Hijabification

If for some reason, there is a brother reading this post, let this be a lesson to you:

Never, ever tell your pregnant wife you are bringing home fresh pizza, and then come home without it.

Ive got two words for a situation like this. Pine box, baby.

Pine.

Box.

He just loves wearing his new snow boots in the house, with no pants on. It is the cutest thing. He struts around like he's the new mayor in town!

He's got just a bit of status chubbicus left in his meaty little legs. Oh it pains me to see the pudgy legs go, but he's growing into a toddler now!

Oh How I love Eid Swaps. Well- Since I've only swapped with my homeslice HMM aka UmmSalihah , I should clarify that I adore Eid Swapping with her! Everything she does is so incredibly thoughful; take a look at this:


The beautiful handmade eid card with a lovely message inside.


Gorgeous Bobbi Brown eye shadows, skin and foot treatments, and lovely beaded bracelets. I am loving the Saudi, alcohol free perfume. Its a musk, which is my favorite- it just agrees with my body chemistry.



Chocolate (some not pictured hehe), Sohan Halwa, henna and miswak! PLUS fantastic CD for my son, by Yusuf Islam (aka Cat Stevens)......the songs are so adorable, especially "Ramadan Moon". I am so very thankful for this. iBaby LOVES it.


Three very off the hook GORGEOUS hijabs. Im lookin' good these days thanks to HMM!

I picked up the package on Eid, my mail carrier doesnt like to leave pakcages at the door (Im so appreciative that has concern for other's belongings). It came just in time, as my stress levels were alarming because of the impending move, and it totally caused me to take a step back, reflect, and be thankful :)

Thanks sis, it's perfect :)

What a week it has been. I am so relieved that the big move is over and that alhamdulillah we are very happy in our new apartment. We were cramped in a 600 square foot upstairs apartment with one bedroom, and finally found a great apartment with two bedrooms, groud floor, private entrance and approx 1000 square feet! It is so freeing, in so many ways to be here. No more clutter, more closets, iBaby has his own room now and adjusted immediately. We are all sleeping much better. My only regret is that we didn't do this sooner, however we waited to get the best deal possible.

Eid was OK. Alhamdulillah we are well, and lived to see another one. We moved right smack in the middle of Eid, so we didn't do anything special. My hub went for Eid prayer, and I stayed home with a coughing, sniffling little boy. He is OK, had a touch of croup.

Inshaallah I am excited to have more space, and now we can have family and friends over for dinner. So many jumped in to help us move last weekend. My husband would like us to make an authentic Tunisian meal to thank them all for their time.

I have been off from work for about a week, and how I loved it. I went back to work this yesterday hamdullah, but I miss being home with my little tribe. My son is now communicating with two words at a time, and it KILLS me to be away. Last night as I was leaving, my son looked at me and ask " I come?". I got in my car and cried. He is too sweet for words. The other day I was feeling a little weepy about a few things, and I started to cry. The little bear came up to me and asked "u cy-in, u ok?".

Im driving a loaner car from the dealership we got my wheels from. Our car has had some serious problems that cant seem to be fixed. It has less than 10,000 miles, and I certianly hope we don't have a lemon on our hands inshaallah.

We had a new bed delivered to our new place the day we moved in. Buying a mattress is basically a gamble. There is really no way to know, in the showroom, if laying on a bed for 15 seoncds is going to really give you an idea of what it will belike to sleep on it. Our first night here, we were drop dead exhausted, beyond what we thought possible. We managed to eat, get showers and we COULD NOT WAIT to go to sleep. It was like sleeping on concrete. My husband ended up on the couch, and I seriously contemplated the floor. What a dissappointment! We have decided to give it time, two weeks- before we send it back. So far- its getting really comfortable!!! I think its a keeper!

That's about it for boring updates. i hope you are all well and had a very blessed Eid!

iMuslimah

And what a chaotic transition it has been.

Eid Mubarak Sisters!

We are moving today and tomorrow inshaAllah, and hopefully I can get back in here to vacum, clean and leave the place nice for the next person. Inshaallah I'll return to blogging monday or tuesday. Please keep us in your duas for a smooth transition and easy move.

Hugs to you all!

I need to give thanks. Right now. This very second. Alhamdulillah infinity.

My God, what have I done to deserve such good things? I often feel I am not living the way you want me to.

I have never been more in love in my life. Our son is on the cusp of 19 months old, and he is the purest joy, the purest love, the purest laughter, and the purest light. There are times when I cannot wrap my brain around the love I have for him. Its endless, timeless, and transcends the boundaries of my heart. His belly laughter slays me. His scent is sublime. There is still some evidence of status chubbicus left (aka chubby thighs, cheeks and tooshy) although they are dimishing rapidly since he has taken to running, climbing and jumping non-stop.

