Letter to My Children

Today is a national holiday – Nuzul al-Quran. We had a good sleep throughout and woke up at about 9 a.m. Issac wanted to go to the nearest Puchong Prima photo studio to take his U.S. visa photo. Then we went for our lunch at Kopitiam near our home.

We decided to go to Main Place USJ21 to have some ‘lepak’ time in Starbucks as now Starbucks has every day during Ramadan month has RM5 on a second handcrafted beverage with any handcrafted beverage purchased. We got ourselves a chocolate cream chip and a peach passion blossom cream Frappuccino.

We had a good time spending time together doing our interest. We went to Popular for a while and we had our early dinner at Ayam Penyet Best Station. I am glad we had a good time together this afternoon.

This reminds me of the letter that I wrote to my children in my Institute assignment: list five or more promises that will help me “rear [my] children in love and righteousness, provide for [my children’s] physical and spiritual needs, and teach [my children] to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizen wherever they live” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,”) After each of the promises, I need to write to my children why I think it is so important that I, as their parents, fulfill that promises. And need to refer specifically to the sixth and seventh paragraphs of the family proclamation for ideas. Here is what I wrote:

Dear Children,

I promise to pray with you every day. I know it is important that you have a personal relationship with your Heavenly Father. I know He is there, and He will hear and answer your prayer. You can pray to Him anytime and anywhere.

I promise to study the scripture with you. I know you will find peace and strength to resist temptations when you study scriptures daily because scriptures are the words of God. You will invite the Holy Ghost into your life.

I promise to teach you by example how to budget time and resources. Teach you about self-reliance and the importance of preparing for your future. It encourages you to independent learning to unlock your potential and grow to be passionate and capable contributors to the work of salvation.

I promise to spend individual time with you, letting you choose the activities and the subject of conversation, and eliminating distractions by putting away electronic devices. I promise to help you create happy memories by building our family traditions, meaningful vacations, and wholesome activities.

I promise to be there and listen to you if you approach me with a problem, see issues from your point of view, and resist the urge to give you a solution. Instead, ask questions for clarification and arrive at a solution together. I want you to know it is ok if you make a mistake, and making a mistake does not affect my love for you.

Love,

Mother

Tender Mercies by Annie Henrie Nader. Image via AltusFineArt.com

This is a painting of a mother with her two children, and an angel supporting her. It is a sacred moment of sacrifice, endurance, and great love. This painting is also a tribute to the many tender mercies in our lives – the sweetness found in motherhood, and also the angels who come to our rescue in the form of friends and family. By seeing these tender mercies we come to know God’s great love for His children.

A Nostalgia Saturday

Annabelle started to take her IGCSE exam this year. She will take her first 2 subjects, Chinese as a Second Language and O Level English.

Today she is going to take her Chinese Oral exam at Sri Emas International School at 1.30 pm, and she needs to be there at noon.

Issac initially wanted to attend the Institute and he left home early thinking of using LRT to go to church at PJ. He called us while we were on our way out from home for our breakfast at Hoong Foong Dim Sum at USJ 21.

Then I told Issac to use the LRT back to USJ21 station to meet us at Hoong Foong Dim Sum. The timing was just right and we had a scrumpalicious and fulfilling breakfast!

After which we dropped Annabelle at Sri Emas, Issac and I headed to Citta Mall to chill at the Starbucks while waiting for her oral session to end. I was writing my journal on what happened over the past 2 weeks. We got a great deal at Starbucks where we got 2 drinks at only RM25.00++!

Both of us almost forgot that Issac needs to go to Jane Yap Atelier to take his artwork photo, while I need to reload and top-up my Touch n Go card at Citta Mall! We managed to get it done before we fetched Annabelle.

We fetched Annabelle at about 2.00 pm and we headed to IOI Mall Puchong to get some books for both at the Popular Book Store. I was gazing at the bookshelf and something caught my eye. It is an interactive journal which I think is interesting. I just told Issac that I am kind of lost after got to know his dad’s thing. I need something to focus back as I have sort of lost my direction in life.

Issac shared with me that he experienced the same as when he got to know about Alvin. He is now trying to do what he can to the Lord’s will – to help others and be Christlike. I was sharing with him that, apart from that he must be taking care of himself first before he could help others. I know what is my final destination in life, but it seems as if I need to take a step back and reassess my priorities, to reconnect with what I truly want in my life. Of course, I have a job or just started my career after hibernating for so long to take care of the children. Then three of us managed to buy the books we wanted, and we were happy about that.

We decided to have our dinner at the mall before we headed back home. This was our dinner at the Noodle King House. A restaurant specializing in noodles, especially in its Signature Fried Fish Head Noodles with its superior soup base.

While we were heading home, Issac said that today it seemed nostalgic to him, as he remembered days when the three of us used to go out together during weekends. My heart was broken when I heard that. Yes, these were the feelings where we used to have every weekend during they were much younger – three of us had each other to rely on and depend on…

Humility?

