Ok, let me preface this post by saying that I DO miss all our friends, family and church and I'm NOT trying to make anyone feel bad or sound boastful. That being said... WE LOVE IT HERE!!!!!
The kids love their school!! It's so very laid back. And they are learning so much more than book knowledge. Nani and Graham will be walking to school by themselves! Friday morning Nani wanted me to let them walk by themselves but I was reluctant. I told her I'd walk to the corner and just watch them go down the hill but the trees blocked my view so I walked with them to the bottom of the hill at the crossing. As we were walking Nani was pouting that I was with them. I said just pretend I'm invisible. She said, "It's never gonna happen." I said "what?" She said, " that we can walk by ourselves." They crossed with the crossguard as I stood watching. When they got to the other side, Nani stopped, looked both ways, then turned to me with a puzzled look on her face. "Which way do we go?" she asked. Hahaha! Guess she wasn't as ready as she thought. Graham, on the otherhand, totally knows the way. It's only 2 blocks away.
Will and Brylie also seem quite happy with school. Brylie is taking a cooking class and Will is taking a drama class. All the kids have swimming for another week or so which is awesome! (FYI- Kiwis call swimsuits "togs") They have so much time for socializing and playing that they are very happy when they get home. There is a dairy mart down from our house and the kids can walk down there and get ice cream or a lolly (Kiwi for candy) allowing them to practice more independence than ever!
Mikaylie had her interview with an assistant dean at New Plymouth Girls High School on Friday. She will start tomorrow. She will be taking art, Spanish and business in addition to her core classes and hopefully she will be able to tryout for soccer.
The schools here really help gear the kids towards what they will be doing in their future based upon their interests and strengths. There are, of course, several compulsory, core courses all students must have to graduate but they are more basic. For expample, if a child is not very good at math, they just do the basic math requirements and not all the harder stuff that they will never use in their life. This is particularly fantastic for Will who struggles with math and will not be an accountant or the likes. He won't have to be frustrated with math that he will never use that only makes him feel inadaquate. There is also a huge emphasis on responsiblity and respect. Every child is different, learns differently, has different strengths and weaknesses. All these differences are accepted and embraced. No cookie cutter kids here. I love it! I don't need to worry about some of my kids feeling inferior because they don't do as well as others in specific areas. They need not take the classes that they won't need or excel in.
Today we tried a new church and liked it very well. They have terrific children's programs and a youth group. The music was great too, though not quite SHN Praise Team. It's a Baptist church. Denomination has never meant much to Billy and me as long as it's a Bible-based church and it suits our needs where the kids are concerned. So far it's looking good.
After church we went for a hike up Paritutu Mountain (more of a big rock hill) and then went to Backbeach. The hike was a little more strenuous than expected and I was wearing flipflops ("jandles" in Kiwi). The first section was steps but then it became more of a climb over rocks. Graham was terrified so he waited at that point and we went on up to the top. I'll be taking him there one day, just he and I, and we can do it together, no pressure.
The views from the top were amazing!!!! Ocean, islands, beach, Port Taranaki and the entire city of New Plymouth. We then went down to the beach on the backside of the "mountain", hence the name "Backbeach". It was quite windy, which is the norm. But the sky was completely clear and it was in the low 70's. Brylie and Will swam in the waves (too cold for me!), Nani collected shells, Graham drew in the sand with a piece of driftwood (barefoot! big step for him) and Kaigan and Billy played a game rolling round stones across the sand trying to get their stone closest to a predetermined spot (kinda like horseshoes). I just soaked it all in and took pictures. I wish Mikaylie had come but she stayed home with her friends painting the canvas cover of her wardrobe. Her bedroom has no closet and she wasn't very thrilled with the wardrobe idea until we suggested she paint it. It looks amazing with scenes from life in New Zealand. Photos to come...
A couple of nights ago Billy and I were cooking dinner and packing lunches for school the next day. Suddenly Billy turned to me and said, "We never did this in Kentucky." It took me a sec to realize what he meant but then it clicked. Mikaylie was helping us, completely voluntarily, in the kitchen. The kids were playing peacefully around the house. Kaigan was in and out with us and with the kids. It was wonderful! No fighting. No rushing. No worries. LOVING THIS!!!
This morning at church while we were singing "Here I am to Worship", I couldn't help but wonder why God brought us here. Certainly it's not just because New Zealand is a beautiful place He wants us to enjoy. Or that it feels like vacation and the kids are happy and all getting along. Or even because it is such a great place for Will to go to school. I can't help but feel like there is some bigger reason He brought us to the other side of the world and I find myself looking for that reason every day. I wonder what it is...
27 February 2011
22 February 2011
Falling into the Flow...
Hurray!!! Four children started school today!! Brylie and Will were sooo cute in their uniforms. Will was particularly nervous. As I drove I asked Brylie if she remembered which street I was to turn on. Will responded before Brylie saying, “Elliot. This is the right way, Mom.” Lol! My own personal navigator. Good on ya, Will. (Kiwi for “Good job!) I delivered them to school then returned home to walk Nani and Graham to their school. The walk down the hill to West End was nice, with a view of the ocean. Both Nani and Graham remembered which were their classrooms and basically headed to their classes without looking back. I did manage to snap a pic of them each, including Nani with her surfer dude, barefoot teacher.
Both the primary and intermediate schools are laid out similarly in that the schools consist of several buildings containing 3-4 classrooms, all which open to the outside. No A/C. Doors and windows open. Backpacks and shoes in areas just outside each classroom door.
Mikaylie and I then headed to New Plymouth Girls’ High School, meet up with Billy, turned in the required paperwork and took a short, self-guided tour with a map of campus. Now we wait for them to call with an appointment. Mikaylie is very ready to start school, which thrills me. She is particularly eager to start art class and the soccer team. Soccer tryouts have happened already, however, the school is confident the coach will at least give her a chance, if not just put her on the team.
We then went to Mega Center which consists of a variety of stores in several strip malls, all in one giant area. I’ve been on a frustrating search for dishes. I didn’t ship any and it would be very helpful to have some now, but I just can’t find any that grab me. I’m determined to make a decision on some tomorrow.
