Swan gave us bookends to commenorate our time in England and our family's traditional engagement photos.
Showing posts with label Swan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Swan. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Day 27 - Telephone
Swan gave us bookends to commenorate our time in England and our family's traditional engagement photos.
Monday, January 18, 2016
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
The end of an era
Over 25 years ago, I gave birth to my first child (and if you ask him he'd be sure to emphasize my first AND favorite!) and started this wonderful, full time job of Motherhood. For over 25 years, my days have been primarily focused on child rearing. Because we chose to homeschool the children, for the majority of those 25 years, I have been blessed (or cursed depending on what day - or even what hour - you asked me!) to have at least one child with me 24/7.
That is all about to change. Two weeks from today, Sunshine and Sweetness will be attending a private, Christian school near our new home. We are all very excited about this new opportunity. Don't tell, but I may be even more excited than they are!
Whatever will I do with myself with 7 hours to myself every day?! I'm not sure but am eagerly anticipating exploring all the possibilities!
That is all about to change. Two weeks from today, Sunshine and Sweetness will be attending a private, Christian school near our new home. We are all very excited about this new opportunity. Don't tell, but I may be even more excited than they are!
Whatever will I do with myself with 7 hours to myself every day?! I'm not sure but am eagerly anticipating exploring all the possibilities!
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Behind the photos
I recently told a couple friends about the "misadventures" of our grand family Christmas adventure.
"Wow, you can't see all of that in the pictures!" the first exclaimed. "I like your Facebook version better!" said another.
Then a few days later, I saw a link about why we shouldn't feel bad when our life doesn't match our friend's "facebook lives." I didn't read it because I didn't have time but the timing of just seeing the title struck me.
Its so true..the lives others see are not always the reality...especially in light of today's social media when we only share our best.
And to be clear from the start, our "misadventures" may have put some challenges in our path, but the joy and love that radiates from any photos of our trip, more than makes up for them so that even now, at such a short time past, we are able to just smile and shake our heads at them rather than let them take anything away from our wonderful memories.
So here you have "the rest of the story."
Prior to arriving or upon arrival, one of these characters had pink eye (as did her fiance) and the other had strep throat. Clone had had the flu and there were sniffles galore among the bunch of us.
On their way here, the flight for these 4 was cancelled...after they had waited 4 hours at the airport. They were told 3 of them could fly the next day....maybe. After some more waiting in line and dealing with airlines, they were rerouted and arrived 24 hours later than expected. (As this was Belle's second flight to England and second cancelled flight to England, the moral to this story is: its probably best not to book international travel with Belle in your group!)
12 hours prior to our 0'dark-thirty scheduled departure for Germany, we went to pick up the rental van which would convey our large entourage and were told..."we have you down for pick up tomorrow." Thankfully that little heart stopping announcement was quickly rendered a non-event when they informed us it was just a matter of going to get it from their other lot and we'd have it shortly.
Saturday evening, we arrived at our lovely rental apartment to find no one there and no keys. Upon review of the contract, I realized I had missed the part that said we were to pick up the keys at the office....about 30 minutes back the way we had come. Thankfully after several attempts we were able to get in touch with the managers who let us know where they'd hidden the key for the goofy Americans who can't follow directions.
Upon arrival we learned that local ski conditions were so horrible that "the kids are learning to ski on grass" so it appeared that MWC and the others who were dreaming of their opportunity to ski the Alps wasn't going to happen. Thankfully, they found a resort a couple hours away and decided to make the drive to ski. A mere 2 days after their engagement, Swan and Tiger Tamer had the terrible misfortune..and greatest joy ...to see each other hit ice and slide crazily close to a cliff's edge. I'm sure in those brief moments they knew fear and overwhelming relief and gratefulness to God like they'd never known before.
On Friday we were delighted to have a belated "White Christmas"
It made for a beautiful, magical day. However, it also did not bode well for our long trip home, especially since another storm was behind it and expected to drop even more snow on our travel day. We made the painful decision to leave a day early and just lose our rent for the day. We planned to drive a few hours north to get out of the mountains before the snow hit and to be several hours closer to our Chunnel crossing for Sunday.
Belle's dream was to see a castle so we opted to stop at Neuschwanstein on the way to our Saturday night destination.
