Qistina & Rayyan's Voyage

4

2012-01-29T14:54:00.000Z

Her First, My First, Our First

2012-01-17T14:11:00.001Z

I was browsing my older posts and suddenly read this one.
Well, the following post is long overdue.

Wanted to share how happy we were, and humbled really, with Q's determination and perseverance in attempting her first Ramadhan. SubhanAllah..

This was our first Ramadhan away from home. It was summer and the days were long. Sahur was in the wee hours of the morning, around 3.30a.m. while breaking fast was almost at 9p.m.

She was excited to wake up for sahur, but of course I had to feed her. She did not have much, but finished off with a piece of date and a glass of milk.

During the day, she was busy with games and playing as it was the summer holidays. Gave her an afternoon nap and then she woke up hungry. After much persuasion, she was willing to wait till Maghrib.

Alhamdulillah she managed the first day with very little difficulties.

She managed to complete 3 full days.
Syukur Alhamdulillah..

Impressed!

2012-01-17T13:54:00.000Z

A few weeks back we lost an item sent through the country's national mailing service. The recipient did not receive the item we sent so we made a complain.

Lo and behold, in less than 3 weeks we were fully refunded. Price of the item plus the postage we had paid.

Impressive!

Anyone with experience(s) with our own mailing service back home? Have you ever got your sent item(s) lost and got a refund? How was it handled? Do share :D

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un

2012-01-12T12:13:00.004Z

The above ayat is part of the Surah Al-Baqarah, and the full verse of this ayat (2:156) means "Who, when a misfortune overtakes them, say: 'Surely we belong to Allah and to Him shall we return'."

Usually heard upon hearing the death of someone, the ayat could be recited when a person is struck by calamity or in any situations involving any risk.

Today I read a news about a well known person who was faced with a tragedy. It brought back memories when I was faced with the same situation, about almost 5 years ago. So yes, I can relate to her traumatising experience.

At about 3a.m., during a really heavy rain (and Shah Alam got flooded the next morning), 6 men armed with screw drivers (one of them pointing to my maid's face briefly) and a big gas cylinder stormed into the house. They came in from the kitchen, went into my maid's room downstairs, and then came to mine. They did not even bother to cover their faces. Rummaging our cupboards and drawers, taking away all what little belongings we had, mostly the jewellery (mine, Q's and my maid's) and the mobile phone.

Though it felt longer, it all took a mere 10 minutes.

I know Allah was with me all the time. I was quite calm (I even switched on the lights for them to make it easier) during the whole process of being burglarised, and my only du'a was that none of us in the house would be touched. You can take anything but nau'zubillahiminzalik, please do not lay hands on my very young daughter (Q was about 15 months), my maid who was in our care and of course me.

I was thankful to Allah that my husband was not around as he was away for the week. I do not want to imagine what would have happened if he was in the house.

We were left in shock when the burglars left. Called the police after about 1 hour, and then called my mother after the Subuh prayer.

Informed the office the next morning, and was given a compassionate leave (thank you Boss) to sort things out at the police station.

Truly, nothing belongs to us. And everything will return to Him when the time comes.

BFF

2012-01-10T23:18:00.000Z

Today, after dinner :-

Q : Papa, who is your 'BIFF'?
P : What is 'BIFF'?
Q : Best friends forever..
P : Oh, you mean BFF?
Q : Yeaahhhh... BFF..
P : My BFF is Mama...
Q : Nooooo... Mama cannot be your BFF (with a-matter-of-factly-tone mind you). She is a Mommy...
P : *Dumbstruck*

Aahh... she's no longer a little girl eh?
Don't grow up too fast sayang!

Knock, knock! Assalamualaikum!!

2011-11-21T10:29:00.002Z

Errrgghhh...
This place needs some spring cleaning done.

Will be right back!

p/s picture courtesy of Google

Humour

2011-09-14T00:01:00.000+01:00

This is for all you techies out there..
:D

Don't you just love it?

Blessed

2011-09-13T13:12:00.002+01:00

Alhamdulillah.. Felt so blessed and loved.

Syukur ya Allah for the life you have bestowed upon me so far; to my Mama, words can't describe how thankful I am to you for what you have given me in the last 35 yrs and 9 months; my gratitude also to my Abah; Mama and Abah in Kelantan; husband & children; my siblings and ipar duai; my relatives and beautiful friends near and far, old and new..

Eidul Fitr 1432 / August 2011

2011-09-02T15:36:00.001+01:00

Eid Mubarak!

2011-08-29T14:53:00.000+01:00

Alhamdulillah we have safely landed in BolehLand...
What a joy to see our loved ones!!

After the rush to complete whatever Eid preparation we could, we have now arrived at kampung.
Weather have been tolerable, with occasional rain that cools the air.
QnR have been enjoying themselves with the cousins, albeit like ducks speaking to the chicken, a Malay proverb translated. Literally.

Every now and then they will come to me and say "Mommy, I am sweaty", or "Mommy, my hair is very wet (with sweat)". It's like a new experience to them.
Or rather re-experiencing :D

Anyway, as the end of Ramadhan draws near, all of us would like to wish anyone who do stumble upon our blog, a blessed Eid.
And we seek for forgiveness for all our wrongdoings.
May we still bring the spirit of Ramadhan be brought into Syawal as well.
InsyaAllah...

So Long, Farewell, Adieu!

2011-08-24T10:31:00.000+01:00

Today is the last day we will be in a place we called home for the last 11 months.
Somehow, words cannot describe the feeling inside.
So many memories made, sweet and bitter.

We will always remember our times here.

Beginning from tonight onwards, we might be on a hiatus for a while.
Will definitely try to fulfil the stories as already planned, and probably with a few extras.

Till then,
Salam Aidilfitri to everyone, and may you have a beautiful, blessed and happy celebration.

Much love
LNQR

Attacked by Art!

2011-08-21T09:32:00.000+01:00

Pursuant to this particular entry, here comes....

(drumroll)

ATTACKED BY ART!!

If you remember reading about our own little Picasso here, then this is a continuation of his talents (ehem!).

On the last day of school, I have been given the privilege to bring back more art work done by the little Mister. So we take picture to keep them in our memory, before sending them to the ermm... bin. Recycling bin where possible.

But of course I had very little chance to see what Q had done in school for Arts, so on the last day of school, I was surprised to receive a very huge paper bag full of Q's work! Very heavy, and so many! She was so excited to show all of them to me :D

It was a little 'walk-down-the-memory-lane' session with her that afternoon (and obviously the house was turned into a messy art studio so to speak hehehe...). I saw how her writing and spelling and her ability to draw improved from those art pieces and writing work, and I was moved. She has improved so much since the first time she started schooling. Proud moment again.

Anyway, it all must go the the (recycling) bin! As we cannot afford to keep all these things. So here's Q's (selected - because there are too many, and some have been lost/spoilt/thrown away between the time I received it and these photos taken) masterpieces, a little artist herself :D.

Enjoy!

Checklist

2011-08-16T07:09:00.002+01:00

A lot to pen down, but so little time.
I guess I will just jot down what are the things I want to share, so that when I find the time, I will elaborate more.

And not in particular order :-

1. Perfect Weekend Part 3 - of Nasi Lemak and Willow Trees
2. ~~Her First, My First, Our First~~ on 17 January 2012
3. It has been almost a Year - the Journey so far
4. Moving Out
5. New Beginning - hopefully..
6. ~~Attacked by Art!~~ on 21 August 2011

Till then, I hope I will not forget the story behind the titles.
:D

A Perfect Weekend - Part 2

2011-08-07T19:07:00.002+01:00

Some of the strawberries did went into our mouths as we picked them.
Delicious!
And it was so sweet-smelling...

Anyway, after strawberries, we went to the raspberry, plum and blueberry fields, which were next to each other.

Spotted these on the way :D
Looks so luscious!
But we didn't pick them though..

The raspberries (some 'accidentally' ended in our mouths as well)

Plums (so sweet - and one or two did end in our tummy while picking :P)

Blueberries

And we spotted a sunflower field.
Couldn't resist taking a picture with it :D

And then we went to the farm shop to buy some delicious produce.

Followed by a picnic at the compound.

The end.

A Perfect Weekend - Part 1

2011-08-06T10:09:00.001+01:00

Just letting you know that this is a delayed entry. Been meaning to pen down this piece but aahhh... the computer has been used by the kids! Alternately, and by the time it is my turn to use, I will be too tired. Hehehehehe...

