Elijah

Cerys starts school tomorrow and I would like to ask you to pray for something if we come to your mind tonight and tomorrow.

It's been raining for weeks. And I don't mean a light drizzle. Parts of the country are under water and there have been flood warnings all over most of south Wales this week.

I would love nothing more than to walk her to school in the morning in the sun- I know that is asking a lot, but I would at the very least like for it not to be a torrential downpour. I'm nervous for her anyway, so I'd rather not add in raincoats, umbrellas and wellies to the mix. Instead I would love a quiet, dry walk at least for the first morning. It's a 15 minute walk one way, so it would be fabulous if it would not rain for about 30 minutes! (Bailey and I would like to get home dry!) I know this may seem like a silly request to some of you, but I'm being very serious. Elijah prayed that it would not rain, and God answered his prayer. I'm of course in no way comparing myself to Elijah, but I know it would be a blessing for us in the morning if it did not rain.

I'll be back tomorrow with a first day of Nursery School photo! We got her uniform finally sorted out and she looks precious. And so grown up. She is in love with her black shoes and socks- white lacy, frilly ones and her knee highs. :)

Catch Up

Paris-

We were there about 5 days, staying with friends. We had been there before, so this was not planned as a "tourism" trip this time but mainly to get away and catch up with friends. We did spend one day at Disney Paris, which was sort of fun. :) It was very crowded so I think we only rode a handful of rides, long lines and small children don't mix well. If we were to go again, it would be in an off-peak time for sure! Cerys got to meet Belle, from Beauty and The Beast after a 2.5 hour wait. We got to have our picture taken with her and got her autograph. That was enough for Cerys, she was completely happy. She did comment on how Belle speaks French, which was funny. Good thing Daddy speaks French because he was able to tell Belle to speak to her in English. Our friends were gracious enough to go with us, so that was a HUGE help with the girls. We rented 2 strollers which was about the only thing that saved our sanity. I knew Cerys could not walk all over the park all day long, so it was a good investment. Never mind the time that someone stole one of the strollers and moved it to another area- we think we know who it was because he asked if he could sit in it...what? A grown man, sit in my kids' stroller? He was not happy with the "NO" that he got, so when we got in line to ride Toy Story, we have a feeling he moved the stroller to another area. Thankfully we had our name on it and our jackets on it, so we recognized it. He was probably standing by watching us frantically search for it. I hope you got a good laugh, sir. We ate dinner at Rainforest Cafe, which was a fun atmosphere, but super expensive. I had saved my caffeine allowance and was looking forward to a Coke. It was about $7.50 and no refills. I was not happy. In order to save money, the girls ate off my plate- I ordered chicken fajitas and they were $36. Yep. We are eating super cheap at our house for the next few months. :) We did get to see the Eiffel Tower and Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart), a cathedral at one of the highest points of Paris. Overall, it was a fun trip and we enjoyed seeing our friends, sharing their fritos with us and playing games at night when the girls were in bed! Our poor friends had to put up with us taking over their apartment, even their own bedroom for the week! We are very grateful they allowed us to stay with them and catch up on life! Thanks y'all! :)

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Leaving on the Eurostar- fake smiles everyone! :)

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About to start our day-o-fun!

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Cerys and Belle

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The parade was the best part of our day I think, the girls loved it and I loved these Toy Story soldiers!


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Doctor's Letter-

Well, I did finally get my letter saying it was okay for me to join the fitness club. We even got a reply from the surgery today saying that they have now posted the charges for different letters more prominently in their office so other patients will be aware. Guess that's one good thing that came out of this.

