UPSR FEVER - PART 1

Day 1 ,3rd Sept 2007 Monday
Subject : BM1, BM 2, Math 2

I woke up at 5.30am. Couldn't sleep much, kept waking up in the middle of the night. Anak nak exam, mama yang lebih-lebih. I woke up early to have my sahur just before subuh. Insyalah I will fast through out the 3 exam days and perform my own solat hajat for him. Hopefully my prayers as a mother will be answered. I was told it is best to fast and recite Yaasin while our kid is taking exam. Alhamdulillah, I managed to recite Yaasin (in my car while he's taking BM1, solat dhuha (at home while waiting for his BM2 to be over) and fast (hopefully) today.

Aliff woke up quite early so I had to layan him before I cook breakfast. Afif planned to leave at 6.45am but we ended up leaving at 7.00am. Have to tag Aliff along. The school canteen was crowded at only 7.30am. Breakfast was served, 1 bun and 1 packed drink.

The BM teacher gave the last word of advise and tips on how to answer BM1 paper after which the HM recited the doa. All students seemed to be very much prepared. Some are still holding books. They then were lined up by their exam ID number. Afif's is 0013. On the way to the exam hall, they are given 1 pencil, sweets and a bottle of mineral water.

BM 1 finished at 9.10am. I left the school after Afif left for exam hall. Went to send Aliff and Ngah to school. Went back to school at 8.50am, just enough time to recite Yaasin in my car. Afif came out at 9.15am, complaining that BM 1 was difficult. I just asked him to concerntrate on the next paper. At 9.30am he's back in the exam hall for BM 2.

BM 2 is scheduled to finish at 10.50am. I still have time to go back for Dhuha prayer and to cook lunch. Everything settled at 10.45am and I rushed to school to meet Afif right after his BM2 was over. The spotted question came out, luckily I did go thru with Afif during his bedtime. He did just as we have discussed!!!!

The last paper for today was Math paper 2. Subjective, 20 questions carried 40 points of the whole score. Again the Math teacher were given the chance to give the last mandate and tips for the students. By now Afif looked more relaxed. I stayed for a while before leaving the school to fetch Aliff from Tadikom.

Afif came out at about 12.20pm. He was smiling. I guess he was able to do his best. Not long after that we saw the students were surrounding one teacher. The BM1 question paper were marked, and guess what's his score? He got 82.5%. Alhamdulillah. This is the best score he ever had. If everything goes well, I think he will get A for BM1- just Tawakkal je lah. This is the most feared subject. He started with 60% and gradually improved over so much practise. I guess the hard work was worth it.

Tomorrow another paper awaits- Math 1.

wassalam

mama

Aliff nak tukar kete mama

Aliff called me today at work, his voice sounded disturbed..

Aliff : Mama, Alif rasa nak tukar kete mama lah
Mama : Hah? Kenapa pulak
Aliff : Aliff tak suka lah kete mama, Aliff nak tukar kete Abah dgn mama
Mama : Aliff nak tukar kete apa?
Aliff : Aliff nak kete BMW dgn kete WAJA
Mama : Errrrr......Aliff call Abah la
Aliff : Aliff tak tahu
Mama : Aliff tulis
Aliff : Tunggu kejap eh....(gone to take pen and paper)..Ok berapa ma
Mama : zero, one, three
Aliff : zero, one, three
Mama : seven, eight, zero,
Aliff : seven,eight, zero...
Mama : Eight, zero, eight, zero
Aliff : Ok bye

hehhe, he was really fascinated by BMW car in the movie "transformer"...carried away lah ni...When I got back he was really mad when I oppose to his wanting to change my car and Abah's. He showed tantrum and running around red faced with anger. As if he buying a new car is like buying his toy car. I wonder what has got into him. I was trying to call Abah when I came across this handwriting next to the telephone...Wow, he can really understand what I dictated over the phone and he can write..!!!

I tried to be rationale with him.

Mama : Kenapa Aliff jadi macam ni?

Aliff : Aliff tak nak kete buruk, Aliff nak kete baru

Mama : Kenapa? Ada kawan kat sekolah Aliff ejk Aliff ke?

Aliff : Ha (ya), budak umur 5 tahun

Mama : Mama dia pakai kete baru ke?

Aliff : Ha

Mama : Kete dia tu kete pinjam, kete kita , kita punya. Tak payah tukar kete, kete ni ok lagi, boleh jalan lagi, boleh bawak Aliff pegi kedai India...! Nak tukar kete kena pakai duit banyak

Aliff : Mama pegi lah ambik duit kat bank

Mama : Duit kat bank tu bukan mama punya. Kita kumpul duit singgit sehari, lama-lama kita boleh tukar kete nak?

Aliff : Tak nak. Aliff nak sekarang jugak..

I have to leave him there because no point stressing my point since he is too young to understand all these. I left for Sekolah Agama Abang Afif for solat hajat for his UPSR. Abah will take over.

