Mum in the making: September 2012

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Weekend Wanderings: Easy paper bag lanterns

Its the weekend! Tomorrow, Chinese from around the world will be celebrating the Mid Autumn Festival, and over here we're missing our mooncakes (I love the traditional ones with rock sugar and nuts, what about you?). We thought we'd join in some of the fun by making our own little paper bag lanterns, and here's how you can make your own:

1. Give your child some white paper (A3 size and above, art block is great as its thicker), and some watercolour paints, and let him/her go crazy painting...

2. Fold the art piece into a paper bag (if you are not sure how to make one, click here). Do try to make the base wider so that it can fit a tea light. Trim off the top of the paper bag if it appears too tall (we found it was harder to put in the tea light for the taller, narrower bag!).

3. Trim off a small section of a toilet paper roll, with the width being shorter than the height of your tea light. Paste down the roll in the middle of the base of the paper bag using tape. This is to prevent your tea light from tumbling around when your child (or you) carries it, having a shorter "holder" means it doesn't block the light, and reduces the chance that it will catch fire.

4. Using a hole puncher, punch holes at the top of the bag, and give your bag handles. You can then attach the handles to a disposable wooden chopstick. (Note: Don't use melamine chopsticks, we tried using one and then left it balanced at the top of the bag, and it melted!)

5. Light the tea light, and place it inside the paper bag. Give the lantern to an excited kid, and go take a walk at night and have fun!

We tested out the lanterns yesterday. The holder held the tea lights in place, despite some rather excited jiggling and swinging from the rather enthusiastic lantern bearer. While some of the wax did splatter around the base, the lantern didn't catch fire, so we'll be using them again today!

PS: Do check out these lanterns made by another mum using recycled materials. I thought they were fabulous!

PPS: Have you entered our book giveaway yet?

Friday, September 28, 2012

Grateful Gatherings: Brothers

We've just passed the half-way mark of our stay in Germany, and 6 months have passed. How time flies, especially when it wings its way through the milestones of the littlest ones! One of the sights that never fail to warm my heart would be the two of them sitting companionably by each other, playing or flipping through books together.

The baby is one month away from toddlerhood. Since the time we moved over, we've seen the little boy grow from a teeny tiny thing, to a regular little spitfire that has rather decided tastes when it comes to mealtimes, and very strong fingers that pinch really hard (we have the bruises to prove it!). He loves fruit, and can eat half a peach at a sitting. He zips around quickly with his belly crawl, which usually is accompanied by a "don't let baby J come here!" from Junior J when he is busy building or making something. He's figured out how to fit his ball into a box, and loves throwing it as well. He chatters and makes all sorts of bird-like noises, and has been christened "squirmy wormy" by us, as he cannot sit still. He must be carried facing outwards so that he can observe all the things around him. He loves listening to songs and would unclench and clench his fist when he hears "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". He is our little bundle of energy and joy.

Junior J, too, has grown. He's matured and now helps out quite a lot at home. He's still a stickler for order and routine. He loves to sing ("animal songs ONLY!"), and life at home is never quiet with him and his make-believe stories. He still loves to paint and read. We're still working on that stubborn streak in him, and hope that his resolute nature would eventually be pruned to yield perseverance but not obstinacy.

6 months worth of growth. Half a year of brotherhood, of the older learning to care for the younger ("Baby J, you cannot have toys during meals", as well as "Baby J, when you are older, you will be able to eat this!"), and the younger looking up to the older. That's 26 weeks worth of blessings bundled up into two little bodies topped with messy hair, something certainly worth being thankful about!

What are you thankful for?

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Grateful Gatherings: That man I married

We first met when we were in university. He was actually studying in the faculty next to mine. However, our paths never crossed until we both signed up for a missions training programme organised by our Christian fellowship. We were split into various teams, which were then sent to different countries on mission trips. I was put in a team of five, and he was one of my team mates.

My first impression of him wasn't too great, this guy with scruffy hair, whose eyes seemed to disappear whenever he smiled. But as our missions training as a team progressed (and it was pretty intensive!), we found that we got along very well. We had similar interests, being nature lovers and bookworms, and could talk to each other about everything under the sun. He helped me as I struggled through my studies, coaching me on various topics, since some parts of what we were studying were similar (for biochemistry, that helped, but my neurobiology was just way beyond help of any sort!). He stayed up to chat with me on ICQ when I was up cramming, and those "uhoh!" sounds were a welcome distraction.

However, one of the rules for the training programme was that team members should not get into romantic relationships with each other, so as to reduce distractions, as well as not to affect team dynamics. We remained as friends, and went for the mission trip as part of the team. We spent three plus weeks teaching English at an orphanage and living among the locals. It was a life-changing trip.