Cerys' school-

Cerys starts Nursery school on Monday. Sniff. Sniff. I've been running all over town yesterday and today trying to get her uniform sorted out. The annoying thing is that we didn't find out any info until Wednesday, so now that school has already started most of the school uniform selection is bare bones. She is to wear grey trousers (or grey dress) with white or yellow shirts and green jumpers (sweaters) or a green cardigan. I've been to 2 ASDA's (think Wal-mart) and 2 Tesco's and 2 Marks and Spencers (department stores) and found enough pieces to pull it all together. We visited the school on Wednesday as I just mentioned and signed papers, talked to her teacher while she got to paint, play with sand and a chalkboard. She did not want to leave. I guess that's a good thing? I will have to hold back the tears on Monday that's for sure. I teared up tonight as we tried on all her clothes to make sure they fit, and she said, "Mom, don't cry!" We are happy about the school (so far) and her teacher seems very nice, it's just very different from what I am use to. Anyway, she will be going for 2.5 hours each morning, Monday through Friday. I would prefer a 2 or 3 day a week thing, but oh well. The school is about a 3/4 of a mile walk from our house. I'm not really ready for that walk 4 times in a 2.5 hour time period- why did I join a gym? :) Soon we'll be weighted down in winter coats and boots so that will make it even more fun. And not to mention my growing belly. I should be in good shape by the time this kid is born! Ha.

Blog-

My friend Leah, told me about The Cutest Blog on the Block and that is where I got our free template.

Gymnastics-


Both the girls started gymnastics this past week. The first class was a bit rough for Cerys, too crowded and she was very unsure. She sat near the wall and did not participate at all. This was heartbreaking as a mother to watch her through the glass window just sitting there. Thankfully one of the teachers was very kind to her and sat with her until about 5 minutes before class was over, I went in and talked to Cerys. She said she was too shy to join in, but maybe next time. A few days later I took Bailey to the class for her age and she immediately went to the trampoline and got busy jumping! She was hilarious. The teacher noticed Cerys waiting and said she could join the class if she wanted and that was all she needed....she loved it! It was a MUCH smaller class and I was in there the whole time (even though she was the oldest one there). She was so happy to do front rolls and the "handlebars" (uneven bars) and the "bean" (the beam) and the "swing" (the rings). I'm going to take Cerys tomorrow to another place to see what the class size is like before we make a decision. Bailey's favorite thing was " the bean" too. :)

Pregnancy-

I'm at the end of my 17th week. I though the nausea was gone, but it came back in Paris and has not left yet. Ya'll, I was in tears on the train coming back from Paris. I took Bailey with me to the dining car to get some lunch and of course the dining car was a million cars from ours. So I got to navigate my way through the skinny aisles all while rocking back and forth. By the time I got the dining car I was carrying Bailey (she was walking but ran into a chair and hit her head and was crying) and was having a heat flash. All I could think to do was pray, "Lord Jesus, please do not let me puke right here in this dining car!" We got some lunch and made the trek back to the family car and as soon as I sat down I just started crying. (Nothing new right?) I was feeling so sick and so warm and the single dude across from me felt the need to sprawl out his legs and leave me no room. I did feel bad the first few time Bailey accidentally kicked him, but after a while I felt that if he wanted to sit like that, then he will have to deal with my 2 year old. Plus, he could have easily moved to another seat. Anyway, I was talking about this pregnancy. So, I have not seen my midwife since I was 6 weeks pregnant, but I have an appointment with her next week. Then 2 weeks after that I have the big 20 week scan and will hopefully find out if we will need blue or more pink!

Random-

*We got a Hemnes headboard at IKEA yesterday for £4.50 ($9.00) in the clearance department. It had a tiny scratch on it. I was so happy because we didn't want/need the frame or footboard, so it was perfect!

*Next week our life will go back to normal in some ways as Marc is back to work with the gap year and most students are returning to Cardiff after the summer holidays.


Ok, well this is WAY more than you were hoping to read probably. I'll be back Monday with a cute first day of school picture!

Only 105.5 Hours of Sunshine This Month. WHAT?

So, we talk a lot about the weather here...the rain, lack of sunshine, etc. A friend of ours found this BBC article that proves the weather is as horrible we say it is. I don't have any official numbers, but I read one time that the UK has the highest usage of anti-depressants for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

We appreciate any extra prayers for us as we head into the winter months...considering we didn't really have summer. The days get even shorter and darker! It's hard to explain to the girls why they can't play outside all the time and it's even harder finding indoor activities to take them to.

Let's hope that the article is true-"For autumn, we are very much expecting temperatures to be above average and for the season itself to have below average rainfall,"

Sometimes, I Want to Scream and Throw Things

We are home from Paris, more to come on that later.

