Last full week here in Luxembourg- week of March 24th, 2014

Sunday morning Jacob's friend that had spent the weekend with us got picked up.   His mom brought us some little gifts so that was very thoughtful.  I had gotten her a little gift from us as well- a Ralph Lauren mug with the USA flag on it and then I signed the bottom of the mug.  Then we went to church where we picked up Amber from her sleepover.  After church we came back for lunch and then this afternoon I had 3 people come over to pick things up.  After dinner I had another person come and get a big rug.  You should have seen me and the boys trying to get this rug out from my big sectional couch and then trying to roll it up!

Monday I had a follow apt at the dermatologist but everything was good.  Then I went to one last used car place to see what they would offer for the car, but it was about the same price as the other 2 places.  For lunch I met 2 friends at this health food place we go a lot and then then came back here and went shopping in my pantry and cupboards for things I don't want to keep.  After school we went to the Chiropractor here for the last time.   Amber said today was library but b/c we are moving soon the librarian wouldn't let her check out any books in case the movers took it.  So I felt bad for her especially since we have never lost a book and we would return it next week!  Tonight I made muffins for one family that is coming tomorrow to pick up the last of their things but the husband has been really sick and was in the hospital for a week.  Jason sold the van and they finally got the money transferred and they came to pick it up today so that is good. 

Tuesday morning Jacob had early morning band.  Then later I took the other 2 in and then over to yoga.  It was my last class so I said goodbye to people there that I don't see at school.  Then I grabbed a quick lunch and drove my car over to an office of a lady who was interested in seeing it.  She really like it and we agreed on a price.  She said she had to talk with her bank and would get back to me later today to finalize this.  When I got home she had a bunch of questions about the tires.  Here you have winter tires and summer tires.  From October 1st on you have to have winter tires on or you will get a ticket.  Because we would go home for the summer we never put the summer tires on.  So later in the evening she calls me back and said well, you know with the car being used.... and no summer tires can you go even lower in price.  I was annoyed.  Summer tires are not mandatory and the price is very very good.  So not sure what we will do with this now.
I had errands to run and another run to the recycling center.  I have been driving Jason's car for about a week now and I must say I am getting used to it, but don't love it.  So this time at the recycling center no one yelled at me and I asked one guy where to put stuff and he helped me put it in the bin.  Today must have been the day for the nice workers to work!  My friend was having her book sale at school so I let Amber and Sean just pick out one book real fast as we had to go to the dentist and then tomorrow they can shop some more.  We got Jacob and headed out to the dentist.  Sean has a little cavity in one of his baby teeth, but it looks like in another month or so that tooth should fall out so she didn't recommend filling it.  We saw the xray and it was so cool looking.  The baby teeth have adult teeth right on top of them in the xray almost pushing down on them.  It looks like it would be painful from this picture!   After we got home I got dinner ready and then some people came to pick up the remainder dresser and mirror to our bedroom set and the ping pong table.  They had to wait until they could bring their friend with the trailer.  I should have taken a picture of them driving away with this little trailer and the ping pong table standing up in it just all tied down.  Hopefully it made it safely to its new home!  Then back to school for Jacob's last guitar lesson.  Busy afternoon/evening!

Wednesday the younger two had student led conferences in the afternoon so just Jacob had school.  So I took Jacob in in the morning.  Then back home and someone came to pick up something I sold.  The other kids and I had a big breakfast and then just did things around here.  After lunch we went to school and toured Sean and Amber's classes and all their other classes, French, art, etc.  It is like an open house but more in depth.  They have prepared portfolios for us to look at in each class and we go through their notebooks of different subjects and such.  So it was the rest of the afternoon and then Jacob was done an hour early and met us in the lobby of the lower school building to see if he wanted any books from the book fair and they all seem to want some more so we did that.  Then Sean went home with a friend and the other two and I came back home. 
I had emailed the lady about the car in the morning and we agreed on a price and hopefully she will get the money transferred before we leave and then can pick up the car!
Then later we drove over to pick Sean up at his friend's house.

Thursday I went to my friend's house that is pregnant to visit with her this morning.  She showed me the nursery and it looks really cute.  Then I had an apt and got a few groceries.  Then since I have hardly been able to exercise except yoga, since my treadmill is gone and for some reason everything on apple tv works fine except my exercise videos!  So I walked downtown and went to the my favorite jewelry store.  My girlfriend might open one of these when she moves back to the states!  I got a few gifts and a nice necklace/earring set for myself!  Then I walked home. 
This morning I got more summer tire email questions, so I called Volvo and they answered them.  I emailed them to her later in the afternoon and just asked her to please call them if she has any more questions about summer tires b/c we don't have them!
Today was the last day I would see the maid.  She will come and clean once the house is empty so the relocation lady will be in touch with her.  I really liked her and I gave her name to 2 friends who were both are going to use her too now so it worked out perfectly.  But I thought she was about to cry when I said goodbye to her.  She was very nice and did a great job.  Almost every time she cleaned, once every other week, I would send her home with a bag of boy clothes for her 3 or toys or something for the house.   She was amazed about how much stuff was gone!
After school Amber had her last Rainbows.  And the boys just came home.  When I went back to get Amber they had had a little party for her and made this cute memory book from this year with pictures and drawings from everyone.  It was super sweet.  And they also gave her a rainbows picture frame.
We ran home and got dinner and then back to school one more time tonight for the middle school science fair.  It was neat to see all the kids different ideas and projects.  It was for 2 hours so Amber was pretty exhausted by the time we got home.  Jacob could use some more clothes and shoes.  Earlier in the week or last, one half of the outside of his foot broke through the mesh on one side of his shoe.  So you can totally see his sock and half his foot!  Well today at swimming class, his swimming suit ripped!  Yikes.  It is a speedo/biker short type of suit.  That is all that is allowed, so I am guessing Jacob will be sitting out his last swimming class next week!

