OK...update on yesterday's KO gathering.

I took a cab to Crown Prince Hotel and I reached there early infact about 6.20 p.m. So I just strolled along the area with Affandy. Met Linda and Aliyah later and we went in Swensen's to wait the the others to arrived. As I need to perform my Maghrib prayer, asked the girls' help to look after Affandy as he was sleeping. I met Ramblerine and Nizah *waves at Nizah* at the mosque. I think Affandy was angry with me as I left him with an unknown and a familiar stranger *grin at Aliyah and Linda*. He did not want to look up and just clinged to me. Ermmm..I wondered what have the girls done to him?

Sleeping on his stroller....
Don't even want to look at Ummi...
But just for a while. When his favourite food came, he was his usual self. The whole Swensen's could hear his voice.

The lady of the nite...Lizanoor, came while her fans took her pictures. Linda and me had to stand up to give way to her *wink at Lizanoor*. I keep the story short, we really had fun and we teased and joked with each other non-stop. And we took pictures of each other non-stop. The other patrons around us came and went, but we were still there. The best part was....the dinner was on Linda!!! *kiss Linda*. If I had known, I would order more and tapau for my hubby. *grin* Thank you Linda...

We dispersed after taking group photo. I really looking forward to meet the girls again. Hopefully this round we have the full KO strength. Wishing Th0ts, Hunny, Elmo and BabyHD were there yesterday. Till the next gathering.....


The boy on the stroller tak tau nak letak mana...

The recap....

Monday, 6 December 2004

I asked MIL's help to take care of my girls on Tuesday as I need to send Affandy for his 18-months injection on Wednesday. But she fetched my girls on Monday night. So I was 'daughter-less' for these few days.

Tuesday, 7 December 2004

Afrina called from her nenek's house saying she missed me already. Oh darling..I miss you too. But when I spoke to Afiqah, she said "Fiqah busyuk nenek, Fiqah nak nenek". Just one night she was with her nenek, and thrust aside me already! This cannot be man!!!

Since I was only with Affandy, I called up these two lovely ladies for lunch. Met Linda at her workplace and walked slowly to meet Lin at Fig & Olive.

This was the first time they both met. I took a cab all the way from Woodlands to town but it worth the trip. The food there was delicious and I had great company. With Affandy busy eating his fries, we had a good laugh while having our lunch. They brought me window shopping at Amara Shopping Centre. Took a cab back to home after that.

Wednesday, 8 December 2004

In the morning, hubby sent us to Polyclinic. I thought hubby would only stayed for a while but he was with me all the way. Good thing he was with me as Affandy is one tough and active kid. He couldn't sit still for a minute. But he didn't cry after receiving the jab. Nurse said he is still small and underweight. It's ok with me as long as he is healthy.

I will update again later. Met up with some of the KO Gang for dinner. Stay tune for more......

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRIEND!!!

Happy Birthday my dear Friend. May Allah strengthen your faith, prolong your life, grant you wealth and bless you with good health. Love life, love yourself!!! *macam pernah nampak ucapan ni semalam eh*


Lin cutting her birthday cake being watched by Afiqah... *"lambatnyee Auntie Lin potong ice-cream kek ni...dah nak cair tu"*

Meanwhile, Affandy was trying to win Farah's attention....


After receiving her attention........

*Eksyen malu ke ni???!!!*

I was back on Wednesday actually. Our initial plan was to go to Melaka then drove up to KL. But...Hubby was really understanding as he knew I wanted to watch the Singapore Idol so much!!! So we came back on Wednesday, the day of the Final Showdown. And I got to vote for Taufik, countless times...AND HE WON!!!

Back to the kampong story...

Monday, 29 Nov 2004
We went out about 11 am and fetched my PILs at their house in JB. Had our lunch and we drove straight to kampong. The last time I was there when Affandy was about 3 months old. The place still looked the same.

Nenek (Hubby's maternal grandmother) still selling tidbits and they are so cheap. But of course, my kids got those for free. Bukan selalu jumpa cicit ape...

Tuesday, 30 Nov 2004
The weather was so hot and humid. We went to nearby supermarket and bought some groceries for Nenek. Went back to have lunch and just laze around till bedtime. *Boringnye....*

Wednesday, 1 Dec 2004
Go home time!! After hug hug, kiss kiss and cried a little bit...we on the way back home. Send my PILs back to their house, went to Xtra to get lots of DVDs and home sweet home. How I miss my bed!! Since we reached home about 3.30 pm, I did some housework and clear the laundries. Hubby went to Vista Point to get dinner and we watched the Singapore Idol together.

*Shucks* Beginning to get sick already. Guess I didn't rest enough. Gulp the flu medicine and went to sleep.

Thursday, 2 Dec 2004
My flu was getting worse. Hubby was still on leave so he wanted to bring the kids to Snow City. But I disagreed, so end up we brought the kids to watch 'Shark Tale' movie at Causeway Point. In fact, I was more excited cause it's been a long time since we watched movies. I remembered the last movie I watched was 'Independence Day' when I was 5 months pregnant with my first child. Wow...that was 6 years ago. Afiqah and Affandy slept halfway through while Afrina was really enjoying herself. Went back after the movie and rest.

