cough.
Fighting ickie sickes.
Losing.
cough.
ETA: totally whining.
we're fine.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Duh, Mom!
Miss Becky and I stayed home from church today. She wasn't feeling well, and since I didn't have to teach (and Troy did) it was easily decided that I would stay home
Well, Becky was regulated to the couch to sip ginger ale and watch cartoons, and she is quiet adept at the remote.
At one point, when I went in to check on her, she was watching Sesame Street. Bert and Ernie (mostly Ernie) were singing a song, and many of the words that I could hear were in Spanish.
"Hummm." I thought. I know Sesame Street likes to be diverse so I didn't think much of it...at least until I went back in to check on Becky and she was now watching a documentary about desert life, which was also in Spanish.
Only then did I realize that she was actually watching the Spanish Language channel.
I asked her why she was watching this channel, she said, "Well...Elmo was on."
Oh. Of course. Duh, Mom!
ps. Becky is much improved. Must have been a fluke.
Well, Becky was regulated to the couch to sip ginger ale and watch cartoons, and she is quiet adept at the remote.
At one point, when I went in to check on her, she was watching Sesame Street. Bert and Ernie (mostly Ernie) were singing a song, and many of the words that I could hear were in Spanish.
"Hummm." I thought. I know Sesame Street likes to be diverse so I didn't think much of it...at least until I went back in to check on Becky and she was now watching a documentary about desert life, which was also in Spanish.
Only then did I realize that she was actually watching the Spanish Language channel.
I asked her why she was watching this channel, she said, "Well...Elmo was on."
Oh. Of course. Duh, Mom!
ps. Becky is much improved. Must have been a fluke.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Magic Hours
It took me a while to adjust to the time when we got back from Greece.
It actually took long enough that I am on an entirely new schedule...and it has taken some adjusting.
I have always had people ask...how do you get so much done in the day?
Not that I get a lot done, but others seems to think so. LOL!
Well, I used to get up around 7:30 am. Then I would see the kids off to school and go about my day. Then...after putting the kids to bed, I would stay up until midnight or one.
I can get more done between 9 pm and midnight than I can in the entire rest of the day. There is no one following me around, no one saying "mommy" every 3 seconds, and just a lot of blissful quiet in my house -- something that is in short supply around here.
Well...I have been trying to get up between 5 am and 6 am. And holy cow...by like 9:30 pm it's all I can do to keep my eyes open.
I have found that this new schedule actually works really well for the family. We are a lot let stressed in the morning...and it gives me time to organize the rest of my day.
We are also trying not to eat out...so home cooked meals every night.
Troy is wondering where his wife went...and who I really am. LOL!
But...with my magic hours gone...I am getting less done...and it has been hard to get used to.
But...it's working for the family, and right now, that's what is really most important.
big sigh. :)
It actually took long enough that I am on an entirely new schedule...and it has taken some adjusting.
I have always had people ask...how do you get so much done in the day?
Not that I get a lot done, but others seems to think so. LOL!
Well, I used to get up around 7:30 am. Then I would see the kids off to school and go about my day. Then...after putting the kids to bed, I would stay up until midnight or one.
I can get more done between 9 pm and midnight than I can in the entire rest of the day. There is no one following me around, no one saying "mommy" every 3 seconds, and just a lot of blissful quiet in my house -- something that is in short supply around here.
Well...I have been trying to get up between 5 am and 6 am. And holy cow...by like 9:30 pm it's all I can do to keep my eyes open.
I have found that this new schedule actually works really well for the family. We are a lot let stressed in the morning...and it gives me time to organize the rest of my day.
We are also trying not to eat out...so home cooked meals every night.
Troy is wondering where his wife went...and who I really am. LOL!
But...with my magic hours gone...I am getting less done...and it has been hard to get used to.
But...it's working for the family, and right now, that's what is really most important.
big sigh. :)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Cause It Looked Inviting
So...i've been able to go from way too many photos (Greece) to not even one photo (today).