Later when I came back, he was OK, as if nothing happened. He slept quite early, very tired I guess....

wassalam

Mama

TWO THUMBS UP FOR RATATOUILLE

We had a great time yesterday watching the latest Disney movie by Pixar " Ratatouille". It was hillarious. The only set back was our bad choice of seating. The first time we went to MBO for TRANSFORMER, we were seated in a middle of a two-row theater CINE 7. Abah prefered we took the back seat.

This time around the movie was shown at CINE 4, a larger theater with 12 seater in a middle and 2 seaters on each side. When we book the ticket on Saturday, we saw ample seats at the back so I chose the last row not knowing that CINE 4 and CINE 7 were having a totally different layout.
So what's wrong with the last row? The last 3 rows were rather flat, We did't get to see the bottom part of the screen. I was annoyed by the front people, some heads were higher than the other. Aliff had to sit on the arm rest in order to watch the movie, so did Ayie, Ngah and myself.

But nevertheless, the movie was fantastic and entertaining right till the end. Worth the ringgit that we spent. I heard Aliff asked to buy the CD right after the the lights on. I thot I want to watch it for the second time...It will take sometime for the CD to come out...apa lagi cetak, rompak le...DVD 9.

Seriously speaking, I think this is the best animated movie ever.

wasalam

Mama

DINNER 3 SERANGKAI

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AFIF

Today is Afif's birthday...opps yesterday 8 aug 2007. He asked permission to celebrate with his friends. I said OK. I thot of serving mee goreng besides just the birthday cake. So right after work, I went straight to Jusco to buy the uncooked mee and the cake.


The cake selection was really tough. Knowing Afif being very sensitive at times, I had to go from bakery to bakery to get the right cake at the right price. I was contemplating between black forest and American Chocolate cake. Nowadays simple cake can go up to RM50/kg.


With much deliberation, I gambled when I chose Coffee cake instead of the normal 2 cakes mentioned above. It cost me RM 39.90. I just hope Afif wouldn't mind the simple finishing of his 12th year birthday cake.

When I reached home, it was almost Maghrib. Aliff was really testing my patience when he asked for "tetek" (bedtime) at this critical hours. Had to pray first before starting to cook. Afif told his friends that the "party" will begin around 8.30pm. I was in a mess when his friends turned up earlier than the party time...only 1 packet was fried at that time. I asked Afif and other siblings to entertain his friends while I finish off my cooking. I finished on time but had to take shower and freshen up.


Finally, all were seated, I started of with everybody introducing himself one by one. There were 6 of them, from the same class. They happened to be football play mates. At least now I know who his friends are. Afif was sheepishly shy when around his friends.


They started with mee goreng. I only fried 2 packets because I did not know exactly how many are coming eventho I bought extra packet. They finished all within minutes and ask for more...Alamak...I promised them I will cook fried mee again during the next gathering which I hope will be after UPSR but before Ramadhan.

Then, the cake cutting session. All of them chanted birthday song and Afif cut his cake. He seemed OK with the cake....no complaint. I knew it was the best choice when the cake almost finish the same night. I had to save some for Abah and Bibik.

All of them stayed for a while and later dismissed at almost 10.00pm. Some came back later with birthday present of some cash to Afif. Afif looked satisfied.
Afif asked for new soccer ball for his present. I promised to bring him to the sports shop over the weekend.


Happy Birthday Afif. You are always my Abang Long and the best that I could ever wish for. Mama can still remember the fresh pain of labour and the joy of being called "mother" for the first time. Afif was borned a few days later than his due date at 3.40pm at Klinik Pancho. The following day was Maulidur Rasul in 1995. He weighted only 2.7Kg, the smallest among the four and was brought out to this world with the help of "forcept". The pain was unimaginable but all were gone after mama saw his cute face. And the rest is history.....


wassalam


Mama

ROAD TO GLOBAL VENTURE

Last Sunday 4th of August, I was in KL attending Franchise international exhibition

MOTHERHOOD BLUES....

Here’s the first of four essays on motherhood we’re posting by students of Kate Hopper’s Mother Words class at the Loft Literary Center. This one is by Betsy Conway of Edina.

Today I crave a lot of me time, alone time, time to be myself and do what I want to do. And I feel bad. I’m scared I’m too selfish.

I feel bad for wanting to wake up on my own without Ellie walking in at 5:30 in the morning or Lily asking to walk her to the potty. I feel bad for thinking why can’t I just read the mail without someone tugging at my leg? Why can’t I just lie in bed without someone playing with my hair? It scares me to think that way about my own kids.

But what really scares me is that someday…

Someday their bedroom doors will be shut more often than open and I will not know nor will they want me to know what is going on in there. Just for today I relish being able to walk into their rooms together, choose books to read from their bookshelves and rifle through drawers picking out an outfit. Right now the only time their bedroom door is shut is when I have carefully closed it to keep out the nighttime sounds of a reality T.V., a phone ringing or murmured adult conversations.

