I stayed home all day today - kind of on purpose. I'm so irritable - I know a lot of it has to do with the pregnancy - but I also remember someone saying once that your natural disposition comes out even more as you get older - so does that mean I'm going to be an old crabby lady??????????
The kids bickering grates on my nerves. Today I stayed at home - cleaned the downstairs - then went back upstairs for a rest and read my book (it's a long book). We still don't have TV - a record for us I'm sure almost 6 weeks right? We have radio and the owners have speakers all over the house - but I didn't even turn it on today - just sat in the quiet house and read.
The packers came today to collect the rest of the empty boxes and wrapping which was nice - I didn't have to break down all the boxes myself and figure out how to toss everything out. I also cleaned the garage so we can park our car in there again. It's nice not to have "too much".
Lucas and Tyler came home first and they were tired - I have to back track - I went to Bunco last night (hooray for me!) but the house was a huge mess when I got home and the kids must have gone to bed late because it was hard for them all to get up this AM and especially my one special child - when he gets up on the wrong side of the day - it ruins MY day. So that is about how it went.
Of course after I picked the other 2 up from Scouts - the bickering began. I can't stand it - it drives me bonkers. Then little things bug me - like - here in Britian - why does every stupid business call your mobile phone first? And if it isn't on, why don't they leave a message? OR TRY YOUR HOUSE?????? I noticed that the first couple weeks here - they just automatically call your mobile - well you know what I don't answer my mobile when I'm driving - it's AGAINST the law here and I don't have my bluetooth set up. And when I am home all day - I don't turn it on. If they do call your house - they don't leave a message (we only have one phone right now, and I don't exactly 'RUN' to answer it) so I usually miss it.
The banking - I want to run home and kiss my local Wells Fargo Bank teller - I hate the banking system here - online stinks especially - they have about 50 passwords you have to memorize then they say things like, what is the 2nd digit of your thrid password, what is the 9th digit of your eighth password..... and EVERY time you log in - THEY CHANGE THE SEQUENCE.....hellooooooo???? So it's so much safer here because I have to have all 10 passwords written down so I can count the digits every single time.... nice
Did I mention my stove? I know back in our house selection period I mentioned this as one of the negatives to selecting this house - at the time I thought it was more of a minor negative - well aparently not - I LOVE my Thermdor GAS RANGE at home.... here I have one of those stupid glass top sleek (hard to clean) stupid range things that is stupid ELECTRIC - (sorry I thought it was more interesting with more stupids) yes, back to the dark ages - I hate it - it take me - and I am sooo NOT exaggerating - 30 minutes, yes THIRTY minutes to..... wait for it......... BOIL WATER. I am so not kidding. I hate it. Mike says I say hate too much - well you know what - when you're 8 months pregnant trying to cook for a family of 6 you would say hate too..... I suppose if you are not a cook - it doesn't matter much - but when you love to cook - Electric sucks.
Well the whining continues - Mike is in London at a dinner meeting - lucky him...sorry for the ranting - hopefully you covered your eyes with all the stupids & hates....... I'm going to get the rambunctious ones ready for bed... and back to my book!
Wednesday, October 15
Sunday, October 12
Stonehenge & Longleat & Bath oh my!
The kids had parent teacher conferences Thursday - Monday so they didn't have school. I'm happy to report they are all doing well and their teachers seem to like them - whew! Lucas' speech teacher is worried about his comprehension - meaning if they tell all the kids, "It's reading time, get a book" he doesn't always follow along and they need to "guide" him. Personally I think it is more than not - he just doesn't want to do what they are doing! Luckily we had them all scheduled on Thursday so we got a free pass on the weekend.
So Friday we drove in our little family car and here was our first stop: Stonehenge - it's over 5000 years old. It's a little strange when you drive up to it - it's right off the highway - but look at the sky - it was beautiful! It was very open and windy - but I guess there used to be a great forest around it. They have all of these "great theories" of why they were built and how they were used - wouldn't it just be funny if it were just a group of friends that said, let's have a building contest!
On Saturday we met up with our new friends The Hamberlins and went to Longleat - I think you can google it - Basically in the 60's the Marquess of this place had all this land, brought in some Safari Animals and opened up his family estate up for tour to help pay for the maintainence - and wow - if you had as much land as this guy and didn't have the feudal system in place anymore - smart idea!!
You drive your car through the Safari Park - it's so funny at some places where it says - "keep your windows up!" Well - you can see why - like here in the Monkey area - you have to be careful not to run them over - The monkeys enjoyed the treats that fell into our car from the tree at our house - we had about 5 monkeys climbing on our car!!
On Sunday - we went to Bath - the Abbey was behind us and the Roman Bath House is on the right behind us. They had these great self-guided tour handsets - They had numbers for the kids to punch in as well so they had Kid Commentary - Lucas had to find and punch in EVERY SINGLE one - he was very cute - I think he really enjoyed it!
It made you wonder though - the water was quite green......
It was a glorious day too - here is a picture of our friends the Hamberlins (or at least the kids!) It's fun - they moved here about 2 weeks before us - and our kids match up pretty well. Mason is 12, Marina is 10, Nicko is 6 (but matches well with Ian!) and Emma is 3 - she loves all the kids :) Mark works at Cisco with Mike in a different dept - and they are also in our Ward - what are the odds? HF looking out for us again!
Today I have to get Cman a clarinet - he starts lessons on Wednesday! We're also thinking about going to Garson's Farm and picking our own fruit & veggies - it's supposed to be fun for the kids - and since we still have no TV, still making friends, and I don't want them on the electronics all day I think it is a great option!
