Do You Think Of Death?

Do you have grim, morbid moments? I do. When I was little, I remember waking up one night crying because I dreamed my mother died. My daughter has had a dream like that too. She dreamed I died and she woke up crying. Sometimes, I would ponder... what would happen if my husband died or if I were to lose one of my children. I wonder if I would be able to bear the pain? My parents are getting older everyday. I know one day in the near future, I will have to see them go. Can we ever be ready to handle death?

A friend of mine passed away a few days ago. Earlier in the year, a friend's sister lost her son. I cannot fathom the grief the family is going through. Are there any words that can bring comfort?

Easter is just around the corner and reminds us that Christ has overcome the bands of death for us. We will all be resurrected. There is the hope that families can be together forever. HOWEVER, we will still feel the emotions of losing a loved one.

During those days of mourning, I would think hiring a professional like Funeral Agent is important. I know I will be too devastated to even think how to plan a funeral. It will definitely be helpful if someone else could handle stuff like transporting deceased , paperwork and funeral services. All these things needs to be done competently and with compassion. The last thing you need is more stress.

I pray I will have the strength to face such trial when the time comes. May we all find peace and joy this Easter season.

"I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:"
(John 11:25)

*Brought to you by your friends at funeralagent.com

Mommy, SNAKE!

We had a snake "almost" come into the house yesterday. We were in the living room when our opposite neighbor came calling to tell us our rabbit had run to our next door neighbors house. Next thing I know, my girl is yelling (with real terror in her voice), "Mommy, SNAKE!" At first I thought she was playing a practical joke on her siblings (like she always do) but I looked anyway and saw the snake curled around the grill of the front door.

I quickly asked my neighbor to back away. Yelled for DH to come down. Like a hero, he came to save the day. He managed to kill the snake with a "cangkul" (hoe). Thank goodness it was a baby snake and didn't know how to retaliate yet. We don't know what kind of snake it was. Definitely not the harmless green garden snake. This one was black.

I shudder to think where the mother is. Or if there are other baby snakes. I thank Heavenly Father that we saw it while it was on the grill door. I'm thankful that it didn't slither into the house somewhere to hide in a corner. I'm grateful my DH was around to take care of the problem.

The rabbit was at my neighbor's house probably to escape from the snake. We tried to coax her back but she wouldn't budge. My neighbor said it looked like she was "menggigil" (shivering). Don't know what the snake was doing at my house. Looking to have a nice "rabbit" dinner or maybe "hamster" dinner? Whatever reason it came to my house, it gave me a reason to stop my son from singing Lady Gaga's song. I said all his "ula ulala" made the snake think he was calling him. Afterall, in Malay, "ular" means snake.

The dead snake in the "longkang" (drain).
Who can tell me what snake is this?

MAMA'S PARENTING TIP:

• Tell your children the story about The Boy Who Cried Wolf. It's not funny when the wolf (or snake) is real.
• Make everything into an educational opportunity. Time for me to do a lesson on snakes.
  

Funny T-Shirts For Boring Wardrobe

I like wearing T-shirts. It's comfortable and practical for my "work". It is perfect for cooking, cleaning and running around in this crazy heat. However, there are days when I look into my cupboard and wonder what to wear? Most of the t shirts are plain colored. Some have a little design to it. Sadly I admit, my t shirt collection is quite boring.

Maybe it would help to add a fun shirt like Nerdyshirts funny tshirts. The amount of time I'm spending on the computer these days, I could qualify to be a nerd. But no, the t-shirts there are not just for nerds. It is for anyone who wants a break from their boring t-shirts. They have a white t-shirt with graphics that make you look like you're wearing a working shirt with a black tie. They also have movie t-shirts such as The Hangover t-shirts. That one is quite cool. It makes you look like you have a baby strapped to you. New moms probably won't buy that though. They already have real babies strapped to them. Hahaha.

You know, sometimes life gets busy that we forget to laugh. Just yesterday I looked in the rear view mirror of the car and noticed I'm getting frown lines on my forehead. So, if your life could use a little humor, maybe a funny t-shirt will help. Why not take a humor break now and look at some funny pictures.