We came back as friends, and life went on. We still chatted. We had suppers at Fong Seng, and he taught me how prata tasted way better if you mixed sambal chilli into the curry. We went shopping for fish for our aquariums (he had a 2 foot tank in his hostel room, while I had jars and jars of fighting fish in mine).

Then it happened. After a band performance (I was playing in the alumni band for a concert, and he had come to support me), his friend accidentally mentioned that I was actually more than a friend to him. We sat at the Singapore River for a talk, and we officially became a couple.

Fast forward to today, with the wedding and two kids later, and I still thank God for giving me this man. He takes care of me, and is one amazing father to the two boys. He may no longer paint cards for me, but he shows his love in other ways. He does the dishes every night and clears up the mess in the kitchen (made by me), knowing that the hard water and detergent gives me rashes. On nights that he is too tired to do so, he wakes up early to do them!

"Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be obtained." - C.S. Lewis

Love is an action word. It is putting the needs of others above yourself. And I am thankful for all that love I've experienced in that man I married.

What are you thankful for today?

PS: Its a whole season of love stories over here in Singapore! Hop over here to read the rest of them!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Grateful Gatherings: I don't know about tomorrow

The baby has given us a couple of scares lately.

During our France trip, we visited Monet's gardens. While we were walking across one of the bridges, baby J threw up on the hubby and Junior J. We thought he was having one of his episodes of reflux. We cleaned the boys up, and discussed if it was something I ate that triggered it. The baby seemed fine after so we continued on our stroll. Then we walked across the same bridge later, and he spat up again! The hubby then thought it might have been a reaction to the smells of some flowers planted around the bridge. It was only when we left the gardens, and sat down at a nearby restaurant to have dinner, did we find the cause: a dead leaf wedged inside his mouth, that was causing him to gag. Somehow, the little boy had managed to pick up a leaf when we were not looking, and stuffed it inside his mouth!

Then during our walk to the Lourve, we put the little boy in the pram and gave him one of his favourite toys, a little wooden cat that he had received from a shop in Belgium. He loved gnawing at it, but it was made of unfinished wood and its arms and feet were securely glued on, so we never had any issue with regards to its safety. 15 minutes into the walk, and I peeked into the pram to find the little boy fast asleep, holding the cat. However, the cat was missing both its hands (both were round wooden beads) as well as a foot! We found its foot in the baby's mouth (gasp), and had to dig it out. Baby J was sitting on one of the cat's hands, and the other was missing.

Baby co-sleeps with us, and one night he fell asleep "upside down", with his tiny feet facing the pillows. After putting the boy to bed, I left the room to settle some chores, and the hubby, who was exhausted that day, stumbled into bed, didn't check the baby's position and pulled the quilt over himself (and totally over the baby!). Thankfully, the boy woke up crying soon after, and I went in and found him covered by the quilt.

After these incidences, I cannot help but be thankful for the reminder, that while we try our best to be vigilant and careful parents, we cannot control everything that happens to our children. And that while we don't know about tomorrow, or even what will happen the next moment, we do know who holds our tomorrows, and who holds our children's hands.

What are you thankful for?

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Grateful Gatherings: Walking together

Its autumn now, and its been getting colder these days. The weather has been rather gloomy, with many days being overcast or rainy, but when we can, we pile on the layers and head out for walks. It feels good to just get out, despite our freezing hands, and it gives Junior J some much needed time to run about.

I'm thankful that we get to walk together, the boys and I. We watch workmen lowering buckets over the scaffolding and learn about gravity, we poke at different coloured berries in the bushes. We spot squirrels, and geese flying overhead in V-formation. Junior J picks flowers and pinecones, and tells me stories which involve lots of animals shouting and chasing each other. We stop at sunflowers, drooping heavy with seeds and bring a couple home (some are white and some are black, and we've not seen those typical ones with stripes). And at night after dinner, the hubby joins us. We arm ourselves with a torchlight, and go tramping down darkened streets, while baby J jibber jabbers along.

Winter is approaching, and I wonder if we'll be able to get out as often then, but meanwhile, we're enjoying those walks together.

What are you thankful for?

Monday, September 24, 2012

Grateful Gatherings: This week...

... we are taking time to be thankful, to slow down, to count those blessings. Because, perhaps God doesn't ask us to be perfect, but asks us to praise?

So today, I am thankful for:
:: The rain that has come and gone, leaving puddles to stomp in and watered plants.

:: The sleepy smiles from a baby that is leaving babyhood soon.

:: A new day with new possibilities.

What are you thankful for?