2 weeks we meet Auntie Nu in Paris!
So Friday we drove in our little family car and here was our first stop: Stonehenge - it's over 5000 years old. It's a little strange when you drive up to it - it's right off the highway - but look at the sky - it was beautiful! It was very open and windy - but I guess there used to be a great forest around it. They have all of these "great theories" of why they were built and how they were used - wouldn't it just be funny if it were just a group of friends that said, let's have a building contest!
On Saturday we met up with our new friends The Hamberlins and went to Longleat - I think you can google it - Basically in the 60's the Marquess of this place had all this land, brought in some Safari Animals and opened up his family estate up for tour to help pay for the maintainence - and wow - if you had as much land as this guy and didn't have the feudal system in place anymore - smart idea!!
You drive your car through the Safari Park - it's so funny at some places where it says - "keep your windows up!" Well - you can see why - like here in the Monkey area - you have to be careful not to run them over - The monkeys enjoyed the treats that fell into our car from the tree at our house - we had about 5 monkeys climbing on our car!!
Sally the Camel has...... 2 humps!
You got to buy feed here - some deer actually stuck their heads right into your car!
This is the Marquess' house - he lives in the West Wing - see what I mean - kinda a lot to maintain! He even has a lake - which we took a boat on - with a small island in the middle with a silver haired gorilla! They also had a bunch of fun things for the kids - rides, a giant hedge maze the kids got lost in - the kids asked if this was going to be the zoo we always go to - umm, no I don't think so - it's about 4X if not more larger than the Oakland Zoo!
On Sunday - we went to Bath - the Abbey was behind us and the Roman Bath House is on the right behind us. They had these great self-guided tour handsets - They had numbers for the kids to punch in as well so they had Kid Commentary - Lucas had to find and punch in EVERY SINGLE one - he was very cute - I think he really enjoyed it!
It made you wonder though - the water was quite green......
It was a glorious day too - here is a picture of our friends the Hamberlins (or at least the kids!) It's fun - they moved here about 2 weeks before us - and our kids match up pretty well. Mason is 12, Marina is 10, Nicko is 6 (but matches well with Ian!) and Emma is 3 - she loves all the kids :) Mark works at Cisco with Mike in a different dept - and they are also in our Ward - what are the odds? HF looking out for us again!Today I have to get Cman a clarinet - he starts lessons on Wednesday! We're also thinking about going to Garson's Farm and picking our own fruit & veggies - it's supposed to be fun for the kids - and since we still have no TV, still making friends, and I don't want them on the electronics all day I think it is a great option!
2 weeks we meet Auntie Nu in Paris!
Monday, October 6
So bummed
I'm so disappointed! Tyler's teacher offered a trip to Rome - but they offered it to the drama club first I guess so there isn't enough room!!!! So sad!
She has been so fortunate - she is going to Normandy France in March - she can go to Switzerland for a ski Trip in February and this Rome trip was to be in January... ah the life of a 7th grader!!!
One of my children is driving me insane, it's not a hard guess to guess which one. I'm not sure if it is a constant need to be heard, a constant need to be "the best" - I said, I'm really tired today - I want to rest for 20 mins.... the other kids go upstairs, play do their homework. This one plants his butt right next to me to "do his homework" (hello we live in a larger house than the one we lived normally at home) shuffles all the papers, sighs, taps the pencil, grunts, because he cannot figure out "what do you divide by 8 to get 4?"
Then they go outside to "play" - he throws a football at the other child - in the face - he said, "we were playing catch". No - catch is between 2 willing participants - not one throwing the ball while the other is on the scooter.
Now I hear another sibling saying "no no no ________" leave me alone...... ahhhhhhhhhhhh - sometimes boarding school sounds so good......
She has been so fortunate - she is going to Normandy France in March - she can go to Switzerland for a ski Trip in February and this Rome trip was to be in January... ah the life of a 7th grader!!!
One of my children is driving me insane, it's not a hard guess to guess which one. I'm not sure if it is a constant need to be heard, a constant need to be "the best" - I said, I'm really tired today - I want to rest for 20 mins.... the other kids go upstairs, play do their homework. This one plants his butt right next to me to "do his homework" (hello we live in a larger house than the one we lived normally at home) shuffles all the papers, sighs, taps the pencil, grunts, because he cannot figure out "what do you divide by 8 to get 4?"
Then they go outside to "play" - he throws a football at the other child - in the face - he said, "we were playing catch". No - catch is between 2 willing participants - not one throwing the ball while the other is on the scooter.
Now I hear another sibling saying "no no no ________" leave me alone...... ahhhhhhhhhhhh - sometimes boarding school sounds so good......
Friday, October 3
Me & the Queen
First I have to wish my little brother - who isn't so little - a big happy birthday!!!! My brother is very sweet - he and his wife Sandra already sent us goodies at the new house too! I'm sure Sandra did it!!! Thanks Sandra!
My brother Gavin is gosh - 33 now!!!!??? Old man... and he's a giant. He is the tallest Chinese man next to Yao Ming that I know. He is at least 6'4" if not taller. I wish I had some of those cute embarrassing pictures to post of him, but I really don't know if I packed them! I'm just waiting for a decent hour to call and wish him a Happy Happy Birthday!