Someday they will brush their own teeth, put on their own toothpaste and gaze into the mirror instead of into my eyes. So it is an honor today to count Ellie’s 10 bottom teeth and ten upper teeth and the lil’ bumps indicating the second year molars are coming in. I can smell their sweet baby breath and be up close to their chubby cheeks. I breathe in the mixture of the scents leftover from dinner, their kid toothpaste and outdoor air on their skin.

Someday they will grab a diet coke from the fridge, a handful of chips and run out the door, late for some social event, anxious to be somewhere else with someone else. Just for today I portion out their food, putting into neat little organized piles of protein, fruit, veggie and starch. Purple and pink plastic glasses are adorned with a straw for fun and it makes it more enjoyable to drink.

I want to suspend these moments in time. A time where I am needed, loved unconditionally and I am their source (or we are each other’s source) of happiness, safety, calm and care. I promise. I vow. I will stop rushing through they day, the to do lists, the errands, the chores around the house because there will always be future errands to run, dishes to be washed but there will be less people around to do that with and for.

Be in the moment Betsy. Go there. Lose control. Take out all the toys at once; mix the Fischer Price Little People with the Barbie dolls. Go nuts and bust out the Polly Pockets and the blocks at-the-same-time. Scatter paper on purpose, let crayons roll off the table without scurrying to pick them up, have cookie crumbs fall to the floor and leave the Shark vac in the closet. Lose a puzzle piece but still do the puzzle. Roll, squish and push playdough and if it doesn’t get put back in its cup let it harden without letting it harden my soul. Get into the bathtub with the girls, make foamy hairy dos out of shampoo and soapy beards, too.

I’m missing out on the moments and I’m right here. Someday-Is Today. And today I will try and just “be”…

YOUR LIFE vs YOUR WORK

This was a speech made by Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Anna Quindlen at the graduation ceremony of an American university where she was awarded an Honorary PhD.

"I'm a novelist. My work is human nature. Real life is all I know. Don't Ever confuse the two, your life and your work. You will walk out of here this afternoon with only one thing that no one else has. There will be hundreds of people out there with your same degree: there will be thousands of people doing what you want to do for a living. But you will be the only person alive who has sole custody of your life. Your particular life. Your entire life. Not just your life at a desk, or your life on a bus, or in a car, or at the computer. Not just the life of your mind, but the life of your heart. Not just your bank accounts but also your soul.

People don't talk about the soul very much anymore. It's so much easier to write a resume than to craft a spirit. But a resume is cold comfort on a winter's night, or when you're sad, or broke, or lonely, or when you've received your test results and they're not so good.

Here is my resume: I am a good mother to three children. I have tried never to let my work stand in the way of being a good parent. I no longer consider myself the centre of the universe. I show up. I listen. I try to laugh. I am a good friend to my husband. I have tried to make marriage vows mean what they say. I am a good friend to my friends and they to me. Without them, there would be nothing to say to you today, because I would be a cardboard cut out. But I call them on the phone, and I meet them for lunch. I would be rotten, at best mediocre at my job if those other things were not true.

You cannot be really first rate at your work if your work is all you are. So here's what I wanted to tell you today: Get a life. A real life, not a manic pursuit of the next promotion, the bigger pay cheque, the larger house. Do you think you'd care so very much about those things if you blew an aneurysm one afternoon, or found a lump in your breast?

Get a life in which you notice the smell of salt water pushing itself on abreeze at the seaside, a life in which you stop and watch how a red-tailed hawk circles over the water, or the way a baby scowls with concentration when she tries to pick up a sweet with her thumb and first finger.Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love, and who love you. And remember that love is not leisure, it is work. Pick up the phone. Send an email. Write a letter.

Get a life in which you are generous. Andrealize that life is the best thing ever, and that you have no business taking it for granted. Care so deeply about its goodness that you want to spread it around. Take money you would have spent on beer and give it to charity. Work in a soup kitchen. Be a big brother or sister. All of you want to do well. But if you do not do good too, then doing well will never be enough.It is so easy to waste our lives, our days, our hours, and our minutes. It is so easy to take for granted the color of our kids' eyes, the way the melody in a symphony rises and falls and disappears and rises again.

It is so easy to exist instead of to live.I learned to live many years ago. I learned to love the journey, not the destination. I learned that it is not a dress rehearsal, and that today is the only guarantee you get.

I learned to look at all the good in the world and try to give some of it back because I believed in it, completely andutterly. And I tried to do that, in part, by telling others what I had learned. By telling them this: Consider the lilies of the field. Look at the fuzz on a baby's ear. Read in the back yard with the sun on your face. Learn to be happy. And think of life as a terminal illness, because if you do, you will live it with joy and passion as it ought to be lived".

NEW BRUSH CUTTER

Yesterday Abah bought a brand new brush cutter. Brush cutter? What is that? Well, it was written as brush cutter on it's box. It is actually a hand held lawn mower that the Majlis Bandaran guys would use to cut grass on the road sides.

We used to have 2 of such equipments before but both were electrical machine. This one tho is a fuel operated cutter. The first two were "gone" even before Abah finished cutting the grass on our long piece of land. Abah was kind of gave up so sometime back Abah called his friend contractor to cut the grass for us. It was ok at first but later he only came once in a month. That was not enough because the grass would shoot up even after the 3rd day...!