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Saturday Scrapping: A travel journal

Hello, how has your weekend been? Ours has been quite a fun-filled one, since Junior J's godfather is here for a visit. Speaking of travelling, do any of you keep a travel journal? During our France trip, I brought along a mini album with me ,and tried to journal down our experiences. I've yet to find much time to work further on the album, but have managed to fill up two of those pages with photos and bits and bobs:

Our stay at a chateau. We had a nice walk around the grounds!

Another page, on our visit to the little town of St. Emilion, known for their red wines.

Am hoping to slowly fill the rest of the pages up, will see how it goes!

Friday, September 21, 2012

Thinking Thursdays: Books on France (Art & Architecture)

I'm back again to share about more books on France, this time, on art and architecture! So here's the list:

:: If you want to read more about French painters: France has many famous artists, among them Edgar Degas, Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse, and of course, Claude Monet, and I think one of the best series to introduce children to these painters would be the Anholt Artist Series. This series has stories on all 4 artists: "Degas and the Little Dancer", "Cezanne and the Apple Boy", "Matisse the King of Colour", and "The Magical Garden of Claude Monet", all with engaging story-lines and beautiful illustrations.

:: If you would like to introduce your child to paintings by French painters: Pick up some of the books from Mayhew's Katie series. "Katie and the Waterlily Pond" brings you through 5 Monet masterpieces, while "Katie Meets the Impressionists" highlights various Impressionist paintings by Monet, Renoir and Degas. Finallly, "Katie and the Sunflowers" introduces some post-Impressionist paintings by Gauguin and Cezanne (as well as Van Gogh).

:: And if you want something more exciting, try "Who Stole Mona Lisa". In 1911, Da Vinci's Mona Lisa was stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia, who believed that the painting should be returned to Italy. This book is an account of the theft, but is narrated from the Mona Lisa's point of view! Its a great book for discussing how the painting is famous for being famous.

:: If you want to discuss art and perspective: Join Hugo and Miles in "Hugo and Miles in I've Painted Everything" as they explore Paris. Hugo is an artist who has run out of things to paint, and as the trip proceeds he learns how to see things differently! This was one book that Junior J simply loved, especially with its play on words.

:: If you want to take a closer look at architecture: Ok, I admit I've yet to find a simple, interesting story involving architecture for children. However, I picked up a copy of "Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction" (its a Caldecott Honor book, by the way!), which narrates the planning and construction of a Gothic cathedral in an imaginary French town, and intended it for my own reading. The book's beautiful pen-and-ink drawings and detailed descriptions aptly illustrated the pain-staking process of building a cathedral, and really helped me to appreciate the details of these lofty buildings. While I was reading it, Junior J peered over my shoulder and asked "what are you reading?", and I ended up explaining some of the illustrations to him. The book came at the right time since it meant I could point out certain features when we were visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral!

Yup, and that concludes our long list of books on France! Here's to a blessed weekend, and don't forget to enter the giveaway to win a book!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Thinking Thursdays: Books about France

Hello! Things have been a little quieter on the blog since we got back, as I've been wrestling with mountains of laundry from the trip (its amazing how much stuff piles up after 2.5 weeks!). The baby has been driving us crazy, as he's been taking forever to go down for naps. Anyway, am popping by to share the books we read about France. Perhaps its because its such a beautiful country, or maybe its because its capital is such an iconic city. Whatever the case, there seems to be a lot more kid lit about France compared to most European countries. Oddly enough, while there are loads of pretty books written in English, the French children's books seem to prefer more grown-up themes (you can see some of the more scary ones here). We have a whole pile of recommendations (I had to split it into two posts!), so here goes:

:: If you want to wander about Paris: Try "Adele and Simon", a story about a little boy in Paris, who keeps losing things as he and his older sister walk home after school. The illustrations are gorgeous and detailed (try spotting the things Simon loses on each page for some extra fun), and their route through Paris consist of actual locations, which are indicated on a map on the reverse side of the book covers (you can see the map from the photo at the top of the post).

You could also read "This is Paris", another classic by Sasek, to gain little tidbits about various monuments and aspects of the City of Light. Sasek may be a little dry though, so for younger kids, try "Madeline" as well as the other stories on the little girl (we read through "Mad about Madeline" which is a compilation of 6 stories).

:: If you'd rather trek across France:

Read "The Cat Who Walked Across France", a tale of a cat who walks across France in an attempt to find his home. Its a heartwarming story, and brings you from Rouen (with the famous cathedral which Monet painted), across France, to the coast.

:: If you want to explore a bit of history: Try "The Glorious Flight", which recounts Louis Bleriot's flight across the English Channel. Or "Mirette on the High Wire", a story of a girl and the wire-walker, Bellini. Both are amazing stories to teach the power of perseverance, and are set in France.

