Ashrie's First Day in Primary School

Happy New Year!

It was January 4, 2016. The first Monday of the year and the first day of school for 2016 here in Singapore for most of the students. It was also Ashrie's first day as a gradeschooler.

I took the day off to assist her on her day. First, in sending her to school, then in checking her up during their recess time, attending the parenting talk, buy more school uniforms and lastly, picking her up after school. I've been very busy running to and fro the school and our house. Thankfully, her school is just across the street.

Maybe I was anxious as she is or maybe I have more butterflies in the stomach than her. But thank God everything went smoothly.

I was relieved the moment I sent her at the school gate mainly because there was an older student who carried her heavy bag and brought her to their designated queue. (Parents were not allowed inside the school premises.) And during their recess where parents can have a glimpse of them, I found out that that each of them had an older student (from higher grades) to be their buddy/mentor as they go to the canteen, buy food, probably lead them to the washroom, and to send them back to their respective classrooms. All the parents, with all their cameras were cordoned off and could only watch from a distance. Fortunately, Ashrie sat close to the sides and I got a view of what she ordered or how she had been doing so far.

Here she is with her school guide, Novita.

First Day is over and I am so glad she enjoyed and did very well. I pray that God will bless her Primary Education, keep her safe, and guide her always. 

Keep it up Ashrie, we're proud of you!

2015 YearEnder Party

Christmas flew just by but the memories one occasion makes will stay forever. That is why I blog in the first place, to record special memoirs of our family life.

The girls (and us) opened our presents on Christmas Eve. Lia was delighted with her little bike. Ashrie was surprised because the ones she thought were dummy or decorative presents were actually presents for her. And both Jane and I, who for the longest time were saying that we will not buy gifts each other, actually have surprises too!

 
Two days after, it's the Year-End Party at the casa where we've prepared a simple dinner party for friends. This has been the third year we are hosting this event.

We agreed to wear the same color that night and all showed up in various shades of green. Dressing up in one color was both fun and interesting and it set the mood for the party.

The girls, Ashrie and Lia donned neon green clothes while Jane and I wore the darkest shades of the color. We were able to take a few snaps before our guests arrive. 

     

For the table, we've decided that it'll be a buffet setup this year. I made use of my newly bought dinnerware, propped in some fresh branches, pine cones, and bamboo mats. We opted for a no-disposable tableware. All in all, it was very casual but still stylish. 

   

Here's our menu:

After dinner, we had a small gift exchange. One that is prepared ahead of time and we had a Secret Santa. The funny thing is, because the adults were just six, we kinda guessed each other's giftee even before the event. But it was sure fun. We did an online draw app weeks before and Jane was actually assigned to be my Santa.

And guess who had a blast? the kiddos of course. Ashrie, Lia and Danah had an awesome time playing. They did a lot in such a short time. They open gifts, play with the gifts, do Play-Doh, read, and color. They also ran and jumped as though they have a quota to finish before the year ends.

We finished almost before midnight and bade sweet farewell.

Like what we will do in a few days time as this is the last week of 2015. This year has been very challenging for us and we are grateful to God for everything. We hope and pray that 2016 will be a better year for all of us. 

See you in 2016!

Christmas At The Casa 2015

As you might have peeked on how we decorated for Christmas this year on my previous post, well this post is all about that entirely. 

This year, we're decking the halls with the classic Christmas colors of red, green, and gold. We used glittered cone trees, a Fa La La La La garland and small presents on top of the HEMNES bureau, which I always consider as a mantel. Those boxes really have gifts for friends inside. So a good tip would be to wrap your presents beautifully and in the same color-theme so you'll have an instant additional decor for the holidays.

I also made a Christmas Card garland for the dining area which were actually Christmas art prints because nobody's mailing cards anymore these days. And if there are people who still do, I am not receiving any. :(

The tree is adorned with our old gold, silver and crystal ornaments and accented with a new red ones. All our presents are either in glossy and matte red or brown paper packages tied up with a nice bow. We also moved the tree from its yearly corner location to this space between the living and dining areas. We love its new place so we can enjoy a closer view while dining and how it welcomes you with a great vista from the main door and from the bedrooms. 

And hey, it's actually three sleeps before Christmas. Merry Christmas to one and all!

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" ~ Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Tito AR's Despedida

Last night, we hosted a casual dinner for my brother's departure to the Philippines. Finally, after five long years in Singapore and frequent travels to many countries in Asia, it's his homecoming. Our parents would be so happy to spend the Christmas holidays with him.

We served Jane's Spaghetti, Fried Chicken Wings and Ham and Cheese Sandwiches. I set the table simply with white dinnerware, silver cutlery and napkin rings, blue and pink serviettes, and placed a fresh, blooming African Violet plant as a centerpiece.

We have the Titas as special guests which were our housemates when AR was still staying with us. The get-together lasted until almost midnight and we had loads of laughter.

Until next time Tito AR!

We still have a year-ender party to host next week and we are looking forward to that. But for now, let Me&MyGirls greet you a very Merry Christmas.

Pine Cone Wreath DIY

Here's a very easy DIY project that we did for the Christmas Season. So simple, you can finish this craft in fifteen minutes! No kidding. And all I spent for this was just $4 SGD, because I used the leftover spray paint from my Sunburst Mirror DIY.

I bought my two prefab wreaths from DAISO at Ion Orchard B4, and all I did was the assembly into a single wreath and painting.

Materials:

1 Big Pine Cone Wreath

1 Small Pine Cone Wreath

KRYLON Metallic Paint in Gold Foil

Procedure:

1. The sizes of the two wreaths fit perfectly together. So without any fasteners or glue, attach the small wreath onto the big wreath by gently intertwining their bracks. Make sure the hanging strings are both on one side. You need to tie them together so that the smaller wreath will also be supported when hung.

2. Spray paint the wreath making sure every nook and cranny is painted. It is better to do layers of light coats than a quick thick spray.

3. Air-dry and hang. 

Enjoy crafting and Merry Christmas!