James Woo

Happy Blessed Birthday, hubby!

May the Lord continue to bless you everyday...

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge Him,

and he will make your paths straight

Proverb 3:5, 6

We celebrated at Milwaukee Steak house...

Venture Heights In Progress II

I was supposed to put up post of the progress, but laziness, tireness and the stressful routine lately has been in the way...

We officially be moving into the house on 31 July 2010, which is just a few days away... But there're still so many incomplete things & last minute defects and problems cropping up.  I am seriously wondering how long it's going to take us to actually settle down and be comfortable in it, to start building a new life routine...

Here's some photos taken along the way of reno & painting  and all...

Looking at the progress we were at, James & I took leave almost 2 weeks to monitor on site.  A lots of disappointments on the contractors.  We only manage to try to wash & get the place ready for us to move things on 29 & 30 July 2010.  Luckily we assigned Vision Mission Cleaning to do the cleaning for us. 

Reward

Since Ian likes Ultraman so much, will take this opportunity to reward him.  In his second semester test, he got 100% for his English Test and previously he was rewarded as a good team player in his class...

Wee-Go Glass Bottle

Last year around this time, I've been searching for this products in Malaysia, couldn't find it.  I even checked with a friend who's working in MotherCare, she said never come across this product.

Yesterday I saw it in MotherCare, The Curve.  It's cost RM69 for 9oz and RM49 for 4oz.

Good to know:

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Designed to grow with your child. The included clear cover can also serve as an easy to hold cup. Twist on the solid cap (sold separately) and use your bottles for storing juice or snacks. Perfect for a lunchbox or traveling.
Bright colored silicone sleeve (patent pending) helps to protect the bottle from breakage and provides a great gripping surface and tactile experience during feeding
Bottle and sleeve can be boiled or put in the dishwasher together. Can also go in the freezer, making breast milk storage simple.
Bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalate, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) free
Silicone sleeve is non-toxic and free of plastics
Silicone nipple is non-toxic and latex-free
Plastic ring, plug and cap are FDA approved
Made from borosilicate glass and therefore are thermal shock resistant allowing them to go from freezer to boiling water

Fun time

Ian & Zyta really have fun time in the play house...

Mead Johnson Roadshow

We were at Jusco Maluri on 20 June 2010, initially thought I'll just drop by and see what it was about, thinking that, I've been a loyal customer of Mead Johnson for almost 5 years (2005 - 2009), what they want to tell about... And the promoter kept approaching Ian & Zyta to play with the education kits...

How DHA is important for the children?  And how every milk company claims to incorporate sufficient DHA for children’s development?  Well, I finally understand what is DHA… DHA is Docosahexaenoic Acid or about how Mead Johnson was the first milk powder brand to add DHA in their infant formula.  Though our body creates DHA from the raw food we consume, but it’s slow and inefficient so having a consistent and adequate intake of DHA is important for the development of the brain.  DHA is the main substance in the surface covering of the brain cells (which we all know develops rapidly in the first 2 years) and controls the release and uptake of brain messengers (helps in “communication” between the brain cells)… SO it helps with the children’s absorption of what we try to teach them, and to actually learn to apply them… From age 2 to adult, their brain cells development will only grow for like another 21%, so it’s really crucial to be providing them sufficiently in the first 2 years...

Father's Day

Ian's Art work & gift to Daddy, a Toyota key chain, must be the teacher's chosen for him, anyway thanks to GCC for doing a good job (good teaching, about "LOVE")...

A rose to Daddy...

Movie Day-Toy Story 3

After the Kids visit Office @ NSN on 18 June 2010. we watched Toy Story 3 at Mid Valley.  I brought Ian to take KTM train from KL Sentral to Mid Valley station and met James there... after the movie, we've had dinner at Purple Cane Restaurant @ Lower Ground Floor...

 

Kids Visit @ Office

An Article from NSN Club:

Kids @ Office is another event which got very well participation rate from the employees. What is “Kids @ Office”? This is one of the most commonly asked questions from the employees. It is a half-daily event that the employees can bring their kids to the office, it's a fun-filled kind of event, some sorts like a mini carnival with a lot of tidbits, snacks, clowns, magic show, game stores.  Every employee can register their kids to this event, so long these kids are aged 2-12 and the spouses are allowed to come along on that day.
 

