What a week ! I am so emotionally drained today! Well, I DID cry quite a bit. Some days it's not easy being a parent.
Let me take you through the long process that led me here.
Algamdulillah we decided we wanted DD to study the Quran full time. Though a simple enough decision, we had a few things to decide mainly WHEN. After chatting to NUMEROUS people this was our conclusion : she starts next year and includes academic studies. There aren't many places that offer it. Dh spoke to a few sheikhs and concluded that I do the academic syllabus and get a tutor for the Quran lessons. Everything was gong well. (Remember my post about BIG changes in our family ? ) She'd complete the rest of the year and I'd get a curriculum and find a tutor etc.
And then .... then the darn swine came ! H1N1 hit the school and we decided to keep her home. Personally I think DH enjoyed not having to travel to the school in the morning and battle with traffic back to work, and announced that we should keep her at home and start the program now. I was unsettled. I wasn't ready and felt confused. I don't like sudden changes that change almost everything! It has been an odd 10 days, one day I want her back at school and he doesn't, then he says ok she goes back and then I realise his point and decide to keep her. In all of this SHE was very confused! And THAT was the worst feeling for me ! She missed her classmates and even though she wanted this, she didn't know how to get both.
When making this decision, I thought the hardest thing I'd have to face is our parents, but after dealing with my, DD, and Dh's emotions, dealing with my dad was easy!
By this morning I was still unsure. Yes we had decided to keep her home and there seemed to be hurdles in the path - like with any decision. We decided to contact the school - Aasiyah had a few things there and wanted to collect them. I think I was more emotional than her. We chatted to the teachers and a few of her classmates, but she was great. She seemed to have found her contentment with the decision Algamdulillah.
Someone commented recently : what can we learn from children ? We can learn about LIFE in it's purest form!
May Allah guide us on this path. May our intentions stay pure and solely to win His pleasure. Aameen.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Some more advertising
OK, so I know I said I probably won't be blogging before Ramadaan, but things change. Like the outbreak of H1N1 at DD's school. If that was a test of faith, I failed - I very quickly opted to keep her home rather. Having a healthy kid at home for a few days is better than a sick kid for 2 weeks!
But that's another story - my house cleaning saga continues!
I thought I had settled on good enough, but I suppose after a few weeks of the same dust bunnies hoping around my house, I got fed up. So I got rid of yet another domestic worker. I decided to commit to an agency - yes it's more pricey, but definitely value for money!
Nadia, has her own agency called The Dream Team. If you want her number you'll have to mail me. Today was the second time I had one of her cleaners at my house, my home is "show house" quality clean!
Now let me give you an idea of all previous workers. On day one at my house they complete ALL tasks around 5pm. After a few weeks they slowly drop to 3pm and then 2pm. I'm a get-done-and-leave kinda employer. The Dream team, worked from 8:15 to 12:15 just in the bedrooms ! She left at 6pm and that didn't include ironing! She was THAT thorough! She is the FLYLADY!! She did everything that I would spread out over weeks - like wiping down walls, and dusting door frames!
Basically, even at this rate, if she slacked, it would still be an outstanding clean!
Algamdulillah
But that's another story - my house cleaning saga continues!
I thought I had settled on good enough, but I suppose after a few weeks of the same dust bunnies hoping around my house, I got fed up. So I got rid of yet another domestic worker. I decided to commit to an agency - yes it's more pricey, but definitely value for money!
Nadia, has her own agency called The Dream Team. If you want her number you'll have to mail me. Today was the second time I had one of her cleaners at my house, my home is "show house" quality clean!
Now let me give you an idea of all previous workers. On day one at my house they complete ALL tasks around 5pm. After a few weeks they slowly drop to 3pm and then 2pm. I'm a get-done-and-leave kinda employer. The Dream team, worked from 8:15 to 12:15 just in the bedrooms ! She left at 6pm and that didn't include ironing! She was THAT thorough! She is the FLYLADY!! She did everything that I would spread out over weeks - like wiping down walls, and dusting door frames!
Basically, even at this rate, if she slacked, it would still be an outstanding clean!
Algamdulillah
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
More Nostalgia
We spent the weekend at Leopard Trail. It's a farm just outside Bonnievale, near Robertson. A little more than 2 hours outside of Cape Town. We stayed in a 6 bedroom house and it was HUGE! After getting lost and confused, I eventually drew a map to get my head around what was going on. The house was built in the 1930's around the same time as my home, so there were many similarities with regards to the old feel of the house. The difference being that THIS house, had the furniture too! The kitchen , which is generally the heart of the home, was the most nostalgic for us. The old style kitchen table and chairs - fake wood look with metal structure. We competed in whose granny had that set in their house! The classic wooden display cabinet with sliding glass - very cottage style. And of course all wood has been painted! But this picture/photo of vegetables was the draw card for us - we stood staring at it as if it was a Rembrandt ! It looked familiar, but I couldn't place where I had seen it. But not just seen it - knew it, grew up with it. It was part of my history. Undecided whether it was my granny's place or auntie or a local corner shop, after further discussion, it seems EVERYONE had a relative with that picture up in their house! So it might just be that.
