MamaBalqisJournal

An amateurish book reviewer

2011-02-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

Ok now how do I start. This feels like sitting for a composition exam where we definitely have to write eventhough we do not have the ideas or inspiration to do so. As for me, its not that, but just for the plain reason that I do not have a flair for writing! Seriously I envy those who can write/blog beautifully with a touch of elegance.

(ok for the record, I think this is like the tenth time I re-read the paragraph above! That's another thing, I feel like I have to make everything perfect, perfect grammar, perfect spellings, perfect sentence, and in the end because of too much analysis I decided to scrap it! Its just not good enough! I know..I have issues..)

Ok so actually for this entry I need to do a book review! Had I done one before..hmm..I don't think so. So pardon my inexperience and rough review for this definitely-deserve-a-better-review book: Its "The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown"

First and foremost, I would like to say that if you are not a fan for conspiracies theories, Masons, mysteries, symbols and stuffs like that, this is definitely NOT the book for you.

But for me, I can relate to it very well as I love to read on these and found it quite an eye-opener. Although at most times I also do feel like the author gave the masons an excessive apotheosis, which I found quite annoying, coz its like ooo the masons are so cleverly intelligent and exclusive that only them deserve the 'highest knowledge' which they name it 'ancient mysteries'. Which by the way, the mystery turned out to be the Bible (oops was that a spoiler).

But anyway, it also got me thinking, they really put their Bible at the highest possible level, giving it the utmost respect. So how about us Muslims, do we treasure our Quran enough? Have we really truly understand what's in there? Have we even tried to? I mean its Allah's words! Straight from our Creator, no addition or reduction. Its THAT special. If we do, I think all the problems in facing us will vanish and we will definitely be the one in power in this world. Seriously. (deep huh, there you go a review from an Islamic theology student)

There are also other points in this books, which I found very interesting indeed. Like mind over matter. And like how most secrets or mysteries are always in the form of pyramids. And of symbols, do you realize that the world is full of it. Be careful that we do not actually copycatting the wrong symbol. Like the peace sign, or blowing candles on birthdays and so on.

Ok so there you go! Hopefully it can be considered as a book review?

Anyway why am I doing this? Because I actually borrowed this book from this not only smart but kindhearted lady who definitely trust a total stranger to lend her treasured possessions - her books! To you Dr. Hidayah, I deeply appreciate your effort and time by doing this, totally pro bono. She even has to fork out the postage charge in order to mail the book! Hats off!

So for those of you, book lovers, on tight budget - or not, you dont have to wait for your paycheck to satisfy your hunger for reading. Simply give here a visit!

Up next - Time traveller's wife! I know so out-dated right.

Sweet nothings...

2011-01-22T08:58:00.000-08:00

Umaira: Do you love me Mama?

Mama: Of course I do baby! Lots till tiny bits and pieces!

Umaira: Yay! I love you too Mama!

The Immobile Housewife

2011-01-19T23:15:00.000-08:00

It is truly frustrating I tell you! Everything that involves going out will have to wait for Abah. N he is sooo busy nowadays. Yep I have no licence so I am immobile here in Kuantan! Help!

It feels like being locked up

I can live without it in Singapore, coz everywhere is within reach by bus or MRT. But not here, I desperately need a LICENCE! Car is already available as Abah has his own ride already.

Stakat utk pegi keje je katenye...yelah tuu

Several things that had to be done actually: - Sunat Umaira ( 4 mths already!)

Pity Baby!

- Open a new bank account..thinking CIMB.
- Surveying pre-schools (for my BIG project *excited!*)
and other lots of places I want to go like that LAFONIS shop, they sell pre-school toys and materials! or maybe a quick trip to KL coz there is so much going on there!

So ya..I NEED TO GET A LICENCE DESPERATELY.

( a hinting entry to Abah.:) )

"Baby & Me Shopping Style Contest"

2011-01-18T11:57:00.000-08:00

Wanna join, but I'm not sure whether the pic below will qualify, coz there's no pic of me, juz my doters. Hope it will.

Inilah our shopping style @Giant, sampai 2 trolley diperlukan! Kakak
occupied with her loots and adik sleeping peacfully in her carseat
..as we did not want to wake adik...so carseat goes in the trolley! heheh

Nama Anda: Siti Khadijah Asgar

Nama Kanak-Kanak & Umur: Amira Balqis (2 tahun) & Umaira Balqis (4 bulan)

Hubungan dengan Kanak-Kanak: Their Mama..:)

A tip for shopping with babies and toddlers:

One and only...

Extremely important..

Make sure they are comfortable enough!

Enough food, enough sleep/rest, enough 'distractions'/'entertainment' eg. toys..

Discomfort will definitely cause cranky children..

and cranky = tantrums..

tantrums = edgy parents & completely stressful shopping!

Thank you sponsors:

Baby & Me Shopping Style Contest

dianjurkan oleh

Baby & Me

Dengan hadiah-hadiah menarik daripada

3f (Sewfabby)

Gewecun's Closet

BabyIbu Shoppe

Sumijelly.com

Redjambu

Hafiy.com

Contest: sukasuki my baby giveaway

2011-01-18T11:16:00.000-08:00

I simply love giveaways that are about children and pictures!

It gives the excitement of browsing through our hundreds of pictures, looking back and reminiscing the moment when the pictures were taken, choosing THE perfect picture that fits the regulations, and anticipating the moment of truth (whether we wins or not)! Not to mention the prizes await!

But to me all contestants are winners because they deeply believe that theirs are a winning photo..just like mine..My daughter is always a WINNER in my heart.

So here's a giveaway that I'm joining.

More info click on the banner below:

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My submission photo:

Ini adalah gambar anak gadis kesayanganku yang sedang ketawa ala mengade2 dan xtra mentel..

Nama: Amira Balqis Bte Mohammad Razman

Umur: 2 tahun

Picture Perfect

2011-01-15T11:20:00.000-08:00

Their only defects are that they are missing the 'Sleep' and 'Mute' buttons. Wldn't that be great?

Mama and Abah want to eat...press 'Sleep' button.

Yay it worked! Peaceful mealtime = Happy parents

Mama and Abah want to talk among ourselves...press 'Mute' button..

press...press...press...uh-oh...'Mute' button doesnt work!

So on and on she goes...

But Mama and Abah love you both still!

Thank God for slings...

2011-01-09T13:31:00.000-08:00

Kangaroo-carrying with a pupsik sling

Coz Mama can still do her work and still be with you!

Should we already start her on solids?

2011-01-09T12:59:00.000-08:00

Umaira is already at 4 mths now and she has been exclusively breastfed, alhamdulillah. I had wanted to go on till she's 6 mths, but now Abah and I decided that maybe we should start her on solids already. Why? Let's check against the cues to look for when a baby is ready for solids:

•Head control. Your baby needs to be able to keep his head in a steady, upright position. Checked!

•Sitting well when supported. Even if he's not quite ready for a highchair, your baby needs to be able to sit upright to swallow well. Checked!

•Significant weight gain. Most babies are ready to eat solids when they've doubled their birth weight (or weigh about 15 pounds) and are at least 4 months old. 3.48 at birth, now 5++ Checked!

Chewing motions. Your baby's mouth and tongue develop in sync with his digestive system. To start solids, he should be able to move food to the back of his mouth and swallow. Chew almost anything that she puts in her mouth..Checked!

•Growing appetite. He seems hungry — even with eight to ten feedings of breast milk or formula a day. Super Checked!

•Curiosity about what you're eating. Super Duper Checked!

Hint..hint...Is that a curious-look enough everyone??

Very non-halal?!

2010-12-02T00:23:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this...

We saw it at Sunway. It took me and Abah by surprise I must say. I mean, what do you feel, as Muslim, when you read it? As for us, we thought it was somewhat offensive.

Very non-halal?? What do you mean by that?! It sounds like they are making fun of our halal term which I assume whoever came up with this thought they are super creative, NOT.

It just shows the shallowness and narrow-mindedness of knowledge in respecting others' religion.

2010-11-23T11:12:00.000-08:00

~ My lil sepet angel love to play tongue sticking ~

Its been dusty here. Only 2 entries so far this month! lol!

Actually had quite a few things I thought I would post, but whenever I told the stories to Abah first, it feels like retelling the same story all over again and I think its pointless as the only one who reads my blog that I'm aware of is Abah. hmm..

Anyway will just post random pics on the events that happened. For keepsake purpose.

God I look so fat in that pic!

Anyway we were waiting at the airport for my younger brother. He's working offshore...so its like 6 mths at sea then a month home.

Can you spot lil Umaira? We did not bring her pram so we ingeniously use the airport trolley as a 'tandem stroller'...heheh

Then we had Swensen's for late dinner..

We love Swensen's but we just do not love Swensen's at T2. Service was poor.

Amira sure is loving the attention!

And Umaira is off in her lala land...

No more coaches for us?

2010-11-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

Do you realize....just how many express coaches made the news nowadays??

Sampaikan tak berani nak naik bas skarang ni. Of course, life and death are as God's will. Naik ape2 ke, kat mane pun klau dah ajal innalillah jgk. But then again, that doesn't mean yang kite tak perlu berusaha dan mengharap, berdoa agar dipanjangkan umur. And because of that we would rather drive on our own nowadays though its more tiring, especially for Abah. And terpaksalah scarifice a whole day for journey, since Abah cannot drive at night. Coz klau naik bus we wld prefer the night bus, so bangun2 je dah sampai. Tu pun klau bleh tido lah, coz sometimes I feel that I was riding a roller-coaster rather than a coach (klau Abah mmg ltak je kepala trus zzzzzz..oopss heheh).

I still remembered during our last minute-midnight-3hrs journey to Terengganu last week (as Moktok was unwell), we saw several coaches driven at an unsafe speed. Siap bleh potong kite lagik..we were driving slow and steady at 80-100kph. So can you imagine at what speed they were at??

And during our journey back to Singapore at Pekan, we saw the remains of the Transnasional coach that fell into the water the night before. Serammm...

Dahlah service Kuantan-Johor only limited to Transnasional and Cepat Express. Cepat express lagilah is a NO-NO. Utterly disappointed with the service and coach. Bas yg I think dah lebih sepuluh tahun, mmg teruk giler, siap rosak during the journey. Jual tiket plak lebih dari seats yang ade....haiz..

In my opinion, since the ultimate reason for these accidents is SPEEDING, that should be the main concern and they (I dunnolah the government or the coach service provider) should nip it from there. Cant you just set the speed limit for these coaches at say 80kph max? Hmmm...

Accidents may happen..

2010-11-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

just anywhere!

Last Sunday, when we were at EC Mall, we actually watched a little girl (I think she's only about 4 or 5 years old) hanging on to the railing of the escalator just like the video below. Only that time A LOT of people were looking but like I said they only looked and panicked. Luckily someone was quick enough to press the stop button and another someone from the upper floor caught the girl.

I can just imagine it could happen to us too...with the likes of Amira..so better be extra vigilant from now on..

Amira and storybooks

2010-10-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

She thought all bookstores are like MPH or Borders where she can take a book and sit anywhere.

Her current fav:

With all the silly sounds made by the animals and frequent chants of "Can't catch me!" it caught her heart. A current must-read everyday book for her!

She also loves this!

Warning! Its quite tiring reading out loud this book! A LOT of repetitions and quite loooong! But I think thats why it is appealing to most kids. She is able to retell the story but of course in her own version.

Its quite fascinating at what children can remember don't you think.

Amira oh Amira

2010-10-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

Just for your reference if this blog survives till you are older..

1. Yesterday u slathered Abah's hp with powder and baby oil. And I mean like quarter bottle of each! (Nasib baik bukan hp mahal!) The hp still surviving tho the screen is full of oil!

2. You poke adik's thigh with a pencil...luckily it wasnt sharp...

3. You squeezed 3/4 of the newly-bought toothpaste in the toilet...then lathered on your feet and made footprints on the mat..

To be continued..

4. You 'tonyoh2' kepala adik....tsk tsk ksian Umaira.

5. You covered your hands and legs with markers..

To be continued..

Dedicated to you ...

2010-10-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

Abah with ♥

hmmm...actually wanted to go to his concert...but tix sold out...*wailing*

Hope you will come again...

Table for one?

2010-10-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

Recently while dining out with Abah and Balqis'es', sitting across from us was a lady. Dining alone. It suddenly made me sympathize with her. Can't help the feeling. I was thinking where's her friends? family? colleagues?

But then again, it takes quite of courage and self-confidence to be able to dine alone. For me I'd rather 'tapau' and eat at home if without company.

But if I really have to, I'd keep this in mind:

1. Appear confident, nicely dressed. At least it doesn't show that you are dining alone because you are lacking partners, but instead maybe you just don't need them!

2. Have a book! Its the never-betraying BFF. So when you are waiting for your order, at least you have somthing to do. Twittering, sms-ing will do too. It helps to look occupied.

3. Relax! Enjoy the food. Have a I'm-HAPPY-and-COMFORTABLE-to-be-alone look.

4. hmm...maybe if its your lucky day a cute guy might just come up to you and ask for your number...*wink* - oh ok thats obviously not for me..hehe

Chills!

: : Us : :

2010-10-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

Finally! A picture of us!

Abah Balqis, Mama Balqis, Amira Balqis and Umaira Balqis

Credit to INTAN. Thanks! :)

Omega-3 benefits Pregnant and Nursing Mums!

2010-10-03T00:02:00.000-07:00

It’s irrefutable now that for the foetus brain to develop properly, it needs a great deal of the omega 3′s, DHA and EPA.

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are available only from marine sources, such as certain fish and algae. The USDA, in fact, limits the recommended amount of EPA and DHA, as it is possible to ingest levels of EPA and DHA that may be toxic to the body. On the other hand, ALA (alpha linolenic acid), which is found in MILA, is a precursor of EPA and DHA and converts in the body to EPA and DHA in amounts each body needs. ALA is derived from plant sources such as nuts, seeds, and greens

If you are a pregnant mother or a nursing mother, you should be taking an omega 3 supplement or eating enough omega 3 foods because they are an essential fatty acid. Essential means our bodies need it but cannot manufacture them on its own. Which simply means we absolutely must get them from our diets.

The omega 3 you obtain in your diet is passed along to your baby when you breastfeed.

Even if you are no longer breastfeeding, you should be careful to take in enough omega 3 fat for your own health. If you have young children, adequate levels of omega 3 intake are associated with less attention deficit and hyperactivity and higher IQ’s.

Lastly, the omega 3′s in fish oil have also been shown to help ease menstrual cramps.

MILA contains:

- 8x more OMEGA 3 than Atlantic farmed or wild salmon.

- 6x more CALCIUM than milk.

- 3x more IRON than spinach

- 2x more POTASSIUM than bananas

- 15x more MAGNESIUM than broccoli

- 2x more FIBER than bran flakes

- 6x more PROTEIN than kidney beans

- 6x more SELENIUM than flax seeds

- 9x more PHOSPHORUS than whole milk

- More ANTIOXIDANTS than blueberries

Overwhelmed...