June 18th was such a “noisy” yet merry day for the Malaysia office because it was the Kids @ Office Day! About 75 kids had certainly created a livelier working environment on the day but fortunately despite the noise, all of them were well-behaving. As early as 8.30 a.m., the parents brought their kids in for attendance registration and light breakfast was prepared for the kids. Each of them got a bright orange lanyard with their name tag that needed to be displayed throughout the whole event. They also got an orange coloured goodie backpack each.Most of the activities were held in level 31 which was very well-decorated on the day. These kids got excited seeing so many different types of games and quickly hopped in their favourite game stores. We had Kiddy Corner for the younger age kids group and games such as Wriggler, Rocky Road, Jigsaw Puzzle and Pin the Donkey's Tail were for the elder aged kids. Though these kids showed out their frustration when they can't win in the games but that didn't stop them from keep trying until they won prizes from the stores. Besides game stores, there was a photo corner for these kids to take photos with their parents and the photos were developed almost instantly. The event management also prepared a sand art corner for the kids to uncover their hidden creativity talents.

Kids' event must have someone to entertain them and for Kids @ Office, there were two clowns mingling around and got along with the kids. The Animal Balloon Clown can make a lot of different types of designs from the balloons and each kid can request from him for a balloon. In addition, he also went around and cracking jokes to these kids, they seemed to like this clown very much! There was another clown, the Magical Clown that performed a magic show to the kids. He was seen entertaining and playing with the kids before and after his show. His magic show was really interesting yet funny and a lot of laughter could be heard, even from the parents!It would be a waste if these kids did not pay a visit to such beautiful workstations, so we organised the “Tour in D' Office” that these kids will pay a visit to six selected departments. Toy and snacks will be distributed to all of them whenever they arrived at these six “stations” and there was a simple Q&A session for the kids that could earn them some extra prizes. These six teams were respectively Maxis Customer Team, DiGi Customer Team, Human Resources department, Finance and Control department, Logistics department and Research and Development team. Besides visiting these “stations”, we brought them to the gymnasium, pool table room and pantry to educate them on NSN's emphasis to encourage a work-life balance in the employees.

Right after the tour, they proceeded for lunch and we have pre-packed lunch for them which was all kids' favourites! We got them 1901's New York Chicken hotdog and bun, McDonald's chicken nuggets, Nestle's yogurt drink, Nestle's cultured drink and Nestle's Smarties Cup ice-cream which was the kids' top favourite! Did we mention, we had a popcorn lady with her popcorn machine cooking popcorn for us? It was unlimited and the kids seemed to enjoy her popcorn very much, she was always seen busy preparing for the kids. The fun didn't end there; we even bought a special cake for the June babies! It was so beautifully decorated and it was a yummy chocolate cake. Right after they had their slice of cake, it also marked the end of Kids @ Office event. The kids enjoyed themselves very much and kept requesting to have one at the soonest. The parents gave positive feedback about this whole event because it brought the family closer to each other and was a total fresh idea to gather in the office! What can it be cooler than having your family day, in the office?

Venture Heights-In Progress

3 June 2010 is the date we do the 2nd inspection, still have few things haven't fixed and also the date of renovation started.

I tried to put up the post of the process from empty house, to renovation and then slowly towards the final HOME...

Lately the stressful routine from dealing with the contractor to packing, working plus taking care of house routine work...  I hope I would write them down for memory.

We planned to move in by end of July, but there's still so many incomplete things & defects & problems cropping up...

Here's some photos taken along the way of renovation:

Salad Dressing

In Jan 2010, James & I tasted a delicious salad dressing in a Japanese Restaurant, Pasta Zanmai, MV.  I've been looking for it, but couldn't find.  Thank you Daphne for recommending this salad dressing to me, the taste is very close to the one i'm looking for. 

My hubby James likes salad very much, I always prepare salad with butterhead, japanese cucumber, cherry tomato, carrot... and with the sauce mixure of japanese mayo & mustard or soy sauce, vinegar, lemon juice.

It's called Deep Roasted Sesame Dressing, and it cost RM14.90, can get it from Cold Storage or any Japanese shops.