Not the greatest pictures - but the most recent! Brian, Me & Gavin
At my cousin's going away bbq she had for us - most of the boy cousins or cousin-in-laws - see about my bro being the Chinese Giant! Mike is 6'
************************************************************************************************************
Monday - I went on a tour to Buckingham Palace - it was the last day of the tour for the season. I went with the AWS - American Women of Surrey - very fun. Met some really nice ladies. We took the train into Victoria Station and walked to the Palace - it was an eventful ride as well. We had to take the local train and then transfer before getting to Victoria - well we had to walk briskly to catch our 2nd train - while we were trotting down the stairs we noticed the train sitting there - we had 2 mins - so someone said, run - I ran, all 7 1/2 weeks preggo of me - and I got in - well my friends didn't! The doors to these trains are NOT like BART where if you stick a limb inside they'll pop open for you - they close the trains 30 seconds before they depart - and that is it - so I was alone on the train - the other 5 girls were on the outside!!!
Luckily I had one of their mobile numbers and even more lucky we really only had one stop to go and get off. I just had to make sure I found them when they arrived. So funny. We found a great cheap place for lunch - called Noodle Noodle right by the train station so I'll have to remember where it was.
The tour was really nice - but weird - I've done lots of tours of castles or museums and such - but it was just weird to know HRH The Queen was in that day but in another part of the castle - and we were tromping around her pad like it was no big deal. This tour also had a tour of the room where they have their Royal Dinners - I forget the proper name - but like a State dinner and they have them 2x a year - they use rulers to measure exactly where each plate, spoon, glass is placed. I kept thinking umm, Barack Obama may be eating here this year or the chick from Alaska if John McCain keels over. Weird as well.
I thought humm, I wonder if Prince Charles likes the Napoleon Table there or if Prince William sits in this chair or that one more often? Very fun but lots of walking for me that day - I went to bed by 9.
In the back garden
Tuesday - our Sea Shipment arrived!!! So unheard of - there is a girl in my ward who came from San Diego - about 2-3 weeks before I did - her stuff left her house on JULY 27, my stuff left August 27 - and she STILL HAS NOT GOTTEN HER STUFF - they told her maybe the end of October!! Crazy! Another lady who arrived 2-3 weeks before me from Wisconsin also won't get her stuff for another 2-3 weeks. We were very blessed - HF must have known I couldn't get my stuff too late or I wouldn't get a chance to put it all away before the baby comes! So that day was again lots of work. I'm happy to report I've got most of it (with the exception of my crafts) put away nicely. Now they need to come get the rental stuff.
I have a great story - I couldn't sleep as I was worried about my mattress - I brought it, but not the bedframe - as the owners left 3 and told me the measurements, but then I started to regret with worry.
The really nice unpackers were hilarious - I had them play musical bedframes with the rooms so I could get the right one for my room. They put it up - it looked dwarfed so I worried - the plopped a mattress on it so to check the size - fits - whew, dodged the bullet. I was unpacking boxes (didn't want the men to unpack my 'delicates') then they said, "uh, Holly (with the great accent) I don't think you want it like this........ I so wish I had a picture - it was so funny - I almost peed my pants which isn't hard for a pregnant lady!
Imagine this: Bed frame off the floor about 14 inches, american box spring - about 14-15 inches - American pillow top mattress (queen size at least) 16"..... Iaughed so hard, I would have needed a ladder! I laughed for a good 10 mins. So needless to say we are box springless - easier that way - and I made them lug it away - I would never be able to get rid of it and it would sit there for 2+ years. When we come back I hope to upgrade to a king size bed! Oh it was so funny.
Wednesday: Chocolate Pumpkin Fish Pudding - or something like that - not what we ate but what she calls her club - the AWS has a lady who offers cooking demonstrations - so I was on the waiting list - it was wonderful - she makes the food, gives you the recipes, and the tips I love, and then serves you lunch - wonderful! I figured unpacking would still be there. Met up again with a few ladies from Monday.
Thursday: Poor little Lucas couldn't get up - we had a mental health day - so he hung out with mom. Worked out well though as the ladies at church set up a play group so we went and hung out for a while. There were 4 of us - it was so fun - we're all from the US all of us have grown up or lived at one time in CA - 3 of us have 4 kids and the other girl was still young so she had 2. I'm the newbie out of them all! They've lived or traveled to Paris, Spain, Austrailia (well I guess I've traveled to all those places too) but Argentina, Austria! I just love it - they all love to travel just as much as me so it's fun to talk to these girls.
Went and found a store called Asda - it's a Walmart - or owned by them - but really- they did have the "lower price" stickers sans the smiley face, George Products, Halloween costumes but not like home, but it was not Walmart - more of a glorified grocery store. So my initial excitement faded quickly. But luckily I did have Lucas with me- they have parking for moms & little ones!!!!! Nice and close up.
For dinner I made the really yummy chicken that I learned to make at Wednesdays class - it's basically a rub with cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and oregano - it was soooooo good. I made them with thighs and legs and the kids ate like 4 pieces each! A hit! I stank like cumin and paprika so I had to shower after but it was so tasty!
Today - ran out for a few errands but had to be back by 1 - the only casualty of our sea shipment was one piece of our bunk bed was missing - they sent out a carpenter to make me a new piece and he just left to buy the wood. I've got almost everything put away inside the house - there are a few things I wish I had also packed to bring- and I'm still looking for things. I have to tackle the garage next.
Next week we have parent teacher conferences so no school Thur-Mon - we're trying to think of a fun place to go. The kids also have Fall Break on the 27th for a week so we're trying to book a place in Paris with Louise - the hotels and flat rentals just laugh at us - because we're trying to travel with 9 people!
