Pause to celebrate

I kept on telling D that we could postpone my birthday celebration since our car was still at the workshop. However, D still wanted me to feel special today and went ahead to rent this car. So, I guess, we just paused our mourning for this special day, err.. I still think I did not deserve this though.

We went out to have breakfast at Panera to kick-start my day with a cup of hazelnut coffee and my favorite blueberry bagel with raspberry cream cheese.

I was so touched, my dear! Million thanks for the precious gift too and I'm not sure how I can reciprocate it in the future. I had this guilty feeling lingering inside me to deserve all these as I knew D was going thru a tough time.

We went out to eat and celebrate when kids came back from school in the evening. We were all surprised to receive good news from Sarah when she brought back a letter from school that she was chosen to be the student of the month for Freshmen year. Wow... I was so overwhelmed especially it was my birthday!

This was our first time dining at this halal Turkish restaurant in the neighborhood.

We were celebrating kids achievements at the new school as well.

Both of them made us really happy and proud during the recent parent-teacher conference. We heard not a single complaint but lots and lots of compliments from all their 12 teachers whom we met individually for 10 minute each.

Farhan has been doing very well in math, science, social studies and english; we kinda of expected that ;). However to our surprise, his Spanish teacher thought Farhan has been exposed to Spanish before. Heh! His English teacher said he's knowledgeable and love to teach and share his knowledge with his peers! The only area he needs to improve is how to read between the lines from the stories in the novels. Hahah! Yeah.. Farhan is facts and figures person, just like his Daddy :).

Farhan did not join the orchestra team earlier on as we would have to purchase the violin if he wanted to join. We later regretted it and I wrote to the teacher whether Farhan could still join the team. Thank God that they were still looking for violinist and Farhan was accepted in the 6th grade beginner class after a quick audition. After we bought the violin and he went to his first class, the teacher asked him to move to 7th grade beginner. Wow! I was elated as he will be performing for his school orchestra this December. He also wants to join the basketball team.

As for Sarah, no wonder her science teacher's told us that "I'm sure other teachers are telling you all the good news about Sarah, she's a superstar!". At that time we still did not know that she was chosen as the student of the month. Sarah's French teacher remarked that Sarah will definitely be in French Honors next year. She said if this French 1 which Sarah is taking, has Honors class, Sarah is definitely in that class. Wow! We were even more surprised to learn that Sarah writes and participates very well in her English class. Her standard has been way better than the ones in Honors class. Even her history teacher is impressed with her choice of words in her writing assignments and tests.

Her teacher proposed Sarah to change to English Honors. But, Sarah on the other hand rejected the offer as she is worried about tons of work load as now she is already busy with too much work from Math Honors and Biology Honors. Hmm... I still hope she can push for four honors class next year ;) I strongly think she can handle it based on the teachers' feedback. Her gym teacher is also recommending her to be in the sports team as according to him, Sarah is very athletic and has perfect score in all aspects of the gym test, hand-eye coordination etc. A lot to consider for her as we also don't want her to burn out at this young age.

Despite being carless on that parent teacher conference earlier this week, D and I walked home from school ... happy and proud! Million thanks kids and please keep up the good work.

So, let's order and celebrate all our achievements! As for me, growing one year older is also an achievement.. heheh!

Turkish bread is yum!

Salmon.

Chicken.

Lamb.

Yummeh! We can come again to this restaurant, definitely!

Semoga D dimurahkan lagi rezeki, dipanjangkan umur dan berjaya di dunia dan akhirat. Amin.

Thank you Allah for what you've given me throughout all the 38 wonderful years... I pray and hope for many more great years ahead.

It's so rewarding to me and D that the kids are adjusting well to the new school environment and have been delivering the good results thus far.

We all had a great time that day and we would spend our weekend at home as D had three papers to complete. So, it would be homework marathon weekend :P

Not to forget, many thanks everyone for all the birthday wishes. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by the loved ones though we are oceans apart.