Of marriage and other things

I realized something today, and I am actually very happy to come to find this out. It's something I think I took for granted. Not so much because I meant to, but because it was just part of the background. It took an encounter with someone who was the complete opposite of it to make realize what 'it' was. So what is 'it'?

It is something that my husband and I have in common, and it kind of sets the tone for our life. We are both pretty laid back about most things, or at least about the same things. And our outlook on things is very similar to the other's. I know that if one of us were not like this, it would seriously complicate all major decisions in our life. If both of us were not like this, then we'd probably be fine, but my point is that I am so thankful that we are both of the same mindset. This is really a blessing, and like I said, I didn't really give it much of a second thought (well, I probably did think about it before we got married, but not since then) because it is just there and it works well.

To add, we both strongly believe that Allah's will will be, and there's not much you can do about it if it is meant to be. We pray about things and ask for guidance, and then we just go for it. Mostly I'm referring to things like having children, where to live, and similar 'big' family decisions. Alhamdulilaah, thank God, our decision making times have not been of a clashing kind. We have an idea of what we would like, we try to get it, and when we do we are thankful, and when we don't we are also thankful.

This hit me today as I remembered a conversation. The people I was talking to were surprised that we kept having children without seriously thinking it over, making lists of pro's and con's, and discussing this major life changing event. I told them we just would feel like it was time for another baby, and if I suggested it my husband would say 'Sure!'. They couldn't believe it was that easy. I couldn't believe they suggested a list of pro's and con's!!! So after that, I thought, man, am I fortunate to have a husband who is similar to me in this aspect. We believe each child brings his own sustenance/provision and not to worry about the money part of having a baby. We both felt comfortable having a large family, and we both also understood that if one of us felt it was time to say 'no' that the other would take that seriously.

So yay for finding a huge *positive* detail in my married life! It's always fun to come across those :) I know I don't normally post about my too-personal life, but this was such a big deal that I had to share it! Maybe you can find something similar to be thankful for. And if my dear husband is reading (since I caught him reading this the other day), then thank you habibi :)

garden update

Assalamu alaikom

Quick update that my onions are sprouting! I just put them in the ground about 2 weeks ago (I think), and suddenly I saw tiny little green shoots coming up out of the dirt yesterday :) What an exciting feeling... I mean it's as if I wasn't expecting it to happen.

I know you can't see it, but there is a little green shoot somewhere in there. I took this yesterday, and today there are lots more and they're taller.

I planted another pot of onion sets and garlic cloves as well.

And that cedar planter garden is on its way to my house!!! I think it'll be here next week. I plan on mostly a 'salad garden' for that planter.

Tied up with a thing called Life

Blogging will be on hold for a short bit. When it rains it pours.

To 'poo or not to 'poo (shampoo, that is)

Assalamu alaikom friends! Peace!

A few months ago I ventured into a new world free of shampoo. I put my shampoo bottles away and pulled out some baking soda and apple cider vinegar. I wasn't so happy with my hair using my then-current shampoo, and I wondered about the effects of dousing my head with chemicals each time I went for a wash. I'm also more aware these days of the fact that we (in general) are trying to 'fix' and 'improve' things that don't really need fixing or improving! So I was willing to try a very old method of cleaning one's hair and scalp, and that was with the baking soda rinse followed by a vinegar rinse.

Well the results were really interesting. Some of the time I loved it, other times it seemed still dirty, and other times it was just fine. I kept it up, washing my hair about twice a week with the solution, for a few months. And then, I felt like my scalp was just building up with lots of gunk. My hairbrush would be caked with stuff; dead skin I presume. I waited it out a bit, but then I just felt like I needed a good, soapy washing!!! So i did. I washed with shampoo for a couple of weeks, and enjoyed the fresh feeling. But then the same issues came back of my hair getting greasy and limp.

I've now decided to compromise and alternate between the baking soda and a more natural shampoo from the JASON brand. We'll see how that goes, and I'll let you know!

small steps

Assalamu alaikom wa rahmatullah,

Thank you to those of you who pop in and read my blog. I don't know how many people view it or read, but I hope it provides something positive for those of you who do come read!

My thought for this morning is about spirituality.
Since I've moved away from my Muslim community in Seattle, I've definitely felt a void. I miss being around other women who share my deep interest in striving for the sake of Allah, to raise my children knowing Allah and wanting to live by His law. And for those of you who aren't so familiar with it, it's about worshipping One God, praying daily (for guidance, among other things), adopting healthy habits that strengthen your character and body, and being kind and merciful. Yep, sounds familiar; it's all the good things you want in life, right? :) My friends who are practicing Christians have similar goals for themselves and their families, and it's been a common interest for us.

The things is, no matter what your faith, it's not easy to find people who are fervent about practicing their religion in their day-in and day-out. And this is what I DID have back in Redmond that I have yet to find here. Being reminded about God's mercy and plan, being encouraged to start certain habits in my home, and gathering for the sake of remembering God are all things I miss. Sure, I theoretically 'know' what I 'should' be doing, but having friends nudge you along helps. And I do the same for them, too. It's a two way street.

I have a new plan that I shared with my husband and hope to start in our home. After all, you can't change the people around you, so it's best to start with yourself. I am going to start speaking in a softer voice and try to limit outbursts. I know (and can see it) that it makes my childen edgier and more nervous when I act out in anger (even just shouting). They take it more personally than I mean for it to be, and that's because they are little. Next thing is to come up with a few (2-4) short family 'rules'. These will be positive actions that we all agree on that will help us improve our character and our remembrance of God. I want short and simple. And I want it to be something easy to remember and easy to embody. Lastly, I want to praise them more each day for their good decisions, actions, and behavior.

Thanks for reading this far! If you feel the same or have started something like this, I'd love to hear how it's worked out for you.

try, try again

Assalamu alaikom wa rahmatullah,

I've been wanting to sit and blog for days now. I keep getting ideas to blog about, but things keep coming up. And now.... my sick little Maryam just woke up and popped up behind me and scared me to death. Blogging will wait... she is hungry for oatmeal.

This Week's Menu

Hmmmm.... I am behind :0

I didn't really plan out this week's food, but I am pretty well stocked, alhlamdulilaah, so I just need to figure it out real quick (like right now).
Tonight: bonus* a friend took a whole meal to my dad and his wife, but they can't eat it, so voila!
Tuesday: rolled (stuffed) cabbage leaves (in arabic it's called Malfoof which means 'wrapped')
Wednesday: kafta (meatballs) with veggies in the oven in tomato sauce
Thursday: leftovers!
Friday: fattet jajj. it's a layered dish starting with fried bread pieces, topped with shredded chicken, topped with white rice, topped with broth, topped with yogurt w/ garlic, topped with browned pine nuts. YUM.

Lunches and sides:
I have a huge bag of spinach that we are enjoying as a straight-up salad w/ a bit of feta cheese, a few black olives, and a simple lemon juice/ olive oil dressing. Kids love it, so do I.

Craving a chicken salad for lunch, the kind with apples and nuts in it.

Baked homemade bread, so will have that for some sides or breakfast, or with that chicken salad.

Alhamdulilaah for our blessings and food and good health!!!!

Current Kid Activity

Hey guys, assalamu alaikom

We're collecting all sorts of small drink lids. (milk, oj, soft drink)
Heba is tracing it on a paper, decorating the circle, then cutting out and pressing into the inside of the lid. Not sure if these will become necklaces or get glued onto construction paper, but it's the latest 'fun' over here.