Nik Nur Hannah Kamilah is 14th. today...

Nik Ayman Haniff ~19th. Birthday

Happy 19th. Birthday..Anakanda...All Our Love & Best Wishes Always...

Eid '2009 Seremban

Iftaar at Sheraton Subang @17/9/2009 @ mama's 47th

Ayman almost 5 years old.

Ayman about 2 years old at Zoo Negara

Ayman around 3mths.....He..he..See the frown....

Two Brothers in Arms....

Now Adzrul & Ayman are in Malaysia. Adzrul has start working at Selayang since Nov'09.. Soon it will be almost a year...he is in his 3rd. rotation as a HO now... Ayman has started at KBU since August..we know that it is new to him plus having to care for himself too...But we believe that he will be able to more than just manage as he discovers new things..insyaállah.... I am lucky for support from family and friends...you know who you are..Thanks!!! I hope both of them will be able to meet up more and support each other. Till next we meet....

Eid with Hannah..Azlan..Zayd & Friends...

We went to Ras Tanura last Thursday 10/1/09... It was a beautiful day and we left Dhahran about 2:00pm....onwards to Gee Azmi's house... Ha..ha..since I was os busy eating the wonderful spread.. i forgot to take some photos..especially of the food...

Eid With My Sons...

Eid this year was a first of many.... it was a difficult decision to not be with Azlan on Eid but considering most of my time >99% with him than we consider it is ok for this time... Ayman just started at KBU and although he has 1 week break..Adzrul only got the first day off... Since in Dhahran..we do celebrate eid the whole month due to weekends only and puasa 6... I bought a ticket for me & Zayd to spend Eid with the boys..Azlan&Hannah has already lined up the invitations from the nite before raya onwards..Thanks to wonderful friends who include them in the Eid breakfast...

Although..I did not manage to cook anything at Sg.Serai..but the excitement of the festivities did make us get caught in it..what with the fact that the boys wants to get baju Melayu..so we went a couple of places before finally decided on the ones they had...Adzrul decided not to buy a new one this year since last year he had 2 new ones...Boleh pakai lagi since masa raya je pakai or tengok orang kawen.... Sendiri kawen belum lagi..sibuk memanjang kat hospital tu...

We got caught in the jam..in the rain on the highway..in the parking lots stucked.... blaring of lagu raya everwhere...finding places to buka puasa..and I guess in the short days I was there... We had quite an eventful time.

Nite before raya about 10:30pm decided to drive back to Seremban instead of after Eid prayers.. The highway was clear all the way and we took about just 45mins to reach my dad's house. Infact..the fast lane was mostly unoccupied..I guess everybody was being cautious and taking their time..biarlah dari tak sampai lansung...

As I remember it..the last tiem I spend Eid with family was in 2002...Adzrul was not there coz'his first Eid in Russia...therefore 2001 was when everybody was there...What happens than was..in 2002 Adzrul studied in Russia and 6 years of Eid there..in 2003 I move to Saudi and 6 Eid there...my mom pass away in 2005..my brother got divorced in 2007...and so thats how the clan members moved.... Even as a complete own family..only last year the 6 of us spend Eid together in Dhahran... Next year is again a tough time to get all in one place..but insyaállah from 2011 till 2014/2015...we might get to spend Eid in Malaysia. But Ramadhan in Saudi is the best I say....

In Malaysia for Eid 1430

Looks like Zayd & I will be flying back to Msia for a week to spend Eid with Adzrul & Ayman. Adzrul already got the 1st day of Eid off while Ayman will have the whole week off... so, the 4 of us at least will get to spend the nite before Eid and 1st. day together. It will be a short trip as I will return to Dhahran again on 24/9/09. We will fly Emirates this time from Bahrain as it cost the least to purchase ticket this late. Azlan and Hannah stay back due to commitments to work and auditions. It may not be a good split decision but its what can be done to suit everyone... I wish all 6 of us will be together but than again Azlan just got back from repat and less than 3 weeks to ask for more leaves... rasa macam segan gitu nak mintak cuti lagi... Maybe ada hikmah nya.. So..the ketupat&rendang at home in Dhahran will have to wait till Friday... Raya sebulan he..he..

