Quote of the day:
Julia, "I am going to tell Nickt about your naughtiness!"
Me, "What is my naughtiness?"
Julia,"You were going to eat me!"
(ok, I was pretending to eat her).
Wanna know how to get a great workout? Live at the top of a long sloping hill and push two children down it in a stroller. Know why? You have to then push one of them back up : )
Yes, I did that this morning.
Then we proceeded to chill (aka, breakfast, telly, etc.) Then, BATH TIME for Julia : ) Her hair is AMAZING! When it is wet it just hangs in a mass of teeny tiny curls....I would love to have hair like that....for at least a day.
Then, it was time for cake and.....Wallace and Gromit!!!!! Or in the words of Julia, "Wallace and Dromit." I have been trying to watch it for ages and she kept not wanting to. Well, FINALLY we did : ) My cup of tea was fantastic and her cake (and mine) was amazing!!!
(I need to have some more cheese and cream crackers).
I had a skype date with Daddy which was wonderful! Michael is now in Florida = )
I then did basically nothing....oh except I watched Fran and Shister Meffield get married ; ) Not the same without my wonderful and dear Roommate whom I love dearly!
We ordered pizza, watched Shrek 2, watched England NOT beat Algeria....ugh, and FINALLY got to talk to my wonderful roommate!!! It was sooo great to speak with her! She, as usual, gave me more wisdom in another aspect of walking with Jesus. I love her for that. And many other reasons as well!
Then another skype date and the BEACH tomorrow! I must figure out my bus route and pack : )
Showing posts with label Nannying. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nannying. Show all posts
Friday, June 18, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Parenting....
You know, I love kids. I have always looked forward to getting married and having children someday. The past three weeks (as of tonight) have been trying at times. The kids are so sweet but I find myself getting frustrated so often.
This afternoon we were going over numbers (which shows me how much learning I have yet to do about being a teacher) and then playing Candy Land (I didn't get Queen Frostine : ( They changed her name to Princess Frostine. Lame.). I kept getting impatient and kindness and love were definitely not exuding from me. I realized, they are 3 and 5. I need to show them love and patience. I can't expect them to know everything. It is hard because looking back I feel as if I knew so much when I was there age. Chances are I acted very similarly. Actually, funny, because Julia plays pretend a lot and has conversations with herself and "others" and it reminds me of myself : )
I have been wondering if I will be able to handle motherhood. I hope so. It is scary to think about.... I guess since they will be my own it will be different than watching other people's children.
Anyway, I just need to work on loving with God's love. Well, asking Him to give it to me!
I need to remember these children are young. I am given the gift of instructing them and being an example. I need to make sure I am an example that they should look to.
This afternoon we were going over numbers (which shows me how much learning I have yet to do about being a teacher) and then playing Candy Land (I didn't get Queen Frostine : ( They changed her name to Princess Frostine. Lame.). I kept getting impatient and kindness and love were definitely not exuding from me. I realized, they are 3 and 5. I need to show them love and patience. I can't expect them to know everything. It is hard because looking back I feel as if I knew so much when I was there age. Chances are I acted very similarly. Actually, funny, because Julia plays pretend a lot and has conversations with herself and "others" and it reminds me of myself : )
I have been wondering if I will be able to handle motherhood. I hope so. It is scary to think about.... I guess since they will be my own it will be different than watching other people's children.
Anyway, I just need to work on loving with God's love. Well, asking Him to give it to me!
I need to remember these children are young. I am given the gift of instructing them and being an example. I need to make sure I am an example that they should look to.
Friday, June 11, 2010
England, My England
As I sit here writing I am eating my warmed donut, courtesy of Uncle Gavin, and sipping a cup of tea! Now, a quick plug for these donuts, they are not too sweet (although this morning they seem sweeter than they did yesterday) and are very soft and yummy!
Yes, I am with a 3 year old. Want to know how I can tell? We are watching the Wiggles. I have not seen this show since Trey stopped watching them. "Fruit saled, yummy yummy!" Hahaha oh, I remember those days. I simply cannot say fruit salad without thinking of that song : O Yesterday there was a show on CBeebies (a childrens station) and there was this show that seemed like such a spin off of Teletubbies. Yes, I watched Teletubbies. *side note* I just googled Teletubbies. It still plays, on that CBeebies channel. That makes me smile a little bit. I remember when the show was new.
Anyway, yesterday was pretty layed back. Julia was sick and she finally lay down for and TOOK a nap! I then took care of my passport stuff....after many complications it will hopefully be on its way to Daddy's VERY soon! Then I was off to pick up Jude from school.
Now, England is a place that has influenced my life, through my parents, for my entire life! (*pause* Julia is singing with the Wiggles and doing what they do. Very cute : ).) *play* My walk to Jude's school takes me past a golf course, a farm, and lots of trees and greeness! When I walk by wide open English space I miss the countryside. I want to go into Kent, where my family is from, and just drive about! There is so much in England that triggers my memory to books I have read, movies I have seen, and things I have done. I realized a while ago and even more yesterday, I don't think the England that I picture in my mind and love so much exists any more. This is not to say I don't love it here, but in town school children walk from school in the typical uniform......with an ipod in their ear that is playing loud pop (etc) music. This is one example of my bubble being popped about England : )
When I walked by the farm I got the urge to watch All Creatures Great and Small! I also want to go explore in the country and see if I can find any of that left over in some small town somewhere! When I walk by the fields I get the urge to go for a long walk over the moors (*pause* Thomas the Tank Engine is now playing : ) It is proper, they have English accents!) *play* or over some field like in Sense and Sensibility (imagine the movie). Yes, I wouldn't mind being caught in the rain. Or being rescued by some gentleman on a horse.....ok ok my romantic, novel mind is coming out. I wouldn't mind just sitting on the top of a hill in the pouring rain looking out on miles of hills or miles of hills with a small cottage or large estate tucked away amidst the greeness. Of course, I must be wearing a pretty, long dress for dramatic effect : )
Anyway, sometimes I think of my Enid Blyton books and wish I could have some grand adventure on the coast with a bicycle, some friends, and a mystery : ) Or something like that.....
