The latest addition to the family

On the 13th November 2009, I received an sms from my mum. It read, "Faghriyya rushed to hospital this morning!!"

Everyone was taken by surprise because the little one was only due by the end of November, 27th November to be exact. Faghriyya's little bundle of joy couldn't wait that long, hehehe. And mother was receiving an early birthday present as she celebrated her birthday on the 14th, a day after the little one's arrival.

Just two weeks before his arrival, Faghriyya and I were saying how funny it would be if baby was born before the 21st November. This would make him a Scorpio and that would mean that mum, dad and baby were Scorpios, eek!

Imagine that??!! Three Scorpios under one roof!

The parents had not chosen a name for him yet, as they were too elated that the pregnancy had gone so well. Faghriyya had growths on her ovaries previously and was struggling to conceive. One of her ovaries were eventually removed. The news of her conception was therefore greeted with much elation, Alghumdulillah!!

The name giving ceremony took place the Sunday after his birth. On arriving at Faghriyya's home, I was ecstatic to discover that they had chosen the name, Muhammad Shahied, Masha-Allah! I finally had a namesake in the family, hehehe!

May Allah guide him on the right path. May he be an obedient boy to his parents and elders. May joy, happiness & prosperity shine on him always, Insha-Allah Ameen!

FIFA 2010 fever hits Cape Town

I'm not really a soccer fan and haven't sat down to watch a game. But the furore surrounding the recent draw that took place at the CTICC had me glued to my tv screen!

South Africa, or Cape Town I should rather say, has proved that it can rise to the occasion when required to host an event of this magnitude, if the draw is anything to go by. The FIFA Fest party that was hosted in Long Street, Cape Town, was a huge success, drawing something like 60 000 people! And that was only the count by late afternoon, more people made their way to the venue after leaving their offices for the day.

Seeing as our offices were a stones throw away from the venue Caroline, Blonde, Roger & I decided to take a walk during lunch. We were amazed by the activities taking place already. The weather was perfect with Table Mountain looming in the background. A few local SA bands were expected to play throughout the day, Alister Izobel was on stage during the time we were there. And had the crowd singing to the song 'Welcome to Cape Town'

Also making an appearance were the contestants of the Miss World Pageant being hosted in Johannesburg within the next few days. There were cultural bands playing drums & xylophones, instruments associated with the beat of Africa.

While we were walking around in Long street, Remi had decided to get some Nandos for lunch. Waiting for his lunch he noticed a few guys dressed in suits, upon closer inspection, he realized that David Beckham was standing a few feet away!! He managed to pull out his phone to snap a pic, not a very good one of Beckham though. But what was quite hilarious about his pic, was the fact that everyone in Nandos had managed to snap away with their hand phones!! And he had caught this commotion in his pic, hahahaha!!

I sure hope that Cape Town gets to host the final match, it's sure to be a thriller! I can picture it now: Green point stadium filled to capacity and everyone on their feet with the excitement of the game! Not forgetting the vukuzela being blown until the sound reaches fever pitch!

Exciting times lay ahead innit!!

Reflections

In two days I celebrate my 36th birthday. Did I just say 36?? Let me rephrase that. In two days I celebrate my 21st birthday, hehhehe. Just kidding!!

Another year has passed by so very swiftly. And as I look back, I am humbly grateful for another year that the Almighty has sought to bless me with. My time has been filled with beautiful moments, tears, sadness but most of all cherished memories.

I have had the opportunity to rekindle long lost childhood friendships and cement family bonds. Each relationship has opened my heart that much more, allowing for fulfillment and acceptance to the beauty of human relations. It certainly has been an amazing road thus far.

Then there’s Sayang, *SIGH*

What can I say, but, that my cup runneth over!!

Every person that has been placed in my path, has been there for a purpose. Helping me to see differently when I cannot do so on my own. I am utterly grateful for your unwavering support, it’s amazing having cheerleaders like you!!

May I ask that you keep me in your duas / prayers, always, for that is all I really need. If there has been anything that I have said to hurt or offend you in any way, may I take this opportunity to humbly ask your forgiveness. And may your days be bright, beautiful and full of Allah blessings Ameen!!

I plan to have supper with family and friends over the weekend. On Sunday all will converge on my home for cake & tea. (The birthday girl has to bake her own birthday cake because her family refuses anything else, hahaha. What can I say?? If you’ve got it, you’ve got it ya??)

