Happy Summer Hols

Salam Ramadhan to all. Hope it's not too late to wish even we are approaching towards the end of this barakah month... hmm sigh, time flies. May Allah pardons our sin and grants us with HIS countless blessing, ameen.

Alhamdulillah, Akid & I have the opportunity to go back to Malaysia during the fasting month and insyallah will be celebrating Eid, here. Hubby will join us for Eid, later.

To all, Selamat Hari Raya & Maaf Zahir Batin.

~~*~~~~~~~~~~***~~~~~*****~~~~~***~~~~~~~~~~*~~

Di bawah ni, gambar2 sekitar Jun & Julai 2012 - cuti musim panas di tanahair.

Budak yang happy nak bercuti panjang, balik kampung...

We flew back to Malaysia via Oman Air & transit for a while at Muscat airport.

However, most of the school children in Doha had to go through the final Exam before going for a long summer break. Alhamdulillah, Akid had made an impressive progress in his class and received the Most Outstanding Progress award from the school.

Bravo dear and keep it up :)

Antara yang dirindui tentang Malaysia adalah keindahan dan kehijauan alamnya, pulau, pantai, jeram dengan deru air terjun, kicau unggas dan pemandangan bukit bukau yang sejuk mata memandang. Subhanallah. 

Akid bersama adik2 sepupu di Air Terjun Sungai Gabai, dekat saja dengan KL / Kajang. Sangat convenient untuk beriadah dan beristirehat bersama keluarga di hujung minggu. Kitaorang pergi untuk bersarapan pagi di sana, sekali sekala tukar angin :)

Air jeram yang sejuk!!

his memorable days

When I first set up this blog, my intention was to share my stories with a close circle of family and friends. I've no particular topic to write except for things happening around me & family, especially when I was out-stationed and left the family behind. At that time, my hubby and son didn't have the facebook account and one way for them to view the photos were from my blog. I write especially about my son hoping that Insyallah, one day we'll have a chance to read the previous posts, looking back of our memories. I guess most mothers have this kind of passionate in treasuring memories of their children's life...

For the first 2 weeks here, Akid questioned us repeatedly why we had to come to Doha. Hmm kind of protest for coming all the way here and leaving the complacent life in Kl. I could feel his reluctance in leaving Kl, bidding farewell to his school and friends there. I can't blame him, I understand how he felt. I was once crying over the phone begging to my father not to transfer me from the school which I had just been for 2 months. (for which my father didn't listen to and to which later, I was doing just fine in that new school;p) What more for my son who had spent 4 years in his previous school and had to leave his hometown, to mix with a new circle of friends of different nationalities and to communicate in his second language. However, we believe kids are easy to adapt to changes and alhamdulillah, he proves us right.

From my observation, kids are more ready and sincere to accept new friend/s and innocent enough not to judge others. They can easily grab the language / slang (also Kelantanese slang if he's in Kb) and mix around. After 2-3 weeks, he has been more than happy to be in this new school, befriends not only with schoolchildren but also with his teachers. I'm always looking forward to hear his stories about the school and friends whenever he comes back from school.

Alhamdulillah so far he has adjusted to the new school system, making more friends, enjoying his school and has progressed steadily. Below are some of small recognitions from the teachers/ school which I believe will be part of his child's sweet memories later ;)

1. The certificate for achievement in Arabic class for non-Arabic speakers. This is given for scoring full mark in the 1st term exam. He and another Chinese girl received this.

2. The bling-bling bear key chain was given by his class teacher, Miss Jeanette for scoring full mark in Maths.

3. The cert given for scoring highest mark in the Sam learning homework (online homework).

4. The cute notebook was given by his Arab teacher, Miss Fatimah for the same reason as no. 1 ;)

When he showed me the notebook, it's kind of dejavu as I also had a notebook as a present from one of my teachers in my primary school and I still keep that book til now :)

As a kid, getting gift/s from his/her teacher is always the happening thing ever. I'm sure he appreciates the gifts from the teachers, especially the one bought personally by them.  I believe, these are given as the encouragement for him and the rest of the class too.

Last week was a 'Book Week' and Thursday was a Book Character day in his school. Akid decided to be the Alexandre the Great and the result was as the pic above. Thanks to Abah who had helped with the crown and bangles. (from the cardboard) I altered his white 'jubah' (Arabic cloak) and pinned the red cloth to it to make it looks like the Greek costume (as referred to the googled picture on the right. The idea was not so original then ;p). Surprisingly, his class voted him for the best costume. I shared his happiness as he hugged and thanked me for helping him with the costume once he reached home from school.

One of the activities on that day was that the pupils had to design a bookmark in a given time of 20 minutes and again he won the contest. (His bookmark with the dragon picture on it, kind of obsess with the dragon drawing at the moment). What a memorable day for him as he brought back two books as the presents for winning the best costume and the best bookmark.  Well, this is good as the school helps to encourage children to love reading :) Bravo N.I.S!