Anyway, the first weekend of the school holidays, we went strawberry picking! And raspberries, plums, blueberries, bought a few farm produced goods like cream, clotted cream and scones, ice cream and waldorf salad. Yummy-ness! We wanted to see some farm animals but none was in sight, except for these 2 bunnies.

The drive took about an hour from where we live, and we set off right after breakfast. Alhamdulillah, the weather was just nice as well.

Now shall we just let these photos do the story telling?

The strawberry fields.

Will have to write another time for the continuation. It time to 'give up' the computer now :D

Lost in pronunciation - Part II

2011-08-04T00:36:00.000+01:00

Not long ago, this scenario happened.

And just at dinner yesterday, another almost similar scenario happened.
I was feeding them both and so the conversation went like this :-

R : Mommmyyyy.... (in a sing song fashion, the style he always does)
Me : Yes, sayang. What is it?
R : You know what mommy, 'kang-ka-yu' have big tail..
Me : (Usually able to decipher all his words, was blank). What?
R : 'Kang-ka-yu' have big tail (voice a little loud, but faltering, showing frustration)
Me : (Turned to Q). Kakak, what is Adik saying?
Q : KANGAROO have big tail (with a priceless facial expression, as if to say - how come you don't know THAT?)
Me : Ooooooooowwhhhhhh......

:D

Seriously...

2011-08-03T09:06:00.001+01:00

.. my body clock has gone haywire.

Woke up at 3.30am, eat our sahur, and then I usually will stay awake until about 6.30am.
I cannot sleep with a full tummy.

Then I will go back to bed.
And wake up at about 8am.

It's SO hard to keep awake at this time!

But the kids need to bathe and have breakfast and play.
So I HAVE to be awake.

Anyway once into the flow, I would be OK.
Will take a nap in the afternoon with the kids, and then I am good as new.

Iftar at about 9pm.
Then I will stay awake until 12midnight.
I cannot sleep with a full tummy.
But then I will have to wake up at 3.30am.

And the cycle starts again...
Sod ba ro...
InsyaAllah....

p/s Thanks to a renowned brand of rice cooker, at least I can time the time I want my rice to be cooked for sahur, and need not to wake up earlier just to cook rice. Happy-ness!

Planner

2011-08-02T15:48:00.001+01:00

Superb planning from the Super Mommy

Ramadhan is here!

2011-08-01T06:25:00.000+01:00

Wishing for a blessed Ramadhan this year, to everyone.

May all our deeds be accepted by Him.
InsyaAllah.

p/s Hope I will be able to go through 17 hours or so today.

Trying to catch time

2011-07-31T23:21:00.000+01:00

It's been busy nowadays. With the children at home, Mama's hands are full.
Lots to write.
Actually.

Let's hope I will find the time soon to pen down what I want to share.
See ya!

So..

2011-07-27T23:48:00.000+01:00

.. with this, comes the i-don't-know-what-to-say SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!!!!
I hope I stay sane.
Please let me stay sane, insyaAllah.

Papa is busy with his work, so it will be me with the kids.
Long summer days.
And then Ramadhan, just around the corner.

Let's just hope everybody will stay in 1 piece by the end of this.
And I still have my hair.
:D

Oh yes, anybody with fool-proof school holidays activities for 2 kids under 6 who are definitely adrenaline-charged?
Do share ya?

The Last Day

2011-07-25T16:05:00.000+01:00

The last day of school finally came on Friday 22 July 2011.

Literally last day for the both of them as we will probably move to another location by the time school reopens in September.

Or we could be going back to Boleh-land.

Only Allah knows.

Anyway, time really flies so fast.

It feels like only yesterday that we arrived in this beautiful country.

And we have fallen in love with the place we are living now.

QnR - both are quite sad to be leaving this place.

Mama and Papa too.

I still remember Q's first day in big school.

Will never ever forget it.

And now it's already the end of the school year.

Both of them gave a little pack of chocolates to the classmates, as a thank you and farewell gift.

These are some photos of the last day (I think I was more emotional than the kids :-(( ).

Class of 2010 - 2011 (Reception)

2011-07-25T15:11:00.000+01:00

Teacher : Mrs. Thomas
Other teachers : Mrs. Atwood and Mrs. Parkin

Red House
1. Morgan
2. Flynn
3. Eve
4. Oliver
5. Poppy
6. Olivia

Yellow House
1. Qistina
2. Callum
3. George
4. Rebecca
5. Eleanor

Green House
1. Magdalene
2. Ashwin
3. Caitlin
4. Tommy B.
5. Lucien
6. Harry

Blue House
1. Jennifer
2. Thomas W
3. Zara
4. Tom
5. Ella
6. Charlie

And oh, Choir 2011.

Ouchh!!!

2011-07-25T13:21:00.000+01:00

The other day when Q was stung I thought, owh well, hope she or anybody else would not be stung.
Boy was I wrong.

I was stung while halfway into my solat.
Apparently one bee was hiding in my telekung!
Had to stop and restarted due to the excruciating pain (yeahhh right).
Well it was not that painful but I had to make sure that there was only ONE bee.

Alhamdulillah for toothpaste.
I was a-ok within 5 minutes :D

Round the World Concert

2011-07-22T06:40:00.000+01:00

School holidays is just around the corner so school and nurseries have been having a lot of activities for the children and their parents. And on Wednesday, 20th July, we - Papa, Mama and R that is - went round the world in 60 minutes! :D

R's nursery planned for a World Concert, depicting a journey of a prince looking for a perfect bride. It was very fortunate for the nursery this year as they have more international children attending so this was the reason of the World Concert.

Anyway, back to the story. The Prince, is of course, called William. His parents - Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip have asked his brother Harry to accompany him in his search. Off they went and arrived in Europe, the Africa, Asia and Australia!

So when in Asia, they came to - Malaysia and met R (and another teacher who used to live in KL).

p/s another proud moment for Mama of course! Was beaming with so much pride!
p/s/s doesn't he look handsome and dashing?

Enjoy the video!

Boxes

2011-07-14T14:23:00.005+01:00

Living the 1st 2, need to work on the other 5. Wise words of Nick Bate, one of Papa's cikgu, from here.

The 7 Essential Ages of Boxes for Kids

1. The Cardboard Box. Kids love these. They become rockets, shelters, bunkers, homes....Brilliant for the imagination and just being ...well... a kid.

2. The Off Box. Kids surprisingly love this. No screen periods. No TV. No computer. Just reading, conversation, bikes and hanging out. Brilliant for language and inter-personal skills.

3. The Tool Box. The stuff school forgets to mention. How to make money, what love is really all about and why atoms really are so small. Brilliant for curiosity and equipping for Life.

4. The IN Box. In busy, busy interrupt-driven worlds even the youngest need simple organisation skills. Good for managing stress and keeping school happy by delivering on time.

5. The OUT-OF-THE-BOX. A healthy cynicism by encouraging humour, creativity and wit. Good for survival skills in the big, bold world of Life.

6. The CAT-IN-THE-BOX. The old uncertainty, philosophy stuff. Nothing is quite so certain as it might seem. You measured it and therefore thought you knew where it is. But by measuring it you have impacted it and changed its position. Jeez. Good for encouraging living in an increasing world-maybe Age- of uncertainty.

7. The BOX acronym: Be Outstandingly eXcellent. Good for life.

p/s: as usual, if Papa menyampuk or fiddling with stuffs here that means this.

Haa???

2011-07-13T17:04:00.003+01:00

Suddenly I see changes.

Pretty sure it was not there yesterday.

Looks like somebody is back to being blank again eh?

But...

I like this new outlook.

Toothpaste

2011-07-12T09:33:00.002+01:00

Didn't know that you could apply toothpaste to a bee sting.

If Q was not stung by the bee last Saturday, I would not have known this.

A home remedy.

With Uncle Google's help of course!

Apparently "the glycerin found in most toothpastes dries out the venom concentrated under the sting area and the alkaline toothpaste neutralises the acid in the bee's venom" - taken from here.

Anyway, flashes of "My Girl" the movie came into mind when Q was wailing screaming "bee, bee..". You know, the scene when Macaulay Culkin was stung by so many bees (drama queen eh the mama? hehehehe...).

Truthfully, I was scared if she will have any allergic reactions.

Alhamdulillah I saw where she was stung, and there was no stinger or else you would have to take out the stinger first before applying the toothpaste.

The bee? Found dead on the carpet.

So after applying the toothpaste, the pain subsided in about 10 minutes, and she was happily playing with R again.

It's summer and there are bees and flies everywhere.

And spiders. Plus the web.

Many happy returns!