Now that we have our "little" badminton court at the lawn so all the more reason for abah to find solutions to settle the grass thingy. I am the one who easily get pissed off with the " kemucup". Even the kids will avoid playing outside or resort to playing at their friend's houses.

Yesterday I made Abah bought the cutter...well he promised long time ago and I want him to walk his talk. Abah bought it at RM300. It was not as easy as what we saw other people doing it. It was heavy and for an inexperienced abah, it was like asking for shoulder and backache. Despite all that Abah still did it but later that night he complained of shoulder ache and his hand trembled.
I told abah that at least we know how it felt, rather than complaining when these people asked for RM40 - 50 per service. The cost of fuel has increased and what more doing it under the hot sun. Abah said we can cut cost if we buy own own machine..well ok but I guest we shouldn't complained on anything because we CHOOSE to do it ourselves.

Our children on the other hand were enjoying the grass cutting session very much. Everybody was busy helping bibi sweeping the grass to gather at one side so that she can burn it later.Not to mention the special post with the new brush cutter.

keep it up guys....

wassalam

mama

HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY ABAH 07-07-07

Abah was born today 40 years ago....

We postpone the birthday celebration to tomorrow since ngah Afini and Ayie are not around - they went camping at Pengkalan Balak and will be back tomorrow.

To Abah - hope that all your dreams and what you wish for will come true.

wassalam,

mama

THE ACT OF KINDNESS

The year 2007 will be remembered as the most challenging year in my entire life. I've gone through ups and downs and failures before but this one hit me the hardest. As muslim, I believe that whatever happened to me this year is a test of taqwa to Allah and what matters most is how I reacted and composed myself in overcoming the obstacles.

It is easy to say than do. I cannot remember how much tears have been shed for the past 5 months and how much more for the months to go. I know by crying alone cannot solve anything that need to be solved. All I need to do is to remain calm, peace with myself and accept whatever circumstances that come my way. I am not able to explain what actually happened to me and our family this year, it will be a long and winding stories, suffice to say that without proper planning and strategy to cover the loss, the whole family will financially suffer for the next 5 - 10 years. URRRGHH this part hurts the most.

I tried to search for "hikmah" behind all these and did my own self reflection(muhasabah diri) on what I have done or could have done. The "rezeki" was almost at our doorstep but there were so many obstacles and hurdles that we have to finally let "it" go. "It" has caused so much pain to us and to other people that came into the picture. I believe the hurdles were reminders to us that "it" was not meant to be for us and worth letting go - even at our own expenses. It fit the saying " yang di kejar tak dapat, yang di kendong berciciran" . This is how it all started.

All these may be the result of our own wrongdoings..who knows. All I can think of is probably lack of "sadaqah/sedekah/sacrifice". Sadaqah/ zakat can clean our money/belongings. ALLAH promise that the more we give, the more we will receive. An Ustadz once told us that he can "visualise" all the financial failures in our lives and he recommended that we give a big sadaqah to the needy people - 2 camels, 2 muttons, 2 chickens and 2 eggs. The problem is , where to get money to sadaqah when we have used up most of it? Allah is Great and HIS work came in so many unexpected ways. Alhamdulillah we managed to raise enough money to at least start something.

We decided that the sacrifice need to be done immediately. It is the known fact that Cambodian muslim communities are facing extinction, people there are really dhoif and needy lots who deserved such big sadaqah. We managed to engage Ustadz Naasir from Kelantan to help us. He visited islamic villages in Cambodia on a regular basis. We listed out the task for the Ustadz to do including providing them with cooked food of 2 muttons, 20 chickens and 100 eggs. The cost for the whole thing was RM1,200. At this point in time we do not know how/where to get camels for that matter. I guess the camels will have to wait for the next turn.

Yesterday I received the pictures taken of the event that was held on Saturday, 2nd Jun 2007. I was deeply touched and in tears when I saw what poverty has done to them.
This is the "mosque" where the friday prayer took place. Ustaz Naasir's mission was to set up a mosque and islamic classes to educate the children and adults. The intention is very noble, i hope Allah will give me the opportunity to continuously help these needy people

These pictures speak a thousand words.....

These are some of the houses in the islamic community.

People from 2 villages, about >40 families were gathered. These people were only able to eat meat once a year that is during Eidul Adha due to poverty.

I had mix feeling when I saw these pictures. It is very sad to know there are still dhoif people out there striken by poverty. I feel thankful to Allah that has opened my eyes and make me realised that how hard I thought my problem was, it is still nothing compared to what these people are suffering. We only lost some savings but we still have all the luxury of a normal life ...look at them?....Look at the children...they do not have enough to even cover their bodies. Not to mention what they ate for a living, their education, their health and well being...This is really heart breaking.

It is a comfort to know that somebody like Ustaz Nasir who are concern about their aqidah more than anything else. I asked his doa for my rezeki so that I will continously contribute in my own small way. Insyallah, I planned to sacrifise 1 cow representing the whole family during the next coming Eidul Adha and some cash for the collection to build a proper madrasah at Kg Cham.

