Taking "2"

Well, I finally finished the job a few weeks ago and have been left in somewhat of a lull. I enjoyed the being busy part and having a "goal" for the day that made me feel somewhat "accomplished". Ha  But now that I am back home and doing my best to get back in to the swing of things, it has surprisingly become...easier.  I have a lot more energy, which may be to my diet and I feel a little more "organized".  And Yes, I just used another quotation.  Sometimes "they" are necessary!! :)

This got me thinking about how lucky I am to actually stay home with the kids, to be here when they get home from school and simply, just to relax with them.  Every moment can't be a utopia, but some moments can certainly be fun. And with the recent incident by Chase this past week, what else can you do but scream...and then laugh it off.  

For those of you who did not hear...

CHASE PUT MY IPHONE IN THE TOILET
around 3 pm Friday afternoon. Not sure how long it stayed in there or why my phone was in the bathroom, but he eventually took it out, wiped it off ( the supposed waterproof Otter Box Case) and then it was left there on the table until the next day...with me, not knowing.  When I finally took it out of the super protective case to charge it, the phone was drenched in water. Knowing Chase did something...I immediately approached him and asked what he had done. Was it an accident? Did you put it in the sink? The Toilet?? Just please tell me so I can fix it??  He admitted ... the toilet.  Well at that point, I thought I was probably too late. I opened it, watched you tube videos, tried to dry it out, put it back together, and soaked it in rice.  Still...nothing. It is correctly at a shop here "trying" to be be fixed. The surprising news here is that the "motherboard" is actually OK and the screen is what needs to be replaced. We will see what happens.  Its just a phone I know and since I recently lost all those pictures, you cant help but be a little more relaxed about this one. Hopefully it can get fixed, but I got another phone for now- and although I cant take pictures and send videos to the grandparents- (so sorry!!), Its still OK. 

On this note, I wrote Remember When a few months ago on the laptop and kind of forgot about it.  It kind of goes with the story above, for those crazy kind of days.  However, it certainly makes you realize...no matter how frustrated you get with the kids, there are still those fun and PRECIOUS moments. And if I was not here, I would not get to experience any of them.  Eventually, I'm going to have to get a job.  So, for now...its important to take the time to embrace those really FUN moments because they certainly wont last forever.

Chase drawing some "actual" people, instead of just heads and legs. Ha

Hannah is writing!

By the way- Final word... Phone is KAPUT!!! 

And then there is ... tomorrow. :)

Remember When...

Remember That ONE Day When…

To Hannah from Mommy -


Remember When...

You woke up that night a few times and I did my best to put you back to bed- and yelled probably a little too loud once or twice. (I was just really tired since I stayed up to watch the Kardashian wedding until 12 am). It was still really frustrating as I just want one night to sleep through the night. Sometimes it is hard, I'm sorry.


Remember When…


We got ready for school and you said thank you so much for this delicious breakfast (of Lucky Charms) and I said, your welcome sweetie. Anytime!

Remember When…


We were driving to school and you tried your best to steal the attention of you’re younger brother by saying he was doing “this little piggy” incorrectly- and I said…STOP TALKING!! And let your brother finish what he was trying to say and that not everyone has the same way of doing things?! You were then quiet. Thank you.


Remember When…


I needed to drop you off for school, but we were late for the bell so I couldn’t walk you to class. And you said don’t worry Mommy, I will run. I said I love you so much and Have a good day and we blew kisses to each other.  Your so sweet!

Remember When…


I said, are you sure you are OK with taking the bus home from school? And you said, yes mommy its fine, the bus driver did not touch my privates. And all I can think is…you are getting too big too fast ... AND please don’t repeat that to the anyone or the bus driver. PLEASE!!


Remember When…


You got home from school..starved? And I said, why don’t you eat your lunch at school? You then said, because I'm having too much fun! That's cute. You then continue to eat from the time you get off the bus until you go to bed. You are growing way to fast! This is evident by the extra foot you have grown in 6 months. I am so glad you love school!


Remember When…

Mommy needed to get dinner ready and you wanted to help when you were little? I had you zest a lemon…and guess what happened? You cut your hand and never forgot. (you tell me every time we are in the kitchen). I'm so worried you will get hurt again, I'm afraid to have you help sometimes. But I love that you want to be with me..and you want to help. Thank you.

Remember When…


I tried to make dinner and you insisted I give you something to eat, something to drink and sat on the floor right in front of the oven and I yelled at you. That was frustrating. Sorry.

Remember When…


We were in the car with Daddy and your brother (and Mommy and Daddy were talking) and you said …Mommy..Mommy…Mommy...M O M M Y! and I said…WHAT????!!! And then you said, I forgot what I was going to say. That was seriously frustrating.


You know how sometimes when we are in the car and we sing that song: Get, Get, Get your frustrations out (instead of shake the sillys out?)…that’s for me.

Remember When...

You and your brother sat down to eat dinner, but you each got up 15 times and I got mad and yelled at you. I'm sorry, but that was really frustrating.