Friday morning I had to get Jacob to early band and then the other 2 later.  Then I had someone coming over to pick up some things she bought.  I have sold to around 40 different people so it has been busy coordinating all the pickups!  After this I drove my car, ever so carefully, to get a car wash and pick up a few things at the store.  The money for the car arrived today so the lady can pick up the car tomorrow.  Jason got back this morning, but not without some stress.  Last night when he was checking in they didn't want to let him fly b/c his passport expires soon.  So by the time he convinced them he was coming back, etc he almost missed the flight!  Then we were worried when he landed in Europe they might not let him in, but that was all fine.  So hopefully our flights next week are ok.  I found out my air shipment is flying out this weekend out of Germany and we should be able to get it delivered the day after we get back so that should be perfect considering we have to fly through Paris on our way back which I hate.  Chances are they lose at least one bag that doesn't actually make our flight back home!  It is a big joke here and everyone knows it is true!
Then my girlfriend picked me up.  She had asked me a week or so ago to go out to lunch.  So when she picked me up today she said we were picking up one other friend and then going to lunch.  So we go to my other friend's house and surprise, it was a surprise going away luncheon for me!  It was so sweet!  I was so surprised.  At breakfast this morning Amber goes Ms..... told me she has a surprise for you, so of course Sean wanted to know so they went in the hall and she told him, but she did a good job and didn't tell me so I never knew.  Lunch was great.  Everyone brought a dish.  And the table was decorated for spring and Easter and it look beautiful.  There were 10 of us there, and a few more that couldn't make it.   One from Italy, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and the rest American.

Then as a gift they gave me a painting of Luxembourg from this famous Luxembourg artist.  It was so nice of them and I can't wait to hang it in our new house!  I will definitely miss them.
Then my friend that had tricked me into lunch drove me home.  And Sean went home with her son after school for a sleepover, and Amber went home with one of her boyfriends for a playdate.
The moving company put the signs in front of our house not to park there next week as the moving truck would be there.  Can't park there anyway as it is a no parking zone as I learned the hard way! 
Jason was pretty tired and worked a bit and took a nap.  I picked up Amber later and we had a late dinner and they watched a movie. 

Saturday Jason and Jacob went for a long run into the city center and walked around down there.  The handy man came and worked for about 4 hours doing spring clean up on our yard.  He did a great job and it looks so nice!  He even cleaned off the patio and set up the chairs we had left.  Sean came back from his sleepover and then the mom had to take her son for a piano lesson and then she came back to get the things she bought from us and she said her son started crying when they got in the car after they dropped Sean off.  He was pretty sad that Sean was leaving.  This is Sean's best friend and he is from Italy.  They meet in 2nd grade and so have been close for 3 years now.   
The car lady came with her family from France today and bought the car.  Unfortunately after she left I looked at one of the forms and Jason didn't have her fill it out.  It is in French and I don't think he thought she needed to do anything.  Ugh!  Now we are going to have to contact her for this information and I am sure she will complain about the car.  Since Tuesday she has called or emailed me about 4 times/day about something with the car!  The handy man had gotten a couple of our things as well.  Someone came to buy the lawn mower today and took that.  Jacob's best friend had his b'day party at the pool and then Jacob spent the night at his house.   Later in the afternoon we got ready and left for our friends house for some pizza with our other good friends.  Us and these 2 other families did a lot together and the kids all loved playing together.  Between the 3 families we had 10 kids ranging from 12 years- 3 1/2 years old.  And they all played together great!
So then Sean spent the night at the hostess house and Amber went home with the other family and her BFF.  So we left there kid free!  Funny! 

Week of March 16th, 2014

Sunday morning I made a nice breakfast for Amber and Sean's sleepover from last night.  Then today was Sean's early birthday party.

He wanted it at the bowling alley where we had Jacob's.  So Sean's b'day isn't now, but he wanted to celebrate with his friends here, so we had it early.  Jason and Jacob couldn't make it, but the rest of us were there!  He had 10 friends and we bowled and had lunch.  Everyone had a good time! 

Bowling cake.

After the party one boy came over to play for a bit and we went to the park.  I needed to finish getting all the stuff out for the movers tomorrow so I spent the rest of the late afternoon doing that.  Jacob didn't get back to school until 9pm from his away games in Germany for the basketball tournament!  Talk about a long weekend for him.  He was exhausted.  He had a great time and enjoyed it but was just pretty tired and has come down with a bad cold.

Monday morning after I dropped the kids at school I ran to the gas station as they have nice fresh rolls, muffins and breads, and picked up something for the mover today.  He was waiting for me when I got home.  Just one big German guy.  He boxed up my 4 big piles.

One of the piles!
He was here for about 3 1/2 hours and got all my stuff for the air shipment into 15 mostly bigger boxes.  So hopefully I will see that in 3 weeks!  After school the boys had their last hair cut with our gal.  She was good.  She is from Iceland and we all went to her, even Jason.  She did it out of her apt., well a room above her apt.  So I got her a scarf from my favorite store at home and we gave that to her.  Once back at home here some people were coming through the house to see about renting it.  They had 4 kids and were from Holland.  My phone is getting worse by the day- ugh!  So I lost Internet a week or so ago, then over the weekend the pictures function went where you can attach it to text messages.  Now the reception is not that good- come on, hold on stupid phone!!!

