Fancy Dress Party

Today was a "Fancy Dress" party at the mothers/toddlers group we go to. What is "Fancy Dress" party you ask? Well, you are suppose to wear costumes!

No problem. For Cerys that is. She was thrilled to wear her new Snow White dress and shoes she got for her birthday. I didn't have anything for Bailey to dress up in, so she just wore a red shirt- but I did find an old caterpillar costume in the cloest of the church that I made her wear for a few minutes.

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As you can see, she was not having any of it!

We decorated gingerbread cookies with icing, suppose to be hung on our Christmas tree. Bailey thought it was her snack. We only have one to hang on the tree now.

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After decorating our cookies, we listened to the Nativity story and as you can see from the photo, Bailey was just too distracted by the food on the table.

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After coaxing her back to the story area, I went to put something in my bag and came back to find her back at the table.

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This child does not miss a meal. Or a snack.

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Bonus picture of us last night. We went out on a date! We had a Christmas party to attend at a fancy pub- so we snapped this picture in the car park.

He's HOME!

I haven't told you all week, but Marc was in Moscow until yesterday!!!! It was a long, lonely week for us girls and we all ended up getting sick with an upper respiratory infection! He was gone for 7 days but we survived! We are all so happy he's home! He brought us all gifts- the girls got those wooden dolls that have another doll inside- and it continues for 4 or 5 times. I don't even know the name of them! They are so cute. And he brought me two Christmas ornaments- one from Russia and one from Amsterdam, they are precious! As soon as he walked in the door the girls were all over him and so happy, even though we all sound a bit croaky. I said, "Welcome home, can we eat at Nando's tonight?" :)

The countdown to our African trip has begun- one week! I'm gearing up mentally for another flight with Bailey. At least it's not quite as long. One week from today we'll be soaking up the sun and having a great time with Marc's parents!

Have a great day!

Did You Know?

I'm watching Monarchy: The Royal Family right now on the BBC. Here's a running list of things I'm learning...

Did you know...

*Her Majesty's crown weighs 2.5 pounds? And is carried in an unmarked black box from the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace- taking a different secret route every time? And is only handled by one person- the crown jeweler, of course!

*The crown has been changed/modified slightly over the years for each coronation- for the Queen, it was made to look slightly more feminine- the arches were made smaller and they made it lighter-can you imagine something more than 2.5 pounds on your head?

*She tries the crown on the day before she is to wear it each time to make sure it's comfortable for her.

*There are secret passages in Buckingham Palace that the Queen travels through to get from her living quarters to the many rooms to greet people, etc.

*The State Opening every year- two carriages are needed- one for Her Majesty, one for her crown as they travel to Parliament.

*She is just stunning in her gown, red robe and sparkling crown!

*I just saw the Queen walk past a statue that I stood next to when we toured Buckingham Palace in September!!!!!

*Her corgies just run around the palace! I guess they are palace-trained.

*She always seems to have her black handbag on her arm. Even at home.

*She entertains all the time! There is always something going on at Buckingham- clergy, heads of state, diplomat visits, etc.

*At the end of each meeting or party- she presses a discreet button and the doors to that room are opened. Does that mean everyone is locked in?

*Her conversation over the years has been finely tuned- knowing just what to say/ask to everyone and how to keep the conversation flowing.

*There is a travel office in Buckingham Palace- in charge of Royal Transport! She owns a helicopter, that's it. If she flies, they hand pick the crew! Wow. (and it's obviouly a private charter flight!) They take out every other row of the aircraft to make it a bit more comfortable.

*She just shook hands with 92 guests at a state dinner. Smiling all the while!

*That I find all of this very interesting!


I wonder...

*how that 2.5 pound crown stays on her head! Especially with all her nodding.

*how the crown feels about having it's own carriage.

*if she carries her black handbag all the time because it's probably too far to walk back to her living quarters if she needs something.

*if she ever gets tired of smiling and waving and greeting people. Surely!

*why I didn't think to ask American Airlines to take out a few rows for a more comfortable flying experience to Dallas!

"It Doesn't Have a Chip In It"

Let me just start by saying I'm so annoyed and frustrated.

