So Halloween was a big disappointment. No pumpkin patches, barely any trick-or-treating or other age appropriate activities to partake in. It was a given that Thanksgiving was going to be less than memorable, so I was really looking forward to Christmas. That's what I get for being optimistic.
We all loaded up in the car today to seek out the perfect tree. The kids were giddy with excitement and Ciaran was sporting his festive Santa hat. I had visions of decorating our perfect tree with Christmas music playing softly in the background and the smell of cookies baking in the oven dancing in my head.
First stop: the local DIY store (think a scaled-down version of Home Depot). Hmmm...lot's of very expensive Charlie Brown-type trees. Not to fear! There has to be a store with a better selection within a 20 mile radius, right?
Lot's of driving, whining and bickering ensue as we continue our stalwart search. Well, it's now 5:00 pm and there's no tree, no Christmas carols and no cookies. As a consolation prize I am eating Cadbury's chocolate (one of the few perks of living in England; Cadbury Land is less than an hour from here!) and contemplating canceling Christmas. OK, I know Christmas isn't about the tree and I should be relieved to be free of all the commercialized craziness that erupts the second the last serving of Thanksgiving turkey is dished out. Bah Humbug! I want my stinking tree!
So on a slightly more positive note, Emma's class put on a marvelous Christmas program the other day. They could actually say "Jesus" and have little four-year-old Mary and Joseph trip up the aisle to the stage to stare shyly at the audience while the array of angels look on with crooked halos and flushed cheeks! It was so nice to be able to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas without fear of recrimination. And before you ask...yes they attend public school.
I guess it all boils down to the fact that I am so very homesick right now. Even this familiar season seems strange and removed to me. Maybe once we do find our slightly less than perfect tree, which my kids will be just as excited to decorate as any other tree, I'll start feeling more of the Christmas spirit. Until then, pass me the Cadburys please!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Rain, Rain go AWAY!
I feel like I'm living in a swimming pool. Or maybe inside a fishbowl. It has been nothing but wind and rain for at least two weeks and I'm sick of it! OK, I know it rains a lot in Oregon, but it couldn't have been this bad (could it?)
My poor parents couldn't have picked a worse time to come visit. The weather sucks and everyone in my family except me is sick. We are cooped up in our too small house, watching too much T.V. And it sounds like a TB ward in here with all the hacking and coughing. I feel like a terrible host and tour guide. My parents have seen my kids' school, various local grocery stores and my gym! I bet they're glad they came all the way to England to check out the price of cereal, bread and milk!
Despite all my grumblings, it has been nice having them here. I won't know what to do with myself when they leave in December. I think I managed to suppress all my homesickness until they arrived. Now it's all flooding back along with the rain! We need some sun ASAP!
My poor parents couldn't have picked a worse time to come visit. The weather sucks and everyone in my family except me is sick. We are cooped up in our too small house, watching too much T.V. And it sounds like a TB ward in here with all the hacking and coughing. I feel like a terrible host and tour guide. My parents have seen my kids' school, various local grocery stores and my gym! I bet they're glad they came all the way to England to check out the price of cereal, bread and milk!
Despite all my grumblings, it has been nice having them here. I won't know what to do with myself when they leave in December. I think I managed to suppress all my homesickness until they arrived. Now it's all flooding back along with the rain! We need some sun ASAP!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Where are you Great Pumpkin?!
October has always been my favorite month. I just love the fall. The colors, the spicy tang in the air that seems to herald the changing of the seasons. Crunching dried leaves as you enjoy a stroll through a crisp, sunny autum day.
To me the highlight of October is the inevitable visit to the pumpkin patch. I think I enjoy it more than the kids! The excitement of finding that one special pumpkin out of a sea of orange orbs is one of those pure moments that you hold onto throughout the coming winter months.
I was really looking forward to discovering what England had to offer in the way of pumpkin patches. Sigh! Just like Linus, it looks like I'll be left wanting this Halloween season. I have been informed that there is no such thing as a pumpkin patch here in the U.K. Drat! I'm not even sure you can buy a pumpkin from the grocery store here. Just one more thing to add to my ever expanding list of things I miss about the U.S.A.!
To me the highlight of October is the inevitable visit to the pumpkin patch. I think I enjoy it more than the kids! The excitement of finding that one special pumpkin out of a sea of orange orbs is one of those pure moments that you hold onto throughout the coming winter months.