Tuesday morning when I checked my email Jason had sent this picture.

I guess when he got home from work last night an alarm was going off.  He couldn't tell if it was a smoke detector or a carbon monoxide detector and with the heating problems he called 911.  So a couple of fire trucks came and said that it was just a broken smoke detector but then they had to find it.  They couldn't tell which one it was.  But as they were walking around the house they told Jason that they really like his house- ha!  The finally found it and all was fine.
Jacob had early morning band.  I had yoga after the second drop off and then I took my car to the used car lot next to the new car stores.  There were 2 desks in the office and one guy had a sign with all the languages he spoke.  There were so many flags on there, but no English.  He had to have spoken like 6 languages!  So the other guy covered the English people I guess! They really want you to buy a new car and then they will buy your used car, so he told me they wouldn't pay me too much for the car. So he took pictures and took some information down and told me he would get back to me later in the day.  Then to the store for a few things.  I am really trying not to buy much and just keep using up what we have.  Once at home a friend came over to pick up my desk drawers. 
After school I had my 3 and then Amber was having one of her boy friends over, and then my friend was busy and needed me to get her 3 from school.  So needless to say we had 8 people in my 7 seater car!  At least I am really close to school!  So home and snacks for everyone.  Then soon after my friend came over for her 3 and we chatted.  Then once she left Amber's friend's parents came to pick him up b/c we had to have shorter play date today b/c we had to be back to school tonight for Jacob's Egyptian program.  So once they left we quickly ate part of our dinner and Jacob got his Egyptian costume on and off we headed back to school. 

They had done a ton of work for their night.  Lots of different research, exhibits, food to try, etc.  And then it ended with each group of 4 in a classroom giving their presentation about their topic which was an hour long.  They each spoke and each had to come up with a game to play regarding their topic.  It was cute and nice it was just your child's group you got to see, but a long evening at school.  Once back home we finished dinner and time for everyone to get ready for bed.

Wednesday was a busy day of people picking things up!  Right away my friend came and bought 3 bookcases, so we loaded those into her car.  Then later in the evening I had 2 more people come by to pick up rugs.  I made some oatmeal caramel chocolate chip bars for Jacob's sports awards ceremony at school tonight. I started emptying Sean's closet today as the people will be here tomorrow to start taking that apart.  I tried listing my car with another website and then contacted 2 other used car places.  Amber went home with a friend for lunch and then back for her last ballet class. So I came back early and went in and took some pictures.

 

After ballet we waited for Sean to finish his sports class and then Jacob was done so we went home.  I will miss having the kids all at the same school.  It is convenient!  So then home for a bit and back to school for the awards ceremony.  The one thing this school lacks is good communication.  So last week or so they had the information online that the awards thing was at 5:30 but in the lower school cafeteria.  Which I thought was weird b/c this is middle school which uses the upper school building so everything is normally in the upper school cafeteria.  So then I double checked what it said today and now it said upper school cafeteria but at 6pm.   So ok I had a feeling something might not be right so we got there at a little about 5:45 and it had started at 5:30 and was in the upper school.  So frustrating! Jacob received the Chairmen's award.  He was excited!

 

 Then after we got back home as I mentioned earlier 2 separate people came to pick up rugs.  The mover came on Monday to pick up my stuff but since Jason still hasn't sent the forms over for the shipping my stuff is still sitting there!

 

Thursday I got a few things at the store.  Not having my downstairs fridge I really can't buy too much food that needs to be refrigerated.  Then I came home and loaded up my car of things to take to the recycling center.  We don't have a dump here, so we go to the recycling center and I try and figure out which bin my things are suppose to go in.  The guys just watch me until I am going to put something in the wrong bin and then they are yelling at me in Luxembourgish which bin to put it in and of course I have no idea!  Who would have guessed going to the recycling center could be so stressful!  Once at home I emptied and cleaned out Sean's closet as the people who bought it were coming to take it apart tonight.  Jacob's bball is now over so I just swung by school and picked him up b/c the other 2 still had their after school activities. Then we moved the 2 extra single beds to the floor of Jacob's room for his big sleepover tomorrow night.  Then back to school for the other 2, and home for dinner.  After dinner 3 people came over to disassemble Sean's huge closet.  They got some of it apart, but the guy thinks they will be able to get the 2 big parts down the stairs without taking all of it apart.  We will see!  They will be back Sat. morning with a truck to pick it up.

 

Friday morning Jacob had early morning band- only another week of that.  But his new school starts at 7:30 so it will be an early morning every morning!  Later in the morning I had someone come look at a rug and then someone came by and got the TV stand.  Then for lunch I met a friend in the city center at a cute little place I had never tried.  We sat in comfy arm chairs and ate off a little cocktail table.  From here I went to school as I was reading books to the English group from Amber's class.  Other moms come in that have French or Italian, etc. speaking kids and then other kids that also speak that language go to their group.  This was at the end of the day so then we got Sean and walked over to Jacob's school to wait for all the boys for Jacob's goodbye pool party and sleepover.   Another friend was helping me drive them all to the pool as I couldn't fit them all in the car.  Jacob wanted a little one last party with some friends.  So I invited 5 boys plus my 3 kids and I took them all to the pool and we had dinner and ice cream there.  Then 2 kids got picked up and I brought the other 3 home with my 3 and Jacob had picked out a fighter plane movie for them to rent and then they spent the night.  All the boys had gotten him some going away gifts.  That was really thoughtful.  2 of the boys are American, 1 Dutch, 1 Italian, 1 half German half Icelandic.  So that was neat!  Amber was beat after we got home! 

