week 5 | KITCHEN (25-31 Jan)

Min Mohd

It was a very hot day. You were busy playing with your toys when you heard a loud noise from the kitchen. What was that? Like a private detective, you hurriedly walked to where the noise came from. What was babah doing? He was busy knocking on a weird looking green ball. Feeling curious, you went closer to investigate. At the same time, babah was looking at you and smiling and carried you up to the counter top. You want a taste of coconut water Khaled? It's very sweet and refreshing. Without batting your eyelid, you opened up your mouth and sipped a little bit. Ermmmm...it tastes strange, not like mama's milk. Well, one sip is enough for me, thank you.

Nish Halim

Doing dishes: Occasionally. FOC

Mopping the house: 5 riyals charge (you're a happy labour for that!)

Separating your clothes for laundry: 70% done most of the time

Watering plants: On Mommy's reminder all the time

And just whenever you shall ask me again; 

why do I keep asking you to help with the chores around the house?

 I will keep giving you the same answer, my dear:

"Am doing your future wife a very big favor."

*wink*

Zubye Rusli

Ever since he watched that Dapur Bujang; a show on channel 111, his interest in cooking has become an obsession. He believed cooking is an easy and a very cool job to do like the host always do in the show. Many times too he voiced out about his ambition to be a chef one day (mind you this boy has too many ambitions depending on what is he doing at that time). I just nodded and smiled, showing my full encouragement in anything he desired to be. When he looks at me being too occupied in the kitchen, often he asked “Is there anything I can help, Mama?” Every time he request, I let him doing some simple tasks like cutting the vegetables, slicing onions, washing dishes; that kind of thing. Once in a while, when we are not in rushing mode especially on the weekends (this mama needs to learn to slow down sometimes), I allowed him to ‘play’ around in the kitchen and cook by his own – something he has enthusiastically waiting for every day! He made us banana roll for breakfast, once he baked us scones for tea and I can see his face beams with pride every time he served us the rice he cooked for dinner with his favorite omelette using his own recipe that he made for us with full of love.

      Izlin

My eldest loves joining me whenever she knows that I am in the kitchen. She will always wear the proper attire - complete with apron and chef hat. Occasionally, I let her break the eggs, mix the 'cekodok' batter, prep the chicken to be fried and some other tasks. Washing the dishes is definitely not our forte.

In my previous (instagram) post, I mentioned how she collects money so that she could buy me a truck - to be converted into a food truck. Why?

We watched the movie 'Chef' together some time before. In the movie, the father bought a truck and converted it into a food truck and brought his son together in his culinary adventure.

Well, my dear Hope wants to buy a truck for ibu; so that we can convert it into a food truck.

"You love cooking, right ibu?"

Maznie

Honestly, I'm not good at cooking,and having a child and husband which is a fussy eater (in their way), so I think we enough complete (haha). He can have a chicken sausage/french fries for breakfast, as dish for lunch and dinner. Can imagine that? Hergh. So when everytime I asked "nak makan lauk apa for today?" I already know the answer ;

"telur dadar"

"hotdog"

Everyone geleng kepala ;P

Milin Kassim

I heard your little footsteps running down the stairs. Along came your voice,
"Mommy, adik nak makan pinky apple."

Before I could do anything you were already at the fridge, taking out the apple. You climbed your favourite stool and grabbed the peeler.

Quickly I grabbed my camera!

Weeks ago, you were fascinated looking at me peeling some carrots. Amazed at what the peeler could do. Determined, you insisted on trying it out. I can still remember your sparkling eyes when you coaxed me to. I thought it was still early for you, but how could I say no. Your eyes lit up with so much anticipation.

And look at you now, peeling apple with style!

Linda Latip

My little darling doing her stuff. Try to reach and grab anything that she can grab on the kitchen counter top. Look at her determination (toward food) haha. Love you dek!

Chech

"What's for breakfast, Khalish?"

"My special smoothie, mommy. "

"How special is it?"

"Very special. I mix soy milk, chilled water, strawberry, your protein formula, and a secret ingredient!"

"That sounds truly special. Hmmm, I'm extremely curious what the secret ingredient is."

"MY LOVE."

Ah, my little Chef Jiwang :)

Lia

The one who loves to get her hands messy.

week 4 | PERSPECTIVE (18-24 Jan)

Zubye Rusli

Dari perspektif kaca mata seorang Mama. Dia. Sekecil ini, dia sudah punya banyak angan-angan yang ingin digapai. Tiap kali meluahkannya, pasti disudahi dengan keyakinan tinggi yang  setiap hasratnya akan berada dalam genggaman satu hari nanti. Sebanyak mana mama ini terlalu takut untuk berada jauh darinya, sedalam itu jugalah harapan mama untuk melihat dia berani mengembangkan sayapnya, untuk terbang setinggi langit; pergilah anak... esok besar engkau merantaulah, pergilah lihat dunia, belajarlah, bawa pulang ilmumu, manfaatkan kepada setiap makhluk yang engkau jumpa. Gapailah setiap impian zaman kecilmu itu.