2011-07-10T22:21:00.003+01:00

Especially for Tok Mama.

Many happy returns.

We love you forever.

HUGS!

Sometimes..

2011-07-08T11:58:00.003+01:00

.. when a total stranger says something really nice about your loved ones, you will get 'em.

A blooming garden in your heart.

I have a blooming, beautiful garden in my heart now.

Flowers of every colour.

What a nice Friday.

p/s image googled

Instinct

2011-07-05T19:34:00.003+01:00

Mother's especially.
Mine - now that I am one.
Should have trusted them.
Should have trusted my own gut feeling.

Scenario 1
As I entered Q's school gate to pick her up just now, I saw one of her teachers looking for someone. I was 200 metres away but my gut feeling says that she was looking for me. Because Q is unwell.

As I was about 5 steps away from her, one of Q's friend's mom said that that particular teacher was indeed looking for me.
Q is not feeling good. Went into her class and saw Q, holding a bucket. She had just vomited.

My gut feeling was right!

Scenario 2
I have a suspect of what has been making Q unwell. In fact R was unwell too last weekend.
Been having this notion since the first time R vomited last Saturday, but did not take heed.
So what happened to Q in Scenario 1 just confirmed it.

Why didn't I trust what I was feeling?

Scenario 3
So off with oily keropok and omelette for a short period.
Q had vegetable soup and rice for dinner.
7 spoonful I said, but my gut feeling (again) feel that she will stop at 5.
And if she takes the number 6, she will vomit again.

True enough, when Q asked for the 6th spoonful, I gave her.
Not paying attention to what I was feeling.

And right after that, all of the rice fed went into the toilet bowl.
Aisshhh......

Lesson to be learnt.
Trust your instinct, Mommy!

Ain't..

2011-07-02T15:30:00.006+01:00

.. no mountain high enough..

.. no valley low enough..

.. no river wide enough..

To keep me from getting to you babe..

Choir (kuai-ya, as she pronounces it) girl in action..

p/s this is a belated post as the choir singing happened last month, on 18th June 2011. They sang 2 rounds - once in the garden, and once in the hall.

Sports Day

2011-07-01T12:49:00.005+01:00

Usually the parents (and we are no exception) are the most excited when it comes to sports day, concerts etc of their bundle of joy, especially if it's the first time!

Anyway, hope you'll enjoy the following :-

Sprinting

Walking with the 'thing' on the head

Hurdles

Dribbling

Obstacle

p/s please ignore the terribly excited Mommy's voice :D

Midway

2011-07-01T12:46:00.003+01:00

Already halfway into 2011.

And in exactly a month's time we muslims will be embracing the holiest month in our calendar, Ramadhan al-Mubarak.

InsyaAllah.

Blank

2011-06-30T11:57:00.005+01:00

Blank. Papa is.

blank

adjective /blaNGk/
blanker, comparative; blankest, superlative

(of a surface or background) Unrelieved by decorative or other features; bare, empty, or plain

- the blank skyline
- a blank wall

Not written or printed on

- a blank sheet of paper

(of a document) With spaces left for a signature or details

- blank tax-return forms

(of a tape) With nothing recorded on it

- blank cassettes

Showing incomprehension or no reaction

- we were met by blank looks

Having temporarily no knowledge or understanding

- her mind went blank

Lacking incident or result

- those blank moments aboard airplanes

Complete; absolute (used emphatically with negative force)

- he was met with a blank refusal to discuss the issue

p/s sorry saya menyampuk, good job mama by the way with the blog.

Masterpieces

2011-06-29T13:05:00.000+01:00

R gets to do a lot of handy craft when he's in the nursery

And each week he will come back with at least 1

Depending on the 'Letter of the Week'

Here are some which I have saved and photographed

Before it all either:-

break;

torn;

lost;

thrown away et cetera..

This is my Mummy - R's interpretation

And here of course,

is the Artist himself..

The Longest Day

2011-06-29T00:16:00.000+01:00

"Summer Solstice 21 June 2011 - Northern Hemisphere

21st June 2011 is the day of the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and simultaneously the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Sun reaches its highest - most northerly point in the sky in the Northern Hemisphere and recieves the most hours of daylight. For those in the Southern Hemisphere the Sun will be at its most southerly - lowest position and receive the fewest hours of sunlight.

The Sun reaches its highest point directly over The Tropic of Cancer, 23° 26′ 16″ and there are 24 hours of daylight north of the Arctic Circle (66.5° n), and 24 hours of darkness south of the Antarctic Circle (66.5°s).

In June the Earth is further away from the Sun than its approach during winter, and reaches its apogee (most distant point) from the Sun about July 3rd. Earth reaches is perigee (closest approach) to the Sun around January 4th.

For thousands and thousands of years, people have celebrated, and ancient civalisations constructed complex architecture's."

- taken from here

Summer is literally here!

And 2 nights back it was hot, reminded us of our homeland

Owh I miss the air-conditioners!

But as the famous saying goes, England and it's unpredictable weather!

It was quite chilly again today

Anyway, with the arrival of summer, we get to enjoy these (half price at the supermarkets :D)!

Ooh la la!!

Lazat-ness!

Congratulations!

2011-06-28T21:59:00.003+01:00

Alhamdulillah and congrats!

This post is especially dedicated to our dear family friend

Who has completed her studies abroad, and now has gone back to homeland

My hats off to you dear..

Missing you and family so much now that we are here

HUGS!!!

On another note

To a friend who is eagerly waiting for the arrival of the next 4 (or was it 5) Fridays

I just want to say

Patience is a virtue (wink wink)

HUGS!!!!

p/s I miss you guys SO much!

Graduated!

2011-06-20T11:04:00.002+01:00

She has graduated!

On riding the bike hehehehehee.....

More proud moments!!

Now she has new gears - a bright pink helmet, knee and elbow pads!

Enjoy!

Hopefully next time...

2011-06-15T10:24:00.004+01:00

Last Saturday there was a grand show by one of the charitable organisations at our nearby field. Being in a 'historical' country, we were looking forward to these :

*above images from kenilworth lions club page

And probably doing a little bit of picnic, near the playground.

But alas, the delayed April showers decided to make appearance. It was raining quite heavily just about when the sword fighting show was starting!! Owh maaannnnn!!!

However, we did manage to enjoy quite a bit before the raindrops started to come :D.

Enjoy!

OH-CCAAAYYY....

2011-06-11T12:00:00.005+01:00

This happened right after she showered this morning, while she was putting on her clothes ;

Mama : Kakak, I noticed that you got 2 wrongs in your spelling recently.

Q : Only 2 wrongs Mommy..

Paused.

Put on her clothes.

Mama : Yes, but we practised during your school break last week. And you got 5 stars for that, because all the 10 words were correct.

Q : Yeah, but only 2 wrongs, and I still get "very good" and a smiley face from my teacher. I spelled "children" and "looked" correctly. Those are hard words.

Mama : Yes, but those words you got wrong were easy words. What happened? You were not concentrating were you?

Q : Yeah...

While combing her hair, she continued ;

Q : Mommy, I think my brain was switched off. (Saying it as a matter of factly).

Mama : Oh? (Trying VERY hard to stifle laughter). Why did you switch it off?

Q : I think it happened by itself..

Mama: Happened by itself? Really?

Q : Yes Mommy..

Mama : Just make sure you keep it on next time ya?

Q : Ok, and this is how you turn it on Mommy (puts her fingers at both sides of her forehead). I'll remember to concentrate, and make sure my brain is switched on.

She left the room.

Mama : ROTFLOL!!

Cliffhanger..

2011-06-10T12:06:00.006+01:00

Who doesn't love CSI?

I mean, seriously, who would have thought that crime scene investigators could be, erm.. so glamourous?

And there are so many different ways to die?

Original casts

Anyway, the last episode of season 11 CSI Vegas has just been shown

(I only watch the Vegas ones coz not too keen on the NY and Miami spin-offs)

Cliff hanging of course!

It has been 11 seasons and the cast has mostly stayed.

My favourite is Catherine Willows!

Cool hair, great body - slim yet not too skinny, just right for the 'profession', great lines

Here are some episodes that actually involved one of the team members :-

Nick Stokes buried alive

When Warrick Brown died

Langston-Haskell face-off

Ray Langston joined the team, while Gil Grissom left

Other memorable characters

Heard that Ray Langston will also be leaving the team.

Well, we'll just have to wait for the next season to be aired then!

Now what would I do on Tuesday nights eh?

* all images are from google searches *

Thank you

2011-06-08T23:06:00.004+01:00

Inspired.

