Frustration Friday!

Ok! I know this is supposed to be another flashback and I truly tried, but three VCRs and five t.v.s later I still can't get the darn thing hooked up! I get sound, but no video. I consider myself to be pretty knowledgeable in electronic set-up department, but perhaps it has been way too long since the last time I touched a VCR! Sadly now I am going to have to use someone's t.v./vcr combo to get the video and turn it digital. So sadly you get a rant of me annoyed with my VCRs. Why do I have three of them if they aren't even being used. Looks like a trip to the electronic recycling center is in my near future.

So instead of a video I found an old picture of me from High School. I am in Grade 9 and this is with one of my best friends Megan. Tragic I know, but I did own a multi-colored leather jacket which I thought was the bomb!



Hopefully Megan doesn't get upset with me for posting such an old picture of us, but I have to say Freshman year was a lot of fun for me. It was my last year of regular school. I finished high school through independent study. Which I don't regret, it allowed me to travel full-time and go to extraordinary places and meet all kinds of people, but I did miss my friends and those regular high school experiences along the way.

My dad always told me that our life experiences whether good or bad turn us into the person we are today. That was certainly true with him and his life and the kind of man he became. I think it is true for me as well. No matter how far I travel or where I go in the world home is always in my heart. I will forever be a country girl from Oklahoma. Living in the big city has changed my view of the world, but not my heart. It is funny because I have conversations with my best friend today about how we are both from the country and definitely have a different view of the world after living in the city, but sometimes those little country quirks come out and it definitely reminds us of home and how sometimes the city folk are even more far out there than the country folk.

They say writing is therapeutic. I think I just proved that. I am no longer frustrated. Although perhaps you are for having suffered through my goings on.

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Family Day in St. Agapit

So here in Ontario we have a holiday in February called Family Day. Now the sad thing is there are a lot of people that actually don't get the day off because it isn't a national holiday. So instead people end up having to find daycare for their children on this day. The point is to make time for your family and do things together. Which is what I think we should do all year long not just around the holidays.

This year we actually skipped half a day of school on the Friday and drove 7 hours to St. Agapit to visit friends. The kids had a blast with their friends and even enjoyed the skating rink they had in their backyard.


The picture isn't great because I obviously didn't have time to frame it before snapping. My hubby actually fell! It was quite funny. It wasn't even from him trying to avoid running into one of the kids.

Marcus actually had a lot of fun. It was the first time he actually tried to play hockey. He is so afraid of falling on the ice it was good to see him engaged in the gameplay. It helps that Henri is so athletic and is so comfortable on the ice Marcus really opened up to playing.




The boys played hockey and the girls went to the horses. I never went to the horses because, well I could barely stand in the snow and take pictures!

In the evening everyone went out to skate again this time McKayla enjoyed trying to learn how to skate backwards. Julie figure skates so was giving McKayla pointers on what to do.



Maddox even took to the ice. The first time and he didn't really know what to do, but hey he stood by himself! Every time he tried to skate it was at full speed and he would fall down. Luckily he is tough and it didn't bother him too much.

Here is a video of the boys playing hockey against hubby and then the girls joining and Maddox stepping on the ice for the first time. I don't know why I didn't get video of the races, but before we went in for dinner the boys raced the girls doing different relays. The girls pretty much smoked the boys. They kept making up new races with new rules to create a way for them to win. Oh and the music you hear is being played from speakers set outside from their computer. "Playing with the boys" Now I have it stuck in my head!



Luckily the weather was sunny despite the strong winds we spent a fair bit outside. McKayla was able to ride the horses again. She was thrilled! She even had her first lesson as she tagged along with Henri and Julie. Marcus is not so interested in the horses. He is actually allergic to them and has a real rough time trying to concentrate when he is sneezing and rubbing his eyes. Marcus even participated in a swim meet the Saturday morning at the University pool in Quebec City. It had been a while since he stepped into a pool like that,and despite being put with the older group he did well. Made me realize I really have to enroll both of them in swimming in the fall.

Me? Annoyed because this is when my back was completely thrown out and I barely had the strength to do anything. In fact, the drive almost killed me sitting in that same position for so long. We wanted to go into Quebec City and do some things there, but I really don't think I could have made it walking around everywhere. Oh well, inspires me to try to make another trip up there in the summer.

We ate our fair helping of poutine (I know I have a picture of it somewhere. Must be on my hubby's phone) and more cheese than anyone should ever eat.



The kids made homemade pasta for the first time. Maddox loved it!




The end result? Yum!

We headed back on Monday morning. Quebec doesn't recognize the holiday so back to work and school for our hosts. Visiting them is definitely always an adventure with so many different things going on you can never have a moment to be bored. It is awesome.

For us our extended family includes all of our great friends who we can enjoy each others company and have a blast with. When you live so far away from your family good friends are the key to happiness. They are also a relief from stress when they bail you out at the last minute and show up to lend a hand.