Because of the miserable weather conditions, no buses were running up to the castle so while the rest of the crew decided to hike the hill to the top, Sweetness and I waited at the bottom for the horse and carriage ride up to the top. After waiting a frigid, snow pelted 1-1/2 hours in line, we missed our scheduled tour time and were not able to join the rest for the tour. We opted to stay at the bottom of the hill in the warm hotel lobby and enjoy some coffee, hot chocolate and cake.
Later in the afternoon we headed to our hotel..about 2 hours north. Or what should have been 2 hours north. Terrible weather and traffic conditions turned our 2 hour drive into 4-1/2 hours. Thankfully our new GPS (our old one recently died) has a traffic feature on it and diverted us around 5 traffic accidents.
Sunday morning we woke up to more snow and began the last leg of our journey home in the snow over slushy, snowy and icy roads. We finally cleared the snow about 3 hours into our journey. Unfortunately, we did not clear the below freezing temps or the very salted roads. Our windshield wiper fluid was frozen so we had to keep stopping at rest areas along the way to throw water on the windshield and run the wipers to clear them.
We arrived at the Chunnel 3 hours and 5 minutes before our departure time. Policy was no one was allowed to enter before 3 hours but because the lines were so long, they let us in. After checking in and being told no earlier departures were available, we inched forward to the border control. After waiting over 30 minutes in line for our turn, we arrived at the agent who took our passports and told us there were too many of us and we needed to go into the bus line. A bus arrived just before us so we had to do landing cards and wait for about 40 people ahead of us. Thankfully we made it through immigration with minimal issues and made our way to the waiting area.
We ate our dinner and read a notice that all trains were running 30 minutes behind. Our own train went from "awaiting call to board" to "final call" within a matter of minutes so we raced out to van and headed to board. After boarding, our train started, and then stopped....technical difficulties. Blessedly, it was only a slight delay and we were soon on our way.
Finally, 17 hours later we arrived safely at home. Tired, with a few more acquired colds along the way, but happy to be home.
The last days of everyone's visit were blessedly non-eventful. Swan, Belle and I enjoyed a day of wedding dress shopping just as we'd dreamed of. Belle and Clone made it to their flight, and aside from being told erroneously that they didn't have reservations and a no-show pilot which delayed their flight a wee bit, made it home with relative ease. A welcome relief after the events of their incoming flight.
Tiger Tamer and Swan were not so blessed. They arrived in the US to discover that their reservation on their connecting flight had been cancelled and they were stranded in Dallas. They got it remedied, but still ended up arriving home a day later than scheduled. Just think of the stories they have to tell their children one day of their "engagement trip."
So you see, our pictures tell one story of love, joy, happiness, and smooth sailing. Behind the scenes though..reality reveals a few troublesome waves here and there. However, thanks be to God, the love, joy and happiness are still very real and make the choppy seas and annoyances along the way mere funny memories.
"Wow, you can't see all of that in the pictures!" the first exclaimed. "I like your Facebook version better!" said another.
Then a few days later, I saw a link about why we shouldn't feel bad when our life doesn't match our friend's "facebook lives." I didn't read it because I didn't have time but the timing of just seeing the title struck me.
Its so true..the lives others see are not always the reality...especially in light of today's social media when we only share our best.
And to be clear from the start, our "misadventures" may have put some challenges in our path, but the joy and love that radiates from any photos of our trip, more than makes up for them so that even now, at such a short time past, we are able to just smile and shake our heads at them rather than let them take anything away from our wonderful memories.
So here you have "the rest of the story."
Prior to arriving or upon arrival, one of these characters had pink eye (as did her fiance) and the other had strep throat. Clone had had the flu and there were sniffles galore among the bunch of us.
On their way here, the flight for these 4 was cancelled...after they had waited 4 hours at the airport. They were told 3 of them could fly the next day....maybe. After some more waiting in line and dealing with airlines, they were rerouted and arrived 24 hours later than expected. (As this was Belle's second flight to England and second cancelled flight to England, the moral to this story is: its probably best not to book international travel with Belle in your group!)
