Qwaider Planet : Family

What’s Up This Eid

my treasure — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:26:55 GMT

Since we returned, I had gotten used to every early morning being like a Friday: quiet and motionless. It was conducive to reflection and listening to creation’s song: sounds of birds, of gentle...(read more)

Eid Blessings

Wintersamar's Blog — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:34:40 GMT

Kul Sana wa Entom Salmeen Happy Eid to all! Please do take this time to remember the holy month that has passed and be thankful for what we have and what we don’t have. When I was younger, I used...(read more)

..نشوفك على خير السنه الجاي

Miss Arafat — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:32:00 GMT

اليوم آخر يوم برمضان.. مش معقول شو إنو مرق بسرعه هاي السنه.. ولا حسيت فيه.. حتى كل سنه أنا والعيله بنعمل -أكتفيتيز- معينين.. هاي المره أبداً ما سوينا شي.. بس حمدلله منيح إنو صحلنا نسوي شوية أشياء تطوعيه...(read more)

Screaming Moms and Bugs

my treasure — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:36:58 GMT

Aunt Jane and I had a lot of fun this summer. Shopping, eating peanut M&Ms, cooking together and scrubbing together. Our last day in the US, when I still had quite a job yet to do cleaning the kitchen...(read more)

مش معقووووووووول...

Things I Like To Whisper About — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 14:30:00 GMT

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International

Things I Like To Whisper About — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:04:00 GMT

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through my daughter's eyes

Craft in Style — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:56:00 GMT

If we only take a few moments of each day away from all the hassle and observe the little details, we will be able to better in one way or another! I was lying down on my bed at 8:30 PM yesterday when...(read more)

Having Kids Changes You

my treasure — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:42:21 GMT

This article at Salon.com, “Having Kids Made me a Movie Wuss”, really struck home recently. We had never seen “Slumdog Millionaire” (oh, cultural illiterate that I am) and rented...(read more)

Maidless in Amman

my treasure — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:17:51 GMT

Got the text I had been dreading. My maid fired me. I knew it was coming.She typically works for diplomats who pay better and offer benes like residence and work permits and big bonuses. Further bonus...(read more)

a hapPy feeling

Craft in Style — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:28:00 GMT

My best friend Nida'a came from the U.S last week, she and I have plans for the kiddos during this summer... Mariyah is one week younger than baby Sarah, when they came to visit last year we took them...(read more)

بابا

Things I Like To Whisper About — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:16:00 GMT

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Ramadan in Jordan

Wintersamar's Blog — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:32:34 GMT

This is my first Ramadan in Jordan since I was 15. Ramadan has always been a special time, family gathering, food, atayif, family, food, TV shows, and did I mention food? Always enough to go around and...(read more)

Charge to My Nieces and Nephews

my treasure — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:37:32 GMT

I had a wonderful time hanging out with my Cornland fam this summer. The Hubs sibs have about 20 kids, and we spent time with all of them. Most were happy, some were sad, some were strong in faith, some...(read more)

The Story of The MOFO BIB-BIB

7aki Fadi — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:03:36 GMT

Alright, so as I mentioned in my previous post, little Buddha is a liiiiiiiiiiiiittle bit diva-isk, she wants what she wants and she wants it NOOOOOOOWWWW. It all started when we were on a mini two day...(read more)

Adventure

Wintersamar's Blog — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:15:25 GMT

I have decided to start a new blog, in a new place and new objective. I moved back to Jordan about 9 months ago. I had been living in the US for a good 8 years and decided I needed a change. I graduated...(read more)

Work, Red Shoes And Stuff.

7aki Fadi — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:45:45 GMT

Man it feels I have not blogged for ages. Well I did not blog for ages. I have been really busy at work, no time to screw around busy. Oh, and in case you didn’t know I have 2 kids now. And nobody...(read more)

A Golden Rule

Miss Arafat — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 20:11:00 GMT

From what I've learned.. Never add on Facebook your boss or the not-that-close-neither-friendly-relatives.. If they insisted tell them you're an active user for twitter and use it with them.. Keep...(read more)

Is it really the first of Ramadan?