Today
Feeling a little bit better now but got a slight headache. Hubby supposed to be on leave but got called from his office to report to work. **&^@^%#$$!!! He reluctantly went to work as they are short of manpower. Hubby found out that one of his friend applied urgent leave as he wanted to bring his daughter to watch 'Sesame Street'! What the *&^%$$!!!

SO I'm back to my standard routine. No more holidays for me. Piles of laundries to be washed, full basket of clothes to be ironed, floors waiting to be vacuumed and mopped, blah blah blah......

Yesterday, the whole family was watching the Singapore Idol Phenomenon. I was really excited and anxious to know who would be crowned as the first Singapore Idol. Hubby said that none of those two were his idols - anyway he seldom watch the talent show from the start. So he kind of not so interested. Let him watch Survivor and he could tell the whole story from A to Z!

Back to Singapore Idol. I can't wait for 1st December to watch the final showdown LIVE. Suddenly hubby reminded me....we will not be in Singapore to watch! *Shucks!!* Now I remember. From 29 Nov to 3 Dec, the whole family are going to "balik kampong". How to watch like that??? What a waste! How to vote for my favourite idol? Can he win without MY vote?? Would there be an encore telecast?

*Sigh*.....

If I don't update my blog this weekend, meaning I can only update next two week after my trip. Adios......

A few days ago, I received a call from a lady from California Fitness Centre. "Congratulations, you have won a 2 weeks free membership at our centre from the contest on the magazine Singapore Women's Weekly. Please come down to collect your membership pass". I won again??? Wow....never expected to be so lucky.

So yesterday afternoon, get hubby to send me there though he was in the middle of working hours. But he went back to work at 10.00 p.m, so considered night shift. Me happily went to the counter and gave them the registration number that was given to me earlier. I was asked to filled up form and a fat malay guy sat down and interviewed me. Funny, this was an establish fitness centre, but I saw majority of their fitness consultants are fat, yes, with big bulging tummy.

This guy asked some questions related to my health, weight and my exercise program at home. Then he asked me this question, how often can you come down to our centre? Err...once a week maybe. He said, what a waste, you've won a 2 weeks membership and you can only come down once a week. So meaning you can only be with us two times. Oh...baru makcik tau.... I thought I could come any days I like for 14 days but I was wrong. I must make full use of the 2 weeks membership. Haiya...tipah tertipu!!!

Since I could not give my final answer to him, he gave his namecard and ask me to call him if I am ready for a 2 weeks work out. Lookin at hubby's reaction, macam gelap gitu harapan nak gym kat sini. Exerciselah sendiri kat rumah dengan budak-budak.

Or work out dengan hubby aje ke.....(Korang underage tak leh baca ni tau)

The thing that I dreaded most came last night. At about 9 p.m., someone rang the door bell. At that moment, my house was in complete chaos. As usual, toys were all over the floor, my kuihs and krepeks were almost empty, and worse, I was in my pyjamas. First door bell I thought it might be hubby as he always do that before opening the door with his own keys. Then after the second door bell, I heard a man gave salam. *Shucks* It was the voice of my neighbour who just live next door!! Since they just moved in, of course they don't have my phone number to call before come.

I quickly and firmly instructed my girls to pick up and keep all their toys while I dressed up. They kept pressing the door bell and gave salam. I got Afrina to shout from the door to ask them to wait for a while. And this Afrina shouted, "Tunggu kejap, Ummi lagi tukar baju and pakai tudung!!!" Eeeee budak ni, tak payah nak report lah. Just ask them to wait, tak boleh ke!

I just grabbed my pink baju kurung and put on. And where was my pink tudung? No time to find, I put on my white tudung. Not matching at all!! While I was dressing up, the door bell kept ringing. So I even did not put on any powder and lipstick like I always to do face my guests. This is not vain eh...I just love to look presentable. Then people would say, "Pandai isteri MrBeki menghias dan menjaga diri, cantik di pandang mata" Tak ke kembang hati suami ku nanti he he he...

While my kids entertained them, I filled up the kuihs and krepek. So embarrassing. I called hubby and insisted him to come home. He really came back for a while and left to work again after my neighbour went home. Phewwww....what a night!

We did go out on Sunday. We went to my sister's house at Jurong West, came home to sholat Maghrib, then visited a friend who just gave birth and she lives just a few blocks away from us. Then took our dinner at Banquet Vista Point.

I am still sick with this cough and running nose. Then with the "once-a-month-thing" came last night, makes me even more weak. With the never-ending house chores to be done. To be frank, my house only looked neat on the first few days of Hari Raya. If guests come unexpectedly now, I don't think they will want to step in. The toys are all over the floor and my coffee table is naked without the table cloth. Affandy just can't leave the table cloth alone. Everytime I put it nicely, he will pull the cover down. Is it fun to do that?