 

Sat. morning the boys were up around 7am so not too bad.  I got up a bit later and made them some French toast.  The one from Holland had never had this before and loved it, he had 4 pieces!  The rest of them like it as well and had 3 pieces each! They rented another movie this morning.

 

Then I had someone coming over to take Sean's huge closet.  They had rented a truck and came before 9am and took the closet and 2 bookcases as well.  Later 2 of the boys got picked up.  The one from Holland is spending the weekend with us as his parents are finalizing a house as they will be moving too.  But not until this summer once school is out.  My crappy phone is now stuck on speaker phone.  So when someone calls that is the only way to talk with them!  My friend really wants to take turns smashing my phone when I leave! So then we had some things around here to do.  Later in the afternoon we took Amber to her friend's house for a sleepover, and then Jac and his friend to the poker party.  So they had dinner and played poker.  So it was just me and Sean, so I took him to Pizza Hut.  It was nice and we had a good time.  It wasn't crowded at all and yet I saw a friend from school with her daughter and then the couple that came to get the closet I saw there too!  A bit later we went back to pick up the boys and then home.

Week of March 9th, 2014

Sunday we woke up in Poland and had breakfast and then the girls and I headed back home with a van full of Polish Pottery and some glass balls and glass animals!

We had a great time together!  It was an 8 1/2 drive home.  Amber did well today and we will keep our fingers crossed that no one else gets sick!  Jacob and his friend went on a bike ride today, played basketball and went for a run.  Sean and his friend had church today and then went to see a movie.  Amber went to Germany with the family she was staying with for lunch and a walk.  We didn't get back until around 5pm and then I went around picking up my children and dropping off some Polish pottery for my friends that watched them.   The kids seemed to have a nice weekend with their friends, besides Amber getting sick!  Jacob wanted to see all the pottery I had gotten so he opened all the boxes and we took everything out and set it out.

Monday Sean and Amber have now come down with colds.  I ran to the store then home to exercise and more selling things/posting them online and working on the blog, pictures, etc.
After school Sean had a friend over.  After dinner someone came to look at Sean's closet and bought it but it is so big they will have to come back with a truck some other time to get it. 
The kids all started peeling the stickers off the pottery.  Too funny.  I didn't even ask them!  Today was a beautiful day.  It got up to 60 something!  I think spring is here!  Not to say we won't have rain the rest of the month, but for Lux spring is here!  I stayed up late trying to finish a book for book club, but still have more to read tomorrow.

Tuesday Jacob had to be at school early and Sean still wasn't feeling well, so he stayed home from school today with his head cold.  I had yoga so he came and hung out with my friend's son.  Then at home we got his religious education done from this weekend and he rested.  I had to unpack my bedroom set as someone was coming over in the evening to pick it up.  After school Jacob had basketball and Amber went to the park with her friend.  It was another beautiful day!  Later I picked up Jacob from basketball and we ate dinner and then the people came over to get the treadmill and bedroom set.  Jacob had guitar later.  The people made 2 trips of stuff and then it was getting late so they will have to come back another day to get the rest of it.  They also decided another one of their family members would like the ping pong table so they bought that.  I wasn't planning on selling it b/c it is a really nice one, but we already have one at home.  I finished my book for book club and it was ok.  It was about the Grimke girls and how they were born into owning slaves, but didn't agree with it and how they grew up against it. 

Wednesday morning I had my book club.  I brought my cranberry orange bread and it was a big hit!  Some woman did like the book, but a few of us weren't really that crazy about it.  So it was good to chat about it.  Then off to school to pick up Amber and her 2 friends for lunch, playdate and ballet.  It was another beautiful day!  My friend stopped by to pick up some lamps.  So after ballet Amber and her friends played outside for a bit while we waited for Sean to finish his sports class.  Then Jacob had a friend over and they all played at the park after school.  When his friend went to leave, this is his really good friend here, Jacob gave him his cactus.  With us moving soon we can't take any plants and that is the only one we currently have.  Jacob got it when we moved here and has been taking care of it in his room, so now he gave it to his friend to take care of and he can remember him from it!  It was really cute.  This friend loses things all the time, so then we told him not to lose Jac, the cactus!!  I signed the reregistration paperwork that the kids were not reenrolling for next year ):
I helped Jacob pack for his weekend trip with the basketball team. 

