fond memories

mood: drowsy
craving: warm caldo (Mexican soup)

The call that I got on a warm November morning was a call that was going to change my life forever. Abu A (hubby) called me from UAE and asked me where I would want to be for about four years. Could be less or could be more. Ended up being more. He named some countries: Spain, Australia  and a couple others. When he said, Germany I immediately said, I wanna go there.  He chuckled and said, okay, Germany it is. No questions about it. My daughter and I were on our way to Germany to meet up with my husband.  He went back to UAE to get stuff ready.  So many things I had to do and so little time. Time was going so fast and I felt as if i was in a dream. Saying good-bye to my dear friends and family wasn't so easy. I cried all the way to the terminal. One of the sisters screamed my name from the drop off with all the other sisters, and told me how much she loved me. I was sobbing like a baby. The woman who takes the tickets, assured me that everything will be fine and if I don't stop crying, she would have to join in the waterworks with me.

The flight was good, no harsh turbulence. Thank God.  I wrote in my journal as my daughter slept next to me and just dreamed how our life was gonna change. We finally made it to Frankfurt, where my hubby was going pick us up. It was already foreign just walking through the air port. He got us a beautiful suite at Inter Continental, with a gorgeous view.  I was so tired from the flight. After we ate, I layed down and feel to sleep to my husband talking to me.

The streets in Germany were so clean and very familiar, as my father was in the Air Force and we were stationed in Germany when I was small. Yep, that's why I wanted to go there. I wanted to see the places where I used to live. I wanted to reminisce about when I was little and take pictures of the same places I was when I was little. All the nice times we had with my family, in the same place years later with my husband and my daughter.

We lived in 3 houses in Germany. The first one wasn't so great. I'm sure anyone who would of seen it, would think it was awesome, but the neighborhood wasn't so hot. The second home was the most amazing home we lived in . It was amazing. I have pictures for y'all to see. When we walked in, I was in love. So nice, roomy and so beautiful. Our bedroom, kitchen area, dinning room area and balcony all faced our backyard: which happened to be a river! It was so nice, we'd have a constant view of the water rushing by our home. It was bordered by a small patch of forest, a walk-way and a watermill. A lot of the times we'd see people in kayaks rush by on the current. 

The snow fall was amazing. Many times I caught myself on snowy cold nights, looking for several minutes at the snow falling so hard...

Alas, Germany will always be a part of my life, even if at times the people made it hard for us, because we're Muslims. I pray that Allah (God) makes it easy for our Muslim, Brothers and Sisters who live in these European- Western countries.


final whisper: I left you in Germany and in Jannah (heaven ) you are. I'll never forget you and will always have you in my heart. Our son, Mubarak.

Friday's Ramblings

mood: stuffed from lunch

craving: a nice walk on the Corniche

As Salam Alikom (Peace be with you) my dear readers and hola to all my non-Muslim readers. 

I just wanna thank all you followers out there, who have left replies and do enjoy reading about my journey to become a better Muslim, mother and wife. I pray on this blessed day, Jummah, that everything y'all pray for, you get, and that Allah gives y'all good in this life and the hear after. ameen 

Today we had to stay home, due to my kids having bad colds. Abu A  attended Jummah at the masjid and then he went off to in laws. I hate missing our gatherings.  Every Friday we gather at my in laws to enjoy our lunch and company.  Unfortunately today we can't. May Allah cure my kids and all the people out there who are sick ameen .. God's willing I'm not next to get this cough and cold.

I made nice lunch today; Sesame-Orange Shrimp which my kids and I ate . My best friend,  who is so very kind, bought us some organic buckwheat noodles. (Thanks Twizzle)  that went perfect with today's lunch.

Click on pics to see them clearer.

 

 

 

Now that I'm happily satisfied I wonder what Abu A will be having. After I prayed, I looked outside my bedroom window and saw this little boy admiring his little plants he planted. I just had to smile. He was about ten years old. It made my day brighter. :)

Oh, as I promised in another entry, I would show you this beautiful clock I bought. It's not hung up, yet, but insha'a'Allah (God's willing) this weekend, Abu A will hang it.  I know Abu A could of gotten a way better deal on this. When it comes to me buying from a brother, I will not bargain. Khalas. I just don't see any reason I should be asking him to bring the price down.  I'm shy to ask and it leads to talking. Alhamdulilah (thank you God) Abu A would have it no other way.

Hmmmm what else... my kids and I decided to go to a all woman's park  yesterday. Since Abu A was going to another wedding and I wasn't obligated to go this time, I wanted to take them out and get some fresh air. So, we go there and what do we see? We see a lot of police there and they have this boyat (for those of you who don't know what a boyat is: it's a woman who  dresses like a man and even cuts her hair like a guys and acts like one) on the side. There was women around and I guess they called the cops. They dealt with the boyats . I was honestly concerned. Aren't you supposed to feel safe, not violated? I felt just like that last night. We walked in the park and everywhere we looked, boyats with their girlfriends. Not a nice sight and I kept my shayla on, I didn't take it off. Such a shame. In fact what do parents say to this? What would you do?