The head of the family and kids can't resist the temptation of the cookies and krepeks on the dining table. Yes, they help themselves. So, the poor Ummi has to top up everytime. So you can imagine how kelam kabut I would be if guests come unexpectedly.

Now I'm cracking my brain to think of menus for today. I've already took out "dunno-what-fish" from the freezer, can't think of any dishes to prepare. Kicap? Taucu? Sambal? Curry? I DON'T KNOW.............!!!!!!!!

After the kids recovered from their flus, now it's mine and hubby's turn. I don't wish to talk at the moment as my throat is so sore. But I still want to eat all those krepeks, potato chips, cookies etc and of course, drinks with lots of ice.

Last Friday was Afrina's Graduation Concert. She participated in the concert dancing twist. I didn't realize that she was so vain until that day. She really enjoyed herself dancing and singing with her friends on the stage. And she was not shy at all. I did not manage to snap lots of photos as my camera's batteries were flat.

She was in the middle wearing orange shirt. Vain right??

Since we were already in West Coast, we thought of visiting some relatives in the west area. But none of them were at home. So we headed to Ikea and bought some "dunno what" things, and my new spice bottles included. Yippeee!!!!

We bought our dinner at Adam Road and on our way back, hubby received a call for him to report to work. What the *&^^%$!!! He was on leave for goodness sake. But knowing him, though he grumbled, he still went to work as he LOVES his job so much. I thought we would be back in a few hours time, but he came back on Saturday afternoon, just in time to fetch Afrina from her weekend class. Poor hubby...

While hubby slept in the afternoon, two of my relatives came to my house. I woke hubby up about 5 p.m, and we went to an aunt's place at Sembawang. Met some relatives there and Linda was one of them. They went to my place after that. I served them with my Very Spicy Fried Spaghetti which I prepared earlier. Linda gave me kids duit raya even though they have their share earlier. Best eh....if hari-hari jumpa, hari-hari dapat $$$$. No wonder my girls love her so much!!! But I don't mind. Who knows, if she has her own kid, anak-anak aku dia tak pandang. Itu part terror cepuk muka dia!!!! Kah kah kah!!!

Later about 9.30 p.m, Lin came with her family. I couldn't remember when was the last time we met. We really had a good laugh, especially when we were asking for each others' forgiveness. It was so funny and weird. Normally I would cry but not this time round. They went back about 11.00 p.m and we went straight to bed.

Don't know what's the plan for today. I told hubby if we intend to stay home, I will cook some dishes. But he said, up to me. So now....should we stay home, should we go out....stay home or go out....stay home or go out.....stay home or go out.....

ANAK SIAPA NI?????

Anak siapa pulak ni yang tertiarap tepi meja?? Cari duit raya tercicir ke??

Kesiannyeeeeeeee.......

Jangan marah hah mama budak ni, that day baru minta maaf kan kan kan???

I don't have the chance to touch the PC for the past week. It has been a very busy and hectic week for me. As I am typing this, all my three children are sleeping. All of them are having flu and cough at this moment. The medicines make them drowsy and hopefully they can recover soon.

Thank you for all your hari raya wishes for me. I'm sorry I don't have the chance to reply. Let me wish all of you from the bottom of my heart, Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Mohon Maaf Zahir Dan Batin....

For me, this hari raya was not as excited as before. I don't know why I felt this way. Ramadhan went so fast and I felt that I did not make full use of the blessed month. I let it go without doing enough.

I think this year is a revelation year for me. A few things happened had made me realized that life is UNPREDICTABLE. I thought I had less but I realized that there's others who has nothing yet never complained. I am really ashamed of myself. On hari raya's eve, I visited a relative who is not as fortunate as others. She has 5 children and she is not working. The sad thing about her life is that....her husband married another woman oversea. I knew he neglected his wife and children, yet she never spoke ill of him. According to her, she redha what her husband did to her. She did not want a divorce as she knew, it would break her children's heart. She put aside her feelings as long as he is happy. She gave her consent for his marriage as she did not want him to deepen his sins. I was really shocked to see the condition of her house. Her house is almost empty. People complained that they have no new curtains, not enough kuihs and cakes for raya, not enough new dresses and shoes and bags etc etc...she has nothing. Her children's hari raya clothes was being donated by a kind hearted relative. There's only a small rice cooker and a old washing machine in her kitchen. She does not have a fridge. Yet she did not complaint a bit. As an outsider like me, I would surely blamed her husband for doing this to her, but...she blamed herself. She said that she did not play her part enough as a wife, that is why he went astray. I was speechless. There is nothing I can do other than do my part as any fellow Muslim would do. My heart goes to her children. May she remain strong and calm. May Allah lead her husband to the right path and show him how his wife has sacrificed and suffered.

As years went by, I have different perception of hari raya. Hari Raya is the day for seeking forgiveness for the wrong doings that I have done to others. "Maaf Zahir dan Batin" is not just another words, it has deep meaning. Our sins to Allah, we can seek forgiveness, but our sins to other human...???

So I really meant it when I say, "Mohon Maaf Zahir Dan Batin, dari hujung rambut ke hujung kaki, di depan atau di belakang, antara sedar dan tidak, dunia dan akhirat".