Oh yeah! When Jude and I walked back home there was a Lollipop Lady (crossing guard)! I just thought to myself, "Yes, I am in England..." hahaha amazing!
I went to Uncle Gavin's for supper which was loads of fun! I definitely feel as though I am in an English home when I visit them! I had my fill of yummy food, tea, donuts ; ), good laughs, and soap operas! Did you know Coronation Street has been running since it was in Black and White? Thats right, Uncle Gavin dated himself last night! Longest running soap opera in England. I felt terrible for one gentleman who has been part of the cast since he was a child! Now, he plays an older gentleman's role. How sad....your whole career, a soap opera....
Well, today I am going back over there later for spicy meatballs and pasta. Tomorrow....hopefully exploring and going into an old bookshop!
Well, cheerio : )
Yes, I am with a 3 year old. Want to know how I can tell? We are watching the Wiggles. I have not seen this show since Trey stopped watching them. "Fruit saled, yummy yummy!" Hahaha oh, I remember those days. I simply cannot say fruit salad without thinking of that song : O Yesterday there was a show on CBeebies (a childrens station) and there was this show that seemed like such a spin off of Teletubbies. Yes, I watched Teletubbies. *side note* I just googled Teletubbies. It still plays, on that CBeebies channel. That makes me smile a little bit. I remember when the show was new.
Anyway, yesterday was pretty layed back. Julia was sick and she finally lay down for and TOOK a nap! I then took care of my passport stuff....after many complications it will hopefully be on its way to Daddy's VERY soon! Then I was off to pick up Jude from school.
Now, England is a place that has influenced my life, through my parents, for my entire life! (*pause* Julia is singing with the Wiggles and doing what they do. Very cute : ).) *play* My walk to Jude's school takes me past a golf course, a farm, and lots of trees and greeness! When I walk by wide open English space I miss the countryside. I want to go into Kent, where my family is from, and just drive about! There is so much in England that triggers my memory to books I have read, movies I have seen, and things I have done. I realized a while ago and even more yesterday, I don't think the England that I picture in my mind and love so much exists any more. This is not to say I don't love it here, but in town school children walk from school in the typical uniform......with an ipod in their ear that is playing loud pop (etc) music. This is one example of my bubble being popped about England : )
When I walked by the farm I got the urge to watch All Creatures Great and Small! I also want to go explore in the country and see if I can find any of that left over in some small town somewhere! When I walk by the fields I get the urge to go for a long walk over the moors (*pause* Thomas the Tank Engine is now playing : ) It is proper, they have English accents!) *play* or over some field like in Sense and Sensibility (imagine the movie). Yes, I wouldn't mind being caught in the rain. Or being rescued by some gentleman on a horse.....ok ok my romantic, novel mind is coming out. I wouldn't mind just sitting on the top of a hill in the pouring rain looking out on miles of hills or miles of hills with a small cottage or large estate tucked away amidst the greeness. Of course, I must be wearing a pretty, long dress for dramatic effect : )
Anyway, sometimes I think of my Enid Blyton books and wish I could have some grand adventure on the coast with a bicycle, some friends, and a mystery : ) Or something like that.....
Oh yeah! When Jude and I walked back home there was a Lollipop Lady (crossing guard)! I just thought to myself, "Yes, I am in England..." hahaha amazing!
I went to Uncle Gavin's for supper which was loads of fun! I definitely feel as though I am in an English home when I visit them! I had my fill of yummy food, tea, donuts ; ), good laughs, and soap operas! Did you know Coronation Street has been running since it was in Black and White? Thats right, Uncle Gavin dated himself last night! Longest running soap opera in England. I felt terrible for one gentleman who has been part of the cast since he was a child! Now, he plays an older gentleman's role. How sad....your whole career, a soap opera....
Well, today I am going back over there later for spicy meatballs and pasta. Tomorrow....hopefully exploring and going into an old bookshop!
Well, cheerio : )
Sunday, June 6, 2010
The Superheroes Have Landed....The Children Have Played....I am worn out = )
See, Friday was Jude's 5th birthday. In their family the sibling of the birthday child receives presents on the birthday of their sibling also! Needless to say, due to needing to know their size, both children have known what they were getting on Jude's birthday (part of what they were getting). Jude: An Iron Man 2 costume. Julia: A Batgirl costume. They opened these presents with great delight and proceeded to put them on : ) They each were also given a light saber! I then HAD to tell them about the light saber battles that happen at school : ) AND the one in OT Freshman year!
