Wednesday, 8 September 2010

Ramadan coming to a close, and au revoir!

Weeks 32,33,34 and 35 have flown and Ramadan sadly is almost over!
Eid is day after tomorrow inshaALlah.

Boys mashaAllah have had an excellent Ramadan - all fasting, all racing for Quran Challenge, and all made Tarawee and night prayers most of the time, alhumdulilla.
May Allah accept all their ibadah ameen and may He SWT guide them and bless them always, ameen.

This year the baby/infant/child years have definetly gone!
They are all older now and doing so much more mashaALlah!

and because of that it's been a wonderful Ramadan - alhumdulilla.
May Allah accept all the good deeds of all believers, ameen

Islamic Studies went mainly to plan though some of the reading and workbooks will be completed over the next few weeks! Think I was a little ambitious in the planning!!

OK what else have we done?

Week 32 was the visit to the IMAX at Waterloo for Ibn Battuta -
the boys were read his stories when they were younger at bedtime!

http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_imax/film_programme
/journey_to_mecca_in_the_footsteps_of_ibn_battuta_pg




















































Week 33 was busy for DS2 as he attended the FunTech Lego Robotics Camp.









































video














Spent some time down some of our favourite Parks!

































video video










Ds2's exam results came in and mashaAllah alhumdulilla our 12 year old now has an A/S Level Mathematics qualification and is enroute to completing the A Level inshaAllah
plus he now has his third IGCSE (English) alhumdulilla.

Ds1, just turned 17, is mashaAllah leaving for University in a couple of days inshaAllah
- may Allah protect him always, ameen.

In some ways his leaving seems to have brung our home ed to a close because in many ways 'mum' as 'teacher/facilitator' is now redundant!
DS2 and DS3 still need that in smaller doses but I think ds2 is going to be set on his route soon alhumdulilla and ds3 is happy with the online facilities!
Quran and Islamic Studies will continue on family schedule inshaAllah.

BUT knowing home ed I know that can change within a week so we need to keep that in mind too, lol!

Alhumdulilla we have managed to get this far.
Allah SWT has blessed us in letting us find Home Education and mashaAllah also enabling us to be successful in it.


This blog may go into standby now as it's original reason for being (the Arabic in Egypt) and it's secondary reason (the EOTAS lady) are not essential any more.
The Arabic maybe a venture we return to - inshaALlah I hope we do, but this time for a minimum of 6 months preferably a year!
The record for EOTAS -- well think we've met that on all fronts, alhumdulilla.



Blog will be left here and inshaAllah people can use ideas from it but I probably won't bother with many further updates -

alhumdulilla we know home ed works!

the Muslim sisters home ed list is here
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/homeeducatorsandukmuslims2/



and you can email if you need Home Ed info. on ummusamah09@gmail.com




Assalamualykum warah matullai wabara katuhu

Thursday, 5 August 2010

Duaas and bits for Ramadan

May the atmosphere of your 'Ramadan Home' be one filled with peace and love, ameen
have constructive activity, ameen
with plenty of reading - in the seeking of Islamic knowledge and Quran recitation, ameen
plus lots of giggles, fun and arts and crafts all the way! ameen

Duaa to learn / remind our little folk about inshaAllah.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is narrated from Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, that she said:

I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the Night of Qadr what should I say?.' He said: 'Say: O Allah you are embodiment of forgiveness and you love to pardon so pardon me.'
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi]

Allahumma Innaka Afuwwan Tuhibbul 'Afwa Fa'fu Unni.

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to start the fast

Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri Ramadan
I intend to keep the fast today in the month of Ramadan
[abu Dawud]


to break the fast
Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa 'ala rizq-ika aftarthu

O Allah, I have fasted for you. In You do I believe and with your provision
do I break my fast. [abu Dawud]


When you are fasting, and someone is rude to you
Inni sa'iimu, inni sa'iimu
I am fasting, I am fasting
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Fath al-Bari of Al-Asqalani; 4:1-3, Muslim; 2:806]

Upon Sighting of the new Moon
Allahu Akbar. Allahumma ahillahu 'alayna bil-amni wal-imaani, was-salaamati,
wal-Islami, wat-tawfeeqi lima tuhibbu Rabbana wa tardha. Rabbuna wa
RabbukAllahu

