To Go Bags

This is my 1st sewing project. I made a lunch and medium bag. Fabrics by Amy Butler. They are very pretty. I love Amy Butler, Alexander Henry and Micheal Miller fabrics. I love making bags...will do other type of bags in future. My dream now is to put my handmade bags on Etsy one day....InsyaAllah.

My 2nd project is coming soon. Will post once it's done :).

Click here to view these pictures larger

Camp Mendocino

Last Friday, my family and I went camping with other Muslims from the center that we always go to for prayers. This was our 7th Annual Camping trip. This year we went to Camp Mendocino. It's north of San Francisco and it's about 3 1/2 hours drive from my house. It was such a lovely camp ground. Besides the camp ground, it has a railroad track. The trains goes from Willits - Northspur - Fort Bragg. There's also a river where you can swim and kayaking. They had a photo contest and I won 3rd place :). We really enjoyed the camp. Can't wait to go again in September.

Field Trip

Yesterday, my son's class and other kindergartners class went to Hidden Villa Farm for their field trip. I went with them too coz I was their chaperone. At that farm, they have veges, fruits and herbs garden. They also have animals such as chickens, cows, goats, sheep and pinky. It was a great educational trip and they had lots of fun playing, learning, tasting veges and petting those animals.

The farm is open to public and they have lots of programs for kids and adults. Can view more about the farm here : http://www.hiddenvilla.org

2's Class

Yesterday was Ruqayya's last day of 2's class for year 2008/2009. She really had fun and every week she look forward to attend the class. I still remember the 1st time she attended the class. She was very shy and didn't want to talk to her teacher and play with other kids. Now, she loves to play, talk and not shy anymore. Thank you Ms. Mina for making the class so interesting and fun. Ruqayya and I will definitely miss her and the class.

Art time

her fav time was playing dress up :D

They had fun playing with water

Ruqayya & Ms. Mina

Spring Program

Yesterday, at my son's school they had a Spring Program. The school is not big...so, they can't do all the shows on the same day. My son's class had to sing 10 songs and also they had to memorize some lines given to them by their teachers. Very impressed and proud of them coz they can sing all 10 songs and memorized their lines by heart. Thanks to their teachers for making it great! Well done Ms. Reuwsaat and Mrs. Moulden!!

Got tag!

This award was given to me by Aishah...thanks.

Now, I'm not sure who to tag. Don't want to tag anybody bolehkan Aishah? Just wanna have fun.

Then I had to find the 6th pic in the 6th pic folder...so, I got this. This is my elder son. His name is Ali Ridha. He was 2 yrs 4 months when the pic was taken. It's our 1st camping trip in the woods at Big Sur, National Park. We love outdoor activities.

It's here!

Ok, the other day I was telling that I might get the Brother CS-6000i. So, it arrived to me last week. The machine is very nice and can do embroideries too. So far...I love it. I already sewed 2 pillow cases. I have few projects in mind but will post it once they're finish :). BTW, this is a Mother's Day gift from hubby....thanks so much, B....love ya!

Happy Mother's Day

To all mums out there...I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Mother's Day! Especially to my mum & my mother in-law....you guys are the best and love you all so much. I didn't do anything special on Mother's Day....hubby took us for dinner and nothing fancy...but I love it coz I celebrated it with family. I'm very proud to be a mother.

Happy Birthday, Mama!

Today is my mom's 61th birthday. Happy Birthday, mama and we love you so much! Semoga dipanjangkan umur, dimurahkan rezeki and may Allah bless you always. Miss her badly. It has been 9 years I didn't celebrate with her.... :'(( Wish I'm with her right now.

Sewing Machines

Thinking of getting one of these machine. Maybe will get the CS-6000i. It has lots of positive reviews...hopefully it'll do what I'm looking for. The other 2 are out of my hubby's budget.

CS-6000i

PC 420PRW - New Ltd Edition

Innov-is 80 - Limited Edition

Thanks Mye for the award!