2010-10-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

by a toddler and a baby!

Phew! I forgot just how tiring it can be caring an infant. And to make it much harder, with a 'terrible two' in hand (I agree with the "terrible two" thesis - hoping it will end soon and well!).

and oh ya! by the laundry too!

I wish! but this is googled..mine's worse

Seems like the enormous heap is unmoving. Not helping that we were going places a lot recently and currently we are at KL. Hope I will manage to 'ground' the heap by next week as we are planning to do an open house. Not too late for a RAYA open house I hope.

And after all that I really hope that everything will be more settled...insyaAllah!

Yaya tutin

2010-09-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

translation = Amira cooking.. even Abah did not understand what she said..lol

~ caught in the act! ~

Been thinking of getting her a kitchen set. Chanced upon this spree, its a food stall! Can we get her one Abah?

~ Instilling entrepreneurship ~

Role Play and children:

Children are naturally drawn to role play—the magical art of imitation and make believe.
But role play is more than fun...it's a key component of learning. According to child development experts, role play helps children acquire all kinds of skills and knowledge, encouraging them to:

- Explore imagination

- Think in the abstract

- Acquire language skills

- Build social skills

- Problem solve

- Understand someone else's perspective

- Learn essential life skills from adults

- Discover leadership skills

- Safely explore the world beyond

- Acquire confidence and a sense of self

If that isn't amazing enough, consider this: because role play engages emotion, cognition, language, and sensory motor skills, scientists theorize it actually creates synaptic connections between parts of the brain. And the more synapses, the greater a child's intelligence!
There are different types of role play, and they help serve different purposes. Encourage them all...and nurture your child's natural gifts, insyaAllah!

source

Gaga & Illuminati?

2010-09-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

Came across this from a fellow blogger and thought its interesting to share.

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Assalammualaikum...

Semoga apa yang nak saya sampaikan hari ini dapat memberi sedikit manfaat kepada semua khususnya kepada peminat peminat cik Gaga ni. Insya-Allah.. Baru-baru ni terdetik nak menyiasat perkembangan baru cik Gaga yang saya sudah tahu tentang dia dan illuminati. Rupanya video untuk lagu Alejandro iaitu lagu baru dia dah release. Banyak kontroversi tentang video ni. Masa nak tengok tu macam ragu-ragu jugak .Yelah vid cik Gaga ni saya sudah sedia maklum banyak unsur-unsur lucah..Tapi oleh sebab nak mengkaji apa yang ada dalam vid dia kali ni jadi saya play jugak vid dia. Jadi seperti yang disangka. Banyak benda yang dapat dilihat dalam video yang membuktikan yang dia memang Illuminati puppet. Ramai lagi artis Hollywood pun sama tapi dia yang paling berpengaruh so far ..

Video yang mencapai lebih dari 20 juta viewer kali ni lebih berani dan mengandungi banyak simbolik. Saya akan cuba explain dari apa yang saya dah dapat di satu web. Rasanya ramai jugak yang dah tahu cik Gaga adalah salah satu artis dibawah naungan illuminati. Bagi mendapat keafahaman mengenai illuminati ini, anda bolehlah baca dari web ini mengenai konspirasi dajjal atau carian di google.

Dalam video terbaru dia .Ada sesuatu yang cuba disampaikan. Ada jalan cerita yang tersembunyi disebalik lagu yang dinyanyikan. Kalau hanya dengar lagu, mungkin tak banyak yang kita boleh tahu. Kita akan mula analisa dari permulaan video lagu Alejandro – Lady Gaga hingga habis. Ini adalah jalan cerita berdasarkan video. Jangan hanya baca buka mata tapi baca buka minda.

Video dimulakan dengan laki-laki membuat beberapa formasi dan beberapa dari mereka kepala mereka ditutup dengan sarung, mungkin mengisyaratkan bahawa itu adalah orang-orang tahanan dari beberapa macam. Salah satu laki-laki adalah dalam bentuk piramid sementara yang lain memegang hexagram sebagai tahanan berbaris.

"I know that we are young. And I know you may love me. But I just can't be with you like this anymore, Alejandro."

Selepas tu diteruskan dengan proses pemakaman. Perarakan membawa keranda yang kita dapat nampak Cik Gaga kat depan tu mengenakan jubah hitam dan membawa Sacred Heart (Hati Kudus). Sacred Heart ni adalah pendarahan hati Tuhan untuk umat manusia (dalam kepercayaan kristian). Kenapa kata Sacred Heart? Tengok gambar bawah.. Hati yang Lady Gaga pegang tu ada bukan hati biasa biasatapi ada paku dan dawai yang di lilit-lilit (simbolik) yang sama macam Sacred Heart of Jesus (merujuk kepada hati Jesus).. Google untuk baca lebih lagi ...

But I just can't be with you like this anymore, Alejandro. Siapa Alejandro? Seorang lelaki yang dia tak boleh bersama ke? Dan kemudian dia curang dengan Roberto dan Fernando? (berdasarkan lirik). Jawapannya tak ... Alejandro bukan seorang lelaki. Kalau dengar lagu tanpa tengok video mungkin takkan faham. Gambaran video ni mengatakan bahawa Alejandro mungkin membawa maksud sesuatu yang lebih dalam... Jadi kalau bukan manusia. Apa dan siapa Alejandro?

Kemudian Gaga ni dipaparkan dalam kedudukan berkuasa, memakai mahkota hitam sambil melihat tahanan melakukan persembahan untuknya. Gaga kemudian mengalihkan satu goggle. Sekaligus mempamerkan simbol illuminati - The All-Seeing Eye (bukan sekali tapi banyak kali) untuk mendedahkan sifat sejati dari kekuatannya.

Selepas itu ada sebuah adegan simbolik lagi, seorang tentera dipaparkan dipasang ke string, seperti boneka. Yang jelas menunjukkan yang ada seseorang 'control' dia. Atau senang kita guna istilah dia adalah 'mind-control slave'. Dia tidak boleh mengawal pergerakan sendiri.. Dan memegang senjata di kemaluannya. Wajah dia nampak kosong, nampak bingung betul-betul seperti seorang hamba yang di-kawal segala pergerakannya - oleh Gaga si illuminatist tak guna.

Dalam adegan selanjutnya, Gaga sedang berbaring, memakai red latex suit yang untuk biarawati tu (Kristian) dan memegang tasbih. Okay jadi boleh nampak kan ..Waktu scene ni gaga pandang ke langit dan menyanyi part : "Stop, please, just let me go, Alejandro" . Sebaik saja diasebut "Alejandro" Gaga mengangkat dua tangannya kelangit. Jadi dalam ni kita boleh nampak dengan jelas nampak yang Alejandro merujuk kepada tuhan bukan manusia.

"She hides true love En su bolsillo. She's got a halo 'round her finger, Around you."

Maksud lirik ni pulak. A halo' bermaksud ia dianggap "suci"(holy). Around her finger(cincin kawin) merupakan penyatuan Gaga dengan tuhan melalui agama, tapi dia sekarang malu dengan pernikahan ini kerana suaminya telah mati. Jadi dia menyembunyikan cincin itu di bolsillo nya, bolsillo dalam Sepanyol yang bermaksud poket dan mula menyalahkan tuhan..

Selepas sahaja lirik tu... Konsep penolakkan (rejection) ditujukan kepada Tuhan bermula.. Kerana Tuhan nampaknya tidak memenuhi keperluan rohani Gaga. Dia kemudian memutuskan untuk mencari ketuhanan diri. Dengan memeluk satu spirituality yang baru. Dalam video ni lebih menunjukkan yang Gaga telah bertukar dari biarawati menjadi paderi Luciferian(Syaitan). Kenapa kata jadi paderi Syaitan?

Saya kata paderi syaitan sebab tengok jelah jubah Gaga di atas.. Ada banyak sangat simbol salib terbalik. Ni menunjukkan bahasa simbol yang membawa maksud yang jelas. Kita tahu salib adalah simbol keimanan bagi agama Kristian kerana mewakili pengorbanan Jesus & kebangkitan. Dalam Kristian, salib terbalik dikenali sebagai "Cross Of St.Peter", untuk menghormati Simon Peter yang diminta untuk disalibkan terbalik kerana dia merasa tidak sesuai untuk dihukum mati dalam hal yang sama seperti Kristian lain. Tapi dalam kalangan bukan-Kristian, salib terbalik merupakan simbol penyelewengan dan sesuatu yang membawa kuasa negatif kerana simbol terbalik selalu ditemui dalam ilmu hitam dan Satanisme iaitu pemujaan syaitan..

" In symbolism, an inverted figure always signifies a perverted power (...) Black magic is not a fundamental art; it is the misuse of an art. Therefore it has no symbols of its own. It merely takes the emblematic figures of whitemagic, and by inverting and reversing them signifies that it is left-handed." - Manly P. Hall

Waktu ni lirik ni yang dinyanyikan menunjukkan gaga tidak mahu diganggu oleh tuhan.Dont bother me, Dont bother me,Alejandro (merujuk kepada tuhan) Don't call my name , Don't callmy name, Bye Fernando ..I'm not you're babe , I'm not you're babe, Alejandro (tuhan). Salib terbalik (simbol syaitan) ditempatkan pada kedua bahu gaga, menjadi simbol tiang. Dilapiskan dan digabungkan dengan simbol terbalik di alat kelaminnya. Diangkat oleh sekumpulan lelaki dalam satu bulatan. Mengangkat seperti mengagungkan Gaga,menyambut kedatangan Gaga ke dalam kumpulan mereka

Sebaik sahaja lepas tu menunjukkan Gaga memasukkan tasbih kedalam mulutnya . Tasbih adalah serangkaian manik-manik yang digunakan dalam tradisi Katolik untuk berdoa dan meditasi. Dalam Islam sendiri ada tasbih.. Jadi dengan menelan tasbih, Gaga menggabungkan dalam dirinya simbol ketaatan dalam agama dan juga bermaksud cara Gaga untuk mendapatkan Ketuhanan dengan cara sendiri. Dia ingin mencapai keilahian dengan satu cara sendiri. Itu adalah prinsip aktif Lucifer .Jelas menunjukkan yang Gaga bukan menyembah tuhan tetapi Lucifer(Iblis)..

I'm not your babe I'm not your babe, Fernando. Waktu menyebut perkataan Fernando, Gaga membuat simbol tangan macam tu(yang jelas merujuk kepada Jesus). Itu adalah tanda berkat bagi ajaran Kristian, Katolik kepada mereka yang dianggap Suci. Jangan lah ingat Gaga tu buat simbol tu suka-suka. Sebab semua simbol membawa makna yang tersendiri. Kita yang kena tafsir apa makna dia..

Dapat tengok kan kat belakang Gaga ada salib ..Gaga dah menghina kristian cukup banyak dalam video dia. Gaga menyanyi sambil memandang keatas dan kemudian dia mengulang-ulang lirik :

" Don't call my name, Don't call me Name Bye Fernando (Jesus) "

Dan di akhir video ...Ditunjukkan Gaga dilampirkan bersama strings ..Pada mulanya Gaga kawal lelaki tu dan akhir video ditunjukkan Gaga pula dikawal ..Oleh siapa ? Fikir-fikirkan lah siapa yang control cik Gaga ni .Siapa dalang disebalik semua ni ?Siapa ketua ?Anda mampu cari jawapan nya kan? Insya-Allah pasti ..

Sebagaimana disebutkan di atas, video Alejandro sangat kompleks dan simbolik, dan sesuai untuk multitafsir. Boleh jadi macam-macam.. bergantung pada pengetahuan si pemerhati dan sudut pandangan masing-masing. Namun demikian, rasanya bahagian-bahagian video Alejandro dalam ni jelas and tak perlu banyak teka teki macam video Telephone dan Bad Romance. Jadi apa yang gaga nak cuba sampaikan dari video nya? Dalam ni gaga menolak iman Kristian oleh mengotori simbol dan menunjukkan yang ada satu kuasa spiritual lain. Hmm lepas ni apa ? Menghina Al-Quran dan Islam? Nauzubillah jauh-jauhkan la ya Allah ...

Cik Gaga ni membawa bersamanya semuaagenda illuminati dan tak tahu la macam mana ramai yang boleh terpukau dengan dia. Namun saya yakin dah ada banyak peminat dia yang mula ragu-ragu dengan diri Gaga, tindakan nya dalam setiap video. tapi masih tidak boleh berhenti mendengarkannya. Ingin saya katakan kat sini, berhentilah mendengar lagu Gaga. Tidak mustahil nanti dia akan cuba menyelitkan lirik yang akan menyebut La-la-la Allah(Tiada Allah). Dan kita sebagai manusia sentiasa lalai. Tanpa iman mungkin kita akan menyanyikan lirik tersebut (dengan alasan iahanya lagu) dan pada saat itu ,apa akan jadi ?

Ya Allah , lindungi lah kami dari tipu daya syaitan dan sekutu nya..

Amin ya rabbalalamin.

Sesungguhnya pendengaran, penglihatan dan hati, semuanya itu akan diminta pertanggungan jawabnya"(Al-Isra' 17:36)

credit to

http://youropportunityplace.net/konspirasi-dajjal/432-ketahui-disebalik-lagu-alejandro-oleh-lady-gaga.html

Benefits of Omega 3

2010-09-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

Post on MILA:

Omega 3 Benefits are far reaching. Many studies have found Omega 3 Benefits for just about every health problem that arises from the SAD (Standard American Diet). One important aspect of your health we should stress here is that you have to use your own intelligence when it comes to your health. Remember no one is looking after you and your family’s health except for yourself.

1.Improves Heart Health
2.Reduce inflammatory – Helps with osteoarthritis

3.Improves Mood – Helps with Mood Disorder

4.Benefit for diseases like: Alzheimer’s and other cognitively impaired situations

5.Improves Memory and Brain Function in Babies.

6.Reduces Allergies

7.Lower Blood Pressure

8.Lower triglycerides

9.Reduces Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

10.Provide lubrication to the skin, arteries, veins and intestinal tract

11.Improves Eye Health

12.Might prevent certain types of cancer

13.Reduces PMS Symptoms in Women

14.Improve muscle recovery from trauma

15.Supports healthy energy levels and concentration

*** Works well together with Yoga and Meditation (for us solat and zikir).***

16.Helps promote healthy pregnancies

17.May help maintain normal blood sugar levels

18.Psoriasis and Eczema

source

MILA is sugar-free, gluten-free, highest in Omega 3 than any other food!

It is not supplement or medicine, but it is categorized as FOOD!

REMEMBER IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR FAMILY'S.

LET'S BE GRATEFUL AND TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THIS GOD-SENT FOOD FOR OUR BETTER FUTURE, INSYAALLAH!