Shalabieh's World — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 07:41:36 GMT

So really I am not big on organized religion or religious rituals but there is something special for me about Ramadan. It is if anything a family time when my dysfunctional family puts most of its dysfunctionality...(read more)

Ramadan in Canada

Mariyah's Blog — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:35:12 GMT

Since I first returned to Damascus several years ago, my eldest brother has been very curious about Canada. Any chance he got, he bombarded me with questions. Not that I minded answering them, in fact...(read more)

مغامرات على الطريق :)

Things I Like To Whisper About — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:53:00 GMT

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It is Ramadan in the air!

A Busy Mind in a Colorful Scarf — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:22:00 GMT

Ramadan is about to start, and inshallah it will be a blessed month to all Muslims. I'm so excited about the holy month, I'm not sure if I will be able to fast though! I started my third trimester...(read more)

Arg…The Mold Battle Continues

my treasure — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 04:03:45 GMT

Funny how you can become a quite the expert about something you knew nothing about so quickly. I know a lot about mold due to Jordan’s wet cold winters. I battle creeping black mold that grows on...(read more)

اشتقتلو ...

Things I Like To Whisper About — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 14:39:00 GMT

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A secret hobby….. shhhhh

Craft in Style — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 07:27:00 GMT

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Tenant Issues, Mold and Holding Lightly to Treasures

my treasure — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 03:52:50 GMT

Today was the big day. A bunch of strong men from our church volunteered to load all the stored furniture from my parent’s home to our new home. I had been looking forward to this day all summer...(read more)

How Do You Spell Chaos?

my treasure — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:59:04 GMT

C – Cartons of our stuff, in Aunt Jane’s basement nearly 20 years, emerged and were transferred to our newly emptied basement storage. Fun to see old wedding gifts briefly before they get packed...(read more)

لكل امرئ من اسمه نصيب

Things I Like To Whisper About — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 22:13:00 GMT

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I'm still here :)

Craft in Style — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 14:58:00 GMT

I’ve been a little occupied lately with some things that I love and barely have time to do!! So here they are: Trying new recipes from beefs to cakes! Teaching babygirl new crafts and laughing about the...(read more)

Last Day at the Ranch

my treasure — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:31:21 GMT

Today is my last day of writing from the ranch. I am overlooking five layers of mountain ranges, a preening peacock, and contented sheep grazing. If I wasn’t missing The Hub and kids (Aunt Jane and...(read more)

Lost Count – Another Crime of Dishonor

my treasure — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:34:50 GMT

MommaBean caught this one, and makes a great point about crimes against the state. Sigh. Another disgusting story is in the paper today. Another daughter slaughtered. Another sentence reduction because...(read more)

Killed Because Her Husband Became A Christian

my treasure — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:12:38 GMT

I almost missed this one in June, the second dishonor story in one article. The first tis bad enough, but I have had knowledge of the 2nd but not freedom to blog about it until it made the local press...(read more)

A Nice Rest at The Ranch

my treasure — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:39:42 GMT

Hey! I’m back. I’ve had a whirlwind tour of Southern California, lots of speaking engagements, meetings with family and friends, a high school reunion and even a TV interview (no link, sorry...(read more)

اللي بدها تتستر... تتستر

Things I Like To Whisper About — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 08:45:00 GMT

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In Spain

House of Curiosity... — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:36:50 GMT

I am in love with Spain! I was explaining to someone the first smell that hits you when you arrive to spain is the smell of wet earth followed by the smells of chimneys… it has been training here...(read more)

واجب متأخر :)

Miss Arafat — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:43:00 GMT

عادتي.. من أيام المدرسة كسوله ودائماً متأخره بحل الواجبات.. وبما اني الأخيره فماضل حد أسويله تاق.. بس مش مشكلة متأخر أحسن من مفيش- هههههههه المهم.. أنا حمدلله وصلت عمان امبارح فقلت خليني أزوق عحالي وأسوي...(read more)