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CNY: Singapore 2011

So I know I am still playing catch-up. Trying to do two posts at a time to mix-up the old and new. Things have been busy on my end. Between spending some days at the school helping out my kid's teacher's to fulfilling my church obligations to keeping my house spotless at all times in case someone happens to call and want to view it. Keeps me pretty busy. Enough with the excuses.








All the trees were decorated so beautifully.

McKayla and I had an extra day in Singapore when my hubby left on a jet plane with Marcus first. (Maddox was with me too, but he didn't have all the fun McKayla and I did) We spent the afternoon shopping. Yes! because as I posted before shopping is one of the best things to do in Singapore. Next to eating which we did a lot of too!





In the evening we met up with my sister-in-law in Chinatown which was preparing for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration. This year we couldn't spend it in Singapore because kids gotta be in school and all. McKayla though, had to go and see all the lights and decorations. It was a must. She wasn't disappointed. Between the lights everywhere and beautiful bright colors she was mesmerized. I was too actually. The night market opened up as we arrived with vendors selling all kinds of great things.


This one came out blurry. Probably because I was walking and didn't have on my flash. I forgot to take another one because I was too busy looking for great things to buy!

I actually am a little bummed I didn't go for this ring that I saw which was stunning. Some vendors weren't opened yet and I am sure when it is closer to CNY it is better, but there were still some great things to pick up.


Check out this Hindu temple. I have always thought it was beautiful with all of the colors and figures.

McKayla picked up some gifts for her best friends and received some new shoes from her Gugu (my sister-in-law). We got some great photos. Even McKayla was taking some pics.







She had so much fun she told me she really needs a camera of her own. Which she has since obtained. I gave her one of my old cameras. I have to admit it was nice to go to Chinatown. We actually never go during Chinese New Year because I really don't like crowds, but because they were still preparing we were able to experience a little of what it must be like.


This is what shopping for CNY decorations looks like in Singapore.



This is what we get at Wal-mart. One side of a short aisle in the seasonal section. I guess I should be happy to get any sort of resemblance of CNY here. This pretty much sums up the difference between celebrating here and celebrating there. We did have friends over CNY and ate some great food with great company, but you don't quite know what you are missing until you spend it in Asia. Plus, the kids didn't get their red packets this year. Marcus is old enough to know what that means.

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Marcus turns 10! What?

Okay so I spent the afternoon doing this post and then went to cook dinner. Somehow the whole thing didn't save! So annoying.



Back to the post. I have to start out by saying it isn't fair that my son turned ten because I can't exactly lie about my age and pretend I am still in my twenties. Me sobbing that I actually entered the big 3-0 this year. I don't mind the aging part really I just want to stay in my twenties because they were really fun. I am hoping thirties turns out even better. Wishful thinking?



The kiddos cooperated with the group shots.

For Marcus' actual birthday he wanted Popeye's, which disgusts me that every year he wants fried chicken probably because we never really eat it on a regular basis, so we stuffed our faces with greasy fried goodness. Then he wanted cherry cheesecake for dessert. I had to make him one and one for the rest of us.





Ignore my awful singing!!!


For his party he wanted a sleepover with his closest friends.



What was on the agenda? Gaming of course!



His buds were not camera shy and really enjoyed playing games. So much I don't think they went to bed until almost 1 o'clock. I thought putting on a movie would settle them down, but I guess X men origins: Wolverine is probably not the wind down movie they needed. They talked through the whole thing about all the different cooll things all the Xmen can do. I was kind of funny, but I am sure kind of annoying for those kids who hadn't seen it yet.



This time I made ice cream cake. I should have made it in a springform pan because it would have been so much easier to cut, but oh well next time. Marcus was terrified of the sparklers. I guess growing up in the city and not getting to set of fireworks every year he has no clue what he is missing.



One of these things is not like the other...oh and they couldn't stop to come back for a retake. Too much happening I guess.

All in all it was a good night. Worth the fact that they were up before 7 playing capture the flag. Yeah...

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Family

Okay so in Singapore our number one reason for going is family. I would just like to say that since I no longer have grandmas living I love getting to see my grandma-in-law. Letting my children get to see their great-grandma ain't so bad either. I know I said ain't. It's gotta be that part of me that wants to go home this year.



This is her favorite pastime and she only really gets to play when we come into town. So it is always fun to watch.



This is a terrible photo by me I didn't even pay attention to the fact that I only focused on McKayla. Oh well. I think I was in just trying to quickly get the shot so I didn't bother her too much. She was probably thinking, "Hasn't she taken enough photos already?"



I actually really love this photo because it brings me right back to that night when everyone was so captivated by monkey's humorous displays. I couldn't get a straight photo after that. He was definitely aiming to entertain. Especially with the bucket of organic lollipops his GuGu purchased for him.



With Ah Ma. Hubby's mum.



with Ah ma's sister. Auntie Amy. It was actually taken at her birthday dinner.



Uncle Ah Chew was the most eager to get into the photos with the kids. I think my kids were too. Even Marcus smiled!



This isn't that same night, but it is of family and one of the kids favorite people. Hubby's sis. She took us all to the zoo which I am still pondering whether to blog about or not. Here we are at her favorite exhibit. The giraffes.