So, a new fitness gym is opening up near us and has a great, cheap, fixed price until 2010, so we are joining. Marc could easily sign up, but mine was a bit more complicated since I'm pregnant. I had to have a doctor's note. Last week before we left for Paris, I walked up to our surgery and told them what I needed. They said no problem, all I had to do was write my name and date of birth and what exactly I needed to have written and a doctor would get it for me by today (Friday) to pick up. Easy.

I walk up there today after lunch to retrieve my letter.

"That will be £10 please" the receptionist said.

I said "pardon me" several times and basically it all boils down to an "admin fee."

So, basically they are telling me that I can come to see a doctor for free when I'm sick, get free prescriptions, but I have to pay the man £10 ($20) to write a one line letter saying it's okay for me to work out?

I teared up, because that seems to be what I do this pregnancy, and walked home fuming! Marc got on the ball, wrote a letter to the head of the practice, who also happens to be the doctor who wrote the letter. He went back to the surgery for me and asked more questions. Apparently, "we should be happy it wasn't £15" Nice huh? We did explain to her that it would have been nice to have been informed last week that there MIGHT be an admin fee. Apparently, it's at the doctor's discretion whether or not to charge a fee.

Sometimes, I want to scream and throw things. And today was one of those days.

Paris Highlights

Here are some highlights from our trip- we have one more day in Paris and one travelling day left!

*staying with and visiting with good friends

*eating fritos and cheetos with good friends (imported!)

*playing Mexican train at night when the girls are in bed (domino game)

*seeing Cerys' face as she met Belle from Beauty and The Beast (the waiting in line 3 hours to get on stage for our turn was NOT fun)

*the two parades at Disneyland, so fun and colorful!

*the SUN

Hodge-Podge

Maybe it's pregnancy that is causing me to not have complete thoughts...oh wait, no I've always been like that. I know some family members that would agree with that, but they shall remain nameless.

Anyway,

*We went to a new (indoor, of course!) pool this morning- fun times! Except when the water features came on and we were sitting right next to a huge fountain, only we didn't know it was a fountain. We screamed, the girls cried. Marc made Cerys go down a tiny water slide and she was hysterical and screaming some more, but later in the day it was her "FAVORITE THING EVER!"

*I have a huge mound of ironing to do, all from the laundry from last week.

*I have to pack tomorrow because we leave bright and early Saturday morning for Paris, France!

*Cerys is super excited about going to Euro Disney! Let's hope it's as fun as we think it will be!

*We have really enjoyed watching the Olympics, it's all pretty much all day here! I have enjoyed watching Gymnastics, swimming, diving- except I gasp every time because I'm so afraid they are going to hit their heads like Greg L. did a long time ago.

*I'm really bummed I can't go to the Siesta Fiesta this weekend! It's a party for those that read Beth Moore's blog- plus a Living Proof Live in event in San Antonio! :( Hope everyone has a fun time!

On My Mind

Lots on my mind today-

* how depressing it is that we have to lights on in our house during the day- even with the blinds and curtains opened...it was so dark and gloomy this morning. We are officially sick of the weather.

*I'm 15 weeks and my regular clothes don't fit me- I just look like I ate too much- not pretty. I have 2 pairs of trousers that I can still wear. I tried maternity trousers this past week and I was constantly pulling them up, it was very annoying. And I refuse to pay £30 for a pair of maternity trousers at Mothercare, even though they were cute.

*Why does the electrician that has come to fix our kitchen lights and bathroom light/vent have to arrive soon after putting my kids down for a nap, and why is our doorbell so LOUD?

*Why am I still hungry? I just ate lunch.

*Dellie- VBS is like your Holiday Bible Club (Vacation Bible School)

*We got our appointment in the post for our 20 week sonogram- 5 weeks to go! And yes, we are planning on finding out this time what we are having. I'm sure it's another girl. I'll be really surprised if it's boy. I thought Cerys and Bailey were going to boys, but obviously I was wrong.

