Happy Birthday Girl!

I was longing to have a baby sister.
One day, mum broke the news that she was pregnant.
I was thrilled to have another sibling.
But it came into my senses that it will be another boy.
I didn't put in my hope as I was afraid I will be disappointed.
Mum was pampered by my siblings.
Whenever her car came into the driveway, all of us would go out.
Brother Richard opened the door for mum.
Brother Ian escorted mum out of the car.
Brother Kevin was in charge of her bag.
Brother Davies was still a child that time.
I observed all these at the entrance.
I was studying in KL so I didn't get to see mum's growing tummy.
Since handphone was a luxury back then, I called home by using the public phone every week.
One day, I called mum to know how she was doing.
She answered me "I'm okay already."
I was stunned and asked her "Okay already?"
Mum explained "Ya Nong, mummy sudah beranak and congratulations, you have a baby sister!"
I was still in the statement 'mummy sudah beranak'.
I haven't digested that I have a baby sister.
When it did sink in, I was in emotional state and disbelief.
Kalau buli tu telephone ada tangan, sia mau dia peluk sia.

When I went back to see my baby sister, I arrived around midnight.
I went straight into my parent's room while my bags were still in the car trunk.
She was awake.
Mum said to her "Ko tau kakak ko balik ah."
I held her and the first thing I did was to see whether she was real.
I checked in her nappy.
Yes!!! Its a SHE!!!!
I whimpered when I kissed her cheeks.
It was a magical moment for both of us.

Since I was studying, I missed her first step, her first coo, her first burp, her first laugh.
I missed all her baby firsts.
But I didn't want to miss her first day of school at kindergarten as well as primary school.
So, I sent her to school almost everyday.
Being the youngest and super manja to us, she cried everytime I dropped her at her school.
I think mau 3 months juga lah.

In view of the fact that we are 18 years in age difference, sad to say we are not that close.
I am married with 3 kids.
She's in the hostel.
Hopefully we could be as close.
I am working towards that.

Happy Birthday Girl.
You know I love you!
XOXO

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posted @ 7:41 AM, ,



My brother's Convo

Yesterday, my youngest brother got his scroll in his convocation held at Dewan Canselor, UMS.
He took Marine Biology as his major.
I know he put a helluva effort to achieve his studies and he did it.
Am so pleased.
My parents and my brother Adrian witnessed his proudest moment.
I could not make it as I was late.
So I came after the ceremony.
And so was Kevin.
Brother Richard wanted to go but he had work commitment.
Youngest sister Shirleen was at school taking her PMR.
Congrats to you bro!

A gift for my brother.

Davies with our parents and brothers

Davies and I

Am so proud of him!

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posted @ 10:26 AM, ,



Engagement - Sheila & Don (20.09.2009)

20.09.2009 (Sunday)
I woke up at 6am.
Hubby gave the kids a bath while I prepared breakfast.
Cooked fried rice and as for the drink, Milo.
I packed our suitcase last night so we were not in a rush.

We left at 7am and arrived before 9am via Kimanis Road.
Little S was drowsy and threw up.
She needed to be cleaned.
I called the hotel and asked whether we could check in early.
Fortunately, our room is ready.
So, we went to the hotel first and then made our way to Uncle Paul's house.
Some family members from Penampang came a day earlier.

Hubby brought his camera along so he went and took some pictures.
Don's entourage came around 11-ish am.
Everyone get acquainted.
Don looks smashing in his white shirt and black pants.
As well as anxious.

Everyone took their seats in the living hall.
Uncle Pius filled in as the speaker on behalf of Uncle Paul.
Discussion was short and sweet.
No disagreement of some sort.
It was smooth sailing.
Then, Sheila came out.
She looks beautiful in her white satin sleeveless dress with a maroon waist strap.
Simply charming.
Exchange of rings ensued.
A prayer was held to bless the engagement.
Uncle Paul gave a speech.
It was an emotional one.

Sheila is the firstborn and of course, letting go your first child to be married is hard.
But instead of losing her, you gain another child, a son in law.
That's what was indicated in Don's dad's speech.

Well, everyone is happy of course.
Happy that Sheila has found her beau.
Happy to know that most of her cousins/aunties/uncles were there to witness her engagement.
Happy to main mercun (opsss).
I am happy for you cuzzie.
Congrats to you and Don.
Awaiting for your wedding date.
You have 18 months.

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posted @ 4:06 PM, ,



SBG 2009

Yes, I will be there!