12 hours prior to our 0'dark-thirty scheduled departure for Germany, we went to pick up the rental van which would convey our large entourage and were told..."we have you down for pick up tomorrow." Thankfully that little heart stopping announcement was quickly rendered a non-event when they informed us it was just a matter of going to get it from their other lot and we'd have it shortly.
Saturday evening, we arrived at our lovely rental apartment to find no one there and no keys. Upon review of the contract, I realized I had missed the part that said we were to pick up the keys at the office....about 30 minutes back the way we had come. Thankfully after several attempts we were able to get in touch with the managers who let us know where they'd hidden the key for the goofy Americans who can't follow directions.
Upon arrival we learned that local ski conditions were so horrible that "the kids are learning to ski on grass" so it appeared that MWC and the others who were dreaming of their opportunity to ski the Alps wasn't going to happen. Thankfully, they found a resort a couple hours away and decided to make the drive to ski. A mere 2 days after their engagement, Swan and Tiger Tamer had the terrible misfortune..and greatest joy ...to see each other hit ice and slide crazily close to a cliff's edge. I'm sure in those brief moments they knew fear and overwhelming relief and gratefulness to God like they'd never known before.
On Friday we were delighted to have a belated "White Christmas"
Belle's dream was to see a castle so we opted to stop at Neuschwanstein on the way to our Saturday night destination.
Later in the afternoon we headed to our hotel..about 2 hours north. Or what should have been 2 hours north. Terrible weather and traffic conditions turned our 2 hour drive into 4-1/2 hours. Thankfully our new GPS (our old one recently died) has a traffic feature on it and diverted us around 5 traffic accidents.
Sunday morning we woke up to more snow and began the last leg of our journey home in the snow over slushy, snowy and icy roads. We finally cleared the snow about 3 hours into our journey. Unfortunately, we did not clear the below freezing temps or the very salted roads. Our windshield wiper fluid was frozen so we had to keep stopping at rest areas along the way to throw water on the windshield and run the wipers to clear them.
We arrived at the Chunnel 3 hours and 5 minutes before our departure time. Policy was no one was allowed to enter before 3 hours but because the lines were so long, they let us in. After checking in and being told no earlier departures were available, we inched forward to the border control. After waiting over 30 minutes in line for our turn, we arrived at the agent who took our passports and told us there were too many of us and we needed to go into the bus line. A bus arrived just before us so we had to do landing cards and wait for about 40 people ahead of us. Thankfully we made it through immigration with minimal issues and made our way to the waiting area.
We ate our dinner and read a notice that all trains were running 30 minutes behind. Our own train went from "awaiting call to board" to "final call" within a matter of minutes so we raced out to van and headed to board. After boarding, our train started, and then stopped....technical difficulties. Blessedly, it was only a slight delay and we were soon on our way.
Finally, 17 hours later we arrived safely at home. Tired, with a few more acquired colds along the way, but happy to be home.
The last days of everyone's visit were blessedly non-eventful. Swan, Belle and I enjoyed a day of wedding dress shopping just as we'd dreamed of. Belle and Clone made it to their flight, and aside from being told erroneously that they didn't have reservations and a no-show pilot which delayed their flight a wee bit, made it home with relative ease. A welcome relief after the events of their incoming flight.
Tiger Tamer and Swan were not so blessed. They arrived in the US to discover that their reservation on their connecting flight had been cancelled and they were stranded in Dallas. They got it remedied, but still ended up arriving home a day later than scheduled. Just think of the stories they have to tell their children one day of their "engagement trip."
So you see, our pictures tell one story of love, joy, happiness, and smooth sailing. Behind the scenes though..reality reveals a few troublesome waves here and there. However, thanks be to God, the love, joy and happiness are still very real and make the choppy seas and annoyances along the way mere funny memories.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
What goes around comes around..and an introduction....
If you all remember this post from August 2013 you'll see that in our family, turnabout is fair play and the Clone and Belle have gotten their revenge on Swan....and have passed the torch on to Frog Prince!
.JPG)
And I have an announcement and an introduction to make...
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Monday, December 22, 2014
.JPG)
.JPG)
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Day 27 - I'm thankful for this
 |
| Spain, Christmas 2013 |
I am thankful for the love, fun, travel adventures, laughter and traditions we share as a family.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Just a little role reversal going on around here
I know I'm of the age to be in the "sandwich generation." However, I'm quite blessed with youthful, healthful parents who do not yet require my assistance. That does not however, mean I'm completely without experience of role reversal as a daughter or as a mother.