After I had completed the Attribute Activity, obviously I am lacking in every one of the Christlike Attributes and still, I do not know which attribute to focus and work on.

I was discussing with Issac this Christlike Attributes Journal that I need to work on in the car during we went out to buy our dinner yesterday. There was something that happened after Alvin came back home. He was furious about we did not clean enough the home, I did not iron his working shirts, and angry that what were we doing the whole day. All in all, it was not a good day even though it was a Saturday.

I was so upset, during dinner Alvin talked about that he does not yet have a proper meal from morning till late evening. And when he came back and he saw all the things he needs to do in the house, then he was so pissed off. Alvin just looked into Issac’s eyes and said that even his girlfriend also would message him if he had already taken his lunch.

I poured out my frustration to both children after Alvin finished his dinner and went back to the bedroom, leaving the three of us at the dining table. I was eventually able to cool off and calm down my emotion when Annabelle said something about Heavenly Father in her teary eyes. I was sort of amazed that I was able to hear she was using the word ‘Heavenly Father’ from her mouth to console me!

After both children and I had our dinner and competed for our household chores of washing dishes, vacuuming, and wiping the floor, I asked Issac a question about what Christlike Attribute that I should choose to develop further in my Institute project.

Issac suggested I go for ‘Humility’.

I was like, “Why? Why Humility? Am I not humble enough? Especially in front of your dad? I am so ‘small’ and ‘tiny’ and I consider myself being a humble person for my whole life! And now want me to learn ‘Humility’?”

Issac replied, “No, I do not mean that you do not have it but I think you can learn more to be better in it. If you are more humble, humility will help you to be obedient, work more diligently, and be more charitable.”

I was quiet and think about what my son had told me about this. May be there is true and reasons why Issac asked me to do so. I reflect back. I indeed seldom pray and do reflections on my wrong doings nowadays.

Issac is growing to be more mature and glowing. I feel Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have groom Issac to be my light amid frustrations and sadness, to guide me spiritually. I love my priesthood holder, even though he is only an Aaronic priesthood holder. I know that God sends him to me to make me a better version of myself!

The Gospel Media credit to https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org.

Relief Society Sisters Christmas Buffet Lunch Gathering

Today some of the Relief Society sisters Christmas Buffett Lunch Gathering organized by the church sisters that invite whoever sisters would like to go together as the Christmas Buffet Gathering.

Sister Oyoki, Sister Yong Yong, and Sister Saffron were trying their best to source the best value steamboat and BBQ restaurant. Finally, Sister Yong Yong managed to find one Korean restaurant – Gogigo Korean BBQ & Steamboat Buffet located at Bandar Puteri Puchong.

We met around 11.00 am as the restaurant just opened at that time. After we paid for our portion, we just walked in, settled down our handbags or kinds of stuff, and began to walk towards the buffet counters, which served a lot of food and beverages.

The restaurant serves BBQ and hotpot together. In addition to the hot and spicy Korean BBQ, there is also a hot pot with two soups in one pot! It is simply very worthwhile and valuable for money. It is all you can eat except for canned drinks and alcohol that need to pay separately.

The restaurant serves unlimited pork, chicken meat, and pork belly with many all kinds of vegetables, marinated meat, seafood, meatballs, instant noodles, and more. There are authentic Korean side dishes, such as kimchi, spicy fried rice cakes, sushi, fried rice, egg rolls, and more. And unlimited ice cream and drinks too!

All the sisters were busy eating, and all of us are enjoying each other companionship. All the sisters were chit-chatting and got to know each other latest living.

Annabelle had brought the Young Women My150 project bookmarks out and gave them to all the sisters who were there to spread the love of young women to the Relief Society sisters. She took a lot of photos with the sisters.

One more exciting thing that happened is that we have the Christmas presents exchanges among the sisters. Everyone brings along Christmas presents which cost below RM15.00 and interact with each other. Finally, we took a group photo before we leave to memorize this enjoyable gathering.

Here are Issac’s and Annabelle’s, as both of them also participated in the gifts exchange.

Mediterranean Pesto Pizza

Today we try out our new type of pizza from ordinary pizza – Mediterranean pesto pizza.

The actual ingredients used are supposed to be naan or Greek pita flatbread, so I just bought from Village Grocers pita bread.

There are some prawns, sausages, bell peppers, shredded cheese, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and the overnight roasted chicken.

After the sacrament meeting, we just had a DIY style and did our kinds of pizza. Just top whatever we like onto the pita bread, and just put into oven for 6 to 8 minutes.

We just had our simple lunch then.

Fun Making Waffle Day 22 Nov 2021

We are trying out our new toy today – a waffle maker. We have fun making waffle day!

Making the waffle mixture

The final product

While Waiting to Discharge…

This morning I woke up early as Alvin would bring Issac over to hospital and we had breakfast together at Bandar Puteri McDonalds. After our breakfast, then we came back to hospital and takeaway a big breakfast for Annabelle.