I was getting in the shower this morning. I turned it on to let it warm up a little...and the phone rang.
I went to answer the phone and when I got back...Katie was enjoying my nice warm shower...fully clothed right down to her socks.
Ack.
And me with no camera!
Oh well...picture it in your mind...um...you know...the part where KATIE is in the shower.
I was getting in the shower this morning. I turned it on to let it warm up a little...and the phone rang.
I went to answer the phone and when I got back...Katie was enjoying my nice warm shower...fully clothed right down to her socks.
Ack.
And me with no camera!
Oh well...picture it in your mind...um...you know...the part where KATIE is in the shower.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Photo Overload, Final Installment (Phew)
Okay...last set of photos.
These are from our tour of Delphi.
These are from our tour of Delphi.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Photo Overload, Part 3
More...I know...almost done.
National Gardens
Island Cruise
I was thinking of my friend Amy when I took these bird photos (I don't have what it takes to enter her bird photo contest...but it was fun to try and put her tips into action.)
Temple of Afea
National Gardens
Island Cruise
I was thinking of my friend Amy when I took these bird photos (I don't have what it takes to enter her bird photo contest...but it was fun to try and put her tips into action.)
Temple of Afea
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Photo Overload, Part 2
Here's a few more.
The Parthenon.
New Museum of the Acropolis
Temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient Agora
Hadrian's Library
Temple of Zeus
Hadrian's Arch
The Parthenon.
New Museum of the Acropolis
Temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient Agora
Hadrian's Library
Temple of Zeus
Hadrian's Arch
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Photo Overload, Part 1
I have had some people ask for more photos of Greece...so I have been trying to get some processed...and posted.
So...here is the first installment of Greece, in all her glory.
The Temple of Poseidon
The Acropolis
And...since I haven't finished processing all my photos of the Acropolis...i'll give you a break and stop there.
By the way...do you like the new, bigger photos? Can you see them okay? Do they fit on your screen? Let me know.
xo
So...here is the first installment of Greece, in all her glory.
The Temple of Poseidon
The Acropolis
And...since I haven't finished processing all my photos of the Acropolis...i'll give you a break and stop there.
By the way...do you like the new, bigger photos? Can you see them okay? Do they fit on your screen? Let me know.
xo
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Fat and Happy
I'm glad to be home.
The kids were so happy to see us and we were equally happy to see the kids.
They were all doing fine and had a really good time with grandma and grandpa.
Especially since...grandma indulged them like crazy. (She had bought them a five pound bag of chocolate before we left...which was gone...and had to go out and buy two more pounds. lol!
I hope the kids are going to be okay with then end of the gravy train -- or the chocolate train, as the case may be.
So, we are trying to get back into the swing of things...getting FIVE kids to school is WORK! lol!
Five kids, you say?
Yes.
Because Miss Becky started preschool yesterday.
She was so excited...especially since she has Mrs. B - who was also Josh's teacher.
I can't believe how big she is!
All the kids seemed taller and older after being gone from them only a week.
Why does that happen?
The kids were so happy to see us and we were equally happy to see the kids.
They were all doing fine and had a really good time with grandma and grandpa.
Especially since...grandma indulged them like crazy. (She had bought them a five pound bag of chocolate before we left...which was gone...and had to go out and buy two more pounds. lol!
I hope the kids are going to be okay with then end of the gravy train -- or the chocolate train, as the case may be.
So, we are trying to get back into the swing of things...getting FIVE kids to school is WORK! lol!
Five kids, you say?
Yes.
Because Miss Becky started preschool yesterday.
She was so excited...especially since she has Mrs. B - who was also Josh's teacher.
I can't believe how big she is!
All the kids seemed taller and older after being gone from them only a week.
Why does that happen?
Greece is the One
Greece was amazing.
Our last day was spent just doing a little more sightseeing and I got to meet my friend Lina and her husband Apostolos.