Life is not as simple as it seems.

Life is so unpredictable.

One minute life can be great. The next minute life can be diminutive.

Life can be shattered with just one negative remark.

Even how hurtful life can be, life still have to go on.

Only HE decides what each's life should be.

And life got to find its own strength to carry through....

This is what we have done to our PLANS.

8.45 a.m - Hubby sent Afrina to class then Hubby went to JB isi minyak.

11.45 a.m - Hubby picked us up to fetch Afrina from school then we went to Phoon Huat to get the ingredients for the cookies and cakes.

(1st upset) - We did go to Phoon Huat. Hubby waited in the car with the kids while I went in alone. The place was so CROWDED!!!. The queue line to the cashier was already half of the shop. In order to get from one shelf to another, I had to walked passed the people queuing and also those who were still shopping. And worst, the shelves were almost empty and the staff were stacking the products with cartons and boxes lying around. Bad plan, should not go there on weekends. Especially when Hari Raya is just round the corner. So end up, I gave up. I left the shop buying NOTHING!!!

1.30 p.m - (2nd upset) Since no ingredients available, my plan to bake cookies cancelled.

(3rd upset) - Hubby slept all the way till almost 4.00 p.m!!!! His plan to clean the living room, hang the curtains and shift the furniture, all done in his dreams. As for me, after doing the laundry and folded the clean clothes, I just watched tv with my kids. I got Afiqah to wake hubby up. Lucky he woke up, if not.....*roll up sleeves*

5.00 p.m - Went to Causeway Point and bought new shoes for the girls. No time to scout for Affandy's shirt. I saw Barbie's skirts which were on sale and thought I want to buy those for my girls. But I changed my mind. Maybe some other time, if the skirts are still available. At 6.00 p.m, we went to Bazaar Raya Utara to get food for iftar. Another crowded place. After bought what we wanted, we went to McDonald's to get my favourite drinks - ICE MILO!! We reached home just in time for iftar.

Well, that's all the schedules for today. Not sure what are the plans for tomorrow. I'll just wait and see.....

This is our PLANS for today.

8.45 a.m - Hubby send Afrina to class then Hubby go to JB isi minyak.

11.45 a.m - Hubby pick us up to fetch Afrina from school then go to Phoon Huat to get the ingredients for the cookies and cakes.

1.30 p.m - Hubby wants to clean the living room, hang the curtains and SHIFT the furniture. If I don't help hubby, I'll start making the cookies.

4.30 p.m - Go to Causeway Point to get new shoes and dress/shirts for the kids and also to Bazar Utara to get food for iftar.

Like I said, this is our PLANS for today. Let's see if all the PLANS works. Just wait and see......

For the past 6 years, you were there when I need you most. You made my life easier and spiced up my life. I couldn't imagine life without you.

But now you're gone...you left me. It hurts me to see you leave. Life is incomplete without you. The room will never be the same again. But I accept the fact that we are not meant to be together anymore. I have to find your replacement....I just have to. It will make my life easier. I'm sorry...rest assured that you will be missed. Goodbye......



*wailing* spice rack aku dah pecah!!!!! Habis semua garam dan kunyit aku!!! *wailing again*

The above was a housewarming gift from her. Sorry friend, it's not my fault. Care to get me another one? *wink*

So it's confirmed that yesterday was my lazy day. But not that lazy to go to Bazar Utara at Causeway Point to buy these foods for iftar....

Since Afiqah was not around, so it was easier to handle two kids. As it was raining yesterday, I did not bring Affandy's stroller along. Now my arm is aching as I carried him most of the time.

So hopefully TODAY I will make the tahu goreng. And pizza also!!!!

This morning Hubby kept on warming up the oven even though the power tripped for a couple of times. We were advised by his cousin to keep on warming up the oven until no more power tripped. According to her, as we seldom use the oven, somehow moisture was trapped in the oven. We followed her advise and now YAHOOOOOO, eh salah, ALHAMDULILLAH!! At last I can have homemade pizza for iftar. I wonder how it will taste??

So now, where are all my recipes for the cookies and cakes?

Yesterday I visited all my bloggers website....majority of them change their layout. Rajin benar semua orang ni. I also feel like changing but...I can't let go of this existing one. I love this skin so much and PINK is my favourite colour. Maybe next time, if I have the time. Maybe the base colour will still be pink. Maybe I won't change. Maybe.....

By the way, my girls' ex-babysitter "borrowed" Afiqah today. She misses my girls so much. Too bad Afrina was not around and she is still schooling. Maybe in school holidays, she will take them both. I felt pity for her. She is lonely as all her three sons have grown up. The youngest is in Sec 4. The eldest will be getting married soon and she is a widower. She doesn't mind if I leave my kids with her if I have errands to do. But I feel that it's not right to bother her anymore. Maybe next time.... Maybe.....

