Streawberry Shortcake Picnic Party

Finally! The day to celebrate Little Sophie's 2nd Birthday...

The most important person has finally arrived to take part in her celebration... Daddy Brian :)

HOW COLORFUL and JOLLY
-the perfect theme for a girl
that brings joy and happiness to
everyone around her...

Mommy Sab took care of all the Strawberry Shortcake details for the picnic party... Balloons, Plates with matching tissues and plastic spoons and forks that match the pink and reds and purples of the whole party...

FRIENDS in VANCOUVER :)

KIMI and SOPHIE has their CAKE MOMENT
...just like a newly wed they had to feed each other the sweet icing
to seal off the moment :)

FAMILY PICTURE

To Sophie Belle :) We wish you all the best. We are always here for you- Love Ninong Karl, Ninang meL and Cousin Kimi

The Park is our sandbox...

With the park just a few walks from our home. This is a favorite place for the kids to spend time at especially if the weather is good. With a new pail and shovel from Auntie Sab and Uncle Brian. Kimi was excited to dig up small pebbles at the playground area. Sophie and Kimi busied themselves by filling up their pails with acorn that were scattered all over the grass area.

DIG THAT! How CUTE!

MOMMY and KIMI
I DIG YOU, BABY!

THE BALANCING ACT
Kimi and Sophie shares a seesaw

UNCLE BRIAN BLOWING BUBBLES

The sun was pretty hot that time and we had to head back inside for Kimi's nap but she was really happy to be able to roam free at the park to play and explore even for just a few minutes...

Weekend at White Rock

We spent Saturday at White Rock Pier. It was the perfect day to stroll hand in hand with a love one or even to push a stroller. It was a long drive compared to what we used to go to for a regular weekend but with Brian to tour around we didn;t mind driving the extra mile for him to see a new place...

WHITE ROCK MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

HOUSES OVERLOOKING THE PIER
-Wouln't it be heaven to have a vacation house here?

Daddy Karl, Baby Kimi and Mommy meL

Have you watched them sleep?

An Email forwarded from my Brother...

HAVE YOU WATCHED THEM SLEEP?
Article written by Shakuntala Devi

I received a message on my Friendster account the other day. It was one of those forwarded messages, the type I would usually scan briefly before hitting "delete".

But this message, written in Bahasa Malaysia, started with a simple question that caught my attention A rough translation of it goes like this:

"Have you ever watched your parents as they are asleep? Your father's body once big and strong but now, the big is withered and the strong weakened. Wisps of grey peek out of his hair, wrinkles now "scar" on his forehead and face."

"This man works hard every day and would sacrifice anything to make sure his family is provided for and his children get the best education possible."

"Or what about your mother, whose soft hands once cuddled and held you close when you were a baby? Now, those hands are dry and rough, bearing evidence of the challenges she faced just for us."

"This woman takes care of our daily needs, constantly nagging and scolding us because of her love for us. But sadly, we often miscontrue her love as control and unfairness."

I have never thought of watching my parents while they slept. I've watched my cousins sleep when they were babies, all round and cuddly and sweet smelling. But watch my parents? No way!

But after reading this message, I realised that there is indeed much truth in it. In fact, my parents don't have to be asleep for me to realise that they have aged.

Just looking at my mother walk tells me that her legs are not as strong as they were before. Or hearing for her to ask me to help with that flowerpot in the garden, the one she used to be able to push and drag around the garden without my help.

Or watching my dad lift a 10kg bag of rice. I can easily carry that now. I am young. But to him, it is a struggle.

What do all these observations tell me? Yes, my parents have aged. They are ageing, as I am ageing. But as I age towards my best years and become stronger, they in turn are becoming weaker. They were once the caregiver and I the receiver. In time, I know our roles will reverse. Like it or not, want it or not, this is life.

I suppose I have always subconciously thought that my parents would always be with me, never growing old. It took that message to make me realise that my parents are not immortal. That they, too, will one day leave the world and me. Until then, I will make good use of our time together.

By the way, I am forwarding that message to all my family and friends to remind them to appreciate what they have now. It will not last.

Soup from the Heart

Ever since we started cooking our own meals downstair, I am always on the look out for recipe that is simple and tastes good...

K decided to help me out since I have already started working and he was really considerate to make soups for me since he says that I need more liquid since he believes I don't drink enough for the day...

NILAGANG BABOY

TINOLANG MANOK

I am really touched that he took the time to cook even after a tiring day at the office but to cook something that would be healthy..for me, is much more appreciated....