Allowances and Chores

It’s Harris birthday in less than a month. He has been asking for a collective of things as any normal (soon) 5year old of his age would be. Much to my dislike (and disdain) top of the list is PSP. Not that Im totally against electronics items, but I am to children below 10. I strongly believe in books first, any computer information/gadgets/goods deem suitable for the age or toys that trigger make-believe and play-action like a fort, gold-cart car, farm set or even an interactive toy town. But the latter toys are hard to come by here and if available are priced way beyond disbelief.

However we understand that this is his era. To deny him of such items, would create social and behavioral problem that perhaps would be hard to counter in his later years. We had to come to a compromise. Harris’s parents came up with a suitable budget and along with that an electronic item befitting the price, his age and ability to handle the product. That was the deal between us. For us to him, the rule is reading un-aid and aloud one/two books per day. He has been doing very well for himself, he was stumbling over words like THE, THEY, THEN…but am now able to skim through it with no difficulty. He is not perfect in reading, yet we both know he has learn that things do not come by as easily to him just because his parents could afford the luxury.

Chores
To sweeten the deal somewhat, Harris has been doing chores around the house. For the past 3months. You know easy little helpers chores like cutting the vegetables, setting table, placing the cutleries back in the drawer, loading the grocery bags, putting away the prayer mats..etc
We gave him SR$1 for each chore, maximum of SR$5 per day. He has collected to date SR$130. We told him the money could be splurge in any way he desire on his birthday. I think he has set his eyes on a comic book, an animal book and cars.

Im thankful that my son, unlike peers of his age, does not whine and moan. He seems to like his chores genuinely and sometimes even forgets to ask for his allowance. I like to think it’s because the chores given to him are those that he truly enjoy doing.
I like the fact that “if he want cash, he got to work for it”, but most importantly the moral value of pitching in to help. Im however against working up a schedule of kind to complete chores around the house. It’s too military to my liking yet the reality is Im too much of a perfectionist, liking things done my way.

I have never thus far even comes close to my (daily) yelling quota of “incomplete chores” or “you did not” except for the usual deal of messy room, tidy toys, finish your food. I bet even if they were included in the allowance pact, I would still be having problems with them.


Picture: Harris washing his bicyle before our cycling trip.Does it remind you of child slavery in India?I could imagine him decade from now washing our car or perhaps in 15years, washing his beat-up car before a date. One has to start somewhere

Chowder and Dip

I realize this is a very long hiatus. It’s not Facebook that is keeping me away; my husband spends more time on it than me. It’s perhaps the combination of school, activity, growing child, invites and hobby. I feel my life is a constant fast forward of exams and preparation before Norhan left for the U.S, yet on his return it’s a double fast forward. Even during his absence, I find it hard to even sit and complete one blog entry coz I much rather finish the two books Ive been dying to read un-interrupted.

Still because Im such an organized person, I think it’s natural that I have guilt ridden nagging thought of incomplete at the back of my head whenever a task is completed. So here Im and this should erase those feelings. Recipes are so easy to blog.

Here’s what we’ve been having this really blistering summer in the middle east.

Swahili’s Salad Dip (10mins version from whatever available)
1cup sour cream
2 dash of onion granules
2 dash of garlic granules
*1000 island dressing
2 dash of coarse pepper
Salt

Put everything together. Mix well. Taste and change accordingly. Refrigerate
Voila, now you have another reason to have your salad raw without overdressing them.

* you could use Ranch Dressing. But I have island, Italian and ranch dressing in the pantry but I was more in favor of the tangy, sourness of Island Dressing with Sour Cream as opposed to the light dressing of the others.

Or omit dressing entirely and use mustard or tabasco instead.Experiment.



Haddock Chowder
Haddock/Cod/Hamour
1 leek, washed and finely chopped
1 celery, finely choppedpotatoes, diced
Butter (to taste)
a.p flour (accordingly)
1-2cups of milk
Cream (optional)
Chopped Parsley

Boil the fish, letting it simmer till cooked. Remove and drain on paper towel. Reserve the poaching liquid from the fish. It is important to drain the liquid off totally from the fish, for the next process.

Flake the fish, discarding the skin and bone. I find the best way to flake a fish is using a fork instead of picking it with your fingers. This way you’ll not get fine crumbled fish meat.

Put the leek, celery and potato in a pot with the poaching liquid of the fish. Add more water if needed, vegetables must be entirely covered. Medium heat till all vegetables is half cooked.

Melt butter (more butter if you like). Add flour and stir quickly. Remove from heat and gradually add the milk, mixture should thicken. If lumpy, add more milk.Add these to the vegetables in pot, stir. Put in fish and cream if you desire a thicker soup. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Extra yummy with fresh parsley before serving.

Note: This chowder was served with Morrocan Stew and Butter Mushroom rice. Im not sure if it's the best combi, but it works just fine in our household.

Mum, I can write

BondaBlab is back.A long hiatus indeed.We have an interesting topic on starting writting skills for your toddler.Most toddlers at 3 are already in school, writting and reading comes naturally, as part of the school curriculum. But what if your child does not attend school (like mine, haha). No doubt, you would have to take the dominant stand of being the sole guru. And please, for the love of your son, do so. How do you start? What do you do?