Reality check for ALL Mr. Husbands

2010-09-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

Not I say, but Dato’ Dr Hj Mohd Fadzilah Kamsah says:

1. Selalu menghargai usaha dan penat-lelah isteri, terutama isteri yang bekerja dan sama-sama terpaksa menanggung hutang suami.

2. Bila isteri bercakap, pandanglah mukanya dan buka telinga luas-luas. Biar apa yang dikatakannya masuk telinga kanan dan tersumbat di telinga kiri. Sambil tu otak suami kenalah memproses informasi yang diterima daripada isteri dengan bijak serta prihatin.

3. Jangan sekali-kali membandingkan masakan isteri atau cara isteri menghias rumah dengan mak anda kecuali masakan/cara menghias isteri anda lebih baik dan canggih dari emak anda..

4. Jangan demand sex sekiranya isteri tak ada mood atau letih. Agama suruh kahwin bukan semata-mata untuk penuhi nafsu syahwat saja.

5. Kalau pasangan dah ada anak, sama-samalah menjaga anak. Benih dari awak juga.. Ada suami, isteri sedang makan disuruh cebok kencing n berak anak sedangkan suami duduk tersandar kekenyangan macam maharaja.

6. Jangan sekali-kali duduk tersandar depan TV atau relax-relax sedangkan isteri bila balik dari kerja, buka saja kasut terus masuk dapur, memasak, mengemas, membasuh, kejar anak dsbnya. Berbulu mata dan sayu hati isteri bila kami tak cukup tangan nak menguruskan rumahtangga sedangkan suami lepas tangan.

7. Sekiranya suami makan dahulu, tinggalkan sedikit lauk utk isteri. Jangan bedal semua sampai turn isteri yang tinggal cuma ekor ikan sekerat, janggut sotong dan ekor taugeh.
8. Kalau nak ajak member bertandang ke rumah, beritau isteri dulu, kalau boleh sehari dua in advance. Jadi bolehlah dia memasak yang best-best dan mengemas rumah cantik-cantik. Bayangkan perasaan isteri kalau tetamu datang terpacak sedangkan kain-baju masih berlonggok belum sempat dilipat, permainan anak masih berselerak dan isteri cuma masak mi maggi saja.

9. Jangan sekali-kali menyakat isteri tentang saiz badannya yang semakin sihat atau semakin melidi. Tengok body sendiri dalam cermin dulu.

10. Jangan kentut depan isteri. Masa bercinta dulu kenapa boleh control kentut?

11. Hormatilah ibu-bapa dan kaum keluarga isteri walaupun anda cuma main wayang, bodek mereka masa nak mengurat isteri anda dulu. Jangan sekali mencaci mereka walaupun secara bergurau.

12. Jangan kedekut dengan isteri serta keperluan rumahtangga.

13. Jagalah maruah anda sebagai suami dan lelaki. Selagi boleh, jangan bebankan isteri dengan masaalah kewangan anda. Selalunya perempuan ni, semakin suami “degil” tak nak minta pertolongan, selagi itulah dia rela nak tolong.

14. Jangan bersepah dan bersikap pengotor. Dah buka baju, letakkan dalam bakul baju kotor, dah guna cungkil gigi, buanglah dalam bakul sampah, bila dah guna ubat gigi bubuh balik penutupnya, dah ambil sesuatu barang simpan balik ditempat asal, dah berak flush. Susah sangat ke nak buat macam tu? Semua nak kena ajar ke?

15. Rajin-rajinlah bertanya isteri kalau dia perlukan bantuan anda dengan kerja rumah/menjaga anak. Tapi jangan tanya dua tahun sekali. Jangan tunjuk rajin bila ada tetamu di rumah saja.

16. Hormatilah isteri anda sebagaimana anda mahu dihormati. Isteri pun manusia. Allah berikan banyak keistimewaan kepada para isteri tapi diputar-belitkan tafsirannya oleh orang lelaki untuk kepentingan diri sendiri.

17.. Jangan main kayu tiga dengan perempuan lain. Main lain lagi tak boleh. Kalau isteri awak yang buat, tentu awak tak boleh tolerate, jadi mengapa isteri awak kena tolerate kalau awak buat?

18. Kalau tak menyukai sikap atau perbuatan isteri, tegurlah secara baik, jangan asyik nak menengking aja. Kalau awak sakit nak mati nanti, siapa yang kena jaga awak? Bai jual roti? Apek jual sayur? Jiran sebelah rumah awak?

19. Kalau isteri nampak tak sihat, cepat-cepatlah bawa jumpa doktor. Tunjuklah anda mengambil berat tentang dirinya.

20. Berbincanglah dengan isteri sebelum sesuatu keputusan dibuat. Walaupun suami megah ada kuasa veto, tak jadi bapok kalau pendapat isteri diambil kira. Pokok pangkalnya ialah timbangrasa dan saling menghargai. Cubalah ketepikan ego yang keterlaluan. Bukannya laku bila dah mati nanti.

21. Dalami agama dan bimbinglah anak isteri dengan ikhlas seperti yang dituntut agama. Ingat, kalau seorang suami masuk syurga, besar kemungkinan isteri pun masuk syurga. Kalau suami masuk neraka belum tentu isteri juga masuk neraka. Kalau isteri masuk neraka, besar kemungkinan suami juga masuk NERAKA tapi kalau isteri masuk syurga belum tentu suami pun masuk syurga.Ini bukan rekaan saya tapi saya dengar dari seorang ustaz.

22. Berusahalah dengan ikhlas untuk mempertahankan keharmonian rumahtangga. Jangan buat apa yang isteri tak suka. Percayalah, kalau suami buat baik sekali dengan isteri, isteri balas sepuluh kali akan baik.

23. Jangan buat donno kalau isteri merajuk atau berkecil hati. Kalau perlu minta maaf, minta maaf, kalau perlu dipujuk, pujuk. Hati orang pompuan ni sensitif. Kalau kami rasa suami tak ambil kisah, perasaan bagai dihiris-hiris. Perkara yang dipandang remeh oleh suami boleh menjadi kanser kepada isteri. Kepada para suami khususnya dan kaum lelaki amnya, janganlah dianggap masalah hati dan perasaan orang perempuan ni enteng sahaja.

Shared by FB Sebutir Mutiara Seindah Wanita

Open House at Mum's

2010-09-16T22:56:00.000-07:00

Some pics taken during the open house:

~ Forever Posies ~

By Mum - Lontong, Briyani, Soto

This cutesy lil boy is my ex-colleague's son. Her hubby's Morroccan. Lil Ayman is just so super friendly and CUTE!

No he's not sleeping. They were truly the entertainers of the day. lol!

xxxxxx

MILA and me : Simply Love

2010-09-16T22:12:00.000-07:00

I have been taking MILA for a month now. I deeply believe in this product that I've decided to waste no more time to join in as a distributor. My goal is to share this God-sent great healthy food with my family, friends and people around.

So far the results I've seen is tremendous!

I had just given birth on 28th August 2010. My family is not those types who is concerned with healthy cooking or eating. Furthermore I don't drink milk. My elder daughter, 2 yrs old, is following suit as she was BF since birth and wouldn't want other milk. So I am tandem nursing both sisters. Can you imagine the demands being out on my body and I am still in healing process? No healthy food, no milk, no other supplements.

I am thankful to have found MILA. It gave me the energy needed, I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight, my breastmilk is enough if not more for my daughters, I am comforted in knowing that I am receiving the nutritional values needed daily, especially the Omega-3 and so does my family.

It is really simple to consume MILA. I like to add it in my Milo. It has no strong taste or smell, just oat-like texture. You can add it in to any drinks or food, you may even put it in your cooking and the values will not be diminished by the heat.

You may email me or go here for more info:
http://lifemax.net/sitikhadijahasgar

World's Healthiest Whole Food! Subhanallah!

2010-09-13T04:50:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek!

Alhamdulillah, I was introduced to this great product. Been taking it for about a month now. Am now back to my pre-pregnancy weight, no fatigue, I feel better overall! Am also comforted in knowing that I received all the nutritions needed, especially Omega-3 and calcium.(I do not drink milk!)

Check out what it contains:

Check out the health benefits:

Heart Health

Given today's typical dietary habits, finding additional sources of Omega–3's is more important than ever. To help offset that negative dietary trend, Mila contains the perfect ratio of 3:1 (3 Omega–3's to 1 Omega–6), all of which makes Mila essential for maintaining a healthy heart.

Anti Aging

Did you know that every ninety days your body regenerates nearly all of its seven–to–ten trillion cells? When healthy, stronger, smoother, more elastic cells are properly regenerated, the aging process is slowed.

Fights free radical damage
Aging happens when damaged cells are replicated. Mila's antioxidants act to neutralize the free radicals that cause premature aging.
Flushes out age–accelerating toxins
Regain youthful exuberance
Skin elasticity
Hair, skin and nail enhancement
Joint lubrication
Reduces muscle soreness and speeds rejuvenation
Lowers lactic acid buildup in muscles

Weight Loss

Mila is so nutrient-dense that the equivalent nutrients can only be acquired by consuming an amount of food that represents approximately 6 times the calories of Mila. For example, consuming 3½ oz. of Mila results in about 6 times fewer calories from the combined best sources of the same nutrient. In addition, Mila's exceptionally high level of Tryptophan (an amino acid that suppresses appetite) may relieve hunger pangs. Mila can easily be used in formulating meal replacements.

Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure

Mila has a vasodilatory effect by increasing the size of the arteries and thereby can play a role in lowering blood pressure.

Menopause

Mila, with its high Omega–3 content, may enhance and balance hormones. Mila may help reduce hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause and help maintain a positive mental outlook.

Breast Health

Preliminary research at the University of California, Los Angeles suggests that Omega–3's may help maintain healthy breast tissue.

Prostate Health

Numerous studies show that diets high in Omega–3's and fiber may help maintain a healthy prostate. Mila with its high Omega–3 and fiber content, is an easy and simple way to include these necessary nutritional benefits into your daily diet.

Gastro–intestinal Health

Mila is also a hydrophilic colloid. This important property aids in the digestion of food and helps control excess acids associated with indigestion, heartburn, and sour stomach. Mila's unique soluble fiber content combined with its hydrophilic colloidal properties makes a gel in the stomach that creates a physical barrier thereby "lining" the stomach.

Bone Health

Per serving, Mila contains six times more calcium than milk. Mila is a rich source of other essential minerals like phosphorous, magnesium and iron, all of which aid in the absorption and utilization of calcium by the body.

Mental Health

The International Journal of Clinical Practice tells us that much research (including research from Harvard) has linked low levels of Omega–3's in the body with mood disorders. Omega–3's are believed to keep the brain's pattern of thoughts, reactions, and reflexes running cohesively and efficiently.

Blood Sugar

Salvia hispanica L.'s nutrient-dense qualities and Omega-3 content has been shown to assist in the management of proper blood sugar levels.

Prenatal Health

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that Omega–3's are very important to nourish the developing brain of the baby and to the mental health of the mother. Mila also contains essential amino acids, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals including folate (folic acid) all of which are extremely important in fetal development.

Chinese side of me

2010-09-13T04:17:00.000-07:00

People will find it quite hard to believe that I have Chinese blood in me.

But not my younger sis, she has I'm Chinese written all over her face..hehe

My mum's pure Chinese, she even has a convert card. She was actually given to a Malay family since baby. She had never met her Chinese mum till she was about 20 years of age. But it lasted only till 6 years, as my Chinese grandma passed away and my mum lost contact with her Chinese family ever since.

I actually remember snippets of Grandma's funeral. I remember seeing her in the coffin and she was fed with a handful of something. Not really sure what it was.

Now mum is already 50. And thanks to Facebook, she was reunited once again with her Chinese family. My grandpa had passed away too. So there's only the siblings of 7.

We did an open house yesterday at mum's, and some of them came.

~ Lot of friendly, joyful and generous people ~

And did I say on my father's side, my grandpa was an immigrant all the way from Pakistan. The race in my IC also reads Pakistani. Another shocked faces I would get when people saw that. Hmmm..I wonder why I look so Malay?

Passport for the lil one

2010-09-13T03:46:00.000-07:00

Next 17th we will be going off to Kuantan and Terengganu, insyaAllah. So had to apply passport for lil Umaira. Went down to ICA just now to get her picture taken. Check this out,

Then we decided to take kakak's picture as well.

It actually took us abt half an hour to wake lil Umaira up! Her eyes need to be opened for the picture.

Despite all the shaking and Amira's shouting, she was still soundly asleep! So like Mama (tido mati..heh)

Yummy Prawn Fritters!

2010-09-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

I made this for my family's break fast past few days. We simply love it!

Ingredients:
15pcs of prawn (shelled except for the tail)
2 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 egg

Batter
6 tablespoon self-raising flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 egg
black pepper
paprika (optional)
salt
water

Oil to fry

1. Marinate prawn in oyster sauce and eggs for at least 20mins.
2. For batter, mix everything together, make sure its not too runny. Should be 'nestum-like' texture.
3. Coat prawn in batter leaving the tail out and fry in medium heat.

DONE!

How much to deliver in Singapore...

2010-09-07T02:36:00.000-07:00

More specifically @ Parkway East Hospital, 321 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore.

Just a guideline for those interested in delivering at the above hospital.

My bills summed up to:
S$3668.23

Medisave claimable:
S$2420.21

So total cash paid was: S$1247.42

Above is for the one-bedded package with assisted delivery by Dr. Abdul Aziz B. Md Ali Sujak and 1 lodger (abah stayed with me). Keep in mind that they will impose additional charges, example, if you are in the labour ward for more than 5 hrs, each additional hour will be charged.

For those with risky pregnancy, advisable to deliver in government's hospital. A friend was charged close to S$7k because baby was detained for a week.*faint*

Apart from the 'big' bill, I love Parkway East. The staffs there were incredibly helpful and friendly. The food were superb! :) Felt like staying at a hotel instead..hehe. Even better, 3x meals plus snacks, adjustable bed, one-push button service..lol.

We opted for one-bedded room, but turned out that it was full on that day. So we got an even better deal! They let us have the 2-bedded room all to ourselves! Yippee! So we got 2 beds, 2 flat screens and a bigger space.

Check out the toiletries:

All to ourselves:

~pardon the mess~

Tandem nursing Umaira & Amira

2010-09-06T23:25:00.000-07:00

Alhamdulillah...its been a week now and Allah has eased me in my breastfeeding journey, Bf-ing on demand and not scheduled.

In fact, I am currently doing tandem nursing for both doters. That is concurrently nursing both of them.

There are of course, 'well meaning advices' from around saying that Umaira might not be getting enough, so Amira has to stop or I have to supplement Umaira with formula. Well, thank you all for the concerns. But I know and truly believe that Allah's creations are wonderful. The breast can adapt to the demands being placed upon it. If you are nursing for 2, it will produce enough if not more to meet the demand, subhanallah.