Min Mohd

See the world through the eyes of a child.
All things are possible.
You can be whatever you want to be.
Live in the moment.
Don’t over analyse.
Dare to dream.
Everything is exciting.
Everyday is a new day full of endless possibilities.

Izlin

Being a mother really offers you many colourful perspectives. You encounter countless different perspectives, day by day. Despite that, you still want to go through every single second of it without turning back. My perspectives of 'who' a mother is, changed, when I myself became a mother. Each mother, I am very sure, has their own respected perspectives of what a motherhood is. Only we, mothers, would know the 'needs and wants' of our children.

My perspectives of motherhood changed again when I lost my mama to cancer a few years ago. You thought you were strong, nevertheless, I never knew that at this age, I still badly need my mama to guide me in a lot of things, infact, in everything.

My eldest once told me, "I don't want you to die..." which took a blow onto me. If I selfishly need my mama now, let alone these little angels - definitely they need mothers more.

I pray to Allah SWT, that I am lent this life and soul for my children at a longer time, maybe perhaps until they don't need me anymore; because I know how it feels when your mother is no longer around.

Sometimes, I thought that I am strong, but deep down, I still need my mama. Al-Fatihah.

Maznie

Smile
Laugh
Repeat

Because laughing can bring you a new perspective !

Nish Halim

People seem to worry about self-expression that is somehow too personal.
Up close. Honest.
Sweetheart, YOU, will always be personal.

Milin Kassim

Mommy,
Mommy,
What do you see?

I see a big-hearted, strong-willed, witty, bright and cheerful child
showing me how much fun she had at kindy.

Learning excites her and it has become contagious she can't stop
but to bring the vibes home
- to mommy's surprise -
 nearly everyday!

And that gives mommy a big, cheery smile.
Looking at her cute, awesome child.

Linda Latip

The first love. My eternal love.

Be strong. Be wise. Be happy. Be you.

I love you my G-man.

Dah besar, katanya nak jadi mcm abah. The idol.

Chech

"Double cone, double happiness" you said. I was in awe with your expression, but I marvelled more at the philosophy behind your words. Then, you reminded me to connect my-inner-self with the present, to be conscious of my choices in life, and to embrace the goodness. Even in the littlest thing.

Lia

I always like to fall behind. It makes me feel safe when I have all of you within my view.

week 3 - DETAILS (11-17 Jan)

Linda Latip

Assalamualaikum warahmatullah & Good day!

Everyday, when driving back home from 8-5 work sometimes 8-8.. I have no energy left. Zero. I'm beat, flat, worn out. But, been stuck in the car, waiting for the traffic to do good to this knackered mommy, somehow the thought of you always come out : the details of your cheeky smile that widened just enough for me to see your gap teeth and that cute button nose. The details of your giggles and laughter and that small needy voice. The details of you.

The details always made my rest of the day (or night). Pump me up. Lift me higher.

_________________

xx

Ummeh

 Min Mohd

Then 

Deep down in my heart, I somehow or rather knew that I was carrying a baby boy. It’s because I was diagnosed with Diabetes Type II during my early pregnancy. I told myself, with Allah’s will, if I am able to continue with the pregnancy, the baby must be a boy. Strong and determined to get through this minor hurdles in life. We will do it together, you and me. I watched my diet and you continue to grow healthy in my warm womb. The day came and we welcome you into this world with open hearts. You complete the family. You made everybody happy. Your sisters were crying when they first laid their eyes on you. Such a beautiful gift. Everybody were so excited. Then we brought you home and my full journey on breastfeeding continues. Oh boy, I wished it was easy and simple as ABC. But I was taken aback. What am I doing wrong? Why were you never satisfied with the milk you’ve just had? Why are you still crying? Is my boob not doing her job? Is the milk not enough? At times, I wanted to scream so loud so that everyone in the house know what I’m going through at that moment. I was not happy. I wasn’t sleeping well, I had to wake up every hour and feed you and yet still you cried. He is hungry. It must be my milk. Yes, my milk is not enough for you. I forced Babah to go to the nearest store and buy me a formula. We need to do this. He is hungry, I can tell. But luckily, the formula brand that I was looking for was always not in store. Was it a sign? 

I gave up. Despite the cracking and sore bleeding nipple, I continued on. I told myself, I am capable of feeding my son and insyallah, I will get through this. I try to set small goals. The first was to continue to nurse you up to two months. Then it became to six and then to a year. Same goes to my milk stock, at first it was only a few bottles, than it started to build up until there’s not enough room to store some of the pumped breastmilk, that I have to donate some of it. 

