Ryan's Birthday

June 15. Ryan just turned 6. My kids are growing fast. I really miss the baby days. Even my girl is growing up fast. I miss having a baby around BUT... I'm just not going to have another baby just because I want to play with one. I CAN'T take another 9 months of morning sickness +++. I'm happy with my THREE precious and that's more than enough :)

As I said, it was Ryan's birthday. I was not planning for a birthday party for him. But something my mum said got me thinking into doing something different this time for him. About doing a good deed in his name on his birthday so that he will be blessed in life. Of course, I want that for my kids. I was also thinking that my kids... my very pampered kids... need to learn to care for others and learn the meaning of compassion as well. I don't expect them to fully comprehend what is compassion but knowing that there are some people out there who are more needy. I decided to bring them to visit an orphanage. At first, I simply don't know where to go. I googled quite a bit and found a list of orphanages from www.hati.org.my amongst others. I decided for a smaller orphanage so that my kids can interact with them. We chose to go to an orphanage in USJ called Compassion House aka Rumah KIDS. Managed by Christians, the kids are of Chinese and Indian races, not necessarily of the same religion. The caretaker, Theresa said that it is for the kids to decide their faith later. How nice.

We brought some food and small presents for the kids. There were about 17 kids in all, ranging for 6 to college kids. They are kids with single parent, underprivileged or even abused kids...by their own parent!!! How could parents do that!!! They are very good and well behaved kids. They helped out. Well mannered but shy. Totally in contrast with my 'wild' ones! The older kids take care of the younger ones. When it was time for food, the older kids just waited until the younger ones have their share. I got Ryan to give out the little presents. I bought pen cases and stationeries for them. I prefer things related to studies and that can be personal for them. A bit on the fancy side but I know kids love them. When it was time to go, each one of them came and said thanks and goodbye. I have intention of going and visit them again. First, I'll gather some clothes supply, amongst others. I noticed that some kids are wearing clothes that are a bit too small for them. Here are some pictures of our visit.

The rest of the afternoon was spent rather quietly. Ryan was contented playing with his birthday present. Towards the evening, we called our neighbours' kids to come over to have some cake and song with Ryan before they go to the playground. It was quiet but good. So many contacts with children today. I felt good.

Happy Birthday, Ryan!

Love Daddy, Mummy, Raymund and Rachel :)

Our Trip to PD

My husband and I took leave from work for 1 and half week to spend time with our kids during school holidays. We went to PD last week where Rachel's had her first experience in the pool and beach. My kids were at all time high then.. feeding the rabbits and chickens, playing water and sand. It was kind of boring for the adults - nothing much to do but my husband and I were very happy simply because our kids were happy. That's all we want.

Ryan made some friends at the pool. Raymund is a very active child but when it comes to making friends, he is very reserved. Ryan is totally different. He approaches children and makes the 1st move to be friends. Rachel, my princess is definitely in her own world. Anyway, they had great fun. Ryan was counting the hours towards the end of the trip. He wanted to make the most out of it. He woke up early and insisted on going to the pool immediately. He was even willing to miss breakfast and that is something big because Ryan just loves to eat :)

Raymund wanted to go home. The little fun he had was enough. He missed his home and the comfort of his room. On the 1st night, he wanted us to go home to sleep, thinking that we were near to home. But he was ok. Even Rachel had fun. There was a little kids centre in Avillion. After dinner, we let them hang around there a little while .. to digest before they sleep.

The hotel highly recommended Sea View Restaurant for sea food. Perhaps we are very much KL-ians. The price was pretty reasonable but the taste was so-so. The breakfast at the hotel was also nothing to shout about. The 2 breakfasts that we had, had exactly the same spread.

At the end of the trip, Ryan was trying to get us to tell him when he can visit again. He loves the place and everything in it. The kids said thank you to us. That felt good :)

I had a good time with my family. That is all that matters. The down side is that I came back with lots of bite marks on my neck, hand and legs. I was bitten by sand flies. I was playing sand with my girl at the beach. Thank God she is ok. I am still carrying the marks and the itch. Very itchy... swelled up into bubbles and when it leaking, it just kept leaking and leaking. Towards the 3rd day, my hands felt numb-ish. I had to go on antibiotic and antihistamine to fix it. So, watch out if you go to PD. The sand flies there are not fatal like the ones in Africa but darn irritating :p.

Joanne