We were then planning to attend the fun fair. The kids got dressed, hats and all, and off we trooped to the bus stop. When we got on the bus I had quite the little surprise. The lady sitting next to Mary was discreetly plucking her chin hairs while sitting there.....hmmm
Well, when we got off at the fun fair bus stop we had a surprise. They were not opening until the next day...bummer. The kids handled the let down very well and instead we got ice cream. On the way to the ice cream truck I noticed sun bathers on the heath. Turns out in England they go all out....bathing suit tanning with no water around (yes, there was a guy in a speedo).
We decided to go to the park near where they used to live. This was not supposed to be much longer than fifteen minutes but the ice cream eating slowed us down a good bit. Goodness...there are so many stores I want to just meander through some afternoon!!! As we were walking to the park we walked through this neighborhood that was beautiful and quiet and I kept being transported back to my Enid Blyton books (as well as others). *Side Note: The roses in England are positively beeyootiful!* So, we arrived at the park and it was lovely! The children played on the playground (Julia was quite the little miss adventure). I kept feeling as if I was familiar with the area I was in when in actuality I had never been there. I realized it reminds me of St. James Park and Hyde Park in London. I can't wait to go into Central London! I miss it! So many fond memories! ONE WEEK!
Well, we then had lunch at the cafe next to the playground. This is where my first bit of "culture shock" began. The menu was huge. I don't like the pressure of ordering at counters when I am not familiar with the menu which is basically everywhere except Starbucks (and even then I can't always decide if I am leaning towards something new). So, I had to ask what a baguette was. Then I had to figure out what the yummy things I had seen outside were (they were crepes). Then I had to order. Well...the guy behind the counter was patient enough. So, I finally ordered (and asked for no mayonnaise). So, we go outside and wait. I am looking around and I realized I kept thinking I was in France....I am not sure why.
Anyway, we got some more ice cream and began to walk back....however, Julia was not too happy so we began to sing:
"The zebras (pronounced the English way) go marching one by one hoorah hoorah
the zebras go marching one by one hoorah hoorah,
the zebras go marching one by one
the little one stopped to suck his thumb
and they all went marching down, to the zoo, to get out, of the rain..." (Lyrics courtesy of Mary Pfeiffer).
This continued through 9 (we skipped 4). We then hopped on a bus to go to "a dangerous part of London" (Daddy, don't worry, no one was shot ; ) ) We went to the Lewisham market where Mary gave me £10. I was then supposed to go vegetable shopping in the market. "Culture Shock 2," I have never gone shopping in a market....do I barter or do I buy at cost? I buy at cost. So, for £5 I bought to bunches of asperagus, a bowl of carrots, a bowl of grapes, and a bowl of broccoli. Yummy! I now I feel I could go back and be fine buying veggies. Maybe it was also the fact I was doing this for the first time in front of someone instead of doing it by myself so if I do something dumb there is no one to look dumb in front of...prideful I know...but nonetheless. Next Mary needed to buy some things for Jude's birthday party so while she did that Jude and Julia rode a merry-go-round ride and then went on a bouncy thing. Then we waited for Mary....she had my phone so I could not call her....so we stood and watched people go by. There were so many people of all different colors and cultures. The area we are in has some of that but not as much at all! So, that was interesting!
Well, then Julia told me she had "wee wee'd" in her pants....so when Mary got there we walked all the way to the other side of the shopping mall to a corner where we could change Julia only to find out she had not. Who knows? So, off we went back through the mall to the 99p store (their dollar store). Ok, SO much nicer than ours. Yes, it is cheaper stuff....but our dollar stores in America do not sell three Lindt eggs fro 99p. Oh my gracious!!! I will be visiting and stocking up on some chocolate sometime soon....maybe. At least ONE egg! I mean...come on...and I will think of my lovely RA while eating it = )
So, we left there and walked to the bus stop, hopped on, and began the trip back. Well, being the kind person that I am (yes yes I know...and humble too ; P) I gave my seat to an older lady (ok, I was in priority seating and there are sign up saying if someone comes in who needs a seat to please give it up). So, I go to the standing area and just as I am reaching behind to pull my shirt down a little bit the bus moves and I almost lose my footing and quickly grab hold of the railing as Mary mouthes to me "blog." *laugh* She is good at this : )
Well, we arrived home...absolutely exhausted!!! I sat down and turned the tele on to the French Open! NADAL WAS PLAYING!!!!! Well, I decided to cook dinner...so a quick a phone call to my wonderful father (who is a scrumptious chef) and he told me how to prepare the chicken and vegetables. So, two and a half hours later we ate : ) Thankfully...the one piece of chicken that was not fully cooked landed on my plate so everyone else had cooked chicken. The asperagus was delish, and the carrots...a tad crunchy for my liking...I will do them differently next time. Oh AND I made a yummy punch and we got to sip it out of wine glasses = ) I love drinking things out of wine glasses!
Well...then another present from moi, cake and candles, and then a movie and bed. All in all a VERY busy but fun and full of learning day!
Well, yesterday (Saturday) was Jude's birthday party with his little friends. I kept thinking about the Alfie and Annie Rose book when Alfie has a birthday party and wondered if it would be like that....I will have to go back and read the book : )
We had face painting, a fishing pool, a tossing game, a treasure hunt, food, food, and more playing. I was exhausted by the end of the day!
There was one little girl who is half Pakistani and she was wearing a pakistani dress ( I cannot think of the name of it but people at school where them sometimes and I think the begin with a "P"). Anyway...it was a BEAUTIFUL turquoise with pink and sparkly accents!!!
The kids had a grand time!