(Allah is the Greatest. O Allah bring us the new moon with security and
faith, with peace and in Islam, and in harmony with what our Lord Loves and
what pleases Him. Our Lord and your Lord is Allah)
[at-Tirmidhi 5:504, ad-Darimi 1:336]


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quranic Du'ua' s

* Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come
and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire (2:201)

* Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance and make our foothold sure and give
us help against those who reject faith. (2:250)

* Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error.
(2:286) Our Lord! Lay not upon us such a burden as You did lay upon
those before us. (2:286)

* Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to
bear, grant us forgiveness and have mercy on us. You are our
Protector. Help us against those who deny the truth. (2:286)
Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate from the truth after selves, and
unless You grant us forgiveness and bestow Your mercy upon us, we
shall most certainly be lost! (7:23)

* Our Lord! Place us not among the people who have been guilty of
evildoing. (7:47)

* Our Lord! Lay open the truth between us and our people, for You are
the best of all to lay open the truth. (7:89) Our Lord! Pour out on us
patience and constancy, and make us die as those who have surrendered
themselves unto You. (7:126)

* Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the evildoing folk, and save as by
Your mercy from people who deny the truth (10:85-86)

* Our Lord! You truly know all that we may hide [in our hearts] as
well as all that we bring into the open, for nothing whatever, be it
on earth or in heaven, remains hidden from Allah (14:38)

* Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Your presence and dispose of our
affairs for us in the right way. (18:10)

* Our Lord! In You we have placed our trust, and to You do we turn in
repentance, for unto You is the end of all journeys. (60:4)

* Our Lord! Perfect our light for us and forgive us our sins, for
verily You have power over all things. (66:8)

* Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Verily, my Sal�t (prayer), my sacrifice, my
living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the 'Alam�n (mankind,
jinns and all that exists). Our Lord! Perfect our light for us and
forgive us our sins, for verily You have power over all things. (6.162)

there are 40 Rabbanas which you can download off the net
http://www.islamawareness.net/Dua/rabbana.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ramadan checklist
http://english.islamway.com/bindex.php?section=article&id=241

Why do muslims fast?
http://www.sunnah.org/ibadaat/fasting/fast.html

Duaas for the last nights
http://www.duas.org/laylat.htm

Educating your children in Ramadan
http://www.angelfire.com/me4/islaam/fasting21.html

Quran was revealed in Ramadan

"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for
mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of)the month (of Ramadan), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up)from other days.

Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him" (2: 185).

------------------------------

----------------------------
Focus on Prayer
Reminder: Islamic night is first i.e. night comes first then day

So if the first fast is tomorrow first tarawee is tonight!
Also if eid is tomorrow there is no tarawee tonight, as it is the night of the Eid day

Allaah says, concerning the plight of the disbelievers on the Day of
Judgement, that they will be asked by the Believers: { "What led you into the Hell-fire?" They will say: "We were not of those who prayed." } (Soorah 74:42-43). Allaah also says: { Successful indeed are the Believers, those who humble themselves in their prayers } (Soorah 23:1-2), and: { And those who guard [strictly] their worship, such will be the honoured ones in the
Gardens [of Bliss] } (Soorah 70: 34-35).
Allaah has emphasized the need for humility and concentration in prayers.
There is no doubt that Satan is the most bitter enemy of man; he always tries to disturb the Believer's prayers. He (the worshipper) finds his mind suddenly engulfed with memories, problems, worries, work and his family… and he will often find himself wondering whether he has prayed three rak`ah or four. This is how Satan steals the prayer. Man was created only to worship Allaah. He says: { I created not the jinns and mankind except to worship me } (Soorah 51:56). Man is to live in this world as a worshipper of Allaah and
prayer is the best for of worship. On the Day of Judgement, man will have to answer for his deeds. Allaah says: { Then shall you be questioned about the joy [you indulged in] } (Soorah 102:8)

