April 2009

April 2009

Change of website

Just to let you know, I have created a new blog. My new blog address is http://www.ameliayap.com/mummy-thoughts. Check out our journey to Georgia, our home for the next couple of months.

I would love if you would read it and leave some comments.
Thanks

Happy Birthday Mummy

May is birthday month in the family and Mum just had her birthday on the 26th of May. Kyle asked her how old she was and she said 37, that is why the candles on the pineapple cheese cake says 37.

Look at that flame!!
Andrew was sick that day so he was already in Bed!
Mum serving everyone as usual!

We all had a good time enjoying the cake. Mum could only have a small piece as she was watching her diet before her surgery the next day. She has a macular hole in her retina.

What is a Marcular hole?
The retina is a thin layer of tissue that covers the back of the eye. The centre of the retina, called the marcula, is the most sensitive part. The macula is responsible for our central vision used for such things as reading. A clear jelly-like substance called the Vitreous Gel fills the central cavity of the eye and is attached to the retina.
The vitreous gel in the eye shrinks with age in many people and pulls away from the retina. In some people the vitreous can cause a hole in the retina when it pulls away called a macular hole. Fluid may leak under the edges of the hole, causing a microscopic retinal detachment. The results in blurring and distortion of vision.

What can be done for a macular hole?

A surgical procedure called a vitrectomy removes the vitreous gel from the eye so it is no longer pulling on the distorting the macula. Any membranes around the edge of the hole that are keeping the hole from closing are removed. The vitreous gel is then replaced with a bubble containing gas. The acts like an internal bandage to hold the edges of the macular hole in place as it heals.

It has been over a week since the surgery and she is doing well. No cooking for her for a few more weeks. Unfortunately, she is still telling me what to do in the kitchen even though she is not allowed to do anything. She just can't let go. Dad on the other hand is not complaining about eating too much vegetables. He know that if he complains he might be making his own dinners. My aunt comes by with food on and off so there is always tons of food! We can never go hungry in the Yap household, that is for sure!

Hair Donation

My hair grows on average an inch every 2 months. Since I shaved it 2 years ago, it has grown 12 inches. So I figured it was time for another donation. Here are the before and after pictures.

Me with my locks

All prepared for Kyle my hair cutter.
After the hair cut!
Hair for donation
The New Do!

Hey if any of you want to donate or are thinking about donating, here are the websites to find more information.
www.achildsvoicefoundation.com in Canada, or locksoflove.org in the U.S. This is a little something that you could do for a child.

Thanks to all of you who can help.

Narcisse Snake Den

There are so many things to do in Manitoba so our first big outing this year is our visit to Narcisse snakes den, The Narcisse Snake Den Area is the world's largest concentration of snakes. In fact, these aggregations represent one of the largest concentrations of any vertebrate species anywhere in the world.



Every spring, the Narcisse Snake Dens are alive with tens of thousands of red-sided garter snakes as they slither to the surface from their winter dens. These snakes are ready to begin their annual mating ritual.


Balls of snakes mating.

Matthew with a tiny

Andrew

Natalie

How do you overcome your fear of snakes? Hold one.

Matthew's First Holy Communion

My Matthew has grown up, he had his first Holy communion on the 26th of April. So funny, before that, he asked me, "Does this mean that I can go for communion every time?". He has learnt alot from the religious classes, we sometimes feel he knows more that us. I am so proud of him!

Family Shot, Erin and Matthew both had their first Holy Communion.

Matthew with Deacon Doug. Deacon Doug also baptized Matthew 7 years earlier.

Matthew (Mary Mother of the Chruch)

Natalie and Amelia (taken by Matthew)

Matthew and Kailyn Louka (his classmate)

My three little angles under Mary Care.

George and Shirley's 50th Wedding Anniversary

Kyle's parents George and Shirley celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on the 25th of April and how appropriate, it fell on a Saturday afternoon. The whole family was there to celebrate the wonderful day. Even the uncles and aunts.

The proud couple

Most of the family.

The oldest and the youngest.

50 years is amazing, when Kyle and I celebrate our 50th anniversary, I will be 76, hey that is not too old!! My parents just will be celebrating their 46th anniversary in May. Time really flies... Being with your best friend for so long is amazing and great. Kyle and I will be celebrating our 13th anniversary in June, I look forward to many more years with my best friend.

Matthew is 8

My Matthew just turned 8 last week, but since it was on Good Friday the 10th, it wasn't an appriopriate day for a party, he had his party on Saturday the 18th. When I talked to one of the parents, he asked where the party was being held. Our house?!? I guess many kids have parties at locations, like mini golf, or bowling or amusement parks. I have been told that this is less work and less clean up.

Well we had the party at home and it was a success. The kids had a blast and they were entertained the whole time. They didn't want to leave.

The weather was cloudy about 5C/40F, at least there was no snow. The kids played soccer for a little bit and then when everyone arrived we played a boardgame on the driveway. We made a boardgame with 16 square and the kids were the pawns. We made a die with a cardboard box and the kids had a blast throwing it into the air and stuff. Some of the spaces were, skip a turn, go back 3 spaces, move forward 2 spaces and empty your pockets, jump till you next turn, similar to Monopoly. Make up your own rules. They stayed outside for about an hour. Then we proceed inside for more fun.