We picked up the few stationary needs we couldn’t find yesterday, purchased a stockpot and an appropriate sunhat for Graham. (He wore a baseball cap today but it is preferred they wear a bucket hat for more coverage.) I also searched for storage shelves for our bathroom but haven’t secured any as yet.
I dropped Mikaylie at home so that she could retrieve Graham and Nani from school and I headed back to pick up Will and Brylie. All of the kids seemed to have had a great day. W & B have been placed as year 7 which is the equivalent of 6th grade. The school will reassess their progress shortly and adjust as needed. Will may have the hardest time of it as he has jumped up a grade. There is no option to put him back a year because he is too old to go to primary school. The school seems extremely accommodating, however. Perhaps being with kids his own age and older will help him to mature a little bit… or a lot… Brylie may be bumped up to year 8, which I think she could handle fine. She is currently restarting the school year she had completed half of in the States. She prefers to stay in the same year as Will (they are on the same team, different classrooms) but the high schools are single-sex so it won’t matter in another year or two.
Graham, too, has been bumped up a year. Nani probably would have been better suited to bump up but the years are determined primarily by age not ability and, hopefully they just adjust in the classroom. I’m not real sure how I feel about this yet. Will comment more as I see how it goes.
After collecting B & W we went to buy groceries. Um… YIKES!!!! Food is REALLY expensive!!! It’s difficult to even figure just how expensive things are with the metric system used here. Maybe I don’t really want to know. I mean, what’s the point? There is very little we can do about it besides try to shop sales and choose wisely. Shopping for convenience is not going to be an option. Prepackaged items, like snacks and such will be avoided. Yesterday I purchased reusable containers for lunch and I portion out servings into them for the kids’ lunches. We are taking recycling and conservation to a new level than we did in the States. It’s not really bothering me, the extra effort that is. I came totally expecting a new, different lifestyle. Actually, a lot of things are not bothering me that did in the States. The barefoot thing, for one. I’ve always been somewhat of a germ freak but I’ve just had to get over it here. I also don’t feel the need to have the children within arms reach here in public places. The tiniest of children can be found lagging behind parents here with no worries of kidnapping. We’ve been strongly cautioned to lock vehicles and even the house but theft is generally the worst crime that goes on here. And the thieves aren’t armed. It just doesn’t happen.
Mikaylie has been an absolute dream around the house and with the younger kids. She helps with meals, including packing lunches. Her tone with them has been particularly sweet and she is, as I type, both coloring with Nani and playing Lego’s with Graham. She seems truly interested in their day at school. Wow, I sure hope this lasts. Though when she starts school, she may not have the time to be so helpful. Oh well, I’ll enjoy while I can.
Guess you may be wondering if Billy is here with us… He has been pretty consumed with getting ready to start working. On Sunday, he and Kaigan drove to Wellington (about 5 hours away) for a 20 minute meeting on Monday just to show his credentials and show he is he. Monday, they also looked at a vehicle and put a deposit on it. The Toyota Highlander may be our most frugal purchase thus far. We are buying used and it seems to be priced well below comparable vehicles. Hopefully we don’t later find some dreadful reason for it’s reasonable price.
Billy is also frantically trying to get all paperwork done to begin working ASAP. Evidently, there are things he could have had done by now had he only known. Now his start date is delayed even further which adds to his stress level as we really could use an income… and SOON!
You’ve probably heard or seen footage of the horrible earthquake in Christchurch which is on the south island. The earthquake in September there was stronger but this one has caused more damage and fatalities. We did not feel it here in New Plymouth, however, but it is all that is on the TV.
Speaking of TV, we have only 6 channels right now from an aerial on our roof, yet we get lots of American programs. We’ve seen Friends reruns, Two and a Half Men (trash I refuse to watch!), American Idol, America’s Funniest Home Videos, Criminal Minds and many others. There are also New Zealand as well as Aussie programs and some that seem to be either American or Canadian made but not aired in the US.
We just had visitors at our door bearing gifts! Five neighborhood boys, ranging in age from 11-16 came to the door with three New Zealand originals: a two litres bottle of Lemon & Paeroa, a Kiwi fizzy drink (soda), 2 bags of Pineapple Lumps which are chocolate covered, pineapple flavored taffy… sort of… SUPER YUMMY!!! and finally, a 2 Litres tub of Hokey Pokey ice cream, a vanilla ice cream that has a whip cream flavor with bits of honey toffee in it… again SUPER YUMMY!!!!
Kaigan and Mikaylie went with the boys to kick around a soccer ball. Finally someone for Kaigan to interact with, though they are quite younger and probably more interested in Mikaylie which is all the more reason for Kaigan to join them. This could be interesting… As always, more posts to follow…
Both the primary and intermediate schools are laid out similarly in that the schools consist of several buildings containing 3-4 classrooms, all which open to the outside. No A/C. Doors and windows open. Backpacks and shoes in areas just outside each classroom door.
Mikaylie and I then headed to New Plymouth Girls’ High School, meet up with Billy, turned in the required paperwork and took a short, self-guided tour with a map of campus. Now we wait for them to call with an appointment. Mikaylie is very ready to start school, which thrills me. She is particularly eager to start art class and the soccer team. Soccer tryouts have happened already, however, the school is confident the coach will at least give her a chance, if not just put her on the team.
We then went to Mega Center which consists of a variety of stores in several strip malls, all in one giant area. I’ve been on a frustrating search for dishes. I didn’t ship any and it would be very helpful to have some now, but I just can’t find any that grab me. I’m determined to make a decision on some tomorrow.
We picked up the few stationary needs we couldn’t find yesterday, purchased a stockpot and an appropriate sunhat for Graham. (He wore a baseball cap today but it is preferred they wear a bucket hat for more coverage.) I also searched for storage shelves for our bathroom but haven’t secured any as yet.
I dropped Mikaylie at home so that she could retrieve Graham and Nani from school and I headed back to pick up Will and Brylie. All of the kids seemed to have had a great day. W & B have been placed as year 7 which is the equivalent of 6th grade. The school will reassess their progress shortly and adjust as needed. Will may have the hardest time of it as he has jumped up a grade. There is no option to put him back a year because he is too old to go to primary school. The school seems extremely accommodating, however. Perhaps being with kids his own age and older will help him to mature a little bit… or a lot… Brylie may be bumped up to year 8, which I think she could handle fine. She is currently restarting the school year she had completed half of in the States. She prefers to stay in the same year as Will (they are on the same team, different classrooms) but the high schools are single-sex so it won’t matter in another year or two.