Now we have already passed that one year stage and still, each time I come home from work, the first thing you always ask me is to unbutton my shirt. You will cheekily grinned and open your mouth to feed. The special bond that only you and I share. The serene feeling and the contentment I feel gazing at you. We have made it darling. I have never thought I could do this. All the sacrifices I made has been worthwhile. I would not want it any other way. You made me feel whole. And I get to show you this picture of us during that special bond, this is you and me in our own sweet world.

Izlin

Everyone keep telling me that her prominent features are her eyes. Big bold eyes, that is; and I love them. Different and unique. This girl is my middle child - sweet and lovable. She keeps saying that she is "little and tiny". Sensitive at heart.

That is the details of my Nur Sarah, my Strength.

Milin Kassim

Bits of tiny water color dots splashes onto your face.  That expression - sometime pretty serious and sometime a wee bit of smile radiates when you are busy painting - melt my heart. Oh I can just stare, and stare at your sweet little face.

Nish Halim

If I am to point out only a small part of you, there are actually two: 

Sweet-holy-mole(y)s. Tahi-lalat-manis!

One on each cheek, they became visible when you were 6, I think. I remember you were so worried about them asking me if you could rub them off with erasers all because they made you feel embarrassed. Lol! But over the years you got over it. You've come to appreciate them instead. Because they, distinguished your look. There is a particular sweetness of them both, emerging side by side, parallel like that.

Special, right?

Now, forget the erasers, embrace yourself and go conquer the world, my boy.

Sweet-holy-mole(y)s!

Lia

never get bored

memorizing the planes, curves and contours

of your pure & innocent face

Zubye Rusli

There was a glorious sun light entering my mom’s house the moment I opened the door, ready to start a new day. I remember being astonished by the gorgeous light illuminate a little corner of the house formulating every detail I saw to look so clear, vibrant, lively and bold. Without wasting my time, I quickly grabbed my camera before the light chose to fade away. My son was there, just had his morning bath. I glimpsed at his bare feet, and I knew instantly I wanted to document him with those feet in focus and composed other elements to complement the scene. So, here it is; my image for week 3 – details of my son’s feet together with those embracing shadows, a touch of texture, line, and stunning sun light; all in one photograph.

Maznie

Soalan "lelaki ke perempuan" / "boy or girl" dah biasa mommy dengar.Kadang-kadang rasa nak tanya balik "which part do you find him as a girl?" just curious to know.Take it easy,I'm fine with that awkward question by the way :) I always told him,you are a God's beautiful creatures ! Remember that.

"awak tahu tak? awak ni cantik"

"mata cantik"

"bulu mata panjang melentik"

"hidung comel"

"pipi pun comel"

"tiny teeth pun comel"

"bibir pun cantik"

"senyum pun menawan"

(senyum menawan tu 'trademark' dia)

"kulit je hitam sikit"

(mommy mengusik dia)

"sebab Asyraff ikut muka mommy..."

(sekarang dah pandai jawab macam ni)

aawww...you are so sweet son !

Chech

Khalish and Lego are synonymous. Each piece, to him, depicts 1001 stories. Imagine those pieces stacked together. No wonder he has always been meticulous about the arrangement. 

Thank you for the one million stories, Young Master Builder. Your daddy and I will never be tired of the peculiar characters and the distorted plots. May the meticulousness bring you, as well as the people around you, more adventures.

week 2 | WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE (4-10 Jan)

Maznie

This is what makes me smile,a big hug before saying goodbye...Have a great weekend everyone ! :)

Milin Kassim

I thought today I sing you two a song. A song especially for my beautiful girls.

."You are my sunshine,

My beautiful sunshine,

You make me smile when skies are grey,

You never know dear how much I love you,

O Allah please guide (and protect) my sunshine till Jannah (Heaven)."

Ameen.

Izlin

You smile, I smile.
I have so many beautiful pictures for this theme. I feel like putting them all. In the end, I chose this one because it definitely makes me smile.

Chech

"I know it is wet and the sun is not sunny, but we can have lots of good fun that is funny."

- Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat

Khalish, life is interesting. One day, you may find yourself surrounded by a sea of happiness, only to be drowned by it the next day. I remember such an experience. Seeing me breathless, my closest chum, your daddy, shared the best way to the safety of the shore. "Swim not with frustration, but with fascination." Yes, all it took was a change of perspective. In the end, I was buoyed up by the positivity.

If that fails, just look at this photo, and you will smile at your own absurdity, the way I did and still do :)

Min Mohd

Atuk is an avid reader. Reading habits run in the family. Hopefully Khaled will continue and follow his atuk's footsteps. As he saw his atuk reading, Khaled grabbed his book and walked towards him. Found his best spot, just a yard away, Khaled started flipping his book as though he understands every single words. That made the old man laugh hard.