We hope to tackle and answer your questions. Here to read.

Index of picture: Harris did above drawing during our umrah trip.If I recall correctly, during the entire isya prayers. He did his own Mickey Mouse spelling, phonic wise..yes it's mis-spelt yet its endearingly cute, don't you agree?

Umrah.Apr 2009

We did our first family umrah on 21.4.09. It was Norhan’s fourth and my 1st. I didn’t update my FB status although I usually do even if im going to a dairy farm. I didn’t feel it was necessary for me to telecast to everyone of my impending trip. It was not an occasion, I would like neither to share with anyone nor to glorify the moment – if I did, i would do so with my immediate families and friends.

Everyone here has been to umrah. For me, the calling came later. And Allah is indeed great. He knew that this time, indeed this would mean more to me than should the opportunity be presented on another occasion. In the past, there was always halangan (hindrance) be it in the form of Norhan’s work commitment, my medical condition, moving, traveling but this time, it was decided overnight. In 2 short days, we have booked our flight and made hotel arrangements. Ive been told many times by my experienced-weekend for umrah friends that the journey is easy, yet Im still set in my stubborn self that I needed lots of brushing up on important surah (supplication) thus readying myself. Now, after the journey, I would still be the same as I was before, because Im an imperfect Muslim. I wouldn’t speak for the mass, but to present myself to his house, it better be right.

I thank Norhan for giving (funding) me this opportunity and indeed this is more memorable than any trip/holidays/future destination we have been and planned.

And Harris is at the most perfect age. Where he understands the significant of the journey, the etiquette required at certain time (solat/sa’i/tawaf) and drinking in the experience like the thirsty preschooler he is. He didn’t once stop, pause nor verbally complain when we do both tawaf and wida. Even if both were done at 1245pm and 10am respectively, at the peak of mid-day heat. At one point of tawaf, he even nods of sleeping but still being able to move his feet. It was only then (and that was the 7th round), did Norhan carry him.

Like all children, the angels of heaven, he took such immense liking to zam zam that we had to stop every 5mins during sa’i so he could have his fill of zam zam. He even commented that “I have a bright idea. Why don’t we bring all the bad water from Riyadh here and Allah’s water (zam zam) to Riyadh”
And mimicking the crowd around him, at Bukit Marwah (Marwah hill) he held his palm up high, with his flushed rosy cheeks he say “Allah can you please give me a baby sister”

If I didn’t already cry prior, I would definitely do so then.

If you have a child that comprehends facts and rationalization, it pays to explain simply about the journey. Our explanation is factual yet simply put-together for young minds. If it works on your child/s, please use them:
1. We are heeded to Allah house
2. Allah does not live in the Kaaba, it is a house that we Muslim pray to. Allah is everywhere
3. The Kaaba has existed millions of years ago. Yes even before the dinosaur era
4. Zam Zam is water from Allah fountain.
5. At the green light (sa’i), only strong able men need to run. Long ago, one of Allah angels had to run at the same point to get water for her child.
6. You may sleep, drink water, munch on candy whilst I pray but you must not stop or talk to me unless you want the toilet or when I pause/stop praying.


The latter of which he did. As with all other children his age, he is given plenty of candy, chocolates and biscuits (by surrounding people) during the prayers. I try not to think of the sugar rush and the cavities it will impose later, only that it will keep him going. I brought a small kiddy bag pack filled with stickers, three fold light weight coloring book, a doodle pad, bag of gummies and a Ziploc bag of crayons (so it will not roll off). He filled his time chewing on sweets, drawing and sipping “Allah’s water” and at one instant lay asleep sprawled for an hour.


We rewarded him amply by allowing him to feed the pigeons (outside Masjidil Haram) explaining that Allah ask his people to be kind to animals. I would never allow pigeon feeding anywhere else (virus and infection it brings) but here I let my guard down.


That is all I will say about my experience. Alhamdullilah, he has opened his door to me. Insyallah, I will visit him again in the future. I hope it will be soon

Pancakes & Homemade Jams

Do you make your own or buy those dry ones in box to be added with milk and eggs? Or those in container type, usually with the dairy products. I think Ive tried once of each - you know as newlyweds, breakfast in bed..ya and you know.

When I got pregnant, I had a huge craving for MacD pancakes. Something about them. And the moment Harris was old enough to consume pancakes, I had to learn to make them, well...as you know Im a paranoid mum who worry about msg, preservatives, colorings, etc

I swear my (fluffy) pancakes are the best amongst my friends and my husband thinks so too. They are good pipping hot, excellent with fruits and even moderately ok when cold - it just need the heat boost in the microwave.

And the best thing about pancakes, is the strawberry jam that is homemade. Which I will now share with you too. They are so easy to make, fast and you wont ever look for store bought again. I think it has something to do with pride and that its wholesome goodness healthy good.


