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!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
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.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Irish Eyes
Greetings from the Emerald Isle! This is the first opportunity I have had to sit down and update my blog. It has been crazy busy since the plan touched down two weeks ago!
The journey to Ireland was long, long and long again...(did I mention it was LONG?) Anyone considering an international trip with three kids ages five and under might want to wait until they're a bit older. Whew!
The kids are having a blast playing with their cousins and being spoiled by their Granny and Grandad. I don't think my kids have eaten so much chocolate in their whole lives! Grandad sneaks them treats when he thinks I'm not looking.
We will fly over to England on Aug. 8. Our belongings will be delivered on Aug. 3 and Ciaran will get the essentials set up for us so it won't be such a big job. I'm very anxious to get unpacked and settled into our new home. I feel like I've been on a permanent vacation and I'm sick of living out of suitcases! I've compiled a list of the things I miss so far:
1. My BIG washer and dryer! It takes forever to dry clothes over here because they all go out on the line and most of the time they just get rained on.
2. Fred Meyers and Target.
3. Ice makers
4.Garbage disposals
5. Kid-friendly restaurants like Red Robin
6. Big bottles of ketchup at said restaurant
7. And free refills on your drinks
8. Colby Jack Cheese and Dr. Pepper
9. American toilets! I hate the way the European ones flush. Nothing ever really goes down!
10. My car! I hate being dependent on people to get around. Not that I would be doing much driving at the moment. Plus, I can actually fit all three car seats in the van. My in-laws have to drive around their camper in order to fit us all in!
11. Having hot water available 24-7.
12. And of course I miss all my wonderful friends in Newberg!
The journey to Ireland was long, long and long again...(did I mention it was LONG?) Anyone considering an international trip with three kids ages five and under might want to wait until they're a bit older. Whew!
The kids are having a blast playing with their cousins and being spoiled by their Granny and Grandad. I don't think my kids have eaten so much chocolate in their whole lives! Grandad sneaks them treats when he thinks I'm not looking.
We will fly over to England on Aug. 8. Our belongings will be delivered on Aug. 3 and Ciaran will get the essentials set up for us so it won't be such a big job. I'm very anxious to get unpacked and settled into our new home. I feel like I've been on a permanent vacation and I'm sick of living out of suitcases! I've compiled a list of the things I miss so far:
1. My BIG washer and dryer! It takes forever to dry clothes over here because they all go out on the line and most of the time they just get rained on.
2. Fred Meyers and Target.
3. Ice makers
4.Garbage disposals
5. Kid-friendly restaurants like Red Robin
6. Big bottles of ketchup at said restaurant
7. And free refills on your drinks
8. Colby Jack Cheese and Dr. Pepper
9. American toilets! I hate the way the European ones flush. Nothing ever really goes down!
10. My car! I hate being dependent on people to get around. Not that I would be doing much driving at the moment. Plus, I can actually fit all three car seats in the van. My in-laws have to drive around their camper in order to fit us all in!
11. Having hot water available 24-7.
12. And of course I miss all my wonderful friends in Newberg!
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