My brother Gavin is gosh - 33 now!!!!??? Old man... and he's a giant. He is the tallest Chinese man next to Yao Ming that I know. He is at least 6'4" if not taller. I wish I had some of those cute embarrassing pictures to post of him, but I really don't know if I packed them! I'm just waiting for a decent hour to call and wish him a Happy Happy Birthday!
Not the greatest pictures - but the most recent! Brian, Me & Gavin
At my cousin's going away bbq she had for us - most of the boy cousins or cousin-in-laws - see about my bro being the Chinese Giant! Mike is 6'
************************************************************************************************************
Finally I am updating - It's been a busy week - sorry this might be long so feel free to scan or read later :) but you do have to check out my Tuesday story - it's the best.....
Monday - I went on a tour to Buckingham Palace - it was the last day of the tour for the season. I went with the AWS - American Women of Surrey - very fun. Met some really nice ladies. We took the train into Victoria Station and walked to the Palace - it was an eventful ride as well. We had to take the local train and then transfer before getting to Victoria - well we had to walk briskly to catch our 2nd train - while we were trotting down the stairs we noticed the train sitting there - we had 2 mins - so someone said, run - I ran, all 7 1/2 weeks preggo of me - and I got in - well my friends didn't! The doors to these trains are NOT like BART where if you stick a limb inside they'll pop open for you - they close the trains 30 seconds before they depart - and that is it - so I was alone on the train - the other 5 girls were on the outside!!!
Luckily I had one of their mobile numbers and even more lucky we really only had one stop to go and get off. I just had to make sure I found them when they arrived. So funny. We found a great cheap place for lunch - called Noodle Noodle right by the train station so I'll have to remember where it was.
The tour was really nice - but weird - I've done lots of tours of castles or museums and such - but it was just weird to know HRH The Queen was in that day but in another part of the castle - and we were tromping around her pad like it was no big deal. This tour also had a tour of the room where they have their Royal Dinners - I forget the proper name - but like a State dinner and they have them 2x a year - they use rulers to measure exactly where each plate, spoon, glass is placed. I kept thinking umm, Barack Obama may be eating here this year or the chick from Alaska if John McCain keels over. Weird as well.
I thought humm, I wonder if Prince Charles likes the Napoleon Table there or if Prince William sits in this chair or that one more often? Very fun but lots of walking for me that day - I went to bed by 9.
In the back gardenI have a great story - I couldn't sleep as I was worried about my mattress - I brought it, but not the bedframe - as the owners left 3 and told me the measurements, but then I started to regret with worry.
The really nice unpackers were hilarious - I had them play musical bedframes with the rooms so I could get the right one for my room. They put it up - it looked dwarfed so I worried - the plopped a mattress on it so to check the size - fits - whew, dodged the bullet. I was unpacking boxes (didn't want the men to unpack my 'delicates') then they said, "uh, Holly (with the great accent) I don't think you want it like this........ I so wish I had a picture - it was so funny - I almost peed my pants which isn't hard for a pregnant lady!
Imagine this: Bed frame off the floor about 14 inches, american box spring - about 14-15 inches - American pillow top mattress (queen size at least) 16"..... Iaughed so hard, I would have needed a ladder! I laughed for a good 10 mins. So needless to say we are box springless - easier that way - and I made them lug it away - I would never be able to get rid of it and it would sit there for 2+ years. When we come back I hope to upgrade to a king size bed! Oh it was so funny.
Wednesday: Chocolate Pumpkin Fish Pudding - or something like that - not what we ate but what she calls her club - the AWS has a lady who offers cooking demonstrations - so I was on the waiting list - it was wonderful - she makes the food, gives you the recipes, and the tips I love, and then serves you lunch - wonderful! I figured unpacking would still be there. Met up again with a few ladies from Monday.
Thursday: Poor little Lucas couldn't get up - we had a mental health day - so he hung out with mom. Worked out well though as the ladies at church set up a play group so we went and hung out for a while. There were 4 of us - it was so fun - we're all from the US all of us have grown up or lived at one time in CA - 3 of us have 4 kids and the other girl was still young so she had 2. I'm the newbie out of them all! They've lived or traveled to Paris, Spain, Austrailia (well I guess I've traveled to all those places too) but Argentina, Austria! I just love it - they all love to travel just as much as me so it's fun to talk to these girls.
Went and found a store called Asda - it's a Walmart - or owned by them - but really- they did have the "lower price" stickers sans the smiley face, George Products, Halloween costumes but not like home, but it was not Walmart - more of a glorified grocery store. So my initial excitement faded quickly. But luckily I did have Lucas with me- they have parking for moms & little ones!!!!! Nice and close up.
For dinner I made the really yummy chicken that I learned to make at Wednesdays class - it's basically a rub with cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and oregano - it was soooooo good. I made them with thighs and legs and the kids ate like 4 pieces each! A hit! I stank like cumin and paprika so I had to shower after but it was so tasty!
Today - ran out for a few errands but had to be back by 1 - the only casualty of our sea shipment was one piece of our bunk bed was missing - they sent out a carpenter to make me a new piece and he just left to buy the wood. I've got almost everything put away inside the house - there are a few things I wish I had also packed to bring- and I'm still looking for things. I have to tackle the garage next.
Next week we have parent teacher conferences so no school Thur-Mon - we're trying to think of a fun place to go. The kids also have Fall Break on the 27th for a week so we're trying to book a place in Paris with Louise - the hotels and flat rentals just laugh at us - because we're trying to travel with 9 people!
Saturday, September 27
A&E Part II
Well most of you haven't even probably read my Part I ordeal yet - and alas - we've already had another!!!