Captured.

Tweaked.

Served.

Thank you, my Besout friend.

Chicken Nuggets

2011-06-06T16:15:00.004+01:00

QnR, but mostly Q actually just loves chicken nuggets they take them on a daily basis.

So I have taken the initiative to make 'em myself.

Coz I really do not know what goes into the bought ones :D

Ingredients :

Boneless chicken - minced

Breadcrumbs

Cornflakes <-- crushed

Seasoning - salt/white pepper/chicken cube/rempah sup Adabi <-- your choice

Egg <-- beaten

1. Add breadcrumbs to the minced chicken so that it is easier to turn them into balls

2. Add seasoning to your liking <-- I only put a dash of white pepper coz Q does not like the taste

3. Make balls of chicken meat

4. Dip into egg

5. Roll onto the cornflakes and then flatten them

6. Bake in the oven at around 180C for around 15 minutes or till done.

6. Freeze them and then bake

Usually a kilo of meat will make around 60-70 balls, depending on how big it is

And that is around 7-10 days worth of QnR's meals

Easy peasy lemon squeasy eh?

Let me know if you try them :D

Proud moments!

2011-06-05T15:25:00.002+01:00

Remember something borrowed?

And now...

TARAAAA!!!!!!!!!

Proud moments for mommy and daddy!!!

Lolly

2011-06-02T12:51:00.002+01:00

The children had their first lollies today.

Yes, I hardly expose them to hard candies, lollies, gums...

High in sugar, bad for the teeth, high in calories yada yada yada...

Bad for them, to summarise it all..

No, I don't eat hard candies as well, more so for lollies

Gums? Well, maybe one or two strips during the long journey balik kampung to reduce fatigue a.k.a have something to munch...

But I do give them chocolates and ice cream

As a treat

Remember the after dinner thingy?

The cuppies and cookies reduced, and replaced by yoghurt

Better choice I hope

Anyway, when my mama and abah came, they had visitors who brought a BIG box of chocolates!

Fun size they are and fun to eat!!!

QnR seems to be liking Maltesers..

So now it's to finish those really yummy chocolates

One each after dinner

The lollies today?

Well, one of Papa's friends bought for them especially for the kids

And it's a one week break from school so what better way to keep them occupied than to give a lolly each?

Hahahaha.... much exaggeration there..

Anyway, it's been nice the past few days

Good weather and we've been going to the nearby playground

Now that's a good way to burn those lolly calories isn't it?

Hmm..

2011-06-01T09:52:00.002+01:00

.. it's already June!

Time really pass you by in a blink of an eye..

Anyway Q will be finishing her Reception year soon.

Next month. Then she will go to year 1.

Owh my baby girl is growing up so fast!

And R would be in Reception next September!

My baby boy in proper school soon!

So much exclamation mark eh?

Yeaps, I can't believe that I am getting older...

Soon it will be Ramadhan...

Time to work out the menu for a month now hehehe...

And it will be our first away from home.

Away from mama's cooking.

Away from PaRam.

Away from eating out.

Sigh... :P

It will be about 17 hours long as well as it is summer time..

Well, that's the beauty of being away eh?

Potatoes

2011-05-29T10:10:00.001+01:00

Though you may have heard and read about the following story, I would still like to share them.

So I won't forget.

The Story of Potatoes

A kindergarten teacher has decided to let her class play game. The teacher told each child in the class to bring along a plastic bag containing a few potatoes. Each potato will be given a name of a person that the child hates, so the number of potatoes that a child will put in his/her plastic bag will depend on the number of people he/she hates.

So when the day came, every child brought some potatoes with the name of the people he/she hated. Some had 2 potatoes; some 3 while some up to 5 potatoes. The teacher then told the children to carry with them the potatoes in the plastic bag wherever they go (even to the toilet) for 1 week.

Day after day passed by, and the children started to complain due to the unpleasant smell let out by the rotten potatoes. Besides, those having 5 potatoes also had to carry heavier bags.

After 1 week, the children were relieved because the game had finally ended.

The teacher asked: "How did you feel while carrying the potatoes with you for 1 week?"

The children let out their frustrations and started complaining of the trouble that they had to go through having to carry the heavy and smelly potatoes wherever they go.

Then the teacher told them the hidden meaning behind the game. The teacher said: "This is exactly the situation when you carry your hatred for
somebody inside your heart. The stench of hatred will contaminate your
heart and you will carry it with you wherever you go. If you cannot
tolerate the smell of rotten potatoes for just 1 week, can you
imagine what is it like to have the stench of hatred in your heart for
your lifetime?"

So throw away any hatred for anyone from your heart so that you will not carry sins for a lifetime.
End the suffering.

Forgiving others is the best attitude to take!
Be nice to others even if
you don't like them.

And to this I would like to quote someone;
"Raise your hands and pray
Ask Him for His guidance
For many a time in your life you will be tested
With depressing, pathetic, terrible people and situations around you"

Just for laughs :D

2011-05-28T12:45:00.000+01:00

I give my highest respect to this person who came up with ideas that made me laugh till my eyes water. Streaming with tears in fact.

Truly genius. Purely armpit-tickling.

Perfect for that 'escape', if you know what I mean.

To those who have not watched this, enjoy!!!

p/s so love the hidden messages portrayed here...

.. they've left..

2011-05-28T09:57:00.004+01:00

Tears rolled down her cheeks.

She clearly looked forlorn.

There was a little note in her hand.

Then came a little voice.

"Mommy, why are you crying?"

Sounding very concerned, cracking as if to try not to cry.

"Well, I am crying because I am sad that Tok Mama and Tok Abah has gone back. I miss them already."

She glanced at the little note again.

"Me mish Tok Abah and Tok Mama too.."

Came another little voice.

Lilting. Trying to exert some cheer to the obviously sad Mommy.

"Mommy, you be happy when we talk to Tok Mama and Tok Abah from the computer ok?"

And two tiny pair of hands wrapped Mommy.

Tightly.

Another stream of tears from Mommy.

Only briefly.

We miss you lots OHANA!!

The North - Liverpool

2011-05-27T10:37:00.000+01:00

We dropped by Liverpool on our way back from the North. Went to LFC since my cousin a.k.a my aunt's son have requested for some items there. Owh and I am a Man U fan by the way :D, so no pictures here because we have already taken enough during our previous trip hehehehe...

Later that day we made a detour to Cheshire Oaks Outlet, for a little shopping, done not by me, before heading home.

The North - Penrith : Bowness : Ullswater

2011-05-26T14:27:00.000+01:00

Lake District.

cinder toffee flavour - total yummy-ness!!!

The North - The Journey

2011-05-25T10:38:00.000+01:00

Went up to the beautiful lakes up the North.

Just to enjoy the gorgeous weather :D

Hope you'll enjoy these!

Broken

2011-05-24T10:17:00.004+01:00

.. item #1

- the comb

- bought about erm, 3 months ago

- while I was using it

- does this mean that my hair is dawai-like?

- aisssehhhhhh..........

- missing the hairdresser back home

.. item #2

- the 'malasfied' spell!

- hopefully...

- coz today felt like typing and typing and typing annnddddd typing away....

- YEAH!!!!!

Now hoping the weather stays sunny and nice

Coz it was really gloomy yesterday!

With rain and all...

.. item #3

- my heart

- it's heartbreaking reading about the death of those at the orphanage back home

- may they rest in peace with their Creator

- and today about a 3-year old who was left by the father in the car, under the hot scorching sun while attending a cousin's funeral

- I am left speechless

- may she also rest in peace

al-fatihah....

The Blues

2011-05-23T10:57:00.002+01:00

The writer, at this moment, is suffering from the Blues.

Writer's block (as if!).

Post-mama&abah dah balik Malaysia-depression.

Sedih and rindu.

Hence the long hiatus.

Lots to write but could not find the errmmm... mood.

Mood, where aaarrreeeee youuuuuu??

Or probably it's just the viral 'L' disease.

Chronic eh?

Hehehe...

Been reading other people's writing to get the push.

Hope the spirit will return soon.

Till then, daaaa................

And..

2011-05-01T14:22:00.004+01:00

.. another month has gone..

.. one-third of the year..

Anyway, on this day, as mentioned here, I would like to wish Cik Yah Happy 5th birthday..

Quite a bit to write but have been busy past few days, spending time with the kids before they start school again this Tuesday.

Whatever it is, to everyone, have a blast long weekend!

*image taken from here

¡Viva España! - in and around the Resort

2011-04-25T17:05:00.007+01:00

The Resort - overlooking the Mediterranean...