After his birth the depression set in, and it took a while to lift. When I look back I feel guilty for having complained about it, and for having felt so deprived of a naturual birth and crying endlessly over nursing struggles. Whatever it was, it was all God's plan. I realize now I had a failed induction and that's that. Ive accpepted it for what it is, I cant change it and there are no do-overs. Having a c-section meant we were saved from other complications and meant that my son would makes swift entrance into this world with literally no more stress. Why couldnt I see this then? My mind was clouded by fatigue, baby blues, and unrealistc expectations. In the end we were granted a full-term healthy baby boy, and that is truest blessing ever.

Im not sure what prompted this post. I suspect its due to reading some very heartbreaking things in the news and the blogosphere. I also suspect my thoughts are in part influenced by our upcoming move this weekend. We are leaving the place that our baby knows as home. This is where we brought him to begin our journey. This is where he slumbered like a prince in his bassinette, in the center of the living room, whilst our loved ones streamed in and out to admire him, and profess their insane love for him. I also suspect that my feelings are brought forth by our impending Eid Kabir InshaAllah. What more appropriate time to think about our children, when Ibrahim agreed to make the ultimate sacrifice for the love and sake of Allah swt?

We are goingn to start building memories someplace else now. InshaAllah it will be happy memories. We are going to build a future someplace else now (down the road lol), InshaAllah it will be a bright and rewarding future.

I'll probably be without internet for a bit starting on Eid- so InshaAllah I hope you all have a blessed Eid Al Adha. Enjoy one another. I cant wait to hear Takbir at the masjid if we can go!

Assalamu alaykum,

iMuslimah & Co.

Outrageous, handcrafted "Happy Eid" Banner


Blingy, bejeweled bangles (love. them.)


Over-the-top milk chocolate and henna!


Last but not least, gorgeous and feminine shaylas with matching undercaps.
Not shown: Hunter green undercap (in the wash at moment), it is a perfect match for my sheer shayla in all shades of green.
Also not pitcured: Hunk of "Happy Eid" milk chocolate that lasted 0.2 nanoseconds.
Regretfully not pictured either: Thoughtful handcrafted Eid card, with picture of her adorable children inside!!!!

AOA one and all:


Things have been BANANAS here, but hamdullah all is well. We are preparing to move soon inshaallah, so Ive been a bit ovewhelmed these days, BUT I did not want to forget to do this long-overdue post.


I received a lovely parcel from my dear sis, UmmSalihah for Eid ul Fitr, here are some pics of the loot!

There are no words to describe how much I cherish every item that was thoughtfully inlcuded in this gift. Everytime I wear my new shaylas, I think of my new friend across the pond!

Jazzakullah Khair sister for your kindness :)

So. Stressed. Out.

Assalamu alaykum everyone & Eid Mabrouk!

Eid was such a good day for us! While I intended to stay home with iMuffin while my husband attended Eid prayer, that isn't how it worked out. Early in the morning while I was blissfully asleep my husband must of thought it would be nice if iCutie was in bed with me (not). Almost instantly, I felt little fingers being jammed up my nose and in my ears, followed by hair pulling being ridden like a horsey. My husband took him out of bed at my behest, and then proceeded to torture me about what they both were going to wear to the masjid. At that point, I was annoyed, aggravated and most notable AWAKE, so I decided to go with them. When we arrived the first Eid service was concluding and Mashaallah, what a surprise, instead of letting the ladies balcony get dangerously overcrowded, they made comfortable prayer areas outside for spill-over. I was psyched to pray outside! BUT- we attended the second service, and there was no spill over, so I prayed inside. It was QUIET and not overcrowded. I really enjoyed.

As prayer was in progress, and as I listened to the recitation of Allah's divine message for us humans, it all hit me- how tiny I am- we all are in this universe, that I am not the first Muslim, nor the last to walk this path and how much work I have ahead of me, and just how LUCKY I am to be Muslim and to have Islam. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes, so I looked straight down at my feet, and that's when I noticed.......that the tiny 4 year old girl next to me had a sixth toe. That just about snapped me out of my cry fest, but nonetheless I was happy to be joined in prayer with a child, and realized just how UNIQUE we all are.

The Khutba was really good. I'm not a saavy cerebral person. I usually take note of a few key things, and the rest just kind of gets lost on me. What was most impressionable to me was how the Sheikh explained to us that the Quran and our Fasts will be present on judgement day to intervene our behalf. Can you imagine that? It really struck me and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. This was my Ramadan 2009 Epiphany.

Worthy of mention- what a beautiful sight the masjid was this day. All the women were dressed in their best. The masjid in our area predominantly serves the Pakistan community; a very well dressed, and affectionate community I might add! Oh how I loved the colors, the style and trends these women displayed. There were bangles and ribbons, beads and sequins, embroidery and vivid color, gorgeous shaylas, abayas, pant suits and niqabs. The children were adorned in the finest garments and running about with balloons. I ran into several people I know, and it was very nice to see them. iBaby wouldnt even crack a smile for my friends! Instead he knitted his eyebrows together and pouted his lips whenever one of them talked to him. Occasionally he muttered "ooooooh, nooooooo" and looked away in disgust! I was horrified! When the service was over and the imam declared Eid Mubarak, I received hugs from complete strangers and strangely I didn't get all uncomfortable!