*Brought to you by your friends at Nerdyshirts.com

Baby Updates

We finally got around to cutting babyK's fringe. It is no more poking into her eyes but they are also no more wispy looking. I'm bummed about that. She looks so different after the cut. Just goes to show the influence of hairstyles on a person's look. Yeah, I know she still looks cute:)

SHE CAN SIT!!!!!
This is like one of the best milestones for baby. Errr... actually, best milestone for mommy because when we go out shopping, I don't have to carry her that much anymore. She can sit on the shopping cart. Such wonderful relief for my achy arms. However, she's not that steady yet. She will sometimes throw herself backwards. So we still have to kinda support her.
Oh, and that toy musical box she's playing with... that's her sister's. K got it for her 1st birthday. It was a gift from my brother. Can you imagine? That toy has lasted 8 years, through 3 different kids. The battery hasn't worn out and it is still working. Talk about a long lasting toy.

Time To Baby Proof The Home

I was just thinking the other day, in about 3-4 months, babyK will probably be walking. Her older 3 siblings all started walking between 9-10 months. This means we need to again increase our vigilance. It is time to once again look at my home and think what needs baby proofing.

• The baby gate for the stairs need to be installed again.
• Kids like to stick their fingers into "holes" like electrical outlets. I'll need some caps for that.
• They like to play with wires. Need to make sure that all wires are neatly tucked away.
• Look to see which furniture corner needs cushion. You know kids, they run without looking where they are going.
• Keep nagging the kids not to leave stuff on the floor, especially small things that baby can choke on.
• Make sure medication is stored at a place where children can't reach.
• Anything that is poisonous need to be kept properly like Clorox, detergents and cleaning products.
• Check existing toys for choking hazards.
  

It is scary that so many potential accidents can happen in the home. In fact, children are more likely to get hurt at home than outdoors.

If you are wondering how to baby proof your home, you can take a look at KidSafe. They offer the largest online selection of quality baby proofing products and child safety tips. Safety 1st, KidCo, Evenflo and Mommy's Helper are some of the brands they carry. You'll find stuff like Baby Gates, Child Safety Locks, Corner Cushions, Outlet Covers, TV Guards, Door Locks, Appliance Locks, Window Guards and much more. You might want to check out their KidSafe Blog too. They highlight stuff like product recalls, hazardous products, home safety tips and child safety products.

*Brought to you by your friends at kidsafeinc.com

Hyperactive Kid?

There are times when I get worried about my eldest son. He can't sit still and seem to bounce of the walls (and my bed!). I keep telling him the chair is for his butt and not his head or his feet. Yes, he rarely sits down normally. He is either upside down, facing backwards or with his feet on the chair. He also always gets the "do-you-have-ants-in-your-pants" comment from me. His pants doesn't last very long. The knees always gets worn out because he likes to be on the floor (even in public). He was also having holes in his shirt because he kept chewing it. Thank goodness he has sort of stopped doing that now (after many, many angry reminders from me).

I get worried about his aggression too. Sometimes he gets sooooo angry. If he was a whistling kettle, he'd be going "WoooOOOOOOOOooooooOOOOOO" with steam coming out his ears. And his "default" way to handle it is to hit someone.

He likes to make funny sounds; you'd think he had a built-in sound effects system. His mouth can be like a radio that doesn't have an "off" button. Usually, it's on "repeat" mode. For example, he has been singing Lady Gaga's "Oola oolala, rama ramama". And it's that same 1-2 phrase/lines over and over again. (Mommy is going "aiyo-aiyoyo). Talking about yo-yo, there are times when his emotions are like a yo-yo; one minute he is high, the next minute his mood changes to an ugly low.

BUT, he is not always like that. He has his good-boy moments too. Plus, I've not had any complaints from his teachers. He can sit down and read or draw when he wants to. When I give him work to do, he can focus.

It's just those times when he seems to be out-of-control that gets me worried. Even a church friend agreed that maybe I should get him evaluated for hyperactivity.

Soooooooo........... we took him to see a pediatrician yesterday. Guess what? He was on his best behavior. He sat down nicely, quietly and spoke with the doctor decently. Of course the doctor thought me and DH were nuts to bring in such a good boy to be evaluated for hyperactivity.

Well dear Doctor.... YOU'VE BEEN CONNED. My son even admitted that he had cheated the doctor. Sigh! Maybe he is not hyperactive afterall, just very cunning and too much energy. The other day he said to me "Mommy, why are you sleeping? It's only 2pm. It's not even night time yet."