I was really looking forward to discovering what England had to offer in the way of pumpkin patches. Sigh! Just like Linus, it looks like I'll be left wanting this Halloween season. I have been informed that there is no such thing as a pumpkin patch here in the U.K. Drat! I'm not even sure you can buy a pumpkin from the grocery store here. Just one more thing to add to my ever expanding list of things I miss about the U.S.A.!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Mummy, I have the most brilliant idea!
We all wondered when it would happen. I suppose it's inevitable. It's only natural.
Aine and Emma are starting to pick up an English accent! At first I thought I was imagining it, but they are definitely starting to change their inflections and pronounciations. Aine seems to be picking it up more so than Emma. It cracks me up to hear them use the English vernacular in their conversations. "It was brilliant, mummy!" "Thank you ever so much." "I'm feeling very poorly!" "I'm absolutely shattered!"
It will be interesting to see how people react when we come back for a visit. I'm not sure when that will be, but hopefully soon. I miss home so much sometimes it's like a hole in my chest. I'm afraid that when we do come back, it will be hard to get back in the swing of things. People will have moved on or moved away. Don't forget about me, ok!?
Aine and Emma are starting to pick up an English accent! At first I thought I was imagining it, but they are definitely starting to change their inflections and pronounciations. Aine seems to be picking it up more so than Emma. It cracks me up to hear them use the English vernacular in their conversations. "It was brilliant, mummy!" "Thank you ever so much." "I'm feeling very poorly!" "I'm absolutely shattered!"
It will be interesting to see how people react when we come back for a visit. I'm not sure when that will be, but hopefully soon. I miss home so much sometimes it's like a hole in my chest. I'm afraid that when we do come back, it will be hard to get back in the swing of things. People will have moved on or moved away. Don't forget about me, ok!?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Hello World!
So much has happened since my last post, I don't even know where to begin! Our shipment of belongings was delayed due to an unexpected re-route to Rotterdam. That threw us a bit off schedule, but a long last we were able to move into our house. First impressions: Giants moving into a dollhouse. Everything in England seems to be smaller than in the States. I had to buy new baking trays because mine wouldn't fit into the oven! The first two weeks here were tough ones. Lot's of crying, stress and emotion on my part. The kids were excited and happy to be reunited with all their toys, but quickly became bored and whiny. Ciaran and I spent our anniversary arguing at Ikea.
Our phone and computer didn't get hooked up until just recently, so I have been feeling very isolated and trapped. Driving is easier now, but in those first weeks, we were pretty much dependent on Ciaran to take us places.
Today is Emma's first day of school and Aine started last week. I was really looking forward to the kids starting school so I could have a bit of peace and quiet. I can't believe how much I miss them already. I know they're safe, but as a mother, you always feel your kids are safer and more protected in your own care. Emma and Aine are very cute in their school uniforms! It's nice not having to worry about what your kids are going to wear everyday.
I'm still navigating the new school system; learning what things are called and how things are done. I think kids are expected to be more independent here than in the States. Aine's teachers must be sick of me and all my questions, but I'm terrified of Aine getting looked over, left out or made to feel she isn't smart enough for "English school". Although I would never have the patience or discipline to home school, I'm so close to hopping in the car to go bring my babies home! Is it me or does it seem like it's inappropriate for 6 year-olds to change for P.E. in the same room as those of the opposite gender? I know most kids at that age are pretty innocent, but it's still bothering me, nonetheless. And while I'm on the subject, since when do kids that young dress down for P.E.? I didn't have to bring gym clothes to school until I was in junior high. Maybe that's the norm here, but I've been trying to figure out how to broach the subject with Aine's teacher without coming off like I'm accusing them of doing something wrong. Also, the kids in Aine's class are going on an overnight stay at some camp in October. Aine is thrilled with the notion of a class "sleepover". I am, however, less than excited about my barely 6 yr. old going on an overnighter. Am I being too protective and nuerotic or is it time to cut the apron strings and have some faith in the people I have entrusted to educate my daughter?
Our phone and computer didn't get hooked up until just recently, so I have been feeling very isolated and trapped. Driving is easier now, but in those first weeks, we were pretty much dependent on Ciaran to take us places.