Today for iftar, I planned to make tahu goreng. Already bought the tahu, only need to make the sauce. Me today very the lazy and very the selenge tau. I bought a packet of sauce which stated there, "Sambal Jenganan untuk Tahu Goreng". So being lazy, I thought just pour water and the sauce will be ready. But I read again, there's a small print said "Instant grounded peanut". Lah..... Ingatkan sauce instant, rupanya nak kena siapkan bahan-bahan lain. Ini cuma kacang tanah aje. Upset betollah!! So maybe I will prepare the sauce. Maybe I will just buy foods from Vista Point. Maybe...

Berapa banyak maybe dah.......

HERE I AM

Time passed very fast when you have loads of things to do. Alhamdullillah, I managed to steal some of the time to update. I kind of miss this blogging things, tagging my fellow bloggers and wonder if I've been missed...I doubt so...*He He He*

For a start, Afrina just completed her final exam. She seemed to take it easy, maybe too easy that it made me worried. But she had the confidence that she could do it and I was hoping she pass with good grades. Maybe my expectations were too high, but aren't all mothers are like that?

I had also been training her to fast in Ramadhan. I did not wake her up for sahur, but gave a glass of milk everyday before going to school in the morning. This fasting month, her school did not serve drinks and foods as usual. Maybe they are training the students to fast too. So far, she can fast up to 3 pm. One of the days, she even cried and begged me for some food. Pitiful right? Hubby and me kept praising her each day she fast. Hopefully by next Ramadhan, she can fast for the whole day. Insya'Allah.

Actually, I have an agenda for this Ramadhan. In fact, I have 4 task to complete. There are :-

1) My newfound hobby - COMPLETED!!! (Alhamdullillah)

2) To alter my girls baju kurungs for hari raya (3 suits for each girl, that will be 6 suits to alter...mak oiii!!!) - Me the "kiasu" mother, bought them few months ago cause it's so cheap. I don't think I could get the same price now. I purposely bought 1 size bigger so they can wear for a long time. Anyway, baju kurungs is never out of date fashion.

3) Another hobby...not sure can fulfill or not.

4) To bake some cookies and cakes for hari raya. - This is a sad story. I have an oven which I can't remember when was the last time I used it. Years maybe. So one day, I thought of making pizza for iftar. So you see, I just need to warm up the oven and my pizza would be ready soon. But....when I turned on the oven, power tripped occurred! Not once but twice!!! So hubby said, forget about using the oven. He will look into in IF he got the time. There goes my pizza...it's still in the fridge waiting for the oven. So, my plan to bake cookies and cakes remain as a plan. To my lovely cousins, ada niat nak donate kuih ke kek kat Ummi?

All the task above does not include the daily housework and also the extra cleaning of the house for Hari Raya. But the best thing, we have painted half of our living room. Yes, I said half of our living room. I mean only certain walls were painted.Tak larat nak paint satu living room mak oiii!!! Even though we have two extra helpers....

dorang ni pengacau sebenarnye.....

So now, I'm going to visit each and every bloggers on my list. See what I have missed. Wah...I think I got a lot to catch up!

GOODBYE...FOR NOW....

Salam to all my dear bloggers....

I'm taking a short break from the blogging world. I would like to concentrate on my daughter, Afrina, as she will having her final exam very soon. I'm beginning to feel the pressure. And also because, tonight is the starting of Ramadhan and we begin our tarawih prayer. So I would like to cut down my time facing the PC. I also wish to concentrate on my newfound "hobby", which I hope to complete before Syawal. So you see, my time will be fully occupied. Not to forget, looking after my 3 super active children in this fasting month would be the greatest test for me.

But please do keep in touch. Please continue your tagging, commenting and emails. I will definitely visit all of you on my free time, hopefully I can find one. I will remember each of you in my heart.

May this Ramadhan month brings joy and Nur into our lives. May Allah rewards us His blessings and forgiveness...Amin....

Till we meet again......

Your friend,

Rina aka Mrsbeki

KO or OK???

I was very nervous actually on Sunday. My Parent-In Laws brought my two girls to their friend's house and I was alone with Affandy as hubby was not around too. I got to cook peacefully and prepared the table for the guests to come.

Then noon came and my PIL came back with my girls. As they were waiting for my BIL to fetch them, they rested in one of the rooms. Linda reached my house first, followed by Hunny (err.. excuse me, are u a model, he he he) with Babyhulk (he is so CUTE, but he didn't want to look at me... :( ) and Th0ts (u tembam like my Afiqah, no wonder Afiqah likes you *wink*). BabyHD with Danial (Affandy's handsome buddy) and sweet, demure Ramblerine came next (thank you so much for the gift dear, I love it so much. After reading it, the pain of giving birth like nothing at all). Then came our star....Miss Sexy Elmo!!! (Phweet!!!)

Look at the foods on the table.....


These did not include the cream puff by Elmo and the Ice-Cream by Th0ts. I kept asking the girls to help themselves with another serving. While we were having our fun conversation, little Affandy get cranky as it was time for his "memek". I excused myself and let the girls continue the fun.