 

Other than the boyats episode, we had a pretty good time. Alhamdulilah. (Thank you God)

Let's jump on to something else......

 

I've had this all sisters Islamic forum going on six years masha'a'Allah. I can honestly write a book about this site. Who knows, maybe I will. All I can say, and others can testify, is that this site has brought so many wonderful, loving sisters together. It's not just a forum, it's a community of real women who are striving to be better Muslimahs, mothers and wives. Masha'a'Allah wa Alhamdulilah. I would love to get to know you sisters who reply on my blog. Go and join. And for all you anonymous sisters out there reading and not replying, please join.

We have non-Muslim women on there, too. We try our best to explain what Islam is. There is no compulsion in our beautiful religion. Alhamdulilah (thank you God) it's somewhere you can come and be yourself without having to act like someone else. We give more love and support here than I've ever seen. What are y'all waiting for? Come and join us. Maybe someday we'll get to meet. 

Muslim Sisters Unite

Last but not least. I wanna leave y'all with this....

final whisper: 

 

My mind is made up...

mood: silly

craving: talking to my dad

As Salam Alikom (Peace be with you) my dear readers and hola to all my non-Muslim readers.
Go here, so this post doesn't confuse you. After you read that entry, come back and read this one.

Anywho, it's a crying shame that after a scary incident I had to say,"Heck no, I'm never getting a maid."  One month ago I had a maid come for the day to clean. She was going about her business, cleaning and so forth. I seen my son run into our kitchen, I told him to get out and got up and what I saw when walking in the kitchen made my heart drop. Frantically hanging up with my best friend, the maid left the Clorox top off and left it on the floor. My son got a hold of it and poured most of it out, on his little bitty body. I grabbed him instantly and rushed him to the bathroom to tear his clothes off and wash his body. My husband was getting ready to take him to the ER. Thank God he didn't swallow any. I don't think he would, because we would of seen it and smelled it in his mouth. Better to be safe than sorry. Well, from then on I decided, I don't want a maid.

I grew up with my mom doing everything. And, of course, when us girls got old enough, we did help her, too. When I was older my mom did have someone come and help her around our home. Her name was Mirta. She was from Mexico and I'll never forget her golden smile. I honestly think she was more of a companion to my mom. Even if Gloria (mom's best friend) would always come over.

After living here for almost three years, I think it's pretty obvious that I wouldn't get a maid. I don't like the thought of another woman living inside our home or even someone that you know nothing about, living here. Even if she would have a separate place to sleep.

Here in the UAE or shall I say, Middle east, this is very, very normal. Everyone in my family and my friends have maids. I've heard and seen too many horror stories. So, it's not likely that I would be getting one anytime soon.  Thanks, but, no thanks. I'll clean my own home, cook my own meals for my family and not have to worry about someone else. In fact, I like cleaning.

That said, I wish she never did it. I came so close to having Abu A (my hubby) getting the paper work together for a maid. :) Oh well. This is the will of God! and Alhamdulilah (Thank you God) 

Who wouldn't want someone do the dishes after every meal? Have the cabinets in the kitchen organized all the time, clean the floors everyday and vacuum. Clean the bathrooms and wipe the walls. Clean the outside windows and more. Who wouldn't want this? Then again, I start thinking. Why do I stay home? What would I do?

But, a little bitty part of me does cry out, every once in a while. I want a maid. But, a bigger part of me says, No way. I'll listen to the bigger part, for now.

In no way am I pointing fingers at people who do have maids. To each is own, but not this sister. 

I'll clean our own mess and take care of my own family, just fine.

final whisper: Why did you have to go and leave that Clorox lid off the bottle. Grrr

They're only Arabs, they won't bite

mood: dreamy

craving: dancing in the rain

As Salam Alikom (Peace be with you) my dear sisters and hola to all my non-Muslim readers. 

I think some people have grown up with a lot of doubts about other races.  I'm not saying your racist, but you just wonder. You never feel comfortable with something you don't know about.  I was the majority in Texas, being Mexican/American. I really never got a chance to be around other races. But, I felt it when we moved to Germany. Boy did I ever. I didn't get looked at like my husband did. Even if I covered it wasn't the same stare he got. It was awful. Being Muslim and ARAB. Nothing was on his side.

I remember when I was little, I grew up in a small town with a Air Force base (dad retired there) we lived on the border of Mexico and the base had pilots from all around the world, come and train. They mostly came from Saudi Arabia and Iran. Talking about scared. I was so terrified of them, I would run to my parents and hide when they would bend down to talk to me. I was little and just wondered who they were. They were different. That said, it's kinda strange, cause Hispanics (not all) are darker skinned people. So, it must of been the accents? Or....... hearing stories about the Arabs and middle eastern people. LOL ugh huh. ... that was it. I was little, but you would be shocked to know how smart tiny ones are. They absorb everything they here and keep it with them for life. I kept it with me until I started getting educated.