At one point in the evening when Jude and Julia were playing with one last friend his friend said, "Oh my God!" Jude replied with, "You're not allowed to say Oh My God *waved hand* say, Oh my word!" HA! I totally taught him to say Oh my word = ) It was just really cute because then they had a little conversation about why : )
Well, we watched the Britain's Got Talent finale...I suggest watching the winners! They were amazing!
I am still waiting to watch my movie....maybe after The Men's Finals at the French Open (which begins in 27 minutes!!!)!
Well, that summarizes my last two days (sorry it is a bit long, Chris ; ) )
We were then planning to attend the fun fair. The kids got dressed, hats and all, and off we trooped to the bus stop. When we got on the bus I had quite the little surprise. The lady sitting next to Mary was discreetly plucking her chin hairs while sitting there.....hmmm
Well, when we got off at the fun fair bus stop we had a surprise. They were not opening until the next day...bummer. The kids handled the let down very well and instead we got ice cream. On the way to the ice cream truck I noticed sun bathers on the heath. Turns out in England they go all out....bathing suit tanning with no water around (yes, there was a guy in a speedo).
We decided to go to the park near where they used to live. This was not supposed to be much longer than fifteen minutes but the ice cream eating slowed us down a good bit. Goodness...there are so many stores I want to just meander through some afternoon!!! As we were walking to the park we walked through this neighborhood that was beautiful and quiet and I kept being transported back to my Enid Blyton books (as well as others). *Side Note: The roses in England are positively beeyootiful!* So, we arrived at the park and it was lovely! The children played on the playground (Julia was quite the little miss adventure). I kept feeling as if I was familiar with the area I was in when in actuality I had never been there. I realized it reminds me of St. James Park and Hyde Park in London. I can't wait to go into Central London! I miss it! So many fond memories! ONE WEEK!
Well, we then had lunch at the cafe next to the playground. This is where my first bit of "culture shock" began. The menu was huge. I don't like the pressure of ordering at counters when I am not familiar with the menu which is basically everywhere except Starbucks (and even then I can't always decide if I am leaning towards something new). So, I had to ask what a baguette was. Then I had to figure out what the yummy things I had seen outside were (they were crepes). Then I had to order. Well...the guy behind the counter was patient enough. So, I finally ordered (and asked for no mayonnaise). So, we go outside and wait. I am looking around and I realized I kept thinking I was in France....I am not sure why.
Anyway, we got some more ice cream and began to walk back....however, Julia was not too happy so we began to sing:
"The zebras (pronounced the English way) go marching one by one hoorah hoorah
the zebras go marching one by one hoorah hoorah,
the zebras go marching one by one
the little one stopped to suck his thumb
and they all went marching down, to the zoo, to get out, of the rain..." (Lyrics courtesy of Mary Pfeiffer).
This continued through 9 (we skipped 4). We then hopped on a bus to go to "a dangerous part of London" (Daddy, don't worry, no one was shot ; ) ) We went to the Lewisham market where Mary gave me £10. I was then supposed to go vegetable shopping in the market. "Culture Shock 2," I have never gone shopping in a market....do I barter or do I buy at cost? I buy at cost. So, for £5 I bought to bunches of asperagus, a bowl of carrots, a bowl of grapes, and a bowl of broccoli. Yummy! I now I feel I could go back and be fine buying veggies. Maybe it was also the fact I was doing this for the first time in front of someone instead of doing it by myself so if I do something dumb there is no one to look dumb in front of...prideful I know...but nonetheless. Next Mary needed to buy some things for Jude's birthday party so while she did that Jude and Julia rode a merry-go-round ride and then went on a bouncy thing. Then we waited for Mary....she had my phone so I could not call her....so we stood and watched people go by. There were so many people of all different colors and cultures. The area we are in has some of that but not as much at all! So, that was interesting!
Well, then Julia told me she had "wee wee'd" in her pants....so when Mary got there we walked all the way to the other side of the shopping mall to a corner where we could change Julia only to find out she had not. Who knows? So, off we went back through the mall to the 99p store (their dollar store). Ok, SO much nicer than ours. Yes, it is cheaper stuff....but our dollar stores in America do not sell three Lindt eggs fro 99p. Oh my gracious!!! I will be visiting and stocking up on some chocolate sometime soon....maybe. At least ONE egg! I mean...come on...and I will think of my lovely RA while eating it = )
So, we left there and walked to the bus stop, hopped on, and began the trip back. Well, being the kind person that I am (yes yes I know...and humble too ; P) I gave my seat to an older lady (ok, I was in priority seating and there are sign up saying if someone comes in who needs a seat to please give it up). So, I go to the standing area and just as I am reaching behind to pull my shirt down a little bit the bus moves and I almost lose my footing and quickly grab hold of the railing as Mary mouthes to me "blog." *laugh* She is good at this : )
Well, we arrived home...absolutely exhausted!!! I sat down and turned the tele on to the French Open! NADAL WAS PLAYING!!!!! Well, I decided to cook dinner...so a quick a phone call to my wonderful father (who is a scrumptious chef) and he told me how to prepare the chicken and vegetables. So, two and a half hours later we ate : ) Thankfully...the one piece of chicken that was not fully cooked landed on my plate so everyone else had cooked chicken. The asperagus was delish, and the carrots...a tad crunchy for my liking...I will do them differently next time. Oh AND I made a yummy punch and we got to sip it out of wine glasses = ) I love drinking things out of wine glasses!
