Winter 2015 : Waiting for Nazran at school

Cant stop admiring these games on the tarmac. Great idea to keep the students occupied during their break.

 

Winter 2015 : Daffodils

I went to the campus to check the venue of my final exam. On the way back, I saw these beautiful things coming out of the ground!

Spring is in the air!

Winter 2015 : Winter Solstice 2015

22 December 2015.

Shortest day. Longest night. The sun is at its lowest point in the sky at this part of the world.

Sunrise: 8.04am

Sunset: 3.53pm

The problem in winter:

You cook for lunch on weekends (weekdays the kids are at school) and it already getting dark when you finished doing your dishes and clean the kitchen. Then, suddenly your kids come and ask when they are going to have dinner. It is only 4pm.

It is a new thing for us. 

It gets dark very early. We were confused. The night seems sooooooo long. When the kids arrived from school, it is already night. The next morning, when they left home for school, it still dark (and rainy!).

We went to sleep at 6pm because we didnt know what else to do. It was really cold, so no point of watching TV downstairs. Then we woke up at 11pm, feeling like we have been sleeping for ten hours and wondering how long we have to put up with this kind of weather. We just went downstairs to cook and eat, the rest of the day, we spent under the duvet.

By the end of winter, Nabil and Nazreen gained 10kg.

Winter 2015 : Solat time in winter

Many people asked me about solat time during winter. Subuh is late. Solat times are short. I have class at 10-12noon, 12-2pm and 2-5pm on Mondays (luckily I only have three sessions of 5-7pm class earlier this semester. It ended before winter). In between 12-5, I need perform Zuhur, Asar and Maghrib. It was quite hectic. I seek advise from a couple of people whether it is permissible to combine the solat (jamak) since I have a packed schedule on Mondays. The answer is yes.

Usually, we were released 10-15 minutes earlier so we can walk to the next venue. I usually walk really fast to the next lecture room (or if the next classroom is still occupied, I go to the next classroom), eat my packed lunch, take ablution and wait for Zuhur. I usually perform my Zuhur and Asar (jamak) in any empty and dark classroom, then run to the lecture at 12noon. I never worried about my seat if I arrive a bit late because I love to seat in the front row and it is usually empty ;) I just perform my solat in whatever cloth I am wearing.

But, when Zuhur is a bit later than 12, I performed my solat in between class 12-2 and 2-5. Same routine. Walk fast, take ablution, pray anywhere. I have no choice because when the class ended, it is nearly Isyak. Again, I have to find any corner and perform Maghrib and Isyak (jamak). It is already dark and not so many people around. Then I take the bus, for a one hour journey home. 

The whole experience was extremely fun! (Minus the paranoia walking home alone in the dark after getting off the bus - *every person I met is a potential killer* *everybody wear hoodie at night* *wear trainer everyday, prepare to run* *too much movie*) 

This is the solat time in December 2015.

Winter 2015 : A bit of sunlight

It is rare to get such beautiful sunlight in the winter. It is freezing cold inside.

Winter 2015 : Now is my turn

When the kids have finished their projects, it was my turn to focus on my final essays (which most of it has been submitted) and studying for my final exam. This time, I just did my essay at home. And I have the best husband who prepared breakfast, lunch and supper on bed :) (I went down only for tea time with my kids and dinner)

Winter 2015 : Forces

Nabil, Nazreen and Nazran have received list of topics to learn over the holiday to prepare for the next term. Nabil's lesson for next term is dynamics and forces.

On Thursday, when I went to the Harpurhey Market (second hand market on Thursdays) with my husband and Nazmi, I found this precious box for GBP3 <3 .="" i="">Alhamdulillah.

It consists of equipment to conduct 40 experiments on dynamics and gravity at home for kids.

The first few experiments we did that night was on surface tension. First, we found out whether a pin can float on water surface. Yes, it can for a short while. 

  This experiment was also on surface tension.