Mijas - the nearest little town

Since it was our last evening in Spain, we tried a typical Spanish food - Fisherman's Paella (seafood paella or in Spanish : paella de marisco - wikipedia).

Yummy-ness!!!!

.. bought from this little eating place..

¡Viva España! - Picnic by the Mediterranean

2011-04-24T12:08:00.003+01:00

¡Viva España! - Granada

2011-04-23T15:41:00.003+01:00

Visited the La Alhambra but could not get any tickets to see the garden nor the castle. Not our rezeki this time. But it was quite warm so some of us who went in said it would not be enjoyable for the kids so I guess it was a blessing in disguise I guess. It would be a very LONG 2 hours if I were to put up with whining children!

So we were just outside the area, and QnR had an ice cream each instead :D

¡Viva España! - Landscapes

2011-04-22T15:09:00.000+01:00

¡Viva España! - Tarifa & Gibraltar

2011-04-21T12:56:00.003+01:00

¡Viva España! - The Journey

2011-04-20T22:52:00.000+01:00

Easter Break

2011-04-11T16:16:00.002+01:00

Easter break starts on 14th April, but ours starts tomorrow mid-day!!!

Will be out of radar for a little while :D

InsyaAllah will return soon.

Keep coming for updates ya?

.. and they are HERE!!!!!

2011-04-07T23:20:00.002+01:00

Alhamdulillah my beloved mama, abah and sister, with my aunt and cousin have arrived...

WITH TONS OF SUPPLIES!!!

yeeee huuuuu!!!!!

QnR had a field day hugging and kissing and showing off their things to Tok Mama, Tok Abah, Tok Shidah, Wan Chu and Mak Ngah...

Soon it will be Easter break, and we'll be off on a holiday!

Happy-ness!!

Something borrowed...

2011-04-06T11:01:00.004+01:00

Remember the neighbours?

Number 30 just gave us his granddaughter's bicycle for QnR to borrow.

Thank you ever so much.

We'll return it when we are leaving.

Meanwhile, let's try and learn how to ride without the little wheels this coming Easter break shall we QnR?

Manual

2011-04-05T13:47:00.004+01:00

Since we arrived in this orangputehland, I've been driving a manual car, and beginning from this year, I hardly drive more than once or twice a week.

Hardly any traffic jams here, and when I do go out, it's always office hours. Unlikely to encounter any of the much dreaded long queues.

Will I still drive an automatic car when I go back?

Of course! IF I were to work in the big city, definitely!

Anyway, this entry is dedicated especially to my beloved Cik Yah, that has found a new home with my beloved in-laws. You will be 5 next month!

Thank you Abah and Mama.

Oh by the way, the manual car here is also red.

Chosen by Q.

One of the many reasons...

2011-04-03T10:35:00.008+01:00

.. I love being a mother!

It's Mother's Day at this part of the world today.

And I was presented with these from my mini MEs :-

Written by Q herself,

"To Mummy

Thank you for going shoping (wrong spelling here hehehehe...)

Love from

Qistina

Kiss kiss kiss"

"Dear Mummy

Sometimes you get discouraged

Because I am so small

And always leave dirty marks

On furniture and walls

But every day I'm growing

I'll be grown up some day

And all those little dirty marks

Will all have gone away

As I grow I'll change a lot

The years will fly right by

You'll wonder how I grew so quick

When and where and why?

I may be still very small

But this I'd like to say

I love you very very BIG

Happy Mother's Day!"

(Had tears in my eyes reading this...)

Personally for me, everyday is Mother's Day :D

Thank you anyway darlings, for the lovely cards and flowers.

Love you to bits QnR!

Loving Spring

2011-04-01T22:12:00.003+01:00

Reception's Assembly

2011-03-31T19:46:00.005+01:00

An assembly was held for the Reception classes at Qistina's school yesterday, and parents were invited to see. I've been looking forward to see this after her performance for Christmas last time.

Anyway, this assembly will be only for her class and the other Reception class (there are 2 classes for year 0) which will allow the parents to see what their children have learnt for the past 6 and a half months or so (4 months for Qistina as she only joined in mid November '10).

Hope you'll enjoy the snapshots :D

Qistina and some of her classmates

Smiling excitedly when she saw Rayyan and I

Listening to what her Head teacher is saying

Playing the recorder (this so reminds me of my primary school years :P)

Last day of March

2011-03-31T17:06:00.002+01:00

History was made on this date last year.

It changed everything.

Praying for a better future insyaAllah.

Ameen.

Cup aikim!!

2011-03-29T19:52:00.006+01:00

We (QnR and mommy) had vanilla ice cream for dessert today, since it's already spring and not too cold. When I've finished mine, I started asking the kids if they've finished.

Adik : No. (But his bowl was already empty except for some leftover melted ice cream)

Mama : There, your bowl is empty, right?

Adik : No, I still have this cup aikim (soup ice cream)!

He then immediately handed me his spoon and started 'drinking' from his bowl.

After about 10 seconds (with gulping sound effects) he stopped and gave the biggest smile.

Adik : CUP AIKIM SO YUMMY MOMMY!!!!!!

Owh Rayyan... :D

'chanting, charming Cotswolds

2011-03-29T14:04:00.007+01:00

One hour less..

2011-03-25T16:45:00.002Z

This weekend we will have 1 less hour.

That means 47 hours only.

BUT

Last October we had a weekend with 49 hours!

So it all balanced out :)

And then it will only be 7 hours difference with homeland.

Syuru' will be at almost 7am instead of 6am (yes, it is so bright at 5.45am nowadays!)

So this is daylight saving time.

Composer

2011-03-22T14:13:00.006Z

Rayyan is so into trains and trucks and police cars and ambulances and fire trucks nowadays. But most boys do right?

So while browsing the youtube videos, we found this clip, and Rayyan seems to love it!

Fruit Train

Catchy song indeed!

Anyway, Qistina was listening to it the other day and last night during dinner I heard her humming the song, and then sing, but with her own words.

Original lyrics :-

Choo choo train

Fruit fruit

Choo choo train

Fruit fruit

Now it's time to stop

And see what fruit we've got

They are blueberries (raspberries)

Put them on the train

They are blueberries (raspberries)

Let's sent off again

Choo choo train

Fruit fruit

Choo choo train

Fruity toot toot!

Qistina's version :-

Choo choo train

Crunch crunch

Choo choo train

Crunch crunch

Now it's time to stop

And see what crunch we've got

They are keropoks

Put them on the train

They are keropoks

Let's sent off again

Choo choo train

Crunch crunch

Choo choo train

Crunchy keropoks!

Hehehehehe.....

Let's go to China

2011-03-16T16:00:00.007Z

This conversation just happened between Q and me:-

"Mommy, I want to go to China."

"Owh? China? Why?"

"I want to look for my friend."

"Who lives in China?"

"Kai Lan."

Mama is dumbstruck.

And in another scene :-

"I want to go back to Grandma's house."

"Who is your Grandma?"

"Bibik."

"Erm?" Mama answered with a little surprised tone.

So Mama asked, "And then who is Tok Mama? And Maktok?"

"They are my Grannies."

"Aaah......." (read : fiuhhhhh....)

The day a mother's dream came true...

2011-03-10T17:13:00.006Z

.. my dream at least!

"Mommy, can you make my hair into bunches?"

Auuuwwww.....

My princess asked me to tie her hair.

For the first time.

Boy was I elated!

Will put up the pix later.

28-03-2011

pix update

Part 2 - What we spied..

2011-03-07T11:15:00.003Z

Well, the following are other things that we like, and this post is mostly about the school (the one that Qistina and Rayyan attends currently) :-

Qistina

1. School hours for Q is between 8.55 a.m. and ends at 3.30 p.m. The class teachers will wait for the students at the special entrance each morning, and will send off the children each afternoon after school. They will make sure that these kids are dropped off/picked up by only authorised person(s), or these kids will be kept inside the classroom (and 'love letters' will come to the guardians).

The fact that the parents can meet the teachers during these times is quite good because we can catch up on the mini progresses of our kids, and not just wait till Parent-Teacher meetings.

2. School milk and mid morning snacks

All the children are given free milk until they reach the age of 5, and then the parents can opt to continue by buying the milk or stop altogether. It's quite affordable, and since children copy other children, we have opted to continue the milk supply after Q turned 5 last month.

Mid morning snacks are given at 10.30 a.m. or so and consists of fruits which are given free. At least the kids have something halfway between breakfast and lunch, which happens at 12 noon.