One good thing came out from taking him to the doctor. He had some good advise for my son. Doctor said "Don't watch television, don't play computer games and no fighting. Read more books and listen to music". I paid RM35 for that advise. Ironically, that's what I've been telling my kids all these while. I guess when a doctor says it, it sounds more authoritative. When mom says it, it's nagging :)

MAMA'S PARENTING TIPS FOR LESS HYPERACTIVE CHILDREN:

• No TV
• No computer games
• No fighting
• Read more books
• Listen to music
• Give them more attention
  

Need Help Setting Up Your Own Blog?

You know that people are making money through blogs. I'm sure you'd like to get in on the action too right? Well, the first thing you need is to get your own blog. Of course you can use one that is hosted by blogger or wordpress, but it is recommended that you get your own hosting.

If you feel overwhelmed by all that's involved in getting started, do not fret. My friend Kelly has a great opportunity for you to make the leap in style. All the hard work of installation and theme set up will be done for you - you'll even be able to watch!

It's all part of Blog Week - a special event running from March 15th to 19th. You won't believe the deal she's put together for you. It includes you domain, three months of hosting and a blog set up. Click here to learn more: HELP ME SET UP A MONEY MAKING BLOG

P.S. If you're not sure how to make money through blogs, she's also got another deal where you can upgrade your deal and access her Blog Internship. She'll teach you how to blog, how to promote your blog and how to make money with your blogs.

What you waiting for? Go check it out NOW.


*Yes, the links are affiliate links.

What Would Your Custom T-Shirt Say?

I love this baby onesie that says "bad hair day". It's really perfect for babyK as she really does have some bad hair days. I have another one that says "I love Daddy". Obviously I bought that to "polish daddy's shoes"; motivation for him to take care of her more often so I can have some free time. Heheheh.

So anyway, I was thinking, if you had to write something on your T-shirt, what would it say?

I was looking at some Cafepress custom t-shirts and saw some that might suit me. There's one that says "I'm not bossy. I just know what you should be doing." And I'm sure my daughter would reply with the T-shirt that says " All I hear is blah, blah, blah, blah, blah..." :)

There are some food t-shirts as well. There's a cute one that says "Cereal Killer". DH would probably wear the one that says "Got Chili?" He can really eat spicy stuff. As for me, I would definitely wear the one that says "Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first." Some days I would need a shirt that says "What to cook?" If you're a mom who cooks everyday, you'll know what I mean. Sometimes you just want to get away from cooking the same ol' stuff. That's when websites like the Food Network comes in handy.

Other sayings that should be on my T-shirts:

• Go to sleep
• No, you can't use the computer
• They're not my children. I'm just babysitting
• I make milk. What's your super power.
• I'm not nagging. I'm just reminding.
• I'm baby food.

So, what would your T-shirt say?


Brought to you by your friends at cafepress.com

Baby is 6 Months Old

Baby is now 6 months old. Gone is that little baby I once held in my arms. BabyK is getting big. Went for her hepatitis B jab yesterday at the clinic and they weighed her in at 7.5kg.

Gave baby her first taste of solid food. Mixed some rice cereal along with breastmilk. She took it with no problem. I can see she is sooooo ready to eat. No gagging or pushing the food out with her tongue. Plus, she tries to grab the spoon herself. When I'm drinking water, she will try to grab my cup too. Once in a while I've given her plain water to drink. Unfortunately she ends up playing with the bottle more than drinking the water. Nevermind, at least she is exposed to the taste of plain water.

So, what else is this little girl doing at 6 months?

• Discovered her feet. Feet are now a source of entertainment. They seem to taste pretty good too.
• Little explorer. Can't crawl yet but she can move around. She will either tumble around or "worm" around on her tummy. In our home office, she's discovered where we keep the recycled papers (right at the bottom of the book shelf). She will constantly "navigate" herself there to rustle, crumple and eat the papers. If not, she will head over to my chair and try to lick it. I really have to keep 2 eyes on her. I need to grow more eyes and hands. An octopus baby needs an octopus mommy, ya know.
  
• Likes to put her hands on our face and mouth.
• Getting sticky. We're hearing more often the "I want mommy" cry.
• Discovered her voice. It can be pretty noisy when she decides to test out her vocals. A few nights ago I heard her say "Ah mama". I swear that's what she said. Last night I thought I heard her say "nen nen". I'm hoping she learns to say "papa" first. That way, she'll call papa every time she needs a diaper change or a bath or whatever. Heheheheh.
• Can sit up but with support.
• Sense of anticipation. I like to play with her "Round and round the garden, goes the teddy bear". When I say "one step, two step", she already anticipates that I will tickle her next.
  