One by one left, and my lovely cousins help out on the cleaning up (habis u all tapau eh, nasib baik ada ice-cream untuk I... *stick out tongue*). I did snap some pictures but should I publish it here...let me think about it eh..hah hah hah *evil laugh*. I really hope I could talk more with the girls but it seems that I was almost speechless. This was the first time gathering and I hope the next would be even better. I apologize if I was not being a good host and if my cooking was not that yummy. Nevertheless, I was elated to meet all of you and the babies. Thank you for making my day!

TAI TAI LUNCH

Yesterday was such a FUN!!! I meet with the rest of bloggers for the first time. When I reached Cavana about 2.15 pm, Salina, Mummy Jam, Fiqkir and Kuntum were already there. They were busy arranging the tables. I was too shy to start a conversation, so I just smiled.

After a while, the rest of the gang arrived. There's Shimah, Ainn, Lyana, Zurynee and of course, Phantommomma, Yati and Bulan. Phantommomma brought along her tiny little Nadiyah and Firdaus. Nadiyah, Afiqah and Afrina became friends instantly.

Since this was my first time meeting them, I was rather quiet, I think. Maybe if I meet them again, I can be a little bubbly, I hope. Afiqah really got on my nerves yesterday. She was such a big bully to little Erynn (Ainn's girl). She persistently wanted to hold Erynn's hand. But I think Erynn was scared of her. She made a scene by lying on the floor at Metro and wailing out loud. I was so embarrassed and quickly carried Afiqah out. *Sigh*

Too bad I couldn't stay longer with the rest as I got to send Afrina to her "Ngaji" class in the evening. I really hope I could meet up with them again. A big thanks to Lyana for her efficiency in organizing this "get-together" lunch.

By the way, I brought my digicam along but did not shoot much photos. Too busy with the kids. Just a few here to share....


Affandy and Afiqah waiting for their foods


The "Instant Friends" - Nadiyah and Afiqah


The "Not So Instant" Friends - Firdaus and Affandy


The gorgeous boy, Firdaus!!!

As I'm writing this, I'm feeling very excited and nervous. Insya'Allah, later at 2.00 pm, I'll be meeting a group of mummies' bloggers at Causeway Point. This is organized by Lyana. I wonder how she do it to group about 14 mummies to meet up. She is so efficient!!!

For those who don't know me, I am a shy person by nature. But once you get to know me better, I can be bubbly and loving. Meeting these new friends without knowing them and wonder how they look like, really make me nervous. Butterflies churning in my stomach. I might know some of them through blogging.

Later this Sunday, a group of bloggers will gather at my house. This will also make me nervous even though I'm the host. I like the way they call me "Ummi", makes us more closer affectionately. They are just like my younger sisters which I never had. So girls (you know who you are)...ready for some fun this Sunday???

I entered my girls' room that day, I saw this pasted on Afrina's drawer....


So sweet..... It really makes my day!! I love you too, Afrina.

I went to the market this morning and found the price of eggs has gone down to $3.00 for 10. Since it has been more than two months we didn't get to eat eggs in this house, I bought it. I cooked Sambal Tumis Telur + Udang today.

I just need to eat more eggs today. So I made this....

Sardine Egg Toast

I was expecting a guest this afternoon but she could not make it. So it's all for us to finish it!!

Yesterday was hubby's last day of reservist. He brought home three sports shoes from his camp. Suprisingly, one is for me!


He said this is the smallest size that he could find. All these shoes are compliments from the Army. Not bad huh! These reservists men didn't do much (true right?) but yet they get all these freebies. I'm glad he brought home one for me as my old sports shoes kind of worn out. So..I'm ready to jog, anyone care to join me?

DRIVER LOVE

Affandy could not sit still in the back seat of our car with me. Cause...this is where he wanted to sit....


"Are you ready to go Ummi? Please fasten your seatbelt."


"Here we go....Errr..which gear ah?"


Not the time yet Affandy. LEARN FROM THE BOSS....

LUCKY ONE

How often can you be so lucky in winning a lucky draw? Well...its my turn to be lucky. Even though the prize won was not that interesting but better than nothing right? I won from my favourite magazine which I never miss reading it every month.


I participated in this contest in February, now then they announced the lucky winners.


This is what I won.....


The prize comprising of Iron and Vitamin C, Antioxidant and Women' Folic Acid. All these things can pass to hubby to finish it off, except the Folic Acid lah. Furthermore, he will the one to collect the prize on my behalf.

I asked my MIL's help to look after Afiqah for today as I need to send Affandy for his 15-months injection. MIL fetched Afiqah yesterday and she supposed to send back by today. It seems that she is not free to send today, so Afiqah will stay with her for another night. Miss her so much already!

I sent Affandy for his jab this morning at Woodlands Polyclinic. Normally I have hubby to accompany, but today, I was on my own. Dear hubby got to serve and defend his country for almost two weeks. "I'm proud of you hubby, you're my hero!" Miss him so much also!

