Cycling - Down's Syndrome

Bryan Samuel finally had a breakthrough in his cycling endeavour. He was happily cycling in a big open space - cycling in circles, singing and ringing his bicycle bell - when suddenly two children crossed his path and decided to stop and play. Thank goodness, Bryan Samuel managed to steer clear and continued to enjoy his ride.

As if it's not enough, an elderly couple appeared with a toddler whom I assumed was their grandchild. I was so afraid that Bryan Samuel might hit the little one. Thank God my fear was unfounded. Once again, Bryan managed to steer clear and cycled on.

A while later, Bryan Samuel decided to do a count down and ended his ride nicely. I was so proud of him. Way to go and well done, Bryan Samuel !

Whilst I enjoyed watching Bryan Samuel cycle, thinking of what might happen to the little ones who crossed his path made me shudder. I will have to find another safer and better location for Bryan Samuel to continue to practice his cycling skill.

Below are 2 video clips to share with you. Enjoy !

Shineon School On Stage Presents The Christmas Kids Fashion Show, Centre Stage, Wisma Atria (19th & 20th Dec 2009)

What a lovely sight, watching all the cute and adorable children singing, dancing and sashaying across the centre stage at Wisma Atria during the Shineon! School On Stage event - The Christmas Kids Fashion Show - on the 19th & 20th Dec 2009.

This year, Shineon included its group of special needs children with Bryan Samuel Tan being Shineon's first student with special needs under its Integration Program.

Also, check out Isaac Alexander Tan performing a hip hop dance item with 4 other Shineon young male models.

It's such a great joy and pleasure to share with you photos of these lovely children as well as video recording of the exciting performances that took place during the 2-day event. Enjoy!


Here's to one and all :

"Have A Wonderful And Richly Blessed Christmas! May the New Year bring lots of laughter, joy and peace. One filled with good health, greater level of success, beautiful and memorable experiences!"

Bryan Samuel Tan

Isaac Alexander Tan

....... and all other Shineon's young models

Shineon's Beautiful Young Models

The 5 Hip Hop Boys

Catherine & Zoe's Mum

Hip Hop Dance Performance by the 5-boy team

Christmas Song "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

Joan Bowen - The Special Culinary Cafe

Hey friends,

Thought you might like to know about this special cafe called Joan Bowen - The Special Culinary Cafe located at 9 Jalan Wangi Singapore 349354, where youths with special needs are given an opportunity to work and serve at the cafe.

Joan Bowen aims to empower youths and children with special needs by training them with a range of skills that will enable them to make their own mark and contribute as an active member of the larger community in Singapore and beyond.

Indeed, it a place where they DARE to care.

Many people have visited the cafe and tried the food there. The cafe has received many positive feedback, especially about the yummy food they serve.

Visit the link below to find out more about this special cafe :

http://joanbowen.blogspot.com/

Kids Fashion Show By Shineon School On Stage

Hello everyone, I'm back to update my blog after a somewhat long break... having been occupied with work and many other commitments ..... Ha! Just one of those lame excuses.

Hey, Bryan Samuel will be turning 13 this August and Isaac Alexander is now in P2. Wow! How time whizzed by...

Here's another scoop of update for you..... Both boys were part of the Kids Fashion Festival organised by Shineon! School On Stage. The shows were held over 4 Saturdays in the month of June 2009 outside Wisma Atria (near Aspial Jewelery Unit). Checkout their photos and the lovely outfits sponsored by Uptown Kids and Camouflage.

Boys with teacher Catherine

Checkout Shineon! School On Stage here :

http://shineon.com.sg/

Bryan Samuel Turned Twelve, Special Needs, Down's Syndrome

Indeed the saying "Time and tide wait for no man" is very true. Bryan Samuel turned twelve on August 29th, 2008. How time flew by just like that - in the blink of an eye. It marked another milestone in our journey with our lovely son who is ever so happy and carefree.

Celebrating Bryan Samuel's birthday with his friends, school teachers and classmates each year never fail to fill my heart with warmth, joy and awe. It is awesome just thinking of how our good Lord has worked in his life and through him all these years in bringing great joy and blessings to the people around him including us, his parents. God has blessed Bryan Samuel with many good friends and teachers who are dedicated to teaching and guiding them - childen with special needs. I praise and thank the Lord for raising educators who choose to invest in young minds and dedicate their working life in helping to shape young lives. Kudos to all the educators out there!

Bryan Samuel is always so excited whenever we turn up at the school with food, his birthday cake and goodies bags for his teachers and friends. Looking at how his face light up, smiling from ear to ear, and running to hug us simply made our day.

Look at how happy he is ...........

Bryan Samuel with his teachers & classmates (J3A)

Bryan Samuel blowing his Birthday candles

Bryan Samuel cutting his birthday cake

Bryan Samuel sitting down to enjoy food with his classmates

Bryan Samuel and buddies snuggling up to one another

An entertaining video showing Bryan Samuel reading the story "Too Hot" and his classmates acting it out.

Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Beautiful & Special Moments, Special Needs, Down's Syndrome

Album featuring all the precious, beautiful and special moments captured of time spent with those whom we love and cherish. God's wonderful and priceless gifts to us - family, friends, love, peace and joy.

We would like to share these precious moments with you.

Enjoy!

Swimming Proficiency Bronze Test, Special Needs, Down's Syndrome

Wow! Praise the Lord!

The boys did it! They passed their Swimming Proficiency Bronze Test on Aug 10, 08. What a relief and great joy! I was a wee bit anxious, especially for Bryan Samuel, on our way to the swimming complex that morning. Though Bryan Samuel did very well during the past couple of weeks of training, he just wasn't in the mood and did not co-operate at all during the training session on the eve of the test. It was a complete disaster. Everything he knew, he did not perform properly. There was nothing else we could do except to leave the outcome in the Lord's hands and also to Bryan Samuel himself.

We said a prayer that morning and gave Bryan Samuel a pep talk to encourage him to do his very best. We were simply happy just to hear his signature reply -"Ok!"

God is faithful. He came through for us again. Bryan Samuel did very well during the swim test. When several of the other children failed and were called out of the pool by the tester, my heartbeat pulsated even faster ...... rooting strongly for both boys, in particular Bryan Samuel, to go on and do their very best.

Lo and behold! Both boys did very well and passed their Swimming Proficiency Bronze Test. I was so proud of them. My heart was filled with deep gratitude to the Lord for His faithfulness and great love for us!

Some photos to show:

Boys listening intently to the tester

Bryan Samuel walking ahead of the rest

Boys covering the 8 laps

Isaac doing the star float; Challenges finally completed

Bryan Samuel is proud of himself; Isaac in deep thoughts

Bryan Samuel looks happy; Isaac Alexander looks contented

Break after the test

Boys frolicking in the pool ......... (Special needs, Down's Syndrome)

Boys having a swell time at the pool !