I had a stero type of the Arabs from then on. The media wasn't on their side and the government, forget about it. I forgot about them all the years I was growing up, until I started getting interested in Islam. I met some of the most amazing Arabs at the Mosque (Masjid) They were kind like no other race I've ever met. Going over their homes and hanging out with some of the most wonderful Arab women. My view changed quickly. Then reverting to Islam and after a while marrying my husband, which he is Arab. My heart was his.

We moved to Germany and I have to tell y'all. I was in love all over again. I meet Arab women who I will never forget. Arabs are the most hospitable people on earth. Their manners are off the charts. They will never tell you no. They are there for you always. When I had my baby, I got visits from so many women. My in laws and people brought big trays and boxes of chocolate - flowers and gifts. Our house was so filled, we didn't have room. LOL I was amazed at the manners. Even though I knew, from my in laws and husband. This was just a different situation. I can't wait to emulate their manners when going back to visit Texas. 

My husband has the most amazing friends. Since we don't mix , I hear stories from my husband, about his friends. I felt like I knew them.  I mean to tell ya. Never in my life have I seen a bond like this.

Bottom line. Arabs are people and have feelings. Get to know them. Like in every culture, we have good and bad. I honestly believe there is more good than bad. I'm an optimist, shoot me. LOL

" [Muslim], "An Arab is no better than a non-Arab. In return, a non-Arab is no better than an Arab. A red raced man was not better than a black one except in piety. Mankind are all Adam's children and Adam was created out of clay." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim, on the authority of Abu Musa] Meaning that the Muslims, whether they are of Chinese, African, European or Asian origin, are one Ummah and they cannot be separated from each other. 

final whisper: you stole my heart... you Arab...

My dear beautiful daughter.. I'm sorry.. so sorry..

mood: heartbroken
craving: to hug her and not let her go


When you become a parent, life changes in ways you can't imagine. Why weren't they born with instructions? Fifteen years ago, the love of my life was born. I forgive her for those extra eighty-pounds I gained. In fact every bit was worth it, it's just the working out after that killed me.
 Last night after I changed my son, I asked my daughter to wash his little bum. She did, and what I did after that, I won't forgive myself and ask God to forgive me. All the sudden, I heard my son screaming in the bathroom, I felt like I was running  in slow motion. There was smoke, I panicked and screamed at my daughter, "What the hell are you doing? You're burning him!!!" The way I yelled was a way I have never yelled before. It was shocking and made her break into tears immediately and just look at me as if she was in a daze. I was in shock to find out that smoke (which I thought it was the steam to the HOT water) was Bukhoor burning in her bathroom. So, if you're running to the bathroom and see smoke, you think, "Oh crap, the water is boiling and it burned the baby." As she was crying in shock, she told me, "Mom, he was screaming because I wouldn't give him the shower head." I was at lost for words, I felt like crap. I wanted to crawl in a hole and just stay there. She ran in her room and I continued to bathe him. I was in shock at how I yelled at her and my mind was racing with things I needed to tell her and wanted to make amends with her, but didn't know how. I wanted her to settle down and wait to go in there to tell her I'm sorry. The rest of my evening was ruined.


Later on before I went to bed, I opened her door (she was sleeping). I sat on the edge of her bed and ask her to please forgive me. I caressed her hair as my heart was beating twenty to nothing and inside I  was dying, hoping she would forgive me. She did...isn't that what all teens do? If not, tell me who doesn't? They just wanna be accepted by their mom and dad and only ask for unconditional love and support. Is that asking to much? I know some of y'all will say, "Don't be so hard on yourself." But, y'all don't understand. Obviously if I feel this way about how I yelled at her, something isn't right. I pray it doesn't happen again. What broke my heart even more, after I gave my son a bath, he ran to her room and hugged her, where she was sitting on her floor, up against her bed crying. He was honestly concerned for her. He'll be two in March. It's amazing how the bond with siblings start at such a young age. They are exactly fourteen years and one day apart.


I know as mothers we're just human. But, I can have a pity party for myself. Can't I? All I can say is if you have a teen in your home, or kids, go and hug them. Tell them that you appreciate everything they do or tell the little ones that even if that day they made you crazy and wanna go in the car and drive far away, you would never have it any other way. You love them. I try damn hard to do my best with her. I really hope I have succeeded and will keep on raising her to the best of my ability. I pray that one day she'll understand the stresses - joy - happiness, of raising kids. She doesn't understand now. One day she will (God's willing) be blessed with little ones. God help her and help all those out there.


Now.. this is to my beautiful amazing daughter...

Salam Alikom (peace be with you) my love.

You light up my life
You give me hope
To carry on
You light up my days
and fill my nights with song
^  (lyrics from a Debbie Boone song). 
I'm being a little cheesy to make you laugh, but it's so true.

