This will be my final posting for 2009, unless something radical changes and they come and visit us for a holiday. John and I haven't stopped since the girls left. We have both been working every night till 9ish on the opera for the company here in town. (I'm on the board and John is the set designer)
Wednesday and Thursday mornings Pappagano ran into the girl's room looking for them. Then came trotting out, with an expression of "where are my toys?". He is obviously missing his playmates, they kept him running when his sisters were tired.
My last funny story is courtesy of the younger one. They were really good one day, and I said in passing, "I'm going to have to tell your mom about this."
Y.O. - Do you tell mom everything
Me - Not everything, but if you're really good, or if you get a time out I tell her
Y.O. - Maybe you could just tell her the good stuff only, from now one
Farewell till next year!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
One would think I would be at work on time
All was very unusual this morning. We slept for an additional 45 minutes, then lazily got out of bed. Rather than jumping to attention, opening the door to find a sweet 7 year old waiting to walk the dog. This morning was the normal morning routine, except it was SO quiet. I watched the news and got wrapped up with some story that normally I would read about later. One would think I would get out on time, but no I was 10 minutes late leaving. Fortunately our back gate is working again and I didn't have to deal with the construction traffic so I was still early for work.
John and I were very busy last night we took down their bed and moved the furniture around to return the bedroom to an office. Unlike last year we only have 3 things that are missing a car charger, and 2 socks, I am pleased to announce we now only have 1 thing missing (charger). The socks must have been at the bottom of the bed in the bedding because when we ripped it off the bed last night 2 socks went coasting through the air. Now, I have to be good and not take 6 months to mail them back!
I was talking to my friend last night, who asked about the girls and she reminded me of a really funny story. Last Thursday night we all went out to meet up with a group of friends at Buffalo Wild Wings. As we were leaving the older one looked at me and said, "you and Miss Kayla are two peeps in a pod". *sigh* I miss them so much already.
John and I were very busy last night we took down their bed and moved the furniture around to return the bedroom to an office. Unlike last year we only have 3 things that are missing a car charger, and 2 socks, I am pleased to announce we now only have 1 thing missing (charger). The socks must have been at the bottom of the bed in the bedding because when we ripped it off the bed last night 2 socks went coasting through the air. Now, I have to be good and not take 6 months to mail them back!
I was talking to my friend last night, who asked about the girls and she reminded me of a really funny story. Last Thursday night we all went out to meet up with a group of friends at Buffalo Wild Wings. As we were leaving the older one looked at me and said, "you and Miss Kayla are two peeps in a pod". *sigh* I miss them so much already.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Chickens Have Landed
I know John and I are going to be DRAGGING this afternoon and evening, but once again the girls surpassed our expectations. John and I awoke at 3:45 this morning to start the day, 15 minutes later I woke the girls up. They sprang into action. One got dressed, while the other brushed their teeth then they switched places, they were little machines this morning. I think the knowledge that their mother's arms was only a few hours away was the driving force.
We experimented with introducing new foods again this summer. I don't know why I torture myself, well us, but I'm glad people did it for me, so I'm passing it along. Asparagus, roast beef, steak (the little one "doesn't like red meat" or so she thought), squash, broccoli, crawfish, etc. Most were met with some resistance by the younger one, who then rates everything, "I'm 50% on this", she says. We did fib a little the other night when we were having grilled squash, they both looked at it and said that they didn't like it. They didn't know what it was either. I told them it was European french fries. I confessed today that in America we call it squash though, and that we didn't like it as kids, so they should try it again as adults. I'm sure in 5-10 years they'll put two and two together and laugh about it.
Their bags were packed to the gills, I hope their mother is able to disseminate all of it, I don't know that I could. They insisted on taking home two shoe boxes that took up a ton of space, they also housed their masks from New Orleans. Completely freaked them out when I put underwear and socks in their shoes, "Ew gross", I believe was the direct quote. The older one is missing two socks too, a pink and a yellow one. I have NO idea where they are. We're dismantling their bed tonight and hopefully they'll show up.
