Today we discovered that the face is about the size of the hand (well..just slightly larger). Based on that, we placed our hands on the paper, and marked out the position of the middle finger, the fifth finger and the wrist.
We then drew the outline of our faces, head starting just slightly above the middle finger mark, ending at the wrist-mark. Once done, we drew a line vertically down the middle of the face, then a horizontal line where the fifth finger mark was, and another line half way between that and the chin.
A drawing book we have, suggested drawing a triangle to help guide position of the eye, nose and mouth. So we did just that. Eyebrow on the 5th-finger line position, then below it, a triangle. The nose goes exactly on the middle line, and the mouth ending before the tip of the triangle.
We've worked on eye and nose drawings in previous classes before, and so the girls added their own while looking in the mirror. What we added today were shadows on the face. We talked about light source, and noticed the highlights and shadowed areas. Based on that we added darker colours, and smoothed them down with our fingers.
Here are the self portraits....really err...they look quite different from the actual person...but a good start.
Nel's self portrait
A younger friend came over today and joined us. These are Sharl and Jo's self portraits. (Jo in blue.)
A lovely day at Lego Land. Went during school hours so the whole park was almost entirely ours! :)
After a whole day of fun in the sun, it decided to rain. And since there are no covered walkways there, we got drenched and the kids had fun dancing in the rain.
Sometimes we do things on impulse. Jo for instance woke up and just craved for roti canai today. And since I was feeling just so tired (though just morning), I agreed. After a nice breakfast, we got into the car, and I decided, heck, let's not do school today. I saw an advert for Hari Kraf Kebangsaan (Handicraft Exhibition) just yesterday on FB, so on impulse, we went.
We're just so glad we went. It's a huge exhibition, and we spent close to 4 hours there (including lunch which consisted of delicious Malaysian delicacies. )
Just very briefly, there were the artists galleries. We really enjoyed some of the art pieces, particularly the ones by Ajis Mohamad. We just watched him painting, and he told us how images of the turtles were embedded in his mind coz he knew the structure of these gentle creatures so well.
We then went on to watch artists that crafted beautiful art out of wood. The picture of the left below is a miniature kampung house. The artist told us it take takes him between 3 to 5 days to carve a house. Sometimes he places light bulbs inside to illuminate the house. Very pretty work. The owl on the right was done by a different artist who crafted larger sculptures.
We went on to the Batik section and oohed and aahhhhed at how beautiful some of the art work was, and too bad, I just didn't bring enough cash, or my kids and I would've walked away with some really awesome batik dresses.
Near the batik area, we found a workshop area where you could try your hand at weaving rattan baskets. This workshop will only go on till the 5th of March. So if you're keen on this, you'd better hurry.
Making the base of the basket
The lady who taught us was just extremely patient and kind. She just talked to us about the whole process of weaving, patiently taught my children and I. We really enjoyed the session with her. In the end, both Nel and Jo made baskets while I made the coaster.
Other stuff we came across was the man below using metal to create pieces of art, some including religious writings in Arabic. We admired his patience!
Also the art of making Wayang Kulit. The puppets are made out of goat/cow skin.The artists designs his puppets, places it on the hide, and hammers away the skin bit by bit till a puppet is formed. So much work goes into it! Then he paints it using artline ink.The beautiful shadow puppets he made were going for between RM35-100, depending on size.
Other stuff at the exhibition include making rings, paper craft, food making etc. Just incredible indeed, definitely worth going!.
One comment my children made after the fair was "Mum, the people here are all so kind and friendly." Truly they were. The ones we talked to were people from places such as Kedah, Pahang, Kelantan, Seremban, all non city folks. Perhaps that's the difference eh?
p.s If going, best place to park is in the large parking lot beside Prince Court MEdical Centre. Just walk across the bridge to get to the exhibition. Remember to get your parking ticket stamped at any booth that has exhibition brochures for free parking. (Otherwise it is RM8).
Today, for the first time as a family, we made Tangyuan (glutinous rice ball in sweet soup) together. Tangyuan is usually eaten during the Winter Solstice and the 15th day of Chinese New Year. Apparently it is supposed to representfamily closeness.
When I mentioned that to my mother, she said that was particularly true in her younger days. In her childhood days, making Tangyuan was a village affair. Everyone would wake up as early as 4am, and come together to pound rice into rice flour. Then they would make Tangyuan together and feast together. Nowadays, flour can just be purchased at the grocery shop and Tangyuan made in a really short time.
As my children and I made these (with lots of fun), I wondered how it all started and found the answer on Wikipedia (where else.) What a touching story about the longing of a maiden to meet with her parents.
According to a legend, [2]
in the Han Dynasty, there was a maid of honor who was called Yuanxiao.