When we first lived here, we used our visa debit card for everything. "Yes, it's from America. " "Yes, it looks like nothing you've seen before." We had no problem with it, just the occasional comment on the design on it. (It's just a picture of the earth, flat, like a picture of a map) We would simply make our purchase, smile at the cashier, and sign the slip of paper. Simple.

When we moved back this past January, there seemed to be a new system in place. No problem. They have moved to using chip and pin cards. There is a small machine at each till (check out). You stick your card in, enter your pin...and there you have it. Well....except if you don't have a card with a chip in it. Like us. (Let me just explain here that we do have a chip and pin card now, but we only use our UK account for certain things).

For some things that we purchase, we still use our American card. The one with no chip. I have had to explain to some places that it does not have a chip in it, that they have to swipe it and I sign it...not usually a problem. I have had some cashiers tell me to still put it in the chip and pin machine, and even after telling them several times it won't work they still insist. I stick it in, it does not work, they swipe it like I first told them and it works. We do get tired of telling people "it doesn't have a chip in it, I have to sign for it" but usually it's not a problem.

Except this one store. Every stinkin' time I'm there, they act like they have never seen anything of the kind! The first time we visited this store the lady just stared at the card when I told her it does not have a chip in it she automatically said "Oh, sorry, we don't take those kinds of cards." Umm, yes you do. Another time we visited that store, the cashier had to call for the manager because she had never heard of anything like it. I mean really people, it's only been like two years since you switched over to this chip and pin thing!!! And yet another time, I got another blank stare and then she said, "We don't keep pens at the till, I have nothing for you to sign with." No problem. I've started carrying pens in my purse just for this very reason!

But today....today, just topped it all off. Cerys has not been feeling well and I needed, needed to get out of the house for a while before we all went insane. I decided to visit this particular store because apparently I forgot about all the other times my card has been questioned and I clearly needed to have something to argue about with a perfect stranger. I got the girls all settled in the buggy/cart/trolley (I don't even remember what's it's called here anymore) with their juice and some cheerios. This store is like a version of Bed, Bath and Beyond, but not really. They sell things for your home- bedroom/kitchen/bath, etc. There was nothing in particular I wanted to get today, just wanted to look at their knitting yarn and some fabric. I found some yarn in the clearance bin for only £2.95 and that's pretty good so I grabbed that and few more little items.

The girls had just gotten up from their nap when I put them in the car to go to this store, so they are not quite awake...which is why I let Bailey take this talking Elmo into the store. ( I know.) I kept asking her to not push his belly because he says "Dia means day in Spanish. Hehehehehehe" And then people would just look at us. And we do not need any more attention on us, trust me. Needless to say, Elmo talked A LOT in the store. That was inbetween me trying to tell Cerys to SIT DOWN (I let her ride in the buggy/cart/trolley because I just did) in my best clenched teeth mother voice for the 100th time.

Anyway, we proceed to check out. Another till had just been opened and I noticed it was the lady who had just stared me down for letting my kids eat cheerios in the store. I don't really care lady, it kept them quiet for 10 minutes and there was only one dropped on the floor and I picked it up! Anyway, I smiled as we walked up to her till. She scanned my items, except the clearance yarn which didn't have bar code on it (of course!) and had to call for back up. We finally got a total and I handed her the card. She points to the chip and pin machine. "No man, it does not have a chip in it, I have to sign for it." (smile) Blank stare. Darn, I should have known better!!!! "Uuummm, ummm, oookkkaay, hold on" She calls for help. The guy says "Oh, you just need to swipe it, it's the old kind of card." (Old kind of card? huh?) She asks him to do it because she doesn't know how. He swipes it, it doesn't work. They call for more backup. A grumpy manager that was just getting off work and proceeds to tell everyone in the line that she was just about to leave WHAT NOW? They both explain to her that it does not have a chip in it and it would not swipe. She says, "Oh, it's out of date, it's expired that's why it won't work" She has not even looked at my card! I leaned over and looked it and explained that no it had NOT expired. "Oh, ya, you're right, hahahahaha"

Meanwhile, Cerys is barking orders at me "I want out" , "I need milk momma" "Stop looking at my Bailey" etc etc. and Elmo is still saying "Dia means day in Spanish hehehehehe" and the people behind me are getting agitated.