(1) The Dawn Prayer (Fajr in Arabic) given in 11:114, 24:58

(2) The Noon Prayer (Zuher in Arabic) , given in 17:78 and 30:18

(3) The Afternoon Prayer (Asr in Arabic), given in 2:238

(4) The sunset Prayer (Maghrib in Arabic), given in 11:114

(5) The Night Prayer (Isha in Arabic), given in 24:58

2) PRAYER
Salat is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam, and no priests, so the prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Quran, chosen by the congregation. These five prayers contain verses from the Quran, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation, but personal supplication can be offered in one's own language.
Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities. Visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life.
A translation of the Call to Prayer is:
God is most great. God is most great.
God is most great. God is most great.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Come to prayer! Come to prayer!
Come to success (in this life and the Hereafter)!
Come to success!
God is most great. God is most great.
There is no god except God

Prayers in Ramadan / Tawawih

1187. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He who observes optional prayer (Tarawih prayers) throughout Ramadan, out of sincerity of Faith and in the hope of earning reward will have his past sins pardoned.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

----------------------------------------------------------
Last 10 nights and Laylatul Qadr
For Laylatul Qadr, What is it? When is it? What do we do on it?

Translation of the Qur'an, Chapter 97:
AL-QADR (POWER, FATE)
Total Verses: 5
Revealed At: MAKKA
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
97.001: Lo! We revealed it on the Night of Predestination.
97.002 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Night of Power is!
97.003 The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
97.004 The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of
their Lord, with all decrees.
97.005 (The night is) Peace until the rising of the dawn.

The knowledge of the exact night of Laylatul Qadr was taken away because people argued, it was narrated by `Abdullah that the Prophet (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) said:
"Allah's Apostle went out to inform the people about the (date of the) night of decree (Al-Qadr) but there happened a quarrel between two Muslim men.
The Prophet said, "I came out to inform you about (the date of) the night of Al-Qadr, but as so and so and so and so quarrelled, its knowledge was taken away (I forgot it) and maybe it was better for you. Now look for it in the last 10 nights of the month of Ramadan)."
(al-Bukhari, Volume 1:46)

It was narrated by Nafi:
Ibn 'Umar said, "In the lifetime of the Prophet I dreamt that a piece of silk cloth was in my hand and it flew with me to whichever part of Paradise I wanted. I also saw as if two persons (i.e. angels) came to me and wanted to take me to Hell. Then an angel met us and told me not to be afraid. He then told them to leave me. Hafsa narrated one of my dreams to the Prophet and the Prophet said, 'Abdullah is a good man. Would that he offer the night prayer (Tahajjud)!' So after that day 'Abdullah (bin 'Umar) started offering Tahajjud. The companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to tell him their dreams that (Lailat-ul-Qadr) was on the 27th of the month of Ramadan. The Prophet said, "I see that your dreams agree on the last ten nights of Ramadan and so whoever is in search of it should seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan."
(al-Bukhari, Volume 1:777)
Aisha (radiyallaahu 'anhaa) said:
"Allah's Messenger (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) used to practice I'tikaaf in the last ten nights and say: 'Seek out Laylatul Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten of Ramadan."
(al-Bukhari)
The signs for the night of Laylatul-Qadr are
1. The sun rises early in the morning without rays. It was narrated by
Ubayy ibn Ka'b Zirr ibn Hubaysh reported: I thus asked Ubayy ibn Ka'b: Your brother (in faith) Ibn Mas'ud says: He who stands (for the night prayer) throughout the year will find Laylatul Qadr. Thereupon he said: May Allah have mercy upon him. (He said these words) with the intention that people might not rely only (on one night), whereas he knew that it (Laylatul Qadr) was in the month of Ramadan and it was the twenty-seventh night. He then took an oath (without making any exception, i.e. without saying insha'Allah) that it was the twenty-seventh night. I said to him: AbulMundhir, on what grounds do
you say that? Thereupon he said: By the indication or by the sign which the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) gave us, and that is that on that day (the sun) would rise without having any ray in it.
(Muslim)
2. Rain may fall either during the night or during the day of that night.
It was narrated by `Abu Salama:
Once I went to Abu- Sa'id Al-Khudri and asked him, "Won't you come with us to the date-palm trees to have a talk?" So Abu Said went out and I asked him, "Tell me what you heard from the Prophet about the Night of Qadr." Abu Said replied, "Once Allah's Apostle performed Itikaf (seclusion) on the first ten days of the month of Ramadan and we did the same with him.
Gabriel came to him and said, 'The night you are looking for is ahead of you.' So the Prophet performed the Itikaf in the middle (second) ten days of the month of Ramadan and we too performed Itikaf with him. Gabriel came to him and said, 'The night which you are looking for is ahead of you.' In the morning of the 20th of Ramadan the Prophet delivered a sermon saying,
'Whoever has performed Itikaf with me should continue it. I have been shown the Night of "Qadr", but have forgotten its date, but it is in the odd nights of the last ten nights. I saw in my dream that I was prostrating in mud and water.' In those days the roof of the mosque was made of branches of date-palm trees. At that time the sky was clear and no cloud was visible, but suddenly a cloud came and it rained. The Prophet led us in the prayer and I saw the traces of mud on the forehead and on the nose of Allah's Apostle. So it was the confirmation of that dream."
(Al-Bukhari, Volume 1:777)
3. The angels and Gabriel all descend down onto earth for many purposes.
"Verily, We sent it down in the night of al-Qadr. And what will make you know what the night of al-Qadr is? The night of al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Spirit by their Lord's permission with all Decrees. Peace! Until the appearance of dawn."
(Al-Qadr, Verses 1-5)