When both siblings met, they have endless conversations! The doctor came around 10.00am to check Annabelle’s condition and he allowed her to stop the drip. And to continue observation till the afternoon check up again.

After the drip had been taken away, Annabelle was full energetic again! She was walking up and down and swap her bed with her brother. And has a good appetite in eating her lunch.

Both Issac and me seeing her comfortably having her lunch on bed, we too went to the ground floor cafeteria having our lunch. I ordered the daily special set of ayam percik with pandan rice which come together with sambal brinjal, fish ball soup and mango drinks.

Both of us never expected such a huge portion of the meal, and we were delighted! It was so worth it with the price of RM15.90++ for the big portion that we had. I never imagine that we can have such a tasty and satisfying meal in a hospital. Issac and I were super happy with our lunch.

After we went up to Annabelle’s room, we were reading, playing games then till the doctor come again it is almost 3.30pm. The doctor allowed for discharge after checking on her condition. We thanked the doctor for his consultation. Then we waited for the bills and the insurance company for the discharge authorization letter for the final bills.

It have take sometime till I finally settled with the hospital. The total bill is about RM1,500.00. The Prudential medical card that we hold have to pay minimum RM300 or 10% co-insurance. In the end we just need to pay RM306.00 and the rest is taken care of by the medical insurance. We reached home around 6.30pm and we had dinner together with Alvin after he came back from work.

I feel as the medical cost still is bearable and fortunately we have the medical card. I could not imagine if we do not have the medical card and we need to queue at the Serdang Hospital for these few days. Probably we would end up very tire and still being worry.

It is a good solution for us to go to the Columbia Asia Hospital Puchong because Annabelle has a good care in the hospital, and we have the least headache and worries about her condition. Everything is end up in the Lord’s good hand. We are blessed and grateful!

Annabelle Admitted to Hospital

Annabelle confirmed contracted with dengue fever yesterday. Last Thursday I was bringing her to Clinic Mediviron because she had the fever since Wednesday afternoon at school. Doctor did mention that have to monitor her closely as now is the season of influenza and dengue. No antibiotic was given but paracetamol only to reduce the fever.

Her fever was never fully subside until yesterday Alvin felt that have to take her to see doctor again, then at Klink Mediviron the doctor said have to bring her to hospital immediately to take the blood test to confirm as her hands and arms were starting to show some red rashes.

We were so worried and quickly took her to the nearest Columbia Asia Hospital Puchong to take the blood test. We went straight to the emergency. After taken the blood, we waited for almost an hour for the result. And, it was confirmed by the ER doctor that she was contracted with dengue with the Full Blood Count 177.

The doctor was asking if we would want to admit her to hospital straight away. Alvin was thinking that we took her home and observe her for a night then see how is her condition. During Annabelle was in the car, she sounds as she was having difficulties and pains, made us so worried and took her to Serdang Hospital.

There were a lot of patients queuing till the front door and the officer mentioned that with the blood count of 177 is not so serious yet. Seeing the situation at the Serdang Hospital, we just turned back to home.

I cooked barley drink to let her drink and cool her body temperature down and the whole family were having porridge yesterday. We forced her to drink a lot of water.

This morning, she is doing ok. We asked Issac and Annabelle to stay at home, so that Issac can help to monitor her on eating the porridge and drinking the water.

After half day in the office, Alvin and I were decided to admit her to the hospital because it is kind of difficult for us to monitor her with the blood test. Finally we brought her back to Columbia Asia Hospital Puchong.

It was kind of running through the whole yesterday routine check up again and it was really tired for all of us to wait at the hospital for the whole afternoon. From the blood test, results, admission, waiting for insurance company guarantee letter and waiting for the bed. From 1.30pm to almost 6.30pm then the hospital managed to get a bed for us.

Annabelle stayed in a 4 bedded room and shared bathroom. Once we entered to the room, the environment is not too bad. She got a bed nearest to the entrance door. There are 2 storage cabinets and an arm chair there. I can stay with her for the night.

The dinner was already served there. When I saw Annabelle’s reactions, I really wanted to laugh out loud because she suddenly was so happy with her bed as she is staying in the hotel and a very delicious room service dinner.

After seeing her happy staying in the room, we left the hospital back to Alvin’s job site to thumb print his attendance. Then, we drove home and I took my bath before I went back to hospital and accompany my lovely and naughty daughter!

She was already very tired. The doctor instructed to give her the drip, I guess the needle made her not comfortable and she soon fell to sleep during I reached back to the hospital about 10.30pm.  Everyone was very tired today.

I feel blessed and thank to the Lord because I know that He is watching over Annabelle and our family. Later then I know, Alvin did give Annabelle a blessing this morning. That is why she is doing fine and her reaction towards the dengue is mild according to the doctor.

I feel blessed because our family has a priesthood in the house and Annabelle would be doing fine tomorrow. Hopefully she can be discharged by tomorrow.