She missed her parents a lot but she could not leave the palace,
therefore, she wept all the time and even wanted to turn to suicide. A
minister knew her story and promised to help her. What Yuanxiao needed
to do was to make lots of Tangyuans, which was the best cuisine she
could make, in order to worship the god on 15th day of the first month
in the Chinese calendar. Finally, Yuanxiao did a great job and the
emperor was so contented; therefore, Yuanxiao was permitted to meet her
parents, Tangyuan was named as Yuanxiao and the 15th day of the first
month in the Chinese calendar was considered to be Yuanxiao Festival. (Wikipedia)
Well here's our version of Tangyuan. We decided to use natural colours. Thus we made ours out of glutinous rice flour mixed with yellow sweet potatoes, orange sweet potatoes and red dragon fruit.
We made the soup by putting gula melaka into boiling water with pandan leaves and slices of ginger.
Then we had family members over and had Tangyuan together, first time ever at our place. Perhaps this might be a good tradition to keep.
Happy Cap Goh Mei everyone, may God bless you and your family and give you family closeness throughout the year and in the years to come.
Two years ago, while picking shells by the peaceful beach of Sematan, I found a beautiful Sand Dollar. I held it gently in my palm, charmed by its delicate beauty. Then while picking another shell up, a strong wave came and swept the contents of my hands away, including the beautiful sand dollar. I tried to search in vain, but it was nowhere to be found. I scoured the beach for another but found none.
Two years passed, and Jo, while reading a book of mermaids, told me that in the mermaid realm, sand dollars were precious for they provided magical wishes. (Of course, she knows this is fantasy. ) So this year to Kuching, we made a visit to Sematan again. Our goal was to look for a Sand Dollar. The girls prayed we'd find some, and that the clouds that threatened to rain would hold back.
My precious family, helping me look for Sand Dollars, which incidentally, the Chinese call "Lui" meaning money too.
My dear husband, helping me look for shells. :)
Both their prayers came through. At first we only found broken Sand Dollars. We continued our search, and after picking an assortment of shells, we finally found one, small, but totally complete and beautiful. :)
Coming home, we researched on Sand Dollars and found this lovely website with information. Lo and behold, it has finally dawned on me, that the Sand Dollar is actually a living thing, from the starfish family! :) What we found were the skeletons. Below is a video (found online) of a Sand Dollar moving. (Time lapse.) (Do read link above to find out more if you're interested. Both my girls and I found the information fascinating.)
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We learnt that it takes patience to find something you really want. As we spent time, walking slowly across the beach looking for Sand Dollars, we came across so many beautiful and unique shells. We read that shells are living things and will grow in size. So we made sure
-not to step on baby shells,
-and to collect only shells that had been washed ashore by the waves, which were sun dried and uninhabited.
Upon coming home, we looked through this book we got at the library, Tropical Seashells of Malaysia, and through the web to identify the shells we found. Both Nel and Jo helped sort the shells and we found some of the names. Not all were found in the book, and we'll have to look online.
Below are some of the shells we've labeled so far,
We really enjoyed the process of separating the shells by shapes and colours and searching for names.
We also read the bookJunoniaby Kevin Henkes, a book about the feelings and thoughts of a 10 year old girl, and her determination in finding that perfect Junonia Shell.
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We've just found shells fascinating, and we've learned how important it is to thread carefully so as not to destroy live shells. But mostly we've discovered how unique and beautiful are God's creations. :)
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UPDATE: We've learnt from a trip to Merambong that it's not good to pick seashells. Seashells should be left so they can release calcium carbonate back into the ocean for other shells.
A few good friends enjoying time together at a mangrove in Johor some months back. After a time of playing they turned to writing on the sand. Words like "God is Love," "I love You", "Friends Forever."
A little space away, Jo was writing something. I wondered what she had written..
She stepped away, and I saw these words, "When I am Sad, I Pray."
How lovely those words. It is a reminder to me, that when times get tough, when things are down, I can turn to GOD and pray, then allow God to lift me up and carry me on.
On our way out of the mangrove, we found this lovely seed, in the shape of a heart. Beautiful isn't it. How beautiful are God's creations. :)
Remember to love your family,
hug your children,
tell your spouse you love him/her,
hug your parents.
Switch off the computer and TV and spend quality time with people who mean the most. :)
Happy Chinese New Year to all who are celebrating. :)
With Chinese New Year around the corner, we were invited over to a friend's house to join in the fun of making Kueh Kapit (Love Letters) together. According to my mum, years ago, it was tradition for cousins and aunts to come together to make cookies and kueh kapit in anticipation of the joyful celebration of Chinese New Year. I guess, this is a dying tradition, and were were really fortunate to be able to experience this together with our friends yesterday.
Started making batter at 9am. Ingredients are family secret, so will not post here, but you can find some online. However, it mainly consists of rice flour, coconut milk, eggs and sugar.
Prepare mold by applying cooking oil
Heat up mold on BBQ pit before applying batter
Pour batter from top to bottom, just once will do, or it will be too thick. (Mold MUST be hot when applying batter.)