:: If you want something more light-hearted and fun: Go and guess along with Moon, in "Ollie and Moon", as they romp through Paris to find the surprise that Ollie has prepared. What's round and has fur and feathers and is bright with lights? Read the book to find out! This book combines illustrations with actual photographs of various Paris scenes, and Junior J enjoyed this book enormously.

Another fun book would be "Crictor". Its set in France, but you don't really see much of the country here. However, the simple tale of a lady and her brave pet snake brought a smile to my face, and Junior J loved the story!

Stay tuned for another book list for France tomorrow... But before you go, we have an brand new copy of "Crictor" to give away! To enter, you just need to do BOTH these steps:

1. Like the blog's Facebook page if you have not done so.
2. Leave a comment on this post, sharing the title of your favourite children book. If you do not have a blogger account, please do leave your name in your comment!

Giveaway closes 30th Sept. Do note that this giveaway is only open to those residing in Singapore. All the best!

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Update: Thank you for sharing your favourite children books, we're looking forward to exploring some of the titles you've shared! We've drawn our giveaway winner:

Marcia, you're going to be receiving a copy of Crictor... please drop us an email at john(dot)jus(at)gmail.com with your mailing details!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Thankful Tuesdays: Monet's gardens...

... were lovely. We had planned a trip to Giverny to visit Claude Monet's house and gardens during our recent trip, and spent a few happy hours strolling about.

The garden was a glorious wilderness of flowers of every hue and size, and abuzz with bees and butterflies...

And those waterlily ponds! These were tranquil spots, and filled with such clear water.

Its no wonder that Monet chose to feature them in so many of his paintings, with their still water reflecting the clouds and the bright blue sky.

And while walking amidst such loveliness, one cannot help but give thanks to the Creator of beauty, for all that He has bestowed to us to enjoy!

"The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they reveal knowledge."

Psalm 19:1-2

What are you thankful for this week?

Monday, September 17, 2012

Weekend Wanderings: Bordeaux

Just two weeks ago, we spent an enjoyable week exploring Bordeaux with the kids, while the hubby sat for an exam and attended a conference. We opted to rent an apartment (it would have been impossible to let baby nap with Junior J bouncing around on the bed if we had gotten a hotel room!), and found this charming little place in the city:

The family that owned the place actually stayed there, but packed up and moved to their parents place every time there was someone who booked their apartment. Which meant we got to experience how a French family lived, from its rather difficult kitchen (there was no counter space at all), separate toilet and bath (the bathroom sink was in the bedroom, and the toilet down the main hallway!), wonky door locks, and unfinished walls that crumbled and showered you with dust if you were to knock into them. It was a little challenging taking care of the boys while the hubby was out, and we were afraid that they would knock or break something, since the house was filled with loads of lovely decorations and vintage items. That aside, it was a really beautiful place to stay in!

The family had a little girl, so Junior J got to stay in the loveliest child's room ever:

And we got to see how wine crates got put to good use (we've also seen wine crates being modified into shelves or taken apart to be used as platters):

One thing we loved about Bordeaux was its market. Marche Capucins was just a ten minute walk away from where we stayed, and we loved its down-to-earth feel. And of course, all that fresh and cheap seafood! You could sit at a counter and have a plate of oysters with a glass of wine. Some stall keepers actually inquire about when you would be consuming your fruit, and then proceed to choose the fruit of the correct ripeness. The hubby would run down every morning to buy fresh chocolate rolls and croissants for our breakfast, and sometimes we would pick up baguettes as well.

A favourite spot for the kids was the water play area along the waterfront, which was perfect for the blazing hot weather we experienced when we were there. It consisted of a tiled area which sprouted mist at certain intervals (the mist got both kids rather alarmed, especially Baby J!)...

... and water at other intervals:

Since the water was very shallow, Baby J got to splash about. In fact, the whole place was swarming with kids (and some even brought their dogs along for the romp)!

Since half of the city is Unesco-listed (Bordeaux supposedly is the largest urban World Heritage Site), the city makes for nice strolls around the area. We spent most evenings just walking about, getting lost in the maze of little streets.

And of course, there are the cathedrals you could explore, like Cathedrale Saint Andre, with its oldest section dating back to 1096!

Stained glass windows in Cathedrale Saint Michel.

Food-wise, Bordelaise cuisine is known for their wine and oysters, as well as interesting dishes such as lamproie (lamprey, which tasted a little like sardines, and is cooked with leeks). We got to try out the food at Le Cheverus Cafe, and the food was pretty good, and priced very reasonably:

Seafood risotto, which was nice and creamy.

We had intended to try the food at the highly recommended La Tupina, but it was fully booked, so we were directed to Kuzina just down the street (a branch of the restaurant that serves mainly fish), and had some really good seafood.

That one week in Bordeaux had us falling in love with life in France, from its delicious seafood to the warmth of the Bordelaise people!