Well...then another present from moi, cake and candles, and then a movie and bed. All in all a VERY busy but fun and full of learning day!
Well, yesterday (Saturday) was Jude's birthday party with his little friends. I kept thinking about the Alfie and Annie Rose book when Alfie has a birthday party and wondered if it would be like that....I will have to go back and read the book : )
We had face painting, a fishing pool, a tossing game, a treasure hunt, food, food, and more playing. I was exhausted by the end of the day!
There was one little girl who is half Pakistani and she was wearing a pakistani dress ( I cannot think of the name of it but people at school where them sometimes and I think the begin with a "P"). Anyway...it was a BEAUTIFUL turquoise with pink and sparkly accents!!!
The kids had a grand time!
At one point in the evening when Jude and Julia were playing with one last friend his friend said, "Oh my God!" Jude replied with, "You're not allowed to say Oh My God *waved hand* say, Oh my word!" HA! I totally taught him to say Oh my word = ) It was just really cute because then they had a little conversation about why : )
Well, we watched the Britain's Got Talent finale...I suggest watching the winners! They were amazing!
I am still waiting to watch my movie....maybe after The Men's Finals at the French Open (which begins in 27 minutes!!!)!
Well, that summarizes my last two days (sorry it is a bit long, Chris ; ) )
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Pools, Bible Songs, Children, and a bus ride ; )
Today...all I can say is I am tired!
I had a delicious breakfast! Grampaw would have been proud...I easily got into my hard boiled egg that I ate with Marmite on toast. I also had tea and toast with apricot jam (not really marmalade). Needless to say it was scrumptious!
Then...what did I do then...oh, well, I watched some tennis (of course), the kids played outside, and I made lunch (rather yummy sandwiches if I do say so myself). When Mary got back from shopping she had bought a little wading pool. It needed to be blown up....guess who got that job? Yup, me. Wasn't too bad...just took a lot of air!
So, I thought...ohhh they will play in the pool=I need to watch and make sure no one drowns=I will be in the sun=my legs will get tan=so did not happen. I am telling you...England is like that Marshmallow WAY above the flames so it takes forever to get any color (and yes, I will be teaching science one day ; P).
Anyway, afterwards we went inside and THEN I went downtown via bus. Ok, I hopped on (the right bus this time) and the only available seats could not be gotten to or were backwards so I walked to the back and sat in a backwards seat. I was facing three people and decided that instead of sitting there in uncomfortable and expected silence I decided to say hi (yes, Daddy, to three strangers). Oh, if only I had known...my one friendly, "How are you doing?" started this man into a monologue the length of the bus ride. He went from talking about something I could not understand to talking about this girl who at age 15 was on the street smoking and doing drugs to talking about these people and their street addresses, etc. (he may have mentioned a war....I don't remember). The man sitting next to him began to tell him to "shhh...I don't want to listen to you." That was funny! Well this man had a cane and when the lady in the seat a bit in front of him moved I took her chair....wondering if I was going to get bop on the head with a cane from a slightly strange man. Well, he then started walking the bus and even the bus driver looked back....FINALLY I see my bus stop coming up. I hit the "stop"button and the man gets off TOO...BUT he went the other direction : ) *sigh of relief*. I then ran my errand (aka bought a birthday present), put my letters in the post, had an uneventful ride home and continued my afternoon. That included watching a rerun of Federer's sad lost to Soderling (booo). I was somehow hoping for a different outcome....no such thing was to happen. Oh well, Nadal for the French and Federer for Wimbledon (or Murray....because it is England!)!
I then made homemade pizza sauce for the very first time!!! It was rather delicious, I thought! However, my white shirt did not escape spot free and of course, my blue and white shorts....well the tomato sauce found a whote spot to dot up instead of a blue spot....
Then bed, a yummy dessert, talked to my darling Becky, and am not heading to bed....I hope!
Now just waiting on Auntie Michele's decision ; )
I had a delicious breakfast! Grampaw would have been proud...I easily got into my hard boiled egg that I ate with Marmite on toast. I also had tea and toast with apricot jam (not really marmalade). Needless to say it was scrumptious!
Then...what did I do then...oh, well, I watched some tennis (of course), the kids played outside, and I made lunch (rather yummy sandwiches if I do say so myself). When Mary got back from shopping she had bought a little wading pool. It needed to be blown up....guess who got that job? Yup, me. Wasn't too bad...just took a lot of air!
So, I thought...ohhh they will play in the pool=I need to watch and make sure no one drowns=I will be in the sun=my legs will get tan=so did not happen. I am telling you...England is like that Marshmallow WAY above the flames so it takes forever to get any color (and yes, I will be teaching science one day ; P).
Anyway, afterwards we went inside and THEN I went downtown via bus. Ok, I hopped on (the right bus this time) and the only available seats could not be gotten to or were backwards so I walked to the back and sat in a backwards seat. I was facing three people and decided that instead of sitting there in uncomfortable and expected silence I decided to say hi (yes, Daddy, to three strangers). Oh, if only I had known...my one friendly, "How are you doing?" started this man into a monologue the length of the bus ride. He went from talking about something I could not understand to talking about this girl who at age 15 was on the street smoking and doing drugs to talking about these people and their street addresses, etc. (he may have mentioned a war....I don't remember). The man sitting next to him began to tell him to "shhh...I don't want to listen to you." That was funny! Well this man had a cane and when the lady in the seat a bit in front of him moved I took her chair....wondering if I was going to get bop on the head with a cane from a slightly strange man. Well, he then started walking the bus and even the bus driver looked back....FINALLY I see my bus stop coming up. I hit the "stop"button and the man gets off TOO...BUT he went the other direction : ) *sigh of relief*. I then ran my errand (aka bought a birthday present), put my letters in the post, had an uneventful ride home and continued my afternoon. That included watching a rerun of Federer's sad lost to Soderling (booo). I was somehow hoping for a different outcome....no such thing was to happen. Oh well, Nadal for the French and Federer for Wimbledon (or Murray....because it is England!)!