 Ok, here it goes. Since I was pregnant with you, my love, you had the ability to take my breath away.  Through the years you have simply amazed me. Your laugh, smile and your words, always made me happier if i was having a bad day. You really know how to make a person smile and feel special. You're beautiful, inside and out, funny, smart and so freaking loving it's crazy.  I'm you're love, mama. Don't you agree? I wanna just grab you at times and hold you and never let  go.  I can't imagine my life without you. We have tons of silly moments together. You're the princess of silly, because we all know I'm the Queen. How could I not love you? 


Dancing in the kitchen while preparing our meals and singing together while driving in the car. Shopping until our feet feel like their gonna fall off.  We're an awesome mom and daughter team, aren't we? You're always the life of the party. You're always so helpful when we have gatherings, when most teens would be in their own world. Not you, baby girl, you're always there to lend a helping hand or two. Helping me out and making sure all the guests are always very comfortable. You're the daughter so many long for. You're the daughter I will always love and cherish and adore. Never change for anyone. Always be yourself.

You're da bomb.....


I love you with all my heart and my soul..

Love, Mama



Parenting is a hard job.

 I wanna take a moment to thank my mom. She passed away many years ago.

Thank you, Mom, for always being there for me and loving me unconditionally. I miss our crazy times together, miss our movie nights with pizza and tons of junk food. I miss us singing in the car together and laughing so hard we cry. I miss the talks we used to have and the dancing in your kitchen. I miss your tight hugs and kisses. I miss you chasing me with your shoe, because I did something wrong. And at the end of the chase we would fall on the floor laughing so hard, with our legs up in the air holding our tummy's. I miss you and I miss your voice, your love and  your smell.


Mom 1941-1996:- You will always be loved and missed.


final whisper: Will you forgive me? I love you so much, it hurts. Do I try too hard to make you smile?
To make us smile.

Y'all didn't warn me......

 mood: confident

craving: a nice vacation to the middle of no where

As Salam Alikom (Peace be with you) my dear sisters and hola to all my non-Muslim readers.

I got sucked into the blog-sphere and I'm loving it. At first I didn't wanna make it public, then I just thought, "Hey, it's just like a diary, but anyone can see it." Didn't really make to much sense to me. But, then again, "How many things in this life make sense." To top it off, I never ever thought anyone would be so interested to read what I have to say. Ever. You wouldn't think that the blogging world could become so darn addicting. I have news for you out there who are thinking of starting a blog, it's addicting, with a capital "A".  Been blogging for almost over two months.  I'm totally addicted. I caught myself using my BB to search other blogs and I had to put a stop to that, asap. If I kept that up, my family would def think I'm a nut. It's a kinda therapy for me. I even got my daughter to start blogging. Stay away guys, I'm watching you.

I talked two of my very best freinds DIA to DXB & Purple Paisley Pondering to start up with blogging. We are having a blast. LOL Early this morning Purple Paisley called me, she asked, "Whatcha doing?" We both busted out laughing. She's like, this is ridiculous! We both had one million windows open and just reading and reading different blogs. Wow wee - no one told me that you get wisked away into blog land. This is far  better than Face Book (which I don't frequent anymore: waste of time.)

If I do say myself, there are some very interesting blogs out there.  Twizzle called me  last night, we were talking about different blogs. Some just amaze us, while others, you don't know what to think. :|  We all ask each other if we'll continue on this blog high. I don't know. But, for now it feels pretty darn good. I'll take it day by day. See how it goes.

I had a good idea. Since my father isn't computer savvy, he just  doesn't wanna take the time to learn, I'm gonna just scan my blog, every month. I'll send it to him so he can read it. He loves reading and he would just love it.

So, to all you blogger's out there. Keep up the nice comments which me and my best friends, love and adore, and the nice entries. I just love reading them. I hope y'all enjoy my entries. I have truly seen another side of myself and  the net, and I like it.

signing off from UAE... Until my next entry. God bless and take care.

final whisper: we should be learning Arabic - y'all know who y'all are.

beauty tips 1,2,3

 mood: relaxed

craving: swimming in a river of vanilla and white chocolate. LOL

After spending a great day with my daughter and son and meeting one of my best friends, at our favorite place to sit back and chat a bit, I had to come and make this awesome entry to get every sister out there excited. I need to unwind,and what better way to unwind than to talk about beauty, make-up and style? Are y'all ready for Um Azooz's beauty tips? Well, I should say, SEPHORA'S beauty tips and some of mine. I have this really great book and I wanna share some wonderful, easy beauty tips with you lovely sisters. I hope everyone out there is having a great day, or evening.


Here it goes...


What is beauty?


We live in a world full of beauty. Sometimes it stares you directly in the face; other times, it's a little harder to find. But one thing is clear: Beauty means something different to everyone.