I admit to shedding a tear at the airport this morning, once when they got on the plane and then when the plane took off (we could see it from the window). As soon as they were called up they never looked back, they are ready for their Mom and Dad who I know were anxiously awaiting their arrival.
We experimented with introducing new foods again this summer. I don't know why I torture myself, well us, but I'm glad people did it for me, so I'm passing it along. Asparagus, roast beef, steak (the little one "doesn't like red meat" or so she thought), squash, broccoli, crawfish, etc. Most were met with some resistance by the younger one, who then rates everything, "I'm 50% on this", she says. We did fib a little the other night when we were having grilled squash, they both looked at it and said that they didn't like it. They didn't know what it was either. I told them it was European french fries. I confessed today that in America we call it squash though, and that we didn't like it as kids, so they should try it again as adults. I'm sure in 5-10 years they'll put two and two together and laugh about it.
Their bags were packed to the gills, I hope their mother is able to disseminate all of it, I don't know that I could. They insisted on taking home two shoe boxes that took up a ton of space, they also housed their masks from New Orleans. Completely freaked them out when I put underwear and socks in their shoes, "Ew gross", I believe was the direct quote. The older one is missing two socks too, a pink and a yellow one. I have NO idea where they are. We're dismantling their bed tonight and hopefully they'll show up.
I admit to shedding a tear at the airport this morning, once when they got on the plane and then when the plane took off (we could see it from the window). As soon as they were called up they never looked back, they are ready for their Mom and Dad who I know were anxiously awaiting their arrival.
Monday, June 22, 2009
The End is Near
The girls leave tomorrow, I can't believe it's been two weeks already. They are so much fun and it's great (for me at least) to spend this quality time with them. I hope they have memories that will last forever.
Saturday was a little bit of a trial. The older one was on an emotional roller coaster, "I want to stay longer" an hour later she's sobbing, "I want to go home NOW". John and I were sitting looking at one another making sure we didn't screw up along the way. I think the bottom line was a combination of exhaustion, anxiety, and hormones. Poor kid, I have enough problems with controlling my own mood swings, I can't imagine being 9 and doing it! After we all rested or napped we had "our girl" back, and we went to a friends house for a BBQ. Where the 6 kids ran around like wild children, which is EXACTLY what 6 kids should do on a hot summer night.
Sunday morning we headed to New Orleans for beignets, a carriage ride and the market. We had gone the weekend before, but the combination of the crowds and heat were too much so we left and decided to get an earlier start this week. Our neighbor and John's former co-worker, Lisa came with us too. The girls LOVED her, her stories, and her riding in the back with them.
At Cafe Du Monde, everyone was properly dusted in a layer of powdered sugar. We tried to eat them without incident or mess, but no amount of napkins can provide adequate coverage. Next we took a carriage ride around the French Quarter, which is where we realized how tired they both were. Once we were done on the ride we briskly walked to the French market and picked up some souvenirs for everyone. I was awful last week, and didn't get a post card for the younger one's best friend, I hope the magnet will make up for it.
The car ride home might be the best part of the entire trip for the girls. Lisa, used to work as a sewer for Disney as well as The Muppets. She said something about working with Miley Cyrus and the girls were mezmorized for the rest of the trip home. Their expressions were priceless too, compltely star struck. Then it came out that she had worked with most of the really popular Disney stars of today and the girls were giddy. I truly think the car ride home yesterday was the best part of their vacation.
I have several more stories, so I'll probably keep blogging after they leave, but that's enough for one day.
Saturday was a little bit of a trial. The older one was on an emotional roller coaster, "I want to stay longer" an hour later she's sobbing, "I want to go home NOW". John and I were sitting looking at one another making sure we didn't screw up along the way. I think the bottom line was a combination of exhaustion, anxiety, and hormones. Poor kid, I have enough problems with controlling my own mood swings, I can't imagine being 9 and doing it! After we all rested or napped we had "our girl" back, and we went to a friends house for a BBQ. Where the 6 kids ran around like wild children, which is EXACTLY what 6 kids should do on a hot summer night.