I then made homemade pizza sauce for the very first time!!! It was rather delicious, I thought! However, my white shirt did not escape spot free and of course, my blue and white shorts....well the tomato sauce found a whote spot to dot up instead of a blue spot....
Then bed, a yummy dessert, talked to my darling Becky, and am not heading to bed....I hope!
Now just waiting on Auntie Michele's decision ; )
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The Grand Adventures of...Yours Truly : )
A little more than a year ago began this little adventure of mine.
I don't remember the exact place I was sitting or what I was doing but I decided I wanted to try and go to Germany for the Spring Semester of 2010. Now, being the lover of socialization that I am I had reasons for going in the Spring rather than the Fall. These were mainly...I was not a Junior or a Senior so I wouldn't miss the Spring Jr/Sr and I would not miss the Winter Formal. That was basically my reasoning. So, I talked to Mr. Auld, he thought the idea was brilliant and off I went. Over the summer I filled out the application and began talking with the program I wanted to go with.
Now, fast forward to Fall 2010. I had decided I would go in the Spring and would hopefully live in England for the summer and work as a nanny for some friends of ours who live outside London. Now, my to-do checklist began. Most importantly: Get my British Passport. Let me tell you. Confusing. Well, I spend Thanksgiving with my Dad and he helped me greatly! We phoned the Embassy and figured out the proper form I would need. Then, one afternoon he and I chatted about other options. What if, instead of going in the Spring, I went in the Fall? Thus began agonizing over what God's will for this part of my life. I prayed, I journaled pros and cons for both situations, I charted out my class schedule for the rest of my Undergrad career and STILL did not know. I had many conversations with my parents and Grampaw. I discussed it with a friend on the way back to school after Thanksgiving, and when I finally got back to school I discussed it with my advisor. See, I was lacking finances, an English passport, and I would be missing key classes I needed if I went in the Spring. I was feeling guilty because I felt as if I was not trusting God enough with my circumstances and decision making. My advisor (who, by the way, is amazing!) told me that I was using wisdom to make my decision. It was not lack of trust (ok, I don't remember what else he said but that was the basic jist). I left with a weight off my shoulders. I knew what I was doing and could relax and take a little more time.
Well, I was still dreaming big about all the places I would visit while in Germany because in my mind, Germany is a whole lot closer than the US to the rest of the world. I mean really, we are kind of isolated. My friends teased me greatly when I mentioned trying to make it to China and Japan. Well, it's true, I want to go! South Africa did not work out either...oh well. There is always another year (although I am running out of summers between school years). Pretty soon the real world starts (a JOB).
Well, I began making calls to the British Embassy in March I believe trying to figure out if I WAS a citizen of England or not. Let me tell you. It is practically impossible to get a live voice at that place! Well, after being told it would cost at least £800 (I think that is what they said)=$1300 approx I was phoned back and they told me I WAS a citizen!!!!! The elation I felt was marvelous! I told everyone!!! Next, I had to fill out the form and figure out everything I had to send with it to prove I was an English citizen since I had not been born there. So, on March 29 ( I think) I posted my forms! However, I am still waiting to receive my passport and must phone the Embassy this week to see what is holding them up!
So, I was then facing needing to buy a ticket...I may have already bought it actually...I don't remember. Anyway, I didn't want to spend more than $700. I had searched and searched! Seriously, ask my roommate how many hours I wasted on airline websites! Anyway, I finally found one from Newark for $625. I thought, brilliant! So, I bought it only to discover right after I would not get back until 11 PM. Ok, that is dumb! SO, I called, canceled, and rebought for $25ish more. Later, I felt so dumb for flying from Newark, but Mama and I were able to make memories and travel back to where we used to live : )
THEN....shopping. I have always wanted to go "Traveling Abroad Shopping." I finally got to! I was SO picky because I did not want to just buy anything. I was worried also because the first day I did not find very much. Yet, as always, God provided so much more than I expected! This whole trip (planning and the actual thing) have been God showing time and time again how faithful he is, AND he knows the little things that make me happy!
SO...the week after school ended was a whirlwind of fast visits and au revoirs to family and friends! May 24, 2010 found me leaving my house 2 hours later than planned to embark on my newest adventure!!! May 25, 2010 found me at the airport bright and early boarding a plane to London, England! I will not be returning until December 28, 2010! Wow....that is a long time!