Graham, too, has been bumped up a year. Nani probably would have been better suited to bump up but the years are determined primarily by age not ability and, hopefully they just adjust in the classroom. I’m not real sure how I feel about this yet. Will comment more as I see how it goes.
After collecting B & W we went to buy groceries. Um… YIKES!!!! Food is REALLY expensive!!! It’s difficult to even figure just how expensive things are with the metric system used here. Maybe I don’t really want to know. I mean, what’s the point? There is very little we can do about it besides try to shop sales and choose wisely. Shopping for convenience is not going to be an option. Prepackaged items, like snacks and such will be avoided. Yesterday I purchased reusable containers for lunch and I portion out servings into them for the kids’ lunches. We are taking recycling and conservation to a new level than we did in the States. It’s not really bothering me, the extra effort that is. I came totally expecting a new, different lifestyle. Actually, a lot of things are not bothering me that did in the States. The barefoot thing, for one. I’ve always been somewhat of a germ freak but I’ve just had to get over it here. I also don’t feel the need to have the children within arms reach here in public places. The tiniest of children can be found lagging behind parents here with no worries of kidnapping. We’ve been strongly cautioned to lock vehicles and even the house but theft is generally the worst crime that goes on here. And the thieves aren’t armed. It just doesn’t happen.
Mikaylie has been an absolute dream around the house and with the younger kids. She helps with meals, including packing lunches. Her tone with them has been particularly sweet and she is, as I type, both coloring with Nani and playing Lego’s with Graham. She seems truly interested in their day at school. Wow, I sure hope this lasts. Though when she starts school, she may not have the time to be so helpful. Oh well, I’ll enjoy while I can.
Guess you may be wondering if Billy is here with us… He has been pretty consumed with getting ready to start working. On Sunday, he and Kaigan drove to Wellington (about 5 hours away) for a 20 minute meeting on Monday just to show his credentials and show he is he. Monday, they also looked at a vehicle and put a deposit on it. The Toyota Highlander may be our most frugal purchase thus far. We are buying used and it seems to be priced well below comparable vehicles. Hopefully we don’t later find some dreadful reason for it’s reasonable price.
Billy is also frantically trying to get all paperwork done to begin working ASAP. Evidently, there are things he could have had done by now had he only known. Now his start date is delayed even further which adds to his stress level as we really could use an income… and SOON!
You’ve probably heard or seen footage of the horrible earthquake in Christchurch which is on the south island. The earthquake in September there was stronger but this one has caused more damage and fatalities. We did not feel it here in New Plymouth, however, but it is all that is on the TV.
Speaking of TV, we have only 6 channels right now from an aerial on our roof, yet we get lots of American programs. We’ve seen Friends reruns, Two and a Half Men (trash I refuse to watch!), American Idol, America’s Funniest Home Videos, Criminal Minds and many others. There are also New Zealand as well as Aussie programs and some that seem to be either American or Canadian made but not aired in the US.
We just had visitors at our door bearing gifts! Five neighborhood boys, ranging in age from 11-16 came to the door with three New Zealand originals: a two litres bottle of Lemon & Paeroa, a Kiwi fizzy drink (soda), 2 bags of Pineapple Lumps which are chocolate covered, pineapple flavored taffy… sort of… SUPER YUMMY!!! and finally, a 2 Litres tub of Hokey Pokey ice cream, a vanilla ice cream that has a whip cream flavor with bits of honey toffee in it… again SUPER YUMMY!!!!
Kaigan and Mikaylie went with the boys to kick around a soccer ball. Finally someone for Kaigan to interact with, though they are quite younger and probably more interested in Mikaylie which is all the more reason for Kaigan to join them. This could be interesting… As always, more posts to follow…
Preparing for NZ School
Today was spent getting the kids enrolled and ready to start school in NZ. This morning I met with the principle of Nani and Graham’s school, West End Primary. School here is so very different. The atmosphere is so relaxed. The kids were all barefoot, a concept inconceivable to Americans. Even many teachers were barefoot!! All the children also were some sort of hat (usually a bucket hat) while outside due to the strength of the sun here. School begins at 9am. From 10:30-10:50 is “morning interval” when the children have a small snack brought from home. Lunch is from 12:30-1:25. Children eat outside, picnic style, lunch brought from home then have the rest of the lunch period to play, go to the library, etc. At 3pm school is dismissed. The primary school students do not wear uniforms, the dress code quite relaxed. The kids were just kids. Respect of self, others and property the main rules. No stress, no worries. I loved it and Nani and Graham are very excited. The school is just down the street and we will be walking. At least 2 other children on our street go there as well and I’m sure we’ll all walk together. Eventually, the children will even walk they alone… eventually. When I’m ready more so than them. LOL!
Next Mikaylie and I visited Spotswood College, the only coed high school in New Plymouth. The principle was very nice and Mikaylie really liked the school, however, most people say that New Plymouth Girls’ High School is the best school. We will be checking it our tomorrow.
Mikaylie and I came home, collected the kids and headed to Center City, New Plymouth’s mall, for a quick bite to eat. I then took Will and Brylie to Highlands Intermediate where we met with the Assistant Principle, decided it was the best choice and registered them for school. They, too, will begin tomorrow. Their days will be very much like Nani and Graham’s with morning interval and a nearly hour long lunch/free time. The school Bry and Will are “zoned” for is just beside West End, but Highlands is farther away. They will eventually take a bus. No yellow school buses here, though. They ride the Tranzit bus, just for school kids. Again, when I’m ready. Until then Billy or I will drive them. I was rather torn between the convenience of the school just down the street and the more recommended school across town. That the school would take them and that many people had said, given the choice, they’d choose Highlands, I decided to go that route.
Brylie, Will and I then returned to Center City, met up with Mikaylie, Graham and Nani then we all went to purchase uniforms for Brylie and Will. $600 bought Will 2 pairs of shorts, 2 polo shirts, one t-shirt and shorts for gym, one sweatshirt and a bucket hat and Brylie one pair of culottes, 2 polo shirts, one t-shirt and shorts for gym, one sweatshirt and a bucket hat.