Looks like I'll be hoarding more kuih raya and maybe lemang's...back to Dhahran..

I am back in Dhahran...

After 2months leave to Malaysia..initially I dread coming back to Dhahran..really..this time around I did not even think about #316 Hofuf Drive..although all my comfort things is here. I put it to having to leave 1 more kid in Malaysia..thinking that it's Ramadhan..mana nak sahur..mana nak berbuka..hati jadi sayu semacam..But like I said to my eldest...since its fated that it is what it is today..we have to make the best of it..sooner or later insyaállah..we might get the chance to be together..and I hope its going to be a bigger together...he..he..for my eldest that is.

Anyway..this time around upon arriving..I do actually miss #316 Hofuf Drive...I still hate having to do all the cleaning and arranging always..but it's also home. Same as #22 Sungai Serai..which is a new empty home..waiting for its occupants come July/August or somewhere in between insyaállah. Coming back to Dhahran..normal activities has hot to continue..its quite easy to fall back into the routine..Hannah & Zayd are back in school...I did not ask much of their work coz' its Ramadhan and timing of sleep and awake is haywire. They might slack back in some homework but hey..they can pick up as best as possible in 3 weeks. I am back at looking into Algebra & Physics to help them..so far so good..I love doing Algebra but don't give me Statistics & Probability..I find it difficult to comprehend..maybe I want a quick and short answer.

Today..I plan to finish my own class homework...class is this Sunday..pick up my brushes again and start painting..doesn't matter if messy or not nice..Azlan says..as long as you are happy.. he..he.. We celebrated our 27th. Anniversary last July...couldn't believe the years..Hope there will be more wonderful years to come..May Allah swt Benefit Our Stay on This earth and make our heart firm to HIS way..amin.

I plan to write somewhat about the long break...but it has got to wait first as I couldnt get all the pictures... Ayman is settled in KBU..currently he stays in the hostel..sharing a room with 2 other people..I hope he will do well in his study...may it be the want that he likes...

It was a wonderful break as we got to drive along T'ganu coast to go to Bachok..Best thing was Adzrul got to spend the whole 5days with us which was rare now he being an HO. Not sure if this will be repeated again..the whole family together..was cautious about the H1N1 scare...was exasperated at the contractor who do the final jobs at Sg.Serai..was sad in leaving 2 kids back..althought they are practically adults..with Adzrul now learning how to sutures the veejayjay..as he is in O&G posting..hmm..hmmm...

Villa Maarof at Sg. Penchala...A Short Stay Haven..

Every summer breaks...finding a place to stay will be my biggest task...It has to be safe..near enough to leave the kids and come back in time of need...almost the comforts of home like especially beds for all bodies..that comes with a good rate...it has a washing machine...a kitchen and utensils provided... In the past...we were hotel hopping since our house was rented out.. the kids like it but its just cramping sometimes.

By chance from FB..I saw the info Zu put out thru a friend's page....It seems that she has just put it up and I am the first to ask... I have been twice to the area so roughly I know its going to work for me because for one important thing...the place is about 30mins from Hospital Selayang where Adzrul is working..he might be able to drop by after work on the days he's not too puffed out..he..he.. and it did works well for my immediate needs... My son can easily come over and spend a few hours with us...masjid dekat...for the boys to just walk over..kedai makan banyak.. ada pasar malam on Wed and pasar tani on Sunday whis are heavily thronged by people.. and access to KL via Penchala LInk is just 15mins or less..nak ke Mid-Valley pun abt 15-20mins... apalagi nak ke iKEA or Curve just 10mins.... It is a sweet location because of all the amenities available....

Plus the host/owner is a great lady...she wants to make sure that whatever needed is available... that our stay will be pleasant..and for my needs..when theres teenagers around...privacy for each is needed..bila2 masam2 muka sama dia berebut or etc...nak basuh clothes ada washing machine Zu provide...this is really a plus for me..she has an iron&iron board too..plus she stock up the kitchen with a stove..pots&pans and basics crockery...Apa nak lagi..macam rumah sendiri... Plus since I stay for about 4weeks...bibik datang juga to mop the floor and clean-up.... Like I say..Zu think of it all in wanting to provide for a good stay... Ada TV juga..my kids were hooraying..sbb dpt tengok Astro....belajar kecek Melayu sikit..tengok drama...kadang tu dok baca sub-title pulak kerje nye...