We did a craft, the decorated their own brown goodie bag and made orgami shirt which they decorated too. Here are the instructions for the shirt.

We also played a couple of games of Bingo and Charades. Even my Natalie the 3 year old and Andrew the 5 year old participated. Natalie did the actions for animals. Make it applicable for the age group. I just did a search on the internet for different game ideas. There are tons out there.

For food, we had pop corn chicken with sliced vegetables and fruit. Very healthy and very little packaging. When we were done eating, the cake was brought out and they used the dinner plate for their cake. Just one set of dishes and cutlery. Very little clean up and little waste. That is the "green" mum coming out in me.

This party lasted 3 hours, and barely had enough time to open gifts. I think the boys really wanted to play lego but didn't have time. No excuse about the house being too small. The whole party took place on the driveway and in the regular size living room and dinning room. Mostly in the dinning room around the table, there were 9 kids in total! The kids don't really need fancy parties and elobrate locations. I think everyone had a good time and I know Matthew did, that is the most important! Have your next party at home.

What do we appreciate

If you are reading this, this means that you are blessed in one way or another. Read on learn how blessed we are!

A Story to live by :
There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was
blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He
was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I
could only see the world, I will marry you.'

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages
came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.

He asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?'
The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind.
The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected
that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life
led her to refuse to marry him.

Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her
saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before
they were yours, they were mine.'

This is how the human brain often works when our status changes.
Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who
was always by their side in the most painful situations.

Life Is a Gift

Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who
can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of
someone who has nothing to eat..

Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone
who's crying out to GOD for a companion.

Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who died
too early on this earth.

Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who
desires children but they're barren...

Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean
or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive Think of someone who
walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the
unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning
another - Remember that not one of us is without sin.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on
your face and think: you're alive and still around.

Think Happy Thoughts, and you will be Happy

I believe

Something I received in an email that I totally can relate to. I hope you can you.

After living what I felt was a 'decent' life, my time
on earth came to the end.

The first thing I remember is sitting on a
bench in the waiting room of what I thought to
be a court house.
The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and
have a seat by the defense table.
As I looked around I saw the 'prosecutor.'
He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he
stared at me. He definitely was the most
evil person I have ever seen.
I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My
Attorney, kind and gentle looking man
whose appearance seemed so familiar to me,
I felt I knew Him.

The corner door flew open and there appeared the
Judge in full flowing robes.
He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across
the room I couldn't take my eyes off of Him.
As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, 'Let
us begin..'
The prosecutor rose and said,
'My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man
belongs in hell.'

He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things
that I stole, and In the past when I cheated
others. Satan told of other horrible Perversions
that were once in my life and the more he spoke,
the further down in my seat I sank.

I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at
anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told
of sins that even I had completely forgotten about.

As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these
things about me, I was equally upset at My
Attorney who sat there silently not offering any
form of defense at all.
I know I had been guilty of those things, but I
had done some good in my life - couldn't that at
least equal out part of the harm I'd done?

Satan finished with a fury and said, 'This man belongs
in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged
and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.'
When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He
might approach the bench. The Judge
allowed this over the strong objection of Satan,
and beckoned Him to come forward .
As He got up and started walking, I was able to see
Him in His full splendor and majesty.

I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was
Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.
He stopped at the bench and softly said to the
Judge, 'Hi, Dad,' and then He turned to address
the court.
'Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned,
I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes,
the wages of sin is death, and this man deserves to
be punished.'

Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with
outstretched arms and proclaimed, 'However, I
died on the cross so that this person might have
eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior,
so he is Mine.'
My Lord continued with, 'His name is written in the
Book of Life, and no one can snatch him from Me.
Satan still does not understand yet. This man is
not to be given justice, but rather mercy.'
As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked
at His Father and said, 'There is nothing else
that needs to be done.'
'I've done it all.'
The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the
gavel down. The following words bellowed
from His lips..
'This man is free. The penalty for him has
already been paid in full. 'Case dismissed.'
As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting
and raving, 'I won't give up, I will win the next one.'

I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where
to go next, 'Have you ever lost a case?'

Christ lovingly smiled and said, 'Everyone that has come
to Me and asked Me to represent them has
received the same verdict as you, ~Paid In Full~'

'Stop telling God how big your storm is.
Instead, tell the storm how big your God is!'

Creativity in our kids.

As much as we love to give toys to our children, they often find other sources of entertainment to occupy their time. Natalie is currently playing with a plastic container of 20 pennies (food), colourful stamp punch outs and a die, mixing it with a crayon and cooking it, and feeding it to me. She adds different things to it using different things on my desk, cup, lotion, pen cap, pencil etc. She has been playing with that for the last half hour. There is so much creativity in their little minds, I am striving not to squash that creativity. It would be great if any one has any suggestions. Add a comment. Thanks.