Next we went back to Center City for uniform sandals, for when they actually wear them. Mikaylie went ahead and got hers and Graham and Nani choose sandals as well, though theirs need not be uniform. We then found togs (Kiwi for swimsuits) for Nani and Brylie. All the schools have pools and for the next 2 weeks or so the children will have swimming each day.
Finally, we hit the Warehouse (kind of reminds me of Big Lots) for their stationary requirements (school supplies). By the end of the day I probably spent close to $1200 and I’ve yet to purchase Mikaylie’s uniforms. YIKES!!! At least they won’t need as many other clothes.
Headed to bed now… Big day tomorrow…again…
Next Mikaylie and I visited Spotswood College, the only coed high school in New Plymouth. The principle was very nice and Mikaylie really liked the school, however, most people say that New Plymouth Girls’ High School is the best school. We will be checking it our tomorrow.
Mikaylie and I came home, collected the kids and headed to Center City, New Plymouth’s mall, for a quick bite to eat. I then took Will and Brylie to Highlands Intermediate where we met with the Assistant Principle, decided it was the best choice and registered them for school. They, too, will begin tomorrow. Their days will be very much like Nani and Graham’s with morning interval and a nearly hour long lunch/free time. The school Bry and Will are “zoned” for is just beside West End, but Highlands is farther away. They will eventually take a bus. No yellow school buses here, though. They ride the Tranzit bus, just for school kids. Again, when I’m ready. Until then Billy or I will drive them. I was rather torn between the convenience of the school just down the street and the more recommended school across town. That the school would take them and that many people had said, given the choice, they’d choose Highlands, I decided to go that route.
Brylie, Will and I then returned to Center City, met up with Mikaylie, Graham and Nani then we all went to purchase uniforms for Brylie and Will. $600 bought Will 2 pairs of shorts, 2 polo shirts, one t-shirt and shorts for gym, one sweatshirt and a bucket hat and Brylie one pair of culottes, 2 polo shirts, one t-shirt and shorts for gym, one sweatshirt and a bucket hat.
Next we went back to Center City for uniform sandals, for when they actually wear them. Mikaylie went ahead and got hers and Graham and Nani choose sandals as well, though theirs need not be uniform. We then found togs (Kiwi for swimsuits) for Nani and Brylie. All the schools have pools and for the next 2 weeks or so the children will have swimming each day.
Finally, we hit the Warehouse (kind of reminds me of Big Lots) for their stationary requirements (school supplies). By the end of the day I probably spent close to $1200 and I’ve yet to purchase Mikaylie’s uniforms. YIKES!!! At least they won’t need as many other clothes.
Headed to bed now… Big day tomorrow…again…
20 February 2011
First Full Day in New House!
We are soooo loving being "home"!!! Sleeping on a combination of borrowed and bought mattresses on the floor, we spent our first night in our new home. We are so thrilled to be at our final destination that we don't even care that we have no furniture. Windows open, breeze blowing through, and... mosquitoes! Yikes! Guess I assumed that since no one had screens on their windows there mustn't be mosquitoes... WRONG! This is the only negative comment I have so far. Even the wild party that was going on across, diagonally from our house was not going to destroy our delight at being home at last. Billy, on a jog this morning, learned from a neighbor that this was not a regular happening. Glad for that.
Yesterday we had a "long Italian lunch" with 2 other couples, the husbands of which Billy will be working with. Lunch was amazing!!! Smoked salmon (which even Kaigan liked!!!), marinated shrimp, various salads of fresh veggies, potato salad and beef tenderloin, completed with champagne to toast our arrival.
Yesterday we also received our picnic table with benches and 2 chairs for the ends which Billy and Kaigan assembled. Now I need only do some major grocery shopping and we can put them and the new grill to good use.
Billy and Kaigan moved most everything from the loaner hospital houses to our house, save for the dirty clothes. I'm actually at the hospital house as I type, washing laundry. Our washer and dryer will be delivered Wednesday, I think. We also have no Internet yet at home so to blog and facebook I have to stop over here. It is literally less than 5 minutes from our house by car so that will be Billy's commute, though he plans on going by bike most days. That is, once our belongings arrive... in late April...
In my last post, I mentioned how things aren't as expensive as we had feared. Well, I do need to amend that statement... Some food is rather more expensive, milk in particular. Will post some prices in days to come. Not all food is, however. Today I came across 2 lovely loaves of french baguettes for $3. And they weren't just your run of the mill bread. They were New Orleans quality, poboy worthy, french bread!!! We couldn't find as good of bread in Kentucky! Love it!!! You N'Awlins folks know it's good when the roof of your mouth is raw after you've eaten it!!! Had a wonderful, shaved, roasted chicken sub on it for lunch. There really isn't much turkey here, and none deli-sliced.
Tomorrow I'll be visiting some schools to try to get the kids settled in by the end of the week. They are so ready. I AM SO READY!!! Mikaylie, Will and Brylie will all be wearing uniforms. I'm thrilled about that and they don't mind either. Unfortunately, the primary school does not do uniforms. That's fine for Graham but I so wanted Nani in a uniform to avoid the daily I-have-nothing-to-wear drama. Yes, she is 6!!! Oh well.
Mikaylie is still enjoying the company of Bernadette and Stephanie. Today they went to the beach, had fish and chips for lunch and watched a movie at the Linas' house.
Brylie and Nani have become fast friends with a precious, little, 9-year-old girl, Jordan. They are getting on famously and she lives right next door!!! Both her mum and I are delighted they have each other. And since the previous residents of our house had three boys, it's a treat for Jordan as well.
I know I'll think of a hundred other things I should have mentioned when I go home to no Internet. I'll keep the updates coming.
Yesterday we had a "long Italian lunch" with 2 other couples, the husbands of which Billy will be working with. Lunch was amazing!!! Smoked salmon (which even Kaigan liked!!!), marinated shrimp, various salads of fresh veggies, potato salad and beef tenderloin, completed with champagne to toast our arrival.
Yesterday we also received our picnic table with benches and 2 chairs for the ends which Billy and Kaigan assembled. Now I need only do some major grocery shopping and we can put them and the new grill to good use.
