Growmama Picks is a collection of fun, interesting, and inspiring links that we share with you at the end of every month. Enjoy! 1. Learning to deal with babies in the masjid. It's a two-way street. 2. With the change of seasons comes the "great clothes swap." Here is one blogger's advice on swapping summer clothes for winter clothes with less organizational wrinkles. 3. A writer reflects on the dilemma of being Muslim, young, educated, female, and single. 4. The need to justify and assign … [Read more...]
10 Ways to Get to Know Your Neighbors
May 28, 2012 By 14 Comments
I had a neighbor a couple of houses down that I only rarely saw going to and from her car. She must have been retired and didn’t go out much, because I could count on my fingers the number of times I saw her though I’d lived next to her for almost two years. In addition, I was a stay-at-home mom, so I either was home, outside on the front yard or just looking out my windows quite a bit. She was never in her yard, although it was well-manicured by a lawn care company that left a sign posted … [Read more...]
When You Remember Allah Together
May 21, 2012 By 3 Comments
Ever since my daughters were born three and a half years ago, I’ve made it a point to read Qur’an out loud to them while they were awake, although many times I would rather have read it in peace and quiet while they were asleep. I also made sure to make my tasbeeh after salah out loud, although at first it felt strange to me and unnatural. Tonight, I saw a glimpse of the outcome. I just came out of my girls’ bedroom. L had fallen asleep, but S had still been awake, talking … [Read more...]
Sleepless Nights
May 17, 2012 By 3 Comments
I lie awake throughout the night peering at the bedroom door I’ve strategically left open just the right distance to see the dim light on the other side. The night is so still – so quiet. Every sound could be the one and my heart skips over its own beat waiting for the second sound: a door creaking open, a slow step being taken. Is he back? And what might he be after this time? A few weeks ago I fell asleep next to my daughter. Not quite ready for bed, I even left the hallway lights on. … [Read more...]
How to Survive Your First Year of Motherhood in a Foreign Country
May 14, 2012 By 4 Comments
All right, I’ve been here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for about three and-a-half months now and I’ve probably cried the equivalent of at least one of those months so far. No, don’t say "Aww, she’s miserable." For the record, I’m not miserable or suicidal; I am a first time mother of a beautiful five-month-old baby boy who moved halfway across the world with my husband seven weeks after giving birth. Do I love my little boy in a completely indescribable way that only other moms would … [Read more...]
The Top of My Fridge
May 10, 2012 By 4 Comments
I have a friend whose friends used to call her Spic & Span. Apparently she loves to clean. When I first entered her home, I understood why. MashaAllah she is one of those sisters who juggles many things and can still keep a clean, organized home. She has several young, happy kids with discipline, character and intelligence. Although I have not seen her in many years, I still think of her fondly and remember her example. It has taken me decades of life lessons to understand her secret. That … [Read more...]
Transitions
May 7, 2012 By 4 Comments
Rabb ishrahlee sadree. Rabb ishrahlee sadree. Oh, Allah expand my chest. Musa was asking his Lord, the Knower of all and the Giver of good to give him that which would be beneficial in his preparation to meet the most powerful man on the planet, Pharaoh. Before he asked for his brother Haroon to be his aid, before he asked for an easy path, before asking to untie the knot that impedes his ability to speak eloquently, he asked for an expansive chest. As one chapter closes in my life and … [Read more...]
A Mother’s Instinct
May 3, 2012 By 4 Comments
As a teacher, I can’t help but always analyze things. As a mother, I can’t help but worry and want only the best for my children. So when I noticed that my son wasn’t up to par with his peers, I knew I had to do something. Culturally, it is a shame to even mention the possibility of something possibly wrong with your child. “Alhamdulillah, he is healthy,” would always be the response. It was very frustrating in that aspect, as I was not getting much support from my family in trying … [Read more...]
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