Parent-teacher meeting

Yesterday we went to see Akid's class teacher to briefly discuss about his school progress. Alhamdulillah, according to his teacher, he has improved a lot from the level achieved in the last term. She showed us the term 2 progress report which Akid managed to achieve mostly above the current standard expected level except for a couple of subjects, Writing, Islamic studies and French. I've expected he'll be struggling with French as he's new to the subject. However, it shouldn't be a reason really and he needs to put extra effort to catch up.

Based on the report, he's doing great in Reading (comprehension), in fact high above the year 5 level.  So for Writing, it was not that bad. I think he needs to be more careful with tenses and the choice of words. Hubby and I browsed through his essays (Topics given: Submarine; and Bullying) and we were impressed with it if we were to put ourselves in his shoes. He got brilliant ideas on the topics and all he needs to do is to polish his writing skill. English is the first language here and their expectation level is higher than it is back home.

Well, I'm not merely concerned of how many As he achieved (even he scored 9As out of 12 subjects) but more on his understanding of the lessons taught, his progress, his attitude, his interaction, his participation and effort in class. I felt relief when the teacher explained of how he behaved in class so far, he was good in explaining the science processes to class, bla bla rather than only telling us he scored an A in Science. All in all, alhamdulillah, we are pleased with his progress and positive remarks from the teacher. Really appreciate her input and recommendations for Akid to improve further :)

One thing when dealing with a boy (maybe it's on the other hand, a different experience for other parents), it's quite a challenge to ensure his consistencies in doing his school works without regular reminders. (@nagging to his ears) Penat! Reason being - Distractions!! He always have other "interesting" things to 'play' (yes play is the exact word). Not to say I expect him to study all the time but I really hope he'll be responsible enough, have the courage and focus to improve his studies without others telling him to do so. Mintaklah budak ni sedar, Insyallah. Long way to go, Akid...

I believe it's best to inculcate the correct mindset and attitude in the children to value the importance of education, to love knowledge and putting more effort in their studies. (apart of his computer games, psp, movies and all) Nevertheless, I also believe there should be a balance in life. Not to forget the afterlife. Insyallah.

There is a hadith on the importance of knowledge (ilmu):

Rasulullah s.a.w bersabda yang bermaksud:”Sesiapa yang berkehendakkan dunia maka hendaklah ia berilmu, sesiapa yang berkehendakkan akhirat maka hendaklah ia berilmu dan sesiapa yang berkehendakkan kedua-duanya maka hendaklah ia berilmu.” - Riwayat at-Tirmidzi

* I was sitting facing this blackboard with colourful masks designed by Akid's class while waiting for our turn to see the teacher.

*This is the last week before a week school break. Akid and his classmate call it a "golden" week as there are loads of fun activities in the class such as drawing, painting, acting, etc. 

*During school break, i.e. this Friday insyallah we'll driving up to Saudi for umrah. 

His school's project - History

My son's school project on Victorian Era, which he referred to various websites and wrote based on his understanding and using his own sentences, mostly about the school, children and the toys they are playing with during those time. I find it's very interesting to at least know in general the history of one's country, especially our own. 

Google pix: Queen Victoria 1837-1901

Google pix: Women's dresses during Victorian Era

Victorian Era was a stretch through the reign of Queen Victoria of 1837 to 1901, 64 years of reign which is the longest period in the British history. It was known as a peace and prosperity period, a time of social, political reform and the beginning of modern times. 

~Victorian Era booklet by Akid~

Happy Birthday, Akid :)

Happy Birthday Akid. It was only 10 years ago you were born into this world and it was the greatest gift of all :))

I always pray for your good health, for your success and happiness in this life and hereafter. I also pray that you'll always be a 'soleh' person and May u'll be under ALLAH's blessing & guidance, always...

Mama & Abah love you and always will...

Earlier today, Akid joined us fasting on the Wukuf day despite of his birthday. M so proud of him:) After Maghrib prayer, we went to Chilis to celebrate his 10th birthday. The present will come later, as a surprise! ;)

His school's project

Akid's projects & activities for last week:

1. He brought back some seeds of been sprout and placed it in wet cotton. See how they grew... Well, this is part of his school's science project...

2. He brought back his hand-made 'hand' from his art class & see where he placed it... Always somewhere along with the display stuffs. Kdg2 menyelit jer toys, elok jer dia susun kat mana2 shelves, along with the vases, picture frames, etc, as if they are part of display items... hmmm sometimes I just let it be...

3. He cooked pasta for breakfast on Sunday morning :), of course with my company and guidance...

Do Not Touch

Noticed this 'handmade warning sign ' glued on our bookshelves when I got back from my previous outstation. It came with the translation in Malay which according to Akid, it was meant for bibik so that she will understand what he wrote. I guess warning sign for us for not even trying to mess up with his transformers.... That's funny ;)

Eid Mubarak

Rasanya masih belum terlambat utk mengucapkan Selamat hari raya Aidil fitri tuk semua & maaf zahir batin.

Tahun ini, seperti biasa ikut giliran, kami meraikan raya pertama di Keluang, Johor dimana raya ketiga barulah balik ke Kb. Ramadhan lalu, Akid berjaya berpuasa selama 29 hari. Kerna tak tahan dugaan, dia dgn tanpa rasa bersalah telah membuka puasa pada hari kedua berpuasa.... sabar jer lah... :p

Makanan wajib hari raya di rmh mertua...