Habby Bearsday, Amreeka!

my treasure — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 02:43:52 GMT

Ba7ebbik, ya helweh (I love you, sweetie) Tomorrow we’ll be joining the extended fam for a big brunch after church, a big BBQ for dinner and a big fireworks show. Can’t wait. The 5th verse...(read more)

Pirate Party 2010

my treasure — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:18:54 GMT

Avast ye mateys! Thanks to creative cousins and Facebook’s ‘Pirate English’ option (gotta try it, makes you laugh OUT LOUD), pirates were the theme of this year’s cousin party....(read more)

حتى موبايل ما عندها

Things I Like To Whisper About — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:28:00 GMT

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17 weeks to go...

A Busy Mind in a Colorful Scarf — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:03:00 GMT

I'm back! I know it has been a while since my last post, and I guess I just didn't feel like blogging. I even started writing this post few days ago and I never finished it!! I'm even not posting...(read more)

{little big girl}

Craft in Style — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 06:45:00 GMT

Can you see her?? She’s hyper talkative friendly and so much fun to be with! She says the silliest things ever and she copies almost everything, love LOVE to make new friends and the best thing that could...(read more)

He Gave Me Hope

Ammanis — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:28:34 GMT

Today, I went with my mum to visit her aunts. We were sitting outside, and there were lots of grandchildren running around, except this 4-year-old kid who had chickenpox. His grandma told him to stay inside...(read more)

Father’s Day Has Iraqi Roots

my treasure — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:58:35 GMT

We just finished an afternoon-long Father’s Day extravaganza for The Hub, The Other Hub (his bro, Jowz Aunt Jane) and another BIL. There are still dishes to do, but the happy chaos of a 17 person...(read more)

The New Rural Normal for City Kids

my treasure — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 04:30:21 GMT

The Kounouz are learning about American life, like how we have had more rain in the three weeks we have been here than Jordan had all winter. How is can be raining and warm and humid (humid hair makes...(read more)

Gaza Girl Comes to Cornland

my treasure — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:28:32 GMT

Can you believe it? My precious friend and adopted daughter is visiting us here! We are yakking away…seeing one another in a rural American context is just too fun, and a little weird. She got a...(read more)

If I Win A Million Dollars

7aki Fadi — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:22:19 GMT

Me: What would you buy if you win a Million Dollars? Little 7aki: I would buy a Unicorn. Me: HAHAHAHA. OK what would your taita (Grandma) buy? Little 7aki: She would buy a big giant cook book made out...(read more)

Not Watching the World Cup and More East/West Comparisons

my treasure — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 20:29:54 GMT

I am also not watching our friend’s son play Lacrosse, which I know even less about! I am watching the boys play American football in the rain, visiting friends in Chicago, looking forward to Chicago...(read more)

My MIL’s Morning Offering

my treasure — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:58:47 GMT

We are staying in my husband’s family home. Nothing has changed much since she died two and one-half years ago. Devoutly Catholic, their abode is filled with crucifixes, rosaries and prayer cards...(read more)

Family weekend...

Memories Documented - Qwaider — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 04:57:09 GMT

Nothing beats the sweet tummy tingling feelings of spending a relaxing/exciting weekend with the family. Seriously, it's the remedy to all stress and a solution to modern fast paced society. This week...(read more)

Tornado Devastation

my treasure — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 03:51:13 GMT

I had never seen what utter destruction tornadoes produce until today. News pics, yes, but up close and personal, no. This morning in church a woman talked about what happened to her sister’s home...(read more)

Tornado Warning

my treasure — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 04:13:22 GMT

And people think living in the Middle East is dangerous. We just spent the evening with sirens blaring, warning of the probability of tornados coming through our area. Lil Kinz was pretty scared, the boys...(read more)

ذكريات ومغامرات و تدمير :)

Things I Like To Whisper About — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 21:35:00 GMT

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ذكريات ومغامرات و تدمير :)

Things I Like To Whisper About — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 21:35:00 GMT