Remember When...

We sat on the couch and watched Giada do her cooking show( mommy’s favorite) and you were so quiet but so curious and also so excited? Then you want to immediately go and make whatever she had just made. I love those moments and I think you do too.


Remember when...

We sat down at dinner and you said Mommy, this dinner is so good. It is almost just like Giada makes…but better. That truly made my day. Thank you.

Remember when…

I sat down to look at a magazine and then you jumped on me (and the magazine) and said…I love you Mommy. And I said – I love you too honey (what do you want?????).

Remember When…

We were about to go to bed and you asked for some water, and then you said ICE COLD Mommy- this is not ICE COLD..and I got frustrated and said, please say…Mommy may I have some ICE COLD water please? I was frustrated.

Remember When...

We got ready for bed, you brushed your teeth, you tucked your babies in and gave them kisses, you picked out a book…and we read and you actually picked out some words? I LOVE those moments.

Remember when...

I laid beside you in bed after our story and said I'm sorry I got so frustrated today, I love you honey. And then you said, Mommy…when did you get frustrated? Tell me … when?? I said Shhhh Honey, its quiet time, don’t worry. I love you. And you said, OK Mommy, I love you too.

And then I sang…your love is better than chocolate, better than anything else that I've tried. (from the Sarah McLaughlin song –our favorite).

And its true...your love is so much better than chocolate, better than anything else in this whole world.

Hannah and Mommy having beauty day outside. Thanks for making me relax with you...I love it!

To Chase from Mommy-

Remember When…


You woke up a few times in the middle of the night and said…can you come lay with me? Its sweet, but so frustrating. So, I lay and then after 10 minutes of saying 1 more minute…you then say, ok…just one more minute and you smile, grab my hand, hold it tight and then you go to sleep. Its really frustrating because I just want to sleep through ONE night, but its sweet and sometimes... I really love those moments.


Remember when...


You say Mommy, want to come play in my room with me? And I say, In one minute honey…let me finish this one thing, let me clean up a minute, and then I promise I will come play with you. Sometimes I get to and sometimes I don’t. I'm so sorry.


Remember when…


I picked you up from school and you ran and hugged my legs? I said did you have a good day? And you said Yes. And then I put you in your car seat and you said...I Missed you Mommy. And I said I missed you too honey. And my heart melts.


Remember When..


You woke me up at 5 am and said…AM I GOING TO SCHOOL TODAY??? And I say yes, shhhh. And then you continued to yell, I'M NOT GOING TO SCHOOL! I'M NOT GOING TO SCHOOL! For at least 10 minutes.(while I am still in a dream state)…and I said…QUIET!!! STOP saying that, we are going to school and that’s enough! You say, NO…NEVER, I'm not going to school!!!!


And then you stomped off and yelled, NEVER, NEVER!! And I kind of giggled, but got out of bed, I got ready and then said…I have Lucky Charms! Guess what? after that …you were fine. This is seriously frustrating.


Remember when...


I couldn’t find you anywhere in the yard and you were hiding in the garden going #2 potty? And I got really Mad and yelled and wanted to know if you were a dog? I was upset, I'm sorry, but it seemed to work (for a few times anyway). We are working on it and its…very frustrating.


Remember when...


You came up to me and hugged me tight and said…Mommy, You’re the Best!! This melts my heart and makes my day, every day!


Remember When…


You took the stool in the kitchen, propped it up to the pantry door, took out about 10 chocolate pieces, hid them in your pocket and then went in the corner of the den and ate them? And when I asked you…what were you doing- you said…n o t h i n g Mommy! This is frustrating.

Remember when…


You had a tantrum for 20 minutes because we did not have the Red boxed apple juice? You were tired. This was frustrating.

Remember when..


You picked out a pretty lady in Dad’s Maxim magazine and said…I will love that girl one day! Your sister and I laughed and laughed. THAT was a funny moment! (and I had it on video, but lost it). This makes me sad.  But I have a mental picture, and I'm sure you are going to do it again.


Remember When..


You said Mommy, Mommy, where were you? I missed you! ( I was in the bathroom). That was sweet. But I sometimes just need to go to the bathroom…ALONE! It is very adorable but kind of frustrating.

Remember when...


You said Mommy, this is “yummy in my tummy” when I make you something good to eat.


Remember When...


You would not listen and I asked you NOT to do something at least 100 times and you finally say…Ok, Ok, ...Ok. This is frustrating.


Remember when...


You said – Dang it! (and in the right context as we were trying to make you finish your dinner) and I asked, where did you hear that? And you then said…THE OFFICE! Now, that was hysterical.

Remember when…


You said…Mommy, I LOVE THIS FAMILY! .... That’s my favorite!

I am attaching a song that I started singing to the kids. I love it because now...all they can say to Daddy and I is ... They love us more than chocolate and ice cream. And sometimes, there are sprinkles and even cherries on top! Now...how can you get better than that?! :)

So Sweet!