Fa bie ay ala ie rabie koema toe kathie baan??

Wedding bells Part 1

Nadia, the kids & I climbed into the car & made our way, in haste, to Masjidul Quds. It was after 9am already and we were worried that we might have missed the start of Shaheema's nikaah. An event I so didn't want to miss.

First we had to drop off the mini quiche, I made earlier that morning, at my mom's to be baked. This was part of the buffet breakfast to be served after the nikaah. Fearing the worst as we made our way to the entrance of the masjid, I noticed some of the cousins standing and waiting. Which only meant one thing. The bride was late, pheww!! And according to one of the cousins, Raafiek was panicking already, hehehe.

Just then, the limo pulled up. And as Shaheema stepped from the car, everyone standing at the entrance gasped. The bride was wearing a red & gold creation made by herself. I had to hold back tears, didn't want the makeup to run :P

I snapped a few pics before she rushed inside the masjid. All the ladies made their way upstairs and settled down before the nikaah started. Nadia realised that she had forgotten her camera in the car, and so she rushed back out to fetch it. Ruwaydah, Shaheema's best friend, was also in attendance with her little one.

As I listened to Sheikh Abduraghmaan Alexander, a sense of peace settled over me. Shaheema's big day had finally arrived and it promised to be a day that would be forever etched in my memory. Another bride arrived, dressed in silver & white, she was overwhelmed with tears. Both nikaahs took place in tandem, Masha-Allah. Aunty Fayeeza was overcome with emotion and Shaheema comforted her mom trying very hard not to cry as well.

When the nikaah was done, Raafiek made his way upstairs to greet his bride and present her wedding ring. Congratulations were in order and many hugs exchanged as the excitement permeated through family members of the bridal couple.

Everyone made their way to the hall where breakfast was being served. The bridal couple would arrive there by a slower mode of transport this time around. Horse & carriage!! It was quite hilarious noting motorists reaction when they spotted the horse & carriage making it's way down the main road. Certainly a sight that one doesn't witness everyday!

Breakfast was a delish spread of savories including quiche, pies, samoosas, cocktail rolls, half moons and potato rolls with a secret filling. Then, to satisfy the sweet tooth, there was chocolate chip muffins, crumpets topped with strawberry jam & fresh cream, pieces of carrot cake topped with cream cheese icing, YUMS!

It was really great having to catch up with family members you only get to see at functions. But not so great when they inquire about myself getting hitched, sheesh! Somehow that always seems to crop up somewhere, hehehe.

Sharfa

Sharfa is a very good friend of my sister's. Having met her a few years ago, I was always struck by her beautiful smile. But there was a sadness in her eyes which was unexplained until I came to know of her life experience.

At the age of about 12 years she lost her mother to cancer. This incident was to change her life completely. Being at such a young age one can just imagine what she was going through!

Sharfa is now 24 years old but the effects of having lost her mother at such a young age lingers. There are times, in conversations, she trances and one wonders what she's thinking. At first I thought it weird but I've come to see that, that it is just how she handles her situation. I was curious as to how she managed through her life, as I have been blessed to have my mother through all the stages of my life so far. When conversations were steered in that direction, there were many tears shed and my admiration and love for her just grew even more.

I admire her strength and perseverance tremendously, for she had excelled at school and when she started working she took on the responsibility of looking after her younger brother. Running her home, working and studying through UNISA to obtain her Chartered accounting degree hasn't phased this lass one bit!! For reasons not explained, her father has assumed a low profile in his children's lives. A sad but true occurrence in today's day and age.

When she celebrated her 21st birthday a few years ago, a few of her friends, including myself & Raihaana, decided to throw her a birthday bash. Everyone knew she wouldn't make a fuss, so they took the onus on themselves to organize something for her. Sharfa was taken out for the day and the friends were given a key to her home so that everything could be set up. You can just imagine the look of surprise on her face when she came home to all of us waiting for her!! She never suspected a thing!! She enjoyed herself thoroughly, especially the chocolate mousse birthday cake I had made.

I attended her wedding yesterday and what a radiant bride she made!! As she walked into the hall, Raihaana and I looked at each other, we both wanted to cry. The beautiful girl with the sad eyes was finally having a happy ending! * sniff, sniff *

She has married into a beautiful family who have vowed to love and care for her as their own. This was evident by the beautiful reception presented to the guests and the warm welcome offered by her parents-in-law. They are truly blessed!!

