Summarizing June, July, August 2011

I honestly dont know what happened in these last 3 months. My kids have grown, I have been lagging on both gardening, cooking and baking. Kids are growing so fast and sometimes all I want to do is just to hold them close and capture their childhood for those brief moments...and loving their boy smells...boy's smell differently from girls...you will know what I mean if you have boys. 

Going Bananas

Bananas is a weekly must haves in our home. I buy them during my weekly grocery...And we are lucky being a tropical countries we get them all through the year. I try to buy the 'kampung' ones as the reengineered ones though looks perfect makes me feel that there may be too much of pesticide in them. Keeping bananas fresh is another thing altogether. They tend to ripe way too fast and at the same time.. I was told by a friend that cutting off the bananas from it's stem keeps it longer. I have been trying this method and it really works! It keeps the banana fresh much longer. Just cut them off individually. Having bananas at home is really useful. When kids are hungry this is the best and healthier way to fill them up.When you need to go out and need a snack for the kids it's easy to keep one of two of them in your bag. When they are really ripe you can mash them up and make some muffins.... My kids favorite is still the malaysian way of eating them. That is to mash the banana with some flour and sugar and salt to tast, make them into a thick pancake like batter and drop spoonfuls of them in hot oil and fry them till  deep fry them in oil till golden brown.

IKEA

Something about Ikea that warms my heart. When I receive Ikea brochures, have lunch at Ikeas or go shop it Ikea its always fun. Obviously their marketing works. The bright colors, the easy setting, the ideas and design...or i so love Ikea. They are all about ideas, ideas and cute ideas. They make me want to set a beautiful home, they make me want to curl up on their sofas...and every child should have an Ikea bedroom...I think I need to go to Ikea soon!.

Kids follow what their parents do and not what they say

I am feeling anxious and guilty as I have not been setting examples of a good parent. Kids follow what we do and not really what we say. I have been screaming a lot lately at my kids, When they squabble, or to get them to do homework. And I know if I don't stop now(hopefully not too late) they will also scream to get things done! Another thing I need to do is spend more time with them, playing and giving them more space and time to play. Being a working mum and also with their school schedule doing this can be challenging. But just like everything that is important this has to be given importance. All is not bad. Good thing is I acknowledge this and willing to work on this, that is a start!

Keeping it simple

I am learning to keep things simpler this year...and still have fun. I realise when I throw parties to keep is simple and fun...I used to spend money and lots of time on my kids party. But this year i kept the numbers smaller, focussed on what is fun for the birthday child and his friends, kept decor simple, and the food great and balanced as possible. My son still claimed he had the best time of his life....Even when it comes to meals I am trying to keep it simple. One pot meal, simple sandwiches...Over the weekend for lunch I made some srambled eggs with salad..and the kids seem to enjoy them, and throw in some fruits. or it's sandwiches or simple roast and salad. Even for entertainment over weekends and holidays we are trying to keep it simple. Visiting a friend, going to the park, visiting cousins or spending time at home with some games and craft. And I realise there is something soothing and calming in keeping it simple.I am still learning there are many areas in my life where I can keep it simpler...

Counting Blessings on Wednesday

I am thankful today:

1. I have good colleagues who are also friends.
2. I have friends to call and talk to at any given time.
3. I came home to a clean home and dinner on the table.
4. I came home to my two beautiful boys, and a husband who took my boys cycling so I can have some quiet time.
5. We had dinner together as a family.

What are you thankful for today?

Thinking about weekend

I am working from home today, and it's Thursday.Okay I am super blessed to be able to work from home when I want to..Thank you God... I am already thinking about weekend and how to make it great...and wholesome:)...and a fun family time. Must start with the right breakfast, probably some scrambled eggs with toast, lunch..probably a roast with salad...and dinner...we probably go out and have a grab(not to healthy??)...Will take the boys to Amcorp mall for some tea and to get the bayblade( a new craze amongst boys and probably girls too).. Sunday will go and visit mum in law, did not do that last weekend, so have to do it this week:)...Kids get to play with their cousins...too!

Bedroom makeover

Before

Before

I have been wanting to makeover my bedroom with minimal spending. My children 8 and 5 have been moved to their own bedroom. Meaning husband and I have the room to ourselves. No more children toys everywhere. I will like the room to be cost, organized and pretty:) the room has one queen size bed in brown, a side table in brown, a 5 drawer chest and table in white. Just one picture on the wall. The wall color is a shade of cream brown. Will post photo later. All the furnitures have been painted white. And this has made a huge difference to the bedroom. Other ideas to place a carpet, to have nice framed pictures above the bedhead, a comfortable chair to curl up with a book, a standing lamp shade,an oil burner and to paint the wall with a shade of white and the wall behind the bed a green I saw on the ikea website. And I hope to have a sanctuary of comfort and peace to read, rest and pray in:)... More photos of before and after to follow.