    "Beauty is about being passionate in whatever you do - family,life,work. Passion makes people beautiful."

 Beauty tips:

To avoid dark circles and under-eye bags, try sleeping with extra pillows. Gravity helps fight the accumulation of fluid under the eyes.


Red lipstick: Oh how I love thee. Red lips should be the only feature on your face making a statement. Leave everything else light and simple. "It's very chic to pair a red lip with a well-groomed eyebrow, black mascara, and chocolate brown eyeliner,"


Always apply a red stain to the lips before red lipstick. When the color from the lipstick begins to fade, you'll still have a red flush on the lips.


There are so many different red lipsticks out there. I personally, love the blue red. Makeup for ever has a great one. Mufe lipstick in Blue Red 205. Teeth also look a couple shades whiter against this color.


"Always apply your make-up standing up! When you're standing, as opposed to sitting at a makeup mirror hunched over a glass of water, you'll be more serious and you'll apply like a pro."


Quick fixes:


"If you have a bad breakout, don't wear red lipstick, because you'll be repeating and bringing out the color of the blemishes. Wear a soft brown or neutral color instead."



FYI "The reason women always open their mouths when applying mascara is because when your jaw drops, your eyes open."


DOUBLE AGENT QUICK FIXES:


    * Toilet paper instead of blotting paper
    * A knife instead of a mirror to check your lipstick
    * Nail polish to prevent a run from spreading in your stockings
    * Toothbrush as an eyebrow groomer
    * Hair conditioner as shaving cream
    * Matchbook cover as a nail file
    * Brow tint to cover gray hairs or as a root touch-up in between a visit to the colorist
    * Pressed or loose powder on roots of hair to absorb grease
    * Hand lotion to fight the frizzies
    * Cold tea bags to depuff eyes
    * Olive oil on patches of ultra dry skin

Words of Wisdom:

"The best quick fix in the world is a new tube of lipstick. Unlike fashion, you don't have to worry about it fitting you. A new color of lipstick will instantaneously change your look and lift your spirits."

"Cleaning your face before you go to sleep is so important because not only are you removing makeup, but you're also washing off any harmful pollutants that may have landed on your skin throughout the day."

 My two favorite lipsticks... for now..

I'm having such a good time blogging. Y'all should be scared. LOOOOOOOOOOOOL 

For more beauty tips. go here. Little Pink Strawberries

Last but not least

"True beauty is radiant health. Aim for perfect health, and practice balance and moderation in everything you do. Follow the anti-inflammatory lifestyle and you can achieve optimal health and beauty. The interaction and synergy between diet and lifestyle, and our health, well-being, and longevity, holds the key to how well or how poorly we age."

 

final whisper:  getting ready for Wednesday... Weddings wedding wedding... galore... 

smells good enough to eat

mood: grateful
craving: Mexican candy

As Salam Alikom (Peace be with you) my dear sisters and hola to all my non-Muslim readers. I pray that everyone is having a blessed day/evening. 

I'm so hooked on philosophy skin and hair products.

It's crazy. I ordered tons of it from the states. I wanted to sell some and give some away to my close friends and family as gifts.  I love to use a different one everyday. Who here uses Philosophy? You know what I love? I love the Quotes that come on the front of the bottles. The Vanilla Wafer and all the food ones, have the recipes on the front of the bottles. But, the other ones, like be somebody and pure grace and amazing grace have such beautiful quotes on their bottles.

be somebody: 

philosophy: to be somebody, you don't have to be great; you just have to be good. good people become somebody to everybody by striving to be the best they can be, never at the expense of others, we become the greater good when we become humble in our own deeds. humility is the one core quality that strands above goodness and greatness. remember, there is no such thing as being too good. the danger is always in the being too great.

pure grace:

 to learn to live our lives in a state of gratitude is easier said than done. and yet that is actually the master class we take when we finally make it from kindergarten to graduate school. be thankful for the bad times as well as the good times. remind yourself that we learn and become so much more from the hard lesson rather than the easy one. hardship is the master teacher that tells us to breathe more deeply, laugh harder, love deeper, hug longer, and kiss more often.

 

amazing grace;

philosophy: it is not "if" we will lose the things we love, it is "when." with some, the loss comes in a major catastrophic event. for most, love is surrendered on piece at a time... first childhood, a promising romance, the passing of a loved one, and finally a child who leaves home. but as we lose, can we not gain a deep knowing that in the presence of grace, love is eternal.

I not only love Philosophy products for the smell and the amazing way they leave my skin and hair - I love the quotes and the recipes. I wish they had a store here in UAE.  It's the little things in life, that makes people happy. What makes you happy?

final whisper: 

A degenerate talks badly about Jesus

mood: disgusted
craving: to punch elton in the face

As Salam Alikom (Peace be with you) my dear sisters and hola to all my non-Muslim readers.