Billy and Kaigan moved most everything from the loaner hospital houses to our house, save for the dirty clothes. I'm actually at the hospital house as I type, washing laundry. Our washer and dryer will be delivered Wednesday, I think. We also have no Internet yet at home so to blog and facebook I have to stop over here. It is literally less than 5 minutes from our house by car so that will be Billy's commute, though he plans on going by bike most days. That is, once our belongings arrive... in late April...
In my last post, I mentioned how things aren't as expensive as we had feared. Well, I do need to amend that statement... Some food is rather more expensive, milk in particular. Will post some prices in days to come. Not all food is, however. Today I came across 2 lovely loaves of french baguettes for $3. And they weren't just your run of the mill bread. They were New Orleans quality, poboy worthy, french bread!!! We couldn't find as good of bread in Kentucky! Love it!!! You N'Awlins folks know it's good when the roof of your mouth is raw after you've eaten it!!! Had a wonderful, shaved, roasted chicken sub on it for lunch. There really isn't much turkey here, and none deli-sliced.
Tomorrow I'll be visiting some schools to try to get the kids settled in by the end of the week. They are so ready. I AM SO READY!!! Mikaylie, Will and Brylie will all be wearing uniforms. I'm thrilled about that and they don't mind either. Unfortunately, the primary school does not do uniforms. That's fine for Graham but I so wanted Nani in a uniform to avoid the daily I-have-nothing-to-wear drama. Yes, she is 6!!! Oh well.
Mikaylie is still enjoying the company of Bernadette and Stephanie. Today they went to the beach, had fish and chips for lunch and watched a movie at the Linas' house.
Brylie and Nani have become fast friends with a precious, little, 9-year-old girl, Jordan. They are getting on famously and she lives right next door!!! Both her mum and I are delighted they have each other. And since the previous residents of our house had three boys, it's a treat for Jordan as well.
I know I'll think of a hundred other things I should have mentioned when I go home to no Internet. I'll keep the updates coming.
18 February 2011
First 48 Hours
We have gone nonstop since we arrived. Yesterday we looked at a potential school for Brylie and Will, bought some groceries, got our new cell phones, shopped for some clothes for Mikaylie and went to a dinner party. The American couple that have been here for nearly 2 years had us over for hamburgers, hotdogs and homemade mac and cheese (no Kraft or Velveeta). The Linas, including their girls whom we met last year were there as well.
Mikaylie spent the day with the girls, Bernadette and Stephanie. They had Facebooked and skyped and when they met face to face, it was as if they've been long lost friends. This is an enormous blessing as Mikaylie has had some difficulties with the move. Today, Mikaylie went with Bernadette to her boarding school for the day. Much to my relief, she did not come back wishing to attend that school.
Billy and I spent the day with Victoria, one of the wives, shopping for washer/dryer, grill, outdoor table and benches and various other things we needed to purchase upon our arrival. We needed many small kitchen appliances that we were unable to ship because of the different electrical system. This turned out to be a blessing because we've found out this week that our container with our belongings will not be here until 25 April (Kiwi dating). The 26 February arrival date was erroneous, much to our disappointment. The hospital houses where we are currently residing are quite adequate, however, we are so tired of the nomadic, living-out-of-a-suitcase life that we just want to move into our home. The kids keep saying, "When are we going home?" and "I wanna go home!!"
We did spend several hours there today. Billy and Kaigan assembled the grill and I unpacked the footlockers and put away our purchases. I also managed set off the alarm which resulted in an embarrassing meeting of the neighbors. Kaigan and I had been in the master bedroom trying to figure out what switches went to what. Well, one switch should have bold print reading "DO NOT PRESS". It was a panic button! Deafening alarm!!! Fortunately, the system is not currently monitored therefore did not summon emergency personnel... only the neighbors. They were very nice, however, and offered to help in any way.
Everyone is so very nice. We've been fed every night so far. Even the people from whom we bought the house left an awesome packet covering everything we could possibly need or want to know about the house, including photos of the house from before it was remodeled and added on to. (Yes, it identified the panic button. Unfortunately, I read it AFTER discovering it on my own.) It also included a note saying that they had left the large urn in the backyard as a gift to us and their three boys left the trampoline as a gift to our kids. So very kind of them. We look forward to meeting them. They clearly love this home very much and wish the same for us.
We're back at the hospital houses now but we are hoping tonight will be our last night here. Tomorrow Billy is going to collect some loaner mattresses so that we can stay at our own home. It is so beautiful there. The view is so amazing. I can't believe we will be living only 3 blocks from the beach. Graham and Nani's school is just around the corner, as is a convenience store that Mikaylie walked down to for a soda and a snack. It's so safe here it's inconceivable. In the states, I had become nervous going to public places with so many random shootings occurring across the country. In NZ, handguns are allowed only to be kept at the police station, taken out only for target shooting. Murders are virtually unheard of, only occasionally in a domestic dispute. Kids are walking everywhere. As long as they know their way around and how to cross a busy street, there is nothing to worry about.
Other noteworthy things we're finding in NZ... Things aren't as expensive as we had feared. There is a sort of sticker shock but when you consider the exchange rate and that tax is included in the price, it's really not that much more expensive.
Our electric/gas bill is projected to be at least half as much as what we were paying in Kentucky. We neither have, nor will we need, air conditioning. Heating is gas. Line drying is the norm and, while we will have a dryer, I'm hoping to use the free drying system.
Speaking of dryers... they are quite, um, small. Washers too, are way smaller than we're accustomed to. The kids, however, will be wearing uniforms to school and with warmer winters, we shouldn't have the bulky winter clothes we've been wearing.
I do miss our dear friends and family. I miss our church family and my horses. And I miss Pete, but he'll be here in about six weeks. That being said, I have NEVER felt more relaxed or more at peace. Even in this still unsettled state, it's all good. And while I still can hardy believe we are actually here, I know it's where we are supposed to be. And more of God's timing is revealing itself. (For example, since we are nearing the end of the summer here, our outdoor table and grill were significantly cheaper!)
Stay tuned. More Kiwi 101 to come...