Thursday I tried to work out after dropping the kids off and making Sean's cupcakes to celebrate his early b'day at school tomorrow, but the stupid network said it wasn't available!  Ugh!  I also lost Internet on my phone 2 days ago.  I can use my wifi from the house when I am home but otherwise nothing.  So annoyed and I am not going to the store to see about trying to fix it.  I am just going to ride it out and be old fashion again!  But it is already annoying me!  So I went for a nice walk outside and then stopped at a neighborhood little grocery and walked home.  It was mid 60's here today.  Jason had to snow plow once yesterday morning and once in the evening.  I don't want to go back to snow!!
Today I started getting the piles ready for the air shipment movers that will be here next week.  Amber and Sean had after school activities, so I met up with Jacob when he was done with school as he was leaving for the weekend for the basketball championships in Germany!  They left on big buses after school and won't be back until Sunday night!  Crazy!  Of course I was talking with one of the moms yesterday and she said the last 2 times her daughters have gone on school trips where they have stayed at hostels they have come home with lice- gross!  This trip they are staying in a hostel in Germany.  I looked it up and it looks nice.  So I sent Jacob with a pillow and said just leave it there.  Fingers crossed he doesn't come home with lice!  After the other 2 finished their activities we went home and a woman that had bought 4 of my rugs came and picked those up.  Sean got to frost and decorate his cupcakes for tomorrow.  Later he wasn't listening to me and got in trouble.  I sent him upstairs and told him he needed to write he was sorry 10 times.  This is what I got.

Needless to say once I saw the number 11. not sorry, he had to go back and rewrite it all again.

Then later in the evening Jacob called and said they had a good trip.  They had stopped at Burger King for dinner, they don't have those here in Lux.  And he has 3 other room mates in his room.  I made a coffee cake with a box mix from home, trying to use the last of things up! 

Friday- yeah! Only 2 to get ready this morning.  Sean brought in his cupcakes today to share with the class.

After drop off I went over to my friend's house who was having a little going away tea for me with our friends from our preschool group 3 years ago! 

The 5 kids all played together and were best buds in preschool, so us moms became good friends too.  One of the girls moved away in the fall, and next will be Amber.  So it will be 2 boys, and one girl left.  They are a really great group of kiddos and moms.  So this was fun and they even got me some gifts so it was super nice.  I will miss them, but hopefully I will still see 2 of them.  One of them has her family only an hour from our new house!  And the other one flies into our airport and then they go up to her husband's family's cottage from there, so we could figure something out from that. 
Then on to the super store/mall that kills me that there is no where to park and it was around 12 by now.  Ugh!  Got some things I needed and then home to get Jacob's room sorted for the air shipment.  After school Sean had movie night and before it started he came out and gave me the cupcake bag- ugh the cupcakes had turned over and there was frosting everywhere!  There was only one left but somewhere between the car and his classroom he must have dropped them or bumped into them too many times that they shifted and must have looked horrible by the time they got to eat them.  I sent an email to his teacher later apologizing and telling her they really did look ok when he got out of the car this morning!  After school one of Amber's little boy friend's gave her a really cute pink Luxembourg hat as a going away gift.  That was so nice of him.

Amber had a b'day party to go to out towards Belgium at this big store's indoor play area.  It was nice and not crowded.  Some of the moms hung out in their little café for a bit and then I had to leave to go get Sean from movie night.  He had a nice time.  Amber got a ride home but since it was with the b'day girl she didn't get home until after 7pm and then had to eat dinner.  So a busy night.  I got the fridge in the basement defrosted so now the buyer can come pick it up.  Tonight I spent some time on the car websites, decreasing the price of my car and trying to put it on this French website that wouldn't translate with Chrome.  Then my picture wasn't the right size so I was messing around with that.  This one charges so I had to pay, then when I am all done and submit it I realize there is an extra 0 at the end of the price!  Ugh, now it won't even get published!  I couldn't fix it as it was being submitted and then they come back to me.  So hopefully I can fix it once they send me the note.  Jacob called and he played in 2 of the games today.  The school served them lunch and dinner and he seems to be having a good time, so all is well for now.  They had just gotten back from some event they had gone too with a DJ and such.  So it was 10pm.  Do you think they are trying to wear them out!

Sat. morning a family came to see my car.  They live in my neighborhood and they had the same car as what I was selling.  Then 2 weeks ago around 3am a drunk driver totaled their car that was parked on the street.  They seemed interested so hopefully it works out.  The rest of the day I was busy sorting and getting things ready for the air shipment on Monday.  Then late afternoon Sean and Amber had their BFF's over for one last sleep over.

We had pizza and made green ice cream sundaes with sprinkles for St. Patrick's Day. 

Then we rented Bedtime Stories.  That movie was really cute!
Back at home, Jason sold my mini van today and bought himself a used jeep!  He was so excited!  It was what he had before we moved here and he wasn't really ready to part with it when we moved.  So it works out good, he can use it for a few more years and then we can pass it on to Jacob- scary thought!

Week of March 2nd, 2014

Sunday morning I got up and helped mom and dad get packed up as they were driving home today.  We went over to my brother's apt this morning as they had to drop some things off for them.  We woke them up.  But I got to see his place and his doggy!  They have a basset hound.  He is a very long, big, short dog but cute.  I like the way their front paws go out and they even seem a bit like webbed feet!  My parents dropped me back off at the hotel and I worked out and then got ready and packed up myself.  I checked out around 12 and my brother and his wife picked me up and we went out to a sandwich place for lunch and then they took me to the airport so that was very nice.  Today a big storm was hitting the east coast so I was getting a bit worried about getting out.  It started to really rain when I was at the airport but thankfully my flight got out.  My cousin didn't make it out and then the snow came later in the night and my aunts couldn't get out the next day b/c of the snow.  So I was very lucky to have gotten out when I did.  My flight was to Munich.  I upgraded to Economy plus and no one was sitting next to me so I was able to stretch out and watch 2 movies.  I tried napping but it was always difficult and I look like crap by the time I got off the plane.