What an amazing opportunity to meet an online friend...and she was just lovely. We had so much fun with Lina and her husband. It was funny too...because we were delighted at the similarities in our husbands...both in looks and disposition.
What do you think...they could be brothers, don't you think?
I'm so glad I got to go on this trip. It was simply amazing.
And I'm super grateful to my parents for making it possible. They left this morning for the rest of their adventure...and I hope they have a marvelous time!
Our last day was spent just doing a little more sightseeing and I got to meet my friend Lina and her husband Apostolos.
What an amazing opportunity to meet an online friend...and she was just lovely. We had so much fun with Lina and her husband. It was funny too...because we were delighted at the similarities in our husbands...both in looks and disposition.
What do you think...they could be brothers, don't you think?
I'm so glad I got to go on this trip. It was simply amazing.
And I'm super grateful to my parents for making it possible. They left this morning for the rest of their adventure...and I hope they have a marvelous time!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Almost Time
We are nearing the end of our trip...and it has been so great.
I was able to talk to the children...and they (and grandma and grandpa) are doing really well.
The kids were excited to tell me about their first day of school. Everyone enjoyed their classes and their teachers. We are hoping for a great school year.
I am looking forward to getting back and seeing them!!!
Greece has been a revelation. It is really beautiful and really not at the same time. The ancient buildings and history here is just incredible. I mean...seriously...to walk in the steps of the ancients is no small thing.
But modern Athens is crowded and polluted...with graffiti on just about everything -- even some of the momuments!
It's been fun to get to know the Greeks. Many speak English, which is so nice...and I love how things translate...on one of the tours the guide wanted us to raise our hand...but instead said we should raise our fingers.
I have walked a good portion of the old sections of Athens. In addition to the antiquities...I was able to visit some of the Olympic sites from the 2004 games.
It was pretty cool. I can only imagine what it must have been like during the games.
We were also able to go on a tour of the New Acropolis Museum...I wish I had photos...but they do not allow cameras.
The temples are beautiful to see, but it was the relics they were able to preserve that are truly amazing. The sculpture and carvings are so amazing and detailed...and 2600 years old.
How unbelieveable is it that something can last that long?
After the tour of the museum we were able to have dinner in a lovely restaurant across from the Acropolis.
How's that for a view?
Then yesterday I was able to take a cruise to some of the closer islands. We visited Poros, Hydra, and Aegina.
And while it was lovely...I think this is how I want to travel should we ever return to Greece. (My friend Monique is doing just this next week...I can't wait to see the photos!
While on the cruise we were able to visit the Temple of Afea...another of the temples dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Finally, Troy finished up work today and we were able to take a tour to Delphi. Wow. This was one of the neatest things we have done.
We went to visit the Temple of the Oracle of Delphi. What an amazing complex.
Tomorrow we are going to finish up in Athens and even meet an online scrapbooking friend.
Then it's home and real life.
I'm looking forward to both!
I was able to talk to the children...and they (and grandma and grandpa) are doing really well.
The kids were excited to tell me about their first day of school. Everyone enjoyed their classes and their teachers. We are hoping for a great school year.
I am looking forward to getting back and seeing them!!!
Greece has been a revelation. It is really beautiful and really not at the same time. The ancient buildings and history here is just incredible. I mean...seriously...to walk in the steps of the ancients is no small thing.
But modern Athens is crowded and polluted...with graffiti on just about everything -- even some of the momuments!
It's been fun to get to know the Greeks. Many speak English, which is so nice...and I love how things translate...on one of the tours the guide wanted us to raise our hand...but instead said we should raise our fingers.
I have walked a good portion of the old sections of Athens. In addition to the antiquities...I was able to visit some of the Olympic sites from the 2004 games.
It was pretty cool. I can only imagine what it must have been like during the games.
We were also able to go on a tour of the New Acropolis Museum...I wish I had photos...but they do not allow cameras.
The temples are beautiful to see, but it was the relics they were able to preserve that are truly amazing. The sculpture and carvings are so amazing and detailed...and 2600 years old.