Mikaylie spent the day with the girls, Bernadette and Stephanie. They had Facebooked and skyped and when they met face to face, it was as if they've been long lost friends. This is an enormous blessing as Mikaylie has had some difficulties with the move. Today, Mikaylie went with Bernadette to her boarding school for the day. Much to my relief, she did not come back wishing to attend that school.
Billy and I spent the day with Victoria, one of the wives, shopping for washer/dryer, grill, outdoor table and benches and various other things we needed to purchase upon our arrival. We needed many small kitchen appliances that we were unable to ship because of the different electrical system. This turned out to be a blessing because we've found out this week that our container with our belongings will not be here until 25 April (Kiwi dating). The 26 February arrival date was erroneous, much to our disappointment. The hospital houses where we are currently residing are quite adequate, however, we are so tired of the nomadic, living-out-of-a-suitcase life that we just want to move into our home. The kids keep saying, "When are we going home?" and "I wanna go home!!"
We did spend several hours there today. Billy and Kaigan assembled the grill and I unpacked the footlockers and put away our purchases. I also managed set off the alarm which resulted in an embarrassing meeting of the neighbors. Kaigan and I had been in the master bedroom trying to figure out what switches went to what. Well, one switch should have bold print reading "DO NOT PRESS". It was a panic button! Deafening alarm!!! Fortunately, the system is not currently monitored therefore did not summon emergency personnel... only the neighbors. They were very nice, however, and offered to help in any way.
Everyone is so very nice. We've been fed every night so far. Even the people from whom we bought the house left an awesome packet covering everything we could possibly need or want to know about the house, including photos of the house from before it was remodeled and added on to. (Yes, it identified the panic button. Unfortunately, I read it AFTER discovering it on my own.) It also included a note saying that they had left the large urn in the backyard as a gift to us and their three boys left the trampoline as a gift to our kids. So very kind of them. We look forward to meeting them. They clearly love this home very much and wish the same for us.
We're back at the hospital houses now but we are hoping tonight will be our last night here. Tomorrow Billy is going to collect some loaner mattresses so that we can stay at our own home. It is so beautiful there. The view is so amazing. I can't believe we will be living only 3 blocks from the beach. Graham and Nani's school is just around the corner, as is a convenience store that Mikaylie walked down to for a soda and a snack. It's so safe here it's inconceivable. In the states, I had become nervous going to public places with so many random shootings occurring across the country. In NZ, handguns are allowed only to be kept at the police station, taken out only for target shooting. Murders are virtually unheard of, only occasionally in a domestic dispute. Kids are walking everywhere. As long as they know their way around and how to cross a busy street, there is nothing to worry about.
Other noteworthy things we're finding in NZ... Things aren't as expensive as we had feared. There is a sort of sticker shock but when you consider the exchange rate and that tax is included in the price, it's really not that much more expensive.
Our electric/gas bill is projected to be at least half as much as what we were paying in Kentucky. We neither have, nor will we need, air conditioning. Heating is gas. Line drying is the norm and, while we will have a dryer, I'm hoping to use the free drying system.
Speaking of dryers... they are quite, um, small. Washers too, are way smaller than we're accustomed to. The kids, however, will be wearing uniforms to school and with warmer winters, we shouldn't have the bulky winter clothes we've been wearing.
I do miss our dear friends and family. I miss our church family and my horses. And I miss Pete, but he'll be here in about six weeks. That being said, I have NEVER felt more relaxed or more at peace. Even in this still unsettled state, it's all good. And while I still can hardy believe we are actually here, I know it's where we are supposed to be. And more of God's timing is revealing itself. (For example, since we are nearing the end of the summer here, our outdoor table and grill were significantly cheaper!)
Stay tuned. More Kiwi 101 to come...
16 February 2011
We're Here!!!!
We made it to New Zealand!!!! Looooong flight- nearly 13 hours! Kids were terrific!!! Yay!!! Arrived in Auckland minus one checked bag. Billy hung back to file a claim so the kids and I went on through customs; me, 6 kids (ok, so Kai and Mik don't really count as "kids"), 16 checked bags, 12 hand bags- 3 luggage carts! Somehow we missed Billy and he wound up at the terminal for our flight to New Plymouth before us. With only one NZ cell phone from our last visit we couldn't just call to meet up. I checked the 16 bags through to New Plymouth and the kids and I shuttled over to the proper terminal where we reunited with Billy. Lunch, it pains me to say... McDonalds. Though a much different McDonalds. No pieces parts for chicken McNuggets. In fact, they call them McBites. Real white meat chicken! New Zealand requires their McDonalds to use all New Zealand products unless it's not available from within the country. Great, fresh lettuce. Grass-fed, NZ beef. Etc.
Because of the missing bag we missed our flight to New Plymouth so we were booked on the next flight which was to leave nearly 3 hours later.
Finally, we boarded the prop plane and flew the 35 minutes to NP. Nani kept asking, "Are we almost home???" We were greeted at the airport by 2 wives of physicians Billy will be working with and the hospital administrator that facilitated his employment. We also had a rented minivan waiting for our use for the next 2 weeks and a hospital cargo van to transport our luggage.
Per the children's insistence, we went directly to our new home where we were met by Linda, our attorney who had the keys. The kids were ecstatic!!! Especially Mikaylie. Linda had brought us a gift box of gourmet snacks and a bottle of wine and Vicky, our realtor, had left a lovely serving platter with 6 matching snack plates and a pile of gourmet snacks. We left the 6 footlockers (one more is still MIA) in our garage (accent on the first syllable- Kiwi 101). We practically had to drag the kids from the house. The kids soooo did not want to go to another rental/loaner house. Neither did we but sleeping on the floor was not so appealing. We arrived at the hospital's loaner houses, a duplex, both of which we are using. Elise and Victoria (the wives) had the house stocked with some basic food as well as two nights of dinner, a lasagna and 2 baked chickens. Wow! What a reception!
We grabbed some longed for showers then headed to the bank to open a chequing (again, Kiwi 101) account and to the grocery store for some additional items we still needed to get us through to tomorrow. Back at the hospital house we ate delicious lasagna, had a glass of wine, and barely eked out this post before hitting the pillow.
It's all quite overwhelming! Very surreal... like we'll wake up back on the farm in the states, the last year a dream. Guess I'll see in the morning. For now... good night!