My card ended up finally working and as we left the store I vowed never to go back there unless I have cash! Some dear sweet older ladies smiled and said goodbye as we left and that got Bailey going on her "BYE-BYE, BYE-BYE, BYE-BYE" and Elmo was still teaching us how to say day in Spanish. Not the really fun outing I had in mind, but oh well.

It. Is. Still. Raining.

I think it has been raining since we arrived back in the UK. And of course, today of all days- when I HAVE to leave to the house to take Cerys to the Health Visitor's this afternoon- it's the sideways, rain in your face kind of rain. Bailey will be bundled up under her rain covered stroller and Cerys will be on her buggy board with eyes squinting trying to see as we push through the elements. I'm sure it'll be a blast!

Marc laughs at me, but I always get really nervous when we have to go to the doctor's surgery. Either I get blank stares when I ask a question because my accent throws them off, or they don't understand what I'm trying to say. Then I get all hot and bothered and start sweating like crazy and just want to RUN as far away as I can. Somehow I always leave there feeling really dumb. I'm sure today will be no different as I get to explain again that we have had several immunizations while back in the states a few weeks ago and they will say, "Hmmm, we don't give that one here either, why did we need to have one?" Kind of like I had to explain to one of the nurses' at our pediatrician office's in Texas- when she looked at Bailey's chart and asked why she had a certain immunization because "we don't give that one in the states." It's all too complicated and frustrating!

Anyway.

What will they say when I tell them we all got flu shots! Maybe I won't tell them. Speaking of flu shots, Marc and I got this flu mist up our nose instead of a shot. Have any of you had that before? It was really cool. Just like using a nose spray. But sadly, the girls had to have the old fashion shot!

Our Trip in Pictures

God really blessed us during our 2 week trip to Dallas. Not only did we get to spend some much needed time with family and a few friends, but God just did so many things for us that we are so grateful for. One that I have to mention only because it was given to us "anonymously"- someone or some people gave us a HUGE blessing. I won't tell you what it is, but it enable us to afford to get many things to take back for us and the girls. Clothes, shoes, food items to stock up on Wal-mart, etc. Even some eating out! :) We were blown away and truly humbled. The Lord knows who it is, so we pray His richest blessings back on to "them." Thank you!

Well, it's about time I post some pictures from our trip. I just picked out a few, there are way too many to post! Captions are beneath the pictures! Enjoy.

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The night before we flew, Bailey thought it was party time at the hotel with all of us in the same room!

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About to leave the hotel, headed to Gatwick Airport!


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Having fun running around and watching planes

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Walking to our plane!


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And the 10 hour torture begins...


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The first of many basketball games...considering my youngest little brother plays b-ball and my dad is a coach!


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The birthday girl in her new Snow White dress my parents gave her to wear to her party! Mom made the cakes!

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Visiting with dear friends at the mall!


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MOVE OVER BUDDY!


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Trying to get a picture of us girls, but it's not working very well.

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Papa gives fun horsey rides!


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Cerys watched Marc weigh our luggage before going to the airport, so here she is weighing her carry on :)


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Back home in Cardiff!

Party Time!

I know I still need to post some pictures from our trip to Dallas, but first here are some from our Christmas party we had today at our house for university students. We had a blast and enjoyed their company all afternoon.

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I made Taco Soup, a little taste of Texas for everyone, it was a big hit! I doubled the recipe because you just never know how much students will eat...the crock pot was empty when they left! :) Our Sunday school leader in our young marrieds class years ago told us two things to remember..."never wake a sleeping baby and never turn down a free meal." I've never forgotten those and I figured the students would not turn down a free meal! (I made Pico de Gallo for the first time today-tomatoes, onions, cilantro, garlic, etc and it was awesome! That is what is in the white thing with the chips or "crisps". I could have eaten the entire thing!)

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Cheesecakes, fudge and fruit dipped in chocolate! YUM

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Bailey stuck her head in the picture at the last minute. Everyone had a good time entertaining the girls!

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Who knew a MagnaDoodle would be so much fun, they made up a game to play with it!

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Cerys, Abi, Hannah, Sarah and Bailey!
Posterous theme by Cory Watilo