3. School lunches can be a choice between school provided food, or bring your own. The menu of these lunches are rotated on a 3-weekly basis, and you (the kids) have a choice of vegetarian meals as well. All at the same price.

The good thing about this arrangement :-

a. there is no necessity for the children to bring any money to buy food as parents will pay via online in advance

b. there's main meal, dessert, veggies and water included - hot and fresh

c. the canteen/kitchen did not have to prepare more than the required amount of food, so wastage is reduced

d. no chance of cheating by the canteen staff (I have heard horror stories about canteen operators giving wrong changes to unsuspecting school children, but I hope this is not true)

Lunch wardens are there to check if the children have eaten enough and they get a sticker if they finished/eat most of their food.

4. Reading assignments - with the parents

On a regular basis, Q is given a set of 10-words to learn at home. Then she is tested before being given a new set. Since mid-Nov'10 (i.e. 11 weeks of school), she's already learned 70 words, and lately she has been getting new words to learn on a weekly basis.

And parents will have to write the progress of the children in a reading diary, which also serves as a communication tool between parents/teachers.

Then the learnt words will be pasted in a book so it can be read again. There will also be stories with pictures that uses these words given in separate handouts.

5. Loaned clothing, for those kids who have 'accidents'. And the teachers don't even punish them.

Q had a few 'accidents' during her first 5 weeks at school and came back with borrowed uniform etc. Her teachers just shared with me and it was up to me how to handle this.

No standing outside the class, with your poo/pee still in the pants, until the guardians come to pick the kids up.

No lowering the child's self-esteem.

Just soiled clothes for guardians to wash, and borrowed clothes to be returned soonest.

Rayyan

1. Each week they learn new letters, so parents are encouraged to bring items which starts with that letter so the teachers can share it with the class. Last week for example, it was the letter 'g' and R decorated a gingerbread cookie which he brought back and shared with Q.

2. Stay and play - where parents are allowed to stay with the children during the whole 3-hour session at a very low price. The child gets to adapt with the environment, make friends and the parents get to be acquainted with the carers before leaving the kids there permanently.

3. 15-hour funding for those kids age 3 and above.

The younger your children are, the more expensive the payment for childcare. But kids who 3 and above are given a 15-hour funding which means they can go to the nursery for free! 15 hours at least, and any request for more hours the guardian will pay accordingly.

R has been requesting to go to 'school' on a daily basis, whereas now his schedules are on alternate days. He turned 3 in Jan but the funding will only start the next semester i.e. after this coming Easter break. So I have requested that his sessions be increased this summer, so he can go everyday.

4. Progress diaries, or scrapbook, written by the carer themselves, with pictures and arts done by the children.

I love this, just like what is done here. At least the parents get to see some of the activities done by the kids.

5. Item 5 is the same as Q's item 5.

Maybe the above are nothing special for some, but I am impressed with all these things. Made my kids love going to school.

We spy with our little eyes..

2011-03-03T12:23:00.003Z

Living in this foreign land we can't help but notice a few things that is, well.. noticeable. Ok here is what we observed :-

1. These people love yellow coloured bulbs

Why oh why??

Back home we use fluorescent lights which are really bright. When we came here, it is not easy to find 'lampu kalimantang'. We resolved by looking it up on the net and 'Amazon'ed it. Bulk purchases of course! So I learnt about 'kelvins', 'dirty yellow', SAD, natural/white/warm light bla bla bla... before committing to that purchase :D

2. Very courteous and patient drivers

No matter how long the queue is, they will wait for their turn.

No honking, no cutting queues.

We likey...

3. Toilets are dry and clean.

I think the standard of our toilets back in homeland have improved a lot. Keep it up!

However, I keep on hearing horror stories about the toilets of schools, especially primary schools. Yes it was horrifying back when I was in Yr 1 but why does it have to be kept that way?

Hmmm....

4. "Are you all right?"

This is the phrase used when starting a conversation. At least by the people around where we are located currently. They don't say hello or how are you, so it was quite strange for me at first.

Ok the above list may be continued. For now that'll be all!

That is the end..

2011-02-28T23:18:00.001Z

.. of February. Another 28 days has passed. 1/6 of 2011 already flew by..

Alhamdulillah again everyone was rather healthy, with occasional coughing and runny nose due to the weather.

Spring is quite here. Is there such phrase?

Anyway, we are all looking forward to more sunshine.

Spring Break

2011-02-27T10:35:00.001Z

Qistina's school and Rayyan's nursery had a week break from 19th to 27th February. A welcome break after a 5-week long of school.

Anyway, we had quite a bit done during that 9 days, though the weather was rather cloudy and gloomy.

First up we had Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa day at the house, where Papa's friends came to visit for a taste of the ultimate Malaysian dish.

I hope they enjoyed the Nasi Lemak, done with a little tweak so that the 'sambal' is not too hot and spicy.

The next day Qistina had a birthday invitation from 2 of her classmates. Disco themed party. Kids nowadays :D

Then during the week the kids had a doctor's appointment to look at their immunisation record, and at the end of it, both of them were immunised. Since I really do not know how their body would react to these injections, we had no other plans. Alhamdulillah none of them had fever, just sore arms. But of course they wanted a toy each for being such good patients! No problem kids.. Once in a while... Went to the nearest Toys'r'us and let them pick their toys.

And then the holidays are over, much to my relief. I hope they will stay healthy for the next 6 weeks, until the Easter holidays. And yes, Tok Mama, Tok Abah, Wan Chu, Tok Shidah and Mak Ngah is coming!!!! Yeay yeay yeay!!!

Tongue-tied Thursday

2011-02-24T14:55:00.001Z

To whom it may concern, you know who you are

Our prayers are with you..

InsyaAllah.

Ameen.

Little Missy's birthday thingy...

2011-02-15T21:46:00.006Z

So we had a little do for the little missy on Sunday. Just us, four in the family. It started with a shopping trip without Papa who had to bury himself in work - just a little breather for him so he could complete them quickly before the afternoon.

Then she requested for a pink birthday ribbon which said 'BIRTHDAY GIRL'. Of course she didn't want to wear what I've already bought for Adik - it's Adik's and he wants to wear that one! So to avoid bigger confrontation, I bought one for Kakak. Her choice.

Then I let her choose a birthday gift for herself in the form of books, and she picked Dora's little books. And Adik got a Thomas book. Again, if 1 person gets something, the other one must have also.

Later that evening after dinner, the celebration begins. Enjoy the photos!

Birthday girl with her chosen birthday ribbon

Open the present time!!!

Anyway, since there won't be any full swing party for Qistina this year, I gave away some party packs to her classmates the next day.

I do hope she has enjoyed her day. She did get a birthday sticker at school, and her classmates sang to her. Many happy returns again, darling...

One of Life's Changing Moment

2011-02-13T00:01:00.003Z

5 years ago today.

My life changed.

In fact, our life changed.

Our firstborn came into the world.

And we welcomed her into our life.

With much love, admiration and awe.

Everyday is a new day.

You learn things about us, and we, about you.

What a journey it has been.

Filled with laugh, joy, tears, pain, surprises, shock and most of all, love.

She is an independent individual today.

Makes us proud with all the new discoveries she learnt at school.

And now talks with an admirable accent :)

17:34, on 13.02.06

We are grateful to you Ya Allah

Ar Rahman Ar Rahim

Syukur Alhamdulillah

For blessing us with a beautiful daughter and sister to Rayyan

Nur Alin Qistina

Who turned 5 today

We pray that you grow up to be a good Muslim

Lovable, knowledgeable, respectful, kind, strong and all things good

No words could describe the love we have for you

Our prayers and hope that we will share many more smooches and big hugs and high fives

And laughters and tears

To share many more moons and suns and snow and rain together

Many happy returns

Our dearest Qistina

Buah hati Mama and Papa

Kakak to Rayyan

We would not have it any other way.

Allah selamatkan kamu

On another note to a lovely little person

Mya Hannah

Qistina's twin

Many happy returns to you sayang

You are 5!

Hope you and Qistina will get to celebrate many more birthdays together

Semoga menjadi anak yang baik insyaAllah...

Lots of hugs and kisses to you from all of us here..

1st, 3rd and 4th birthday together

(2nd birthday Qistina's mama was in confinement hehehe...)

Totally lost it

2011-02-11T09:24:00.003Z

Last week was a pure 'off' week for me. For some unexplainable reasons, I was a cranky person. Unexplainable? Naaahhh... Not really... But it is not good enough a reason to act like that.