My wish for her with the beginning of a new phase in her life: May Allah continue to smile on you and your husband, Ashiq. May your married days be filled with only happiness and joy, for you so rightly deserve this and more. May you be blessed with beautiful children who will carry on the legacy of your strength and perseverance throughout, Insha-Allah Ameen!!

My gift to the bridal couple

Two weeks left and counting

It seems like just the other day Shaheema had announced her intention to tie the knot, now we're down to the wire with just two weeks left to her big day.

Some of the cousins who will taking part in Shaheema's wedding

Excitement is sure the order of the day. Last night was spent at her home finishing off wedding favors. The entourage's dresses have all been completed and fittings have been done. Aqeedah is morning bridesmaid, Uthmaan & Ghaalietha is part of the afternoon group.






Shaheema with the unfinished wedding favors



I have been asked to make dessert, chocolate mousse to be exact, for 600 hundred people (00)
Yes, you read right, I did say 600 hundred people!! I don't think I want to see chocolate for a whole while after that!!


Then there's the issue about me having to make a speech as well. Gosh, Shaheema sure knows how to put me on the spot. I prefer being a wallflower, inconspicuous, not having the guests' attention on me. This is something I cannot weasel my way out of now, baaaaaah!! So, I'll just have to get rid of the stage fright and do my thing.


Shawaal month sees a lot of weddings taking place this side of the world. Abubaker tied the knot on 24 September 2009, may Allah guide his marriage to the best of understanding Insha-Allah Ameen. Then, 4 October 2009 sees Sharfa tying the knot as well. I'm to make her wedding cake, which I'm very excited about. And then Shaheema, who will marry on the 11 October 2009. Which means that so far, there's a wedding taking place every week, sheesh!!


I wonder if they realize what they're getting themselves into, hehehe???




Abubaker & his bride, Fayrouz as well as his parents



On another note, Adiela will be giving birth in the next two weeks as well. It's her first little one on the way and she's very excited but scared too. And Fagriyyah is due by the end of November Insha-Allah, her first little one too. May Allah give them both the strength needed Insha-Allah. And may the little ones bring their parents boundless joy & happiness Insha-Allah Ameen!!

Fagriyyah, Mubeen & Raihaana

Mommy's taste in fashion doesn't cut it any more

Gosh, these last couple of days have been absolutely crazy!! I can't believe that we're down to the 15th day of Ramadaan already. Where has the time gone???

Between work, rushing home to prepare for iftaar, chores and seeing to the kids, my day is never ending. It also helps that Aqeedah knows her way around the kitchen, she's true gem!! By the time I hit the sack I would hope that sleep would come quickly. Unfortunately for me, that is not the case. I probably only get 2 hours sleep for the most and then my day starts all over again!! Eish!! I'm surprised I haven't keeled over yet. :P

With regards to my reading, I am making good progress, Alghumdulillah!! Even though I couldn't read for about 6 days. Between reading at work during my break and at night, I'm hoping to keep the momentum going so that I can finish as planned Insha-Allah.

I still have to find clothes for the children for Eid and boy, oh boy, is that going to be a mission. Especially for Aqeedah, the girl refuses to stop growing, hahahaha. She's now even taller than mom, even when mom has heels on!! To make things easier for myself, the next time around I'll rather have something made for her.

During the week I popped into a boutique I had discovered some time back. I love the range they have, longer length dresses with sleeves and they're not figure hugging either. So, I found a pants with a beautiful top for her. Feeling quite chuffed with myself I presented these to Aqeedah on arriving home. Her siblings were more impressed with the outfit than she was, to say the least (oO)

"The top is too oudoos (old fashioned) mummy." Oops, what was I thinking?? Gone are the times where I could safely buy something she would like. Mom's taste is a far cry from a fourteen year old's. To make matters worse, this morning Uthmaan promptly told me, "No Shahruk Khan outfits for me this year, mom." Double oops!! And here I thought I was doing something good, LOL!!

Well, it's a sure sign that my kids are growing up way too fast for my liking. Or maybe, it's just a sign that mom's getting old, OI!! I think I'll stick to my first sentiment for the time being, hehehe.

Oh, but wait!! Ghaalietha still likes the clothes I buy for her. Well, I THINK she still does :P