1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Short of ingredients alternative:
All Purpose Flour - Self Raising Flour (omit baking powder)

Texture of batter:
Should be thick and not runny or watery. Test by placing a dollop in the middle of pan. If it sticks to pan or is too thin, batter should be thicken. Add more flour.

Turning Tips:
Watch for bubbles forming at the sides of pancakes. Indication that it is time to flip

Other pancake ideas: here

Strawberry Jam by Marjorie Braker
3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (about 1½ pint baskets or 4 cups whole berries or 1 pound)
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Option: Add a tablespoon or two of diced candied ginger

Directions:
1. Chill a small plate or bowl in the freezer
In a 10 or 12-inch wide skillet, bring fruit, sugar, and lemon juice to boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly and skimming foam as necessary. Cook about 8-10 minutes, until mixture begins to look syrupy and thickens slightly.

Spoon ½ teaspoon of the hot fruit onto the cold plate and let it rest for 30 seconds. Tip plate to one side; jam should be a soft gel that moves slightly. If mixture is thin and runs down side of plate, the gel is too soft. Return skillet to heat and cook jam 1 to 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and repeat test.

Cool jam to room temperature before serving. Because a minimum amount of sugar is used, the jam needs to be refrigerated to prevent mold from forming. Refrigerate 2-3 weeks.

For longer storage, freeze or process hot jam in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes.**
**Option: If jars are sterilized (heated in boiling water for 10 minutes) it’s possible to use the inverted method to preserve jam: Pour hot jam into hot sterile jar leaving 1/8 inch head space. Wipe rim and apply prepared lid and ring. Screw ring on firmly.

Makes 1-1/2 cups

Verdict: you may wish to cut down the sugar, although it's really not necessary. The jam is not overtly sweet like those store bought jams.Instead it has a tinge of sourness still from the fresh strawberries and it goes a long way - Ive added them as muffins fillings, cheesecake toppings, pancakes...endless varieties. The thick texture is also velvety but spreadable.
In the picture, two half jars for my mil and mum. I will be storing them in the fridge till our return. Personal gifts like this goes beyond brands and price-tags.

Note: do ensure you have a nice tight fitted lid containers. My jars are the recyled ones from previously stored baby food, coffee creamer, marmalades.

Potluck?

Please if I may reinstate my earlier warning. Take heed. Irregardless where you are, Manchester, Zurich, Ghana, WA, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Singapore – if you are Malay, the true beauty of our tradition will never change.

When you are invited for a Malay gathering of prayers, celebration or even get-together, the host will for sure say come hungry, do not bring food. Do everything otherwise and
1) Forget any itinerary planned if any was given during invite.
2) If you come punctual, make sure the kids are fed coz no one will come on time. Food are usually served when most guest arrive, seldom will there be appetizers/hors d’oeuvre
3) Bring buah tangan/food/fruits/drinks for the host
When no.3 is met you can be sure (and please come back and thank me afterward), that you’ve won a point with the host. That gossips among groups (which is always famous in Malay gathering) during the party itself, will not be about you.

If you still forget my pointers above, just remember the Thumb Rule: There is never any potluck party in Malay gathering.

But if I invite you, please note that I usually welcome appetizers, salads and desserts. The latter especially, so I could store and stow away your desserts for the many days after when Harris ask for desserts after each meal. Take it as you’re helping (save) me.

The Write Sites

Every home I visited, every kid I see on the street, every child I know from the age of 4-50 (smile) has a remote,an electronic gadget,a beeping unit, a communicator on,with or around them. Every kid here and every kid back home. On the train, in the mall, whilst walking down the grocery lane, in the backpack, in their lunch bag. What is it with these kids?

It is worse here. Each school holiday, perhaps for lack of activities provided by this country but more so I would like to think, sheer laziness from parents to map activities, all the children are more at apt of finger clicking and thumb rolling.
(here) Not one kid I talk to, is exploring new hobbies that is beyond game and electronic means. Not one kid i know, is even pursuing mental stimulation beyond stuck on a chair for long period of time.

I do have a great fondness in looking up new kiddy website. Finding out the other world beside Twitter and Friendster. Looking up from the best humidor (dont ask, it's just an interest) to the latest lipshine this season to best streaming site for movie download (im a streaming sucker) to kiddy website. Now do you know why, Im aloof in Facebook - Im truly busy.

The cyber world can teach your child more than you bargain for, beyond writting things like "lol" "brb" - some things you may even enjoy working with her. Let me introduce you three of my favourite to turbocharge your child.

1) WRITE A BOOK. every child is an author on tikatok.com, where kids (5to14) write, illustrate and publish their very own storybooks. It's free to log on and create a book.
2) MAKE A FUNNY FACE created by children's book author Bill Zimmerman colorful makebeliefscomix.com lets kids (4and up) design comic strips using pre-drawn characters. Kids fills in text bubbles, then print or email the cartoons to friends for free
3)COMPILE A CROSSWORD The International Reading Association and National Council of Teachers (in US) launched readwritethink.org/crossword, a free crossword generator.


WRITE A BOOK, Harris has one too. It's the cutest, click here to visit