Arjoonha turned 8

My oldest son just turned 8 yesterday! We had a party at home with his favorite food and cake and closes friends! He was at his happiest andneclaimed everything was absolutely awesome! Andto top it all he got toys that he wanted, UNO spin and another spin game..and has been raving about it since last nit. And to make things better one of his good friends stayed the night, so when they woke up this morning the excitement of playing with the new toys are even better. Seeing him so happy makes it all worthwhile. Every year I get excited about my childrens birthday and throwing them a fun party and tends to spend quite a bit ..this year I kind of scaclee back on the scale of the whole thing.for a few reasons. One I do not want my kids to relate happiness to spending money, I want them to know simple things can make them happy and also to focus on the important things, such as relationship and hospitality! Cakes can be so expensive about rm80-100.. Hhis time I baked his favorite butter cake with buttercream icing..he loved it ...and we had simpler party packs, home organized games and the winners get a gift each, like board games..the biggest expenses was in getting strawberries. That is arjoonha favorite fruit! So we had chocolate fondue with lots of strawberries of course. We had fried chicken, glass noodles fried, popish and cheesy wedges. And domino's pizza! ..kids had a blast, we were very exhausted but then agan the objective was met. Arjoonha had a memorable party with his standard two friends! My baby has turned 8.. And I wish he will grow up to be a God fearing and mankind loving human being and to live life passionately more then anything else!

Thy Name is My Healing O My God

My best friend of 31 years called me and said her pap smear result does not seem good according to her doctor, and told her to go for another check up. She was told that it may be early stages of cancer. She called and told me this and cried. And I felt my world crumbling. The first thing that came to my mind is that she can't die she has 3 young children. Then I thought she cant die we havent spent enough time together as we have been busy with our lives, work..etc...Have we taken each other for granted?? And then I told her I will come with you for the check up and will be there for you. I felt I needed to be there with her every step of the way. This was one week ago. And I have been praying for her health. I hope that its just some infection and nothing more. It aslo made me make my own appointment for a pap smear and ultrasound as  I have been procastinating it, feeling almost invincible. It made me realise that Health is utmost important...and without it we have nothing...As mothers we need to be in the best of health, to be there for our children and family and our friends...And keeping Healthy is going to be way up my list of things this year...

My 2011 resolutions!

Wholesome food for family and self. More fruits and greens! Spend carefully and buy if really necessary. Invest. Pay all bills promptly. Work when working. Spend more time with mother. Date night with siva..gosh which day must choose one! Read daily! Pray daily, and have constant study class...I am on track with some of this and for others I must make more effort! Best of luck!!!!

Happy New Year 2011

2010 came conquered and leaving in 2 hours! I am home alone with my youngest son, Bhaarath who is recovering from German measles. My friends came over to accompany me, and it has been a quiet gentle day. I am waiting for Siva and Arjoonha to be home from Melaka! 2010 and 2011 is just a difference of another day but no one on earth will feel the same tonight as the new year approaches. Each will be in his thoughts, taking account of the year gone by and looking forward to the possibilities of a new year. New year resolutions to be made and everyone will strive to do better..isn't the spirit of this evening amazing to spend similar thoughts and feelings throughout the planet. I am so thankful for all that I have been blessed with and am so thankful! Looking forward to 2011, may the days be gentle, may it be filled with music, may it be spent with loved ones, may trouble forget me, may contentment fill me, may I give more then I receive.

Building character

My kids are going to be 8 and 5. Having a live in maid meaning most houseworks are done for you and you have someone there all the time to help. That is great, as you can do so much more but the downside of it is we become too reliant on the maid, and kids do not seem to be able to pick up after themselves. We have been pretty firm with them needing to do things for themselves, but they haven't started on doing chores. Have started them right away. I can think of so many to get them to do. Washing dishes, making beds, feeding pet, vacuuming, washing car, ...And to make it all fun..am gonna create a point system. Each chore has a certain point to it. And we can see how many points they collect monthly and that will be converted to something. For example 20 points, and extra hour on the nintendo, 50 points a McDonald burger..that way they earn it and something to look forward to...okay off to do the chart!!!!

Don't sweat the small stuff!