You see, my mother has a new kitten. Miss Paisley is truly a gift from the skies to her..well at least from the tree from which she fell ..and now like the mother of a proud daughter with a newborn, I receive MANY photos of my mother's "baby."
You see, my mother has a new kitten. Miss Paisley is truly a gift from the skies to her..well at least from the tree from which she fell ..and now like the mother of a proud daughter with a newborn, I receive MANY photos of my mother's "baby."
And as the mother of a young adult, I am now reaping the blessings of raising Swan and am now the recipient of her care and concern. As I say goodbye to my best friend/neighbor here in the UK who has moved on to her next adventure, my sweet Swan has been praying for me and checking on me and offering me her love and support through my sadness. Somewhere along the way, my daughter has become my friend.
Friday, August 2, 2013
A Fairy Tale
Once upon a time, two fair maidens studied music together at college. They became bosom buddies and just like sisters. Swan Maiden suggested to her brother Prince Clone Charming that her friend Fair Ginger Maiden might be just the princess he was looking for but he was not interested....at first. He eventually came to his senses and realized what his beloved little sister already knew...Fair Ginger Maiden is a beauty inside and out and was just the woman for him.
Prince Clone Charming knew he wanted to marry Fair Ginger Maiden, but alas, he was called off for an adventure in a far off distant land so had to wait. After 7 months apart, they were reunited in England, where he proposed, and she accepted.
And now, not only are Swan Maiden and Fair Ginger Maiden bosom buddies, they will soon be sisters as well. And... as photographic evidence suggests, Swan Maiden is already fulfilling the pesky little sister role quite nicely.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Sipping the lemonade
Things for which I'm thankful in regards to life's latest lemon....in no particular order...
Its only an illness...there is an end in sight.
It is not a debilitating illness, just a painful and inconvenient one.
I do not have shingles on my face.
I have access to excellent medical care and caring physicians.
Swan has been here since Day One to watch girls and help out.
Swan has been a rock and my champion in making sure I didn't do too much and offering support and encouragement.
Swan is home and practicing her piano, providing me with hours of enjoyment as I rest on the couch.
I have such a lovely young woman I'm blessed to call daughter that 3 lemonade ingredients involve her.
I have a loving family...not just Swan...who are willing to help me out and take care of me.
I have two sons who have been calling or messaging me to check up on me.
I have friends who have been making sure Sweetness and Sunshine are entertained and giving them outings so they are not cooped up in the house with me. My family was also here to provide a very pleasant distraction for them.
I have friends who were happy to have me over to their house for a time of fellowship who were content if I had to eat and run or nap on their sofa as my well being and energy demanded.
I live in England..I'm not really missing out on beautiful sunny days and wishing I was outside.
I'd lost 5 pounds in the weeks preceding the illness so that my inactivity is bringing them back but no additional pounds, thus far.
And most significant of all, the hellish torment of the pain has given me a glimpse (albeit a very small one I'm sure!) of eternal torment apart from Christ, and I know that my suffering is only of this world thanks to the love of Christ and his sacrifice on my behalf.
Its only an illness...there is an end in sight.
It is not a debilitating illness, just a painful and inconvenient one.
I do not have shingles on my face.
I have access to excellent medical care and caring physicians.
Swan has been here since Day One to watch girls and help out.
Swan has been a rock and my champion in making sure I didn't do too much and offering support and encouragement.
Swan is home and practicing her piano, providing me with hours of enjoyment as I rest on the couch.
I have such a lovely young woman I'm blessed to call daughter that 3 lemonade ingredients involve her.
I have a loving family...not just Swan...who are willing to help me out and take care of me.
I have two sons who have been calling or messaging me to check up on me.
I have friends who have been making sure Sweetness and Sunshine are entertained and giving them outings so they are not cooped up in the house with me. My family was also here to provide a very pleasant distraction for them.
I have friends who were happy to have me over to their house for a time of fellowship who were content if I had to eat and run or nap on their sofa as my well being and energy demanded.