Zu..I hope we stay friends ye...nasi goreng yg mengancam....masa gambar ni diambil. My good luck.....alhamdulilah kerana dipertemukan dgn insan2 yang baik and memudahkan waktu2 yang dilalui.....

p/s..please click at the title to go to http://villamaarof.blogspot.com to know more.....

My Days in Malaysia

It has now been 17days since we return to Malaysia. Almost everyday was hectic with one thing or another. It did not help when I have to haul the 3 kids along...always..first thing will be to feed everyone than only the other stuffs can be done. The looking around trying to get an idea of prices for the things we need for the Sg.Serai house was the main event..it did not help that I got lost by going into a wrong exit/turns... Then it came to..What do I actually need..that will be sufficient...while the rest can wait to the time when we shall stay there more..not sure permanently but maybe longer. I have settled the AC's & fans which are now being installed. The hacking did not help with the cleanliness of the house too..

Next come the curtains...I decided only full type for the living room and just sheers for the rest since my next door neighbors haven't move in yet..and the front face the road. Only got to watch out for the back windows as the back neighbor house is on higher ground thus they will be looking into the kids room. This will be rectified maybe with some blinds.

The beds were decided instead of just mattresses coz' everybody will need a good sleep and the keepings when we leave will be much easier...Still not sure how but maybe some old bedcovers or throws.. The beds are much cheaper compared to the mattresses..or is it just the type we chose..Thought if I purchase some from IKEA will be cheaper....No..no...no...I did not know where I got that idea. So our price survey trip to IKEA did not amount to anything...except possibly get a round dining table as a temp until we can find when we really need a real dining table probably an 8 or 10 seater...ambik kau...

We got a sofa set for the upstairs family room coz' it comes together with a bed package from Cellini's. So..I decided not to get a sofa set yet for the living room..duduk atas tikar je lah dulu... or maybe some loose pieces seats....

The main thing will be my kitchen...after much contemplation..I decided just to install the wet-kitchen..I thought Ash wood will be lovely..but the kids and my boss thinks dark-wood will be nicer...frm some photos it do look nice...since the flooring is cream 15inch tiles and light moss green on the wall..the Oak-Espresso colored cabinets may be nice. I do not want to go into the choosing of the cabinet materials....I end up getting an Oak wood type instead of laminates.. MDF.. pressed mat..pine..Ash....Insya'allah I hope its a good choice...I still need to get the fridge..hob & hood to be installed..The $$$ seems to be flowing like mud-slide or avalanche.. sorry dearie..

Selamat Menyambut Rejab..Syaaban..Ramadhan

Salaam to all.... as the title says..the month of ramadhan is soon at our doorsteps.. Alhamdulilah if we can get to be in this month again and increase our amal..insyaállah..

In the immediate future..Monday that is.. I will be leaving for Malaysia.. I hope its gonna be a fruitful 2 months.. safe time and happy time....good times with love ones especially Dr. Adzrul.. who is forever busy with hardly free time.. May we will be able to have some quality time.. insyaállah...

To all those vacationing..take care...

Ayman's High School Graduation from Bahrain School.

Monday June 15th was the high school graduation nite for Ayman. It was held in the gulf Hotel Convention Centre..we were there as early as 4:30pm after leaving from Dhahran at about 2:30pm..Luckily KIA's air-cond was running fine thus a smooth cooling journey in the heat of the day outside. Security was high as one of the Crown Prince son is also graduating..This graduation marks the end of attending grade 12 and Ayman has sat for IB as college entrance exam. We will only know the IB results end of 1st week in July '09. This then will chart the route he's to follow for the next 4 years...Just hope that its gonna be the best that it can be for him. Allah swt decision will be made no matter how much we have deal and plans..

