The Calm Before The Storm

This long weekend was a taxing yet halcyon one. A strange juxtaposition, I know. It was taxing because I forced the family to stay home with no programmes as it will be Big Bee's first mid-year exams this week. So, I need to devote plenty of free time and energy for revision. 

Hence, Big Bee had her plate all full with mock exam papers, assessment books and homework, on top of revising through her corrections. These days, the primary one work is no longer like the elementary stuff in our time. The vocabulary, grammar, mathematical sums and Mandarin words are rather profound.

Yet, we took this opportunity to spend a restful weekend with the Bees with minimal distraction. Hubby bought a pair of baby hamsters for them, much to Big Bee's delight. She named them Jerry and Nibbles, after the Tom & Jerry cartoon show. 

I took the opportunity to experiment with Western-style dishes, which are never my forte. For Saturday's dinner, instead of the usual stir-fried dishes and double-boiled soups, I decided to whip up a dinner of hearty rib-eyed steak with mushroom soup and fries. It was a hit with Hubby, Big Bee and my helper, but I do not really fancy meaty meals!

 

And on Sunday, we took the Bees out for a long lunch and coffee. These days, the Bees will chatter loads, so when we were eating, Hubby and I could truly sit back and listen to the Bees yak non-stop about everything under the sun. We usually have a warm and fuzzy feeling in our hearts, seeing them so chirpy and happy.

 

It was truly enjoyable and relaxing, before we are back to the grind of exam preparation. I must say Big Bee took to the revisions very well, and was game to complete her work. Like I kept telling her, after this week, she can play for all she wants! Gosh, I do sound like my parents these days :)