I live in England..I'm not really missing out on beautiful sunny days and wishing I was outside.
I'd lost 5 pounds in the weeks preceding the illness so that my inactivity is bringing them back but no additional pounds, thus far.
And most significant of all, the hellish torment of the pain has given me a glimpse (albeit a very small one I'm sure!) of eternal torment apart from Christ, and I know that my suffering is only of this world thanks to the love of Christ and his sacrifice on my behalf.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Choosing to be thankful
Some days you just gotta CHOOSE to be thankful because some days you just don't FEEL it. Especially on a rainy, cold day on one side of the Atlantic Ocean while your lovely, talented daughter is on the other preparing for her junior piano recital that you are going to miss.
So today I choose to be thankful for this military life in spite of the distance...and the ocean... it places between my Swan and me on such an important day for her.
I am thankful for this life that has grown a strong marriage for MWC and me through all of its new beginnings, trials, and adventures.
I am thankful for this life that has enabled me to see much of the world. I have been in 14 countries and 40 states. Not all of these have been related to our military life, but I can assure you that the list would be
SIGNIFICANTLY shorter without it.
I am thankful for this life that has helped us to be a close knit family. We've relied on each other through thick and thin and have always had each other when we've had to say good-bye to everyone else.
I am thankful for this life's contribution to my older children's independent, responsible characters. They have faced hardships, challenges and adventures and grown into self-sufficient, capable young adults of whom I'm very proud.
I am thankful for this life and all the wonderful people it has caused me to meet and love over the years.
I am thankful for this life because it is so awesomely suited for MWC's talents and gifts, and has enabled him to serve our great country happily, proudly, and well.
I am thankful for this life because it has provided us with a financially stable life with job security in a time of such economic hardship for many others.
I am thankful that MWC is able to be there for Swan so she has at least one parent for her recital.
And mostly I am thankful for this life because it has caused me to continually look to the Lord for my joy and contentment, when my real nature would without a doubt seek those things in the temporary things of this world.
So today, I CHOOSE to be thankful.
So today I choose to be thankful for this military life in spite of the distance...and the ocean... it places between my Swan and me on such an important day for her.
I am thankful for this life that has grown a strong marriage for MWC and me through all of its new beginnings, trials, and adventures.
I am thankful for this life that has enabled me to see much of the world. I have been in 14 countries and 40 states. Not all of these have been related to our military life, but I can assure you that the list would be
SIGNIFICANTLY shorter without it.
I am thankful for this life that has helped us to be a close knit family. We've relied on each other through thick and thin and have always had each other when we've had to say good-bye to everyone else.
I am thankful for this life's contribution to my older children's independent, responsible characters. They have faced hardships, challenges and adventures and grown into self-sufficient, capable young adults of whom I'm very proud.
I am thankful for this life and all the wonderful people it has caused me to meet and love over the years.
I am thankful for this life because it is so awesomely suited for MWC's talents and gifts, and has enabled him to serve our great country happily, proudly, and well.
I am thankful for this life because it has provided us with a financially stable life with job security in a time of such economic hardship for many others.
I am thankful that MWC is able to be there for Swan so she has at least one parent for her recital.
And mostly I am thankful for this life because it has caused me to continually look to the Lord for my joy and contentment, when my real nature would without a doubt seek those things in the temporary things of this world.
So today, I CHOOSE to be thankful.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Conspicuous absence of boyish influence around our house these days
Today as I was sitting at the kitchen table doing schoolwork with 2 lovely young ladies...both in dresses, one with a headband and LARGE flower clip in her hair and the other in stylish boots that match her dress, I was reminded of a photograph of another young lady I sat with at the kitchen table once upon a time, and I had to chuckle...and wonder. Wonder just how much siblings and birth order really influence us.
You see, this young lady was raised sandwiched between two boys who loved anything Star Wars, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Knights and Dragons and military!
And lest Swan be scandalized that I would insinuate she has grown up to be a hatchet throwing lumberjack, I must include this picture to prove she does clean up rather nicely and is quite a lovely feminine young woman. (with a delightful sense of humor as well.)
You see, this young lady was raised sandwiched between two boys who loved anything Star Wars, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Knights and Dragons and military!