Nish Halim 

That you are a heaven sent, my only one. 
That you are soft at heart, passionate. 
That you daydream just like me. 

Love, 

Mommy 

Lia 

Assalamualaikum semua! Feeling a little intimidated and definitely inspired looking at all your amazing photos :).This is my entry for this week's theme. Nothing makes my day brighter and my face break into a smile than seeing my children interact with their father. 

Linda Latip

I know. I'm late. Sorry everyone. But here's my take on what makes you smile. The sleeping daughter. Never fail to put a smile with a big awwwwww. Love you both so dearly. Mmmmmuah!

Zubye Rusli

Losing is painful. Imagine the pain that this boy had to endure when we lost not one but three of our beloved kittens that we treat as our own family, in less than four days. He was the one who witnessed their birth, getting all excited looking after them everyday, and sadly in front of his eyes he watched them sick, dying and struggle for life. He tried his best to offer his helping hands to safe them, but suddenly they were all gone. Drastically. Forever. And with his both hands, he buried them saying goodbye for the last time.

You know that time was not easy for three of us. So what actually has made me smile? I smile watching him getting back on his feet again days after the incident ready to explore the adventures around him. With a strong willed he tried his best to embrace life with a pure joy in his heart. I smile because from his eyes, I could see how strong he was trying to hide his sadness - just because he didn't want me to be worried about him much. I smile because there was one day when I cried so hard, he reminded me "It's ok Mama. At least they are no longer in pain. I know they are in a good place now." Every soothing words he uttered after the tragic lost has made me smile, because I know my son is going to be ok. We both have faith that Allah will replace this sadness with something better in the future. We believe that. And that is what makes me smile once again.

week 1 | FRESH (1-3 Jan)

Milin Kassim

Fresh new start. Fresh new beginning.  Today is the first day.  Let's begin this cruise.  We may not be perfectly ready (ops in this case your shoe's undone!) but along the way we can always fix it, and improve further. We may fall. Stumble. But we can always get up. Then another fall. And another stumble.  But it is okay. That's what life is. As long as we have the guts to get up. Again. And again. And again.

Let's start anew.  This time thinking more like a traveller.  That we're on a short journey here, travelling on a path. Homebound. To the hereafter, the eternal lasting life.  May Allah guide us and give us strength to continue this brief journey.  Preparing for the next life.

Welcome 2015. Bismillahirrahmanirrahim..

Min Mohd

This is the first post for my 52 Project of 2015. The word is FRESH. Fresh beginning.

Late last night I told Azlan, we need to go somewhere tomorrow. Just go anywhere.

So this morning, we made a trip to Bagan Lalang. His sisters were still snoring when we left the house. The weather was not that perfect but Khaled was really happy playing in the puddles at the beach. This was his first. Everything looks fresh and exciting to him. He had his first taste of sea water and sand. Seeing him very thrilled, we know this won't be his last.

 Zubye Rusli

Untuk bangun setiap pagi dengan hati yang segar. Hati yang baru. Hati yang penuh dengan cinta. Sebuah matlamat peribadi yang ingin dicapai pada tahun ini. Ingin mengasihi semua orang tanpa syarat. Mahu berusaha melihat lebih banyak kebaikan manusia tanpa alasan. Kerana saya belajar, apabila segenap ruang hati sudah penuh diisi dengan kasih dan sayang, tiada lagi lubang-lubang untuk kebencian menerobos masuk. Izinkan saya menyayangi kamu, menyayangi mereka semua. Tanpa syarat.

Izlin

Fresh is to start anew. To start anew is what we hope; like a fresh bath we like to indulge and soak (in). Hello to a 'fresh' me! Salam perkenalan.

Maznie

Alhamdulillah, a fresh new start for 2015... I am so looking forward for this Amazing You Project, thanks to Kak Zubye for invites me! I am new to blogs, haru biru juga pada mulanya nak upload sekeping gambar. Merangkak-rangkak menanyakan soalan demi soalan pada Kak Zubye, sekali lagi, terima kasih atas layanan. This Amazing You Project is a new start for me to develop myself, to get more experience, to share and get expose to a new, and fresh idea with others! Semoga kita juga dapat mempelajari sesuatu yang positif dari orang lain. So, hola everyone! :)

Nish Halim

Fresh. 

Looking back, looking in. 

Check & Reflect. 

Restart. Fresh. 

Here's to more stories. 

You and me, 2015.

Chech

My little family commenced the year with an impromptu vacation. Our third time at that particular place, but, we never failed to find something new each day there. Kamal discovered a perfect spot to read a favourite book. Khalish explored every nook and cranny, pretending to be Bilbo Baggins. I simply seized those moments by photographing them.

Oh, 2015 has been refreshing.