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posted @ 11:06 AM, ,



Baking Day 2

Bought the Pandan cake mix the other day.
Tried out.
Nice but a bit sweet.
Sean helped out.
Did the cornflakes cookies but didn't managed to take photos.

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posted @ 10:40 AM, ,



Wedding Reception - Patrick & Michelle Anthony

This couple chose the auspicious date - 09.09.09.
Met many friends and relatives.
Congratulations Pat & Michelle!
Posted by Picasa

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posted @ 10:25 AM, ,



A first-time baker

We bought the oven and mixer a month ago and I haven't got any clue when to start baking.
So, believe me or not, I baked for the first time on the 6 Sept.
Hubby and the kids helped me out.
Hubby did the mixing and kids assisted me in putting the cookies on the baking tray.
I didn't know I had to space out between cookies.
Ended up being the "crowded" cookies.
Then, we did muffins.
Turned out alright.
After that, since we have a box of cornflakes and Frosties, I remembered Mary's recipe.
So, I took out the cereals and mixed in a bowl.
Then, I mixed with butter and honey.
180 C for 10 minutes.
Had fun!

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posted @ 3:54 PM, ,



MV Doulos

If you ask me before this on how many times have I visited MV Doulos?
My answer would be "Never."
Kasian kan.
Hubby suggested that we should go and visit Doulos with the kids.

While waiting for daddy to park the car.

On our way to the ship

Hubby with kids (tapi ada yang escape..tinguk di belakang)

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posted @ 2:28 AM, ,



Some say it's heaven

29 - 30 August 2009
We were here last year.
Kids had tonnes of fun so we decided to stay here again.
This time, we went with Fui Fui and kids (family friend), Margaret and kids (one of Bobbie's bestfriends) and Bobbie (SIL).
We told our kids the night before and they were all excited they woke up early the next day.
Kids couldn't wait and kept on asking when daddy is going to move from the house.
We moved from the house and arrived half and hour later.
We checked into our room and before I could laze my bum on the chair, kids were already demanding to go to the pool and asked me to change their attire to swimming attire.
I just followed their orders.
It's fun to see them in excitement.
So, we went to the pool.
As soon as I found a strategic place to settle, all the kids were already in the pool.
The rest of the families joined soon after.
You don't hafta ask and yes I had my margarita by the pool during Happy Hour.
Nice!
At night, we went out to Gayang Restaurant for dinner.
Then, on the way back, all the kids were snoozing.
The next day, we had breakfast.
Then the kids cycled around.
We met an old friend, Johnny, who is also a Tour Guide.
He came with his family.
The kids had another round of swimming before we check out.
This place will always be our retreat.

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posted @ 2:16 AM, ,



Shania's 2nd Birthday

8 August 2009
We attended Shania's 1st Birthday last year.
Last year, I brought along hubby together with Sean and Selina.
This time around, just the girls and I.
Hubby had company at home.

Selina with her sweet smile

Shayna with her cheeky smile

Sweet Shania

What a nice cake.

My girls and I

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posted @ 1:38 AM, ,



James & Tina's Wedding

Hubby's youngest sister, Tina, got hitched on the 7 August 2009.
The lucky man is James Paran from Tenom.
Both of them are working in KL.
The wedding reception was held at 1Borneo Ballroom.
And then the next day another reception was held at the Family Residence in Kepayan.
You can view more of the pictures in my FB.
Posted by Picasa

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posted @ 1:14 AM, ,



Kids Manicure & Pedicure Day

26 July 2009
Kids love Selvert in Wisma Merdeka.
The staff are so friendly and nice.
They play cartoons so that kids won't get bored.
My kids love to be pampered.
Who doesn't right.
Posted by Picasa

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posted @ 12:57 AM, ,



Sabah Environmental Award 2009

25 July 2009
Had the opportunity to attend the Sabah Environmental Award since one of our hotels was nominated.
The ballroom was fantastically decorated.
Food was nice.
Datuk Masidi's speech was brief and straightforward.
Entertainment was great.
Few songs sang by Amir Yussof.
A stand-up comedy gig by Desmond.
This guy could really make you laugh out of your seat.
Spantenously!
We had fun.
We didn't win though.
Posted by Picasa

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posted @ 12:46 AM, ,



Spencer & Winny Bosuin's Wedding




Congratulations to my cousin, Spencer Simon Bosuin & his wife, Winny,
on their wedding reception which was held at
Tun Fuad Stephen's Hall, Penampang on the 25 July 2009.

