

Not only did we have to deal with the terrain, but we Walked…

The hike is actually about 2.6km to the Ranger Station which leads you to the entrance of the HSBC Tree Top Walk.

However, there were animals that kept us company along the way. The monkeys are actually quite tame and the kids got used to seeing them!

By the time, we reached the ranger station, which was the starting point of the Tree Top walk, the kids and myself included were soaking wet in perspiration.

We then proceeded to the Tree Top Walk which was going to be another 2.5km in distance.

This is the grand entrance of the promise land! We were so happy when we reached this entrance.

The bridge is a 250 m aerial free standing suspension bridge spanning Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang which are the two highest points in MacRitchie. Completed in July 2004, the structure is 25 m at its highest point, and offers visitors a panoramic view of Upper Peirce Reservoir and the surrounding lush rainforest.

Narrow and only one and a half man wide, the bridge is also the place of no return! Once on the bridge, you CANNOT turn back!

Walking into Tree Top structure, the kids were greeted with an awesome bridge, that brought us above the tree tops. Even my 20 months little girl, was on the ground and walking!

Here are some pictures of the Promise Land. Check out the greenery and wonderful surroundings!

There were also signs along the way to describe the scenery and vegetation.

After the wonderful view, then came the bad news! It was going to be a 2km walk back to the ranger station!

Check out the long staircases that we had to walk down!

There were in Total…

Check out Nicole’s Dance of Victory!

If you are thinking of going there, here are some simple tips for parents:

Important Parenting Tips:

Parenting Tip No.1:

Do not follow the directions given by the National Parks and park at the Venus Avenue Car Park.

Instead park at the PUB installation off Singapore Island Country Club. Parking here will reduce the walking distance by at least 2.6km.

To find this road, enter Venus Avenue and follow the directions to Island Country Club. Keep on driving past Island Country Club and you will be driving up a hill towards the PUB installation.

Parenting Tip No.2:

I was the only parent there with kids that young! Most of the kids there were in Primary School.  In fact, most of the time, I was carrying my 20 month old baby.

So, if you do go, travel light, and drink lots of water!

Parenting Tip No.3:

Apply lots of  Mosquito repellent.

The Tropical Rainforest is full of insects and mosquitoes, and therefore go with lots of protection!

Related posts:

1. Nadine is starting to walk!
2. Riders Cafe at Bukit Timah
3. Baking cakes & cookies with the kids
4. Hotel Equatorial Melaka Review– Family Vacation Destination
5. Advice for Parents

I just stumbled onto this American Asian on Youtube and I think that he is HILARIOUS!

According to Wikipedia, this Taiwanese is Youtube’s most subscribed comedian and I think he is much funnier than Natalie from the Community Channel.

Not only does he make funny jibes at Asian Stereotypes but he also "ropes" in his dad in his videos as well.

The fact that his traditional taiwanese father is able to play along with him highlights the fact that he has quite a good relationship with his dad! I wonder if my little Nathan will get me to do the same, when he is older!

Parenting Tip

I think it just goes to show that when we spend time with our children, we will certainly reap the rewards when they hit their teens.

Anyway, U got to watch the Youtube selections I have chosen, to fully understand what I have been laughing about.

Btw, According to Wikipedia, it seems that KevJumba has a BIG HEART as well. He started JumbaFund which raises money for a charity as well. I think we can definitely learn something from him!

And to end off, I am currently trying to blog from my MacBook. Give u a review about blogging from the Mac shortly!

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