Today is Emma's first day of school and Aine started last week. I was really looking forward to the kids starting school so I could have a bit of peace and quiet. I can't believe how much I miss them already. I know they're safe, but as a mother, you always feel your kids are safer and more protected in your own care. Emma and Aine are very cute in their school uniforms! It's nice not having to worry about what your kids are going to wear everyday.
I'm still navigating the new school system; learning what things are called and how things are done. I think kids are expected to be more independent here than in the States. Aine's teachers must be sick of me and all my questions, but I'm terrified of Aine getting looked over, left out or made to feel she isn't smart enough for "English school". Although I would never have the patience or discipline to home school, I'm so close to hopping in the car to go bring my babies home! Is it me or does it seem like it's inappropriate for 6 year-olds to change for P.E. in the same room as those of the opposite gender? I know most kids at that age are pretty innocent, but it's still bothering me, nonetheless. And while I'm on the subject, since when do kids that young dress down for P.E.? I didn't have to bring gym clothes to school until I was in junior high. Maybe that's the norm here, but I've been trying to figure out how to broach the subject with Aine's teacher without coming off like I'm accusing them of doing something wrong. Also, the kids in Aine's class are going on an overnight stay at some camp in October. Aine is thrilled with the notion of a class "sleepover". I am, however, less than excited about my barely 6 yr. old going on an overnighter. Am I being too protective and nuerotic or is it time to cut the apron strings and have some faith in the people I have entrusted to educate my daughter?
Friday, July 31, 2009
I Wanna GO HOME!
Dorothy had it right...there's no place like home and I'm missing the good old US of A like crazy. The little quirks and eccentricities that make other places charming quickly lose their charm when you stay longer than the typical tourist.
I can't even make a grilled cheese sandwich for my kids because everything is so different. The kids don't like the taste of the cheese, the bread has a weird, almost burnt crust, I can't figure out the freakin' stove, the margarine won't spread without ripping said bread to shreds and all my mother-in-laws pans are so worn the Teflon is gone and everything sticks. Aine said her sandwich tasted like soggy bread with no cheese.
I wanted to throw myself down on the ground and cry like an overtired child in full tantrum mode. I seriously considered doing it too, but I thought my mother-in-law wouldn't appreciate finding me flailing about wildly on her kitchen floor!
I think I really took for granted all the advantages we have in the United States. Ireland is by no means a third-world country, but you would be surprised to discover all the things you can't get over here. Maybe I'm a spoiled, indulged American. Maybe I should learn to live more simply. Maybe things will be better when I'm in my own house surrounded by my own things.
The honeymoon is over and I'm sure my in-laws are ready to see us off at the airport as well! Don't get me wrong, they are so generous. However, you get to a point where you just need to be in your own space. It doesn't help that it's been raining for the past week, the kids all have colds and are bored with their limited toy and movie supply.
We did have a few nice days and were able to go to Galway where Ciaran and I first met. I tried to post pictures here, but I am thwarted yet again by something that doesn't work like it does in the states. My internet connection here is not the best. I managed to get some on Facebook, so if you are interested they are on my page.
I can't even make a grilled cheese sandwich for my kids because everything is so different. The kids don't like the taste of the cheese, the bread has a weird, almost burnt crust, I can't figure out the freakin' stove, the margarine won't spread without ripping said bread to shreds and all my mother-in-laws pans are so worn the Teflon is gone and everything sticks. Aine said her sandwich tasted like soggy bread with no cheese.
I wanted to throw myself down on the ground and cry like an overtired child in full tantrum mode. I seriously considered doing it too, but I thought my mother-in-law wouldn't appreciate finding me flailing about wildly on her kitchen floor!
I think I really took for granted all the advantages we have in the United States. Ireland is by no means a third-world country, but you would be surprised to discover all the things you can't get over here. Maybe I'm a spoiled, indulged American. Maybe I should learn to live more simply. Maybe things will be better when I'm in my own house surrounded by my own things.
The honeymoon is over and I'm sure my in-laws are ready to see us off at the airport as well! Don't get me wrong, they are so generous. However, you get to a point where you just need to be in your own space. It doesn't help that it's been raining for the past week, the kids all have colds and are bored with their limited toy and movie supply.
We did have a few nice days and were able to go to Galway where Ciaran and I first met. I tried to post pictures here, but I am thwarted yet again by something that doesn't work like it does in the states. My internet connection here is not the best. I managed to get some on Facebook, so if you are interested they are on my page.
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