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ذكريات ومغامرات و تدمير :)

Things I Like To Whisper About — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 21:35:00 GMT

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My Little Buddha

7aki Fadi — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:02:10 GMT

I sent Bob a picture of peanut, who by the way I am calling little Buddha from now on because, seriously, she has a Buddha belly that Buddha would be jealous of, JEALOUS I tell ya. So peanut calls her...(read more)

Rural Living and Internet Addiction

my treasure — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 03:53:47 GMT

Last night in Corn Land we had a massive thunder and lightning storm, complete with a tornado warning (that I slept through). Something about flat-lander living that makes these seem so intense, the clouds...(read more)

America – Land of Too Many Choices

my treasure — Mon, 31 May 2010 02:54:02 GMT

Moose Tracs or Mint Chip? (The Hub chose Moose Tracs) Reese’s DQ Blizzard or Peanut Parfait? (decided on Heath Bar blizzard, although I should probably wait a week so I don’t eat myself through...(read more)

A Walk to Remember, and a Warning

my treasure — Sat, 29 May 2010 19:26:36 GMT

I am using this change of life-routine to establish some new personal disciplines. After my train-horn call to prayer yesterday, two of the kounouz and I went for a walk around the neighborhood. It is...(read more)

شجرة حبنا...

Things I Like To Whisper About — Sat, 29 May 2010 18:57:00 GMT

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شجرة حبنا...

Things I Like To Whisper About — Sat, 29 May 2010 18:57:00 GMT

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شجرة حبنا...

Things I Like To Whisper About — Sat, 29 May 2010 18:57:00 GMT

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Rural American Contrasts to Amman City Living

my treasure — Fri, 28 May 2010 12:56:42 GMT

Daar Al Kounouz left Jordan yesterday, amidst various intensities of craziness. We managed to leave one of the carry-ons in the house, much to Project Boys’ chagrin, as it was his. Oops! Thank God...(read more)

The baby is 2 already!

Craft in Style — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:55:00 GMT

Sarah’s birthday was last Sunday we threw the party at her grandparents’ house, the weather wasn’t as we expected... It was a bit chilly so we had to relocate the birthday party indoors and that was kind...(read more)

Increasing My Mommy Currency

my treasure — Sun, 23 May 2010 15:06:51 GMT

Poor Project Boy. His birthday always falls into the busiest time of the year. He had his heart set on an elaborate neighborhood-wide treasure hunt, and it just wasn’t going to work. Exams, activities...(read more)

Mother And Child Reunion

my treasure — Sun, 23 May 2010 06:05:20 GMT

Custody battles in divorce are nasty things. Children pay the price, in proportion to the nastiness. It is especially bad when a Jordanian dad and American mother divorce. Both want and love their children...(read more)

قصة راس الخروف

Things I Like To Whisper About — Fri, 21 May 2010 22:45:00 GMT

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قصة راس الخروف

Things I Like To Whisper About — Fri, 21 May 2010 22:45:00 GMT

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قصة راس الخروف

Things I Like To Whisper About — Fri, 21 May 2010 22:45:00 GMT

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29 Not 25..Because I Talk Too Much And I Like Number 9 xD

Miss Arafat — Fri, 21 May 2010 21:03:00 GMT

First Hamdanism and then Whisper and now me.. Here are 29 random things you didn't know about me.. 29 things not 25 'cause I talk too much and 9 is my favorite number xD 1. My favorite fruits are...(read more)

"I wish I'd moved there with you," she said

An Alien Mind — Fri, 21 May 2010 13:13:00 GMT

We (meaning She) spoke with our "daughter" yesterday. I speak with her every few months, usually when she's feeling needy and she calls. My darling wife has not spoken to her for more than...(read more)

Victim’s Scripts in Incestuous Families

my treasure — Sun, 16 May 2010 13:47:47 GMT

It has often seemed to me that in incestuous families, members live as if reading the same script. Without deviation, the same roles, conversations, beliefs and lies are played out. After Emi’s comment...(read more)