Sarah McLaughlin- Ice Cream

Mardi Gras...in Zim

We had a fun night out at the Marine House celebrating Mardi Gras a few weekends ago.  The pictures kind of say it all.  The kids also had fun that next morning when they woke up to loads of necklaces and fun masks to wear. So cute!

Happy 7th Birthday Piper!

Piper, our sweet little Boston Terrier, just turned 7.  A big 49 in dog years. As most of you know, she is our first born, she is 100% part of this family and ... She's the Best!

Oh, we love our Pipeee Dog.  She has taken many long journeys to be with us.  She has traveled to DC, Israel, back to the US, to Kenya, back to the US again and now her most recent and special trip... Zimbabwe.  She is a very lucky - world traveling dog.

Happy Birthday Piper! We love you!

Enjoy some pics of Piper and a fun day at the pool this past weekend...

Right- Piper and Hannah having a race across the pool! Piper won!

Piper pulling Chase to the stairs. Too Funny!

Piper Loves the water!

Smelling the Roses!

I recently joined a group where we write or send blogs with other FS families. Its been fun to read about other people going through similar life events, as this life is hard to conceptualize at times to the "average" person.  I was excited however to receive the latest request by my friend to write about what you actually LIKE at post!  After one of my recent blogs was titled, Reality Bites, I didn't want to scare everyone out of the good parts of Zimbabwe and thought this would be a good chance and honestly, a good lift me up!  

I also just recently completed a job at the Embassy, a short one, but I had to complete our Differential Report. Basically, the report is about all the hardships you are going through at post. Again, not uplifting. I however, with working, missed the deadline for my friends "what you like" at post blog. I decided, I still wanted to write that blog.

 

One of the wonderful things about living here in Zimbabwe is the weather.  I must say I feel truly lucky to have a home and garden as beautiful as this one!!  I get to wake up to it every morning and with the amazing climate we have in Zimbabwe, there is always a new flower in bloom.  Even watching the many birds that visit our home can be a National Geographic moment. It seems like there is a new one every day!  I spent one afternoon FINALLY practicing some of my photography class skills and actually taking a moment...to smell the roses. These are the pictures I took in our yard. I'm not sure why I don't do it more, but I am certainly going to try!

 

Another wonderful thing about our post here in Zimbabwe is the people.  The people at the Embassy are so nice and genuine. And although it is not the same Kenya Crew I had, it is still nice and I feel pretty lucky. Also, there is not really that crazy one in the bunch...you know, the one you avoid at parties. Ha Ha  We haven't really had that yet and this, my friends, is WONDERFUL!  Its the little things. :)

I would certainly love a movie theatre to go to on the weekend. Or possibly a choice of anything other than a non-pirated movie to watch occassionaly. Its OK though, because in a few months I will happily drag my husband to all the good and bad movies I want to see when we go home for R&R.   Right Honey????

Although this is random, there is also a local guy who sells phone cards on the side of the road.  These people are everywhere selling phone cards, newspapers, flowers, flags (yes, flags), pool floats (yes, pool floats) at any and every corner and in the middle of the road, I might add.  This one peson however I pass every morning and afternoon when I take Hannah to school. One day, he just started smiling and waving to me every time he would see me in the car. So, it just became our thing.  I would also, smile and wave.  Any time I was down or already frustrated from getting Hannah to school late or the crazy drivers at 7 am, I would see him...and smile. Who knows what this guy's life is like, who knows what he goes home to every day, but he would always have a smile on his face and just seemed to be so very happy.  It started to become our ritual. Every time I saw him, I would then change my attitude for the morning and then seemed to have a better outlook on the day ahead and more simply stated, life in general.  If he can be happy selling newspapers and phone cards on the side of the road, with normally the same few outfits every week- what in the world do I have to complain about?

So during Christmas I decided to have a  "feel good" moment and one day I pulled over, called the young gentleman over, got my staff some phone cards from this nice man, and gave this random stranger some money.  I just said here, thank you for always smiling and waving at me, hope you enjoy your holidays.  He was surprised, and then I said, with a laugh, but please don't tell anyone- I don't want everyone smiling and waving at me. Ha Ha...with a smile.  He kindly nodded, laughed a little and said thank you. 

A few weeks later when I passed him yet again, he acted as if he had something for me, so I rolled down my window.  He ended up gave me his wedding invitation for his upcoming wedding in April. He said he hoped I could come.  Unfortunately it is pretty far away in Victoria Falls (about 12 hours), although I really do wish we could go. Soon, I will give him a card with a little more money for his wedding and thank him for making my day a little bit better. 

So, when I get down about the little things here that we may be missing, the modern conveniences of home that I sometimes wish we had more of; I think of our home, the new friends we have made, our beautiful garden and sometimes this sweet man, that have made a difference in the few months we have been living here in Zimbabwe.  And these my friends, are the things I like about post. Its simple, but sometimes...isn't that all we need, just to stop and smell the roses?