Monday morning my flight landed in Germany around 7:30am local time.  So I called the kids at my friend's house and told them to have a good day at school and I would pick them up after school.  My flight to Lux was delayed a bit from fog.  I was starting to get nervous as Jason was in Amsterdam already heading back to the US, I was in Germany and the kids at school in Lux! 
Flight made it back in time.  My friend picked me up so that was nice of her.  I got home and got a few things done and then back to school to get the kids.  Amber was so excited to see me it was so cute.  She was hopping and saying, "mommy, mommy"  Of course they have to be dismissed from the teacher first so she was having a hard time waiting after she saw me.  So cute!  I never got a nap in so by 8:30pm I was dying so I got everyone ready for bed and then went to bed as well!

Tuesday I got up early and got ready as Jacob had early morning band.  I woke up with a headache and it lasted until lunch- ugh!
After early morning drop off and then the other 2 I had yoga.  Probably didn't help the headache to be doing handstands and such.  Then home to get a few things done and off to my friend's house for lunch.  There were 6 of us there and it was a nice time with good food as always! 

Jacob had bball after school and Sean had his last swimming class.  He was sad.  He really enjoys it.  Then back to school later to get Jacob, we ran home for a quick dinner and back to school for guitar as the guy had an earlier opening and wanted Jacob to come then b/c I think he is the last student normally.  Then I got some other things sold today.  Jason had the movers coming in the states today to our house that is for sale.  His parents also flew in today to help him out with things.  So the movers started packing things up.  We don't have too much left in the house, furniture, but the basement is packed with stuff. 

Wednesday after school drop off I had my dental cleaning.  Here all cleanings seem to be so different!  I had another dentist here and she moved back to Sweden, but she used something that felt like a sand blaster on my teeth for the cleaning.  This one used a machine that felt like it was a metal piece that was scrubbing down my teeth and it sounded awful and I could feel it- yuck!
From here I ran home for just a little bit and then to school as Amber had her spring concert today.  It was about a turnip!  They did songs, dances and each class recited part of the turnip story and some kids acted out the parts.  It was cute. 

 

 

Then Amber went home with a friend, the trio, and had lunch and then back for ballet.  So I went home and started packing the kids for this weekend to stay at friend's houses as me and 3 girlfriends are going back to Poland for one last Polish Pottery trip!  My friend came over and bought my deep freezer that I had defrosted and cleaned out.  So we loaded that in her trunk.  Then back to school after Sean's activity and Amber's ballet and then we got Jacob and came home.  I then made 3 sets of muffins, either blueberry or cinnamon for the kids to also take with them to friend's houses this weekend.

Thursday was a busy day!  After I got kids to school I came back home and got another batch of brownies in the oven.  Then my friend came over for a quick tea, and the furnace guy came over to clean it out as we have to once a year from the owner.  After he left I ran out to Jason's work and dropped off his computer and some of the secretaries had bought items I am selling so brought them some of the things and wished Jason would have come in and done this last week while he was in town!  Then 2 errands I needed to do and off to my friend's house who will have Amber for the weekend as 3 girlfriends and I are going back to Poland for some more Polish Pottery!  Super excited, just been so busy these last couple of weeks and with the whole moving thing too.  So I brought her all of Amber's things and muffins and brownies for them to have as well.  I stayed for some tea and a little chat so that was nice.  Then ran back home as someone was coming to see Jacob's closet.  He liked it and bought it and will be back to pick it up.  Then I got the last batch of brownies made after lunch and finally got myself packed.  Then back to school to pick up the kids after all their activities.  I brought Sean's weekend bag with the food and met my friend there and so she took that.  Amber was having a little carnival party so they brought in costumes and got their faces painted and then had a little ceremony saying their promise to Rainbows.  It was cute. 

We took one of Jacob's friends home after bball and dropped off the food and Jacob's weekend bag since that is who he will stay with this weekend.  Once at home the lady who was coming to get some glasses I was getting rid of called to see what bus stop I was closest too.  Of course I have never taken the bus around here so I had no idea.  I had seen the bus stops but they aren't super close and I had no idea what numbers.  She eventually found it and came over.  Then my friend came over to pick up some things she had bought and the closet guy came back after dinner to take the closet.  I was holding on to all the pieces but there were so many screws in it, it took him an hour to take it apart and load it in his car.  He is a truck driver and I think he wished he would have just brought his truck over and could have just put this whole thing in the back!   Busy night of selling things!
They finished packing our house in the states yesterday and today spent the day loading it all up.  They will drive to our new house tonight and hopefully unload everything tomorrow.  Jason and his parents headed out and start driving up north and my mom came over and sat until they finished the loading.  Jason and his parents got there later in the evening and got the van unloaded and then went to a hotel. I got myself packed.