I will always support any act of kindness whenever I can because in doing so, soften my heart, make me compare what I have now to what these poor people are lacking. Then only I realised how thankful I am with the rezeki that ALLAH has given me no matter how big or small it may be.

To all my children, please do not have any slightest thought or doubt about ALLAH's promise. Never think that giving away sadaqah will make us poorer than what we are now. ALLAH will replace with more rezeki directly or indirectly, in an unexpected way. Sooner or later is only a matter of time. Please remember this test of taqwa as a lesson for us to become better people.

wassalam

mama

GOOD NEWS AND NOT SO GOOD NEWS

The first week of July came to an end yesterday leaving me with 2 kind of news.

THE GOOD NEWS
My personal pen drive is experiencing a breakdown risking all the important data that was stored for the past one year. The thot of losing all the data was rather scarry because the last backup copy was done in May. All my client's data, financial data, housemaid data and other personal things that I could't do without.

Abah was pissed off with me for not taking great care of it knowing that it is very important and loaded with crucial data. Well, I can't argue much coz it was really my mistake. The problem with the pen drive is just the USB physical contact. It was not recognised by my laptop and a few others.

I checked with the local IT guy and he said if it is something to do with the connectors then it is unretrievable. It is as good as buying a new one..Oh dear! He said just try to other USB port, if it doesn't work then I might just forget about it. whuaaaaaa...

At home, I was so determined to tweak this tiny storage thing . What the heck, just give it a try. The chances is 50-50. Well, I have to throw it anyway. So becoming a Mc Guyver I was, tweaking here and there, trying to open the casing when I noticed a dry joint. I bent the connector to about 50 degrees and BINGO !..It worked..yessss. Alhamdulillah I was really happy and words can't explain how thankful I was to Allah - for giving me the inquisitive mind and patience to repair it myself....I had it done just after the Maghrib call for prayer (azan)...

THE NOT SO GOOD NEWS
Earlier today I received a missed call from a very familiar and much awaited number. I've been waiting for her call for the past one month. She is a friend I knew by chance and we became close friends eversince, to the extend that she accepted me as if I am her own sister eventhough we came from different culture, different colour, different race and different religion.

She is Miriam Musia, 33 years old African lady working at British Hicom in Malaysia. Married to an English guy with 3 kids. I will not elaborate further on how we came to know each other coz it is kind of confidential. Miriam's voice today was really different and sooo not her. Obviously she sounded in trouble and worried.

My guess was right. She was silent all these while because she was out of this country and just arrived back from Africa yesterday. She blurted out that she lost her husband about a month ago. What? I was really shocked and was in tears with her. Her husband had a long history of kidney problem. They went back to London to do the operation on him and apparently it didn't work. She was crying and the line was cut off twice. I gave her my words of condolence and encouragement, life has to go on. She has to be strong for her 3 kids. She lost her baby about 2 months ago through an abortion and now she lost her husband. Must be unbearable.

I wish I can be with her at that time but I was rather tied up with my work. The only time that I can be with her will be next week- our next trip to KL. She planned to leave this country soon. I really pity her. I offered her help if she needs anything in Malaysia.

My thot is with her now as I write. Miriam that I know is a very strong and brave lady. I am sure she will be able to make it through this trying time and can take care of her family. Being away from her own country with no one to fall back to is very painful. She came here to accompany her husband which means her husband came in first and she followed later. She's been here for 2 years now.

To Miriam - take care dear. You are a wonderful lady. Be strong.


wassalam

mama

ALIFF NAK BERHENTI "KERJA"

I have been tied up with my office work for the past weeks and today is especially busy - trying to meet the deadline for Business Plan 2008.

I spent less time with my kids and sometime had an argument with Abah - just to vent out my frustration at the office. At times I really feel like I want to just quit my job. I hate going to work. Why can't I just work from home?

Aliff has been listening to my conversation with Abah. He may not understand what I meant by quit my job but somehow he can surely register "berhenti kerja". So today as usual Aliff called me at work :

Aliff : Mama, Aliff nak berhenti keje....!!
Mama : What? Berhenti keje, Aliff keje apa?
Aliff : Keje Aliff lah
Mama : Ye lah, Aliff keje apa?
Aliff : Keje sekolah Aliff lah...
Mama : ooooo, kenapa nak berhenti?
Aliff : Aliff penat lah, boleh lah eh Aliff nak berhenti keje
Mama : Tak boleh lah, keje sekolah kena buat
Aliff : Aliff sakit perut lah...
Mama : Ok lah bye bye

Hahahha, that was really sweet of him. I can hear bibi's laughing voice at the back..!!!

Later today, he called again :

Aliff : Mama, Aliff dah ok dah
Mama : Ok apa?
Aliff : Aliff dah ok dah kat rumah ni...ok bye..

he hung up before I could say anything.

His call today really made my day. This kind of call make me really want to go straight home from work.