Camille - I'm thinking this isn't going to be typical!!!
We went to "El Torito's" tonight - not quite like the chain at home - the had mexican (sort of), italian, & spanish tapas!! Ah, and host the Salsa Dance club on Tuesday nights. However this food was rather good for once.
So just before our 6pm reservation - little Lucas cries, My Ear Hurts.......................
Gave him some Tylenol - went to dinner - he ate was fine, then bam...... My Ear Hurts.... cries... I want to go to the Doctor!!!
Of course it is 7:30, no urgent care is open on a Saturday night. Back to the A&E - but I wanted to try the OTHER hospital tonight. All 6 of us in tow - such a better choice - they have a whole pediatric area - I think we stayed there only about 1 1/2 but it wasn't bad. They didn't know what Tylenol/Acetominophen was at first, but then our English translation finally came through. Got Amoxocillian and went back home. A much more bearable experience - and I asked the triage nurse about my Peanut Allergy care and she was surprised - she said they would have immediately taken one of those cases in.... live and learn....
Such a nice way to spend a Family Saturday Night....if I drank I'd take a "double" - of what exactly I'm not sure :)!
And yes, Julie - I think Linda should send me a care package every month too! Chocolate, goldfish, luckily they have Diet Coke here!!!
Camille - I'm thinking this isn't going to be typical!!!
We went to "El Torito's" tonight - not quite like the chain at home - the had mexican (sort of), italian, & spanish tapas!! Ah, and host the Salsa Dance club on Tuesday nights. However this food was rather good for once.
So just before our 6pm reservation - little Lucas cries, My Ear Hurts.......................
Gave him some Tylenol - went to dinner - he ate was fine, then bam...... My Ear Hurts.... cries... I want to go to the Doctor!!!
Of course it is 7:30, no urgent care is open on a Saturday night. Back to the A&E - but I wanted to try the OTHER hospital tonight. All 6 of us in tow - such a better choice - they have a whole pediatric area - I think we stayed there only about 1 1/2 but it wasn't bad. They didn't know what Tylenol/Acetominophen was at first, but then our English translation finally came through. Got Amoxocillian and went back home. A much more bearable experience - and I asked the triage nurse about my Peanut Allergy care and she was surprised - she said they would have immediately taken one of those cases in.... live and learn....
Such a nice way to spend a Family Saturday Night....if I drank I'd take a "double" - of what exactly I'm not sure :)!
And yes, Julie - I think Linda should send me a care package every month too! Chocolate, goldfish, luckily they have Diet Coke here!!!
Friday, September 26
A&E
No unfortunately not "Arts & Entertainment"
We have now been here almost 3 weeks. A month ago from today we moved out of our home in Ptown. I hear that it has been cleaned and my good neighbors keep watch over it - and I'm so glad they've also been pillaging my garden!!!! We had a huge garden this year and left it a complete mess - tomatoes, snap peas, onions, bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash - a huge pumpkin.... ahhh I miss my garden.
So back to the A&E - it means ACCIDENTS & EMERGENCY - yes - we've already visited the ER. Luckily we have a really great neighbor - they are from New Jersey but have been here going on 4 years - everyone knows them - it's kinda like living back in Ptown next to Ms. Janeen :) Cathy offered to drive me & Ian - yes, Ian - who else do I dash to the ER for in the last 3 years??? Apparently Waitrose's (grocery store) Pesto has more than just pine nuts - Ian has eaten Pesto before back home - guess I'll have to resort to making it from scratch again - once I get a blender/food processor - we had a lovely dinner - Tyler made Caesar salad, we had pasta, butternut squash soup (oh, that's in my garden back home too) garlic bread - it was lovely - the kids help prepare, set the table - we had water goblets (mostly because the other 3 glasses we have were dirty). We served it on the "buffet" - the kids loved that -
(not the actual culprit, but you get the idea)
Mike got home, then Ian said - I don't feel well - and we did our regular - does your tummy hurt, does your throat hurt? Do you have to throw up... so immediately went in the Benedryl, about 15 mins later he was shaking and it came back up.
So I called Cathy - and then decided I should take him in. Now for those of you that don't know - London is a place although they are democratic - they do have a form of socialized medicine - National Health Care. So basically visions of the TV show ER should immediately materialize in your brain. We got there - I told him it was a peanut allergy - they told us to wait in the lounge... hummmmmm that should have been my first hunch. He didn't look too bad - not like when I've seen him when he had full on peanut or peanut butter. But then he started to get a welt under his eye - so I got the nurse - they gave him just more antihistamine. Hummmmm hint #2
2 hours later - he was passed out on the chairs - there were about 30 people in this tiny room with only 20 chairs - it was bad. They had a posted sign that said, "We strive to see all patients within 4 hours of arrival"
Both eyes were really puffy...... I got the nurse again - Hmmmm hint #3 I had to ask for steroids while in the waiting room - prednizone - FINALLY at 10:45 they gave him some, saw him 15 mins later, sent us home..... Hummmmmmmm 3 hours....
So kept him home today - took him to our Private General Practioner that I just registered with last week and took him (begrudginly) to McDonalds - at least the Chips (fries) taste the same. That was about it - and he got a toy - he didn't seem to mind the cheeseburger though. I've yet to find good food.
