National Monuement 13 Dec 2009

As we travel along Jalan Parliament and towards the Lake Gardens, close to Parliament House stands the National Monument or Tugu Negara. We had been here before, but we did not take our camera and take photos here. This time, we did. And, a lot of tourists visited here. We met with tourists from India, Korea, and Europe.

"Built in honour of those who had fought and fell in World War II and the seven soldiers atop the national monument symbolise the loyalty, sacrifice and co-operation of the people of Malaysia."

This is one of the world's largest freestanding bronze sculptures. It is a great bronze sculpture erected to commemorate the soldiers who gave up their lives in the triumph during World War II and the Emergency (1948-60).

It was designed by the famous sculptor, Felix de Weldon, who also designed the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington. The 15.54 metre high bronze monument depicts seven soldiers symbolising the seven qualities of leadership.

The seven men from the Malaysian Armed Forces holding the national flag, each symbolising one of seven qualities: leadership, unity, strength, vigilance, suffering, courage and sacrifice. This monument sits on a tranquil spot, surrounded by a pool of water fountains and water lilies made of pewter.

Daddy was busy carried the tripod and taking our photographs. in front of the water fountains and the pavilion as well. We were there around 10:00am, and spending about one and a half hour there. Then, we go back home.

Source from http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/ & http://www.cuti.com.my/

Tadika Brainchild 4 Joyful 1 2009

Here is Issac’s classmates and friends. Their teacher is Teacher Joyce and Teacher Hor.

Standing Behind (from left): Azra Neal Adrian Francis, Angel Lim Pei Ying, Kirsten Teoh Prichayaporn, Emil Isaac Mervin, Teacher Hor, Wong Yi Xuan, Khoo Tze En, Ng Qian Zhi

Sitting In Front (from left): Derrick Lee Yong Wei, Tang Shin Yao, Paris Lim Ci Yi, Soh Kai Qi, Suriya A/L Tayalan, Kimi Tham Yee Zhe, Anna Yap Sue Wern, Cheah Deng Hann, Issac Yu Ivan

View Full Album

1st Canon 500D Family Photo

Ever since Daddy bought the new Canon 500D, he likes to carry his new ‘pet’ to snap his photo. And, this is the first time he used his ‘new tripod’ to snap official family photo,as previously he just took our photos only. Ok, official launching and opening!

Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam 29 Nov 2009

This is our second trip of the year to here. Last time during our visit, we only manage to go the east side of the park, that is a few places like Taman Padi, Taman 4 Musim, Taman Burung only. And, this time we choose taking the bas Taman due to the last time walking experience. But, in the end we have to walk on our way back from the Empangan Air Kuning, as all the bas Taman is filled with the tourists. This time, we walked longer than the previous one.

But, we found out that actually the Agriculture Park not really maintain well, because during our bus journey to the deepest part of the park, Empangan Air Kuning, we did pass by Taman Orchid, Perkampungan Budaya, Taman Cendawan, Taman Hydroponic, Taman Rempah Ratus & Minuman. All those areas seems not well maintained.

On our way out, we stopped at Taman Haiwan to see Kancils, rabbits, turtles, ponies, porcupines, etc. Actually, it is not much animals that we found here. We ended our trip after that. This second trip do not really surprise us much and a bit of disappointment. The biggest surprise that we found was at the Empangan there, whereby close to the nature, water, trees, and a lot of fish too. Any how, it is really a good outing too…

Source from http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/ & http://www.cuti.com.my/

Childhood is a...

Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park 27 Nov 2009

This is too an unexpected trip, as today is the Hari Raya Haji national holiday which so-coincidently fall on Friday, and forms a long weekends to all of us. Last 2 weeks Daddy and Mummy were talking about wanted to go to Malacca for the holidays, and can visit the Mini Zoo, Reptiles Farm, and Mini Malaysia, etc.

Eventually, Mummy was too tired on the office works last 2 weeks and forget to book the hotel. Yesterday night, when Mummy called all the budget hotels in Malacca, there were no more available rooms as all had been fully booked, due to the festive season. 15 minutes later, your Daddy called Mummy and mentioned that he could not make it to Malacca because Saturday have to work. Thus, we got to ‘Cuti-Cuti Kuala Lumpur’ or ‘Cuti-Cuti Selangor’.

We waked up, take bath and departed around 10:00am. We had been searching the Butterfly Park. it is only a stone's throw from the Bird Park is the colourful and beautifully landscaped Butterfly Park where over 6,000 butterflies from 120 species roam and fly freely in a simulated natural rainforest environment. The fees is RM8.00 for adult and RM4.00 for children. Bringing camera in will charge for RM1.00.