Even when Rasulullah was an infant, he was being nursed by HalimatusSa'diah, who was also nursing her own baby, not to mention those having twins,triplets and so on. So I don't understand why nursing more than one seems foreign and weird to some of us nowadays.*maybe coz Amira is already a toddler?*

There are actually several reasons why I decided upon tandem nursing:
- I would not want Amira to feel left out upon arrival of a new sister.
- I would like to give Amira the freedom to decide when to wean off completely.
- I do not have the heart to stop Amira from BF-ing.
- I read that it promotes bonding between the two siblings.

My one-week experience on tandem nursing:

- Actually I find that Amira is actually more excited to be nursed than Umaira. I thought she wouldn't like the taste of the milk (she doesn't drink milk) but it turned out that she LOVE it.

- Of course I do feel uncomfortable at times when Amira wants to nurse at the same time as her sister. I mean just imagine I had to hold baby in one hand and a toddler in the other. Sometimes I let her be, and some other times I will ask her to wait till I put the baby to sleep first.

- If they nurse together, I usually will take a sitting position on the bed.

- It really helps when I feel BM is a lot. I would just ask Amira if she wants to be nursed and she would gladly obliged. -I am really lazy to pump,heh-

- It helps prevent engorgement, alhamdulillah.

I am thankful that I am given the opportunity to be able to give the best for my daughters insyaAllah. For those out there struggling in their BF-ing journey, persevere and believe that no matter how hard it is, no matter what others tell you (even doctors, always get a second opinion) and no matter how painful it is, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT IN GIVING THE BEST FOR YOUR PRECIOUS ONES AND FIND COMFORT IN IT. ALL THE BEST.

Splurged!

2010-09-03T03:46:00.000-07:00

Two days before I went in for delivery, we shopped for Amira's and Umaira's Raya dress. I already knew where I wanted to get it from, but we still did a little look around. We went to Tampines One, but no dresses caught my eyes, though a lot of other things did.*refrain,refrained*

So we made our way to the shop at Tampines Mall that truly caught my heart the first time I saw it - not to mention pained my heart as the dresses are EXPENSIVE!

It was lovely! Everything there were! We managed to get the two matching dresses, though I think Umaira's going to be a little big.

~ "bloomB" , I ♥ ~

While I was 'fickling' over which to choose,

~ Cheeky ~

Definitely couldn't sit still!

Lil Mami Jarum....u better dun be!

After paying for the dresses, I mistakenly took a look at the display window....and something truly caught my eyes! Juz gotta have it for Amira!

~ Loveliness ~

~ Cinderella? ~

~ Posy, posy ~

Damages: S$151.60...

The newest addition...

2010-09-03T00:50:00.000-07:00

Alhamdulillah, we are blessed in this special month with a newest addition to our family.

Umaira Balqis bte Mohammad Razman

28/8/10 3.48kg

11:44am

Parkway East Hospital, Singapore

Once again, I was eased by His will during the delivery - subhanallah, thank you O Allah! If the first time my labour period was only for 3 hours, but this time it was half of that! I truly salute those who endured long labours, for I feel that though it was a short time, but it was the most agonizing moments in my life. But then again, it was well worth the pain!

Just like the first, I was induced. This time it was Abah's and my choice - we can still choose to wait till another week - and turned out that it was the best one made. Reason is baby had already pooped inside, found out when Dr. Aziz burst my water bag. Wait a little longer and I will have to undergo c-sect *shudder*.

At that time I was only 2-3cm dilated, so there's another 7cm to go. For some it can take up to an hour or more to dilate a cm. I had about 5-6 major excruciating contractions before feeling the urge to push. But I had to refrain as Dr. Aziz was not around yet for he did not expect it to be so soon. It was HARD trying not to push. At last after 3 times contractions, he came. Umaira was out on the 2nd push. It felt like I was in a marathon with the people around cheering me on and that helped a lot. I am thankful that Abah was with me all the time too. Though at some moments I was annoyed, like when he asked "Mama ok tak?" when I was in the middle of a contraction! *I know u meant well..:)*

All in all, I am glad thats over and went well. Now enduring confinement. Bigger responsibility and bigger test of patience awaits.

And how is Amira Balqis -big sis- taking this new change....hmm...not quite well for now. She had fever the first few days, now showing a lot more tantrums, mood swings and so on. Pray that its just short phase, amin. But when in good mood, she did show love to lil sis, and fondly called her Umaiyyah Batis..:)

The toddler years

2010-08-25T02:31:00.000-07:00

If I had my Child to Raise over again...

"If I had my child to raise over again,
I'd fingerpaint more and point the finger less.
I'd do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I;d run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd teach less about the love of power, and more about the power of LOVE."
- Diane Loomans

I am thankful that my doter is still a toddler. Not a breezy period at all, I must say. But still it has its fun part and I am still learning and striving to be a better guide to her.

This is the period whereby your child is still dependent on you. A little more years down the road, it will definitely be lesser and lesser. I wouldn't want, for the whole world, to miss being a large part in her life. I want to be there in every little achievements she gained, I want to be there witnessing every development she made, and what better years of grasping a wide range of milestones than from birth till their toddler years. From babbling to talking, from crawling to walking and much much more!

And for that, I am ever so THANKFUL for being a stay-at-home-mum.*alhamdulillah*

"It will be gone before you know it. The fingerprints on the wall appear higher and higher. Then suddenly they disappear." - Dorothy Evslin

Parents' nightmare: Tantrums!

2010-08-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

Sample pic

Imagine this.

Your toddler wants to have something that YOU do not think he/she should at that time or ever. You had already said NO a dozen times or so. Threatened to leave but never really did. Then he/she started to throw their body on the floor and screamed at the top of their lungs! You couldn't even pick them up as they are kicking and struggling. All the time, people around you are looking and judging. The shopowner/salesmen are getting agitated as you are scaring customers away.

What would you do? So far I only see 2 options:

1. Relent and give in to the child so that he would stop his tantrums, and stop the people around you from staring and giving you the 'what-kind-of-parent-are-you look'.

2. Stay firm on your foot and just let him finish his tantrums. Just let others think what they want, its your child and its your way of disciplining them.

For me I would go for the latter. Why? Just simply because I do not want them to think that they could get away with anything just by throwing their body around. And I simply do not care of what others might think of my approach, as those who're judging either do not have a child or they are the lucky ones who get the well-behaved children at all time.

I believe that tantrums and toddlers are inseparable. It shows their determination and I do not think that's bad. Its just that they are still clueless on how to behave and be patient, so that is our responsibility as parents to guide them. Not to confuse them further, by taking the wrong simpler decision -in my opinion- to just give in.

Of course sometimes when I see other children throwing tantrums I wld silently say that "Alhamdulillah that's not my child" heh, but SURELY I know that some other day that wld be my doter and I just have to face it too, just like yesterday. I think that was the worst tantrums ever being thrown by Amira. She was really determined to have that thing, screamed, kicked, struggled, for about 15 mins I think, and finally cried to sleep. When awoke, she was still talking about having that thing. So Abah, you think we should get one for her?

She wanted this BADLY!

Fasting during pregnancy

2010-08-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

1/3 of Ramadhan had left us. How time flies.

Alhamdulillah, managed to cover all the days and I have one more week to go! *excited+NERVOUS*

39th week baby is getting ready to pop!

I believe that as Allah had ordained us this responsibility, then He will be the ONE who will give us the strength to carry it out. I also believe that it is safe for some to carry on fasting as Allah did not exactly rule out pregnant mothers from fasting, except that leniency is given for us not to fast if our health does not permit it.

Just be sure to always tune in to your body as you yourself must be aware whether or not you are fit or otherwise.

Just to share some tips and info for soon-to-be mummies during Ramadhan:

- Do not skip your Sahur. Drink plenty of fluids. Hydrate yourself as most likely the reason you are feeling unwell is because of dehydration.
-Keep cool during fasting. Do not frequent hot and crowded places. It will dehydrate you faster and even put you off your mood.
-If possible, get more rest. To conserve energy and fluids.
-Do not attempt to continue fasting if you feel really unwell, such as dizziness or lightheadedness. Those are indications that your brains are not getting blood flow and oxygen as well as your baby's.
-Also do not continue if you are having uterine contractions (a balling up or tightening feeling, or the feeling menstrual cramps) as it might lead to preterm contractions and preterm labour.

No two pregnant ladies are the same, so do not be discouraged if you feel that you are unable to fast. Allah is Most Compassionate.

I am also thankful that I came across a fantastic health supplement - just tried their sample pack for the past 3 days. I only had a handful of cornflakes, a cup of milo + the supplement for my sahur and hamdanlillah it lasted me well throughout the day.

Blogs..

2010-08-20T00:15:00.000-07:00

I love stalking good blogs.

A lot of things were benefited from some of the blogs I encountered, and inspired me to do such insyaAllah.

♥ Homeschooling

♥ Early education

♥ Cloth diapering

♥ Eliminating communication

♥ Blog Tweaking

♥ Great cooking, reading..

etc..etc..

♥ Not to mention, the opportunity of making new friends especially those sharing the same passion.

So, thank you for sharing ♥

Yeay for Sleepy Kittens Storybook!

2010-08-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

Remember Despicable Me?

Pic taken from Wiki

We managed to catch it with Amira, cant remember when though. Not too keen in 3Ds however. Coz its such a hassle to put on the glasses! The lugs are simply too long to put in my scarf and its not helping that I do not have a 'nose', so most of the time I had to hold it *leceh!*. Plus its not worth -yet- to get Amira one -we never get a ticket for her, stingy parent hehe- so she had to see a blurred picture instead *sorry dear!*

The movie was not bad, simple story line with lots of humour here and there. But what I liked most was the bedtime book 'Gru', the lead character, read to the girls. I remembered mentioning to Abah that it would be great if I can get my hands on that book! It looks so adorable and fun, with the little kittens finger-puppets!

Actually I did find it on amazon costing USD7.99 without shipping. But estimated shipping period is maximum a month for the least shipping cost which is USD4.99. Such a long wait!

So put it off for quite some time now, and alhamdulillah guess what! Chanced upon a mummy spreeing for this particular book at S$16.90! Books will arrive around 2 weeks from now. So yes! I have placed an order for it! Cant wait to receive it and read it together with my lil princess who is simply smitten with cats...

moment with newborn baby contest

2010-08-18T23:24:00.000-07:00

A contest giveaway by fellow blogger. To join just click the banner below.

: : My first newborn : :

Nama : Amira Balqis Bte Mohammad Razman

Tarikh Lahir : 22/04/2008

Berat Semasa Lahir : 3.78kg

Umur Ketika Gambar Diambil: Minutes after delivery

Nama Ibu : Siti Khadijah Bte Asgar aka MamaBalqis

Email: mamabalqisjournal@gmail.com

Cerita disebalik gambar : Masih lagi kebiruan. Inilah pandangan pertama di antara kami yang dapat dirakamkan oleh Abah. Hanya Allah sahaja yang tahu bagaimana perasaan keibuanku semasa menatap matanya. Simply LOVE at first sight!

My BFFs

2010-08-18T01:29:00.000-07:00

Had a superb time break fasting with my lovely BFFs yesterday! I forgot to bring my cable so unable to upload pics for now. Kak Su, Sir and Laila couldn't make it, so there were only 6 of us + 2 toddlers - an all-ladies affair.

We met up at Sultan mosque, then proceeded to Cafe Le Caire at Arab street after Maghrib prayers. Had buffet, menu was not much but it was surely filling. Arab-style cooking, with bamia, chicken, fish, rice, pita, dessert, fruits and free flow of drinks. Costs S$25 per person not inc GST and service charge. I had wanted the relaxed-eating-style actually, maybe on-carpet-seating, but to bad it was only for smoking area. Main agenda was eating, ~~gossiping~~ oops *astarghfirullah* catching up with stories -purely intended as lessons for us insyaAllah ;) - and a lil bit of camwhoring. Alhamdulillah the 2 toddlers were quite well-behaved, thank you girls.

Although its very hard for us to meet up now -some I hadn't met for months!-, most are busy with married and working life, but we do not feel drifted apart. Each time we meet, we are as close as before. I love each one of you, thank you for this friendship and insyaAllah we will still be as close for the years to come, amin.

Since there is no new picture, below is the pic from last year Raya. Missing Kak Su tho.

From top left (clockwise): Far, Rai, Sir, Afia, Sasi, Laila, me and Sarah

Our family is expanding! Our other half...
From left: Sir's, Afia's, Kak Su's, mine, Sarah's, Laila's, Sasi's
Missing: Far's & Rai's

Pre-natal Check ups

2010-08-17T01:27:00.000-07:00

Alhamdulillah am into 38+ weeks now. Basically another week to go, insyaAllah!

Reached Singapore today at noon, and went for an appointment with my gynae, Dr Aziz. A warm, friendly and comical doctor indeed! We are very happy so far with his service.

For this second pregnancy, we moved a lot. I mean initially we stayed at Johore, then moved to Kuantan. So for the first trimester, check ups were done at Johore.

We went to Bio-Sucinas, a husband and wife's clinic. Service was good, If we did not move to Kuantan, most probably I would have chosen to deliver at the Puteri Hospital, Johore. Average check up fees were about RM150-200 each visit (inc scan and meds).

After moving to Kuantan, in second trimester, we went to al-Farabi clinic. No specific doctors but alhamdulillah so far the ones I met were good and accommodating. I was shocked though the first time making payment. It was super CHEAP! Only RM50 inc of scans and jabs!

For the third trimester, since we had decided to deliver in Singapore, we chose to try out a different gynae since Abah was not too keen with our first and we thought it would be better to choose a fellow Muslim to welcome our newborn. That was why we decided upon Dr. Aziz.

First time consultation fee was S$120 and since that time I was already into my 35th week, we had to pay the booking fee for the hospital which was S$1000. Follow up consultation fee was S$45 , not inc of scans or other misc checks.

During the previous check up, he explained in detailed on what to expect during labour and delivery. Though this is my second pregnancy, but some of the things he shared are new to me. Here are some of the 'tips' he gave:

- During labour, you will be given options to 'relief' the contraction pains. The first option would be gas inhalation. The trick is to inhale it BEFORE you feel the contraction as it will only take effect 5-10 seconds after inhaled. So if you inhale when you already feels the pain, it will not be helpful as contraction pains comes and goes.

- During delivery, the position to take is to put both of your hands behind your thighs and pull it back. Chin close to your chest and push! (Listen to your doctor when to push and stop)

- To avoid tearing, he advised to push and stop when he prompts to (that is when baby's head is visible), then what you should do is to look up and blow instead of pushing. BLOW like you are blowing a lot invisible of birthday candles!

Next week insyaAllah will be the final check up if everything goes as planned. I just hope that baby can wait for Abah to reach here first before popping, as now Abah is at Kuantan attending his work. I would want him by my side when the time comes, insyaAllah.