I was horrified to hear that this idiot, Elton John, called Jesus gay. I say everyone needs to boy-cot his music (if you listen to it.) This is what happens when people don't follow the word of God. They just live this life with no guidance. They're completely lost.

I'll tell y'all what. These so-called musicians and  actors have society hung by their toes. Where are all the angry people? I just heard about this and I'm totally sickened by it. These lower than life degenerates, think just because they are famous, they can talk about anything they want and not be accounted.

That's very sad, because society has the other cheek turned when it comes to insulting religions and religious figures. We are so desensitized to this stuff, no one does a thing. Is that okay? No, it's not okay. It's a disgrace to the human race. Why do they call us Muslims extreme: because  we don't tolerate crap like this when anyone talks badly about Prophet Mohammed or Prophet Jesus (Peace be upon them) or any other prophet.

A lot of people would be in uproar if someone talked about denying certain rights to a specific group of people, but when anyone says something very bad about God or a prophet, you don't hear anyone talking.

Let us come together and let them hear what we have to say.

final whisper: Behold! the angels said, "Oh Mary! God gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter, and in (the company of) those nearest to God. He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. He shall be (in the company) of the righteous... And God will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel." (Quran 3:45-48)

Dreaming of cupcakes...

mood: silly

craving: a cupcake

As Salam Alikom (Peace be with you) my dear sisters and hola to all my non-Muslim readers.

Who wants a nice, delicious, beautiful, little cupcake?
I DO, I DO!

 A couple weeks ago, it was my turn to cook for our Friday lunch. I was all hyped up because I was gonna be cooking for a lot of people.  On Thursday we went to one of my best friend's home <=== (click, after you read my entry) and baked over 120 strawberry, orange and chocolate cupcakes (mini ones AND regular sized). That's a lot, right? We decorated them at my in laws the next morning.

The frosting was delectable; it was made of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla. We then separated the icing into little bowls and mixed a rainbow of colors into the frosting. After that we slathered the frosting on the faces of the cupcakes and decorated them with a sprinkle of sugary fairy dust, in the form of little bitty morsels of sugary goodness. Everyone raved over these little cake puffs of love.

 

  

Unfortunately, I baked too many and didn't even bother popping a cupcake in my mouth. After you bake too much of the same thing, you don't wanna eat it, you just want everyone else to enjoy.

Jummah Mubarak (Have a blessed Friday) to all my Sisters out there. God's willing, have a GREAT day. May Allah give us good in this life and the hear after and give us patience in our daily lives and help all our brothers and sisters going through trails ameen  Don't forget to read Surat Al-Kahf (the cave)

pictures taken with my bb. bad quality. :(

final whisper: dedicated to Um Rania. My love - thoughts and prayers are always with you and your beautiful family.

I'll meet you in Heaven, because it's as easy as ABC

mood: dreamy

craving: raspas

As Salam Alikom (Peace be with you) my dear sisters and hola to all my non-Muslim readers. 

Why is it that people think that ticket to heaven is so easy to get? Even as God promised us Muslims heaven, we can't fathom thinking or saying,"Hey! I'm gonna meet you in heaven and see our Lord." We can't be arrogant about this, even if we (Muslims) are promised.


I just don't get how people think,"Even if I murder, cheat and do bad things, I'll meet my loved ones and God in heaven without any trial."

Oh really? What have you done in your life to deserve the smell of paradise? You can ponder on that one.

As Muslims, we are told by God to only worship Him and no take partners with Him. Anyone who worships anything else will never be forgiven. It's the gravest sin in Islam. If you don't believe in the Oneness of God, then you are not Muslim. How can you ask forgiveness from a man? You can't. No way, no how.

"The world is a prison of the believer and a Paradise for the non-believer."

Think about the present. What have you done today to increase your chance of getting a spot in heaven? Don't live your life thinking to yourself, "I'm going to heaven, because the Lord promised me." Instead of thinking that, try to increase your chance of Eternal Life in the Gardens of Paradise. We don't know what our destiny is, so we strive to be the best we can be and pray to God it is enough.

After all, He is the Most Wise, the All-Knowing and the Most Merciful.

final whisper: "....and whoever sets up partners with Allah (God) in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin” [al-Nisa’ 4:48]

I want shopping to be my need, not a want.

mood: laid back

craving: horse back riding

Do you ever find yourself just jumping in your car and by the time you know it, you're shopping your little heart away. Yeah, I find myself doing the same exact thing. Living here in the Middle East, it's just what this sedentary life pushes us ladies to do. Do I like it? Yep, ONLY sometimes when I meet one of my partners in crime there at the shops (you know who you are.)

But, it gets boring. Especially when we have everything we need; note I said, "need" not want. I have a lot of stuff I just want.  Days later I usually end up regretting it. It was a very fast decision and I didn't think about it. Then I end up with a fish tank built in my wall (which I love) and wouldn't trade for the world. Then I have two more big fish tanks: one that I had to have because it was round and another fish tank in my room so I can look at the fish at night and relax. Ugh, what did I get myself into?