He left BISA dorm with goodbyes from some of his mate at about 10:30pm that nite. How time flies..it seems but just a moment ago we send him there. This was a tough year in a way...if not for anybody else..it was for me in facing all the issues with him at school..I wonder if he just want to make a colorful exit..or it happens just because it meant to be as some bumps in our life that we have to get over... Whatever it is my doa's with him always..moga jadi anak yang soleh and berjaya didunia dan akhirat...

Tumeric.....Daun Kunyit

If we are overseas..delicacy using serai, kunyit etc..etc..are something we treasure. Mainly bcos its not readily available..the raw stuffs that is. So..if ada peluang balik Msia barang2 ni lah yg kita pack bw..ber kg2...Simpan dlm freezer.In Saudi where its got too hot..nothing seems to grow. tanam serai pun dah mati kat keluar tu sbb panas...Will try tanam dlm pasu..but if merebak tu yg tak sure how to handle...beli pun Sr1 for a bulb..

So.few months..yes..few months!! back..I bought a couple of fresh tumeric from the Oriental store..feel greedy so beli banyak juga..Use for cooking tak sebanyak mana pun so..some I freeze and about 2 bulbs..cucuk je dlm tanah of my indoor plant basket. Well..did not pay much attenionuntil this morning I spied some shoots coming out long..wah..tumbuh juga..cepat2 ambik air and siram...

Tumeric or kunyit is good to generate blood or heal wounds...So..after delivery for 3 days..I'm not sure why just 3 my arwah mother ask to do..take ibu kunyit the size of your thumb..or bigger..grinds or parut to take its juice..mmg sikit abt 2 tbsp je..but good enough and drink it. It taste better actually than ginger juice where it'll burn your tongue and throat. tak boleh makan lebih as its gonna dry you up..Huh..?? Old wife tales but something not to ignore. Modern medicines has also found that tumeric is good for cancer prevention?? Its now being used as mixed in many medicines...

Soccer Nite & Farewell

The players from KLL posing before start of game.
Another pre-game group photo
Our youngest member - Aqila Qistina

Call of Isya' prayers

Eliyeen

Cutie Pie..Ehsan

Iman, Aida, Izzah, Ikhwan,Imran, Izzah

Only some of the foods...

Most families turn up at the field near Riyal Road..Aramco. We have Azmi's family from Ras Tanura..ustaz Lah & Shamsul family from Dammam.. The rest were the fun-loving family in Aramco..he..he..it doesn't matter some turn up late and we got wet right before leaving because the sprinkler was turn on at 10:00pm promptly....

We had cendol by Za and also Nor....syawarma from Azizi & Ita....fruits from Ifah & Mat Shah.. Nasi Beriani brought by Faridah...KFC brought by Su&Razali..cakes & sweets by Izan.. Ustazah.. Gee..Su..Elisa...Dali..and other ummis... Love the keropok belinjau with sambal kicap pedas by Ana..yummy..Most important of all..just come and have fun doesn't matter what was brought coz'your presence were important..There were plenty of food to go round and even pack for next day breakfast..or lunches..he..he..he.. That's actually what counts...

The kids had fun and so were the daddys...Azlan said Yahya&Izzat combination were brutal to yea ol ' uncles... Sweats and huffing and puffing..but great time...Only..next time we start early so that we can meet the 10:00pm cut-off and let the baiýa go back on time..

Half Moon Bay ~Sunfish Beach

It was a sandstormy day last Thursday in Dhahran....I took quite a awhile to decide against bringing the BBQ stuffs...because sand would have settled on it if the winds still blow that bad. Finally decided on nasi lemak and watermelons and some drinks... Hannah had went earlier to camp-out...so by the time we reach the beach she has completed a few rounds...

Anyway...its interesting to look at the gears and how the set-up...There were quite a number of girls got stung by jellyfish...It will sting real bad an dto overcome the pain its either pouring vinegar or to pee on it.. Ha..ha...the girls chose to put vinegar instead..

The tanks were heavy...see how the girls had to bend down to carry it to the water and how Azlan took quite a force to lift them up... It was a fun day as they tried out some board sailing too.. But it was really..really..hot plus with the sand and all..The salt water can be felt against the lips and the grainy taste...