These 2 young ladies are growing up with just each other most of the time. It does make one wonder.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
An assignment is what you make it
There are two truths I try to live by, "there is no such thing as a bad assignment" and "an assignment is what you make it." Sometimes that is harder than others.
Moving to England has been such an assignment for me. I know its crazy, England is an AWESOME assignment. I know it but leaving my 3 adult children in the states has made it a huge challenge for me.
So each little perk of being in England has been an encouragment to me and a great reminder of God's blessings poured upon me amidst the challenges involved in this life as a military wife. Sailing with a new good friend. A lovely visit to a tearoom with Swan. An evening at the theater with friends. Multiple lunch invites by loving people anxious to welcome us to this new place. These are just a few highlights of the many perks we have already experienced in our short time here.
As if these were not enough, the Lord blessed me with the opportunity to see not one but two Olympic games. First we went to the USA v. Korea game, and as I blogged about earlier, I missed the one and only goal. Certainly a disappointment but the truth is, I was still at a USA Olympic game. Never in a million years, would I think that could happen to me.
Last night's USA semi-final game more than made up for that one missed goal. Being in a roaring crowd cheering for your country in a match that literally goes down to the last 30 seconds of overtime is a definite high. Even watching the recap in this video on BBC's Olympic site, brings back the adrenaline rush.
USA v. Canada Womens Olympic football recap
So while a winning football game can not fill the space in my heart and home that has been left empty by the absence of all my children being with me, it is a reminder to me of God's abundant mercy in blessing me fantastically with good things in spite of the sinful, thankless attitude that is way too often present in me.
Moving to England has been such an assignment for me. I know its crazy, England is an AWESOME assignment. I know it but leaving my 3 adult children in the states has made it a huge challenge for me.
So each little perk of being in England has been an encouragment to me and a great reminder of God's blessings poured upon me amidst the challenges involved in this life as a military wife. Sailing with a new good friend. A lovely visit to a tearoom with Swan. An evening at the theater with friends. Multiple lunch invites by loving people anxious to welcome us to this new place. These are just a few highlights of the many perks we have already experienced in our short time here.
As if these were not enough, the Lord blessed me with the opportunity to see not one but two Olympic games. First we went to the USA v. Korea game, and as I blogged about earlier, I missed the one and only goal. Certainly a disappointment but the truth is, I was still at a USA Olympic game. Never in a million years, would I think that could happen to me.
Last night's USA semi-final game more than made up for that one missed goal. Being in a roaring crowd cheering for your country in a match that literally goes down to the last 30 seconds of overtime is a definite high. Even watching the recap in this video on BBC's Olympic site, brings back the adrenaline rush.
USA v. Canada Womens Olympic football recap
So while a winning football game can not fill the space in my heart and home that has been left empty by the absence of all my children being with me, it is a reminder to me of God's abundant mercy in blessing me fantastically with good things in spite of the sinful, thankless attitude that is way too often present in me.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Priorities
This is a tough confession for a perfectionist like myself to make but here it is...
My house is dirty. Dust covers the furniture. Laundry needs to be done. Laundry needs to be folded and put away. Floors need to be cleaned. Clutter is piling up. Dishes are in the sink.
However, the dust, the dirt, and the laundry will all be here with me next week. My lovely Swan will not. So I will ignore the dirt and chaos taking over my home and spend time on the important things.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
One second of a once in a lifetime opportunity
That is what Swan keeps saying, "Mom it was only one important second you missed!" out of a 90 minute game its really not that bad....
Really??? So what "one important second" did I miss? The ONE and ONLY goal of the USA Women's soccer game against DPRKorea!
I had taken one very obedient little girl, who'd been told to "chug water so you're not thirsty during the game, drinks are expensive" out of the stadium to deal with the consequences of her sweet obedience. Among toilets flushing, I heard the crowd go wild. I'd told the man next to me they'd score when I left as I climbed over him. I thought I was only joking!!
Later in the game, when things were getting a little stressful, he asked me if I'd like to step out again. Uh, NO!!!
So, just how does one get over this disappointment?? One merely goes online and checks into purchasing tickets to another game. We'll be making a trek back for the semi-finals...and it could be quite the interesting game if the betting odds are correct, it'll be USA vs. UK!!