Duaas for the last nights
http://www.duas.org/laylat.htm
Laylatul Qadr the Night of Power
The month of Ramadhan has been singled out for special worship (`Ibadat) and exclusive favours. It is a month unlike other months. One reason for this, as defined by the Qur'an, is because the Holy Qur'an was revealed in this month. Says Allah in Sura alBaqarah: The month of Ramadhan, that in which the Qur'an was sent down; a guidance for mankind, and clear signs of guidance and distinction (2:185). In fact, according to a hadith of the 6th Imam (a), the other holy books were also revealed in this month.
Among the nights of Ramadhan is one special night, which is better than a thousand months (HQ, 97:3). Good deeds performed on that single night are equal to those performed over a thousand months. It is the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr), when the Qur'an was revealed. Some commentators believe it was the night when the Qur'an was brought down from Baytul M`amur (Heavenly abode), for Jibrael to reveal in parts to the Prophet (s). Others say it was the night when the Prophet received the entire Qur'an, but was asked to
transmit it as and when the occasion demanded.
Laylatul Qadr is a celebration to commemorate the arrival of the final
guidance for humans. It is a tribute to the commencement of the message revealed to mankind by their Creator, a message which shows them the way to achieve happiness in both the worlds. Just as the arrival of a child is celebrated, on its birth and then every year, as a bringer of joy and fulfilment for the family, Laylatul Qadr is celebrated as a bringer of light and guidance for mankind. Unlike the birthday which is celebrated with a feast for the senses, Laylatul Qadr includes a feast for the spirit, a feast of worship and prayers.
Some Ahadith indicate that the fate of every believer for the coming year is decreed on this night. That is why the Du`as for this night ask for special favours in the decree for the year. Believers are encouraged to stay awake the entire night, and pray for blessings and forgiveness. It is the holiest night of the year, and it would be unwise to be heedless of the tremendous benefits of this night.

week 31 - Ramadan prep. on the fun side

The final bits are the fun stuff for little man who still wants our 'Ramadan Table'.

In past years we've made shoebox mosques, date trees, Iftar goodie bag for sweets , and of course a count down to Eid.

This year these possibilities may be used again but it'll be kids decision.

This poster came through on the home ed list,
and may be the beginning of the kids doing one for themselves based on their own views.























In addition to the arts and crafts side there are some lapbook type things to try off the net -

Allah reward the sisters for sharing, ameen

http://tj-ramadan.tripod.com/ramadanlearning.htm



weeks 32,33,34 and 35 will be Ramadan and Eid so possibly no more updates till mid Sept!

week 31 - Ramadan prep.

