Swimming Spiderman and Floating Fairies :)

I'm in one of my lazy mode. So less words and bring on the picture update :)

Teluk Kemang Beach, Port Dickson. We took a short walk from our apartment @ An.casa Resort & Spa to the beach. Didn't spend much time there or even took a dip because we had our hands full with the 3 of them :p

On the first day Ryan managed to "pau" a Spiderman floatie from daddy, next day dapat pelampung Spiderman pulak..Ryan..Ryan..

The 3 most important men in my life :)

Budak kecik ni memang tak tau takut.
Terus nak lompat dalam pool and even tried to make friends with random people.
Such a lil socialista unlike the parents :p

Iman takut air. Ranya LOVE it

Heheh next year Hari Raya Portrait picture?

"haiiyaaa"

My 3 little munchkins *hugs*

Everytime we do our yearly PD visits mesti singgah Nasreen Restaurant :)

Love the food and the price is cheap 8 dishes + 6 fruit drinks cost us less than RM150.
Yummie!!

Ohh there's another "must go" place that we had lunch a few times that we LOVE. The Cowboy Nasi Kukus place at the simpang. Chicken dia sedap. Sorry no picture because we tapau food back home this time around...

Iman and Daddy

Best friend 2 orang ni : Iman and Ryan

:)

Sun, Sea, Sand, A little boy and 2 baby girls :)

*Yeay* the weekend is ALMOST here :)

We'll be going to PD tomorrow for a short break with my family :) I'm so excited as it will be Iman and Ranya's first beach holiday (first REAL holiday since I gave birth to the twins sebenarnya). Can't wait..hopefully my little fairies and hero will behave and have loads of fun.

Have a great weekend everyone. Toodles!!!

Our Syawal : In a glance...

Photo compilation from my Tab

(p/s: do not give up on me, I may still upload the pictures in my camera before next raya :p)

 First day of Syawal: Peachy Theme family @my parents house

 Beraya with nenek and atuk Jalan Kebun later in the noon

Same old same old

Second day of Raya: On our way to balik kampung hubby.

Yes we got our hands FULL :)

My little fairies in their green floral gown gifted by MIL colleague on 3rd Raya

 The siblings on the 5th day of Raya

After house visiting Wan Su, Wan Ngah and Wan Chik, Lan and I brought the kids to "ONE" Utama for a treat at Chilli's :p by this time dah muak makan ketupat

hehehehe

 Our FIRST ever open house to "raikan" my aunts from Malacca :)

It was a bit of a last minute but my sis, Lan and I managed to whipped up a BBQ themed makan-makan. We marinated chicken, corn and lamb shoulders and made side dishes of nasi goreng, pasta and coleslaw. For dessert we had loads and loads of ice-cream.

Ryan had fun playing with his little "aunts and uncles" - sempatla main pop-pop and bunga api

 Loving my "rose dress"

 The girls getting ready to go to Atuk Chek open house in Sungai Buloh.

Check out the cool t-shirt :)

Ryan playing ball with Nidal at Tok Chek's house

 My Company's Open House : Theme railway station + merdeka. Yes, I don't get it either :p

 2nd Raya weekend we went back to Malacca for a day to attend my cousin's wedding

First trip back to kampung since nenek passed away *sigh*

but we had fun meeting everyone.

 The next day Lan and I hosted another Open House for friends and family. It is just a small family gathering but since I have a HUGE extended family memang end up 50-60 people datang. Alhamdullilah all went well..

I (yes I) made soto, tauhu sumbat ikan, longan jelly, and oreo lime cheese tart. My sis supplied the choc cake and mum made nasi impit and kuah kacang

Awesome kan saya sempat masak all these food with babies keliling pinggang (hahaha)

As mentioned before :) Had fun coordinating the girls outfits, from baju kurung to dresses and other outfits. Crazy ok. The best part is 3/4 of it is gifted from people, which works real well coz I'm not a fan of buying identical clothes.

So that is all for Hari Raya 2012 photos (at least for the time being)

See ya later, alligator :)

The One on Relationship

A friend (single not available) was asking my advice on relationship. Without the need of getting into the details of our conversation, I told her in not so many words to stop taking crap and leave if her pleas fall on deaf ears. Her response to me was “It is easier for you married people, you don’t have to deal with all these nonsense”. Since I was not in a mood for another long conversation I just kept quiet.

Later I went on FB to randomly stalk people as I do when I’m bored, and I’m very sad to report that 3 couples that I know (back in school and uni) is currently divorce or undergoing separation this month. This is not counting the rest of my mates who is either cheating/ cheated on/ having to “bermadu” or is involved in “office affairs” etc

So back to the innocent statement made by my mate: Do married couples have it easier?