Friday morning when I got up at 6am I heard Amber in her room.  When I got ready to go downstairs she had her door open and was laying on her floor. Oh no, what is wrong I am thinking.  She said her belly hurt.  Ok well lets go downstairs.  As we are walking down the stairs, she throws up.  Well then that wakes up the boys who are then grossed out b/c they can't get down the steps.  I go get it cleaned up and then her in the tub.  There goes my Poland trip I am thinking!  So I email my friend that it doesn't look like I can go now.  She says just to bring her over and she can stay with the babysitter and her youngest.  So I take Jacob to school early for band.  Then back home.  Amber seems to be ok, and not throwing up any more.  So I was hoping this was just a one time thing.  So we drop off Sean at school then drive to my friend's house.  We had to wait a bit for our 4th friend to meet us there so Amber was busy playing with my friend's son and seem to be doing fine.  She was drinking water and munching on crackers.  So once all 4 of us were there we loaded up in the van and headed to Poland!  It was an 8 1/2 hour drive, so we packed sandwiches and I think stopped twice to potty and gas and made it in around dinner time.  Boys had a good day at school and went home with their friends for the weekend.  Amber had done fine all day and eaten lunch so her boy friend that she was going to be staying with for the weekend came and picked her up after school.  She went to his house and ate a little for dinner, they played and later went to bed.  Well at 10pm she woke up and threw up!  I felt bad.  It really had seemed like she was done getting sick.  So my friend gave her a bath and then Amber threw up again.  Then she got her back to bed and she fell asleep and didn't throw up anymore.  But I felt bad.  Then at 3:30am her son woke up and they were up for an hour, went back to bed and then they woke up at 6:45am on Saturday!  Yikes not good!
We saw this grocery store on our way into town.  It is our favorite store from the UK. It is like Target and in the UK they sold peanut butter and Betty Crocker.  So we stopped but I guess they don't care for those things in Poland as they had none.

Once we checked into our place in Poland, it is a cute old remodeled barn that is now a bed and breakfast, we had dinner. 

It was good and then we hung out in our room, we just got one big room with 4 beds and one bathroom, and then went to bed. 
So the big moving truck tried to unload at our new house today, but either couldn't make it down the culd da sac with the turn or the snow and couldn't use that truck to unload, so they went back to their place and unloaded it onto 2 smaller trucks and will try again tomorrow.  My cleaning lady at the old house had her son and husband help her do a great big cleanup after we moved out.  They found a dead bird in the garage- yuck!

Sat. morning we got up and got ready and went downstairs for the very simple breakfast they have and then left to go shopping for some pottery!!  Amber felt fine today and had a good day with her friend.  The boys got a lot of time outside with the lovely weather that was here and then Jacob saw a movie.  We spent the morning going to shops.  We first went back to our 2 favorite shops from last year and that is where we got most of our stuff.  Here is my favorite store.

They have the biggest selection of baking/serving dishes.  But everything else too.  Look at all that pottery!!

Then to a few other stores, then back to the thatched roof place for lunch where we went last year.  They had traditional Polish food.  It was good.  Then on to the glass blowing store that has things made into animal shapes, my friend bought 2, and these pretty glass balls you can hang up. 

Then a few more pottery stores then back to the hotel at 4:45pm.  We had some massages at the hotel.  It was nice, the ladies just come to your room. 

So we all enjoyed that then got ready for dinner and then back to the room.  We all really had a good time.  One of our friends that came was British so it is always fun to hear their different words!  The van was loaded down!
In our new house the 2 smaller trucks came today and unloaded everything.  The heater guy came to look at one of the heaters and I guess he has to order the part.  It was stuck on a high heat setting.  Then the cable guy came over and was there for about 5 hours.  They went through the house and looked at where they needed cable or Internet and he got some of it done, but has to come back again on the weekend to finish everything up.  So that will be good that that will be taken care of before we arrive!

Week of Feb. 23rd, 2014

Sunday we decided to celebrate Amber's b'day early since I wasn't going to be here on her actual b'day.  So at 8am she woke us up saying that she was getting hungry, she had just woken up, and that I should start making breakfast.  I was giving her breakfast in bed today so I told her it would take awhile b/c it was pancakes and slushies.  So she just decided she would come downstairs and play until breakfast was ready and then she would go back upstairs- stinker!  So once breakfast was ready she ran back upstairs to her seating place she got ready last night for her and her animals and her and I ate breakfast in her room after we all sang to her!

Then I ran to the store.  It was packed.  A line to get into the garage.  Since this is the only store open on Sundays and only open in the morning it was busy, also since it was a holiday week here many people had come back in town last night and needed groceries.
Then someone came to pick up the basketball hoop.  They tied it to the roof racks/ski racks of their car.  It was my friend and she didn't have too far to go and they made it home safely.
I got Sean's b'day invites sent out.  We will have his party next month so he can celebrate with his friends early before we move. 
Amber wanted a dolphin b'day cake- ugh.  So I got that baked and decorated today.  It turned out nice, but was a bit time consuming. 

I had to go over a bunch of things with Jason.  Things he needs to take care of when he goes back to the states and his schedule here with the kids this week- good luck to them all!
Was also busy trying to get a lot of laundry done.  My hair appt. for tomorrow got canceled and of course I need it done before I leave for the wedding so I pray it is ok for Tuesday now.

Monday morning Jason got up super early and flew out to Turkey until tomorrow.  After drop off I went to the bigger mall and hit the grocery store, post office, store for nylons, and then a cool nature store with fun things in it for a gift for my friend's b'day.  I got her a bunch of things for relaxing that my other friend and I gave her together.  Then home and a bit later back to another mall for the dry cleaners and my eyebrows.  Then to my friend's b'day lunch.  The place we went was a Japanese restaurant and it isn't far from my house so I just walked.  We all had sushi, and it was good!

Then home for a bit and off to school to sign up to do reading for Amber's class.  After school Amber and I baked her cupcakes to bring in to school tomorrow to celebrate her b'day.

Her and Sean have been so busy making bracelets and rings from that loom craft kit she got for her b'day.  They love it!  Last night her and Jason made a triple layer one from the book we got her.  It turned out really cool!
Someone came by to buy something tonight.  Slowly but surely most stuff is going.  Then started sorting and everyone had a ton of laundry to put away from the trip and such.   I got packed for my next trip. 