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posted @ 12:28 AM, ,



Izzhan's 5th Birthday Party


12 July 2009
The other day, an old friend called me.
She was my junior back in highschool.
She called to invite me to her son's birthday party.
She said the theme is Ben 10.
To fit in the theme, I searched for Ben 10 T-shirt for Sean.
I found it at 1Borneo.
Came the day, I just brought Sean along since the two ladies were sleeping.
Since it was quite a distance, I told Sean to take a short nap so that he wouldn't be that cranky.
It took me a while to find Dolly's place since I am not familiar with Kingfisher area.
So I called Val and she asked her hubby to give me direction.
Yes, I was at the wrong place.
I managed to reach Dolly's place by following Shanaz's direction.
When we arrived, you can see green and black balloons.
Memang Ben 10 lah.
Even Dolly punya tudung pun ada unsur-unsur Ben 10 colours.
Hehehhehe...
Met mostly SBPSians friends there.
Sean had fun with Ian Hamry.
Kamcheng durang dua ni.
It was nice to see old friends.
But I had limited time.
We have another birthday party to attend in Duvanson.
Thanks for the invite Dolly.
Happy Birthday Izzhan.

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posted @ 12:23 AM, ,



MATTA Fair in Penang

2 - 7 July 2009
Mary and I went to Penang for MATTA Fair.
We have a booth to man under Tourism Malaysia.
We took an early flight to Penang.
Settled into our hotel and attended a briefing by Tourism Malaysia.


We then proceeded to PISA to check on our booth.
And set up our booth.


This fair is officiated by Penang Chief Minister, YAB Tuan Lim Guan Eng.
What I praise about this dignitary is his punctuality.
He came on time, delivered his speech and visited all the booths then left.
All within the programme.

Since we are promoting Sabah, ada juga lah yang dropped by at the counter and tanya "Malacca?".
Doiii sudah lah besar poster kami taruh Sabah.

The best thing about Penang is the FOOD!!!!
You go anywhere mesti ada hawker stalls.
And it ranges from lok-lok to asam laksa to char kuay teow.





Our friends from the industry(semua Sabahan).

Mary and I love Thai food so we indulged ourselves at Siam Express.
Nyum nyum nyum!

The appertizer which Robin recommends

My kangkung belacan and tom yum soup (terbang telinga)

A pose before devouring the food

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posted @ 8:07 AM, ,



A night in KL

30 June 2009
Hubby and I stopped over for a night in KL before flying back to KK.
Hubby contacted our former colleague back in Gayana, Robin.
It was his off day that day.
We planned to meet up at Bukit Bintang.

We stored our luggage at the airport and took a bus to KL.
We arrived in Bukit Bintang via monorail.
So nice to see Robin again.
Robin was working as a Bartender back in Gayana.
His margarita is the best.

Robin brought us over to Times Square to have our lunch there.
He recommended us all the good food (Thai food).
I took Tom Yam clear soup (yummy!!!).
Sorry I didn't take any pictures.
We were too hungry and busy munching away.

Then, hubby and Robin chat for a bit at Starbucks while I went into Sungei Wang to get something for the kids.
So many people though it was a weekday!
I managed to get toys for the kids.
Couldn't get Sean his Ultraman space ship as it's pricey.
So I bought Transformer Bumble Bee for him instead.

After a bit of a shopping, we went to Robin's working place near Federal Hotel.
The place is called Bangkok Jam.
Robin is in charge of the place.
He recently got promoted.
Good for you Bin!
He still remembers my favourite drink and made one for me.
Hubby settled for a bottle of beer.
Ahhhh...nice...
My margarita & hubby's beer

Posing for the camera

Robin ordered dinner for us at 5.30pm!!
He said he ordered the chef's specialties.
Our first dish came and it's somewhat special.
Comprises of leaves and then its condiments.
You roll the leaf like a cone and put in all the condiments.
Then stuff in your mouth.
A mixture of taste - bitter, sweet, spicy, sour..all in one.

Robin is showing how to fold the leaf.
Then, came the killer dish.
A must try.
Its steamed fish with mint...awesome!!
Kami gasak sampai tinggal tulang.

The must try dish!

Thank you Robin for your great hospitality.

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posted @ 2:55 PM, ,



JFF Father's Day

I apologize for the long hiatus.
Been away for work and leisure.
Will blog about that later.
Anyhow, I would like to blog about our Father's Day celebration.
I have been given the task to organize the goodie bags.
I gotta tell you comparing to Mother's Day, I find it a challenge when I shopped for Father's Day goodie bag.

Goodie bag for Father's Day

This year, Father Day's celebrated at Uncle Pius's residence.
As usual, potluck basis.