This experiment was on air pressure. Nazran has successfully turned the glass upside down without spilling the water.

The last experiment we did that night was whether an egg can float in a salty water (a lotttttttt of salt involved in this experiment). Yes, it can float. 

Nabil was so happy to get a heads up on his lesson next term. Alhamdulillah Allah eases our journey here. We have another 36 experiments to go!

Winter 2015 : Shoes organiser (Manchester)

We have an issue with a large amount of shoes, especially the growing number of BOOTS in the winter. They were everywhere. We have a narrow mud room and putting a shoe bench/cabinet there is not even an option.

Until one day, my husband found this timber frame (maybe from an old baby cot) in our room, waiting to be disposed and he decided to do something about that. 

A few minutes later, VOILA :) 

We have made similar project in Malaysia (here).

Winter 2015 : The day someone threw a battery to the TV screen

It was written (Muslims believe in qada and qadar - the fate and destiny), so we were not frustrated or mad at all. We just watch whatever left on the screen and imagine the rest.

Winter 2015 : IKEA, Ashton-under-Lyne

Our first trip there.

We bought a carpet for the living room last week. We have a laminated floor so it is extremely cold in winter. We cant even step on it especially in the evening if we dont put on our slippers.

We need more stuff to keep us warm. So we bought a carpet for our bedroom (GBP9), some throws (GBP5 each) for the sofa in the living room, TV cabinet (GBP9) and other small stuff. The current currency exchange (RM to GBP) made the prices of these similar items are more expensive than IKEA Malaysia.

Winter 2015 : The Anglo-Saxon costume

The last school project (well, this one is specifically assigned to the parent) before I could resume with my final essays.

The first night, I sew the trouser. I have brought a used light brown corduroy curtain for the trousers because the trip will be held in the winter. It must be really cold to spend the whole day outside.The Anglo-Saxons wore wool trousers wrapped around with a strip of cloth or leather. I have compiled a few photo/illustrations to give you some ideas on how the trousers look like (left), on the right is Nazreen's trousers. It was quite complicated but I am glad I've nailed it!

A few days after that, I did his tunic and other accessories. Alhamdulillah. I brought a used duvet cover for his tunic and another thick curtain for his cape (I designed it in such a way that the cape covers his chest, to keep him warm in the cold winter). 

The Anglo-Saxon has decorations on the neck and wrists. I found a haberdashery one day (Alhamdulillah!) and bought decorative fabric ribbon (for the wrists), rubber strip for the waist (before, he needs to tie it) and huge pins to imitate Anglo-Saxon's brooch. Photos on the left (below) are the Anglo-Saxon's brooches. The right is Nazreen's brooch. The round steel is actually a curtain's hole :) It is not the same but close enough. I am sure people in the Anglo-Saxon village would appreciate the details.

Well, I was glad to be able to finish this project in two nights. Nazreen was really proud running to his school in the morning in this costume, cant wait to show his costume to his friends! The initial plan was him to wear black shoes but the morning was so cold, he need to put on his winter boots.  

He asked me for a photo shoot session near our house after the trip.

Winter 2015 : The by-products

As usual, there will be some by-products made during or after the art projects using the leftovers. From box leftover, Nazran made a helmet to complement his new shield. They also made stick figures using ice cream sticks from Nabil's famous people.

Kids are creative. They can make anything if you give them chance to imagine and explore. 

Winter 2015 : The project table

This was how our dining table looks like for a few days during Christmas break. Both Nabil and Nazreen were working hard for their projects (Nabil's here and Nazreen's here). And I have been practicing my patience all the times because I have to do my final essays as well, yet, they need to use the laptop for their researches.

It was hard. But family first.

It pays to be patient. Seeing them produced good projects at the end of the day is the best feeling!

Winter 2015 : The history of Manchester project

During the Christmas break, while Nazreen was working with his Anglo-Saxon project, Nabil was busy doing research on Manchester. He need to prepare an informative model on Manchester. I was thinking about an A3 card which opens like a window but Nabil has better idea. He want it to be 3D!