MUST TRY!!!

六味地黄丸

Hanyu Pinyin: Liuwei Dihuang Wan

To all the wives that their husbands who like to drink beers or wines and smoking. A Traditional Chinese medicine wholesaler friend recommended my hubby to eat this.


Wikipedia card:
六味地黄丸是中药方剂和中成药的统称。 Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is a Chinese proprietary and patent collectively. 因由六位中药材组成，其中熟地黄为君药，故名为六味地黄丸。 Cause the six Chinese herbal medicines, of which Rehmannia Yellow King and medicine, named as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan. 六味地黄丸源于宋代医学家钱乙的《小儿药证直诀》，是滋补肾阴的基础方剂，配伍组方上具有“三补三泻”的特点。 LDB from the Song Dynasty medical scientist Qian Yi's "Children drug card straight tactic", is the foundation for nourishing yin formulas, recipes, on a "three up three crash" characteristics. 中药杞菊地黄丸 、 知柏地黄丸等都是在此基础上加味而成。 Chinese Qi Ju Di Huang Wan , Zhibai Dihuang pill are all made on this basis flavored.  Modern medical research, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan also has enhanced immunity, anti-aging, anti-fatigue, anti-low temperature, hypoxia, blood fat, blood pressure, blood sugar, improve kidney function , promote metabolism and the role of the strong stronger. 现代医学研究，六味地黄丸还具有增强免疫、抗衰老、抗疲劳、抗低温、耐缺氧、降血脂、降血压、降血糖、改善肾功能 、促进新陈代谢及较强的强壮作用。However, cold chills, sputum wet weight were not taken. 但畏寒怕冷、痰多湿重之人不宜服用。


[Components] Rehmannia glutinosa, Cornus officinalis (system), tree peony bark, Chinese yam, Poria, Alisma. Accessories for the honey.

[Attending functions] Yin kidney.[功能主治]滋阴补肾。 For yin loss, dizziness, tinnitus, weak waist, Gu Zheng hot flashes, night sweats, nocturnal emission. 用于肾阴亏损，头晕耳鸣，腰膝酸软，骨蒸潮热，盗汗遗精。

Venture Heights-Our New House

13 May 2010 was the date we got our keys, after all the gasps, we quickly made an appointment to do the 1st inspection for the defects.

The defects, photos below:

Broken?

Door bell is crocked!

Letter box is out of order!

No cover?

Switch is out of order!

How can they leave such a ugly gap?

Water leaking in one of the bedroom!

Messy painting!

Cracked!

It's a small area, hopefully we create a comfortable zone out of the ideas we have in mind...

Busy on the quotations from wet work, plaster ceiling, wiring (downlight, powerpoint, air-cond, alarm & CCTV, exhaust fan), build-in furniture, painting, aluminium door, grilles, auto gate, hood & hob, sink & tap, outdoor water filter, water pump, curtains, etc...

A 'Famosa Trip

8 May 2010, a trip to A 'Famosa Melaka with family members, got a very valuable price from Matta Fair, it's RM10 per pax for the Villa, a 4 rooms bungalow with a swimming pool.  We went to Melaka town first then check-in around 4 pm, we had our dinner nearby, and it's raining, we decided not to watch the carnival show but went back to the night market in Jonker Street, Melaka.  We prepared breakfast ourselves, tuna bread & mee cup.  There's carnival shows, animal safari, water theme park, golf course, etc, we only managed to visit the animal safari on the next day. 

Ryan-Hospitalised

Back dated to 14 Apr 2010, Ryan has been hospitalised due to wheezing, fever and flu since 7 Apr, got virus from sis Ophelia and recovered, and got virus again on 10 Apr from me.  I was so guilty to spread the virus to him.  And due to the complicated virus nowadays, and the Dengue made me more worry, as my friend told me there's a baby fever 3 days died on Dengue and etc... I think nobody will understand the feeling at that moment...

Due to no appetite, doctor decided to give him a drip, he's 5 holes on both hands and 3 holes on the legs.  Finally doctor managed to put the drip for him.  OMG, while waiting outside, he cried till my heart felt really painful...