After Sunday mass, I brought the kids to my parents house.
Then, I drove back to Kepayan to cook my dishes.
Hubby has gone to watch the Dragonboat race at Tanjung Lipat.
I brought cucumber & carrot pickles and steamed sausages.
I went to take the Father's Day cake I ordered from Aines.

The yummylicious chocolate moist cake

Reached Uncle Pius's house and event started with a thanksgiving prayer by Mama Rosa and Uncle Tyne.
And then blessing of food.

Praying for all fathers

The best part - FOOD!

Then cake cutting (hubby missed this as he came a bit later).

Para bapa

Kids having a ball with Mama Brenda

My only nephew - Ray Jordan

Sister in law, Marylynn posing with nephew, Bruce Allen Jaua

We are going to be 5 years old this year.
Sean & his second cousin, Mohd. Danish

Uncle Pius receiving goodie bag from Mama Bona

Brother, Richard

My darling hubby

Soon to be daddy, Junior Jaua
(at blog time, his wife, Sulastry, has given birth to a beautiful baby girl,
Philomena Fay on the 14 July 2009)

My beloved daddy

Kids giving thumbs up for FUN!
Kids had the most fun.
Naik turun bukit.
Sampai berpeluh-peluh.
I just let them go.
Kalau sia yang mau bubut, alamat pingsan lah sia.
On our journey back, all the kids conked out.
They were exhausted.
Happy Father's Day to all fathers!
More pictures in my FB.

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posted @ 10:09 PM, ,



On hiatus mode

Hello people,

I miss you all!
Please stay tuned for my updates.

Cheers,
Just plain Sharon

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posted @ 11:11 PM, ,



Mum's Birthday

Mum's birthday falls on Sunday, June 14th.
This year marks her 55th birthday.
Initially, siblings and I wanted to do a party for her but since brother Ian couldn't make it, we switched our plan to dining out instead.
So I ordered a kg of chocolate moist cake and a set of cupcakes from Anies.
Then since Girl has to go back to her hostel in the evening, we decided to have birthday lunch.

Come Sunday, mum smsed me saying that dad wants to celebrate at home.
Wokay...revamp of all plans...
So, after church, we took our breakfast (since kids were all cranky) then headed back to my parents place.
Kasian birthday girl busy cooking.
Anyways, I went to take the cake from Anies.
First time jumpa dia.
Her house is very nice.
I love the serenity of its surrounding.
I went into her house and had a glance on mum's cake and her cuppies.
Nicely done.
Anies and I were chit chatting and her dear hubby yang kasi ikat with ribbons the cake and cuppies.
Her kids are beautiful
The youngest was sleeping at that time.
Although I wanted to chat more, but I need to go back fast.
Nice to see you Anies.

Guests started to arrive in the afternoon.
I sauteed some vegetables with chicken.
Arranged the table.

Here are some of the pictures.

Nice cake kan.

I ordered one set of cuppies for mum.

Maciam dad cannot wait to grab a bite of the cake. Brother Richard is lighting up the candles while Sean and Selina couldn't wait to blow the candles.

Mum is so happy to see all her sisters came to celebrate her birthday.

Sempat lagi bergambar.

I grabbed the chance of carrying my nephew, Ray Jordan, since he was in a good mood. Tapi tu muka...alalala..berminyak bah baru lepas guring telur.

The ladies

The men (except for Brenda)

The youngsters playing DOTA in the living room.

Mum had fun on her birthday.
All her sisters came plus her sisters in law (dad's sisters).
I love to see the smile on her face.
Mum is 55 but she looks younger than her age.
Happy Birthday
mum!
May God bless you always.
Did I tell you all that the cake and cuppies - d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s!

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posted @ 2:51 PM, ,



Lajangan Kaamatan Gathering

(Note: Sorry for the long silence.)

This is our family hosted the Lajangan Kaamatan Family gathering held on the 31 May 2009.
It is a yearly affair whereby all descendants of Lanjangan clan gathered around.
I love this kind of gathering because you get to know who and who.
And it is not easy to gather a big family into one occassion.
Some might not be able to make due to distance and so forth.
I am proud to know that the descendants of Lajangan initiated the formation of Lajangan clan association.
Nowadays, it's very rare you get to know your distant relatives.

Back to the Kaamatan gathering.
In the morning, the guys set up a stage for the event.