Kelongsong ketupat ni kami anyam sendiri tau...;)

Akid & cousins

Sleeping positions

I was browsing the old pictures of Akid & cousins and realized how easy kids can fall asleep, whenever and wherever they like...

Sesuana di dlm kereta tetiba sunyi...

PC yg mengadap dia...

Before, munching biscuits...

After, zzzz

Kaber zero & Minah Karen pengsan hehehe...

Akid & art

Akid brought back his art-work for 2 consecutive weekends. Well, I could see that he was quite clumsy with art. Hmmm is it common for the kids of his age...

school hols

Dah lama gue tak mengajar skill group gue... asyik postpone / cancel. Somehow, I finally managed to squeeze in between my bz schedule to facilitate a level 2 trainning which again held in Awana Kijal... tak kisah la cuti sekolah, if not cuak jugak. Dah la boss suh lari balik on Thurs for ACD prog. Hellooo ingat Kijal tu dekat ker?? Nasib baik dia dgr explaination gue...

So, travelled on Tuesday together with Kak Mas (another subject matter expert from carigali), Akid & maid. Terpaksa angkut Akid sekali, kesian plak cuti2 sekolah terperap kat rumah. Dia pun excited nak ikut... Since dia dah besar so taklah risau sangat. Tp gua dah outlined the Do & Don't list esp. don't go beyond the wading pool, don't go to beach except with me later, etc. etc... Ptg selepas kelas, sempatlah gue pi jln2 menyusuri pantai situ.

Balik from Awana, gue singgah rmh Nik Mad... rindu plak kat kenit tu. So sempatla jln2 kat TC, dinner di Santai lagi... Gue tidur satu malam kt rmh Nik Mad dan drive balik semalam...

Ayyo Monday ni ada COP in Putrajaya, pg tu for the first time gue kena assess org tuk naik grade from E1 to E2... Teringat plak zaman dolu2 assessment gue yg agak kontroversi. Takderla kontroversi apa pun, just that becoz of this one guy...kecoh satu ofis. Bak kata pepatah rumah dah siap, pahat masih berbunyi, lebih kurang ler.. As long as gue di landasan yg betul & gaji gua naik... biarla si luncai ...

Tetiba gue rasa banyak betul kerja gue yg belum siap... weekend pun gue buat kerja ofis, antar email ke ofis, Niz pun camtu...sama2 dpn laptop masing2... Selingan jap, gue singgah di blog ni...

Dugong terdampar di Teluk Cempedak...

Di pantai Awana Kijal

Pejam celik pejam celik...

~Nov 2007~

Akid's 'graduation' day

Happy birthday mama (2 Nov 07)

Cepatnya masa berlalu, tup tap tup tap, we're already in 2008. A lot of things happen either personally or within our surroundings.

This year, Akid goes to a standard one class in a new 'real' school, bye-bye kindergarten. This year too, we're settling down in another place, a new housing area, Prima Saujana. Well sayonara Alam Damai... It had been a lovely place for us, with lots of memories both happy and not so happy moments in our life. We moved in Alam Damai in 2001, I can still remember in 1999 hubby and I travelled all the way from Kuantan (driving), early in the morning to the Alam Damai sales office and returned to Ktn on the same day. At that time we were still young & energetic and we used to travel domestically by car a lot...

Last fasting month, Akid managed to fast for about 15 days. He was just six and he loves food, so fasting was so challenging for him. The first few days of fasting was really a challenge to him even to wait till zuhur, mcm nak mati lah bg dia. After half of the mth, he got his own courage to complete a full day fasting after he promised to fast if I bought him the 'monsters' from Japan:) Yes he really did what he promised.... very impressive... Ragam bebudak masa puasa tak yah citer...mcm2, dgn merengek, melepek, kejap2 bukak peti sejuk, cium food dlm peti... layan jer lah just that kena selalu monitor...

Last year, the public shock of heartless killing of Nurin Jazlin was not yet over but again early 2008, we were stunned by the missing of a little innocent girl, Sharlinie. I remember, it was so sad reading the news about the cruel death of Nurin Jazlin on the flight from Narita to KL last September. As for Sharlinie, hopefully and I pray to Allah she'll be safely returned / found.... I can't imagine if I'm in her mother's shoe....

Again last month, I travelled to Tokyo for the submission of BDP pkg. The Project Manager was away for Hajj, so Lida, Rizal and I were representing on behalf of GTS. It was fun going there without the PM, hehehe. Lida & I went there earlier on Sat nite so that we had some time in preparing ourselves for a meeting on Sun. Approaching winter, the weather there was cold...

~December 2007~

Mount Fuji near Gotemba Factory outlet... too bad tak nampak sgt, dilitupi awan.

Hanya kitaorg jer yg tau, frust tul tak dpt amik gambar ms clear pg tu, sebok nak shopping dulu...

Ginza street before Christmas day, ramai tul manusia...

Siap tutup jalan tuk org ramai bershopping...

Lovely scenery during fall season

@ Imperial garden

Imperial castle