Anyway, Q started coming back from school bringing her lunch back. Untouched. Almost.

And I went ballistic! Seriously I have never been that angry with her.. And at the end of everything, both of us were crying. She of pain, and me of frustration and guilt. Then we apologise to each other. With lots of hugs and kisses.

What happened to me? I am a crazy, horrible, unreasonable mother. What was I thinking?

That night I went to bed crying, and praying that I would be a more patient mother. I am working on this. Hard.

And then I looked at her sleeping, so peacefully, and my guilt came back. I wish I could take back what I have done.

To my darling Q, I am so, so sorry. I should have not lost my temper. Please forgive me. I love you. So very much no words can describe it.

It's Complicated..

2011-02-06T15:27:00.005Z

.. but I still want them!

Staying here in foreign orangputeh land makes me miss the ever delicious food back in homeland. These food can be bought from the night market near our house, or the stall near Atok's house with a mere few ringgits to spend.

Anyway, since this tastebuds feel like having them, I have to think out of the box to prepare them. Here are the results :-

1. Laksa Johor

Done with tuna, kuah rendang brahims, rempah kari ikan babas - alhamdulillah the taste is quite passable!

2. Nasi Kerabu

Inspired by a dear friend who made nasi kerabu 80% complete, in Queensland. She shared with me, what were the ingredients she used and voila! Made them the same weekend. My Kelantanese husband was thrilled!!!!

And now I feel like kaya (coconut jam), roti naik Johor and Murtabak Raja... So how?

There Goes...

2011-02-01T21:02:00.003Z

.. January! The first month of the year, one twelfth of 2011 flew by, oh wait, poofed by in a flash... What did we accomplish this month?

I for on is very grateful and thankful to Allah the Almighty for the health of my family. Alhamdulillah! I pray that they will always be healthy.. Ameen...

And I made a couple of new friends, and went out with one mommy friend. It feels good..

This month a year ago, I didn't think that we'd be here..

Anyway, our prayers for the safety of fellow Malaysians in Egypt. We hope if you are leaving Egypt, you will land safely to wherever you are heading to.

Ooohhh goodness...

2011-01-29T11:54:00.005Z

.. what a mess!!!

The above was his latest phrase! You just turned 3 sayang and then you surprised me with that!

Bet this came from the nursery... Mrs Stone, your teacher likes to say that hehehehehe...

Anyway, there was a little celebration for your birthday

Hope you enjoyed it darling!

Birthday boy

It was the letter 'C' week at the nursery, so aptly it was Caterpillar Chocolate Cake with a Candle

And then at night we had our little celebration at home.

Another round of candle blowing!

Many happy returns again sweetheart...

Muahhssss...

Time Flies..

2011-01-28T00:08:00.005Z

.. when you are having fun!

I can't believe that it's already been 3 years since we first lay our eyes on you. 1,095 wonderful, unforgettable, amazing, unbelievable, sweet days.. How we are blessed...

08:08, on 28.01.08

We are grateful to you Ya Allah

Ar Rahman Ar Rahim

Syukur Alhamdulillah

For bestowing upon us a beautiful son and brother to Qistina

Muhammad Rayyan Faris

Who turned 3 today

We pray that you grow up to be a good Muslim

Lovable, knowledgeable, respectful, kind, strong and all things good

Words can't express how much we love you

We pray and hope that you and us will have many more days and months and years together

To share many more hugs and kisses and laughter and tears

Many happy returns

dearest Rayyan

Anak manja mama and papa

Qistina's baby brother

Allah selamatkan kamu

Sweet tooth

2011-01-24T11:39:00.006Z

Q & R have sweet tooth. They must have dessert each time after dinner. Since these are the only junk food I will allow (apart from the keropok from kampung which they MUST have during and after dinner), they get to choose what kind of sweet treats they can have.

This week it's smarties chocolate chip giant cookies. Half a piece each, once a day.

Last week - chocolate chip little muffins.

And fairycakes, the week before that.

Did I make all of them myself?

No lah.. All supermarket bought (*all images are from google). :D

Lazy mama... and it is cheaper to buy... (excuses, excuses..)

Hopefully someday my heart will be open to venture into baking these wonderful sweet things. I envy those with this baking oh-so-delicious-treats talent.

Till then, I will just stick to learning how to cook savoury dishes. Speaking of which, tried making dalca last night. Alhamdulillah it turned out fine... Heh..

Edinburgh - Dec'10

2011-01-20T13:08:00.006Z

Christmas break.

Destination : As above.

Unbelievable weather.

Calf deep snow (are we crazy or what?).

Beautiful place.

Feels like in Narnia.

Stayed near the beach.

-14 degrees.

Had a great time.

Hope you'll enjoy these photos.

Just realised that there's no family photo here.

Did we forget the tripod?

In English We Say.......

2011-01-18T09:53:00.009Z

..RED! In Spanish we say ROJO (pronounced as roho)!

Qistina and Rayyan is currently so into Dora and Diego so much they have become Spaniards. Hahahahaha... Apart from Spanish here and there, Qistina right now speaks the English sounding VERY English (they speak with a little sing-song way); she used to be very American via Mickey Mouse/JoJo's Circus etc, and then Korean via Pororo (from watching them on youtube). How fast kids pick up languages and slangs... :D

Dora and Diego (Dora's cousin)

Anyway, there is one particular cartoon that I myself enjoy watching here - Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom. The English and their jokes, and the way the punch lines are said, even in cartoons, are a joy to hear and watch. The characters Nanny Plum (Holly's nanny) and the Wise Old Elf always have the best lines - so much so that sometimes Papa and I will crack up laughing hehehehehe... There's (obviously) Ben - an Elf (with his family), and Holly - a Fairy princess (and her royal family), who are best of friends in their little kingdom. Every episode is a different story and as most other cartoons nowadays, they always teach the kids something good.

There's also Peppa Pig - an 8minute/episode cartoon, and Qistina loves it. About a family of pink-coloured pigs who likes to snort; and their friends of many animals. The characters are quite cute, and Qistina now have Peppa's lunch bag, boots and some clothes. Rayyan on the other hand, have a mix of everything - Thomas' jacket, Bob's boots and George's (Peppa's brother) hat/gloves/scarf.

Peppa and her family - Mommy Pig, Daddy Pig and little brother George

Thomas the Tank

Bob the Builder

Well, now that Rayyan will be going to nursery school, he will need a lunch bag too. Ben 10 perhaps?

* all images are from Google

Love thy Neighbour

2011-01-09T21:17:00.003Z

Our neighbours :-

#27 - Michael & Joanne

#30 - Mike & Joyce

#34 - Matt & Pam

#42 - Susan - coz I only met her and the kids during pick up/sending the kids to school

I am putting this down so that I won't forget their names hehehehe...

Big School

2011-01-09T18:35:00.008Z

This is a delayed entry, as I was supposed to update Qistina's journey-so-far at the Big School. She went into proper school 5 weeks before the winter break, having the luxury to experience the festive atmosphere of the then upcoming Christmas. She was involved with a Christmas play, which her Papa and myself had the chance to attend and enjoy. Of course the whole event that she took part was recorded on video - mostly for the grandparents and Wan Chu and all other relatives back in Malaysia hehehehee...

First day of school

Anyway, I almost had a heart attack when picking her up on her first day at Big School. There I was (with Rayyan) waiting for her at the gate where all the parents of the Reception students were waiting and one after another the students started coming out. But there was no Qistina. I asked her teacher #2 who then went in to look for her in the washroom. She came out with a worried face. Still, no Qistina. I can feel blood drained from my face. Where could she be?

I started to panic, my heart was already pounding so fast it literally felt like it will jump out of my chest. I decided to go into the school building, carrying Rayyan while shouting her name! It was a good 2 rounds in the school compound, now out of breath and still without Qistina, my tears started to fall. My mind was racing with so many things. What to tell her Papa? Ok, a little bit DQ here on my part but I couldn't help it..

I went back to where I was waiting for her.

Then her teacher #2 told me that she was located at the nursery adjacent to the school. Phewwwwwhhhh!!!! I was so relieved! Apparently she followed one of her new friends to the nursery a.k.a daycare - her friend's mom worked so she goes there after school and Qistina, thinking that it was a norm, went to follow the new friend!

I waited for a few minutes and there she was, with teacher #1 walking towards me. I then thanked the teachers and told Qistina to wait for me at the gate the next day onwards. Owh what an adventure...

The days after that was fairly ok. On the 2nd day she had a fall while playing, tore her tights and scraped her knees; then the week after that she had 3 'accidents' and came back with loaned uniforms.