Back to this morning, I took cabs to and fro. With a boy to carry and a stroller, how to take bus? Before the injection, Affandy could not keep still. He walked here and there, climbed up and down the chairs, he even messed up the nurse's table. But after the jab, there goes the super-active boy. He cried for a while and later doze off. The nurse said he would have fever between 5 days to 2 weeks time. Oh..oh. Affandy seldom got sick. But if he falls sick, he would be very grouchy and cranky. He would cling to me all day and night. And I couldn't do other things as he only wanted to have "memek". Being his ummi, he only wants mine. For those who do not know what "memek" is, do not ask me! Try to find out yourself.

The nurse also said that Affandy is a little bit light and underweight. She even asked me if I give him eat. Of course I did, how could I let my boy starved! She suggested that I supplement him with formula milk. Does this mean that my milk is not good enough for him? In fact, I did give him formula milk once in a while. But he would only bite the bottle's teat and poured out the milk. So, how else can I make him to have "normal" weight?

I've been very busy lately to update. In less than a month, Afrina will be having her final year exam. The one who is being paranoid and stress is me, I guess. I do not want to pressure her too much and sometimes I just can't help it. And she is just in K1! What would happen if she is in P1? Pressure....pressure.....

Last Saturday, me and the kids went out with my cousin, Linda and her mum. It was really fun. We had lunch at this restaurant called Cafe Viencia (I think so...). I could see in Linda's face that the food were not that yummy. I had to force myself to finish the whole plate of spaghetti. We were really disappointed with the food there even though the service was good. Well...it seemed that we were the only customer there.

We walked around Orchard Road and we were supposed to scout for our hubbies' birthday gifts. I have decided on one but Linda still looking. Too bad girl, I've got mine..ha ha ha!

Since we have been in Orchard Road since afternoon, everyone was getting tired. I called up my hubby and I asked him if he would like to pick us up. Of course, being such a darling and sweet hubby, he would definitely said yes. He he he...syioknye!

We send Linda and my aunt back, then we ate our dinner around the neighbourhood coffee shop. Driving back from the East to the North was such a long journey, for the kids. Even after parking our car, this little chubby girl was still in her sweet dreams. I managed to snap her picture and when I showed to her, she was unhappy! Maybe to her, the photo of hers is not presentable but to us, it would definitely make us smile. By the way, hubby got to carry her all the way from the car park to our house. Upon reaching home as usual, she woke up!

Look at her.....

Yesterday I had a long chat with my late cousin's wife. I could not control my tears upon hearing her soft voice. This was the voice of a lady who had just lost her husband due to cancer and left behind four small children. This was the voice of a lady who everyone taught was so strong but only Allah knows what's on her mind.

I wanted to call her for a long time since my cousin passed on, but I was not sure what to say and when was the right time. BabyHD said her sister-in-law would surely welcome any calls made me hesitate no more. I just got to do it and I did. She was so touched that I called and we just cried a while without saying anything. She told me she missed her husband badly. I told her please be strong and let him go. She is trying very hard to conceal her emotion as she did not want her children to see her cry. It hurts her when her children kept asking about their father and she told them to remember all the sweet memories with him and to pray for their father's soul. May Allah give her strength to carry on.....

Before we end our conversation, I told her that I really hope our silaturahim will never end even my late cousin has gone. That was what she hoping too. To her, seeing and talking to her husband's families and relatives was like....a cure for her pain. When she looked at us, she saw her late husband in us as we are his flesh and blood. I can feel that she is lonely even with the laughter of the kids filled the house. She needs someone to talk to and to give her moral support. I promise that I will be there for her if she ever need me.

CLOSE SHAVE

Affandy had a hair cut last week. His hair grew very fast. We have to trim his hair every two months.

He would always cry and struggle when hubby shaved his hair using the hair trimmer machine (is that what they call it?). He felt so uncomfortable when the thing touched his head. Maybe he hates the vibrating motion of the thing.

As he could not keep still, he had two 'petaks' at the back of his head.

It is so obvious. But his hair would grow very fast and it will covered in no time.

Smile to everyone Affandy......


Woik! Don't do that Affandy!

TAKE PICTURE! TAKE PICTURE!

My birthday gift from my dear hubby....



It's been a long time I've been dreaming to owe one. Alhamdulillah, I got it now.

"Thank you so much dear for the lovely gift. And thank you for loving me as what I am. Your love I will treasure most for the rest of my life. I love you...."

WHAZZUP WIF TODAY!!!

Age is nothing but a number! Who cares what the calendar says, with an upbeat attitude, you can be as young as you feel. Woman today can look great in their thirties because it's the attitude to life that matters, not your chronological age!

"You're only as young as you feel" is a saying with a lot of truth to it. How you feel on the inside is reflected in your appearance. There's also a saying, "the older you get, the wiser you are". But you have to figure out yourself, which part of you are getting wiser. As for me....I'm trying to figure out myself or am I lost somewhere?

Yes, today I am a year older. Alhamdulillah, I am very thankful and grateful to Allah. I just feel that as years go by, birthday is just like any other day. But I feel happy if people remember my birthday, it shows that they care. It's the thoughts that counts.

I spent my birthday with my love ones. I think the ones who are the excited most are my children. Birthday is a great deal to them. Hubby brought us to lunch at Swensen's. Eating ice-creams at Swensen's is a MUST! Look at the girls...