I sat next to an interesting lady named Pam. She works for Lifetime television station. She was very nice! Please pray for her though. She needs Jesus. This is her second or third time to the UK (I don't remember exactly). Well, neither of the movies I wanted to see were showing, BUT my meal was very yummy AND they gave us tea cups...for tea. However, I drank Pepsi out of mine...and AFTER they brought tea. Darn it, I should have asked. Oh well, on my return flight I will know : )
Due to a late departure and odd winds we landed 45 minutes or so late. If I had my British Passport I would have been through customs in a breeze....BUT I was not. However, half way through they sent all who did not have visas to go through these new lines....where I was told after answering their questions, I could indeed have an English passport. I told them it had not come. I then walked through and picked up my luggage. I wanted to leave a note for Pam but I didn't know which was hers and didn't want to get in trouble for checking the tags. Yet, as I was walking out we passed and I said goodbye! I walked through the doors, saw a sign with my name on it, met Tim (the husband of the lady my mom used to teach whom I am staying with for the summer) and Joe (the cab driver) and was taken to the cab and taken to my abode for the summer : )
The next day I awoke at 12:30, prepared myself a regular English Breakfast (tea and marmite included) and explored a little. A bit after 2 PM Mary (the lady I am staying with) and Julia (her 3 year old daughter) and I went to pick up Jude (her almost 5 year old son) from school. A good 20 minute or so walk later...we arrived (maybe only 15). We then took Julia to dance class which is held in her school building which is actually an old estate that was turned into a community center! It is beautiful! Then we returned home. Needless to say....I was all turned about. The next day Tim and I took Julia to school, picked her up, and later picked Jude up. I was beginning to learn my way. By the next day (Friday) I had learned my way about a good bit.
Now, Julia and Jude are quite funny. Jude is always making funny little comments about Julia and Julia is always turning everything into a song or having conversations with herself...the other day as I was preparing lunch she was sitting at the counter saying, "No, don't take the covers, I'm not taking the covers (etc etc etc)." SOOO funny!
Mary's nephew, Nick, lives with them while he attends college an hours ride away. He is going to culinary school. He made quiche the night I arrived. Very delectable.
I also found out that a girl from school is a 20 minute walk away from me for the summer so I walked down Saturday and surprised her with a visit. Another girl from school is coming over tomorrow! I am THRILLED because I was really rather missing CIU today : )
Now, today, we went to church. They attend an Anglican church. It was very nice. The Vicar mentioned John Stott and had I not taken Romans I would not have known who he was : )
THEN we walked into Blackheath and saw the most wonderful shops!!! Seriously...one of them, if I was very wealthy, I would have done a good bit of damage! Well, I will be going back! Then we walked to Greenwich (the market is AMAZING!!! Helloooo Christmas shopping!)! I saw where all time begins, meaning our time is right and the rest of the world is slightly off ; P
After a long day full of fun (Oh, I had an ice cream cone with a chocolate flake in it like Daddy used to have when he was a kid! Yes, it did come from the ice cream truck!) we finally arrived home.
In July I get to move into the upstairs room (for now I am in the kids room). It is SO cute! At the very tippy top of the house (the 6th floor, essentially one room per floor).
Tomorrow is the Barbeque.
Lenae is coming.
Maybe Sarah.
I get another real hamburger (my first in ages was today).
I see my Uncle on tuesday.
LONDON 13 days from now = )
Well, I am really asking God to show me where He is calling me in the world during this trip. Or at least rule out places. Please pray that I would listen and hear God's voice. That I would follow Him, know Him, and get in the Word like I have never done before!
The next chapter of my life will be written when I next take the time : )
Happy Bank Hol and Half Term ; )
PS. The end of the story...As of now...Germany in September and England for Decemeber ; )
I don't remember the exact place I was sitting or what I was doing but I decided I wanted to try and go to Germany for the Spring Semester of 2010. Now, being the lover of socialization that I am I had reasons for going in the Spring rather than the Fall. These were mainly...I was not a Junior or a Senior so I wouldn't miss the Spring Jr/Sr and I would not miss the Winter Formal. That was basically my reasoning. So, I talked to Mr. Auld, he thought the idea was brilliant and off I went. Over the summer I filled out the application and began talking with the program I wanted to go with.
Now, fast forward to Fall 2010. I had decided I would go in the Spring and would hopefully live in England for the summer and work as a nanny for some friends of ours who live outside London. Now, my to-do checklist began. Most importantly: Get my British Passport. Let me tell you. Confusing. Well, I spend Thanksgiving with my Dad and he helped me greatly! We phoned the Embassy and figured out the proper form I would need. Then, one afternoon he and I chatted about other options. What if, instead of going in the Spring, I went in the Fall? Thus began agonizing over what God's will for this part of my life. I prayed, I journaled pros and cons for both situations, I charted out my class schedule for the rest of my Undergrad career and STILL did not know. I had many conversations with my parents and Grampaw. I discussed it with a friend on the way back to school after Thanksgiving, and when I finally got back to school I discussed it with my advisor. See, I was lacking finances, an English passport, and I would be missing key classes I needed if I went in the Spring. I was feeling guilty because I felt as if I was not trusting God enough with my circumstances and decision making. My advisor (who, by the way, is amazing!) told me that I was using wisdom to make my decision. It was not lack of trust (ok, I don't remember what else he said but that was the basic jist). I left with a weight off my shoulders. I knew what I was doing and could relax and take a little more time.
Well, I was still dreaming big about all the places I would visit while in Germany because in my mind, Germany is a whole lot closer than the US to the rest of the world. I mean really, we are kind of isolated. My friends teased me greatly when I mentioned trying to make it to China and Japan. Well, it's true, I want to go! South Africa did not work out either...oh well. There is always another year (although I am running out of summers between school years). Pretty soon the real world starts (a JOB).