The worst part was, almost all the tests has been done, like blood test, chest x-ray, and test for Influenza A & B and H1N1 (the Doctor used a 5" long cotton bud inserted into his nose to get the mucus).  Luckily the results were negative.

Thank God for healing on him after 2 days, we discharged on 16 Apr, Friday.

And not to be surprised he also admitted on 25 Mar 2010 due to wheezing.  According to Dr Zarin he needs nebulized every 3 hours, so no choice to be hospitalised...

Million thanks to all my friends and colleagues for the wonderful prayers to GOD.  God is Good all the times...

Ian 5th Birthday Party

Today is Ian's birthday! 

Happy Birthday, Ian!

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this treasured child of mine. Although you have entrusted him to me, I know he belongs to you.  I dedicate my child to you, Lord. I recognize that he is always in your care.

Help me as a parent, Lord, with my weaknesses and imperfections. Give me strength and godly wisdom to raise this child after your Holy Word. Please supply what I lack. Keep my child walking on the path that leads to eternal life. Help him to overcome the temptations in this world and the sin that would so easily entangle him.

Dear God, send your Holy Spirit daily to lead and guide him. Ever assist him to grow in wisdom and stature, in grace and knowledge, in kindness, compassion and love. May he serve you faithfully with his whole heart devoted to you. May he discover the joy of your presence through daily relationship with your Son, Jesus.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

2 April 2010, we celebrated Ian 5th Birtday at McDonald, Titiwangsa.  This is the first time we do it in the fast food restaurant.  For the past 4 years, we did it at home.  Just lazy now, mother of 2, really got no time to prepare it.

As usual, all the kids enjoy playing in the playground without the game organised by McD. 

First Teeth Baby Toothpaste

Just bought the above toothpaste for Ryan to brush or clean his teeth.  Ian was also using this toothpaste last time.

The gel-like paste does not create much foam when brushing.  In fact, when Ryan usesit, thereis absolutely no foam at all.  The reason is because he sucks on it and then swallows it instead of using it to brush his teeth.  So, normally I'll squeeze a pea-sized toothpaste and brush for him instead.

I think he likes the taste, it tastes predominantly of banana and not so much of the apple.  I know because I tried it myself, my teeth did feel quite clean and smooth.  I quite liked that feeling.  I'm sure that the kids would love this First Teeth Baby Toothpaste...

You can find this toothpaste at most of the Guardian pharmacies.  It's very expensive though, for a small tube of 40g, it costs RM25.90.

Product description:

• 100% Ingestible Baby Toothpaste
• Recommended by Dentists and Pediatricians
• All natural/safe to swallow, 1.4 oz Size Biotene First Teeth Baby Toothpaste
• Contains Milk Enzymes...The Best Natural Protection for Your Child's Teeth
• Fluoride Free
• For Ages 3 Months to 3 Years
• Real Apple-Banana Flavor
• The sweetness of baby's breath is the result of a healthy balance of oral bacteria.

It contains a unique natural enzyme system to protect your baby's mouth against harmful bacteria much like the way a mother's breast milk does.  Physicians and dentists recommend gentle cleaning of babies teeth and gums to remove sugar and food starches.  Plaque-like film on babies teeth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.  Brushing your baby's teeth everyday with First Teeth® Baby Toothpaste is a safe way to reduce odor causing bacteria - helping to prevent early tooth decay.

• No Artificial Preservatives or Colors
• Made with Natural Fruit Flavors
• Totally Safe if Swallowed
• Naturally protects, like Mother's Milk.

Cool Patch & Fever Band for Kids

To all the mummies that trying to look for a good cool patch for fever.

I've been trying so many brands and finally found an effective brand that really helps for fever.  Especially midnight, don't really need to wake up so frequent to put the wet towel over the forehead.  This cool patch can last for 6 hours and it can be placed on the forehead, chest or back.

I normally buy from clinic, it cost RM4 for 1 packet (2pcs/packet) & RM7.50 for 1 box (2 packets/bx). 

Cool Patch for Kids

 

Fever Band

Another cost effective way is to keep this reusable Fever Band in fridge.  If the tempreture is too extreme, wrap the pouch around the band before use.  This is also effective for relief discomfort.  And the child will find it easier to rest.