So we are at this farm, and they have farm animals and fruit trees. Fruit being one of their main produce, as well as milk. So on arrival we received a jug of FRESH cow milk! We were all a bit hesitant at first. The idea seemed as odd as drinking milk from a cat! Eventually I gave in and decided to take a gulp (with my nose closed and trying not to focus on the cream layer on top or fat content) - what a moment! It was like a taste bud flash back ! THIS is what milk tastes like ! I know this taste! My fat free version is but cream/white water in comparison. I indulged the first day int his gift of Allah, surely something so tasty could not be harmful. But after a mug full the next morning, guilt and fake heart pains made me "versak". I look forward to the days when I can indulge in the rivers of milk and honey.
We did our trip to town and found the dairy factory shop so got our stock of cheeeeeeeese, milk (fat free) and ice cream. A quick detour to a farmers market then back to the farm in time to see the cows being milked. The kids LOVED it! I think the best part was seeing calves. They are gorgeous! DS was fascinated by everything; tongues, licking, cows, milk. And he smelled like it too!
We haven't been 4x4ing a while, so we had to squeeze it in for old times sake. The route was basic. A few slopes here and there, but nothing a Toyota can't handle. Had the path been wet or the river full, it might have been more interesting. But all in all I think we have out grown "because we can" and are more at "to get where we need to go". To me doing rough routes is simply the way to explore what we need to.
3 dams on the farm, made for a fun afternoon for the kids. There were boats, canoes and mud - so I think it catered for all ages ;-)
So what's my review? I'd make this a permanent holiday house !
The size was perfect for all of us and there was plenty to entertain the kids.
The campsite didn't look too bad. The shower works with a donkey, and I've never been a fan of that. But the shade, dams and lapa could make it a great spot if not crowded.
(I wanted to post a few pics but I changed my operating system and having issues with uploading. Sorry)
So we are at this farm, and they have farm animals and fruit trees. Fruit being one of their main produce, as well as milk. So on arrival we received a jug of FRESH cow milk! We were all a bit hesitant at first. The idea seemed as odd as drinking milk from a cat! Eventually I gave in and decided to take a gulp (with my nose closed and trying not to focus on the cream layer on top or fat content) - what a moment! It was like a taste bud flash back ! THIS is what milk tastes like ! I know this taste! My fat free version is but cream/white water in comparison. I indulged the first day int his gift of Allah, surely something so tasty could not be harmful. But after a mug full the next morning, guilt and fake heart pains made me "versak". I look forward to the days when I can indulge in the rivers of milk and honey.
We did our trip to town and found the dairy factory shop so got our stock of cheeeeeeeese, milk (fat free) and ice cream. A quick detour to a farmers market then back to the farm in time to see the cows being milked. The kids LOVED it! I think the best part was seeing calves. They are gorgeous! DS was fascinated by everything; tongues, licking, cows, milk. And he smelled like it too!
We haven't been 4x4ing a while, so we had to squeeze it in for old times sake. The route was basic. A few slopes here and there, but nothing a Toyota can't handle. Had the path been wet or the river full, it might have been more interesting. But all in all I think we have out grown "because we can" and are more at "to get where we need to go". To me doing rough routes is simply the way to explore what we need to.
3 dams on the farm, made for a fun afternoon for the kids. There were boats, canoes and mud - so I think it catered for all ages ;-)
So what's my review? I'd make this a permanent holiday house !
The size was perfect for all of us and there was plenty to entertain the kids.
The campsite didn't look too bad. The shower works with a donkey, and I've never been a fan of that. But the shade, dams and lapa could make it a great spot if not crowded.
(I wanted to post a few pics but I changed my operating system and having issues with uploading. Sorry)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Mosaics and 3D pictures
Do you recall a few years ago (ok, maybe more than a few, perhaps more than 10 years ago), Cardies and Get Graphic sold these 3D pictures. You had to stare at them and relax your eyes before you saw the picture.
Do you know those moments in your life where everything seems like an odd piece of a puzzle that doesn't fit and then a little while (or alot depending on the number of pieces in your puzzle) you stand back and you see the picture that the pieces made, like a mosaic.
Tonight, in the still and quiet of the night I had such a moment. A moment of mental peace, which allowed me to relax my eyes, to stand back and view the picture.