My Acer Aspire net book crashed yesterday, now I hear how crappy acer net book is, and my apartment's pipe busted yesterday, and my sore throat came back with a vengeance. Now do I fret and whine? But I look at my kids they are healthy and good, my hubby grumpy but he is there, my life so rich with friends and family, and I can't bring my self to whine nor be down! I have so much to be thankful for! Thank you!

Wholemeal Cinnamon buns!

We think something is very difficult even before attempting it...I have always thot making good loaves of bread is difficult what more making cinnamon buns!! Bun it's not difficult once you know how to and have the right ingredients. And I am ecstatic as with the whole meal bread dough I made some cinnamon buns..with brown sugar and cinnamon, raisin and walnuts and it was yummy, soft and moist...And I made 2 loaves of bread, one to give away...And now my sister once one and my colleagues too..and I am out of bread flour and wholemeal flour...I need to bake more to be given away for thursday...baking and learning to bake bread was one of my 2010 resolution, and fullfilled at the tail end of the year............Home made bread is here to stay!

Bread Glorious Bread

I have always wanted to bake bread, knead it, see it rise, punch it and form it and bake it...and fill the house with the smell of freshly baked bread. I got a 4 star recipe, and bought all the ingredients...organic bread flour and whole meal flour, honey and yeast...I baked a loaf, baked small buns with chocolate chips and it tasted so good..densed, moist and heavy!!! I am overjoyed..I am going to repeat this recipe very soon and add on some flaxseeds and sunflower seeds. I am going to bake as often as I can and try out new breads..and fill my family up with wholesome bread. I am going to bring a loaf of bread when i visit a friend, as a gift...it's going to be all about bread from,now on..Will this addiction last...and if it last...I will reward myself with a KitchenAid ...or a breadmaker..or both? It is is absolutely therapeutic to dip your hands into risen bread ..........And then seeing your kids spreading the butter and jam on it and devouring it.....Such satisfaction.

Rainy days are so cosy!

December is totally wet. It rains every other day and I so love it. Amidst the cool weather my heart warms up! Also because I love seeing my kids having carefree days with no schools and exams to worry about! Love love love December. Had a long great conversation today with a friend and it was all about forgiving and moving forward, seeing the good in people and the importance of spiritual education for our children. And the conversation made me lighter, happier and hopeful. Sometimes a great conversation with a good friend is the perfect thing ons rainy wainy day.

The sweetness of Friendship

Friends are totally important to me, they are an extension of family to me. I am happiest being with friends and family. Through the years I have learnt that with friends we must give without expecting, and with different friends I am comfortable to share different aspects of my life. I have friends whom I can call at anytime of the day, friends to talk about children, friends to talk about work, friends to talk about spiritual aspects and all of them enriches my life in different ways, and makes this journey of life so much easier and meaningful. I can't imagine not having them in my life. The times spent with friends over a cup of coffee, in the hospital cafeteria, curled up in the sofa, in the car..are special moments. Everyone...especially every girl must have good friends...as others can come and go but good girlfriends are forever!  My resolution for 2011 is not to take them for granted and to spend quality time with each of them.

December 2010

I can't believe it's December 2010, and very soon the year is over with all it's glory! I still remember like it was yesterday, that I was lining up all the resolutions for this year...I cant even remember half of it and definitely did not stick by most of it. This year has been a great year overall...I have been so very blessed in all the areas of my life, I really could not ask for more, while saying this i am feeling nervous knowing that 'To those much is given, much is expected'!! This is the month to reflect for all that has gone right and not so right, and what I could have done better. And more resolutions for next year...definitely..there will always be new resolutions...I want to be a better person next year then I have been this year. More then anything I want to be a great mother, a patient wife, and wonderful sibling, a thoughtful daughter a fun and understanding friend, a useful citizen of the world, and I want to be kind and fair to myself!!! 2011...I am so ready for you.... please shower me with sunshine, green grass, with love and fun, with God and money, with family and friends, with great moments, and manageable challenges, with new experience and gentle weather...

Blogging from ISTANBUL

I am at the hotel lobby waiting for our bus to the airport. Leavıng to home after 16 days, can hardly waıt to hold my boys and hug and kıss them. I feel for every parent who has to be away from her chıldren..ıt ıs paınful. Amıdst the paın Istanbul ıs an amazıng place a great mıx of old and new...and yes İ manage to see the Dancıng Dervısh!! Been travelıng for the last 16 days and what ıs most ıntrıguıng wıth places are the people and how they lıve! Travelıng does open up ones mınd and soul lıke no other and makes the world seem so small yet so much to see...