AND this time, there will be NO water bottles accessible to anyone prior to the game.
Really??? So what "one important second" did I miss? The ONE and ONLY goal of the USA Women's soccer game against DPRKorea!
I had taken one very obedient little girl, who'd been told to "chug water so you're not thirsty during the game, drinks are expensive" out of the stadium to deal with the consequences of her sweet obedience. Among toilets flushing, I heard the crowd go wild. I'd told the man next to me they'd score when I left as I climbed over him. I thought I was only joking!!
Later in the game, when things were getting a little stressful, he asked me if I'd like to step out again. Uh, NO!!!
So, just how does one get over this disappointment?? One merely goes online and checks into purchasing tickets to another game. We'll be making a trek back for the semi-finals...and it could be quite the interesting game if the betting odds are correct, it'll be USA vs. UK!!
AND this time, there will be NO water bottles accessible to anyone prior to the game.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Awwwwww!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Apparently, they were listening
My older children were raised on a steady diet of no xbox, no playstation, no cable TV, good books, frequent trips to the library, Playmobil toys and lots out outdoor play. Gameboys were only allowed on long trips (like 8 hour plane rides back to the US from Europe.)
For the most part, our children only complained a little. Unless you call being called "Amish Rednecks" for our old fashioned backwards way by one child a major complaint.
The first crack in our anti-electronics armor was Dance, Dance Revolution and an old used Playstation. For a long time, we held strong and kept our electronics to a minimum. Then we moved back to the US and our resolve started to crumble in the face of constant bombardment. (its easy to withstand bombardment when you live in a non-English speaking country and the only Americans around feel the same way you do.)
For the most part, our children only complained a little. Unless you call being called "Amish Rednecks" for our old fashioned backwards way by one child a major complaint.
Then came the little girls into a house with laptops, Internet, and video games. We have an Xbox, a Wii, more computers than I'll publicly admit, an IPad and multiple IPods. (we still are cable TV-less, but with Internet that's not that hard). Add to that an older mom who is more tired and lazier, and their entertainment diet has been way more laden with junk than the older three.
Swan and Clone have let us know their disappointment in this development (respectfully of course and they have valid points I'm ashamed, or proud depending on how you look at it, to say.)
I am proud though that they haven't just voiced their opinions and done nothing. During time home, Clone has frequently read the girls poetry and good literature. And over the Christmas break, we broke out the Playmobil castle and set it up.
The girls are pretty girlie girls though and the dollhouse would have been a better fit. We never had that but Swan did have most of the sets that go with it. So one evening, she and MWC got to work and the next morning Sunshine and Sweetness woke up to find this in Swan's room. Sweetness stayed put for over 2 hours playing happily. (Sunshine lasted an hour before the call of the Wii got too loud.)
So now, Sunshine and Sweetness have decided to use their Christmas money from Grandma to buy Playmobil dollhouse sets....instead of Webkins.
Sweet!!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
A Humbling Truth at Our House
Sunshine, yes the youngest of the lot around here, is a Checkers Whiz. She can be beaten (a few of us can claim that bragging right.) However its very hard and she can beat many of us...including yours truly.
There's no taking it easy on her when it comes to checkers, its all out war to defend one's honor. I mean, really, who wants to admit being beaten at checkers by a 7 year old.
Today, one of her brother's who shall remain nameless, experienced her checkers prowess.
As Swan and I cheered him on, Swan remarked, "you can't treat her like a little girl. Play Checkers and don't take it easy on her.: (She knows, as she is one of the victors in a match with Sunshine.)
To which, Sunshine replied, "It's okay, (bigbrotherwhoshallremain nameless) I'll treat you like a little boy."
There's no taking it easy on her when it comes to checkers, its all out war to defend one's honor. I mean, really, who wants to admit being beaten at checkers by a 7 year old.
Today, one of her brother's who shall remain nameless, experienced her checkers prowess.
As Swan and I cheered him on, Swan remarked, "you can't treat her like a little girl. Play Checkers and don't take it easy on her.: (She knows, as she is one of the victors in a match with Sunshine.)
To which, Sunshine replied, "It's okay, (bigbrotherwhoshallremain nameless) I'll treat you like a little boy."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