One thing I know for sure is that families are the most important thing in the world. So no matter how far away you live from each other somehow you have to stay connected.

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Ghim Moh

Alright I have been home from vacation a long time and I guess it is ridiculous for me to still not have posted anything since being home. So here is my first. Don't be mad at me for neglecting my blog. Even my hubby asked me last night, "How come no updates?". Alright, I guess I will kick myself in the butt. I am now uploading almost 700 photos onto the computer. I know that's a lot. I hadn't even uploaded them yet.


Here you can see some of the stalls in the background.

So What is Ghim Moh? Well let's just say it is a regular stop on our Singapore visits. In fact, my hubby probably goes there everyday. Why? Food. Singapore is know for their outdoor markets with hawker stalls selling different local foods. Anyone can find something right up their alley. Even what the refer to as western food. Variety is key as we are there a lot! It is in my in-laws neighborhood. Literally walking distance, so it is very easy to access. Our first dish we order is Mee Pok, but I think we probably have it every other day in many different ways.



For breakfast the kids love, love, love Indian Prata. Only Marcus dares to actually eat it with the curry. McKayla and Maddox love it with sugar. Like crispy pancakes they are really delicious.





I am a huge fan of carrot cake. In fact, my hubby brought me back a gigantic piece from Montreal on the weekend and I indulged and practically ate the whole thing myself. You can find carrot cake in Singapore, but not at the Hawker Centers. In fact, you will be completely surprised if you order carrot cake and see what they give you. It looks nothing like carrot cake. Some locals of the older generation who have never had "western carrot cake" actually find our version weird. Funny.


Here it is half eaten because it is just that good. I forgot to take a pic. You can have it two ways with black sauce or not and with chili or not. Me? black with chili, please!


Here is the famous stall which sells the "carrot cake". Definitely need locals to be able to tell what is good and what isn't because I think there are three stalls that sells it at Ghim Moh and this one is the best.

You can also find a market at Ghim Moh selling fresh fruits. Mainly tropical which is probably one of the perks of being in Singapore fresh mango, pineapple, persimmon, pomello, rambutan, lychee, dragonfruit, guava, papaya, and you know that stinky one I talked about before durian.







When I first opened the camera the humidity in Singapore showed it's face and fogged up my camera. Luckily I had it packed well and the inside mechanisms didn't get any condensation on them. This is the Saturday market that would come to Ghim Moh selling all kinds of things from books to clothes to household items. See the crowd? And this is a small Hawker center in a neighborhood. Not even a downtown center. Suggestion don't go on the weekends or on Mondays when a lot of stalls close.




The whole reason for Singapore trips. Family. Grandparents definitely enjoy getting the time with the kids.

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What's on Charity's Phone?

You have to visit Jessica here to get more info and join me.





So I have been a slacker and haven't posted in a while. I have had back problems for three weeks and no I still have yet to seek a professional on the matter. Let's just say sitting at the computer and uploading pics was not on my priority list. So in the course of that time I did manage to take photos. So I have a lot to share with you. This first one was from walking the kids home from school. Actually I had to carry my little monkey to school and he walked himself home. Did not help the back situation at all. But it was a great photo moment turning into our street. Although I think I was just elated that we were almost home so I could lay down!



We even had a snow day which was fabulous. We don't get them that often and in all honesty it was actually a beautiful day. Just light snow the whole day. We struggled to build anything with the dry snow, but did manage to put together this guy.



After a week of not going to the grocery store because I just couldn't do it we finally bought more bananas. Monkey was happy.



Crummy weather for weeks and then we got beautiful clear blue skies. I love days like this with snow on the ground!



What's that? Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Very yummy and very evil. I don't ever want to know how bad it is for me because that would just ruin it for me. I know it is bad just don't need to know how bad! I got mine with jalapenos yum!




Last night my hubby shared his Chocolate covered strawberry with me. It almost broke my heart when my monkey wanted to share!



My Red Velvet cake from my Valentine dinner which hubby had to sit through. It was a fixed menu which is not his style, plus the options weren't exactly his style either. I enjoyed it thoroughly. We were the only family at dinner which felt kinda weird, but we enjoyed having our Love day with the whole family. Everyone cleaned their plates!





After our romantic Valentine dinner with all three kids daddy decided to break out his shark game and he kids swarmed. They love to gather around that phone. Obsession much?




My boys are pretty darn good looking. It's okay I don't need anyone to tell me.




After church Marcus took a snap of my in my Shabby Apple dress. Yes! I love it and yes! I got tons of compliments on it. Someone even asked me if I made it. Although I am not sure if that meant it looked homemade or if they think that I could be that awesome as to make something like that all by myself.



Another monkey picture for fun. he is a little cross-eyed in this one.



My self portrait. These are actually really hard with my camera phone! Definitely not skilled in that department.



My Red Velvet cake from my valentine dinner. Really yummy. I had to stuff my face because I couldn't leave it uneaten, but I was so full.



A finishing shot of my princess. She loves dressing up and going to fancy dinners just as much as I do.

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