This overshadows my own Dr. appointment story - on the short side - I got to meet my new OB the other day - I hope I get more experience driving to the town I will deliver (which is where we went for Ian) it took me almost an hour to get there for my appointment - I was 30 mins late - they never tell you there isn't parking, I parked down a hill at a public lot, started raining, didn't have a jacket or an umbrella or socks.....but the good news is - the baby is still a girl :)
And the other great news - our stuff survived (I think) the hurricanes coming around the Panama Canal and around - it arrived this AM and almost unheard of - cleared customs already today - we'll have to see if it is DRY. Tuesday Stage 4 or 5 of our trip will come when we get to have our stuff delivered and unpacked!!! Yikes!
Thank goodness for blogging - I'm glad I don't have to email the A&E story to the grandparents - I can just type it once!
We have now been here almost 3 weeks. A month ago from today we moved out of our home in Ptown. I hear that it has been cleaned and my good neighbors keep watch over it - and I'm so glad they've also been pillaging my garden!!!! We had a huge garden this year and left it a complete mess - tomatoes, snap peas, onions, bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash - a huge pumpkin.... ahhh I miss my garden.
So back to the A&E - it means ACCIDENTS & EMERGENCY - yes - we've already visited the ER. Luckily we have a really great neighbor - they are from New Jersey but have been here going on 4 years - everyone knows them - it's kinda like living back in Ptown next to Ms. Janeen :) Cathy offered to drive me & Ian - yes, Ian - who else do I dash to the ER for in the last 3 years??? Apparently Waitrose's (grocery store) Pesto has more than just pine nuts - Ian has eaten Pesto before back home - guess I'll have to resort to making it from scratch again - once I get a blender/food processor - we had a lovely dinner - Tyler made Caesar salad, we had pasta, butternut squash soup (oh, that's in my garden back home too) garlic bread - it was lovely - the kids help prepare, set the table - we had water goblets (mostly because the other 3 glasses we have were dirty). We served it on the "buffet" - the kids loved that -
(not the actual culprit, but you get the idea)
Mike got home, then Ian said - I don't feel well - and we did our regular - does your tummy hurt, does your throat hurt? Do you have to throw up... so immediately went in the Benedryl, about 15 mins later he was shaking and it came back up.
So I called Cathy - and then decided I should take him in. Now for those of you that don't know - London is a place although they are democratic - they do have a form of socialized medicine - National Health Care. So basically visions of the TV show ER should immediately materialize in your brain. We got there - I told him it was a peanut allergy - they told us to wait in the lounge... hummmmmm that should have been my first hunch. He didn't look too bad - not like when I've seen him when he had full on peanut or peanut butter. But then he started to get a welt under his eye - so I got the nurse - they gave him just more antihistamine. Hummmmm hint #2
2 hours later - he was passed out on the chairs - there were about 30 people in this tiny room with only 20 chairs - it was bad. They had a posted sign that said, "We strive to see all patients within 4 hours of arrival"
Both eyes were really puffy...... I got the nurse again - Hmmmm hint #3 I had to ask for steroids while in the waiting room - prednizone - FINALLY at 10:45 they gave him some, saw him 15 mins later, sent us home..... Hummmmmmmm 3 hours....
So kept him home today - took him to our Private General Practioner that I just registered with last week and took him (begrudginly) to McDonalds - at least the Chips (fries) taste the same. That was about it - and he got a toy - he didn't seem to mind the cheeseburger though. I've yet to find good food.
This overshadows my own Dr. appointment story - on the short side - I got to meet my new OB the other day - I hope I get more experience driving to the town I will deliver (which is where we went for Ian) it took me almost an hour to get there for my appointment - I was 30 mins late - they never tell you there isn't parking, I parked down a hill at a public lot, started raining, didn't have a jacket or an umbrella or socks.....but the good news is - the baby is still a girl :)
And the other great news - our stuff survived (I think) the hurricanes coming around the Panama Canal and around - it arrived this AM and almost unheard of - cleared customs already today - we'll have to see if it is DRY. Tuesday Stage 4 or 5 of our trip will come when we get to have our stuff delivered and unpacked!!! Yikes!
Thank goodness for blogging - I'm glad I don't have to email the A&E story to the grandparents - I can just type it once!
Sunday, September 21
Good and Bad
We're having a good time - there's so much going on and not at the same time - here are a few of my observations:
I have 9 weeks left of this pregnancy - can't wait to get her out, but it's nice to have time for me right now. I'm still relatively small but my bad leg is taking the brunt of the pregnancy - last years accident I think left my veins a little less than perfect. It's funny though - my other leg isn't have problems so that is why I believe it is more accident related
Things are basically coming together - we still don't have our sea shipment - but it's not such a bad thing - we don't have a lot - but we can keep the house pretty tidy.
Making new friends - EVERYONE is so nice and helpful here - at least through church, school and the women's group. I miss my old friends and talking to my girlfriends - and my more permanent neighbors haven't come out of their houses yet - hmmm
Kiddies - they are bonding, they aren't bonding - I think they are getting a little stir crazy lately - we don't have any bicycles, or scooters, or even a ball so they don't really get out much after school right now. They drive each other a little bonkers I think. Saturday was good though we got the boys into Football and Football. American & European!
The driving is getting a lot easier - guess there's no negative for that one
School - the honeymoon is ending- the kids are finally realizing they have HOMEWORK!
We finally have money!! But my ATM card doesn't work!!! Ha ha, guess things can't be perfect.
Ty & Lucas were both under the weather Saturday - Lucas slept about 6 hours during the day - he's been worn out by school I guess - but he's doing well - even on Saturday and Sunday he wants to "go to schoool"!! Not to church or other things - it's very cute.