The only problem was... we have no box. haha.

And suddenly, somebody knocked on our door and....our ikan kering (dried salted fish) and ikan bilis arrived from Malaysia!! The parcel was sent by my family. 

I was excited to get the ikan kering, I fried it right away! We ate it while chatting with my parent via Skype. But Nabil was excited for different reason. He got the box!

Nabil starts to gather recyclables around the house for his project. 

I helped him to shape the box into suitable size we filled it with recyclables according to our agreed design.

We covered the recyclables properly. It started to take a form.

Then, Nabil took it from there. He covered the box with coloured papers and add in some 'grass', where he will positioned the famous peoples.

After that, Nabil added in information on Manchester, historical timeline, famous person from Manchester (we made a quick trip to Curry's to buy a printer for this purpose) and map of Manchester. He trace the Manchester map from my laptop screen since we didnt have a printer yet. Talk about hardwork and creativity!

 

The finished project! He stick the printed famous people onto a cardboard, cut them then taped them to ice cream sticks. The sticks were then inserted into the foam underneath. Now you know why we put some layers of foam in the photo up there.

He wrapped the box with wrapping paper and add in leftover studs from Nazreen's project.

He was extremely happy and proud with the outcome. He made it in four days. He was invited to show his project to the school assembly. His teacher told me that Nabil's project is really good during the parent-teacher meeting. Alhamdulillah.

Summer backlog

I am still have not finished my update for winter. It is now summer!! haha.

I'll take my own sweet time doing it because I am working on my dissertation now. It is my priority.

Summer 2016 : Ramadhan 1437

(from here)

Winter 2015 : Nazmi painting

He was watching his brothers doing school projects everyday, so, I gave him a chance to play with colours.

Winter 2015 : The Viking helmet

While studying about Anglo-Saxon, Nazreen also learned about the Vikings. He made this cute Viking helmet at school.

Oh yes, for your information, there were no horns in the actual Viking helmet. My brother told me after I shared this photo. You can read more here - Did Vikings really wear horned helmets?

Winter 2015 : Anglo-Saxon shield - the final product!

Yup, it is Plan C alright.

Thank you Papa for having the strategic thinking (the papier-mache is going to fail ;p). So, we are now constructing the shield with the aluminum pie pans *sigh* They are too small *sigh*. My husband told me not to be too serious with the whole size thing. lol. Nazreen doesnt mind making small shield, so, we just proceed with the SMALL pie pans.

Nazreen cut an A3 papers into two semi-circles. He painted each paper with red and blue paint. Leave it dry for a while. Then, he put a good amount of glue on the bottom of the pie pan and stick the red and blue papers.

Then, I helped him to stick a grey duct tape in between to make it looks neat. We leave it for a night, while I am endlessly in Alice Mode, thinking how to make the small steel dome in the centre and studs around the shield (click here to see shield design chosen by Nazreen). Baubles came to my mind!

We went out the next day to buy baubles. It was Christmas and there were baubles everywhere, some of them are shiny and steel-like. I also found a suitable embellishment to act as the studs. I bought both for GBP1 each. Yay!

So, here is the excited Nazreen. My husband helped him to cut the bauble into half. It was hard. The first attempt by end up with miserable chipped dome. Luckily we have 8 baubles. lol. The following attempt came out okay (not that good, still chipped but not that obvious).

Nazreen stick it in the centre and started to put on the 'metal studs'. And he continues with smaller studs around the shield.

Meanwhile, I helped him with the holder using fabric and kitchen tissue roll on another pie pan. And finally, Nazreen pasted both pie pans together (his beautifully embellished shield front and another pie pan with holder).

IT TURNED OUT REALLLLLLY GREAT!!!!!!! He even offered Nazran some helps afterwards because Nazran wants an Anglo-Saxon shield too!