Here we can learn about the life cycle and mating habit of the butterflies. The park is an imitation of the butterfly's natural habitat. It includes more than 15,000 plants from 100 species that has been painstakingly landscaped to resemble a Malaysian rainforest atmosphere. Comprising the beautiful landscape are flower and fruit plants and some rare herbs essential in the diet and pollinating activities of the butterflies.

Once we entered the space, we were so excited seeing so many butterflies flying around you. There are many types of butterflies, Rajah Brooke, etc. There is one, which the outer wing looks like a dried leaf, but in the inner wing it looks vice-versa, marvellous beautiful. When you sees this, you will be praising about how the God created this world.

Contributing to the Butterfly Park's beautiful landscape is a uniquely designed hydro-pond built with a limestone path right in the centre. Surrounding this hydro-pond is a gazebo, commanding a breathtaking view. It is a cosy place. Just like in the natural environments.

Underneath one of the Japanese bamboo bridge, there are an area where have the displays of various of turtles and lizards and frogs which habited in Malaysia. We saw a few that caught our eyes, such as long neck turtle, alligator turtle, Asiatic soft-shell turtle, and the big Malaysian Jungle Frog.

There is a nursery and breeding area for the butterflies. The park includes both preserved and live specimens, totalling 1,230 species in all. It is a live education centre which tell us the life cycle of the butterflies from egg, larva, pupa and adult. The facilities include an informative insect museum to enhance your knowledge about these creepy-crawlers. There are beetles, moths, frogs, mantis, katydid, walking sticks insert, tarantula, millipede, etc. The preserved specimen looks amazing.

We had visited also a souvenir shop near the exit selling lots of local handicrafts and framed butterflies and beetles. Daddy had bought each of us, one nice shirt and some butterflies magnet.

We really enjoy a glimpse of butterflies at this unique park! We just spend 1 hour and 30 minutes here, but really enjoying.

Source from www.virtualmalaysia.com & http://www.cuti.com.my/

Tadika Brainchild Hari Raya Party 2 Oct 2009

It seems like Issac had been settled down and started to enjoy his school. Again, the Hari Raya Party, this time you choose your favourite T-Shirts and pants. As usual, there was a lot of titbits and drinks for all the children in the school. Just that, the long tables is for the 3 Year and 4 Year kids celebration.

You do really enjoyed your party with your friends…

Putra Mosque 22 Nov 2009

Putra Mosque steals the limelight as one of the must sees when in Putrajaya. Three quarter of the beautiful dusky pink mosque floats on Putrajaya Lake, at a choice location that can be easily accessed by congregants and other visitors.

The architecture of the mosque is commendable. It reflects the evolution of mosque designs in Malaysia, with its Islamic-inspired architecture taking into account traditional design elements and craftsmanship, local materials and weather conditions.

The mosque is modelled after Persian Islamic architecture of the Safavid period with several elements derived from other Muslim cultures.

The main entrance to the mosque is patterned after gates to public buildings in Muslim Persia. The building was constructed mainly with rose-tinted granite, which is offset by brown-stained cengal woodwork to enhance the decorative features on the doors, windows and panels.

In addition, the mosque boasts three main functional areas such as the Prayer Hall, the Sahn or courtyard, with the minaret and learning facilities and function rooms.

We are unable to go in, but it is really nice architecture…

Source from http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/ & http://www.cuti.com.my/

Perdana Putra Building 22 Nov 2009

The Perdana Putra Building is located in Precinct 1 and overlooks Putrajaya Lake, Putra Mosque and Dataran Putra. This six-storey natural stone clad office complex comprises the Prime Minister's Office, the offices of the Deputy Prime Minister and Chief Secretary to the Government.

The two lower levels of the building sit on a strong perimeter base which supports fluted columns rising across the remaining four levels. The base symbolises the strong and stable foundation that is necessary to administer a dynamic and prosperous country such as Malaysia while the series of columns denote the orderly and united people that support the sovereignty of Malaysia.

The design of the Perdana Putra Building incorporates elements of Islamic-Mogul architecture. Its green pitched roof converges at the onion-shaped glazed mosaic main dome - a replica of Masjid Zahir in Alor Setar, Kedah - and surrounded by four smaller domes denoting iron bunga raya motifs and water jet stone carvings decorate the Main Block.

We did not manage to get in as it is close on Sunday, but manage to take a snapshot!