I still cant believe that there's only a week to go! May Allah ease us and keep us safe and sound amin.

A simple Iftar

2010-08-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

Alhamdulillah iftar (break fast) went quite well yesterday. More guests than anticipated. Just couldn't resisit Moktok's cooking I guess!

Menu were simple dishes. Yet it was simplicity at its best. We had gulai daging, ayam masak merah, stir-fried vege and acar.

To me one the best parts is the moment when family members and neighbours gathered together to lend their hands in making this event a smooth one. From the preparation of the dishes to the cleaning up, though tiring it was an enjoyable experience nonetheless!

a truly conventional way of extracting the coconut milk

Gulai slow-cooked over woods

Amira also had tremendous fun mingling and playing with her cousins.

Will be going back to Kuantan tomorrow morning, then off to Singapore Monday morning insyaAllah. Meanwhile, baby hang on in there ya...Don't pop out yet!

2010-08-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

Alhamdulillah we are at Terengganu now. Reached here at about 5+ and straight to the food bazaar!

I have been wanting to get my hands on the AYAM PUSING! Specially marinated whole chicken slow roasted to perfection...Love it! It costs RM20 per whole chicken..but its a BIG chicken though we couldn't even finished it and there were 7 of us.

I also love the RM1 only ABC! and the triangle ketupat pulut fried till crisp. They do not have the ketupat nasi like we do in Singapore.

When I first celebrated Raya in Terengganu, it shocked me quite a bit. Do you know that their must have Raya dish is LAKSA! How weird huh...

Moktok also prepared her yearly awaited bubur lambuk..she actually asked Abah what I would like to have for break fasting, and Abah told her its Bubur Lambuk and he did not even asked me!:p Thank god I am not like him, the fussy-eater type. But as fussy as he is, his other members of family are even fussier! Alhamdulillah Abah can eat my cookings *you better or else...heheh*

Ok better get some sleep, tomorrow Moktok will be holding a yearly Ramadhan 'jamuan' -break fast- for neighbours and surau people. Next awaited dish : Moktok's gulai daging. *drools* Cant help it, its not me or nafsu makan, its the baby..heheh.

Such a FINE day

2010-08-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

So how was your first Ramadhan? Being 9 mths pregnant, alhamdulillah I feel that fasting is not really a heavy task, thank you Allah for the strength. Maybe because as I stay at home, the toll on me is not that heavy, I can do my work at my own pace and take a rest whenever I feel tired. *always short of breath nowadays especially after climbing the flight of stairs*

I felt that yesterday was quite a test for us -me n abah-, not fasting-wise but hmm..money-wise.

Abah came back from work and announced that he had 2 bad news. He received a call from his auntie on the way back home and was informed that she had to pay forward the fines he accumulated, as Abah's car is under her name. She wanted to settle some matters and in order to do that, the fines had to be settled first. Guess how much it was...RM600! Hard-earned money down the drain.

And what do you know, at that time when he was on the phone, he was driving *claimed that it was at a red traffic light*. Just his luck that he was spotted by the police. Another FINE coming up! *grrr* Abah defensively said to them that he wasn't actually driving coz it was during the red light when he took the call. The police claimed that they had video on him. The fine amount was RM150. Then they offered something which I wished -and Abah is feeling remourseful- they did not. A 'settlement' right there and then. RM50 and Abah was let go. BRIBERY on the first day of Ramadhan! I pray that the police did not use the money to buy food for his family's break fast. *astargfirullah!* Abah! Make sure that will be the last time! Its a sin for both giver and receiver!

Subhanallah! What a first day of Ramadhan it was!

THE only perfect SOLUTION

2010-08-10T17:05:00.000-07:00

Do you know what is the perfect solution to all the problems that you are facing?

That will be SOLAT!

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Entry is in Malay.

Terbaca entri seorang blogger, Wan Anie, tentang waktu solat.

Mengapa Allah menetapkan solat pada waktu-waktu tertentu? Mengapa ia penting untuk kita mendirikan solat di awal waktu?

Sesungguhnya solat itu satu ketetapan yang diwajibkan atas orang yang beriman, yang tertentu waktunya.” (An-Nisa’: 103)

Ini adalah sebagai peringatan dan sumber motivasi untuk diri saya sendiri dan juga orang-orang tercinta. Semoga Allah sentiasa memberi Hidayah dan Petunjuk-Nya, amin.

Artikel sumbangan dari Pn Asfarilah Yakob & Pn Norpah Ibrahim Alumni ESQ

Setiap peralihan waktu solat sebenarnya menunjukkan perubahan tenaga alam ini yang boleh diukur dan dicerap melalui perubahan warna alam. Fenomena perubahan warna alam adalah sesuatu yang tidak asing bagi mereka yang terlibat dalam bidang fotografi...

Sebagai contoh, pada waktu Subuh alam berada dalam spektrum warna biru muda yang bersamaan dengan frekuensi tiroid yang mempengaruhi sistem metabolisma tubuh. Jadi warna biru muda atau waktu Subuh mempunyai rahsia berkaitan dengan penawar/rezeki dan komunikasi. Mereka yang kerap tertinggal waktu Subuhnya ataupun terlewat secara berulang-ulang kali, lama kelamaan akan menghadapi masalah komunikasi dan rezeki. Ini kerana tenaga alam iaitu biru muda tidak dapat diserap oleh tiroid yang mesti berlaku dalam keadaan roh dan jasad bercantum (keserentakan ruang dan masa) - dalam erti kata lain jaga daripada tidur. Disini juga dapat kita cungkil akan rahsia diperintahkan solat diawal waktu. Bermulanya saja azan Subuh, tenaga alam pada waktu itu berada pada tahap optimum. Tenaga inilah yang akan diserap oleh tubuh melalui konsep resonan pada waktu rukuk dan sujud. Jadi mereka yang terlewat Subuhnya sebenar sudah mendapat tenaga yang tidak optimum lagi.

Warna alam seterusnya berubah ke warna hijau (isyraq & dhuha) dan kemudian warna kuning menandakan masuknya waktu Zohor. Spektrum warna pada waktu ini bersamaan dengan frekuensi perut dan hati yang berkaitan dengan sistem penghadaman. Warna kuning ini mempunyai rahsia yang berkaitan dengan keceriaan. Jadi mereka yang selalu ketinggalan atau terlewat Zuhurnya berulang-ulang kali dalam hidupnya akan menghadapi masalah di perut dan hilang sifat cerianya. Orang yang tengah sakit perut ceria tak ? :-?

Kemudian warna alam akan berubah kepada warna oren, iaitu masuknya waktu Asar di mana spektrum warna pada waktu ini bersamaan dengan frekuensi prostat, uterus, ovari dan testis yang merangkumi sistem reproduktif. Rahsia warna oren ialah kreativiti. Orang yang kerap tertinggal Asar akan hilang daya kreativitinya dan lebih malang lagi kalau di waktu Asar ni jasad dan roh seseorang ini terpisah (tidur la tu .). Dan jangan lupa, tenaga pada waktu Asar ni amat diperlukan oleh organ-organ reproduktif kita

Menjelang waktu Maghrib, alam berubah ke warna merah dan di waktu ini kita kerap dinasihatkan oleh orang-orang tua agar tidak berada di luar rumah. Ini kerana spektrum warna pada waktu ini menghampiri frekuensi jin dan iblis (infra-red) dan ini bermakna jin dan iblis pada waktu ini amat bertenaga kerana mereka resonan dengan alam.. Mereka yang sedang dalam perjalanan juga seelok-eloknya berhenti dahulu pada waktu ini (solat Maghrib dulu la .) kerana banyak interferens (pembelauan) berlaku pada waktu ini yang boleh mengelirukan mata kita. Rahsia waktu Maghrib atau warna merah ialah keyakinan, pada frekuensi otot, saraf dan tulang.

Apabila masuk waktu Isyak, alam berubah ke warna Indigo dan seterusnya memasuki fasa Kegelapan. Waktu Isyak ini menyimpan rahsia ketenteraman dan kedamaian di mana frekuensinya bersamaan dengan sistem kawalan otak. Mereka yang kerap ketinggalan Isyaknya akan selalu berada dalam kegelisahan. Alam sekarang berada dalam Kegelapan dan sebetulnya, inilah waktu tidur dalam Islam. Tidur pada waktu ini dipanggil tidur delta dimana keseluruhan sistem tubuh berada dalam kerehatan. Selepas tengah malam, alam mula bersinar kembali dengan warna putih, merah jambu dan seterusnya ungu di mana ianya bersamaan dengan frekuensi kelenjar pineal, pituitari, talamus dan hipotalamus. Tubuh sepatutnya bangkit kembali pada waktu ini dan dalam Islam waktu ini dipanggil Qiamullail.

Begitulah secara ringkas perkaitan waktu solat dengan warna alam. Manusia kini sememangnya telah sedar akan kepentingan tenaga alam ini dan inilah faktor adanya bermacam-macam kaedah meditasi yang dicipta seperti taichi, qi-gong dan sebagainya. Semuanya dicipta untuk menyerap tenaga-tenaga alam ke sistem tubuh. Kita sebagai umat Islam sepatutnya bersyukur kerana telah di'kurniakan' syariat solat oleh Allah s.w.t tanpa perlu kita memikirkan bagaimana hendak menyerap tenaga alam ini. Hakikat ini seharusnya menginsafkan kita bahawa Allah s.w.t mewajibkan solat ke atas hambanya atas sifat pengasih dan penyayang-Nya sebagai pencipta kerana Dia tahu hamba-Nya ini amat-amat memerlukannya. Adalah amat malang sekali bagi kumpulan manusia yang amat cuai dalam menjaga solatnya tapi amat berdisiplin dalam menghadiri kelas taichinya.
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Semoga ia dapat memberi manfaat kepada yang membaca. Wallahu a'lam.

dan Allah Taala tidak menjadikan ini (kejadian langit dan bumi)dengan sia-sia. Maha suci Engkau, maka peliharalah kami dari azab neraka." Ali Imran: 161

Amira and cats

2010-08-10T03:36:00.000-07:00

She absolutely LOVES and ADORES them! Just give her any cats, white, brown, grey or even black she can just shower them with cuddles and kisses! *well I had to scream whenever she tried to kiss the strays*

Actually we did try to adopt a kitten, cute lil playful grey kitten given by Abah's friend. We survived for 3 days with it. Nooo, the kitten did not die, Abah asked his colleague to take care of it first as we will be journeying a lot. (pssst intan if you read this, I give you the permission to take care of it forever..shhh dun tell razman..heh)

She was practically smothering the poor lil kitten

For me, I don't mind cats. But taking care of them, hmm, that's a totally different situation. I simply have no idea on how to take care of pets. Plus I read that cats are not perfectly suitable to have around when you are pregnant, it makes me even more conscious of them. It worries me crazy that they will poop or pee around the house or worse somewhere I wouldn't notice! *shudder!*

So baby, can we not have to take care of it? I am sure that every now and then there will be cats coming to visit you. They always do.

Posted below is a funny video taken when she was about 14 mths. The stray cat and her warmed up right away.

Welcoming the long-awaited guest

2010-08-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

Tonight we will be embracing Ramadhan insyaAllah. Are we really prepared to welcome it and make the best out of it?

Ramdhan is a beautiful gift to us from Allah. Be sure to show the gratitude it deserves.

In everything we do, it is better to make plans beforehand. It is important to know what we would like to achieve, to reach and to complete. Only by that, we will have a clear idea of what we should do exactly, and insyaAllah our time will be more organized, and we will be more productive. Doesn't it just make you feel proud of yourself if you have had a productive day? This will definitely ignites you and motivates you to be better and better for the days to come! ~ success breeds success ~

So let's sit for a moment and plan out your Ramadhan. Its more worthwhile to be spending a little of your time planning than to waste a lot of your time unplanned.

Set your GOALS. WRITE it down. PASTE it up so that you can see it everytime. READ it every now and then. STICK with it until it becomes a habit. Make the best EFFORT to complete it. TAWAKKAL and DO'A to Allah.

For those who would like to download a free template of Ramadhan planner, click here.

May this Ramadhan be a better Ramadhan for us than before, amin.
Just a reminder for myself and my beloved.

Ramadhan Kareem to all.

Great Dinner

2010-08-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago we went for a dinner at this roadside 'warong' style makan place. Nothing fancy about the place BUT the food there was absolutely superb!

I had the Chicken Chop while Abah ordered Nasi Goreng USA. YumYum!

The catch:
Altho chicken was deep-fried till crisp but it was still YUMMY with a pour of black pepper sauce. What impressed me most was the generous servings of side dishes! You can see fries, wedges, coleslaw, bread and sotong ball! Wait there's more...they even accompanied it with dessert! A small bowl of nata de coco. I simply love it!

And it only costs...RM9!

They will definitely receive my patronage again and it will be Char Kway Toew next!
Gotta give it ♥♥♥♥♥!

Finally Moved!

2010-08-09T02:07:00.000-07:00

I have finally made the decision to move from WordPress to good ol' Blogspot. Reason is I get to tweak my blog as I like!

All the posts from WP have been moved here.

For those who simply love blog-tweaking, shabbyblogs.com is definitely a site for sore eyes.*thanks to a fellow blogger, Ida, for the inspiration and sharings!*

I ♥ my blog look!

Artsy Crafty

2010-08-09T01:56:00.000-07:00

From WP 7/8/2010

A little peek into Amira's passion for arts.
Her very first trial on water painting with Abah:

Abah bought her a set of water paint on her 2nd birthday and she definitely love it! Some of her collections:

First guided drawing. She drew the horizontal and vertical lines in the tortoise on her own guided by my pencil-tracing lines. I simply told her to draw a straight line from the green dot to the red dot I marked. Colouring was done by her.

Practice of drawing curves (inside the butterfly). Alike the lines above she traced my pencil lines from green dots to red dots. The horizontal short lines were also drawn by her.

This is the latest drawing and I must say I am quite proud of her as she managed it on her own, from the petals, stalk and leaf. Instruction were given once, to follow my pencil lines and green dots to red to dots.

Last but not least, her first trial on collage with different shapes.

Making conversations

2010-08-09T01:53:00.000-07:00

From WP 6/8/2010

I happen to be a not-so-friendly-open-to-conversation person. Not my fault, its just most of the times I don't have any idea of what to say. Abah is always 'nagging' at me not to be so quiet with people - well I think I am way much better now. You see, I have this theory of why I am such an introvert. It is because I have a super-friendly mum! *you will simply warm up to her*.

She is the exact opposite of me, she can strike a conversation with anyone anywhere I tell you! So since young, my mum did most of the talking, and as I was raised and taught that its rude to interrupt people's conversations, that is why I have been keeping mum and it becomes me - she even did most of the talk when I have friends over..heheh.