The Muslim's Character - for teens

I'm planning inshaALlah on using Ramadan as an overall reminder for the character we want them to be as they enter full adult hood inshaALlah, so the artciles below are with that end in mind

http://www.kalamullah.com/brothers.html
The Ideal Muslim

The ideal Muslim is a man of the highest moral character. In his relation with his rabb' (lord), himself, family, parents, relatives, friends, and the community at large, he has a most excellent example in the Prophet of Islam (pbuh). His idealism is further strengthened by the characters of the first generations of Muslims who excelled in all the various fields of human endeavour. He is reassured by the teachings of Islam that he also can reach these noble heights by working to improve his character daily.
In this title, the author gives a clear overview of the practical aspects of the Islamic lifestyle, as exemplified by the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions (pbuh). Moving from the innermost aspect of the individual's spiritual life to his dealings with all those around him, one can see how the Muslim is expected to interact with all others in his life.

http://www.kalamullah.com/youth.html

http://www.kalamullah.com/personality.html

many of the articles here are useful for teens to focus on what they are following/their desires etc.


Books that will be Ramadan reading inshaAllah are below.

Quran completion is of course the primary target as well as choosing some surahs to completely understand the tafsir of.

Other books below -
There will be an overlap for ds2 and ds1, and for ds3 the youngest age range will be review before going into the older range ones inshaALlah. The teen reading has been used now as Ramadan mashaALlah is one of the calm months where more reading and considerably more reflection on thoughts and ideas can take place - simply because we will have slowed pace and stopped the mad rush that goes with non Ramadan living!

OLDER FOLK
















Causes behind the Increase and Decrease of Eemaan by Shaykh A al-Abbaad
Overcoming Trials and Tribulations - according to the Quran and Sunnah by R Abdullah
The Soul's Journey after Death by L Mabrouk
Patience and Gratitude, translated by N al-Khattab
Ulum al-Quran by A V Denffer
Seeking Forgiveness by Shakh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah



MIDDLE FOLK

















The Blessings of Ramadan by J Ali
Muslim Teens Coping by R Maqsood
The world of Teens Part 1 by Shaykh M Faruq
A Muslim Boy's guide to Life's big changes by S Khan
Intermingling of the Sexes by Sheikh As-Sabbaagh
Growing a Beard by Dr. G Mushtaaq


SMALL FOLK


















IQRA texts -
Elementary level Teachings of the Quran
Upper Elementary level Teachings of the Quran
Upper Elementary/Juniour level Teachings of the Quran

Islamic Studies Book3 Dr Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips


OK Food front- loved by all!

Since the last three of four months Nutrition and food has been the focus at home as two of the children and one of the adults wanted to lose weight!
MashaALlah alhumdulilla many things have worked and now we need in Ramadan not to fall back into the bad habits of over eating or even eating just because the food is there or because the fasts are so long and we feel exhausted!

Alhumdulilla we've never been into the OTT iftar mode (meaning the many many courses which someone wasted the day cooking!), but even so we are aiming for lighter meals than previous years inshaALlah.

Unbelievable as it may seem we have never been one for soups, especially in Ramadan so thats the major switch this year - also older two boys will be taking turns to cook too, again a first for Ramadan!

I've avoided giving them cooking duties while fasting until now but I think they are old enough to manage full meals now esp. if the prep is done early morning and the actual cooking left for an hour or so before Iftar.

I've been looking at an Islamic Forum which has many soups and some to catch my eye- and make the mouth drool! - r below plus link to forum!


Algerian Soup
1/2 cup olive oil
1 pound beef, cubed
1 pound chicken, cubed
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 large potato, finely chopped
1 large zucchini, cubed
1 can chickpeas
salt & pepper, to taste
3 Tbs dried mint
6 cups boiling water
1/2 cup fine egg noodles, broken
1 can tomato paste
1/2 cup peas
In a saucepan, brown the meats in oil. Add onion, potato, zucchini, chickpeas and their liquid, salt, pepper, mint and boiling water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the egg noodles, cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste. Simmer for 10 minutes and serve hot.


