Allah Owns Everything

Dear Diary,

Our children are only ever lent to us.

We never know just how long we will be able to keep them for.

So kiss them, cuddle them, praise them and hold them tightly.

But most of all... tell them you LOVE them EVERYDAY.

Quoted from Islam For Kids' Facebook

My Only Daughter is 6 Today

Dear Diary,

A birthday wish to my princess - NUR ZARRA ZULAIKA

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAYANG

I am very blessed to have you in my life. You're such an angel always trying your best to please everybody. You're an obedient, brave, helpful and reliable daughter. You set a good example to your little brother. You fancy everything beautiful. You love make-up, books and swimming.

My prayers are with you always and forever. May you have a wonderful life, may you grow into being a solehah muslimah, may success be with you in every step of the way.

I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART

Cycle of Life

Dear Diary,

My dear girl, the day you see I'm getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I'm going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don't interrupt to say: "You said the same thing a minute ago" ... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.

When I don't want to take a bath, don't be mad and don't embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl?

When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don't look at me that way ... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life's issue every day ... the day you see I'm getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I'm going through.

If I occasionally lose track of what we're talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can't, don't be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you.

And when my old, tired legs don't let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don't feel sad ... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I'll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I've always had for you, I just want to say, I love you ... my darling daughter.

Original text in Spanish and photo by Guillermo Pena.

Translation to English by Sergio Cadena.

Source: AARP's Facebook

Uchisar Castle & Pigeon Valley, Cappadocia, Turkey, Nov 2012

Dear Diary,

Lepaih bepinau mata dan telan ayaq liuq tengok carpet cantik-cantik, we left Golden Yarn Carpet empty handed. Before arriving at our next destination, we made a photo stop at Uchisar Castle and Pigeon Valley. Yes, a short stop just for taking pictures. Upon looking at the splendid geographical surroundings, I can understand why the photo stop was included in our itinerary. The view is absolutely unique!!

Uchisar Castle

Uchisar Castle, a natural rock castle, is the highest point of Cappadocia region. From the internet, I found out that visitors can hike all the way up to Uchisar Castle and be rewarded with amazing vista of the region (which includes Mount Erciyes, Hasan Moutains, Pigeon Valley, Goreme town, etc).

Dovecotes carved into rocks

Pigeon Valley earned its name from thousands of pigeon houses (dovecotes) that can be seen everywhere. The dovecotes, from which farmers collect dung to be used as fertilizers, are carved into rock dwellings.

 

Apart from the unique view, my kids also got to experience posing on a camel's hump. It all started with Zarra. She was very eager to climb and sit on the camel. We obliged with her request. Her siblings on the other hand refused to join her in the beginning but had change of hearts in the end.

For shoppers, there is a row of souvenir shops lining the roadside for their conveniences.

Sources: www.goreme.com, www.newgoreme.com

Kids Enjoying Themselves

Dear Diary,

My three darlings having a blast at Double Tree by Hilton, Avanos - Cappadocia

in our room...

at the pool...

at breakfast...

Kids at Sunway Pyramid

Dear Diary,

Some pictures of the kids during an outing to Sunway Pyramid last November...

Happy 5th Birthday, Zarra!

Dear Diary,

Today, 26 March 2013 is my daughter’s 5^th birthday. Nur Zarra Zulaika which means cahaya kilauan yang menawan is truly a light that shines in our life. You’re such an easy child to raise, forever obedient and helpful. Sure, you have your tantrums but they are few and far in between. Even you’re not in your good mood, you’re easily coaxed to soothe your outburst.

Words that come out from your mouth belies your age. You always ask questions that amaze us. Go on dear, develop your critical thinking.

You’re a picky eater who prefers bread and cereals to rice. Nonetheless, you love nasi lemak but without all the condiments and side dishes, just enough with a sunny side up egg.

Happy birthday, my princess! May Allah grants all your wishes and may happiness be yours always. May you grow to be a solehah lady.

Boria Kakak & Adik

Dear Diary,

As long as I can remember, I've never dressed my children with similar looking outfits. So, I found it interesting when I realized that both Zarra and Irfan were wearing white shirts with red pants. Though the clothes are not exactly the same but they looked similar.

Without wasting any minute, I grabbed my camera and began clicking away. Both of them were more than happy to pose for me.