3rd week she came home with a letter saying that she was chosen to be a 'star' on the Christmas play and that I will have to make a costume for that occasion. And then onwards she started singing all the songs she learnt for the play. 4th week was a breeze but 5th week she was quite unwell and did not attend school for 3 days..

But in all she is enjoying school. She is now able to read simple sentences from the books she brought home. The winter break was certainly a welcome holiday but she was looking forward for the spring term, which started on 6th Jan.

Goodbye! This is my last post...

2010-12-31T21:51:00.002Z

... for 2010! Though technically it is only published in 2011, it has been there in draft since the last day hehehehe.... Cheating eh?

Anyway, 2010 has been a life changing year for most part, and bitter sweet memories have been made this year. We are now in a journey of our lifetime, and we pray for a better future.

So what did we all - in a foreign land that is so cold - do to celebrate the coming of 2011?

a. Too cold to go to the park for a picnic, and it was raining..

b. Too lazy to browse around the shopping malls as we are sure it will be crowded..

c. Rayyan has just recovered from bouts of diarrhoea..

But since school is about to open - for both Qistina and Papa, we decided to have a hair cut! Save for me, all the others had their turn sitting on the barber's chair.

the messy-tangling-before-haircut look

the barber-doing-his-thing

the neat-crew cut-school going-after look

My aunt said Rayyan looked like Mawi. Owh nooo!!! :P

Spent about £10 for the three of them. What a steal!!!!

Anyway, i hope it is still not too late to wish everyone a great new year. Hope what you want to achieve in 2011 will be achieved! Till then, sayonara for now...

A medley of all sorts - part 2

2010-12-30T18:33:00.004Z

It's been a while since this blog gets updated. First of all my hands were kind of tied and I get busy when the kids and their papa is at home during the winter break. Moreover the kids were feeling a little poorly prior to the break so when the school finally closed it was recuperating time. Owh wait, we were away for a while and then time to recuperate. And we had my nephew here. Anyway, this was what that has happened the past 3 weeks :-

1. Christmas Party at Rayyan's nursery

A little get together was organised by the nursery for the kids and the parents to celebrate the holidays. Father Christmas was there to give away gifts to the kids, and Rayyan got a little red control car! Very thoughtful of the nursery. The kids performed some Christmas songs wearing cute little costumes and headgears. Rayyan had Rudolph on his head :D

Rayyan will not be returning to the same nursery, as I am registering him to the nursery adjacent to Qistina's school - more convenient for me so this was like a goodbye party for Rayyan.

2. Qistina's Christmas Play

The Reception classes at Qistina's school organised a little Christmas play for the parents, a few days before the winter break. It's a nativity play about Christmas so there are angels, sheep, shepherd and Christmas stars among others. Qistina was one of the Christmas stars and performed Reach with her friends. I will never forget that day! I was so proud of her I had tears in my eyes hehehehe... Alhamdulillah I captured it on video so whenever I want to re-live that day, I will just watch the video :D

3. The gathering of SARHAL's cucundas

My nephew, or Qistina and Rayyan's cousin came with his mom to the UK on the 16th to experience winter and the snow. Boy we had quite a bit of snow! In fact the weekend before Christmas the whole UK was on a standstill as the weather was really bad - heavy snow! Flights and trains and busses were cancelled, highways were closed, Christmas shopping was halted etc... Anyway, they still enjoyed their stay here and they went to quite a few places.

They gathered back at our place before continuing their journey to Kent and head home. The weather was a blessing to them as they get to spend a bit more time here. We miss you already Abang Ashraff!!

4. Winter break trip to Edinburgh

Read about this here.

5. Sledding!

Abang Ashraff has left the kids with a red coloured sled to play before he departed back to Malaysia. So when the snow stopped, it was a must that we visit the park nearby our house, then covered in snow and has plenty of slopes to go sledding. The kids had so much fun they wanted us to buy a bigger sled! Let the pictures do the talking..

Unfortunately the snow stopped falling after that. No more sledding...

On Christmas morning we went to our favourite place - Stratford Upon Avon and took a picture at the signature riverbank...

That's it for now! See ya later!

Reach for the stars.. Q's Christmas Play

2010-12-16T15:51:00.001Z

To My Dearest...

2010-12-13T20:40:00.004Z

Rayyan

Mama is so worried that you are unwell for the past few weeks. Your coughing is on and off, and you get feverish every now and then, so often that I feel like I am not taking care of you well enough. I feel helpless, that you have to go through this. I hope it is just the season, and I pray to Allah that you will be well soon. And that your immune system will be much stronger. I miss the healthier you so much. And even now that you are sometimes feeling off colour, you just know how to make me laugh and smile.

You and I share those moments when we walk home together after sending Kakak to big school. I will always treasure that. Always. Now that you are feeling poorly, it has been days since we walked together.

Please forgive me if I sometimes lose my patience with you. I would give anything to take away your sickness. I love you with all my heart, and again my anak bungsu sayang, my do'a to Allah that you will soon feel much better.

Qistina

Today your temperature went up a little. I hope that is just your anticipation for your Christmas play at school tomorrow. A little nervousness for the big day. You have a little cough, but you seem determined to shake it off. Mama still worries about you sayang, though you think you are all grown up now that you are in Big School.

Your sense of humour is getting better by the day, making me laugh with your antics. Especially now that you have learnt some new 'tricks' at school. I look forward to the time I pick you up in the afternoons when you will fill me in with the happenings between you and your friends. I love our walks, especially if it is just you and I. I will always treasure the moments we shared together.

You do drive me up the wall sometimes, but I hope you will get well soon anak sulung manja. I look forward to see you on stage, with your twirly skirt, bubbly shirt, and your star bands. As with your Adik, I would give anything to take away your sickness. My prayers to Allah for your health always. I love you so much.

With love

Mama

How do you do that?

2010-12-09T16:49:00.003Z

* warning : quite a sensitive issue here..

And when?

How do you :-

1. introduce Allah and Islam to a soon-to-be five year old who goes to school sponsored by the Church of England?

It's Christmas and we are in this society where 99% are not muslims. She is involved in a Christmas play involving Christianity. It's fun for her as she's singing all these songs, she gets to go for an excursion to the nearby church to watch plays by the other students, meet the Santa and all...

2. introduce the concept of halal and haram?

She gets hot lunches in school but every morning she will have to choose between the 'red' (meat) or 'green' (vegetarian). Sometimes they have fish in 'red' so she can choose red on those days then. But there are also days when chicken is 'red'. And we eat chicken at home. But she can't choose chicken in school. How do i explain that to her? Obviously i told the teachers that she is allowed to eat fish and vegetarian meals but no meat so that helps when the little one chooses 'red'.

At the moment these are the 2 things that keeps popping up in my head.

I welcome any suggestions from anyone.

Autumn and winter warmers

2010-12-08T12:07:00.003Z

1. sup ayam kampung (perencah sup adabi)

2. bayam masak lemak

3. roast chicken with rosemary, butter, garlic, pepper and a pinch of salt

4. butter lamb (ready made gravy from Patak's)

5. sambal tumbuk <--- favourite

6. fried seabass with asam jawa

7. telur mata lembu masak sweet and sour

8. many, many versions of nasik goreng

9. many, many versions of bee hoon goreng

10. nasik lemak

11. nasik ayam

12. daging masak merah

13. roast lamb with rosemary, butter, garlic, pepper and a pinch of salt

14. chicken tikka masala (ready made gravy from sainsbury's)

15. cabbage, leeks, carrots masak lemak

16. ayam masak merah

17. curly kale stir fry with ikan bilis

18. ayam masak kicap

19. sup sayur

20. ayam padprik

21. sambal tumis ikan bilis

22. daging goreng blackpepper and halia

23. ayam masak halia

24. ikan bilis goreng kicap bercili kering

25. kari ikan

26. rendang daging (courtesy of brahim's)

27. kari ayam (brahim's also)

i am out of ideas...

so what to cook for tonight? took out the chicken already...

hopefully i will get some inspiration later...

Train Tracks

2010-12-01T22:41:00.004Z

There's a train track at the back of our house.

Every now and then we will hear the train passes by.

There's a train track at the back of Tok Mama's house.

When we go there, every now and then we will hear the train passes by.

There's a train track at the back of Maktok's house.

When we go back, every now and then, if we listen carefully, we will hear the train passes by.

I wonder if we connect all the tracks we would be able to ride the train to Tok Mama's and Maktok's.

Owh we miss them so much.

Seriously.