When you are in any romantic relationship you can’t help but be somehow emotionally, mentally and in some cases even physically/financially affected. But in my opinion when you are married the affect is on a higher level. In the eyes of god, government, and people these two people are spiritually and legally bond. In simpler terms, you have much more to lose if you have to walk away from your marriage.

If that is the case, why is it when people get married and are past their honeymoon period we tend to treat our spouses with a sense of indifference? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about lack of love or respect (though this may be the case for some people) I’m talking about the lesser effort in which we take to make our spouses happy.

Remember when you just started dating? there’s flowers, romantic dinners to celebrate monthly anniversary ( Disclaimer: I don’t do this coz it does not make sense haha), spending hours grooming and even planning your wardrobe choices one week in advance before an important date, spending hours on the phone and actually REMEMBER what your partner have to say etc. Everything is all roses and butterflies. Yes there are fights but even making up was fun, the apologies are done in the most extravagant way, promises of undying love and affection *blahblah*

I’m just wondering if all those efforts can be done where technically you have NOTHING to lose, why is it when you have EVERYTHING to lose, you do not treat your spousse with same amount of attention and rightfully, why not more?

But then again treating your partner right is not just about the superficial stuff (buying gifts/looking good etc) the test is going through the difficult times and knowing that someone always have your back. Marriage is difficult as it is and nowadays it is made even worst with things like  work, financial, 3rd person interference and whatever else stress. It needs A LOT of work and patience and for some reason most people nowadays have very little of these traits. That is why most relationship crumbles. Due to “kemalasan” and you take it for granted that the person have to put up with your shit because you are married to each other.

But is that really a state of relationship we want to live in? Why are we so critical and impatient towards the people that we love? Don’t they deserve our respect? Is it so hard to be nice to our husband and wife? I’m talking about simple gestures as making the bed as how our OCD wife may like it or cooking our husband their favorite dish even though we hate cooking. It is a bit of a sacrifice but bukannya suruh “jalan lautan api and daki gunung Everest to fulfill your love one desires” <- ayat bercinta dulukan.

That is why I always remind my younger/unmarried friends, don’t go for the OVERLY romantic Romeo jiwang karat etc because those act are very hard to maintain for the REST OF YOUR FREAKING LIFE. The problem with high expectations when it is UP THERE, you’ll find it hard to stay on the grounds = REALITY. A bouquet of roses once a week when you have no obligations is fine and dandy but a bouquet of roses once a week when you have bills to pay and mouth(s) to feed??? Unless you’re a millionaire….. (you get the drift)

But don’t settle either, find a man/woman who is perfect for you (who may not be perfect) don’t get in any relationship with the intention of changing the other person, you should know what you’re getting yourself into. For example if your boyfriend loves stupid Senario jokes don’t expect him to be spouting Shakespeare sonnets any time soon (or ever) and if your wife hates sports don’t expect her to be sitting next to you cheering on football, tennis or sailing (pointless). Your differences should complement each other and COMPROMISE!

End of the year resolution?

Let’s make some time for our spouses. Appoint a date night (day) where it is just the both of you minus the lil ones. Cutila if you have too, beg your sister/parents pay a babysitter to take care of the kiddies.You don’t need expensive trips, pergi Mid Valley tengok movie pun ok, have a meal together and talk about your relationship and remind the person why you fall in love with each other in the first place and as much as you love your children don't spend  your date night talking about them :p Be selfish to protect your relationship which in the long run will make you better parents... Again NO NEED big romantic gestures, just have a simple and happy day together :) want to try?

As a reminder let’s leave you with a para from BoysIIMen - Water Runs Dry

We don't even talk anymore

And we don't even know what we argue about

Don't even say, "I love you", no more

'Cause saying, "How we feel?" is no longer allowed

Some people will work things out

And some just don't know how to change

Let's don't wait till the water runs dry

We might watch our whole lives pass us by

Let's don't wait till the water runs dry

We'll make the biggest mistake of our lives, Don't do it, baby

P/S: this post is merely an act of self reflection not made in reference to anyone or my own relationship even (at least not the WHOLE post haha)

Mini Hari Raya Post :)

Assalamualaikum and Salam Sejahtera :)

Just a short post to state that I'm alive and well and back from my 10 days break *alhamdullilah* People have been asking for me to upload pictures via FB and Blog but I've had no time to properly download pictures from my various gadgets i.e. DSLR, BB and Tab into my laptop. No time ( malas mode)

At least the pictures in my tab has seen the light of day since it's easier to edit pics (sangat penting supaya sentiasa nampak cun) + consolidate (if not berjuta2 gambar terpaksa di upload) via various photo apps. So please be patient with me :)

*Alhamdullilah* my Aidilfitri was well spent with the lil kiddies and family. Travelling with the 3 tots ain't that bad and even my detractors have to concede that my "loratness" in keeping the kiddies on a schedule is beneficial to everyone (haha).