Source from http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/ & http://www.cuti.com.my/

A Day Out at Putrajaya 22 Nov 2009

It is a Sunday and actually Mummy ran out of ideas where should we go, then the word ‘Putrajaya’ strike Mummy’s mind. Then, here we go. We reached the famous Dataran Putra. The kids were so happy and kept on raining up and down all over the square. Daddy was so happy and keep on using his new Canon DSLR camera shooting both children.

The Dataran Putra or the Putra Square is designed to be the nation's leading centre for staging national events and formal parades.

Located at Precinct 1, Dataran Putra comprises an outer 11-pointed star, which represents the 11 states when Malaysia gained independence, followed by an inner 13-pointed star representing the subsequent 13 states of Malaysia, and an inner-most 14-pointed star that represents the 13 states as well as the Federal Territory.

As the venue for major events, the Dataran is one of the most attractive landmarks in Putrajaya. Its design incorporates local motifs and cultural values. The circular shape of the Dataran does not only determine the termination of the Boulevard but also acts as a hinge linking the Boulevard axis towards the Mercu Tanda. Indeed, it is the main access to the Prime Minister's Office complex, Perdana Walk, Putra Mosque, Putra Bridge and the Promenade.

We were walking down to the lower ground of the place, there is a playground there. We had our snacks there while Issac and Annabelle were playing at the playground. The playground itself is a ship like look. It is not really a whole day, but probably 2 hours just before we noticed the sky started to turn dark and it seems like heavy rain coming. And yes, it did.

Source from http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/ & http://www.cuti.com.my/

Issac’s 4 Joyful 1 Progress Report

Mummy is so happy that overall his progress is improving. The teacher’s comments on the term 1 and term 2 really can see the differences.

Really touching when you see your son is improving everyday, really want to cry…

One will have to become a father or mother then, only he or she will know what and how the feels or experience being a mother or father.

Children Learn What They Live
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

~ Dorothy Law Nolte

Tadika Brainchild Parents Teachers Meeting 20 Nov 2009

Today is the day to meet up with the teachers and discuss Issac’s academic and non-academic progress. Teacher Joyce had given a time slot of 15 minutes and ours was at 9:30am. Due to Daddy had a early site meeting that need to be attended, thus we went to Brainchild earlier, just in case if can slot in earlier time slot, if some of the parents cannot attend earlier. And, Daddy and Mummy were so lucky. We managed to squeeze at time 8:45am because one of the parents late.

We were discussing with Teacher Joyce about Issac’s progress. All of us including Teacher Joyce are agreed and happy seeing Issac’s development either in academic and non-academic. Because both Daddy and Mummy can see the progress of Issac. Issac has improve a lot, from his conduct, health, moral development, music and movement arts & craft, numerical development, phonological awareness, emotional development, physical development and personal social development, etc. Mummy can see the tears in Teacher Joyce’s eyes. It’s the joyous tears. During Mummy told Teacher Joyce that Mummy was so happy when got to know Issac had the Best Improvement Award in his class. Mummy’s tears burst out. Teacher Joyce was teasing Mummy do not make her cry too.

When we were talking about Issac’s character, Daddy did mention that Issac is the kind of boy that introvert. Teacher Joyce advised that not to scold him or beat him when he is doing something wrong, but to encourage him. This will built his confidence level. She also advised that have to talk to him slowly and softly, so that he will tell anything that he is not happy and keep inside his heart. And, will make his imbalance of his emotion. Issac is still young now, so it is still ok that to mould him still. We thanked Teacher Joyce for her guidance, and thanked to Patrick and Theresa too.

We had gifted 2 T-Shirts for Issac and Annabelle from the Mamil Gold promotion team which stationed at the front gate. What a Day!

Sharing : 请你记得他们

This one I had extracted out from Esiang’s Facebook Notes. Made me remind of Mum. Issac and Annabelle, Mummy’s Mum is your both Grandmother. Hope when you see this, when both of you grow up.

Issac, A Happy Helper

Seeing our own children growing every moment, everyday is really a big satisfaction. Especially, when he or she starts getting to know bit by bit, the things around him or her. Teacher Ho ever told Mummy that, Issac is a helping boy.

At home, he started to help Mummy doing some of the small chores already. Now, after having dinner, Mummy will give both Belle and Issac own drinking cup of water. While Mummy is doing the dish washing at the kitchen, after he had his drinks, he will helping Mummy watch out for Belle, because most of the time, Belle will pouring the water from her cup to the floor. The big brother will get the floor mat to dry up the wet area. Mummy was so amazed by seeing him doing that. And, touching too - Mummy's good son.

A big brother take cares of his little sister…

He may or may not care wheather the floor resembles a large puddle, but he will derive geat satisfaction from working from Mummy...as slowly gain his own self-esteem.