Aliff - you are really the CLOWN of the house.

wassalam,

mama

MY LITTLE ALIFF

Tonight I feel like writing about my Aliff - Muhamad Aliff Ahmad Nazri. Born on 30 Dec 2002 in Kota Bharu - he'll be 5 years old this coming December. He doesn't look his age, he is small and underweight.To us, Aliff is the clown of the house.

He is the most talkative among other siblings.

From the time he opens his eyes in the morning till he sleeps at night, talking is what he does best. The phrase "mulut murai" suits him well. Nevetheless, most of his words are entertaining and that's why we just layan to what he has to say. When nobody's around, he never felt lonely coz he can just talk to his toys, pretend to be this and that.

He is the most sociable & can make friends easily

He is that type who can just start any the conversation anytime. He is our official "telephone operator".

He is the longest to wear diapers

Fuh...this is the hardest part. He still wears diapers at 5. He hates toilet train. When you asked him when he can be free from diapers? He'll give many-many excuses

Mama : " Aliff tak panas ke pakai pampers"

Aliff : "Tak lah, kawan Aliff kata Aliff kecik lagi, Aliff kena pakai pampers"

There was this time his kindergarten teacher called me, she noticed Aliff wore diapers to school. When asked why, he replied that Mama FORGOT to buy him seluar dalam. So this teacher called to share her conversation with Aliff and we both laughed to his cunning answer. so the same day Mama went to Jusco to get him a set of seluar dalam. the next morning, he was reluctant to wear it because not used to it and hence refused to go to school. Bibik and I had to pujuk him and I suggested that he wore the seluar dalam outside his diapers, he agreed to that idea.

He is the longest to "menetek"
The best part is, he still can't get over the "menetek" habit. He only need it before he went to bed, sort of lullaby to him I guess. He will ask for "nak tido tetek", he must get tetek before he can drink the actual milk from the feeding bottle. When asked why he can't stop, you'll get so many answers too

Mama : Bila Aliff nak stop tetek ni

Answer 1 : Aliff kecik lagi lah

Answer 2 : Baby belum ada lagi....(wooo wait a minute, when can that be?)

He is the latest to start schooling...

Afif started kindergarten at 2+, Ngah at 3+ and so does Ayie. Aliff started kindergarten at Tadikom at 4+ (or 5 years old by the year he was born). His pick up was fantastic coz I bought him english CD to watch at home.

Aliff likes to collect toys, cheap toys to be exact. He can always find his to "seduce" me into buying him more toys everyday. fuh...this is tough.

Aliff for whatever your kerenah is, we love you anyway.

wassalam

mama

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SPORTS AND BOWLING 101

Can't remember when was the last time I bowl. It's been ages I think..sometime 8-10 years ago? Last Wednesday, 13 June 2007 was the return of Mama's bowling legacy. My office (TM Selatan) held a bowling tournament in conjunction with the farewell gathering for our current GM - Tn Hj Mohd Fateh Haniff who will end his service in TM due to expiry of his tenure period and compulsary pension.

Our team comprised of Hj Kamsaini (HK), Jaini Jumingan (JJ) and myself - the guys registered me as Mak Leha (ML). I was not sure how experienced the 2 guys in my team were but I know I am qualified, it's just that I do not bowl regularly - mind you, I stopped participating in sports some 14 years ago? Just after I got married. That explains why I became oversize...hehehhe excuse and more excuse..

There was this guy in my team - the usual one who likes to tease me. He was sceptical about my bowling skill. He even sms me " aku tak mahu kau jadi penyebab kekalahan team kita"..sounded hush but knowing him, I know he was just joking. I was contemplating myself whether to give up or to proceed. I know apart from taking home the prize (???..!!!) , my body will ache all over. But the challenge was so tempting....
The tournament was held at Daiman Bowl, Johor Jaya, JB. Big place with about >30 bowling alleys. The participation was about 20+ teams from TM and JKH contractors combined. Our team was stationed at alley no 3 and 4 together with other 2 teams. We had to play 3 games and the highest group scores will win. The best part was, the prizes were for the best 10 teams. Our team targeted for 9th or 10th placing. Ladies will get 10 points handicapped per game.

The first game was quite OK. Yours truly managed to get >100 scores on average with 5 strikes and several spares. Good for a long-time-no-play me. My scores were as per below :

First Game - 113 + 10 = 123
Second game - 105 + 10 = 115
Third game - 123 + 10 = 133

Surprisingly the guys didn't do that well. I managed to beat THAT guy and I felt very proud about it. The final game was my best and HIS worst. That scores kept his mouth sealed for a while. We came in no 8, which was ahead of our target. TM and JKH equally won the 10 best teams and our team included.
The cramps and achings of knee, ribs and back came in as early as 3rd game.
I just ignore it. The pain worsen untill the next day. That night I slept around 3am, I told Hana, officemate and my hotel roomate, that I started my bowling lesson way back in my University years 1988-1989. I took bowling class as part of my electives and got distinction for that class. Me and my collegemate bowled quite often especially over the weekend and semester break. The sports complex at Texas A&I University was within walking distance from where we used to live. Apart from bowling, I also cycled, played tennis, badminton, racquet ball and archery. That explained my enthusiast in sports. When I joined TM, I took up where I left, I played tennis, volleyball, squash and bowling - that was before I got married. I practically put a stop to all of that after I got married. Now I am picking up badminton with Abang Afif and probably bowling later can be part of our family activities.