So here's a little spoiler of pics of our Raya celebration so far... more coming soon ( I hope!)



 The Azlan's on the 1st Day of Aidilfitri

2nd Hari Raya : A pic before starting our journey to Felda Soeharto, Perak :p

P/S: The kiddies are at that age yg susah nak ambik gambar because they are constanly moving. The sucky part is, if the photos are take by ME semua lawa, but when I'm in the pic semua moving... benci!!!

PP/S: We're finally going back to Melaka this weekend. I miss beraya in my kampung. Raya tahun ni rasa lain sangat. It is good but in a very different way.

PPP/S: Tau tak best teramat sangat ada twin girls esp. for a person who loves clothes and dressing up as I do. It is like having your own life size dolls to play dress up with hahaha

Selamat Hari Raya 2012

Assalamualaikum,

Today is my last day at work before I start my long Raya leave tomorrow :) As I do every year, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and safe Aidilfitri. Hopefully you'll be able to spend it with your family and friends.

I would also like to apologize for my wrongdoings (if any) If I purposely or accidentally wrote anything in this blog that may have hurt your feeling, through my actions/words (i.e terusik, tersepak, tergossip etc). Sorry ok :)

Hehehe do I sound sincere enough? Lan always says my salam Raya mcm tak iklas :p This year I'm gonna stay up all night and mengarang karangan minta maaf that will blow his socks off (or maybe not)

Anyways, stays safe my sayangs, don't speed, jangan main mercun and most importantly EAT IN MODERATION :p. Hopefully whatever good that came out from this Ramadhan will stay with us throughout the next Ramadhan.

Love XOXO

Farhanna 

Of First Dentist Visit and Raya Preparations

Ryan First Visit To The Dentist

Lan and I brought Ryan to the dentist last Saturday. Despite brushing his teeth everyday, I've detected some cavities on his front tooth. I googled and of course a million of horror stories came out.

Suggestion ranges from "tampal" to the more extreme "tooth extraction". I can't make up my mind as some people told me to let  it be since it is "milk tooth" anyway and some scare me with infection stories. So I turn to the experts and made Lan call his dentist aunt for her views. After listening to her explanation, I made appointment with one of the company's dentist, a specialist, since Ryan is only 2 after all.

I was nervous the whole night as I can't imagine my baby boy lying still on the dentist chair. We went to see the dentist and I was all "doc his tooth is decaying (haha)". The dentist looked at me in surprise and asked "do you let him have his bottle at night" to which I'm guilty off :p She was like "never mind we'll take a look". Despite being totally awesome during our "practise dentist visit i.e. 'says ahhhh when dentist says open ur mouth'" Ryan decided to clammed his mouth shut and muka dah cemik nak nangis.

Somehow doc manages to coaxed him to open his mouth and started checking. "His tooth is not that bad la mama. If you continue brushing his tooth and limit his sugar intake, I think we can manage it". I'm like are you sure? coz the front tooth looks yucky (haha) doc explained that the culprit is most probably due to the fact that Ryan use to take "soy based milk" when he was younger since it contain sucrose (a type of sugar) We used  to give Ryan soy based milk because he has asthma but he's on An.Mum now since that is the only growing up milk with no added sugar.

Doc taught us the proper way to brush his teeth and send us home :) Though my fear is a bit unfounded, at least now dah puas hati sikit takde apape hehehe

Lesson learned: Once Iman and Ranya turn 1 we shall stick with "low sugar" type of formula and go on a yearly dentist visit once I can see a whole line of teeth on them :p Ryan will also follow me everytime I go for my 6 months dentist visit. Anyway doc also told us to NEVER start any of the kiddies on Ri.bena though it is rich in vitamin c etc it is a dentist nightmare. Very high sucrose level. Actually nak bagi boleh just in moderation and brush more often I guess.

Hari Raya

I'm in Raya mood already :) Dah pasang pelita and susun2 baju raya hehe. Raya with 3 kids this year *how exciting* I can't imagine the horror of packing for our Perak trip but I'm sure I'll manage. We've done our Raya shopping very early and since most of it is done via online, I don't have to go through the hassle and weekend crowds etc. For things that I can't get in the virtual world, I'll opt for shopping alone during lunch time, serious best (haha) sebab I can choose stuff in accordance to my liking and no lil kiddies meragam. Being in the middle of shopping heaven  i.e: OU, Curve, Plaza Damas, Tropicana and Mid Valley does make it even easier to shop.