Before

After

It was unfortunate because I was sick during the Kaamatan holidays.
Didn't drink.
All I had was migraine, headache, flu.
Punya tidak enjoy kan.
Anyways, our Kadazan costumes completed on the same day.
The seamtress said Little S costume is the smallest costume she ever made.
The costumes are nice.
Hubby feels contented with his baju Kadazan.
Pheww...
I love this picture.

Orang sibuk lekat background. Kami sibuk ambil gambar.

I love this shot.

Everyone started to come from 6.00pm.
Dinner is based on potluck.
Many events that night.
Unduk Ngadau for kids, Kusai Tavantang for kids, Sumazau for kids, Sugandoi, Playstation competition, Lucky Draw and so forth.
Sorry I was too sick to remember.
People happening sia yang nokobiis tinguk durang happening.


Left: 1st Prize (Lucky Draw): Samsung Microwave Oven (Note: Uncle Tofon Fong won the microwave).
Right: 2nd Prize and so forth (Note: Bobbie won 10kg beras (consolation))


Prizes for Best Dressed Male & Female
(Note: Father in law won the best dressed).

Beauty contest budak-budak.

The best part is that hubby and friends ended their chit chat and drinking session at 8.00am!
Sempat makan nasi lemak I tapau from the nearby shop.
Next year, I must be well!
No fun when you are sick!

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posted @ 11:58 AM, ,



JFF Mother's Day Celebration

This year, Mother's Day celebration was held at my parents' crib.
It was on potluck basis.
Each family brings one dish for this affair.
Sulastry K. - Jaua was the first to arrive.
Followed by Mama Erna and family.
And also the rest of the clan.
I cooked 2 types of vegetables.

What's interesting about potluck is that you get to taste other people's cuisine.
We had Steamed Fish (Mama Erna), Steamed Chicken (Mama Bona), Beancurd with Minced Chicken & Fruits (Sulastry), Nangka Masak Lemak & Sauteed Sausages (Brenda), Mixed Vegetables (Kak Olis), Super Rich Fruit Cake (Mama Valie), Butter Cake & Cupcakes (Ruth), Fried Mee (Mama Mary & Sabrina), Fruit Salad (Salina), Pak Chuk Prawns (mum), Fried Chicken Wings (Marylynn), BBQ Brinjal & Cucumber & Carrots Pickles (Sharon) and Curry Chicken (Mama Rosa).
JFF sponsored one Mother's Day cake (Carrot Cheese baked by aunty Elizabeth Stephen) and also bro, Kevin sponsored one cake for mum and dad's 35th Anniversary cake (also baked by the same baker).

JFF Mother's Day carrot cheese cake

Lovely cake baked by Emma (sponsored by Mama Valie)

We (mothers and mothers to be) took some pictures with all the cakes.

We started at 1pm with prayers for all mothers and the anniversary couple.
Prayers done by Mama Rosa.
Lunch was great where we mingled around.
All the lovely mothers and mothers to be (Dr. Betny, Sulastry & Salina) received a goodie bag courtesy of JFF. Yay! I hope you all like it.
Happy Mother's Day to all you lovely mums!

Showing off our gifts

My goodie bag

A thoughtful gift from sis in law, Bobbie

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posted @ 7:49 AM, ,



Happy Birthday to hubby!

You brighten up my life
With memories and dreams
As the years pass
They get better it seems

You're someone I can count on
When I need a helping hand
You're compassionate and loving
You always understand

Oh yes you have your
Off days too
However those days
Are but numbered few

I'm so thankful to have
A husband like you
There is no other
Who could fill your shoes

Happy Birthday B!

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posted @ 10:43 AM, ,



April Babies

It's April already and we are approaching May soon!
So sorry for the long silence.
I blame it on lack of time and perhaps ideas.
Anyhow, I would like to wish the following beautiful people a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

1st - Brother Richard
8th - Cousin, Deloris Jaua
15th - SIL, Bobbie
16th - Esther Goh @ Ain Jasmin
27th - Brother Davies
28th - Cousin, Glenn James
29th - Hubby
30th - Cousin, David Matunjau, Veronica Tan @ Fui Fui

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posted @ 8:13 AM, ,



Happy Easter!

Just wanna wish all friends and family a Happy Easter.
I could not believe myself that I went to all the masses from Holy Thursday all the way to Easter Sunday mass. I should give myself a pat on the shoulder. Good girl. *wink*

We celebrated our Easter at my aunt's residence in Duvanson. So happy to see everyone there. It was a nice gathering. Bukan selalu dapat jumpa.

Happy Easter to all!

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posted @ 8:10 AM, ,



Just Plain Sharon

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