This was a very adventurous project. A very good break from my final essays. Bring it on!!!

Winter 2015 : Anglo-Saxon book

I went to the second hand market in Harpurhey Market on one fine Thursday morning (before I went to the library), hoping to get something useful for Nazreen's Anglo-Saxon projects. He has to create an Anglo-Saxon shield and I have to create an Anglo-Saxon costume for him :)

They are going for a trip to an Anglo-Saxon village in January, so they have to blend with the rest of Anglo-Saxons and experience living as one of them. I love this project. It is SO FUN!!! That's why I got myself a sewing machine (here) and fabrics (here) before this.

After a few minutes walking, I found one roll of brown fabric ribbon (around 20 metres) for GBP2. I really needs it for Nazreen's costume! Then, I found this for 50p. Alhamdulillah.

The book explains in detail who are the Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans, the Alfred's laws, England after Alfred, the Battle of Hastings, the Crusades, Magna Carta and many more. It is full of graphic which keeps me interested to read it till the end.

And later that night, the King Arthur movie was aired. It was about *duh* King Arthur and the invading Saxon army. The whole family really enjoyed studying the details especially their shield designs and costumes. Nazreen was so excited every time he heard the word "Saxon" mentioned by the actors.

For me, this is not a coincidence. It is Allah, Who eases everything for us. 

Winter 2015 : Anglo Saxon shield - first and second attempt

Nazreen will learn about Anglo-Saxon this term. Anglo-Saxon is a group of people who inhibit Great Britain since 5th century. Nazreen has a list of Anglo Saxon-related project to complete over the holiday and he chose to do an Anglo Saxon shield.

I browsed through some websites and I found out that their shield is massive (photos below). The Anglo-Saxon shield is characterised by a small dome made of steel fixed to the centre of the shield. I had a few Alice modes on how to plan that part. Nazreen chose the red and blue design (below, right).

Since we didnt have any huge material to construct the shield, Plan A, I asked my husband to bring us to the nearest supermarket to get some big boxes. They usually gathered the boxes near the electrical items aisle after they unpack their products. Unfortunately, when we arrived, they have brought everything out and the recyclables was just collected by the lorry +_+

Therefore, Plan B. I plan to construct a papier-mâché shield. My husband bought aluminum pie pans for Plan C, should our papier-mache project failed ;p 

Determined, we starts the project once we got home. We use the largest stainless steel tray in the house.

We manage to do 20 layers before we ran out of glue. My mom was on Skype all the way, scanning for areas which require more glue or more paper. She loves arts and crafts just like we do. 

I use a plastic ice blended drink cover for the 'steel' dome element. I stuffed it with newspapers and taped it to a board. It turned out great :)

We use the portable heater to dry it.

Well, I am proud to say that it is unsuccessful because we ran out of glue. We need more glue so the papers could hold the weight of the massive shield. However, I applaud the effort put by my kids for this experiment :) Although it failed, it was a time well-spent with the kids. I went straight to my laptop to do my essays afterwards. lol.

Winter 2016 : Gardening in winter

Why not?

In this gloomy and cold weather, I guess we need something to look forward to. The kids are getting bored staying inside so I decided to bring the outside in.

I asked them to wash the empty juice and milk containers. I cut them and asked them to fill it halfway with the soil.

We didnt have any proper gardening tool so we use everything around us to dig the soil and fill in the containers. Our neighbour was laughing when I told them the kids are planting potatoes.  She was like... "in this cold winter?"

We planted some garlic and potatoes. Now we have an indoor garden in winter!

Winter 2016 : Cheese tasting session

We bought a box of different type of cheese during Christmas sale.

We had fun during the cheese tasting session that night because the kids was fighting over the blue cheese. It is the most beautiful looking cheese, they said. Everybody wanted to be the first to taste the blue cheese. HAHAHA. If you have tasted blue cheese, then you know why I laughed.