Tuesday Jacob had early morning band, then I took the other 2 back later.  I had yoga this morning and then had my hair appt.  It looks cute.  I got a bunch of hair cut off so it is a little bob.  Then home for lunch and before pickup I had to go and mail my letter by registered mail to cancel my cell phone.  I couldn't just go to the main office with isn't far from me.  Instead I had to pay like $6.00 to mail a letter about 5min from my house!  It only costs $2.00 to mail a letter to the US!  But I had to do it registered mail- ugh!  Then off to school today to celebrate Amber's b'day since I will be gone for her b'day.  So we brought in our bright pink cupcakes and a book!  She was so excited!

After school Jacob had basketball and I had to pick up a signed report card from his school.  His one I printed off online didn't have any signatures on it.  Then later back to school for Jacob.  Jason came back in town, and then Jacob had guitar later.  Tonight I got our favorite blueberry coffee cake recipe made for them to have while I am gone and Amber wanted coffee cake for her b'day. 
I finished packing and got everything ready for my departure.  I said goodbye to Jason as I am not sure when I will see him again.

Wednesday morning I got up at 4am- ugh!  And the taxi came at 4:45 am and took me to the airport.  The airport was pretty busy.  I flew to Germany and there was another mom from school that I sat with and chatted.  She sells jewelry that I have bought as well.  Then once in Germany I had an almost 4 hour layover.  Then off to DC.  I bumped myself up to Economy Plus and it was perfect, no one was in my row!  I have never been on a flight to the US in which the flight wasn't full.  I need to start travelling mid week!  So it was a long flight at 8 hours.  I got to watch 2 movies and didn't have any chatty wiggle worm next to me!  It was peaceful!  My parents picked me up and we drove to the hotel.  It is a cute area in Arlington, VA just a few blocks from my brother's place.  The hotel is right around the corner from a neat street of some shopping and a ton of restaurants.  So mom and dad and I went to a Thai place for dinner.  Of course this was like 1 am now my time so I could only eat a salad, nothing too heavy.  After dinner we walked over to this grocery store across the street from the hotel, and my parents were laughing at me look at all the food and pick things up!  I haven't been in the states for about 6 months and it is always fun to see all our normal food again and new things.  Everything looked so good!!  Then my brother came over to the hotel so that was good to see him.  Then I had been up for 24 hours so it was time for bed!  Kids surviving with Jason but Amber has already asked when I am coming home (:

Thursday I was up at 4am local time just b/c of the time change.  So I talked with Jason and heard how Amber's b'day morning was.  He said when he dropped her off at school all of a sudden she looked at him all upset and said we forgot to call mom this morning for my b'day!  He had to tell her that her hour of morning mommy was still sleeping.  So I got some exercise in and some stuff done on the computer.  Then after breakfast mom, dad and I went into DC and went to the News museum.  It was neat.  Then came back here to this area and walked and had a late lunch at this cheese and wine place.  Really cute.  Everything they served had cheese in it.  So a lot of sandwiches and grilled cheeses.  Then back to hotel and started getting ready.  My brother and his fiancé were getting married by a Justice of the Peace in a cove area next to the bar in the hotel.

About 20 people or so came to watch.  Then we were at the bar for a bit and then the wedding party walked in the freezing cold and wind down the street to a restaurant where we had a big table.  There were 13 of us.  It was a nice place and we all enjoyed our dinner.  After this we walked back to the hotel bar and met up with other people who had gotten in town and spent the remainder of the evening there.

Friday we went to breakfast next door with other people and it was very good.  From here my mom and I went for a walk around the area, then a bit later she went to get her hair done and my dad and I went on the hotel treadmills.  Later we kept visiting with people that had just arrived in town.  For lunch we just went to the grocery store across the street and had subs made and ate back in the room for a late lunch.  Then started getting ready as we had pictures before the party tonight so my brother was picking us up at 4:30.  So there were 10 of us for pictures, me and mom and dad, then the bride's dad, 2 sisters and one of their husbands, and the bride's son.   They wanted pictures done at one of the memorials downtown.  It was pretty cold out. 

 

 

So we did pictures there then the van took us to the cocktail party.  They had it a neat venue that was high up on a hill so you had a great view of the city.
They had a DJ that occasionally decided to sing a song or two.  He was pretty good!  Then drinks and appetizers.  It was fun and good to see everyone. 

There were a lot of military/different forces personal there due to my brother's friends through work.  So we said they had to be enough guns in here to cover everyone else!  The party ended at 11pm.  We took the shuttle back to the hotel and a bunch of us walked down the street to the Irish Pub and stayed until about 1:30am. 

Sat. morning I slept in a bit!  We had breakfast downstairs with others.  Then my dad and my 2 aunts went to the Arlington Cemetery.  It was really neat.  We did the bus ride around that makes about 4 stops so it is a 2 hour tour. 

It is a very pretty area.  Then we came back and went back to the Irish Pub for lunch.  This was around 3pm and I was excited to order a corn beef sandwich.  I love those and they are no where to be found in Europe.  Well I guess it is brunch there until like 5pm!  And no corn beef sandwiches on the brunch menu!  I not sure they are on the dinner menu, but normally Irish Pubs serve them.  Our waiter was from Ireland and had only been here a month!  Then back to the room for a bit and then out to dinner later with everyone else that was still here and this place had corn beef sandwiches!  So my mom and I split one.  It was delish!