Sunday morning we headed to New Orleans for beignets, a carriage ride and the market. We had gone the weekend before, but the combination of the crowds and heat were too much so we left and decided to get an earlier start this week. Our neighbor and John's former co-worker, Lisa came with us too. The girls LOVED her, her stories, and her riding in the back with them.
At Cafe Du Monde, everyone was properly dusted in a layer of powdered sugar. We tried to eat them without incident or mess, but no amount of napkins can provide adequate coverage. Next we took a carriage ride around the French Quarter, which is where we realized how tired they both were. Once we were done on the ride we briskly walked to the French market and picked up some souvenirs for everyone. I was awful last week, and didn't get a post card for the younger one's best friend, I hope the magnet will make up for it.
The car ride home might be the best part of the entire trip for the girls. Lisa, used to work as a sewer for Disney as well as The Muppets. She said something about working with Miley Cyrus and the girls were mezmorized for the rest of the trip home. Their expressions were priceless too, compltely star struck. Then it came out that she had worked with most of the really popular Disney stars of today and the girls were giddy. I truly think the car ride home yesterday was the best part of their vacation.
I have several more stories, so I'll probably keep blogging after they leave, but that's enough for one day.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Has it been THAT long?
I have been REALLY having a great time with the girls, but trying to keep up with two, our social schedule, and work has been hectic.
Things have been so different this year versus last. The older one has not been homesick as much and I think that has been good for her daily outlook. She's a lot more positive, open to new ideas, and cuddly. She sat in my lap last night for a little while, she's almost as tall as I am, but there we were, I'm sure the chair groaned a little, but I treasured that moment.
The younger one is practically no maintenance, unless she is wound up. Several times in the pool on Wednesday she had to be reminded of her manners or got a time out. Poor thing, she has me for her older cousin, I'm strict and her round, green almost blue eyes aren't penetrating that shell.
We have had some great moments and I am truly looking forward to this weekend. Tonight John and I have a cocktail party and the girls are going to my best friend's house to swim. Tomorrow we are doing a fun filled day of i.dont.know.yet.cuz.all.i.want.to.do.is.sleep. But in the evening we are headed back over to my friend's house for a BBQ. Sunday we are getting an early start and going to New Orleans for the morning and early afternoon. Sunday night probably staying in with a movie. Monday will be for laundry and packing and Tuesday morning they leave. GOSH!!
I'll post some more soon, but here's a funny story from last weekend:
The four of us are sitting at the dining room table having dinner and the younger one says, "Mary-Tyler, what's a tampon?" I was SO proud of myself for not laughing, but it was hard. I told her that as soon as dinner was over we would discuss it, but that it wasn't anything bad, just not appropriate dinner conversation. As promised after dinner we went into our bedroom and I showed her and explained (on her level) what a tampon is, then (you know I need a big finish) I showed them what it looks like when I put it in the sink. A resounding "cool" by both girls! See I can TOTALLY do this.
Things have been so different this year versus last. The older one has not been homesick as much and I think that has been good for her daily outlook. She's a lot more positive, open to new ideas, and cuddly. She sat in my lap last night for a little while, she's almost as tall as I am, but there we were, I'm sure the chair groaned a little, but I treasured that moment.
The younger one is practically no maintenance, unless she is wound up. Several times in the pool on Wednesday she had to be reminded of her manners or got a time out. Poor thing, she has me for her older cousin, I'm strict and her round, green almost blue eyes aren't penetrating that shell.
We have had some great moments and I am truly looking forward to this weekend. Tonight John and I have a cocktail party and the girls are going to my best friend's house to swim. Tomorrow we are doing a fun filled day of i.dont.know.yet.cuz.all.i.want.to.do.is.sleep. But in the evening we are headed back over to my friend's house for a BBQ. Sunday we are getting an early start and going to New Orleans for the morning and early afternoon. Sunday night probably staying in with a movie. Monday will be for laundry and packing and Tuesday morning they leave. GOSH!!