Being a second child and an active one too, sports and I get along very well. I hope all my kids will follow my foot step. Ngah Afini, my second child seemed to do just that. She swims very well, plays netball, badminton and karate-do. Abang Afif is into badminton and football. He can swim too. Ayie and Aliff, on the other hand, do not show any interest in any particular games yet. I am sure they will develop it in years to come.

I hope all my kids will take up sports. Being active in sports can increase your thinking and tactical skills. You will learn about teamworking and the spirits of winning. Finally you will learn more about yourself. Life is full of winning and losing - what matters most is how you handle both situations. I learnt a lot through sports and part of it has made me a better person.

We left for home later the next day. I purposely left the prize unopened until I got home. When I reached home, Aliff was already sleeping. The other 3 got the chance to see what's inside the box. Tok Mi was there too. It was a cordless electrical kettle. Not bad. I gave the prize to Darsih, my maid as I don't need extra kettle. I still keep the unused kettle (our wedding present some 13 years ago..!!) She could use it for her new house. It was a token for accompanying Tok Mi while I was away.

Yeeessssss....What a satisfying experience...

sayang selalu,

mama

END OF MID TERM SCHOOL HOLIDAY

Today is the last day of school holiday. We didn't get to go on vaccation this time around. Kesian semua, really exhausted with their daily routine during this school hols. Abang was occupied with his kelas tambahan mon - fri 8.00 - 12.00, Ngah too had to attend kelas tambahan UPKK 2.30 - 5.30pm. Not to mention night classes, Al Quraan classes and another tuition over the weekend . How did they do that? Alhamdulillah, no complain from any of anak mama.

Apart from their busy schedule, they just enjoyed staying at home, play badminton, football and bicycle ride. Children are children, at least they get to do their childish thingy. May be next time around, when mama and abah are less busy, we will go on a family vaccasion. The best time is after Abang's UPSR - it's a promise.

We spent the last 2 weekends in KL. The kid's last trip to KL was in January. They were so excited to meet Wan, dah rindu ikan masak pedas - favorite dish that only Wan and Mimi can do. We went to Maksu's place for family gathering and Nadrah's aqiqah. Ngah chose to stay back at Mommy's place coz later mommy plan to come and visit us in Melaka. Jarang-jarang jumpa so happening habis sampai tak nak balik.

Last Thursday, mama brought back Ngah, Nina, Lia, Ali and Tok Mi to Melaka. A silent trip coz everybody was sleeping like a log.

Looking back at just a few days ago, the children were all very happy and excited when their cousins came. Mommy and Abah zie came on friday night. The kids were so engrossed and pre-occupied with their own thing that mama walked in and out of the house unnoticed..!!!
Mama had the great time cooking because mama knew the kids love to eat and they get hungry quite often too... especially Ali. Mommy had to leave on Saturday night to avoid traffic congestion.

Abang Afif is all geared up for school tomorrow. Ngah and Ayie - well how shall I put it...indifferent. Aliff , on the other hand, does not really know that it is school holiday. He looked forward to start school again tomorrow.

Everybody slept early tonite. With Tok Mi around, mama can leave the tucking-to- bed job to Tok Mi. Good nite my dears. Sleept tight.

Wassalam,

mama

ALIFF MINTAK BABY

Baby Nadrah turns 1 month today...Khairin Nadrah bt Ridwan, Farah's daughter and Mak su Idah's first granddaughter, born on 6 May 2007 - hey mama and baby Nadrah share the same birthdate !!!!
Boleh lah mintak Maksu buat extra cake for the double celebration. Can see Maksu smiling from ear to ear. She chose to be called Mama Tok. ishhh..sounds wierd huh...

Farah held the majlis aqiqah on 3rd June (sunday) at Mak su's place - on K. nun's birthday. Started with tahlil and "potong jambul" - cukur kepala was due the next day. So many people turned up. Catered food was good.

Uncle Zawawi & Aunty Treasure came all the way from Perth (well..they came here for other reasons too). Tok mi came from Kelantan. They accompanied Tok Mi from KB. Warren's family was not around because he had to be in Russia and he's due to return not until 5th June.

Aliff was all excited to be around the baby. Up to the extend of persuading me to take Nadrah home.