Sometimes I think its funny the way we strike a conversation with someone. Let's say if you happen to see your neighbour watering her plants, I know exactly what you are gonna say to her,

"Siram pokok kak" (with a little questioning tone). Am I right or am I right. I just dun understand it, of course she is watering her plants, so why are you asking a redundant question? How about if we ask,

"Tengah buat ape tu?" I bet she will definitely thinks "Bute ke budak ni? Tak nampak ke aku tengah siram pokok ni"

or maybe since 'asking' is what we do when we do not know or unsure about something and would like to acquire information on it, why dont we try 'buat-buat tak tahu' and say,

"Tengah basuh kereta ke?". Hmm definitely " Gile ke ape budak ni!"

So I guess that is why everybody will choose the first option as it seems the sanest. And usually it will be greeted nicely, though its like "duh!" - I remembered watching this Erra Fazira's movie with Juliana Banos, cant remember the title tho, Erra will always greet the next-door uncle, saying something like "cuci motor cik?" and the uncle will retort back "taklah cuci kapalterbang!" lol.

Honestly, since moving to Kuantan for about 2 mths now I have not had the opportunity to meet with my next-door neighbour the wife -we met the husband. Terrible right? She is working and the walls between us is so high that I cannot see if there is someone at home or not - Abah is blaming me, he said I should go and take a look sometimes if she's home- I am like, hellooo, what am I supposed to do, stand in front of their gate peeking inside, like a busybody.

So I have decided that we buy a box of dates for them as a gift for Ramadhan, and hopefully will get to meet them maybe later today, insyaAllah.

Still BF-ing..

2010-08-09T01:50:00.000-07:00

From WP 6/8/2010

Amira has been on exclusive (no formula) BF since I stopped working at ard 6 mths old. Up till now. Yes! even now!

But actually for abt 4 mths back, there is no milk. She just need it to get to sleep, though its possible for her to sleep without it. I guess she just like the feeling of closeness and familiarity. I let her be coz I am thinking of tandem nursing my coming soon and Amira. It is said that it can promote bonding between the two. I wouldn't want her to feel left out just because someone new is coming along. I want her to believe in me and be assured that she is not being replaced or anything. I am quite worried as how she will feel towards her younger sibling, tho she had been practising a lot of baby caring with her teddies for the past few months and seems loving enough, insyaAllah -2 of the teddies were put on diapers, heheh.

After a year plus of exclusive BF, turns out that she does not want to drink any other milk! We have tried various brands, flavours, Karihome, fresh milk - all were rejected. I think she takes after me as I dont drink milk either. Cant even stand the smell of it! But thankfully she loves cheese, the orange-flavoured calciyum drink, milo and I am also trying to find other alternatives that can be a substitute for her source of calcium needs *worried*.

I also intend to give exclusive BF to my coming soon, insyaAllah. May Allah ease it for us.

People, especially men, may think that BF is an easy natural work - yeah it is work as it needs effort and determination to do it - but it really is not the case for most of us. That is why knowledge and support are very IMPORTANT! If you would like to know more, get support or addressing any issues on BF there is this group on FB -put together by my school seniors, thumbs up!- that you can join:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=579672887

Just for those who are still clueless:
BF = Breast feeding
FB = Face book
Somehow I find that funny..lol.

Friday is here...

2010-08-09T01:48:00.000-07:00

From WP 6/8/2010

Wow its already Friday! When I was working back then, Friday seems to be the most awaited day of the week. Everything and everyone seems chirpier on Fridays don't you think. Fridays are still most anticipated now, coz that means we will have weekends with Abah!

No plans yet for this weekend except to paint the room. This will be the last weekend in Kuantan, next week will be going to stay put in Singapore till delivery insyaAllah. I will surely miss home. *Baby if you want to stay home these will be the final days to pop out k!;)*

Am having frequent cramps nowadays, both when walking or sitting. Near the pelvic. Morning leg cramps are like everyday routine. Just like this morning, thankfully Abah is already up and helped me with the toes - everytime I got cramps I will bend the toes backward and it goes away. It sure hurts!

I still carry Amira a bit here and there - including up and down the stairs - cant help it, she's very clingy. I think that must be why my tummy seems to be a bit lower in this 2nd pregnancy, that everybody, and I really mean EVERYONE seemed so sure that its gonna be a boy! Old wives' tales huh. But science had been showing that 99% chances are its gonna be a GIRL! I like!

There's this friend - ex-collegue - of mine, who during pregnancy, all through 9 mths+ check-ups was told confidently by her gynae that she would be having a girl. When it was time to deliver, turned out that she gave birth to a, yes you guessed it, BOY! So off she went home with a baby boy clad in pinks! *heheh* I hope mine wouldn't be this case, all the clothes I bought are pink!

Yesternight we went to MegaMall, no not KL, but Kuantan to get some groceries as I saw there was Giant. Big Disappointment! Will not be going there again, unless I want to go 'Popular' maybe. I wanted to try grocery-shopping there as I thought it might be better than the Carrefour at the East Coast Mall - which was disappointing also, the produce and poultry sections were like ~~days~~ months old products, there was once I bought a packet of kway-teow which turned out to be mouldy! Yucks! - but it was not! There were rottens carrots, potatoes, I mean come on!, why are you still putting them up on shelves for sale?!

I give up on the supermarkets! at least here, so I asked Abah to scout for other places with FRESH products, wet market or minimarts, I don't care. Its really hard that I am not mobile, as I have no licence - one of the goal to attain when baby's out, insyaAllah - or else I will go round Kuantan myself.

I believe that somewhere out there, there is a place I can do my shopping with a contented heart.*heh*

Homeschooling ~Pt.2~

2010-08-09T01:46:00.000-07:00

From WP 4/8/2010

Social concerns.

That was the first and foremost issue popped when abah and I talked about homeschooling.

Q: How will Amira develop her social skills if she were to be homeschooled?

A: I would like to address this question in a different angle. Are kids' social skills developed only when they go to a school?

I have had the opportunity to experience being a Montessori teacher for 2 years, handling 4 yrs old kids. No children are the same , well it doesn’t take any experience to know that, but what I am trying to say is that these children came to school all ready with their characters built and attitudes rooted in them. Some may be friendly, others may be shy and quiet. We as teachers could only encourage or show them the right way to communicate and behave socially. This shows that parents or caretakers are the primary factors in children's development and it started way before they enter their nurseries or kindergartens. And so I believe that in developing social skills, responsibility falls on the parents' shoulders regardless the children will be going to school or not. We are the one who are supposed to show them the right way of communicating and behaving around people.

Loving and responsive parenting helps children to see the world in a positive way and to expect that relationships with others will be rewarding. Children who display high levels of social competence typically enjoy parent-child relationships characterized by positive and agreeable interactions, acceptance (Cohn, Patterson, & Christopoulous, 1991; Pettit & Mize, 1993; Putallaz, 1987)

: Amira playing with her cousin

When we decided upon homeschooling our children, it means that we are ready and will undertake the full responsibility to provide them with the utmost suitable environment for them to develop all their skills, social included. Homeschooling does not mean confining our children at home without outdoor activities, but in fact being flexible will makes it much easier for us to do just that.

Sitting in a classroom of 30-40 students, does not actually prove that your children are socially competence. I mean how can you even communicate with your friends when you are expected to be silent at all times. How many of us are still keeping in touch with our primary school friends – just adding them up in FB doesn’t really count – and how many of our friends now are actually friends from school?

And anyway, greatly because of the SOCIAL problems that are widely heard and seen among students nowadays are reason enough for us to ‘keep’ our children at home. Though some of you may say that they have to experience and learn it on their own, I would rather it be ‘prevention is better than cure’.
This post is not directed to anyone but just as an assurance to our own self. And maybe IF this question is being popped to us we have the answer ready. To each is own.

The plan

2010-08-09T01:43:00.000-07:00

From WP 4/8/2010

Since the first trimester we have been undecided on where should I give birth at.

A LOT of things have to be taken into consideration:
- who's gonna take care of me + plus Amira during confinement = preference my own Mum (Singapore)
- Abah's work = preference Kuantan
- Celebrating Ramadhan and Raya = preference Terengganu

Not to mention the other people's feelings, like Moktok would LIKE me to deliver in Terengganu, and mum would LIKE me to deliver in Singapore.

So you see, its so not easy making this decisison. We had to discuss and make the wisest decision and of course me and Abah have different preferences. I couldnt remember how many times we tried to discuss about this and ended up upsetting each other.

But in the end, as of now, we (especially me) had decided to deliver in....Singapore. Thank you Abah for supporting and agreeing with me. Top of reason is my own fear and confidence. I am afraid and have no confidence of the unfamiliar environment. I had never been to a hospital in Terengganu, as for Kuantan, visited a friend who gave birth recently, had to be c-sect even though first pregnancy was normal -not helping at all, though I believe its nothing to do with the doctors or the hospital but nonetheless it gave me the shudder. Not saying that it will all be better in Singapore, but at least I would have that strength - mind especially- ,
insyaAllah to preservere and hopefully that will make it a little better.

So this is our plan, insyaAllah:
We will drive back to Terengganu on the first Ramadhan. We hope that this will at least make Moktok happy -Abah happens to be the apple of her eyes, and for the past 2 yrs we have been celebrating Raya at Terengganu, so for this year I hope she can take it well that we are not going to be there for Raya. Then on Sunday, we will drive back to Singapore (abt 10hrs journey if Abah's driving - gulp-). My appointment will be on the next day. And so after that, I will stay put in Singapore, until delivered, maybe spend 2 weeks of recuperation then come back to Kuantan/Terengganu. *Allahumma la sahlan illa ma ja'altahu sahlan, O Allah please make it easy upon us, and pls give me strength to go through this, amin*

So that's the plan, and only if baby does not decide to pop earlier.

Ahlan wa Sahlan...

2010-08-09T01:40:00.000-07:00

From WP 3/8/2010

Today next week, we will be greeted by Ramadhan, insyaAllah.

Not sure if I can complete a month of it as baby is due on the 3rd week. But I hope Allah will give me the strength to cover all the days before delivery, amin. Lets pray and make it our goal that this Ramadhan will be better than the last. *Pls guide us O Allah and include us with the victorious, amin ya Rabb*

Am in dilemma actually, should I or shouldn't I buy a new dress for Raya? *hee talking about Raya already*

Why? Because most probably I won't be going anywhere as I will be in the confinement period and I don't know what size should I buy if I were to get one.

Maybe I should scout for jubah/abaya type. Easy to put on if there are visitors right. Anybody knows any nice jubah to recommend? hmm..

Everything that could go wrong, went wrong..

2010-08-09T01:38:00.000-07:00

From WP 3/8/2010

and it was our HONEYMOON.

Lesson learnt: Never let Abah plan our holidays. *sorry dear but its true :)*

Alike all newly married couples, the next exciting journey would be the HONEYMOON! To me it doesnt matter so much on the whereabouts, just as long as we had a whale of a great time together, it sufficed.

Honestly, we were really on a tight budget when we got married. We were even contemplating not going for a honeymoon at that time yet, but knowing that its 'now or never' abah put aside some for it. He chose Bali and it sounds heavenly to me.

We went by AirAsia from KLIA and if I am not wrong our departure was at 4pm. We reached KL that morning and were fetched by Abah's brother. Went to his house @ Shah Alam, had lunch, and it was already 2-3pm when we were on our way to the airport. ( Dear Abah do correct me if I got it wrong, cant remember the exact details )

Can you guess already what would go wrong?

The TIME! If your plane departs at a certain time, you have to be there like 2 hours earlier right! But everyone seemed clueless about that, and we did not read the procedures on the ticket carefully. So when we reached there, the plane was about to take off in another half an hour! *ingat mcm naik bus ke, being early half an hour dah cukup bagus eh*

Still clueless, we said our goodbyes, then searched for our check-in counter. Of course we couldnt find any counters calling our ticket number as it was already CLOSED. So we went to one of the counter to ask about it, and to our HORROR the guy said it was closed and we have to change our flight to the next day.

Oh great..we couldnt go the next day, we already had someone waiting at the Bali airport for us and we had already booked our accomodation and such. So we pleaded and begged the guy to please let us through since the plane had not taken off yet. At last he relented, took our luggage - we only brought one as we intended to shop there - and hurriedly we went to the security gate.

I had on me my hand luggage and nobody informed me that you are not allowed to bring any liquids - I really did not know about this at that time- and what do you know, my bag is FILLED with my facial and toiletries items. There were facial foam, toner, shampoo, shower foam...all newly-bought. Not to mention my also new big bottle of Hugo Femme. So when my bag passed the detector, the lady security opened it and took out the items giving me 2 options: Keep it in the airport locker with a daily fee or off they go into the garbage bin. I was already pissed off with Abah about the timing and our nearly missing the flight, and now this?!

Abah quickly phoned his brother and luckily they were still at the airport, so all the things were passed to them. But I stubbornly held on to my Femme. I just don't care and luckily the lady was quite kind she let me through.

We reached Bali at last! Excitement rising. After all the checks we went to get our bag. But whats the next worst thing that can happen in a journey? LOSING YOUR LUGGAGE! That was what happened. YES we lost our luggage. We waited and waited and waited but our bag was still nowhere to be seen. I dont even want to list down what's in the bag, its too upsetting. And so there we were, on our honeymoon, without our luggage -thankfully I put both our essential 'inner clothings' in my hand luggage *hee* .

But I had to admit, the next 6 days were one of the best weeks of life. Alhamdulillah no more screw ups. I think we had already nailed it all, thats why. And Bali was simply GREAT! The Villa we were staying at, -got a superb price courtesy of Abah's 'boss', instead of 300-400USD per night we got it only S$100 per night!- was outstanding! It was HUGE with personal pool, garden, lounge, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and the best thing were the bathrooms!

: Awesome place!

My top and Abah's t-shirt were bought there, but I had to put on the same scarf every other day

As Abah had already experienced Bali before, so he knew a bit of the places here and there. Instead of taking a car tour, we went everywhere by motorcycle and it was FUN! Just the two of us.
And so I have to say, putting aside of all the things that happened, it was the perfect honeymoon.
Thank you dear. :)

Tentiu Abah :)

2010-08-09T01:34:00.000-07:00

From WP 3/8/2010

Guess what? Abah came back from work today bringing goodies from KFC!

: no pocket however coz Abah claimed that the KFC staff gave him the wrong order..hmm..:)

Surprised? not really actually..coz I know he read my blogs...*hee*

But nonetheless I am still touched by his effort. I am not really a verbal person, I am so used to keeping my feelings to myself. But this is definitely a good channel for me to voice out, be heard and understood. I still remember his comments after he read on my "confession" as a SAHM. He was clueless and did not expect that I would feel that way. So now, he understands better, insyaAllah. *So for those of you who cant be heard, its time to BLOG! heh*

I am not saying that everything will be picture perfect after this, I understand that there will be always be times of ups and downs. Without spices everything will taste bland eventually, and as the saying goes 'after the big break-ups there will be the hot make-ups' *is it?* But I do hope that by understanding each other better - though its already been 3 yrs of marriage, there are still lots to learn about each other - we will be able to stick out through anything TOGETHER, me n you Abah, amin.

know he's trying hard to be the best husband and father to us. You are doing a great job Abah. I really do appreciate it. Tentiu Abah. I love you so. I really do.