Well, I began making calls to the British Embassy in March I believe trying to figure out if I WAS a citizen of England or not. Let me tell you. It is practically impossible to get a live voice at that place! Well, after being told it would cost at least £800 (I think that is what they said)=$1300 approx I was phoned back and they told me I WAS a citizen!!!!! The elation I felt was marvelous! I told everyone!!! Next, I had to fill out the form and figure out everything I had to send with it to prove I was an English citizen since I had not been born there. So, on March 29 ( I think) I posted my forms! However, I am still waiting to receive my passport and must phone the Embassy this week to see what is holding them up!
So, I was then facing needing to buy a ticket...I may have already bought it actually...I don't remember. Anyway, I didn't want to spend more than $700. I had searched and searched! Seriously, ask my roommate how many hours I wasted on airline websites! Anyway, I finally found one from Newark for $625. I thought, brilliant! So, I bought it only to discover right after I would not get back until 11 PM. Ok, that is dumb! SO, I called, canceled, and rebought for $25ish more. Later, I felt so dumb for flying from Newark, but Mama and I were able to make memories and travel back to where we used to live : )
THEN....shopping. I have always wanted to go "Traveling Abroad Shopping." I finally got to! I was SO picky because I did not want to just buy anything. I was worried also because the first day I did not find very much. Yet, as always, God provided so much more than I expected! This whole trip (planning and the actual thing) have been God showing time and time again how faithful he is, AND he knows the little things that make me happy!
SO...the week after school ended was a whirlwind of fast visits and au revoirs to family and friends! May 24, 2010 found me leaving my house 2 hours later than planned to embark on my newest adventure!!! May 25, 2010 found me at the airport bright and early boarding a plane to London, England! I will not be returning until December 28, 2010! Wow....that is a long time!
I sat next to an interesting lady named Pam. She works for Lifetime television station. She was very nice! Please pray for her though. She needs Jesus. This is her second or third time to the UK (I don't remember exactly). Well, neither of the movies I wanted to see were showing, BUT my meal was very yummy AND they gave us tea cups...for tea. However, I drank Pepsi out of mine...and AFTER they brought tea. Darn it, I should have asked. Oh well, on my return flight I will know : )
Due to a late departure and odd winds we landed 45 minutes or so late. If I had my British Passport I would have been through customs in a breeze....BUT I was not. However, half way through they sent all who did not have visas to go through these new lines....where I was told after answering their questions, I could indeed have an English passport. I told them it had not come. I then walked through and picked up my luggage. I wanted to leave a note for Pam but I didn't know which was hers and didn't want to get in trouble for checking the tags. Yet, as I was walking out we passed and I said goodbye! I walked through the doors, saw a sign with my name on it, met Tim (the husband of the lady my mom used to teach whom I am staying with for the summer) and Joe (the cab driver) and was taken to the cab and taken to my abode for the summer : )
The next day I awoke at 12:30, prepared myself a regular English Breakfast (tea and marmite included) and explored a little. A bit after 2 PM Mary (the lady I am staying with) and Julia (her 3 year old daughter) and I went to pick up Jude (her almost 5 year old son) from school. A good 20 minute or so walk later...we arrived (maybe only 15). We then took Julia to dance class which is held in her school building which is actually an old estate that was turned into a community center! It is beautiful! Then we returned home. Needless to say....I was all turned about. The next day Tim and I took Julia to school, picked her up, and later picked Jude up. I was beginning to learn my way. By the next day (Friday) I had learned my way about a good bit.
Now, Julia and Jude are quite funny. Jude is always making funny little comments about Julia and Julia is always turning everything into a song or having conversations with herself...the other day as I was preparing lunch she was sitting at the counter saying, "No, don't take the covers, I'm not taking the covers (etc etc etc)." SOOO funny!
Mary's nephew, Nick, lives with them while he attends college an hours ride away. He is going to culinary school. He made quiche the night I arrived. Very delectable.
I also found out that a girl from school is a 20 minute walk away from me for the summer so I walked down Saturday and surprised her with a visit. Another girl from school is coming over tomorrow! I am THRILLED because I was really rather missing CIU today : )
Now, today, we went to church. They attend an Anglican church. It was very nice. The Vicar mentioned John Stott and had I not taken Romans I would not have known who he was : )
THEN we walked into Blackheath and saw the most wonderful shops!!! Seriously...one of them, if I was very wealthy, I would have done a good bit of damage! Well, I will be going back! Then we walked to Greenwich (the market is AMAZING!!! Helloooo Christmas shopping!)! I saw where all time begins, meaning our time is right and the rest of the world is slightly off ; P
After a long day full of fun (Oh, I had an ice cream cone with a chocolate flake in it like Daddy used to have when he was a kid! Yes, it did come from the ice cream truck!) we finally arrived home.
In July I get to move into the upstairs room (for now I am in the kids room). It is SO cute! At the very tippy top of the house (the 6th floor, essentially one room per floor).
Tomorrow is the Barbeque.
Lenae is coming.
Maybe Sarah.
I get another real hamburger (my first in ages was today).
I see my Uncle on tuesday.
LONDON 13 days from now = )
Well, I am really asking God to show me where He is calling me in the world during this trip. Or at least rule out places. Please pray that I would listen and hear God's voice. That I would follow Him, know Him, and get in the Word like I have never done before!
The next chapter of my life will be written when I next take the time : )
Happy Bank Hol and Half Term ; )
PS. The end of the story...As of now...Germany in September and England for Decemeber ; )
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