You are free fish!

Two weeks ago, we went to Penang. While there, we usually visit my cousin living nearby our place. Rap enjoys playing with his older brother. That Sunday morning, rap and I were at my cousin's place and suddenly rap's dad suggested we head to see some fish in the aquarium shop. The boys were excited to head out.

They were talking about buying fish from the shop and releasing them near the house. Rap's bro used to release fish in a big drain near his house. So we all go to the shop an enjoyed watching the fish in aquariums. We even bought an aquarium and water pump to set up our own back at home. We already have those colorful pebbles, plastic fish that can float and move like it's swimming and decorative seaweeds. 

After enjoying about 45 minutes in the shop, we finally made our purchase and bought two packets of fish to be released. We need to find a good place to let them go so they could survive. The purpose to release them is to free them. We don't intend to kill them. 

As we were driving, we passed two rivers. It's not like those days where we get to access the rivers easily. But this one was accessible. We parked by the roadside and checked the riverbank. It looked safe to get down close enough to the river. This is it. The best place for the fish. Let's go boys and fish.

There was a clear space for us to stand and comfortably release those fish. But something was stinky. A dead rat or chicken? eeewww. We need to do this fast people. Rap had a packet of fish to release while his brother had the other. Both boys happily let the fish free and watched them swim away. Some remained near where it was released and attempting to swim against the current. Shortly, we left and drove back. 

Holding packet of fish each at the riverbank

The boys had this little fun and experience. Maybe rap wont remember much but I have some photos for him to see. During my childhood, I could get close to a river behind my house to catch little fish and worms with my brother. We had aquarium and reared fish. I could still remember the fun we had back then when we got to this river to release fish instead. I was looking to see if there were those worms (cacing) like before. None spotted. Nevertheless, the fish is free and we are happy.

Releasing the fish

Go fishy. You are free.

New craze on baking

I wished for many years I had an oven, especially when I see all those cute cupcakes and cookies posted on the web. But there was hardly a space to fit an oven in my kitchen. Rap enjoys cakes. The problem with that is... it contains loads of sugar in the icing and that's exactly what he wants. Gosh.

Finally, we purchased an oven from Lazada and an electric mixer. I am so excited I couldn't wait to try. I went to shop for some baking utensils and ingredients. The first thing I try is butter cookies. Rap helped me with the cookie making. He wanted bus shaped cookies. 

That's fine rap, we can make bus shaped cookies.

The dough was quite dry and difficult to shape. Clearly, I did not follow the measurement of ingredients properly and end up having dry dough. I ensured I followed the recipe the next times and my butter cookies were so much better. I only managed to make some bus shaped cookies while the rest was made with teddy cookie cutter and star shaped cutter.

The cookies turned out fine and tasty too. Rap enjoyed them very much. I was pleased with the outcome too. Two weeks with the oven, I tried on few more recipes.

1. cupcakes
2. apple cinnamon muffins
3. orange muffin (though this one did not taste so orange, maybe because I did not include the peels)
4. raisin muffin
5. and more butter cookies

When I tried the apple muffin and raisin muffin, both tasted good. Rap enjoyed two apple muffins. It's one of the ways for me to feed him fruits ;) .

When rap and I made raisin muffin, he was waiting eagerly and kept saying he was very hungry and needs to eat. Patience rap, the muffin needs to cook and cool down. But, he only ate the muffin without the raisins! hmmm...it was my dad feeding him, so rap had his way for leaving out raisins.

I am so hoping to use my oven more and make new meals for rap to enjoy. One of which is to make pizza and bread. I had been busy lately and there are still more datelines to meet for my studies and job.

RAPs birthday

Rap's birthday was just around the corner but I had no idea what to do for him. On the same date, we were going to attend a wedding. A lot of time will be spent on the road to get to the wedding. But I have to do something for this boy. Rap and I had gone back to my hometown few days before his birthday. My dad kept asking if I was going to purchase a cake? Well, I'd love to, a bus cake.

I had asked a known cake maker about making bus shaped cake but did not receive any feedback. So I asked my cousin. She's not good at making bus shaped cake. Oh well. I am disappointed. I thought it was best to settle for those ready made cakes in the bakery. Maybe rap can choose the cake himself.

Few days before his birthday, 3 of us headed to 2 different bakeries. At least rap found something interesting in one of the bakeries. There is another possible bakery to check out but we were running late for prayers.

The next morning, rap said he wanted to go supermarket. Both of us took a drive but none of the supermarkets were open just yet. Too early rap. Then I decided to check the other bakery left from last night. There were some nice cakes there. I happened to ask the staff if we could order a design of our own. To my delight, she said yes but needs the picture. I quickly browsed the net for a simple bus cake and showed to her. She said they could do it for me. Perfect!

My dad collected the beautiful bus cake since we were away for a function. As soon as we got home, I couldn't resists but to check on the cake. I opened the fridge with caution. I wouldn't want the little guy to see me peeping at his cake. It's the fear that he would want to cut the cake immediately. I was satisfied with the outcome of the cake, simple with a school bus icing.

Later at night, I told rap that we will be heading to McD for his celebration where he can cut his birthday cake. Then he enquired about his cake. I told him it is in the fridge but could only cut it the next day. He nodded. I showed him and he went "wow" with both his hands on each side of his cheeks. I asked him if he likes the cake. He said YES. Oh, I feel so happy that we took that drive to the other bakery. On top of that, I'm glad I made the attempt to ask them instead of walking straight out. Well that's because I usually don't make such move to ask about extras and be satisfied with what's there.

On his birthday morning, I kissed him when he woke up and wished him. A BIG hug for my little guy. It's been an amazing journey for all of us so far. Rap was wearing a bus designed pyjamas, one of his new clothes. His tata (my dad) wished him when he got back from market while rap's dad was still asleep. After shower, he got into another bus designed t-shirt. Yes, it's all about bus this time. It's his favorite right now, I managed to find those clothes, so we let him have that joy. Maybe in future it is no longer about bus. I keep that in my mind. His interest may change and that's alright.

Rap was eager to head to McD as he wanted to play with his brother at the small play place. He kept asking me if we could go now. Dear rap, please be patient. It's still 2 hrs away. We managed to kill the time at home till it was time to go. Then, it started to rain. But we all made it there. 10 of us altogether. We cut the cake 1st after ordering our food. After meal, the boys went off to play while the rest of us chatted and enjoyed our meal. Simple and fun celebration. Rap blew his candles and cut his cake by himself. Oh, he is so grown now. I love a lot rap. Hope you enjoyed your birthday and maybe you will recall the moments when see the photos and video.

Rap's birthday cake, 2015