Sibling Story

As much as I wanted Liya to accept Ajib about  3 1/2years ago, my youngest sister has also experienced the drill. The big bro Aiman must come to terms to welcome the new baby’s arrival, Adam into the realm of the family.

The vision that the two boys – Aiman and Adam would become buddies many years to come has been very enlightening. They grow fonder towards each other everyday. Each coo and peek-a-boo just strengthens the newly developed bonding. Finally, Aiman would love Adam so dearly, that is preferably more than his mega collection of Ultraman and Transformers.

It is for fact that younger siblings tend to look up the older siblings for approval, knowledge and wisdom. For instance, Ajib is continuously seeking Liya’s company and assistance. I was laughing out loud when the two of them began dancing in sync to Hindi’s Rab ne bana di jodi and singing to perform a ‘mini rock ‘n’ roll concert with Barbie’s guitar  and mic we had bought from Toys ‘R’ Us in Kuala Lumpur. They have also worked hard to make sandcastles on the beach and ice-cream using the handy ice-cream maker toy set.

Home Grounded

I may have to say ‘grounded’ to Ajib and Liya when they grow up. The clock is ticking and a few years may not be as far ahead as I wish. That’s about it here in Malaysia.

Our maid recently broke down in tears as Padang, Indonesia was badly hit by the earthquake of more than 7 Richter scale. Ajib and Liya tried to comfort the maid of 2 1/2 years whom they dearly call ‘Aunty.’ There was no home sweet home. There was no home at all. Imagine years of savings to build a house and it took instantly to see it as flat as the land.

Telco was out for many days now. And, still there’s no news whether Aunty’s older girl survived the angry earth episode. The younger son escaped and ran to safety. Thank God. So, in the times of difficulty family members tend to stick together and be each others’ shoulder to cry on. Indonesian Embassy also opens its 25 counters, a sight hardly seen in any Malaysia’s government or bank counters.

Piggy Bank

We were in KL a few nights before Aidilfitri just to enjoy the scenic skyline of Kuala Lumpur, the Garden City of Lights. Liya practised her spelling skills. so she started reading aloud the name of the streets, boulevards, signboards, buildings, etc. It was such a real life experience as Liya was becoming a reader and also a citizen.

We passed the historic Sultan Abdul Samad Building, HSBC, McDonald’s, Central Market to name few. I would recall taking Ajib and Liya to Central Market or Pasar Seni to get a birthday gift for Daddy. We bought the special Arch production for Malaysian traditional wooden house series. The 3D houses placed in frames reflect the unique features of each house state, mainly due to local contents like cultures, types of wood found, logistics, etc. – Rumah Perak, Rumah Pahang,  Rumah Minangkabau.

Ajib was also enjoying the night lights and the screen on DBKL building, And then, Liya posted a question..

“Mama, it that climb bank?” Liya asked me for verification or simply boasted her skills. Well, it did not sound familiar. Moreover, I never wondered there is such a weird sounding banks, ever..anywhere. By now, Liya and Ajib have known that the money they saved will be sent to the bank for safekeeping.

Located the ‘victim’ by now, I read the sign CIMB…so where did the L come from? Liya smiled sheepishly. So, Liya and I tried again and this time the name of the building was just the letters put together C I M Band meaningless to new starters. Unlike Jalan Kuching or Batu Caves..

Don’ be harsh on children. Don’t humiliate the children. Don’t kill their enthusiasm. Don’t be judgmental. Don’t make fun of them but let’s make learning as fun as possible..

Adults also try make mistakes. When we come across new things, we may lucky guesses and interpret the situations. We may not be accurate all the time…

Welcome to CLIMB bank..

Aidilfitri 2009

I waved goodbye to my brother and sister in-law this morning. Yesterday afternoon, the whole office staff asked for each other’s forgiveness and wished everyone happy Eid Mubarak. It’s the time where everyone feels homesick and rushes to his or her hometown.

Liya also wanted to go visit Opah and Nenek. Ajib has been missing cousin brother Aldeen more than anything in his wide wide world. The spirit of family lives despite the miles high or ocean deeps. Being parted actually tests the real feelings we have inside for each other. Sometimes family members stay inches apart but they could not stand the sight of each other.

I had celebrated Aidilfitri away before, 5 years in a row. I also had sent cookies and rendang to my former staff who spent Aidilfitri abroad. I heard all the cries and whines from friends, students and families during festive season for being away far far from home and loved ones. And, I wish when they unite with their loved ones, they don’t take anyone for granted. Celebrating family values and togetherness is far greater than money could buy. Aidilfitri is beyond new clothes, jewelleries, shoes, house adornments, etc. Let the spirit of Aidilfitri live and the true light of love shine..

Maaf Zahir Batin – Azian & Parenting By Accident Team

Ramadhan

The fasting month has started for 2009. Liya has expressed that she wanted to give it a try. I might start her on ‘empty stomach’ till 10am, the slowly push it till 12noon. First of all, Liya must be awaken before dawn for early breakfast or ‘sahur.’ The iftar or ‘breaking the fast’ would be clocked around 7.30pm.

Ramadhan teaches us to be grateful for the bountiful of nature. Fasting nurtures empathy and sympathy towards people who live in poverty or when the food supply is scarce. Ramadhan also provides a learning ground for patience whereby it is still a virtue till these days. Being on ‘empty tummies’ improves memories too, as I was told in my reading.

Keris

We were at the museum today and were amazed of the many keris which are hundred years old; many of the keris are personal collection and family heirloom. Keris has earned its reputation being traditional weapon. In addition, keris also has been associated with mystical and metaphysical powers.

Malay Warriors' Pride

Above all, AJib and Liya are proud of the culture they come from and wish to be part of it for years to come. Naruto, Ben 10 and gadgets of Power Rangers and Transformers although are impressive, keris holds dearly in our hearts. At times, a keris and owner become a perfect harmony and can perform miracles. That is true power of a weapon, always complement never overpower each other.

Ajib and Liya have their picks out of the 1900+ keris displayed. I too am proud to be surrounded by the heritage…

Petronas Twin Tower Are Gone?

On the way to school today, everything was like usual in the beginning. Looking ahead, Kuala Lumpur’s skyline was a different view. No more Twin Towers!

Liya and Ajib were shocked until the mystery was solved. The towers have been hidden behind the thick fog. It’s time to play peek-a-boo.

Catch me if you can…

Learn all about butterflies

. Thank You to Barney and friends, my children love the butterflies. Liya and Ajib both like to watch over or chase or to touch the velvety wings.

Butterflies are beautiful. They come in various sizes and bright colours. Even a butterfly’s life cycle interests Ajib and Liya. We saw the eggs, caterpillars, ‘cacoon’ and adult beautiful one.

The picture for an example is the perfect example to learn about the country’s map and learn about the beautiful butterflies.

The butterflies certainly beautify a garden. So, my children go and see if you can catch one…