The past few months have felt odd, like disjointed bits of a 3D puzzle! I felt completely out of sorts with my life. But the gale wind that blew my life upside down, was not without purpose. Sometimes it needs to be that strong, to fight against my stubborn nature, or to guide to a new, better path, or to take us off the course we are heading. Either way, when it blows, just relax your eyes and let go. Let it take you where you need to go. I stumbled across a few rocks for support, some where used just to get my balance, others were like ropes guiding me, supporting me when I needed it Algamdulillah. But ultimately it's to prepare me for a new path. Insha'Allah a better path.
Do you know those moments in your life where everything seems like an odd piece of a puzzle that doesn't fit and then a little while (or alot depending on the number of pieces in your puzzle) you stand back and you see the picture that the pieces made, like a mosaic.
Tonight, in the still and quiet of the night I had such a moment. A moment of mental peace, which allowed me to relax my eyes, to stand back and view the picture.
The past few months have felt odd, like disjointed bits of a 3D puzzle! I felt completely out of sorts with my life. But the gale wind that blew my life upside down, was not without purpose. Sometimes it needs to be that strong, to fight against my stubborn nature, or to guide to a new, better path, or to take us off the course we are heading. Either way, when it blows, just relax your eyes and let go. Let it take you where you need to go. I stumbled across a few rocks for support, some where used just to get my balance, others were like ropes guiding me, supporting me when I needed it Algamdulillah. But ultimately it's to prepare me for a new path. Insha'Allah a better path.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Welcome August !
As'salaam'alaykum!
Hello to Dublin, Brunei, Blackburn and Uitenhage! Hello to all the others as well - who are you ? Say hello ! Uitenhage, do I know you ?
So I had a good weekend Algamdulillah.
It started when I received my new Monasib tracksuit. It's so pretty and comfy. I had just about given up buying clothing from a store as I am not an amoeba or reptile that could slink into clothing ! But THIS, fit me like a glove !! The pants, was not too tight at the thighs, not a hipster and didn't have to be shortened at the bottom!! So I look forward to saving my money and getting more items from Monasib Insha'Allah. It is an online store, so please support her if you can.
Saturday morning, dressed in my tracksuit I joined the 2nd part of the Spiritual Retreat in preparation for Ramadaan. I wasn't there long but managed to extract alot. I made some wonderful connections with wonderful ladies. Though I didn't participate much in the Ramadaan planning, it was good to just be able to voice my intentions and make it "real". See Quran Surah 2 verse 183 - 185.
We also did a pilates class with a physio. I had done MANY pilates classes but this one was one of the best ! I have never felt my muscles working and had so much pain after!
Today was special - DH and I had a date ! We attended IRF fundraiser. It always feels so odd being out without the kids. Riaad Moosa was hysterical as the MC and Zain Bhika was truly amazing to listen to. The drummer on the duff (?) was very good - reminds me to look into Drumming as an extra-mural ! But the highlight moment for me was when 5 orphan girls came out and sand "My mum is amazing!" From the moment I heard what song it was, I felt teary - by the time the song ended the tears just ran down my cheeks!
I doubt I'll be blogging for a while - I hope to make the most out of every moment in Ramadaan Insha'Allah.
I wish you all a good month, may your taqwa and imaan increase and may you sustain it afterwards Insha'Allah
Hello to Dublin, Brunei, Blackburn and Uitenhage! Hello to all the others as well - who are you ? Say hello ! Uitenhage, do I know you ?
So I had a good weekend Algamdulillah.
It started when I received my new Monasib tracksuit. It's so pretty and comfy. I had just about given up buying clothing from a store as I am not an amoeba or reptile that could slink into clothing ! But THIS, fit me like a glove !! The pants, was not too tight at the thighs, not a hipster and didn't have to be shortened at the bottom!! So I look forward to saving my money and getting more items from Monasib Insha'Allah. It is an online store, so please support her if you can.
Saturday morning, dressed in my tracksuit I joined the 2nd part of the Spiritual Retreat in preparation for Ramadaan. I wasn't there long but managed to extract alot. I made some wonderful connections with wonderful ladies. Though I didn't participate much in the Ramadaan planning, it was good to just be able to voice my intentions and make it "real". See Quran Surah 2 verse 183 - 185.
We also did a pilates class with a physio. I had done MANY pilates classes but this one was one of the best ! I have never felt my muscles working and had so much pain after!
Today was special - DH and I had a date ! We attended IRF fundraiser. It always feels so odd being out without the kids. Riaad Moosa was hysterical as the MC and Zain Bhika was truly amazing to listen to. The drummer on the duff (?) was very good - reminds me to look into Drumming as an extra-mural ! But the highlight moment for me was when 5 orphan girls came out and sand "My mum is amazing!" From the moment I heard what song it was, I felt teary - by the time the song ended the tears just ran down my cheeks!
I doubt I'll be blogging for a while - I hope to make the most out of every moment in Ramadaan Insha'Allah.
I wish you all a good month, may your taqwa and imaan increase and may you sustain it afterwards Insha'Allah
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