Andew's Breakfast

One Morning Kyle asked Andrew what he wanted for breakfast and here is their conversation:

Kyle: what would you like for breakfast?
Andrew: What I had yesterday?
Kyle: What did you have yesterday?
Andrew: Do you remember when I was born?
Kyle: Yes.
Andrew: Why can't you remember what I had for breakfast yesterday?

Sometimes the kids are just too smart!!

Less Stress in Our Lives

I am passing this on to you because it definitely worked for me and we
could all use more calm in our lives.
By following the simple advice I heard on a medical tv show, I have
finally found inner peace.

A doctor proclaimed the way to achieve inner peace is to finish all
the things that you have started.
So I looked round my house to see things that I had started and hadn't
finished and, before leaving the house this morning, I finished off a
bottle of Merlot, a bottle of shhhardonay, a bodle of Baileys, a butle
of vocka, a pockage of Prunglies, the mainder of bot Prozic and Valium
scriptins, the res of the chesecke an a box a chocolets.
Yu haf no idr who filpin gud I fel.
Peas send is orn to dem yu fee AR in ned of inr pece.

lourv nd lit

Winter Wonderland

The kids are loving their winter wonderland in the back yard. They built a igloo and there is a skating rink on the lake and their own private tobaggan run. What more can you ask for? I just sit at the window and watch them from the comfort and warmth of the family room.
Their igloo before it melted with the Feburary thaw.

From the inside of the igloo.

Andrew relaxing inside. Matthew could also stand up inside.

View from inside.


Natalie going down on the sled..


Andrew coming down


Andrew the snow monster!

Happy Chinese New Year

Just returned from an awesome course in Louisville, Kentucky. It was a little warmer than Winnipeg but somehow it didn't feel that way. The people there are just so friendly, but everyone said come back in Spring. Wasn't so bad, if you are from Winnipeg.

So today is the first day of Chinese New Year, Mum is making a feast and since we were away, we ate out lots and will be eating lots for the next 2 weeks.... I have to make sure I stick with my exercise routine...

Not sure if you have ever heard of Mall Walking. The old folks walk in the malls during the winter before the stores open as it is too cold to walk outside and they need some sort of exercise or socializing. In Phoenix, Arizona, they mall walk too as it is too hot outside. Well I didn't want to get a gym membership so I decided to mall walk with my parents. We go early as soon as the mall opens at 8am so I am home by 9am and Kyle gets the kids ready for school and doesn't usually start working till after 9am anyways. I do that twice-3 times a week. Sometimes I take the kids but it is not as productive as they start to complain after a while and it slows me down. I really enjoy Yoga to so I do that on the other days, I aim for 15 minutes and I feel better.

Here are some pictures of the kiddies.
Natalie, Matthew and Andrew posing for the camera!

Special dinner table for the kids, Natalie, Andrew, Matthew and Erin (Joel's daughter).

Chinese New Year dinner with me, Ah Koo(Dad's sister), Lita and Duluk (good friends of my parents), Dad, Mum and Joel.



Crazy kids singing the new year song and collecting their red packets from Daddy.
BTW they love the video and want to watch it over and over.

Assistant Water Safety Instruction(AWSI)

So I am in school again, taking AWSI at the Pan-Am Pool. AWSI is a course to teach kids and adults to swim. I wasn't too sure if we would be able to find a swimming instructor easily in CR so I decided to learn to teach, to teach them myself. It is so important for the kids to know water safety and know how to swim.

There are 10 students in the class, the kids range from 15-17 and me! Even the instructor is in her 20s. They say this is the next level so that is why most of them are doing it. Plus it would be a great job while they are in school. Why didn't I think of that before? Anyways, the kids are great. I don't feel old, just feel like I have a little more experience than them. I am old enough to be their mum!!

We had our first class on Sunday and we even did a impromptu presentation with everyone critiquing each other. I was nervous, not sure why, I guess I didn't know what to think, talking to a bunch of teenagers who are my peers. This was done to help prepare us to speak to a group of students that we will be teaching. Learning tips, how to talk etc. I think it is awesome, great experience for the kids. No peer pressure from their classmates, all the kids here don't know each other so it is a neutral environment. We need more of this.

Like what Matthew(7) said before, he can't figure out why adults have so much trouble speaking in front of people, he is only a kid and doesn't have any problem with that!

Photo Booth with Attitude

Check out this site for a great laugh, photo booth with an attitude.
http://videos.komando.com/2008/06/27/photo-booth/

How Precious

Back to school in the new year. At lunch today Natalie says that she doesn't want Andrew to go to school. She knows that she is going to miss him, her play mate, she'll never admit it. Funny, she keeps on telling him that she doesn't like him!!

Get a Normal Job

At Christmas Eve dinner, Matthew asked his cousin Erin why people don't get normal jobs. Kyle asked Matthew what he meant. A normal job like his parents, who work from the home!!!

I love working from home. I can play with the kids throughout the day and if they need help with something, I am there. I am fortunate and blessed.

Happy New Year

May all your dreams come true!
Another year of adventures...