How unbelieveable is it that something can last that long?
After the tour of the museum we were able to have dinner in a lovely restaurant across from the Acropolis.
How's that for a view?
Then yesterday I was able to take a cruise to some of the closer islands. We visited Poros, Hydra, and Aegina.
And while it was lovely...I think this is how I want to travel should we ever return to Greece. (My friend Monique is doing just this next week...I can't wait to see the photos!
While on the cruise we were able to visit the Temple of Afea...another of the temples dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Finally, Troy finished up work today and we were able to take a tour to Delphi. Wow. This was one of the neatest things we have done.
We went to visit the Temple of the Oracle of Delphi. What an amazing complex.
Tomorrow we are going to finish up in Athens and even meet an online scrapbooking friend.
Then it's home and real life.
I'm looking forward to both!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
OPA!
Well...as I sit here blogging from Greece...i'm thinking I could get used to this.
I feel so lucky to be here and so grateful to my parents for being willing to watch the kids. I'm sorry to miss the first week of school, but I know the kids are in good hands.
I have already had such amazing experiences...I don't think I ever thought that I would be able do something like this.
Yesterday, we were able to take a trip down to the southern most part of Greece to a city called Sounion, where we saw the Temple of Poseidon.
Can I just say holy cow awesome!!!! This temple has stood since the 5th Century BC...and has seens hundreds of years come and go...even Lord Byron was inspired by the sight and carved his name on the temple (naughty!).
We were able to explore the area and even watch the sunset.
Today, Troy worked all day...so I headed off the city by myself.
I was able to see the Acropolis including the really spectacular Parthenon.
This photo was taken from Areopagus...a limestone rock where Paul the Apostle delievered one of his famous speeches.
Seriously.
I also visited the Odeon of Herodes, the Theatre of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Ancient Agora, the Plaka, and Syntagma Square.
It was here in the Square I was able to see the tomb of the Unknown Solider (in front of the Parliament Building) and see the fabulous changing of the Greek Guard.
Do me a favor...if you see my kids...give them a hug for me!
I feel so lucky to be here and so grateful to my parents for being willing to watch the kids. I'm sorry to miss the first week of school, but I know the kids are in good hands.
I have already had such amazing experiences...I don't think I ever thought that I would be able do something like this.
Yesterday, we were able to take a trip down to the southern most part of Greece to a city called Sounion, where we saw the Temple of Poseidon.
Can I just say holy cow awesome!!!! This temple has stood since the 5th Century BC...and has seens hundreds of years come and go...even Lord Byron was inspired by the sight and carved his name on the temple (naughty!).
We were able to explore the area and even watch the sunset.
Today, Troy worked all day...so I headed off the city by myself.
I was able to see the Acropolis including the really spectacular Parthenon.
This photo was taken from Areopagus...a limestone rock where Paul the Apostle delievered one of his famous speeches.
Seriously.
I also visited the Odeon of Herodes, the Theatre of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Ancient Agora, the Plaka, and Syntagma Square.
It was here in the Square I was able to see the tomb of the Unknown Solider (in front of the Parliament Building) and see the fabulous changing of the Greek Guard.
Do me a favor...if you see my kids...give them a hug for me!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
So Long, Farewell
The school supplies are ready.
The house is clean.
My parents are here.
I'm not packed, but there is plenty of time.
Tomorrow I will be here:
And Monday morning I will be here:
Can't wait to take some photos!
The house is clean.
My parents are here.
I'm not packed, but there is plenty of time.
Tomorrow I will be here:
And Monday morning I will be here:
Can't wait to take some photos!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
My Day: In a Nutshell
You know how you are getting ready for the trip of a lifetime...and the kids are supposed to start their first day of school while you are gone...and stuff starts to break down...and the car needs maintenance...and your son has a scout campout...and the school is calling to tell you that they are messing with you and there isn't anything you can do about it...and your parents are coming...and you've been cleaning and organizing for days...and book group is tonight...and one more thing might push you over the edge?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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