Because of the missing bag we missed our flight to New Plymouth so we were booked on the next flight which was to leave nearly 3 hours later.
Finally, we boarded the prop plane and flew the 35 minutes to NP. Nani kept asking, "Are we almost home???" We were greeted at the airport by 2 wives of physicians Billy will be working with and the hospital administrator that facilitated his employment. We also had a rented minivan waiting for our use for the next 2 weeks and a hospital cargo van to transport our luggage.
Per the children's insistence, we went directly to our new home where we were met by Linda, our attorney who had the keys. The kids were ecstatic!!! Especially Mikaylie. Linda had brought us a gift box of gourmet snacks and a bottle of wine and Vicky, our realtor, had left a lovely serving platter with 6 matching snack plates and a pile of gourmet snacks. We left the 6 footlockers (one more is still MIA) in our garage (accent on the first syllable- Kiwi 101). We practically had to drag the kids from the house. The kids soooo did not want to go to another rental/loaner house. Neither did we but sleeping on the floor was not so appealing. We arrived at the hospital's loaner houses, a duplex, both of which we are using. Elise and Victoria (the wives) had the house stocked with some basic food as well as two nights of dinner, a lasagna and 2 baked chickens. Wow! What a reception!
We grabbed some longed for showers then headed to the bank to open a chequing (again, Kiwi 101) account and to the grocery store for some additional items we still needed to get us through to tomorrow. Back at the hospital house we ate delicious lasagna, had a glass of wine, and barely eked out this post before hitting the pillow.
It's all quite overwhelming! Very surreal... like we'll wake up back on the farm in the states, the last year a dream. Guess I'll see in the morning. For now... good night!
15 February 2011
Here We Gooooo.....
Well, here we are in LAX airport. Our 17 bags are checked and, surprise!, you're only allowed 1 per person! Never thought to check. I mean, how do you travel out of the country with one bag!?!?! So $500 later and after moving several pounds from carry on bags to checked luggage, we are waiting at the gate.
We told my Mom goodbye this morning, as her flight left earlier than ours. Then we stored our bags at the hotel and went on a Hollwood open-air bus tour. It was 2 hours and fairly entertaining but could have lived without it.
I still can't believe we are moving to New Zealand!!! I still feel like I'm in a dream. Wonder how long until it feels real and normal? Will let you know when we have internet access again...down under!!!
We told my Mom goodbye this morning, as her flight left earlier than ours. Then we stored our bags at the hotel and went on a Hollwood open-air bus tour. It was 2 hours and fairly entertaining but could have lived without it.
I still can't believe we are moving to New Zealand!!! I still feel like I'm in a dream. Wonder how long until it feels real and normal? Will let you know when we have internet access again...down under!!!
14 February 2011
More Sunny California
Day 2 in San Diego consisted of the Zoo and lots and lots of walking. Beautiful zoo, lots of trees, though the animal enclosures were smaller than I had expected for the famous San Diego Zoo. Actually, the exibits had nothing on the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. We had a great time though. After leaving the zoo, we went up to Oceanside to dine with my Uncle Philip (my dad's brother) and Aunt Pat. We arrived to find a beautifully set table, complete with linens, china and crystal. I was rather nervous having our 6 kiddos at a formal dinner but they were AWESOME!!! They found it quite the experience and even rather fun. We all had a wonderful time catching up over delicious food.
Day 3 was back to Sea World. We caught the shows we had missed Friday and saw some other exibits. After about 4 hours there, we left the park for lunch from In and Out Burger where, to Kaigan's delight, were not one but two Ferraris! The owner of one was out there and chatted with him about cars and even let Kai sit in it for a photo op. Made Kaigan's year!
One more family event followed at our cousin's house. Wonderful Italian family dinner.
Now we're back at the hotel in L.A. for our last night in the States. I really can't believe it's time to leave. It just seemed like this day would never get here. Tomorrow will be the longest day ever!!! Our flight doesn't leave until 9pm so we have to find things to do til then. We'll see Mom off at about 9am then take a tour of L.A.
It may be a while before I have access to internet in NZ but will post an update as soon as I can.
Day 3 was back to Sea World. We caught the shows we had missed Friday and saw some other exibits. After about 4 hours there, we left the park for lunch from In and Out Burger where, to Kaigan's delight, were not one but two Ferraris! The owner of one was out there and chatted with him about cars and even let Kai sit in it for a photo op. Made Kaigan's year!
One more family event followed at our cousin's house. Wonderful Italian family dinner.
Now we're back at the hotel in L.A. for our last night in the States. I really can't believe it's time to leave. It just seemed like this day would never get here. Tomorrow will be the longest day ever!!! Our flight doesn't leave until 9pm so we have to find things to do til then. We'll see Mom off at about 9am then take a tour of L.A.
It may be a while before I have access to internet in NZ but will post an update as soon as I can.
12 February 2011
Sunny California
Flight went well. Boys were terrific. Nani was antsy and didn't feel too good. The worse part was hearing poor Pete yelping in the cargo of the plane until we took off! We landed safely in Los Angeles, collected all 18 checked bags and a very anxious Pete and hauled all the bags to the shuttle area and waited and waited and waited for a shuttle that could carry us all to the hotel. The hotel bellhops were shocked at the amount of luggage we had but hauled them up to our rooms. The hotel restaurant was closing in an hour but couldn't seat us for 45 minutes. Great! 9 very hungry tired people! Still the kids were great, all things considered, with the only problem being Nani demanding steak where the least expensive was $27! Uh...NOT gonna happen!!! Finally, beds!
6:30am: Graham's awake. It's 9:30 at home so he'd kinda slept in. Pete's on eastern time too and wants to go out. I throw on a jacket and take him down from the 10th floor. Can't imagine having a dog in like Manhattan! Grabbed a broken couple more hours of sleep then Billy and I get dressed and take the shuttle back to the airport to retrieve our rental vehicles. Yes, plural. He had tried to get a 12 passenger van but was told they didn't have any. I, however, was extremely reluctant to drive in LA! Danielle (from New Orleans) waited on us at the Hertz counter and teased me for my fear of driving in LA. She then told us that they actually DO have some vans and she'd check to see what was available. Hallelujah! The did have a 12 passenger van!!! We stood at her counter and chatted for like 25 minutes while they cleaned the van for us. Super nice lady and our angel of the day! Check out her fashion website at www.dandylinefashion.com. Thank you, Danielle! And Thank You, Lord!