Once done, place molds on pit in sequential order, and turn from time to time, check. Doesn't take very long before cookie is done. They are ready when colour is brown. Just scrape sides, gently pull love letter out and fold immediately. (If not folded immediately, cookie will harden.)
Kiddos helping put batter and turning mold.
This s what happens when molds are not checked on time!!
Delicious Kueh Kapit. Yummmm.....
This was our first ever experience at making Kueh Kapit. I'd say, it takes TREMENDOUS patience to apply batter, look after all the molds, turn them, scrape the sides, pull out and fold. It was back breaking for me, although I only sat there for about 2 hours. My hats off to my friends who sat there from 9am to 8pm!!!
To chill off after our morning kueh making, we went jungle trekking.
Of late, words will not come to my mind. I wonder where have they gone. Perhaps I'm over tired, especially after teaching, and then helping my own children with subjects such as literature. So another short picture post today.
The yarn art from previous post has been turned into a simple turtle. Next time we will try weaving the yard onto wires to try shaping it, perhaps into an umbrella or a better turtle.
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Kids had some friends stay over. Jo had a wild time in the baby pool with the little guys. They were a RIOT! doing all sorts of stunt jumps into the pool,shooting at each other with water guns. Of course they had to walk into the house, leaving puddles of water everywhere.
Nel and her gf decided they were too old for this, and spent time playing Tinker Bell fairy games online, and practicing ballet. They also decorated Nel's doll. Nel stuck yarn on her doll's dress, and added her ballet skirt. Then they painted the rest of the shirt using crayon for fabric.
That night, little guy friend wanted to do some art (paper cutting.) I asked what picture he'd like, naturally he said "CARS." So my very first car kirigami. He coloured it all carefully and stuck them in his book. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fund Raising.........
Some time back, I blogged about my children raising funds for the poor. Well, Jo actually made lemonade and cookies on her own to sell. Here, she's put all the money in an envelope and passed it on to her grandpa who will use this money to purchase food stuff.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Baking Eggplant......
My children have a dislike for eggplant, which I typically stirfry with dried shrimps, or chilli and black salted beans or salted fish. I asked Nel, what would motivate her to try some. She suggested cheese. So I tried this today,
- season eggplant with salt and bit of paprika, drizzle with olive oil. Top with pasta sauce and bake at about 210C till soft.
-Remove pan, add a spoon of plain yogurt on each eggplant, top with light cheddar cheese, bake till melted.
Well....Nel gobbled them up pretty quickly. :) As for Jo, just 2, not bad for a start.
I had my eggplant with bread, and added shitake mushrooms, lightly sauteed with paprika, and bit of salt. Together with salad, it made an absolutely delicious sandwich.
Jo's hair often a tangled mess. Yesterday as I tried my best to disentangle it just minutes before her ballet lessons, I grumbled and told her how sticky it was, and certainly fit for a spider, and probably teeming with all sorts of creatures. I've warned her that I would cut it if she still continued to ignore her hair. So to test me, she's ignored her hair continually.
To prove to her I meant what I said, I've cut it twice now, from long to medium and then to shoulder length, still she doesn't care, and continues running around with messy hair.
Apart from that, she's an affectionate child who sends me lotsa love notes. Like she recently sent me on a treasure hunt...and at the end of it all, this was the treasure...a HUG. :)
This was the treasure I found after several clues around the house, a HUG. :)
Nel, Nel has been feeding the stray cats in the back lane. There is a blind kitten, and she's named the blind kitten "Kinza," after a character she's read in Star of Light. It's almost impossible to believe, but her blind kitten sleeps on the poky fence in our back lane. When she first told me that, I told her "Go lay an egg Nel". But yeah, I saw it for myself. Here's prove for you, captured by Nel on her camera.
Kinza, the stray kitten fast asleep on the fence. (Promise she's not dead but very much alive.)
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A random prayer while driving on the way to ballet:
Nel: Dear Lord, thank you for a great day, great parents and a great sister (a very rare prayer for her to say so.)
Jo: (opens her eyes) Wow, I'm a great sister! *smiles, laughs, giggles.*
Nel: (hard stare at Jo!)
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Jo: Mum, baby birds need to eat every 3 minutes. Some birds 900 times a day. (We learnt this during our study of birds.) Mum, if I ate as often as a bird, would I be able to fly?
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More Stuff with Yarn. (Our Previous yarn art is still in progress.)
Dyl came over and did this. Nel helped add all the sequence and sparkles.
Today's yarn art, done by Jo. She's adding stuff under now, and we're gonna turn this into a turtle's shell.
Jun teaching Nel learning how to make friendship bracelets.
by Kevin Henkes, a book about the feelings and thoughts of a 10 year old girl, and her determination in finding that perfect Junonia Shell.