Aliff : mama, Aliff suka lah main dgn baby. Tangan dia lembut
Mama : Aliff suka baby boy atau baby girl?
Aliff : Aliff suka baby girl
Mama : kenapa suka girl?
Aliff : Kalau boy nanti Aliff gaduh macam Ayie..
Mama : kalau ada baby, Aliff tak boleh tetek lagi...
Aliff : (shook his head in disagreement) mama, boleh ke kita bawak baby balik?
Mama : Tak boleh lah, ni baby Kak Farah.
Aliff : Boleh la, kita pinjam saja, esok kita pulang balik
Mama : Tak boleh
Aliff : Boleh la, boleh la , suruh K. Farah beli baby lain..!!!!
Mama : Ya Allah, tak boleh. Tak ada orang jual baby
Aliff : Boleh la mama (whispering something to me) mama bayarlah duit kat K. Farah, biar dia beli baby lain....!!

Can't help myself from laughing, that was really funny...He was at the verge of crying. I had to ask Farah to take the baby away. It was cute of him to ask for baby.

Aliff was really serious about taking the baby home
See his face when he said "boleh la, boleh la ma kita bawak baby balik"
His hands were all over baby Nadrah, she was sleeping soundly despite the noice

I always get this unexplained feeling whenever I am around newborn/cute babies. Rasanya ada harapan utk dapat baby lagi kot. This time around, if I were given the chance, I pray for a baby girl. Twins pun boleh...hope my thyroid problem will get better. Age is catching up la...

To Aliff - insyallah ada rezeki, kita "beli" baby lain ok...

sayang selalu;

mama

MENGAJI QURAAN TIME......

It's mengaji time again.....mengaji Al Quraan has been our family activity for the last 10 months. Abah hired a 20 years old Ustaz Zakuan (al hafidz) - a free lance Quraan teacher. Later we found out that he's quite famous among our circle of friends.

The class is held at our house 3 days a week after Isya' prayer, 12 days a month for RM 300. Not bad huh? Considering he has to travel from Klebang to Ayer Keroh. His schedule is quite flexible too. Whenever he has other commitment or when it rains, it's off day. He would replace it to other days - but if we cancel the class, he need not replace it.

The whole family will take turn to mengaji. Ayie or Aliff would go first, Ngah, Abang, mama and finally Abah. Since Feb this year, Abang and Ngah had to attend night classes from 8pm - 10pm mon - thur and so the Quraan session need to be retimed to 10pm onwards. Ayie and Aliff selalu ponteng coz they went to bed early. They get to mengaji only when Ustaz shifted the class to Friday. Alhamdulillah, nobody complains. Ngah and Abang penat macamana pun tak pernah nak ponteng mengaji. Syabas anak-anak mama. Keep up the good spirit...

Tonite Abah is not around, Abah has to attend some ISO briefing in Northern states. I feel proud to see my boys "melayan" ustaz. After every mengaji session mama would serve Ustaz some refreshment and normally Abah would accompany him. Tonite all my boys duduk makan sambil melayan Ustaz cakap. Thank you so much my dears for doing this in Abah's absence. Mama managed to snap some photos of mengaji in action - quite cool.

Aliff and his Qiraati

Khusyuknya anak mama sorang ni

At the time of writing, Ayie is at Iqra' 3

Abang, Ngah, Ayie and Aliff - mama hope that all of you will continue to recite Al Quraan even after khatam. Please hold it close to your heart and read it as part of your daily routine.. Insyallah....and please don't forget to make doa for mama and Abah wherever you are.

sayang selalu;

mama

REZEKI SEAFOOD

Abah came home early from JB today (or rather yesterday coz it's passed midnite now) and guess what he brought home ..? A polysterene cooler box full with seafood...it is not likely that he bought it ..he never did before. Later mama found out that he went to Sg Rengit with his contractor friend Zul. Zul belanja lah ni...fresh from the sea.

Everybody was excited to open the box. Voila....there was one lobster, 2 big ikan bawal, 1 big ikan jenak, a few small fish and another big fish - nama and jenis ikan pun mama tak tahu, let alone to cook. Must wait for Tok Mi to come.

The 2 ikan bawals were underneath the big fish. The smaller ones were like "display" fish. Not sure if they are edibles.
This is our maid Darsih. She doesn't eat fish tapi sabo je lah..kena handle jugak big fish ni...

The lobster was big and the "horn" was like one feet long. This is the kids' first encounter with fresh lobster. Aliff was first to run away.

Takut betul dia especially bila kena sakat dgn kak ngah. Kakak kata kalau tak nak bukak pampers, dia nak letak lobster kat po*** Aliff...siap masuk bawah meja lagi, muka sampai pucat...he was really scared.

close up of the big lobster. scarry huh? Ngah buat-buat berani je ni...she carried the lobster around and kejar Aliff...

Ayie pun takut tapi tak le seteruk Aliff. Must be because of the long "horn".

Aliff , he was crying and hiding under the table. Notice something at his groin? Yes....he was so scared sampai terkencing-kencing....he had his diapers on tapi bocor lah tu....

Later while i was helping him to wear his pyjama, I asked about the lobster ;

mama : kenapa Aliff takut sangat dgn lobster?
Aliff : Aliff takut lah, nanti dia gigit po*** Aliff..

hahaha macam-macam lah si Aliff ni. Everytime he is naughty, Ngah would remind him of the lobster....watch out....

Alhamdulilah for the rezeki today..

sayang selalu,

mama