Ruqayya's 1st Dentist Visit

Yesterday was my girl 1st dentist visit for her teeth check up. At first, she was kinda scared to sit by herself...then after the nurse scanned her teeth....she was fine sitting alone. I was so proud of her coz she didn't cry the whole time we were there. Alhamdulillah to hear that her teeth are free from cavities :).

The nurse asking her to bite on the white thing

Waiting for the nurse to clean her teeth

Dr. Fridgen's turn to check her teeth

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Last week my kids had a spring break for a week. So, we decided to take them to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom this time round. Never been there before...so, kinda excited for all of us. We had so much fun. They have Thomas Town, Loony Tunes Seaport, Tava's Jungeland, roller coaster rides, Elephants, Tiger, Sharks, Penguins, Camels, Dolphins, Whale and Sea Lions show.

Thomas Town

Thomas the tank engine

Tidmouth Shed

Hubby and kids in front of Knapford Station

Bugs Bunny bed

Sea Lions show

Dolphins show

Boomerang Coast to Coaster

Science Fair

Last Wednesday (3/25/09), my son's school had a Science Fair. Their class project was 'Sink or Float Experiment'. I was so proud of him and his friends. The purpose was to find which objects will sink and which objects will float. So, they chose 7 objects such as ping pong ball, golf ball, penny, plastic spoon, pencil, spool and paper clip. Then they had to fill the clear plastic tub with water. After that, they dropped 1 object at a time into the tub and they observed & recorded which object will sink or float. So, the conclusion was all things are made of matter. The objects with more air will float and the objects with more matter and less air will sink.

Earth Hour

What is Earth Hour

Earth Hour is an annual international event created by the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature/World Wildlife Fund), held on the last Saturday of March, that asks households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change. It was pioneered by WWF Australia and the Sydney Morning Herald in 2007,^[1] and achieved worldwide participation in 2008.

Earth Hour will next take place on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8:30 - 9:30 pm, local time.

Why Should I Vote Earth?

This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming. For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009. This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

Celebrating Earth Hour as a Family

But as much as Earth Hour is a global event, it is also an event for the family. Here are 11 ways to get kids involved and engaged year-round in climate change:

1. Make a plan: Use this year’s Earth Hour to discuss what your family can do year-round to take action for the planet, like turning off the lights when no one is in the room and using cold water to wash your clothes. Engage your children in conversation and have them come up with their own ways to save energy, limit waste and make a positive impact on the environment. For ideas visit TheGoodLife.wwf.ca.

2. Community involvement: What Earth Hour events are taking place in your community? Already more than 100 cities and municipalities across Canada have signed on to take part in Earth Hour. Find or post other events taking place in your community where you and your children can get involved. Feeling part of a community with purpose will prompt your kids to start seeking out opportunities and get involved on their own.

3. Plant the seed: Help your children plant an indoor spice garden. Not only is this a great way to produce home grown herbs and add flavour to your meals, it also reduces food miles associated with buying food at a grocery store that may have been shipped from thousands of miles away.

4. Candle-lit games night: What a great time to get out the board games or play a game of flashlight tag. Get the family gathered for some old fashioned quality time to remind your children that games can be played without a computer or TV screen and that fun can be had with mom or dad.

5. Take a tour: Explore your neighborhood and travel around the city using fun and smart means of transportation - walk, bike, skateboard, scooter, or take the bus and show your kids that travel can be fun and sometimes faster when you leave your car at home.

6. Smart shopping: Provide some hands on education with a shopping trip that includes a list to start, so that you stick to the purchases you need and let your children help find the smart alternatives like environmentally friendly cleaners, energy saving light bulbs and recycled products – and don’t forget to bring your reusable bag.

7. Scavenge and save: Set up a scavenger hunt in and around your house to mark off areas where energy can be saved. Place flags or stickers in spots where appliances or computers can be unplugged and lights turned off, highlighting the spots where they can make a difference.

8. Breakdown the buzz words: Talk about the meaning behind commonly used terms like climate change, carbon foot print, eco-friendly and global warming. Sometimes words get thrown around and are not actually explained keeping youth from getting inspired and involved.

