Ashrie's Graduation Ceremony

Last Saturday was Ashrie's Graduation Ceremony. I guess I have been expecting too much because I'm kinda disappointed with what happened. For me, the event would have been better had it been reworded as Graduation Photo Session and not Ceremony. You see, I did not hear any Aida March, nor the National Anthem, or even one of the student's names or even their teacher's names. The student's didn't even held their diploma.

Here's what happened. The parents sent their children to PCF Blk 677 an hour before the event time which was very near the Graduation venue, Woodlands Galaxy Community Club. The parents then waited in the hall for the event to start. The ceremony was basically a speech from the current MP and then the K2 classes were called one by one. The MP shook their hands as they made their way to their seats. One student held a tray of rolled "diplomas". And they pose for a Graduation class photo, one in a serious face, and one in a showing a hand "peace" sign.

And then after the shoot, they took off their togas so that the other class can wear it. I picked Ashrie up and we headed home. That's it.

Looking on the brighter side, all these doesn't negate the fact that Ashrie has leveled up and come next year, she will attend the big school. And as simple and unceremonious it all might have been, Congratulations to our dear daughter. And God bless you on entering Primary School. 

Second Year Housesary

Today we are celebrating the beginning of our third year in the casa. Since August this year, we have child-proofed the living room but last weekend, we started rearranging again. You know us, we always shake things up.

We took the padding off the coffee table revealing its old walnut veneer and letting it breathe again. We started introducing some accessories for the table tops and sort of testing the waters if it will last a day with an ever-so-energetic toddler around. And guess what? Lia seems to be cooperating well. But we are still checking which arrangement works best for all of us.

I think corralling the potted plants in a tray helped a lot in creating a safe boundary for little hands. We also made sure that if she ever got curious, we intentionally did not put any glass items that might break into little pieces and hurt her. And we kept everything tidy and minimal.

We also dotted our interiors with air-purifying indoor plants as the haze seems to be enjoying its stay here in Singapore, much to our burden. Actually, we have turned the haze situation into an inspiration and started container gardening both inside and outside the casa.

Renovation-wise, we are still making do of our old kitchen and toilets for now. Ashrie's Room has been turned around regularly to fit her growing needs, the Master Bedroom remains the same as Lia has been co-sleeping with us on her own bed. We have done a little makeover in the Dining Room and I will share the changes soon.

We are just so grateful for another year. We thank God for His providence, His loving mercy, and His grace that brought us through another year. We look forward for better and improved days and more happy years in the casa.

God bless our home!

Ashrie's K2 Graduation Concert

Last month, we watched Ashrie, her class, and all the other K2 classes in the neighborhood for their K2 Graduation Concert held at The Republic Cultural Centre, in Republic Polytechnic in Woodlands. It was a special night for them as they were practicing for this event for weeks. They even had a dress rehearsal.

The auditorium was filled to the brim and the kids dressed to the nines. All were excited and the kids did not disappoint and have put up a good show.

Ashrie and her classmates did a musical number to the tune of The Wheels of the Bus and LOVE (popularized by Hi-5). They also did some other nursery rhymes.

This coming Saturday, they will be having their Graduation Ceremony. Where (I think) they will be receiving their diplomas and wear their togas. What intrigues me is that they are not preparing for this event, or that's what I know. Anyway, I think I'll just have to wait and see.

In other news, Halloween 2015 is coming. It only means one thing for me, that we will be celebrating the beginning of our third year in the casa. We still have lots of house improvements to do and slowly they are all coming to place - one by one. 

Christmas 2015 is also just around the bend and we're gearing up for the holidays. Busy days ahead, indeed!

Sister's Art Jam

Yesterday was very artful at the casa. The two girls painted and I like both of their masterpieces very much. Well, not simultaneously because Lia used Crayola non-toxic paints while Ashrie used regular acrylic tube paints and so that their mentor mom can oversee both young artists. Also, for Ashrie, she will not be able to finish anything with the younger one around.

So here's what the little one came up with.

And much to my delight, Ashrie's artwork is amazing and I'm glad that she has improved a lot. Here's her cat painting.

 
I love it girls! You need to do more of these. Well done!

Lia's YouTube Favorites

I thought Lia will always be very, very active but thank God she's now slowing down and starting to focus. She's still very active though, but she has been starting to get attentive, responsive even. You can now read to her, watch toddler videos with her, and ask her to do simple chores like picking up and handing you things.

Like most toddlers, Lia needs to be distracted sometimes so that we can have her eat her lunch, dress up or fix her hair. There comes the help from Elmo which is now her favorite character and entertainer. The following are her current YouTube favorites: 

ELMO'S SONG

Elmo composed his song and shares it with Big Bird and Snuffy (Mr. Snuffleupagus). And guess what, you can make it your own song too!

ELMO'S DUCKS

Watch Elmo sing with his duck buddies!

NIBBLE

Elmo and Halle Berry demonstrate the word "Nibble". Spoiler Alert: Watch just how ironic it is that a huge tiger knows how to nibble unlike the small bird and that little fish. 

THE ALPHABET WITH ELMO AND INDIA ARIE

R&B Singer and Grammy-award winner India Arie sings the ABC's with Elmo. Their rendition was beautiful and unique. You gotta hear it!

No wonder why these clips got almost a million hits. Lia alone got hundreds of views a week. (If they count it that way and not per IP address). But not being technical about it, kids really like Elmo. Period.