 

Big mistake. I wanna give it away. That's what happens when you WANT stuff. The weekly up keep is horrid. It takes my Friday evenings away from spending quality time with my little family. Yes, hubby helps and my daughter helps, but I would rather be sitting with them instead of cleaning fish tanks. Don't even ask me about my perfumes or my make-up.

Example of my fast decisions: I wanted a Tiffany's key. We went to Dubai and looked at all the Tiffany's stores and every store we looked at, they were all out of stock. I got to thinking,"Hey, that means there's a lot of those hanging from other womens necks. After I thought of that, I didn't want it anymore. Even if it's super duper nice. I simply didn't want it. It made me start to think, I would rather have This or this. It would mean a whole heck of a lot more to me, than a Tiffany's key...

For the past couple of days, I've been wanting to go to Ikea. I want stuff like they sell at hobby lobby in the states, and they don't have stuff like that here. Unless I go to True Value, but their prices are ridiculous. So, that leaves me to go to Ikea when I really don't want to. I don't think I'm a shopaholic, I just think I make my buying decisions too darn fast. I'm trying to control that.

I think I'll just enjoy my window shopping for a while. In between all the looking around, I'll have to rest, and that can be done with one of my best friends and a nice white hot chocolate at our favorite place. 

final whisper: Does that white hot chocolate sound like a plan?

What did all you non-Muslims think?

mood: proud

craving: coffee with Om A

 Yes, it's true. Us Muslims LOVE Jesus.

All you non-Muslim bloggers out there must be shocked to know, we as Muslims do love Isa (Jesus Peace and blessings up on him).  You have the media feeding y'all lies and telling y'all that Muslims are this and that. Well, I have news for y'all: we are good people and try our best to follow the word of God. Like any one else, we have our bad apples, but that doesn't mean that every Muslim is bad. I pray that this entry will open your heart and take a little time to get to know what Muslims believe in. It won't hurt. I might be that special friend  you've been looking for. I am a human with a heart and I breathe just like you, have feelings, just like you, I have a loving family, just like you. The only difference is, our belief isn't exactly the same. Let me take a minute to tell you why we love Jesus.

 I'll try to keep it short - 

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are monotheistic religions, namely they believe that there is only one God.

What Do Muslims Believe about Jesus?

Muslims respect and revere Jesus (peace be upon him).  They consider him one of the greatest of God’s messengers to mankind.  The Quran confirms his virgin birth, and a chapter of the Quran is entitled ‘Maryam’ (Mary).  The Quran describes the birth of Jesus as follows:

(Remember) when the angels said, “O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him (God), whose name is the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, revered in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (to God).  He will speak to the people from his cradle and as a man, and he is of the righteous.” She said, “My Lord, how can I have a child when no mortal has touched me?” He said, “So (it will be).  God creates what He wills.  If He decrees a thing, He says to it only, ‘Be!’ and it is.” (Quran, 3:45-47)

Jesus was born miraculously by the command of God, the same command that had brought Adam into being with neither a father nor a mother.  God has said:

  The case of Jesus with God is like the case of Adam.  He created him from dust, and then He said to him, “Be!” and he came into being. (Quran, 3:59)

During his prophetic mission, Jesus performed many miracles.  God tells us that Jesus said:

  “I have come to you with a sign from your Lord.  I make for you the shape of a bird out of clay, I breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by God’s permission.  I heal the blind from birth and the leper.  And I bring the dead to life by God’s permission.  And I tell you what you eat and what you store in your houses....” (Quran, 3:49)

Note: ^ ONLY by God's permission. 

Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified.  It was the plan of Jesus’ enemies to crucify him, but God saved him and raised him up to Him.  And the likeness of Jesus was put over another man.  Jesus’ enemies took this man and crucified him, thinking that he was Jesus.  God has said:

...They said, “We killed the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of God.” They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but the likeness of him was put on another man (and they killed that man)...  (Quran, 4:157)

Neither Muhammad (May Peace and blessings be up on him) nor Jesus came to change the basic doctrine of the belief in one God, brought by earlier prophets, but rather to confirm and renew it.

Muslims believe in one, unique, incomparable God, Who has no son nor partner, and that none has the right to be worshiped but Him alone.  He is the true God, and every other deity is false.  He has the most magnificent names and sublime perfect attributes.  No one shares His divinity, nor His attributes.  In the Quran, God describes Himself:

Say, “He is God, the One.  God, to Whom the creatures turn for their needs.  He begets not, nor was He begotten, and there is none like Him.” (Quran, 112:1-4)

God is not Jesus, and Jesus is not God. Even Jesus himself rejected this.  God has said in the Quran:

Indeed, they have disbelieved who have said, “God is the Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary.”  The Messiah said, “Children of Israel, worship God, my Lord and your Lord.  Whoever associates partners in worship with God, then God has forbidden Paradise for him, and his home is the Fire (Hell).  For the wrongdoers, there will be no helpers.” (Quran, 5:72)

 So, there y'all have it. We love Jesus (peace and blessings be up on him) 

 Jesus was a great prophet, sent down by God. He was a man and only did things with the will of God. I always give this analogy. Adam was divine and he had no mother nor father, why don't people worship him? All of God's prophets were divine and only by God's will. From Ibrahim - Jacob - Mosses and many many more. I can't name them all, simply cause there are over one thousand. We believe in all God's prophets and Jesus was just that, a prophet of God, sent down to mankind, to show them, to only worship one God. He is not God, nor the son of God. A prophet of God.

