The direction of this blog???

What do I hope to achieve with this blog??

Of course, I would love to go in the direction of cookery/bakery.. But who am I kidding? I can't cook or bake to save my life. How about photography? Hmmm..some pixs that I have taken turned out good but some are barely passable. How about just penning down my thoughts, however simple or crazy or boring. Hey, that idea seems to be IT! This is everyday life. This is not life crafted professionally, that will only look good. This is SERIOUSLY JOYCE'S LIFE!

Life that is sometimes mundane (occasionally a good laugh here and there), sometimes to the extent of even boring! But it's my life. I can't say that I'm happy with my life but that's not to say that I'm unhappy too. Life for me has taken on many paths and I had wondered if at certain crossroads, if only I had made the other choice, how would life turned out now? That said, if life has taken a different path, I would never, never have my two beautiful girls today.

Then it's decided! This blog shall take on 1) my life story as from now on (there's no point in relating my past here) and 2) if I should cook or bake, I would post some pics here (to show my 2 sisters I really can and do cook at times and that my family survived after eating those said meals!) and 3) to post the pics with the at-times wonderful phtography skills that I possess..

Have a fantastic 2009!

On X'mas Day!

It's always heartening to have family gatherings like this. When all the children have grown up and look back at these pictures, it will certainly warm their hearts.

Memories are made of these..

Only Xinyan is missing from this group photo as she is only 2 months old and she is sleeping at the moment.

Children are always excited unwrapping their presents, be it their own or for someone else!

An outing with Ah Ma!

Jurong Point has finally opened their extension! Arranged with my mum to visit the new place. It was very crowded. Guess many people are clearing their leave and spending time with their children before school re-opens.

The new extension has a 24hr NTUC Fairprice Hypermart. Besides it, there are quite a few eating outlets. The "Old Town Cafe" is one of them. Tried their toast and tea. It wasn't to my liking. I prefer "Ya Kun" anytime.

While walking around, saw that Citibella has a promo for express mani and pedi. $5 for express manicure and $10 for express pedicure! It is definitely much more cheaper than the neighbourhood shops. Gave it a try and will be back again..

'Mad Scientist' at Work?

Mr Kho happened to be armed with the camera when this 'must take' photo opportunity came up. When Mr Kho showed it to me, I nearly laughed my head off.

X'mas arrived early for Yitian!

After seeing that Yitian is able to cycle on Shannon's bicycle, Mr Kho and I decided to get a bicycle for her. So the whole family, even Xinyan, went to the bicycle shop to choose one bicycle for Yitian.

Testing the bike first.

She saw this pink 'Melody'bike and eagerly climbed on to test drive.

I want to buy this bicycle, mummy...

Ride safely, ok?

Doing the final touches.

And here she goes.

While waiting for the Bus...

Taking out the camera while waiting for the bus to arrive is always a great idea to keep the little one occupied so she wouldn't be running around. Yitian especially like to view the photos after we have taken them. Ah..the wonders of digital cameras nowadays.

Pretty Dollhouses!

Mr Kho and I had some free time so decided to window shop at IMM. At their atrium, there was a display of dollhouses as part of their X'mas decor! Aren't they lovely? Have always wanted to play with doll houses when I was young but then I'm sure may girls wanted that too.

We took the pixs using our new digital camera, CASIO EX-S10. (It's Mr Kho's X'mas present to me ;) )

Bonding with Papa

Mr Kho is having Sports Day today. Which means they will not be working... Today's event is swimming at Jurong East Sports Complex. Their activities will probably finish around 11am. Mr Kho suggested why not bring Yitian for a swim?

Yitian was so excited upon hearing that. She quickly went to grab her float and swim suit..

Mr Kho went off first at 8.45am. I drove Yitian to the Sports Complex at around 10.45am to meet Mr Kho.

Yitian likes to splash around the water and making new friends, especially those with toys...

To Market, to market

Went out with my mum to Chinatown today. Saw the mother of one of my good friends, Sally. Can't remember the last time we saw her. She asked about Mr Kho and I said one day we'll all come and see her.

After Chinatown, came back to Jurong East NTUC to buy Xinyan's milk powder. Yitian grabbed a basket and started doing her own shopping. She went straight for a box of grapes. Mummy had to quickly check and look at the price. This little girl of two years old just continued her shopping...

Next stop, fish.. Look at how carefully she makes her selection.

After the fishes she saw fishball, which also went straight into her basket and a packet of yellow noodles. Mummy had to trick her to choose 'Yakult' and 'Meiji' chocolate milk and quickly run to put back the fishball and noodles.

Peek-A-Boo!

After the cake-cutting, playtime!

Happy Birthday, NaiNai 奶奶

It's NaiNai's birthday today. My mum is coming over with Manfred, so I asked her to help me get a birthday cake. As soon as Manfred stepped in to my house, he informed my MIL that it's her birthday today and they have something for her...Aiyoh...No more surprise...

NaiNai says it's the first time she's celebrating her birthday, so she and Yeye went out to buy Toto. Good luck and Happy Birthday!

Xinyan's 1st month celebration!

The birthday cake

Xinyan

We actually sang "Happy Birthday" 3 times!

Xinyan has reached her first milestone in life..turning one month old. We invited our relatives and Mr Kho invited his colleagues who were very supportive when he had to take time off at times to accompany me for check ups. His colleague even suggested that Mr Kho take leave earlier than my due date in case of any emergencies. I told Mr Kho to inform his colleague that I'm safer at work (in the hospital) than staying at home. Hahaha..

Thank you everyone for your gifts and for spending this special day with us.

My 2 girls!

姐姐怡恬 Yitian

妹妹心言 Xinyan

Sister Love

Yitian has always been very close to me. Now that there's Xinyan, she understands that there is one more little person other than her. She has gone back to being a baby. Literally..She wants to be carried like a baby, talked to like a baby, hold her milk bottle for her..

But I must say Yitian is a very good sister. She is always attentive to her sister's cries. If she is downstairs and hear Xinyan crying, she will immediately go to the stairs and say "Ok ok, I'm coming.." to Xinyan. It just makes my heart swell with pride. Of course there are trying times when Yitian feels she's not getting enough attention and throws a tantrum, I'll speak firmly to her and she'll cry a bit but after that we'll hug each other.