Half done!

Quick update! Sarah is in midst of her final year exams now. Please keep her in prayer. We are quite focus on revision now and the we all can't wait till this is all over. Been throwing out more stuff. Found a big box of kid's videos under our bed. About 20 of them. We brought them over from Perth almost 5 years ago and because we never bought a video recorder, they were never taken out of the box. When I opened the box yesterday, they were all mouldy thanks to the lovely humidity in S'pore. So Seth and Belle transported them to their new home - down the rubbish chute. Hee! Got a team going to Laos tomorrow afternoon. They have very kindly agreed to take some boxes in for us. Do pray that the weight of it all will be ok.

Belle just celebrated her 3rd b'day on Friday. Don't have time to download the pic yet. Will do so soon. Got so much on my mind and so much to do now. Feel a panic attack coming soon. Must sit down and get focus again. Need to write it all down and tick off the list. Oh! We did it! Ian and I have finally bought our new computers and all within our budget. Yeah! But we have been too busy to do much with it yet. This is the 1st time that I have actually own my very own computer, and a new one too! Ian said it's like buying a car! Yeah! Kind of feel like that. Reminds me of the time I bought my 1st car when I was a student in Aus. Felt great!

Flat out like a lizard in a runway!!

Can't believe it. Just lost an hour worth of tongue flapping on the blog just because I pressed the wrong key on the computer. UGGH! Ok! Let's start all over again. Maybe this time it will be the short and sweet version. Maybe God was trying to censor my previous blog! Hee! Possible.

Sarah has been busy with her goodbyes with her friends. She has been busy attending birthday parties and outings with her friends and thoroughly enjoying herself. guess saying goodbyes is quite fun after all. She is so looking forward to going back to Perth. Last night, we were talking about the parable of the 10 virgins, and how Christ wants us to be ready for His return. Sarah very quickly said that she was certainly not ready yet. At least not till she completes her holiday in Perth. We thought it was so funny. I think it would be great to if it happens soon. It would certainly be easier than having to pack up the house.

Seth and Belle are just going with the flow of things. Think Seth is more upset about giving up some of his toys than saying goodbyes to his buddies. He even dreamt about having to pack in a hurry because an earthquake had struck. He remembered picking up his cricket bat and running for his life. Guess his cricket bat is going to have to board the plane to Laos! Belle is having her 3rd birthday next friday. And we will be buying her this lovely little music box which she has been eyeing for a long time. Each time we go pass this gift shop, she would head straight for this music box with a little ballerina dancing in it. The twinkle in her eyes is enough to melt any parent's heart. so must definitely get it for her.

Ian is busy sorting out his mountain of files and materials at the office. I am flat out clearing and chucking out all the clutters accumulated over the last 5 years. Can't believe we have so much in so small a den. Maybe we should just limit each person to just 1 bag of possession, this would make it much easier to be ever "mobile" and ready to just pack and go.

Just had our family photo taken by a talented brother, Leslie. He did such a wonderful job at it. Will share 1 with you. Enjoy!

Hooray! TESOL course is over!

Yes! Ian is on his last exam today! 4 weeks of churning out out essays after essays and test after test. We are all ready for this big day! Our next task to be ticked off the list will be the packing up our things, ready for our evacuation. Ian and Sarah will board the first flight out of here on the 19th of Nov. I will remain behind with the other 2 comrades to clean up the remaining mess before taking flight on the 7th of Nov. Upon arrival in Aussie soil, the first thing I'd like to do is jump into the car and go for a drive along the river. So miss chilling out in Aussie land.

On the home front, Shanae and myself have been down with a cough for the last 4 days. It has really put us out of action for a bit. I've not been able to do my boxing exercises for 3 days now. Think I'm getting withdrawal syndrome already. Kept waking up at 4.30am to get kicking. But my aching body and stuffy head ( from the cough) kept me paralysed in bed. Guess it's a wise decision not to push my body too hard. Am feeling 100% better after the much needed rest and I think I'm ready to start my regime again of 4.30am start - exercising the body and than the soul with my quiet time after.