* "tentiu" is Amira's way of saying thank you. Both her 'c' and 'k' will sound as 't'. - Hisy pelat, pelat-

What?! Already closed?!

2010-08-09T01:31:00.000-07:00

From WP 2/8/2010

It was 9+pm. We were feeling hungry but too lazy to go out - especially me -. So we decided upon home deliveries. I had wanted to eat KFC - been wanting to eat the pocket thingy - but they have no deliveries.*sigh*

: Tried once and just gotta have it again!

So we settled on Mac's. After browsing online through the menus - I was already drooling over the quarter pounder with cheese, it just look soo monstrously yummy -, it was already about 10pm.

: Doesnt it look hugely YUMMY!

Picked up my hp and dialled, greeted by automated message. After going through "press 1 or 2" this and that, finally a real person. More greetings, - silently I was already like can you be quicker, my credit is getting low here - asking if I had ordered before - no, because the last time was at Johor's house - then taking down my address, name bla bla bla. I think 15mins were already gone by then. Finally its time to order! And just as I were about to pour it out, the other end said " Eh alamak! Dah tutuplah dik"

WHAT?!!

Apparently in Kuantan, there is only 1 Mac with delivery service and it closes at 10pm. *~~sobsob~~ wailing!*
And so, I had mee goreng and abah had nasi pattaya bought from the shop behind our house.

where did my lil princess go?

2010-08-09T01:29:00.000-07:00

From WP 1/8/2010

Isn't it frightening when you realised how super fast time really flies.

Although I watch Amira's growth and progress everyday with my own eyes, it still amazes me the speed that she is growing. Especially when you looked through the old and new pics.

My baby is no longer the innocent, little-haired lil princess anymore. She is GROWING. Now not so innocent, with her already-reaching-the-shoulders curly hair. She now knows what she wants and demands it, she has a firm mind of her own, and she is beginning to show her acts of independency. All of which never fail to throw both Abah and Mama in dilemma most of the times.

Now she would want to do most of her things by herself - bathing, putting on clothes, making her milo and such. Well, isn't that supposed to be good? Maybe.. but the problem is she would not want ANY HELP at all! Like when we were supposed to be getting in the car, she would want to get in by herself - we cannot even give her a tiny push or offer a hand -, she would want to close the door - dont even try to touch the door! - else she will scream and would want to do it all over again even if it means she had to get down again from the car just to get in ALL BY HERSELF! Amira, amira...

I do wonder if its just amira or all/most of the the 2 yrs old are behaving that way? Hmm...
But I guess no matter what, your children will always be princes and princesses in your hearts. They are just to dear that I believe any parents would do just anything for them. I would, insyaAllah. I love you baby.
Always will.

Whenever wherever...

2010-08-09T01:26:00.000-07:00

From WP 31/7/2010

she can just fall asleep right there and then!

Nasi Dagang

2010-08-09T01:23:00.000-07:00

From WP 30/7/2010

: moktok's best nasi dagang - signature dish of Terengganu

Moktok - Abah's grandma and guardian - is the proud owner of the state renowned Mak Ngah Nasi Dagang. It had been featured in numerous food shows, locally and abroad, newspapers and books. For those who simply had no idea what it is, it's a very simple dish usually eaten for breakfast, the rice is cooked with coconut milk - somewhat similar to nasi lemak but with its own distinct taste, paired with gulai nasi dagang which present the main "star" ikan tongkol .

So...what's so special then about this dish? Abah mentioned that a person will either like it or do not at all, especially because ikan tongkol usually does not have that many fans. But I can tell you that, its like the must-have breakfast for the people over here. On weekends or holidays, over 400 plates can be sold in a span of 3-4 hrs only!

If you see the pic above, you will find Moktok sitting cross-legged on a table surrounded by the dishes. At about 70+ years of age, she is still going on strong, alhamdulillah. She will be the one dishing the rice and gravy onto the banana leaf, for the whole morning without any breaks at all!

Another interesting part of this dish is the preparation and cooking method. I don't know of the others, but Moktok is very strict in the whole process of making this dish, that most of the work is done by her alone! - she can never trust anyone to do anything, down to preparing the banana leaf or choosing the coconuts for the milk. Everything is done conventionally that I bet that you might have never even seen some of the 'tools' used. ( have not had the chance to take pics of the process, maybe in later posts) Needless to say that the gravy is cooked over woods, and the process takes the whole night. Tedious as it may be, but she is determined to keep it that way as she truly believes that there is absolutely no SHORTCUTS in order to achieve perfection. Just imagine the effort being put into all these, no wonder it is the BEST you can ever get!

And yes, we went to Terengganu for a night. 3hrs journey in the car to and fro. Sometimes we just have to give in if it pleases everybody else *right?*

What a weekend!

2010-08-09T01:19:00.000-07:00

From WP 27/7/2010

What a tiring weekend!

Went back to Singapore by coach as it will be more tiring for Abah to drive since we were only there for 2 days and I am not allowed on flights anymore - into 35 weeks now. I really wonder why don't they offer a better coach for a longer journey, I mean you can choose from a wide variety of VIP coaches if you travel to KL, but there are only limited services travelling to Johor! And the seats are sometimes far from comfortable.

We took the 1am bus on Saturday morning and reached Johor at about 6am. Thought of taking the private rental car - S$15 per person - straight to our destination, but as usual there will be none if we want it, otherwise there will be flocks of uncles asking 'Pegi Singapore? Pegi Singapore?' until it gets really annoying.

So we had to settle for the express bus from Johor to Singapore. Our mistake was to choose the old service - the red bus - should have chosen the Causewaylink express instead. Why? Because we had to wait for about 45 mins as they were waiting for the seats to be filled! What a service!

Alhamdulillah all this while Amira although awake did not make a fuss. Then out of the blue, still waiting for the bus, a man came and asked whether were going to Singapore. At last! But he still had to find 2 more people otherwise we would have to pay for a full car service which is S$60! And so, we waited again, but this time the bus is all ready to move. I really don't like having to make a last minute choice, take the bus and endure the walks and queues at the immigration - with the bags and pram, my bulging tummy and my backache - or wait uncertainly for the man to find more passengers which seems like none available. But alhamdulillah, the man then informed us that he would be willing to take us with an extra charge of S$10 only - so thats S$40 in total, and us being tired and restless took his offer. However, alhamdulillah again, while we were on the way to his car, an auntie wanted to go in Singapore too, so he said we just settled for S$30.

Long story cut short, we reached mum's home at about 8+. Phew!

Abah was already sprawled on the bed, tired from the journey and yesterday's work. I started to get ready to go to Dr. Aziz Clinic. As mum was working that morning, we had to settle for the public transport, thank God it was only at Kembangan - and as usual the reserve seatings in MRT are actually thought by most Singaporean as reserved seatings for the suddenly sleepyheads, or is it that they are really disabled, mentally...and so, I hold no grudges against them.

We reached at Dr. Aziz's at about 10am and it was already full of couples waiting. After registering, the receptionist told us that it was going to be a loooong wait, like another 3 more hours! So we decided to go back home - again thank God it was only Kembangan- to catch on our sleep. Turned out that we met the doctor only at 2.30pm. Managed to visit someone at the hospital that night and catch a family dinner at Hawa's.

The next day was filled with settling my 'work'. Then we caught the 12am bus from Johor back to Kuantan.

: ~complete with pillow, bolster, blanket, jacket and plushie~; No she's not asleep yet..juz posing for the cam; w/o being asked to..lol

Finally reached home sweet home at about 5+am. Abah's cousin will be coming over with his family at about 10am. And so after a day and half of entertaining our guests, today I can finally try to get a bit more rest. But not after settling the laundry and cleaning the house - 2 days absence + 2 days of 2 active toddlers = lots of cleaning up!

Might be going to Terengganu tomorrow, but I don't know if I can handle 2 journeys in a week. We will see. *the plight of a marriage between 2 not-so-near yet not-so-far countries*

Homeschooling? ~Pt.1~

2010-08-09T01:15:00.000-07:00

From WP 27/7/2010

It was around May when I stumbled upon this very interesting blog - littlekittle.com. What sparked my interest was about their HOMESCHOOLING journey! I had not really thought much about it before, but at that moment I was -and still am- SURE that I would like to homeschool my children, InsyaAllah. So I had started to surf the net gaining more knowledge on it. It is absolutely not an easy task, homeschooling requires determination, preserverance, absolute faith and confidence in order to realize it. Why? Simply because it is still being seen or regarded as something foreign and in most of the parents' - not to mention the grandparents', uncles', aunties' - mindset is WE HAVE TO SEND OUR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL FOR THEIR EDUCATION.

Is that really true? Is there no room for parents who would like to take charge of their children's education instead of simply putting them wholly or largely on other people's shoulders or the school system even though, I must say for myself, have doubts on the effectiveness of their teaching system. I would like very much to be in charge in moulding and directing my children's education as I have my own opinions of what are more important for them and such.

In my still little findings, I realised that most of the family - I say family, as in homeschooling each and every members of the family will be deeply involved and will be playing each of their own important roles, nobody left out - went into homeschooling mainly because of religious concern and social concern, though there are a lot of other reasons.

Alhamdulillah, abah is quite supportive of this decision. But when we first talked about this, these were our concerns:
- Will Amira be socially impaired if she is to be homeschooled?
- How will our family react to this decision?
- How long will we able to homeschool her?
- Are we really up to this heavy task and responsibility as it concerns her future?
- How about the legality of homeschooling?
Hmmm...stay tuned

Stubbornness - just a phase or character?

2010-08-09T01:10:00.000-07:00

From WP 22/7/2010

: ~ Wldn't want to let go of her newly bought minnie bottle ~

Amira woke up very early today. At 8am - usually 10am coz she slept quite late. I guess she wanted to send of her Abah to work. It is ever so unpredictable with her. In everything. She can be cuddling, kissing, sayang2 you and the next minute it can be "NO FRIEND YOU!" - her favourite angry phrase not only to human beings(especially Abah, pity Abah) but to her toys or books too -hah-.

It could be over something VERY little, like for instance when she throws a ball to the front and turns out it goes to another direction, that can make her angry and what pisses me off more is that she will throw things around! Is it just a phase or is it a character of hers - short-tempered.

I remembered an incident when she got angry over her toy block just because she couldnt stack one of them. She started throwing every pieces everywhere! I just let her be, and when she's done, I calmly -it took GREAT effort to stay calm that time- told her that she was not supposed to do that, she should do her work slowly and try again if she couldnt do it the first time. After that I told her that I would have to ignore her UNTIL she clean up all the mess. I didn't know what got into her that day, but she stubbornly refused to clean up! Instead she asked me to do it. NO WAY!

So I went about doing my housework, she did come to me and said sorry, but still wouldn't pick up her blocks! When I asked her to clean again, she started to throw tantrums and ~~cried~~ screamed. I was determined NOT to give in no matter what. So I just let her be, and it lasted for about 45mins I think.
After she was calmed and again she was sorry, I told her to clean up again and told her if she did then I will play with her. But still, she was also determined not to! It lasted for about 1 and half hour, but in the end, SHE relented and started to clean up. Upon seeing that, I helped her and explained that her behaviour was unacceptable.

It seems harsh maybe that I did not want to give in to her and clean up for her. But in my opinion, I believe that this is the time we should teach them about discipline, that we MEAN our every words, that we are the parents and they must OBEY US. Like everything else, once it becomes a habit it will be much easier. If I say she must clean up, then she has to do it!

I am adapting this 'I must WIN' tactic from a mummy in teachingourown. I agree that at this time we should instill in them the need to obey us as parents as I guess it will be more difficult if you only want to start disciplining them at a later stage. I also believe that every parents have the power in moulding their own children, so how they turn out in future depends largely on how they were brought up and what was nurtured in them earlier. There is no way you can blame other people or situation - like peer pressure or media or such - on your responsibility.

O you who believe! Protect yourselves and your families from Hell fire, At-Tahrim:6

I am also practising the zikr Ya Latif everytime she seems to be stubborn and insyaAllah everynight when she's asleep. May she become a Solehah child and may Allah give whats best for her Dunya wa Akhirah. O Allah do show us the best way in raising and nurturing our children to your path. Amin.
Mama and Abah love you!

Sew can I!

2010-08-09T01:07:00.000-07:00

From WP 22/7/2010

A young lady came over last Wednesday offering a very short one-to-one course on sewing -it was basic sewing and embroidery. It was apparently a marketing tactic for their sewing center, but since its FREE and I was free and a sucker for free things -who's not!- , I said Why not!

The ony time I sew and made something from scratch was during my secondary school days and that was because it was compulsory for all. I did not have the 'courage' to put it on though *hah*.

And so this was what we did - most of it by me of course!- was quite surprised and proud at the same time of the end product - a pencil case! *heheh*:)

: The end product. Started from the blank piece of jean material. Not bad huh..:)

And no, I did not sign up for anything though highly tempted. Not the right time, next time I hope. I do so love the machine though.

p/s: Since I always spend my time with Amira -I usually get my own time only when she naps-, I was quite shocked that she would use all her antics and tactics to seek my attention when I was having the short course. One instance, she actually told me she wanted to urine when she already did just before the lady came, and when we went to the toilet, and just as I suspected she did not go. Same goes when I was doing something else instead of spending time with her - even if its just sitting beside her watching her cartoons- , she will start to ask for this and that just to get my attention. I wonder how things will be when the 2nd one's here. Hope I am able to keep my sanity. Got to keep myself motivated. If other mummies can do it, so can I!

The arrival

2010-08-09T01:03:00.000-07:00

From WP 18/7/2010

Amira Balqis.

Actually that was not the name me and abah had in mind before you were born. The name had just like popped in my head all of a sudden- thank you Allah -. Abah being sweet abah, just went along with me, and anyway that was such a great name for such a great and wonderful gift from God. *hamdan lillah*

I had to admit that I was very very lucky indeed during my labour with you. Allah had indeed made it easy for me. Thank you all for the prayers made for us.

Just to share it with you, my dear 'yaya' - a nickname she called herself, a story on your birth:

As it was nearing the due date, check ups with the gynae were scheduled weekly. On a particular Monday check up, Dr. Heng dropped us a bombshell! Said something like "Oh, we should deliver the baby tomorrow" in such a oh-so-casual-let's go shopping tomorrow! manner.

I was utterly speechless and shocked! WHAT?! TOMORROW?! Though I know the due date was just round the corner, but getting to the fact and reality that I will be giving birth that soon was really FRIGHTENING! Her reason was, baby in tummy was not growing so she would have to induce me. By that time, I was already dilated by 2cm. That was about a week before edd.