Our ward had a Munch & Mingle today - it was really fun - everyone brings a goodie for after church and it's a really nice social - our ward has about 120 people total in it - it reminds me a lot of when we went to the singles ward in college - we met in the institute building then - it's like that here - the building is quaint and old - the cultural hall doubles as the chapel/Gospel Doctrine room & RS. I never have to leave the room for the whole block! One thing about these wards though - they do everything online! They send lots of emails for everything so it is very convenient!
That's my update for the weekend - gotta get ready for bed - I know - most of you are just starting your days!
I have 9 weeks left of this pregnancy - can't wait to get her out, but it's nice to have time for me right now. I'm still relatively small but my bad leg is taking the brunt of the pregnancy - last years accident I think left my veins a little less than perfect. It's funny though - my other leg isn't have problems so that is why I believe it is more accident related
Things are basically coming together - we still don't have our sea shipment - but it's not such a bad thing - we don't have a lot - but we can keep the house pretty tidy.
Making new friends - EVERYONE is so nice and helpful here - at least through church, school and the women's group. I miss my old friends and talking to my girlfriends - and my more permanent neighbors haven't come out of their houses yet - hmmm
Kiddies - they are bonding, they aren't bonding - I think they are getting a little stir crazy lately - we don't have any bicycles, or scooters, or even a ball so they don't really get out much after school right now. They drive each other a little bonkers I think. Saturday was good though we got the boys into Football and Football. American & European!
The driving is getting a lot easier - guess there's no negative for that one
School - the honeymoon is ending- the kids are finally realizing they have HOMEWORK!
We finally have money!! But my ATM card doesn't work!!! Ha ha, guess things can't be perfect.
Ty & Lucas were both under the weather Saturday - Lucas slept about 6 hours during the day - he's been worn out by school I guess - but he's doing well - even on Saturday and Sunday he wants to "go to schoool"!! Not to church or other things - it's very cute.
Our ward had a Munch & Mingle today - it was really fun - everyone brings a goodie for after church and it's a really nice social - our ward has about 120 people total in it - it reminds me a lot of when we went to the singles ward in college - we met in the institute building then - it's like that here - the building is quaint and old - the cultural hall doubles as the chapel/Gospel Doctrine room & RS. I never have to leave the room for the whole block! One thing about these wards though - they do everything online! They send lots of emails for everything so it is very convenient!
That's my update for the weekend - gotta get ready for bed - I know - most of you are just starting your days!
Thursday, September 18
INTERNET!!!!
What in the world did we do BEFORE the net????!!!! I literally just got on - so I have a ton of things to do - for one - pay bills!!!!!
It's been an emotional week and 1/2 but we're settling in - I will post much more later - but basically we miss our friends, we miss our house - although this one is pretty nice - I like my new car - (rental) Volvo - I think we've found a used one I can get - so funny - one place wouldn't write me any insurance for the Volvo SUV (XC90) because "it's such a big car" and I haven't had a London DL for at least a year - hellllooooo I should send them a picture of my Yukon XL at home! I am getting quite used to driving on the wrong side, I MEAN Left side of the road - just keep thinking left, left, left - and thank heavens for GPS.
Oh well - the money situation here has been really hard - we only brought so much - and you can't open accounts or do anything until you have proof of residency here - then once you do, you have to wait for the card, then you have to sign for a pin, then mail it in, then wait for another password, then register it online - they say it "only" takes about a month ....... - so I've been floating money like a professional launderer - you can ask me on tips on how to float foreign money!!!!! but things are coming together SLOWLY - and backward - or old fashion - only "your husband" can call for this or that - "oh, you are a housewife, you have no income, you can't have this or that" - and so on and so on - oh well, more work for poor Mike!
I will post pictures later - but just wanted you to know at least that WE'RE ALIVE!!! although grocery costs are going to kill me and to whoever told me there were Goldfish crackers here - NOT TRUE!!!! xoxo
It's been an emotional week and 1/2 but we're settling in - I will post much more later - but basically we miss our friends, we miss our house - although this one is pretty nice - I like my new car - (rental) Volvo - I think we've found a used one I can get - so funny - one place wouldn't write me any insurance for the Volvo SUV (XC90) because "it's such a big car" and I haven't had a London DL for at least a year - hellllooooo I should send them a picture of my Yukon XL at home! I am getting quite used to driving on the wrong side, I MEAN Left side of the road - just keep thinking left, left, left - and thank heavens for GPS.
Oh well - the money situation here has been really hard - we only brought so much - and you can't open accounts or do anything until you have proof of residency here - then once you do, you have to wait for the card, then you have to sign for a pin, then mail it in, then wait for another password, then register it online - they say it "only" takes about a month ....... - so I've been floating money like a professional launderer - you can ask me on tips on how to float foreign money!!!!! but things are coming together SLOWLY - and backward - or old fashion - only "your husband" can call for this or that - "oh, you are a housewife, you have no income, you can't have this or that" - and so on and so on - oh well, more work for poor Mike!
I will post pictures later - but just wanted you to know at least that WE'RE ALIVE!!! although grocery costs are going to kill me and to whoever told me there were Goldfish crackers here - NOT TRUE!!!! xoxo
Sunday, September 7
First London Tour
Well we took the tube into London today - I learned on the tour bus that there are only 7,000 that actually live in the actual city of London - all the surrounding areas are London Proper and are all the other boroughs (like Westminster, etc.)
We got on a tour bus and the KIDS LOVED it - we didn't really tour any of the sites, we figure we have time plus when friends and family come to visit we'll be going to the places often.
Parliament & Big Ben
London Bridge - they are going to close it soon to paint it Red, White & Blue for the 2012 Olympics.... should be interesting - there was scaffolding everywhere in preparation... guess after they saw China they thought they had some work to do...