9. Do the math: Calculate the ways you can save energy in and around your home and use comparisons to help your children understand the impact they can have – not only on the household bills but on the environment as a whole. Explain the savings and benefits that result from every step they take to reduce the use of energy. To determine the actual greenhouse gas savings associated with specific action visitTheGoodLife.wwf.ca.

10. Answer the call of the wild: Take this opportunity to look at other threats to our environment. Talk to your children about endangered animals and what is threatening their survival. Together you can brainstorm unique ways to help and learn what organizations such as WWF-Canada are doing to aid species at risk.

11. Family Feud: Nothing like pitting mom against dad and brother against sister in some light-hearted competition to get inspired! Healthy competition, whether it’s tracking and comparing the carbon foot print of each household member or creating a family challenge get your household charged, can make saving energy a sport where everyone can win!

Bumps & Mums Weekend

MBW (Malaysian Babywearers) has been invited to be part of the event for the Bumps & Mums Weekend at Bangsar Vilage, Kuala Lumpur. Come and join the fun! Many thanks and gratitude to Joanne of Littlepods :)

The event is over 2 days (4th & 5th April) but MBW will only be there on the 4th April 2009. Our slot is from 2.30pm-4.30pm where we will be introducing people to babywearing and MBW and our role in the society in promoting babywearing. There will be a babywearing show.

SF Zoo

It was very nice sunny day today. So, we decided to go out and spent the beautiful weather at the SF Zoo with the kids. A lot of people at the zoo coz of the weather. It had been raining for the past 5 days. Only today the sun decided to come out. Thank you Mr. Sun :). We love the petting zoo coz we can feed the goats and sheeps. They are very friendly and always hungry...hehe.

petting zoo

Tag : Mummy's story survey

I got tag on FB. Here you go mommies - a different kind of survey for a change - it's all about your first (or only) born! Just copy and paste it in a new note for yourself! If I sent it to you, it means I want to hear your story.

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED?
Nope.

2. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS?
Excited, happy and proud

3. HOW OLD WERE YOU?
Aged 27

4. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT?
Felt nauseous and dizziness

5. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST?
My hubby

6. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX?
Yes

7. DUE DATE?
Jan 29, 2003

8. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN?
Feb 7, 2003

9. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH?
8 lbs = 3.6kg

10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS?
Yes. Morning and evening. Lasted for 5 months

11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE?
Nothing

12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST?
Nothing

13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX?
Boy

14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING?
Nope

15. HOW MANY KG DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY?
20kg

16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER?
Nope

17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW?
No

18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY?
Alhamdulillah...no

19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH?
Kaiser Medical, Santa Clara, CA

20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR?
5 hrs

21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL?
Me. My in-laws were in the car with me too but my father in-law didn't know the road. My hubby were still in the office.

22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH?
Doctor, nurse, hubby & mother in-law

23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION?
Alhamdulillah 100% normal delivery.

24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN?
Epidural

25. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER?
Ali Ridha

26.WHAT WAS YOUR 2ND CHOICE NAME OR YOUR OPPOSITE GENDER NAME?
Boy : Ali Hadi
Girl : Ruqayya

27. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY?
6 yrs 3 weeks 4 days old

28. WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN?
Of course

Tot class

Last Friday, Ruqayya started her spring class after a week off 2 weeks ago. She was so excited to go back to school to meet with her teacher and friends. Most of her old friends are still there and also there are new friends too. They begin with a circle time. During circle time, everybody sings a welcome song and say each others name. After that...all the kids get to do art, play with play-doh, toys, play at the science table and play outside. Every week the teacher change the stuffs at the science table and art project. For the mothers...we have were divided in 2 groups. Group A & B. Every week, we have a group meeting with the teacher.

Birthday Party

Yesterday, we went to a birthday party. It was a double celebration. Celebrated 2 kids birthday...a boy and girl. It was such a lovely day although it's cloudy. The weather forecast showed it would rain but alhamdulillah it didn't. The food were so yummy. They had bbq chicken, rice, chicken curry, chinese chicken salad and cakes. We really had a great day at the park especially the kids.

Birthday boy - Hasan & his sister, Maryam

Hasan's Robot cake

My cheeky lil girl

Birthday girl - Sana