*I've been looking for a gymnastics type class for me and Bailey to attend when Cerys starts Nursery school- we visited one this morning that was really fun. They have a class for 4 year olds that I just might put Cerys in since she's enjoyed watching the Olympics and doing front rolls in the living room :)

*Cerys starts Nursery School in a few weeks, I wish I knew the actual days she starts, but I have yet to hear from the school. We don't even know if she has a morning or an afternoon place, nor do we know the color of uniform she needs. Sounds like they are really on the ball here huh? I should expect this by now. So far all we know is to come in on September 3rd and "sign some papers" and then they will "discuss with us a start date" Alrighty then. However, it would be really nice to know at least the color of uniform since they are all on sale now!!!!

*I'm hoping someone (anyone) will buy a copy of People Magazine and send it to me...any takers? SCC is in it this week and I would love to see it. I think it has Mrs. Edwards on the cover this week? **Thank you, I've had someone kindly offer to send it to me!


I better stop now, this is really random....

Home

We're home from England...had a lovely week seeing friends and meeting new ones! Although we sat in meetings all day long, it was a good week. The girls had an absolute blast doing VBS all week- Outrigger Island anyone? Bailey did not nap during the day, too much going on and not the space for it, so she was quite a gem each night ;) On the last day we picked her up right before dinner and she had just woken up from a nap- about an hour and a half and she had huge creases on her face, it looked like she had enjoyed her sleep. Apparently they were acting out baby Jesus' birth (she was dressed up as Mary) and laid down on the floor and fell asleep. Bless her heart. The ladies that came to keep our kids all week were fabulous. It just really struck me this time that they would take their vacation time (very limited in the states, not like here!) and leave their families- even their own young children- to come babysit mine all week! I was humbled and extremely grateful. The girls had an absolute blast! Thank you ladies for making our children feel special and loving on them this week. (I will post pictures after I find the camera) One more thing, I know I'm extra emotional right now, but on the first day these ladies had brought every decoration you could possibly think of to make the room look inviting and fun, and it brought tears to my eyes that the girls got to experience VBS. I know that sounds strange and many of you may not care about your kids going to VBS, but it meant a lot to me this week for several reasons. Ok, I'll stop talking about it now.

It's always nice to go these meetings because it reminds us that we are not alone and there are other families out there doing the same stuff we are. We met a new family, a lovely couple, that have 2 girls the same ages as ours and a one little baby boy. We were laughing about what we do all day and we both said "Wipes faces, feed mouths, change diapers!" I know there are other moms on this side of the pond like me, but it's nice to see them and know that my life is really not that different from theirs! It was a huge encouragement to me!

It's always nice to be back in your own bed- my hips are thankful that they did not have to endure another night of 3 springs poking up from the who- knows -how- old mattress at the retreat centre. :)

Now, must restock the fridge and start the laundry!

Inspiration

We've been watching the Olympics all day, thanks to the BBC's interactive programs we can choose what sport we want to watch. Anyway, Cerys and Bailey were mesmerized by the gymnastics...Cerys apparently was inspired by the hair! She went upstairs and got some of her hair clips. :)

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We're off to England- see you in a week!

More Randomness

I've never been one to blame my forgetfulness on pregnancy, but honestly, I'm finding myself more and more forgetful these days! I was talking to my friend yesterday on the phone and I could not remember several names of our mutual friends or their last names. It's a strange feeling. I am feeling better though- not as sick! Anyway.

I'm sitting here watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics- LIVE! We really enjoy watching the events so we are looking forward to the next few weeks. Actually, we are gone all next week so I guess we won't be seeing all of it...see, pregnancy brain?!? Is watching the Olympics emotional for anyone out there? I found myself tearing up just a few minutes ago- seriously ya'll these hormones are taking over!!! Of course I also just got done watching the sweet Chapman family on CNN. (It was live last night in the states, but they showed it here this morning) I think they did a great job, it's got to be tough to not only discuss what happened, but for one hour, live, and with callers and emailers with questions. Bless them! I was doing okay until they shared the story of the drawing Maria Sue did the morning of the accident, if you don't know what I'm talking about I hope you can find the interview to watch online. It's an amazing story about the picture she left on the art table- little "breadcrumbs" from God as they called it. Very cool.

We will be leaving on Monday for a few days for our annual company meeting. We are not going far so that's good in a way. While we are sitting in meetings all day, the girls will be doing a VBS type program so I'm sure they will have a good time!

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