Chilling out with the BIG teddy bear.

Mama's Parenting Tips

• Siblings really need to learn NOT to leave things on the floor. Baby puts everything in her mouth.
• Mop your floor everyday. Yes, when baby becomes mobile, mommy has more work to do.
• Sing nursery rhymes to baby. You can also start reading to baby.
• Instead of giving baby a pacifier, give baby a good rubber teething ring. I wish they had Sophie the Giraffe here.
• Don't give baby juice to drink. They'll get used to the sweet taste and won't want to drink plain water later on.
  
• When baby gets sticky, a baby sling becomes very handy.
  

Printable Games For Birthdays

What is the most important thing at a kid's birthday party? FOOD!

What is the next most important thing? GAMES!

It's no secret that kids need to be entertained at a party. You're asking for trouble if you invite a bunch of kids over and then leave them to entertain themselves. Here is one solution for you: Printable Birthday Party Games.

If you don't want to waste your energy thinking of what games to play, then take a look at the games below. These are easy and fun games. You can quickly finish your task of coming up with games using the resource below. Just click on the affiliate links below to get what you need. Have a fun birthday bash!
Printable Birthday Games

The Deluxe Birthday Party Games Collection - $19.95 Our entire collection of 44 printable games is included in this collection! Includes all our fabulously illustrated Birthday and Over-The-Hill games, plus the Personalize It! games. As many printouts of as many games as you want. Start printing as soon as you order

Birthday Picture Bingo-$6.99 A bingo for all ages to enjoy, even the youngest players. All squares have pictures so even the younger players can be a part of the fun. Call Card with pictures included. Start printing as soon as you order!

Birthday Charades & Pictionary - $ 6.99 Keep the entire group entertained for hours! Kids can play in teams or individually in this fun game of charades or pictionary with over 90 different cards. Start printing as soon as you order!

Birthday Hunt - $ 6.99 Turn out the lights and get your flashlights ready, it's time to find the Birthday Cake! Players search in the dark for paper cake cut-outs that were secretly placed around the party area. Start printing as soon as you order!

It's Easier To Shop Online

Shopping for young children these days is so convenient. I just have to sit in front of my monitor and click-click here and click-click there. I don't have to deal with restless children in the car. No need to pack 1001 things like diaper bag or snacks. Don't have to stress that the kids are playing kung-fu in the shop. No need to worry if can find parking space or not. I can just sit calmly and take my time browsing the internet for baby and children stuff.

The only problem is you cannot feel and inspect the product first. However, if you buy well known brands, you can usually trust the quality. Yeah, they may be a bit pricey but they usually last longer. You don't know how many toys my children have got that didn't last more than a week. Heck, some didn't even make it past 24 hours. For example, grandma bought a toy helicopter for D2's birthday last year. It had lights, sound and could move. The next day, the body fell apart. Another example, we bought D1 a toy martial arts set that had a plastic sword. Not long after, it broke at the handle. So, when it comes to buying toys for children, try to get good ones that are durable. If not it's like being "penny wise but pound foolish".

Anyway, back to shopping online. It's amazing what you find sometimes. I came across a website that sells Jellycat. Do you know what's a Jellycat? Sounds like something you can eat ya? But no, it's actually a very popular brand of plush toys. Some people collect them. Every year they come out with 2 new designs.They are really, really soft and come in different sizes. The truffle dog looks really cute and hugable.

There's also the Appaman brand of clothing. Apparently, celebrity parents love to buy these. Maddox and Shiloh Jolie-Pitt have been seen to wear it. Feedback says that it's very durable and it is easy to get stains off the fabric. The designs are trendy and most important, kids find it very comfortable to wear.

Barefoot Dreams is another brand that has been used by celebrity children. Their products include luxurious blankets, throws, robes, hoodies and v-necks for children. Suri Cruise (daughter of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise) has been photographed adorning their BambooChic Toddler Hoodie. I guess they, like so many other parents, cannot resist the super soft fabric. I wouldn't mind a cozy, soft blanket for myself.

Well, that's my little find for today. One last tip before I go, to save money shopping online, don't forget to look for coupon codes and sites that offer free shipping.

*Brought to you by your friends at http://www.loulouscorner.com/