Bottom line: we pray to God, and worship God, we do not ask Jesus for anything. We do everything in this life for God only. God can only give us what we ask for. Not Jesus. 

But, we love Jesus. If we didn't love Jesus, you can not be a Muslim.

A Muslim by definition means one who surrenders and submits to the laws of God. As almighty God is the creator of the heavens and the earth and the creation in it, nothing in the creation works at its own free will...that is it follows a law and nothing can break or change that law unless the almighty wills.

So, I pray that God opens up  your hearts and minds, so y'all stop thinking badly about us Muslims. Open up our holy Quran and start to read. I'm not asking you to revert to Islam. I'm merely asking you to not assume about a religion that is unknown to you. Don't be ignorant. Don't be prejudice. Have a open mind.

 I was once Catholic. I thank God everyday for showing me the religion of peace, Islam. Been Muslim for over nine years.

My only purpose in this life is to worship God. 

 So, to all you non-Muslim blogging sisters in humanity, come say hello. We are sisters in humanity after all.

"To you be your religion, and to me my religion (Islamic Monotheism)." (Quran Surah Al-Kafirun, verse 6)

final whisper: "There is no compulsion in Islam" (Qur'an, 2:256).

Random

mood: chatty

craving: Ikea

Yesterday I was craving a white hot chocolate at Caribou; that didn't happen. But today I made me a hot chocolate and it was so yummy (Thanks, Um Talal) . These days it's hard to go out without hearing my son throw fits for not wanting to ride in his stroller. Ugh. This really puts a damper on my mood and wanting to continue shopping (but, do I stop the shopping? LOL). I wish he'd get over this stage, and fast. My days have been pretty quite, other than having a screaming two  yr old in the house.

I was invited to another wedding, yesterday, but opt not to go. It was outta town and I just didn't feel like getting all dressed up and sitting there listening to loud Arabic music. Not that I dislike the weddings, because I really enjoy going with my mother in law and sister in laws. But two weddings in a row is pushing it with me. Maybe next month. Summer will make up for all the times I didn't go in winter. Weddings galore.

I got a really nice old fashioned clock yesterday. I just to have my husband hang it for me. We'll see how long it lays around. In the States I did a lot  alone. We didn't have cement walls like here in the middle east, it was easy hanging stuff on our walls. Here you have to drill and it's not fun. I'll be uploading a pic as soon as it's on our wall. I can't wait.

I feel like going to a good movie. The last movie we went to see was Batman and my son was only 5 months old. It's hard going with a little one. That reminds me of the movie theaters in Germany: they were so smokey from the cigarette smoke, it was hard being in there. They even sold beer and wine. LOL I never seen anything like that.  The movie theaters here are really nice. They have the VIP side and the seats are soooooooooooo comfortable. The tickets are very expensive, but well worth it. Maybe sometime soon.

Well, it's 7pm now. I best get off the net and do something productive. Not that blogging isn't productive, because honestly it's a kinda therapy for me. We just might go out for a nice ride, which I love.

final whisper: let's go out for the white hot chocolate @ caribou. You know who you are. LOL

You can't go wrong with some blueberry muffins...

mood: feeling betty crockerish
craving: blue berry muffins.

This Martha Stewart recipe is by far, the best...

Makes 6 large or 12 small muffins

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for tins
3 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups sugar, plus more for sprinkling
1 large egg
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup milk
1 3/4 cups blueberries


1. Preheat the oven to 375º; butter large (3 3/4 inches) or small (2 3/4 inches) muffin tins, and set aside. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.


2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add egg, egg yolks, and vanilla; mix until well combined. Reduce speed to low; alternate adding reserved flour mixture and milk to mixer, beginning and ending with flour. Remove bowl from mixer; gently fold in berries by hand. Divide batter among muffin tins; sprinkle generously with sugar. Bake until light golden, about 45 minutes for large muffins, about 30 minutes for small muffins. Cool in pan 15 minutes. Remove from pan; transfer to wire rack, and let cool completely.

Now, who's gonna end up making some tonight?

Are y'all hungry for them yet?

don't they look good?

ahhhh yall will be happy to know this is the last one. LOL

Enjoy!

Pictures taken when we lived in Germany. Good times.

Final whisper: don't go to bed with a full tummy