Lucas & I were smart - we stayed INSIDE upstairs in the tour bus.
We actually went on a fun day too - there was a bike race, a marathon & a Gigantic Street fair on Regent's Street - they closed down the whole street (it is a main drag for downtown london!) - it was really fun.
We got our XC90 Volvo rental car - figured the only time I would ever get a volvo - for 15 days anyway - Mike did a great job driving on the wrong side of the road - we took the kids to see the house - can't get in until tomorrow - but here we are....
We go tomorrow to start Phase III - the move in with temporary goods...... Our first shipment of things by air may arrive as early as Wednesday - yahoo! We'll see - the other things aren't scheduled to arrive any earlier than Sept. 26th. Mike just found the Cleveland/Dallas Football game (it's 9:30 pm here) he's in sports withdrawl.
Won't have internet for a while so I won't be able to post for a little bit - I have to hurry and get it up so I can stay connected!!!! I miss my friends & family already!! Can't wait to catch up on all your blogs!!
We got on a tour bus and the KIDS LOVED it - we didn't really tour any of the sites, we figure we have time plus when friends and family come to visit we'll be going to the places often.
Parliament & Big Ben
London Bridge - they are going to close it soon to paint it Red, White & Blue for the 2012 Olympics.... should be interesting - there was scaffolding everywhere in preparation... guess after they saw China they thought they had some work to do...
Lucas & I were smart - we stayed INSIDE upstairs in the tour bus.
We actually went on a fun day too - there was a bike race, a marathon & a Gigantic Street fair on Regent's Street - they closed down the whole street (it is a main drag for downtown london!) - it was really fun.
We got our XC90 Volvo rental car - figured the only time I would ever get a volvo - for 15 days anyway - Mike did a great job driving on the wrong side of the road - we took the kids to see the house - can't get in until tomorrow - but here we are....
We go tomorrow to start Phase III - the move in with temporary goods...... Our first shipment of things by air may arrive as early as Wednesday - yahoo! We'll see - the other things aren't scheduled to arrive any earlier than Sept. 26th. Mike just found the Cleveland/Dallas Football game (it's 9:30 pm here) he's in sports withdrawl.
Won't have internet for a while so I won't be able to post for a little bit - I have to hurry and get it up so I can stay connected!!!! I miss my friends & family already!! Can't wait to catch up on all your blogs!!
Saturday, September 6
Happy Birthday Cman & We arrived!
Cman is Double Digits!!!!!
I did a great post for Cman's bday in our temporary hotel as his bday was before we left - but something happened to it. We love having this kid in our family - he is the first in the family so if his father were Chinese instead of his mother - he'd have great honor - instead - he's just gets to be known as a great kid. Chandler is one of those kids that would give the shirt off his back if you needed it - he's a nice boy - kind and considerate - he is so athletic I know he'll be some type of pro one day! Cman knows how to push buttons too (especially to his big sister - but I know she loves him) but we're so proud of all that he is and does.....
I wanted to do a quick post also of our travels to let you know stage 2 of our adventure has passes successfully ....
What a joke! Look at all that "baggage!"
"Where is our plane????"
We survived the flight although it left 2 hours late - Ty, Cman & I got upgraded to Business - Mike offered to stay with Lucas & Ian in Economy Plus - it was a good thing for my veracose ridden legs. The kids slept a good deal of the flight - me too - here we are just before we left with our 12 pieces of check-in luggage and here just as we got off.....
We have arrived!!! 1 buggy (stroller) and 4 luggage carts
We had weird sleeping times today - we all woke up about 3 am - so turned on a movie for the kiddies on my computer - then we took a 'nap' before breakfast - unfortunately we didn't wake up until 11:30. We aren't sure where any of Ty's closed toe shoes ended up so we ended up going into Kingston to go shopping - tomorrow hopefully we'll get up earlier then we'll go into London for our Red Bus Ride...
Uh-oh boys - what did you do now??!! Push boys push - look at Ian at the very end!
I did a great post for Cman's bday in our temporary hotel as his bday was before we left - but something happened to it. We love having this kid in our family - he is the first in the family so if his father were Chinese instead of his mother - he'd have great honor - instead - he's just gets to be known as a great kid. Chandler is one of those kids that would give the shirt off his back if you needed it - he's a nice boy - kind and considerate - he is so athletic I know he'll be some type of pro one day! Cman knows how to push buttons too (especially to his big sister - but I know she loves him) but we're so proud of all that he is and does.....
I wanted to do a quick post also of our travels to let you know stage 2 of our adventure has passes successfully ....
What a joke! Look at all that "baggage!"
"Where is our plane????"
We survived the flight although it left 2 hours late - Ty, Cman & I got upgraded to Business - Mike offered to stay with Lucas & Ian in Economy Plus - it was a good thing for my veracose ridden legs. The kids slept a good deal of the flight - me too - here we are just before we left with our 12 pieces of check-in luggage and here just as we got off.....
We have arrived!!! 1 buggy (stroller) and 4 luggage carts
We had weird sleeping times today - we all woke up about 3 am - so turned on a movie for the kiddies on my computer - then we took a 'nap' before breakfast - unfortunately we didn't wake up until 11:30. We aren't sure where any of Ty's closed toe shoes ended up so we ended up going into Kingston to go shopping - tomorrow hopefully we'll get up earlier then we'll go into London for our Red Bus Ride...
Uh-oh boys - what did you do now??!! Push boys push - look at Ian at the very end!
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