Rice Soup With Tomatoes
Ingredients
*6 glasses of meat broth
*1/3 glass of rice
*1/2 kg. tomates
*parsley
*salt to taste
*1 tablespoon margarine

Preparation :
Wash the rice and put it into a saucepan with the margarine, salt and the meat broth. Place the saucepan on heat. Put one of the tomatoes aside and grate the rest. Add the grated tomatoes to the saucepan. Peel the remaining tomato and cube. Put the tomato in a saucepan and let the soup cook for 15 more minutes until the rice softens. Remove saucepan from heat and serve the soup after topping it with chopped parsley.



Moroccan Lentil Soup

2 onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
6 cups water
1 cup red lentils
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
1 (19 ounce) can cannellini beans
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon olive oil
DIRECTIONS
In large pot saute; the onions, garlic, and ginger in a little olive oil for about 5 minutes.
Add the water, lentils, chick peas, white kidney beans, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, garam masala, cardamom, cayenne pepper and cumin. Bring to a boil for a few minutes then simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or longer, until the lentils are soft.
Puree half the soup in a food processor or blender. Return the pureed soup to the pot, stir and enjoy!




http://www.gawaher.com/lofiversion/index.php/f93.html

week 31 - Daily bits and Ramadan prep.

OK another week ending so what have these kids being doing?
Not a lot has being going on academic front since last update as boys are free till Ramadan starts next week!

We've had guests, a Great Aunt and a neice visiting which was lovely mashaALlah, the extra cooking think was appreciated by all and the extra visits to Parks! lol!

Our new basket ball court was opened by the Mayor and younger two were allowed to be the first few on! (probably because they have been glued to the area since it was announced!!)










































We did have the INTECH home ed trip on Tuesday, where the Planetarium show was fabulous. They covered flight into the Known Universe which matched recent building of Solar Sysytem for youngest plus added the immense amount of information on space that is now available. Subhanallah makes you realise how tiny we are in the big scheme of things!
Children also ahd the chance to 'travel' virtually to other planets eg. Jupiter, Saturn, Venus and Mars.

some pics. below - there was a lot on hands -on activity but I won't load up the 50 odd photos! about 10 here to give an idea!
Looked the quotes as you walk in too.





















Colour wheel fasination from ds3!






























Flight Simulator was a big hit with ds2!




























































Another one which had ds3 in fits!!!!!!!!!!
























































younger boys day out with eldest today alhumdulilla -
which I think will be pizza, skating and perhaps ToyStory3 at cinema!






The rest of the time has been about 'Are we ready for Ramadan?'

Focus has been on our sleep routines - are they good enough for Ramadan? Taraweeh, Qiyam al Layl, Tahujjud and ofcourse Fajr - will we make it???

The answer was 'no' ALHUMDULILLA at least they could figure it out!!
so from today early nights are starting inshaALlah - well Isha is 11pm ish so still wont be that early!

Next was Quran reading and tafsir work which we are going to do as timetables again - think it's easiest for all to check off bits as we go.

Also extra reading - for older two I am focusing on a Muslims Character - male charater,
and for younger it'll be lessons from the Quran

InshaALlah will send further post for books etc. to be used.

My planning has been around the home and specifically food issue and that should follow in the next update inshaALlah.

Wednesday, 28 July 2010

week 30 Peace Camp

Spent a few days at Peace Camp again
http://peacenewscamp.info/

















Home in a green field this time!

















Wake up calls down to the neighbours!




















Some good workshops eg. Dismantling the Ghandi myth and also Skills sharing

some cooking (helping at the kids tent)



















and also Veggies - who provided the food for the camp- had a cooking workshop where we made our first Vegan ginger cake, plus carrot cake! recipe should be readable, but if not check here

http://www.veggies.org.uk/catering/veggies-recipes/cakes-desserts/







o




























































walking - up to the wind turbines which can be seen from the field we were camped in





































































In the same field as the turbine we found this odd little hut









































Also did some screen painting -
cool method shared by one of the campers - to use old stockings over old cross stitch frames


















































and just some bat and ball and climbing fun!

















Tuesday, 27 July 2010

week 29 Weymouth and Sea Life Park

Spent a day at Weymouth visiting friends plus Sea Life and beach again!
saw the White Horse of Osmington Hill - http://www.bowleazecove.co.uk/white_horse.htm



















Sea Life
http://www.sealifeeurope.com/


a helicopter was just landing behind the car park as we arrived!