Her First Crush

Dear Diary,

Coming back from school everyday, Zarra will be telling me about her day at school. On one particular day, her stories focused more on two boys, Nabil and Haziq arguing about something. After ending her story, out of nowhere she confessed to me, “Mama, Zarra cinta la kat Nabil.”

I burst into big laughs. Seeing her innocent face, I just couldn’t help laughing. Then, I asked her about this big crush of her. Anak dara sorang ni umur baru 5 tahun dah pandai minat-minat orang ye.

So, at the moment Nabil makes her day and no more cinta kat Randy Pangalila. She used to be so angau towards the Indonesian actor. By the way, when Zarra says cinta, what she really means is like not love.

Singing Their Hearts Out

Dear Diary,

Apa saja si kakak buat, si adik pasti ikut buat sama.

Elok sangat la tu. Sorang menyanyi pegang sudu, sorang lagi menyanyi pegang botol sos.

Menyanyi bersungguh-sungguh pulak tu!

2 Siblings

Dear Diary,

This is an entry about these two wonderful kids. They're close. In fact, Irfan is closer to Zarra compared to Imran. Maybe this is due to 2 years age gap between them compared to 4 and 6 years age gap between them and their eldest brother.

The first thing Irfan asks every morning as soon as he wakes up is his sister. "Kakak mana?" In whatever situation, Irfan surely remembers his sister. They play together. Of course, they quarrel too. Zarra is more considerate towards Irfan and can tolerate him better than Imran. In short, sayang benar la Irfan kat kakak dia and it shows.

Going to Kindergarten

Dear Diary,

Come this March, Zarra will be 5 years old. We think that she’s ready to start kindergarten. We enrolled her at Tadika Alya Az-Zahrah. It is under the same management with Imran’s school. In fact, both are located in the same building which makes it easier for us as well. Imran can keep an eye on his sister. Zarra’s session starts at the same time as Imran, 8am but ends at 12pm.

Since this is her first experience going to a school, I’ve been preparing her mentally since last December. I’ve been telling her about school, teachers, friends, etc and also about being independent in school. Both Hubby and I thought Zarra will have no problem at all because among the three, Zarra shows more interest in books and learning.

Zarra’s first day was smooth sailing. We arrived at the kindergarten about 15 minutes before 8am; so we took the time to familiarize her with her new surroundings. All her teachers are warm and friendly, and most importantly child-friendly. They know how to tackle young kids.

After saying goodbyes, we just left her there. No waiting, no looking from afar like we did with Imran. Alhamdulillah, she survived the first day without a glitch. When we fetched her in the afternoon, she was all smiling and happy to see us.

Well, the second day until the second week of schooling was totally another story. She cried each time Hubby dropped her off in the morning. Every night too she’d tell me that she didn’t want to go to school. One day she even imploringly asked me why she cannot stay at home with me anymore like she used to. She said she loves me, wants to keep me company at home and looks after her little brother.

Though I know she’s going through separation anxiety, it still broke my heart seeing her like that. I patiently reasoned with her. Alhamdulillah, towards the end of second week, she didn’t cry anymore. Now, she’s eager to go to school and play with her new friends.

Moga Allah terangkan hati Zarra untuk mencintai dan menerima ilmu dunia dan akhirat.

Kita Minum Dulu

Dear Diary,

These pictures were taken during our first visit to Paradigm Mall. I uploaded them here just for Zarra.

Kenangan Zarra minum susu botol

Ice Skating

Dear Diary,

Each time we go to Abah's restaurant in Sunway Pyramid, we would pass by Sunway Pyramid Ice skating rink. And each time too Imran and Zarra would request to try the sports. Somehow we never fulfill their requests thinking that they’re just not ready for it. Someday, we persuade them.

That someday finally arrived when my sister in law treated them to a few rounds of ice skating.  Imran chickened out. Only Zarra dared to accept the challenge.

Though she was scared and cried halfway through the rounds, I applaud her courage to try new things. That’s the spirit baby - dare to fail! Keep it and you’ll be just fine.

Meeting A Famous Character

Dear Diary,

On our way to Bubba Gump Shrimp & Co for our early dinner, we "stumbled" upon one famous Japanese cartoon character - DORAEMON.

Without wasting any time, I took out my camera and asked my willing models to pose for me.

When They're In Good Mood

Dear Diary,

When they're in good mood, they can be very helpful.

Berebut-rebut nak tolong Mama.

They'll offer their help without the need for me to ask for it.