Guess the past 5 weeks have been really hectic for me, without me realising it. 3 birthdays in the family, 2 birthday parties to organise, lots of cooking, packing, planning, organising our flights, working on the blog , sigh! The list can just keep going on. In short, I think I'm really to chill out a bit soon. In about 8 weeks to be exact. Ok ! That's it for now. My other duties beckons. She is gorging herself on a healthy bowl of cereal at the moment. Sitting down right in the middle of the church office floor. What would people be thinking of her mother?? Sigh!

Sisterhood!

Bonding time for the 2 sisters!

Too cute to resist!!!

Just took this picture 2 days ago! Shanae had just had her shower and decided that she would like to wear a turban, like mum and big sis after we had washed our hair. Than I suggested to take a picture of her, cos' she looked so irresistibly cute. (not that I'm bias! Hee!) Little missy than proceeded to pose for the camera. Guess she does love her picture taken.

Photos from the big b'day party!

Sarah invited her class teacher, Mrs Chan, to her party. She also taught my friend, Eileen, (the lady with long hair) and myself when we were in the school almost 28 years ago. Teaching must be very good for her cause she has not aged very much. Eileen and I had a wonderful time catching up with her.

The beautiful people!

Surprise visit from Gong Gong!

Surprise visit from Grandma!



Sarah had a tough time blowing out the "magic" candles that mum had playfully put on the cake. In the end, she recruited the help of all the girls to blow them out. Of cos', by the time that was over, the cake was well coated with a new ingredient not in the original recipe! Hee! But it was a good laugh!

To make the piniata game more interesting, Ian had the kids wait at the bottom and poured out all the lollies over the balcony to those outstretched arms. The kids had a ball!

Piniata! Grand finale! Definitely recommended for any party!
Warm welcome to our illustionist - Ian and his assistant, Seth Dierden!!
One of the games played at the party that required the gals to display great team work spirit. And indeed they did rise to the occassion, all of them. Well done gals!
More unhealthy finger licking food from the Dierden kitchen.. Ian has suggested that for the next party, I should provide some healthy option for the little guests. Good idea!
Home made very sinfully rich cheese cake as requested by the birthday girl! Sarah polished off the last crumb over the next 2 days. Yummy!

Sarah's 9th B'day Bash!

It was Sarah's 9th B'day party yesterday. They played pass the parcel, musical statue, a team game and piniata. Ian also entertained them with his very funny magic tricks. Don't think the gals were too impressed though. I think he either needs to work on improving on his skills or maybe just save these tricks for Little Belle's 3rd birthday party. Maybe the little ones would appreciate it better. Hee !

Sarah had about 9 girl friends from school come to the party. This is the bunch of girls she hangs out with in school. Very nice bunch they are. Could see that they all get along very well. All their personality seems to blend in very well with each other. Expecially during 1 of the games where great team effort was required. They were fantastic. Her class teacher, Mrs Chan, also turned up for the party. It got all the girls really excited having their teacher there. In fact, Mrs Chan, was also my class teacher 28 years ago. She is very strict but very caring lady. It was great to catch up with her again.

Sarah had another surprise yesterday. Grandpa, Grandma and Uncle Matthew (my younger bro) also turned up unexpectedly at the party. Boy was she please. They even took us out for dinner at the American Club for dinner that evening. One of Sarah's most favourite places in Singapore. And to top it off, Unc. Mat bought her a big present that night. It's one of those dance mat you turn on and just follow the music and dance steps on the mat. Groovy! I like it very much! wondering who will be playing with it more often? Heh!

Anyway, it was quite a big day yesterday. To end it all, little Belle chucked out all her stomach contents onto her bed in the middle of night. So I was up at 2am cleaning her and her bed. Sigh! Life of a mum! She is perfectly alright today. Guess it was all that chips and cool drinks she was gauging herself with at the party. After 3 birthdays in a span of less than 2 weeks, I'm looking forward to a short break before the next birthday at the end of the month. My advice to you people, try not to marry someone who has a birthday to close to your own, or even have children at around the same time as your b'day either. Too much happening to even be able to really enjoy your big day.

Have not downloaded yesterday's pic yet. Will do so soon and post it for your enjoyment! And for all who read this blog, please post something on it so I know that you have read it and are in touch with our news.