So home I went and to work abah went. Abah being an-overly-anxious abah, started to find out whatever he could on inducing. He was really worried and was half-hearted with that decision, saying he would pefer it to be normal. I would like that too - anything to delay it!

But it so happened that, that night I was down with a high fever! I would usually get a high fever when I had a shock over something. So we called up the 24hrs help service to find out what we should do- a very superb servive indeed! Dr. Heng advised to admit me into the hospital.

It was already past midnight if I'm not wrong, so we took a cab to East Shore. Upon admission, I was given paracatemol and it relieved the fever. As we opted for a two-bedded room, Abah couldnt stay. That was my first time ever sleeping in a hospital! and it was ALONE! At that time, my mind still hadnt register that I will be giving birth later that day. Still being in denial.

Come morning, everything still seems so safe and comfortable. Abah came, had a nice breakfast - one the good things at East Shore- mum (nenek) came along too. But by 10am, a nurse came in and its INDUCE time! After being injected -which still freaks me out, needles poking through your skin into your flesh, OUCH!! I am certainly not born to be a nurse!- I was wheeled, insisted by the nurse though I feel perfectly fine, to the labour room. The chief nurse came in and burst the water bag. That is when the pain started to kick in. It was painful but funny thing is I dont really remember how the pain really felt like if anybody were to ask me now. I guess that's why women do not just stop at one, after a while you no longer remember how the pain felt - but ask any who had just given birth, they will surely say they had enough! But one thing for sure is, the contractions were much much more painful than the delivery itself. I truly salute those women who were really strong in enduring a long labour, especially those insisting on NO to epidurals.

I do remember the nurse asking me to rate the pain out of ten at that moment. I said it was about 6 (if Im not wrong) and she said, well good luck then because it will be long -need to be dilated till 10cm and generally it will take an hour for a cm but usually the time varies - and it will definitely be much more painful. Hmmm, thanks so much for the words of comfort.

They did explain that being relaxed will help to ease the pain a little. There were three options for me to choose from, use the oxygen, a jab in the thigh ( I am not sure of the name) and last but not least Epidural. I was determined NOT to take the last option. I did use the oxygen, after 2 hrs, I asked for the jab, and alhamdulillah few minutes later I was ready for delivery -I felt that I just had the urge to push, involuntarily-. ( I do not think I could hold on to my determination -not taking the epidural- any longer if its going to be another 8 hrs more!) So my labour pain was only about 3 hours total.

By that time, I was feeling kind of, hmmm how do I put it, high? I think thats the effect of the oxygen. I felt really drowsy, and just wanted to close my eyes and sleep. I remembered being confused, like not knowing where I really was. It felt annoying that Abah and everybody around me kept asking to push. The first time I pushed and stop for breath, not good. Next I pushed real hard, until I was literally out of breath (you really have to give a one big push, coz the baby will slip back in if you push and stop), and it felt like the whole content of my tummy slid out. It was quite a relief! (But not so much of a relief when I look down at my tummy which is alike a deflated balloon..sobsob).

And...there you are! A whopping 3.78kg! Managed to fool the doctor eh...not growing, ya right!

There are no words that can justify the feeling I had the moment you were put on me. So innocent, still quite blue and it was so LOVE at first sight.

Just being washed and she's looking up at me!

turning a deaf ear..

2010-08-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

From WP 9/7/2010

Came across this and thought its worth to share:

"There once was a bunch of tiny frogs who arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.

A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants… The race began…

Honestly: No one in crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower. You heard statements such as:

“Oh, WAY too difficult!!” “They will NEVER make it to the top” or: “Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!”

The tiny frogs began collapsing. One by one… Except for those, who in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher.

The crowd continued to yell, “It is too difficult!!! No one will make it!”

More tiny frogs got tired and gave up… But ONE continued higher and higher and higher… This one wouldn’t give up!

At the end, everyone else had given up climbing the tower. Except for the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top!

THEN all of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it.

A contestant asked the tiny how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal.

It turned out....That the winner was DEAF!

The wisdom of this story is: Never listen to other people’s tendencies to be negative or pessimistic…"

Realise it or not, our actions, decisions, outlooks in life ARE affected by what people around us are putting into our minds. Words do have the power to bring one down. That is why, it is extremely important to know and always remember to be DEAF to all those negative and unsupportive remarks. Most of the times too we will see that it is our ownself who is keeping us down. I had always like to think of myself as a realist, sometimes to the point of being pessimist. Hubby is a dreamer, always being an optimist, but then a dreamer is just most of the times, in their dreamland. It makes me realize that, we have to balanced, be both! A dreamer, who is not afraid of dreaming high, a realist ( defined by freedictionary as:a person who takes a practical approach to problems and is concerned primarily with the success or failure of her actions) who will put actions into the dreams.

A thought which does not result in an action is nothing much,
and an action which does not proceed from a thought is nothing at all. ~ Georges Bernanos

It is equally important to keep on looking for positive thoughts, through supplications, supportive family or friends, inspirational stories and so on. Thinking positively is a habit, so to inculcate a habit you just need to do it everytime ( Dato' Fadzillah mentioned that to make something a habit we have to keep on doing it consecutively for 21 DAYS! insyaAllah). That is what I have been trying to do now. Though sometimes negative thoughts do come knocking, I am trying, insyaAllah, to put it away and replace it with positive thinking. I do believe that in achieving something, positivity and knowledge are the keys. Not forgetting, to return all your hopes dreams and actions to Allah.

And for those who fear Allah, He (ever) prepares a way out, - And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is ((Allah)) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish his purpose: verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion. (surah at-talaq 65:2-3)

Most valuable...

2010-08-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

From WP 1/7/2010

Alhamdulillah, Allah is still giving me the opportunity to stay as a SAHM. Alhamdulillah, He has given us a terrific and peaceful house to reside and call home. Alhamdulillah He is still giving us a healthy life and insyaAllah a new addition coming soon. We really cant thank you enough O Allah for all these ni'mat bestowed upon us. *amin*

Dears, I have learnt that my greatest mistake was, I did not know how to value - TIME.

The past year as a SAHM, I had let my days gone by without achieving anything at all! I would tend to put off even my daily chores to another day, and when the other day comes, to yet another day ( you could see heaps of laundry lying on the dining table! Ironing was/is my least favourite thing). In my mind, there is always tomorrow, its not like I have anything to do, right.

Well, that was where I was totally WRONG! There is no tomorrow. There is only NOW! I have realized that now. Whenever you felt like putting off something to another time, stick in your mind that maybe there is no later, maybe there is no tomorrow. So what you really truly have in hand is only NOW. Do not come up with excuses to justify your habits of putting things off. When there's a will, there will be a way, insyaAllah. Only then, you can see that you are able to achieve more than you ever expected. It makes you feel real good too! And feeling good is a kickstart to a positive life with a positive attitude and outlook. It just make you want to achieve more and more, insyaAllah!

Plan everything! But remember, we can only plan but its Allah's will to make it happen. Plan, do'a then tawakkal. Thats the way I think it should be. You may want to plan you goals, your daily routine, your daily menus, your daily reading materials, your daily additional ibadah (zikir, reading Quran), and you will see that being planned and organized is the way to accomplish everything. You do not have to be rigid though. I am not a good planner-follower myself. But I have noticed that by planning, I can really see what I have to do ( I prefer to pen it down) , it really makes it easier for things to be done. Like planning ahead for a month meal. You can source out for new recipes, saves the headache of "what to cook today??", pre-prepare for tomorrow's menu maybe, planned menu will also make it easier for you to list down your groceries list! So no more running out of coconut milk when I want to cook LEMAK CILI PADI, furthermore a lazy person like me who is absolutely LAZY to go out even though there is a small grocery shop near my house. * cant seem to kick this particular lazybug away*

No matter what you do in life, always have a goal set in front of you to achieve. Do not forget also the goal for the afterlife. Do not be afraid to set it high. You may be surprised at what you can actually achive, as long as you take care of your time, your relationship with God, your attitude in life. Don't despair if you have to face with failure, always always look at the bright side ( there is a hikmah behind everything), and always have good intention (husnuzzan) towards Allah. There is this beautiful article by KH. Abdullah Gymnastiar ( I just love his manner of da'wah) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/syiar-islam/message/23883. Do read it. No, not tomorrow or even later. Read it now.

Settled down

2010-08-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

From WP 24/6/2010

Wow its been quite a while since the last entry. Was occupied with several things to settle.

We moved! Alhamdulillah, the worst of it (packing and unpacking - not my favourite chores at all) are over! We are quite settled now. I ♥ our new humble abode.*thank you Allah*

Managed to even entertain quite a number of guests in the past week. I am delighted to having people over, however its a pity that I am living far away from my family and close friends. *sobsob*

Did not even manage to attend a close friend's wedding last week. A childhood friend, whom attended the same primary school, secondary school and even college together! I am deeply truly sorry dear friend. Will try to make it up to you.

Honestly, its quite disheartening that we can no longer attend to our friendship as much as before. I envy the friendship that Carrie( Sex and the City) has with her friends. In real life, or our life now, we have to put family and work above friendship. Its just that I hope my friends know somehow that even if I am unable to be there, but my prayers will always be with you all. *insyaAllah* Thank goodness too for Facebook.

Now that everything seems quite settled, time to get serious with my next mission. *wee!*

Confessions of a SAHM - in retrospect

2010-08-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

From WP 21/5/2010

Illustration by Ching Wai Leng

Purely based on my feelings.

Honestly, since being 'thrown' ~ sincerely I felt forced ~ into the SAHM world by circumstances, I felt really down. Nobody would have guessed, looking at me, that I truly despised staying at home being a housewife.

Reason: I deeply felt that it wasnt the right place for me. I should be out there, working, contributing to the community, helping hubby financially, having my own financial freedom. I did not like to be fully dependent on him. It made me feel worthless, trapped. I envied friends who have real jobs out there, being important people, appreciated and acknowledged, enriching their lives with work experiences and studies. They have the income to buy things they want and do not have to feel the guilt of spending hubby's hard-earned money. I hate the monotonous routine of household chores, even taking care of my doter felt like a burden. That was how ungrateful I was. *astaghfirullah*

I was flailing around trying to get a grip of my life. It went on for quite long ~ its been 1
& half year now I became a SAHM. I did not have any clue what I really wanted to do with my life, no goals, nothing to achieve. As a result, I became lazy, disoriented, sometimes depressed and it affected my family.*deeply sorry dears*

Though not working, my house was a mess, laundry in a heap, you would think I had spend more time with my doter, sadly not. I just let her watched her cartoons, when she gets bored I get her to sleep, I was on the computer a lot doing practically non-beneficial surfings. I truly deeply regretted it tremendously.

Hope that I can make it up to them..

HOWEVER...

This past month, alhamdulillah, ~thank you so much ya Allah~ I truly felt like I'm alive! Finally! I know what I want to do now! I know what I want! I have my goals, my mission and vision! Though it will take a lot of courage, support, hardships, I pray that I will be able to make it. I pray that I will not fall into that deep abyss of despair ever again.

I thank you:

~ Allah - for the positive thoughts, for making me 'see' my foolishness and ungratefulness, for enlightening me on my goals in life.~Rabbana atina fiddunya hasanah wa fil akhirati hasanah wa qina azaban nar~

~ support from dear hubby

~ inspirational blogs on successful mummies esp littlekittle.com

Its time for a CHANGE! A whole new me as a SAHM or even WAHM insyaAllah. But whatever decision, my family is my number 1 priority. I wouldnt mind having them as the center of my life now. I would want to be a BIG part in my kids' life and not just a part. InsyaAllah!

Dears, it is truly important to voice out your feelings. Bottled feelings are just like time-bomb ~deadly. It will not only affect you, but sadly, the ones you love around you. I am still learning to make myself heard ~ thank you abah coz you never seems to tire to ask me how I feel each time you see me acting differently.

I learnt that it is important that you understand your goals in life. No matter who you
are, always try to make the best out of it ~ If they throw you lemons, make lemonade! ~

Remember that its not going to be easy ~ “And certainly, We shall test you with a bit of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits. But give glad tidings to the patient ones who, when afflicted with a calamity, say: “Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:155-157)

Do reach out for help, you are never alone..Seek it from:

- Our Almighty Most Compassionate ~ Allah ~ through solat, reading quran, zikir..
- Our own partner
- Best friends, close friends
- Support groups
- Inspirational stories

Stay happy and healthy! *hugs*

Best Choice?

2010-08-08T19:17:00.000-07:00

From WP 20/5/10

Year 2009 was a big change for me - us.
Important decision was made ~ moving out to live by ourself, me abah and lil amira.
With that, the decision for me to stop working was somehow decided upon too. As we were moving out of my homeland ~ Singapore ~ to across the border ~ Johore ~
Lots of thinking has been put into it, and though at first mum was very upset, I truly believe that its the best choice we could ever made. I personally feel that our ~ me and mum ~ relationship is far much better now.
Absence makes the heart fonder? hmm..that could be true.

Alhamdulillah Allah has paved us the way so that we could survive living on our own. It was extremely difficult at first. What with dear hubby was only freelancing and I wasn't working. It was the most unstable & tight phase for us. Thank you Allah for the strength you gave us to tide over that 'down' period of ours. Looking back, I pray hard that we will never have to go through that again. ~amin~

Financial stability ~ admit it or not ~ is truly very important in marriage. We couldn't just live on love alone however romantic you may be, it will not put the food on the table, or pay for the bills right.
Some things to share:
- Plan your monthly budget, down to the grocery budget ~ this will keep you from overspending
- However tight you may, REFRAIN from taking any kind of LOANS, this will only result in future difficulties. ~ one of the reason that life/money always feel inadequate (tak berkat) is because of this.
- Always pay your bills on time ~ to avoid from having to pay more for reconnection fees or interest.
- Try to minimize eating out ~ a lil treat once in a while is ok, just make sure its within your limit.
- Always COMMUNICATE with your partner and do not keep your feelings bottled up, in whatever situation ~ DO NOT expect your hubby to know what's going through your mind (though sometimes you may feel that its truly obvious-like duhh), well its not their fault, they are just MEN! *but it still do irritate me sometimes!*
- SAVINGS ~ for the future or rainy days ~ never fail to set aside even a small sum.
- Needs or Desires : If you are on a tight budget, do only focus on needs. Ask yourself, do I really need this? Can I survive without this LV? *hee*
Whatever you do, keep in mind that Allah is always with you and He will not burden you with things you cant cope with.
--------------------------------------
All in all, I am thankful that we faced the hardship together ~inna maal usri yusra, with hardship comes ease~*amin*
So our choices made:
Moving : Yes *alhamdulillah*
Me not working: hmm...gonna continue this later..*lots to say about this*