Tapi Raya tahun ni is a bit sad for me. This is my first raya nenek-less, and not spent in Merlimau :'( Will miss nenek's cooking and of course her *sigh* oh well at least ada nenek/atuk/moyang in law from Lan's side. It is not the same but it will do. Seems sad that come every raya, I will lose someone dear to me (wan, nek mah, nek jah, pak ngah and pak chik) but that is the circle of life. May Allah panjangkan umur and berikan kesihatan and blessing to my love ones. Let's recite al-fatihah for those who have left us and may allah grant them an easy passage in after life *amin*

Alhamdullilah for my 3 little angels. They drive me crazy at times but they are the reason I wake up every day <3>

That silver lining.....

New responsibilities and new challenges awaits me :)

Rezeki bulan ramadhan and my children's rezeki...

ALHAMDULLILAH, Kau permudahkan-lah segalanya ya Allah....

A day in the life of me...

You have to do what you need to do...

That is what I tell myself, every time I'm too tired to move but still have to finish something, be it work-work or house work. Lately I felt as if my life has been a series of never ending tasks. There is rarely a lull moment. Every little break means a small window to finish another task.I console myself that it will be easier when the twins are a bit older. I remembered feeling the same when I was studying for my masters/moving/Ryan was younger but things did get less hectic for a time. So here's to hoping...

Things are still tolerable at the moment. I thank god that we've managed to get the lil kiddies on some sort of a schedule, which we try to follow as religiously as we could. Having my parents nearby does help us a lot too :)

I get a lot of people asking me, how do I survive not having a maid but still manage with the 3 kids but still able to look presentable and not frazzled in the morning (Ni bukan puji diri, 2 people actually said the same thing to me last month haha) My answer is very simple actually "we're used to it". I think the last time my family had a maid was when I was about 2-3 years old and Lan never had maids before. Our parents trained us to be independent when it comes to doing housework (taula nak guna washing machine, masak, kemas etc)

I admit since having the twins, we (I) have become a bit relax when it comes to mess. The house is kept CLEAN but I admittedly spend less time mopping/scrubbing the toilet floor/making sure Ryan's toys is in the right box etc (bukan OCD just a neat freak). Clothes are sometimes left unfolded for a few days before we managed to tackle everything . The problem is when you have 3 kids under 3 at home, laundry is a never ending process.

I mean when I get back from work, I rather spend the time playing with the kiddies rather than be dusting the furniture or whatever. At least I don't have to think about cooking as we usually have dinner at my mum's place. Currently this arrangement is the most practical since I usually reach Klang around 7pm. After maghrib prayers, the whole troop will head home.

The twins will be carted into their downstairs bedroom at 8.30pm sharp by their daddy and my task is to keep Ryan busy. We'll usually watch Cake Boss together while he makes a lot of mess with his toys (haha) sementara tu I'll either fold some clothes/cook frozen food for the twins or lepak. 9.30pm is Ryan's bedtime for which I'm responsible for, kalau dah tidurkan si kecik ni, sometimes "ter"join sama, sometimes after he's asleep I'll head downstairs to finish whatever task that needs to be completed.

Lan will carry the twins up and then it's bedtime for everyone :) The next day = Lan getting ready first since he needs to be at the office by 8am. We'll get the twinnies ready for school, coaxing Ryan out of bed + bath etc is no easy feat, and hopefully they'll be off to nursery by 7.20am. I'll clean up after them, get ready and go to work and the routine starts again when I get home.

I'm proud to say dalam hectic2 ni pun sempat masak for potluck and Lan's office function for 30 people ok and sometimes even fit in time for my scrapbooking project :)

Yes it is not easy but it is doable. Someone perli nak save duit ke tak nak hire maid. The thing is Lan and I are far from being richla but we're actually paying more (almost double) by sending the kids to nursery than having a maid. Practical la kan, I don't think 1 maid can take care of the kiddies + kemas rumah. Nak ambik 2 maids bukannya I live in a mansion, kan! To tell you the truth, I prefer the privacy of having the whole house to ourself and tak payah pening pasal maid lari, maid bwk bf balik rumah etc.

So we opt for the better option for us (for the moment) which is to send the kids to nursery and do the housework ourself. Worst come to worst I'll get a part time cleaner to come clean the house on weekends but we'll cross that bridge when the time comes... So far things are working for us. Memangla the house is not as neat as I would like it to be but at least it is clean, in a livable and comfortable state and for that I'm thankful.

Anyway, I know why Allah gave me twins, it is because he knows I'm an excellent multitasker (hahah) actually all mums are, so let's give ourselves a good pat in the back :)

Away@Work

Hahaha too funny!!! hysterical even...