National Science Centre Bukit Kiara 15 Nov 2009

This morning we went out around 10:00am, and had our breakfast at KFC section 14, Petaling Jaya. It is on our way to the National Science Centre at Bukit Kiara. The entrance is free due to most of the exhibits is under renovation. It was really disappointed when we got to know that.

Located in a harmonious and attractive environment, Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, this new national landmark has a unique architecture that resembles a truncated cone capped by a geodesic dome. The National Science Centre, an institution of informal learning, was entrusted with the mandate to promote awareness, appreciation, interest and understanding of Science and Technology.

The Centre houses many different exhibits designed to stimulate, excite and encourage visitors to take an active interest in Science and Technology. The exhibits located in various galleries are based on different themes, which can be categorised into two groups, 'Basics Sciences' and 'Technology'. The overall concept of the Centre is to link science to environment and religion, as well as to relate science with all aspects of life, knowledge and applications in our daily life.

We did not choose this location earlier on due to Mummy found that this place is more suitable for primary school kids, because at this point of time. Issac and Annabelle would not know what is science all about. But, there is a science education park which consist of nature centre, rabbit alley, bird aviary, aquatic house, herbal garden, mushroom house, organic garden, hydroponic house and livestock farm. Whereby this portion of the centre is outdoor and more on natural environment. Unfortunately, the education centre did not open due to under renovation.

Another galleries inclusive of aquarium, environmental odyssey, pathway to science, pathway to discovery, children education centre, thinking machine, future world, technical, digital lifestyle and inventors corner, etc.

Aquarium

We had an experience an underwater walk-thru and discover a variety of tropical and fresh water fish. By the time we arrive there, it is the feeding time for the fish.

Environmental Odyssey

Appreciate the importance and the necessity to maintain a delicate balance between man and his environment and see the challenges of a modern world.

Pathways to Science

Explore and understand the basic principles of science and take a journey through the macro and micro world of biology, physics, chemistry and astronomy. And the displays of gadgets that let the visitors get to know a simple science principles.

Children's Educational Centre

An exploration centre emphasises on stimulating imagination. Children explore the universe in the "space lab" or the depth of the ocean to expand their creativity. And, many more…

Source from http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/, http://www.psn.gov.my/ & http://www.cuti.com.my/

Tadika Brainchild Concert & Graduation Day 14 Nov 2009

Issac’s school concert cum graduation day had been actually given us notice on August itself earlier on. Concert fee of RM120.00 including the performance costumes and 4 tickets to the concert. The costumes will be returned to the students after the concert event. It will be video taped and given to the students. The occasion was held at SJK (C) Chee Wen, USJ1 which nearby our house. Earlier on the Mid Autumn Festival, Issac had his rehearsal practise at the school auditorium hall already. Today is the day, time is 10:00am to 12:30pm.

Issac’s cat dance costumes had been distributed on last Thursday, together with some make-up instruction and guidelines for the day.

We had our breakfast just opposite the primary school – roti canai and teh tarik. 9:00am we went to the school. Issac was dressed in his cat costumes in the house after his morning bath. Teacher Ho and Teacher Christie brought him to his dancing friends for make-up. You looked so cute with that make-up, looked like little kitty.

Daddy, Annabelle and Mummy went into the hall and waited for the programme to start. Started sharp at 10:00am marching in of the graduates, national anthem, and all Year 6 presentation, certificate presentation, follow by the speech by chairman. 10:35am was the children presentation whereby Issac was awarded the Best Improvement in his 4 Joyful 1 class among all his classmates. Mummy was glad. Mummy do not want you to get all the best in academic or anything, as long as you improve day after day, Mummy is happy.

Your Cat Dance programme was started at 11:10am. We all were so excited want to see you on stage and dancing. But, suddenly, you were started to cry, keep on rubbing your eye lashes. Daddy and Mummy were wondering why? Mummy was thinking that probably you were hungry? want to go to toilet? Then, you were starting crying. You were almost distract the whole dance and teacher have to take you out of the dance.

Daddy and Mummy together with Annabelle leaving our seats and rushing to the back stage to see what happened. Mummy just heard your crying sounds so loud. And, all your make up on the face was gone, melting. We just took you out of the room. Daddy keep on told you that, “ We are going home, have your milk and take bath, then Issac took a nap ya,”

All the journey home in the car, even though it was a short distance, you were silence. After reached home, you taken your bath, having your milk, then you looked alright. But, still do not want to tell us anything.

Hoping someday when you read this, you will still remember and tell Mummy why?