I got mine too...ice-cream compliments from Swensen's specially for birthday lady (and thanks to Mahd for the information)


And this is my birthday lunch...


After lunch, we walked around Causeway Point to look for my present. Hubby got a few things on his mind and he let me choose. I have decided on one but the price is EXPENSIVE. I told him to try to survey at other places so we could compare prices. I am not going to reveal the present until I have receive it. Geeee...I'm so excited!

I have a wonderful time spending my birthday with my family. And thank you for all the best wishes from my relatives and friends.

Love life, love yourself and life couldn't be better!

KIDS' TALK

Yesterday, the rain poured heavily. But that did not stop me from going to my friend's house, Kak Gee. I brought all my kids along while hubby drove us there.

My friend has a 7 years old son, Hakim. He is so good looking and very friendly towards my girls. Afrina was playing playdoh with him. Suddenly their conversation caught my attention.

Afrina : Kita buat cincin untuk Hakim. Cantik tak?
Hakim : Ayooo...mana lelaki boleh pakai cincin!
Afrina : Boleh! Abah kita pakai cincin. Sebab dia dah married dengan Ummi kita.
Hakim : OKlah. Abe kita belum married dengan Ummi awak, mana kita boleh pakai cincin?
Afrina : Takpelah, pakai bedek-bedek aje. Cuma orang dah married aje pakai cincin betul-betul.

I couldn't help myself from laughing. Where did she get the idea that only married couples can wear rings? I don't remember telling her that. Maybe she observed that me and hubby have our wedding bands on our fingers. Kids these days.......

SHORT TRIP

During the school holidays, we went to Port Dickson for a short trip. We stayed at Guoman Resort for 2 nights. Hubby drove all the way there. It was about 4 hours drive from Singapore.

At Port Dickson, I found nothing interesting in particular. Port Dickson is just a small town in Negeri Sembilan. But the resort that we were staying was not a bad choice. The atmosphere was very relaxing and they have a beautiful swimming pool.



My children enjoyed the most as they got the opportunity to swim for 2 consecutive days. Me and hubby got no choice but to join them. It was fun actually as we got the pool almost to ourselves. It was not a peak season so not many guests around.

Here's the pictures of my 3 little "swimmers".....


After a couple of rounds, someone doze off....

We continue to have fun in the pool, while we let him being lullabyed by the cool water.

We drove back to Singapore on Thursday. Upon returned home, the house chores were waiting for me. Got two bags of dirty laundries to clear. But the short trip somehow made me relax and I was grateful that I could spend quality time together. Looking forward to the December holidays.....where should we go?

WHAT A WEEK!

I've been trying to update my blog for the past week, but to no avail. There was no cursor at my Compose pane. It was so frustating!! After adjusting all the settings...it works!!! Now I'm back......

Thank you to all my fellow bloggers for your concern. I still sad for the departure of my cousin brother. My heart goes to his family, especially my dear aunt. I really hope everything will go well for all of them.

Since I have just being recovered from this blogging frustation, I can't write much today. But..I will be back soon....WATCH OUT!!!

AL-FATEHA UNTUK ALMARHUM MD KHIR BIN JOHARI

Today I've lost my dear cousin brother. He passed on right after Subuh at hospital. I received the bad news from my cousin sister, Ella.

For the past three months, he suffered from cancer which has spread to his lungs. His stage was critical and there's nothing much the doctors could do. Yet he and his family did not give up hope. But Allah love him more. He passed away peacefully. He left behind his dear wife and 4 beautiful children. They are so young. I couldn't hold my tears when I looked at them. But I am proud of his wife. She is such a strong woman as she somehow knew this was expected to happen. She was prepared for it. There's nothing much I could say to her when I hugged her just now. But I knew she need the moral support and I would be right there for her.

To my dear cousin, BabyHD, you have to be strong too. You have to "redha" and let him go to his destination. Life has to go on dear. I'm here for you if you need me, you know that. We have gone through so much together and I know you are a strong person. Let us pray May Allah grant your brother forgiveness, bless his soul and give him the highest of Jannah. I pray that may Allah give you and your family courage and strength. And may Allah protect his wife and chilren. Ameen.....

Today I visited my friend, who has just lost her dear father. It's been quite sometime since I last met her. I started to know her from Cyberibu, which we only communicate in the forum.

I used to have problems in breastfeeding my children and I turned to her for advise. She gave me useful tips and encouragement. I realized that it's not easy to fully breastfeed your child without moral support and encouragement. I almost give up. This was where I turned to her for help. I took her advise and I have successfully breastfeed my son till now.

I met her for the first time during a swimming class organized by Cyberibu. I was happy to see her. We become friends from that moment and we used to chat on the internet once in a while. But I wish we can become closer friends.

I might not understand what she has been through right now. But I know it's painful to lost someone you love most. The sorrow and grief which you have to endure. After seeing her today, I knew right away that she is strong person. May she always remain strong. May Allah bless her father's soul and grant him forgiveness. Amin....