I'll post some more soon, but here's a funny story from last weekend:
The four of us are sitting at the dining room table having dinner and the younger one says, "Mary-Tyler, what's a tampon?" I was SO proud of myself for not laughing, but it was hard. I told her that as soon as dinner was over we would discuss it, but that it wasn't anything bad, just not appropriate dinner conversation. As promised after dinner we went into our bedroom and I showed her and explained (on her level) what a tampon is, then (you know I need a big finish) I showed them what it looks like when I put it in the sink. A resounding "cool" by both girls! See I can TOTALLY do this.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
I'm Baaaacccckkkkk
She's back, and she brought her shadow. Not really her shadow, but whenever Sophia meets a new adult she hides behind her sister, so close enough.
I left my uncle's house in VA around 6:30 on Sunday morning and got to the girl's house around 7:15. About 15 minutes later we departed on our adventure 1170 miles or half way across the country. Their mom told me that they were good in the car, but seriously how good can a 9 & 7 year old be for 21 hours in a car? Try AWESOME!
Several hours in I asked the girls if they had their DVD players, they forgot them, my heart sank, this trip just got exponentially longer. I was wrong, Paula (their mom) packed so many great activities for them to do, and sometimes we just talked about different things. The time that we spent together, is something I hope I remember always. The precious hours are now a cherished memory of mine.
If I thought Hannah was a picky eater last year, it was only training for Sophia. Sophia doesn't eat red meat. I'm thinking to myself "really, no hamburgers"? She doesn't like spinach, is 50/50 (her words) on asparagus, no broccoli or cauliflower either. I ordered her a sammie from Quizno's yesterday and she said she had never had melted cheese. I know she has, but new is new to a 7 year old. So far she has tried everything and has been reasonable on eating things. I ordered a pizza with spinach and tomatoes, they picked off the tomatoes and ate the spinach. I can live with that. We're also going to try asparagus again, but without lemon this time. In all honesty I can't complain, and I hope this isn't being taken as such, they are both doing a REALLY great job with food. We splurged a lot on our trip, but when they asked for grilled fish, asparagus and corn on the cob for dinner, I knew we were in good shape.
Tonight we're going to get some Baton Rouge weight shorts and shirts. It is almost 100 with the heat index today and Sophia will be in soccer camp next week, so she really needs some wicking fabrics. Plus who doesn't like shopping?
I left my uncle's house in VA around 6:30 on Sunday morning and got to the girl's house around 7:15. About 15 minutes later we departed on our adventure 1170 miles or half way across the country. Their mom told me that they were good in the car, but seriously how good can a 9 & 7 year old be for 21 hours in a car? Try AWESOME!
Several hours in I asked the girls if they had their DVD players, they forgot them, my heart sank, this trip just got exponentially longer. I was wrong, Paula (their mom) packed so many great activities for them to do, and sometimes we just talked about different things. The time that we spent together, is something I hope I remember always. The precious hours are now a cherished memory of mine.
If I thought Hannah was a picky eater last year, it was only training for Sophia. Sophia doesn't eat red meat. I'm thinking to myself "really, no hamburgers"? She doesn't like spinach, is 50/50 (her words) on asparagus, no broccoli or cauliflower either. I ordered her a sammie from Quizno's yesterday and she said she had never had melted cheese. I know she has, but new is new to a 7 year old. So far she has tried everything and has been reasonable on eating things. I ordered a pizza with spinach and tomatoes, they picked off the tomatoes and ate the spinach. I can live with that. We're also going to try asparagus again, but without lemon this time. In all honesty I can't complain, and I hope this isn't being taken as such, they are both doing a REALLY great job with food. We splurged a lot on our trip, but when they asked for grilled fish, asparagus and corn on the cob for dinner, I knew we were in good shape.
Tonight we're going to get some Baton Rouge weight shorts and shirts. It is almost 100 with the heat index today and Sophia will be in soccer camp next week, so she really needs some wicking fabrics. Plus who doesn't like shopping?
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