I walked away from the service feeling good. We were supposed to have dinner with my family but my step-father got sick and we cancelled. Instead- we had lunch at home, skyped with my husbands family abroad, laughed and just chilled out. My mom stopped by to wish us a happy Eid, brought my husband his favorite homemade banana cake and gave iBunny a gift. We had a gift for her too. It was nice! I didn't even cook! My lovely sister made us dinner. That was a relief, as we were running on empty in terms of energy, and that gaves us a nice break.

We also received some good news this day; my SIL gave birth to her fourth child, and both mom and baby are in good health hamdullah! Time to shop and make cards, yippey!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are very blessed. Alhamdulillah- I wish it wasn't over and I look forward to Ramadan 2010 INSHAALLAH!!!!

I hope you all had a special day.....

iMuslimah

Eid Mubarak sisters! The last day of Ramadan was a lovely one, and we really enjoyed ourselves. We took our little boy to a cutting arboretum and park (gorgeous I tell you, gorgeous) and ran with him through acres of lush greenery shaded with giant, majestic Oak trees. My son especially enjoyed running through the hills chasing the poor geese. He kept calling them "doggy" and they just kept running from him. It was adorable. Afterwards, we decided we would not cook tonight, and went to our favorite Turkish restaurant for take out, and brought it home. It was perfect. iBaby liked it too, and ate well hamdullah. After Maghrib we wished each other Eid Mubarak, and reflected upon some stuff, and just relaxed on the couch whilst baby just ran through his repertoire of tricks for us, followed by some homemade ice cream sundaes.

The three of us drifted off to sleep fairly early, and of course I am now wide awake at 3am.

I am a little sad that Ramadan is over.

We don't have any plans to visit with any Muslims (we know very few), but hamdullah, my mother and step-father have wished us a happy Eid and will be making dinner for us today at 4pm in honor of Eid. Isn't that nice???? It will be good to see them, and we will bring them some sweets and gifts.

So my gal pals, I hope you all have had a beneficial Ramadan and a Happy Eid, I am thinking of you all.

iMuslimah

Inshaallah we are celebrating Eid tomorrow :) Inshaallah it will be joyful!

UmmSalihah sent me a package that is literally bursting at the seams (and I suspect it did because the mail carrier brought it to me wrapped in rubberbands!) and I cannot wait to open it. As promised, I am waiting until tomorrow to raid the loot!

Thank you sister, for being so thoughful. Im sure I will enjoy it!

Until tomorrow inshaallah,

iMuslimah

Ramadan Mubarak sisters!

May Allah accept our fasts, our intentions and renew our iman, Ameen!

Above: 4 mat pads, 24 sheets each $2.50 US / ea. UNHEARD OF!!!!!


Above: Pack of 50 blank cards (5x7in or 12,7cm x 17,7cm for my friends abroad) $5.00 US
Pack of mini blank cards (43/4 x 3 3/4in or 12cm x 9,5cm) $1.00 / ea.
Pack of baby themed appliques $1.27 / ea.
Glittery alphabet & hearts $1.97 / ea.

I did get a few rubber and acrylic stamps but I am too lazy to take pics.


Alhamdulillah my son is better! No fever, no rash, back to normal, so we left the house to go shopping at Walmart with iGrandma. I also scored some cheap washable Crayola jumbo markers and washable Crayola beginner crayons for iBaby. iHubster was working all day, so this was the perfect opp to shop for bargains, since my mom has enormous patience and loved strolling the cart with iBaby in it.

Afterwards we went to a local diner for dinner, and iBaby was nothing short of a menace at the table. He is 15 months now, and throws everything. It is hard to teach them the true meaning of NO at this age. He is starting to gain an awareness, because now he references me with a glance before he hurls things. He has also mastered ripping his diaper off from underneath his shorts. Fortunately he's only done it a few times, at home, with nothing in it. Whew.

Tonight we watched CNN's Christine Amanpour present "Generation Islam". I missed the first hour, and caught the last half that took place in Gaza. I couldn't stop crying, seeing the damage, destruction, disruption and trauma the children are facing. I saw all these little children running loose in rubble and amongst other dangerous things, hungry and feeling hopeless. Very emotional. I would like to see the first hour, so Ive set the DVR.

Well, once again this was a craftless night. Tomorrow night inshaallah is mine! When iHubcap & iBaby fall asleep, I will tip toe out and craft myself into a cocoon with the "bumper stash" UmmSalihah sent me :)

I took this coming Tuesday off from work inshaallah, to try to prepare some different kinds of soups that I can freeze for Ramadan. I'm looking forward to this, as I am starting to get excited that our holy month is almost here. If anyone has any recipes they would like to share, hook a sistah up!

Here are some greeting cards that I have not yet added messages to- I intend to personalize them as needed. I had a lot of fun with these.



Here are a few Eid/Ramadan cards; the letter decals are very obvious in the photo due to strong flash, but to the naked eye, you cant see that they are decals unless you look very closely.


Here are a few baby cards Ive done; sorry for the poor focus.


Here are some more blanks that I will personalize as needed!