Back to the hotel. Collected Mom, the kids and Pete. It was time to bring Pete to the boarding facility where he'd stay until he was ready to be shipped to NZ. Mom and I took him into the building. Luis greeted us and showed us around. It was a nice place and Luis was very kind. He would be Pete's primary caregiver. He would take him to the vet visits and to the airport. Hugs and kisses and of course tears. Bye bye my Petey. See you in 6 weeks!
On to San Diego. Beautiful drive and all together in one vehicle! We quickly realized that there would have been NO WAY, in California traffic, that Billy and I could have stayed together in two separate vehicles!
Checked into hotel, purchased tickets to Sea World and headed there. We had only 2 hours before it closed but we were able to see a few things and meet up with my cousin, Tommy, who lives nearby. We plan to return to Sea World on Sunday morning, as the ticket is good for seven consecutive days. Dinner with Tommy and his girlfriend, Kim, at The Outback. The kids were exhausted by this time, beginning to get cranky but still behaving pretty well.
Back at the hotel. Goodnight!!
6:30am: Graham's awake. It's 9:30 at home so he'd kinda slept in. Pete's on eastern time too and wants to go out. I throw on a jacket and take him down from the 10th floor. Can't imagine having a dog in like Manhattan! Grabbed a broken couple more hours of sleep then Billy and I get dressed and take the shuttle back to the airport to retrieve our rental vehicles. Yes, plural. He had tried to get a 12 passenger van but was told they didn't have any. I, however, was extremely reluctant to drive in LA! Danielle (from New Orleans) waited on us at the Hertz counter and teased me for my fear of driving in LA. She then told us that they actually DO have some vans and she'd check to see what was available. Hallelujah! The did have a 12 passenger van!!! We stood at her counter and chatted for like 25 minutes while they cleaned the van for us. Super nice lady and our angel of the day! Check out her fashion website at www.dandylinefashion.com. Thank you, Danielle! And Thank You, Lord!
Back to the hotel. Collected Mom, the kids and Pete. It was time to bring Pete to the boarding facility where he'd stay until he was ready to be shipped to NZ. Mom and I took him into the building. Luis greeted us and showed us around. It was a nice place and Luis was very kind. He would be Pete's primary caregiver. He would take him to the vet visits and to the airport. Hugs and kisses and of course tears. Bye bye my Petey. See you in 6 weeks!
On to San Diego. Beautiful drive and all together in one vehicle! We quickly realized that there would have been NO WAY, in California traffic, that Billy and I could have stayed together in two separate vehicles!
Checked into hotel, purchased tickets to Sea World and headed there. We had only 2 hours before it closed but we were able to see a few things and meet up with my cousin, Tommy, who lives nearby. We plan to return to Sea World on Sunday morning, as the ticket is good for seven consecutive days. Dinner with Tommy and his girlfriend, Kim, at The Outback. The kids were exhausted by this time, beginning to get cranky but still behaving pretty well.
Back at the hotel. Goodnight!!
11 February 2011
D-Day!!!
What a couple of days!!!! As D-day (departure day) approached, my nerves ran amuck!! Packing and repacking to get as much as possible into the baggage for the flight was frustrating, especially given the fact that each bag could weigh no more than 50lbs. If they weighed 51 lbs? $150!! By Wednesday evening most clothes were washed and most bags were closed, and most not to be opened again til NZ. We headed to Hattiesburg to have dinner with Billy’s dad and his wife. The kids enjoyed GattiTown and the adults enjoyed the visit. Back at Mom’s, I addressed Kaigan’s graduation announcements and turned in relatively early.
D-day!!! Also Mom’s birthday!!! I was an absolute wreck. Suddenly there seemed to be so much stuff and so little room to pack it! I felt like a chicken with my head cut off. Much to Billy and the kids’ relief, I went with Mom to run some errands. Got back, finished up some laundry, ordered lunch so we could sit down and eat as soon as we reached the restaurant and loaded up an F350 and an Expedition with 18 bags to check, 13 carry-on items, 10 people (9 of whom were flying), a dog crate and the pooch that was to fly in it! Perry’s Seafood had our lunch ready and on the table when we arrived and they quickly filled drink orders. They were super! And the food was terrific. Unfortunately for me, it didn’t stick. As we neared the airport west bound on I10 (heading away from New Orleans) I became very ill and tossed what was once my delicious oyster poboy out of the window of Mom’s Expedition! As miserable as I felt, what consumed my thought was that the passing drivers would all think I was some drunk lady coming from the French Quarter!!! One car began passing on the left only to drop back to avoid the spray! When I paused for a moment they proceeded to pass at which point I gave them an apologetic wave. By the time we reached the airport I was shaky and week. I guess it’s all nerves but it’s so frustrating to feel like , not only am I useless to help, but I’m also another person for Billy to worry about. While the skycap checked our bags (not one of which did he weigh!), I was perched on Pete’s crate with my head in my hands, taking slow, deep breaths, pray I would not be sick again.
Next we checked Pete :-( Poor guy. Wish I could just explain it to him. And yes I cried.
Now… SECURITY! This was our most dreaded part of our trip. Thankfully, we sailed through with very little problem. We definitely got some curious looks, and a few people even asked questions, but all in all it really was a piece of cake. Big THANK YOU JESUS on that one!!!
Finally, at the gate we had a few minutes to hit the restrooms and catch our breath. Mom had arranged with the people at the gate to board first with those with special needs or infants. Guess they figured a party of 9 with 5 kids under 18 was “special enough“!
On the plane and in the air… HERE WE GO!!!!
D-day!!! Also Mom’s birthday!!! I was an absolute wreck. Suddenly there seemed to be so much stuff and so little room to pack it! I felt like a chicken with my head cut off. Much to Billy and the kids’ relief, I went with Mom to run some errands. Got back, finished up some laundry, ordered lunch so we could sit down and eat as soon as we reached the restaurant and loaded up an F350 and an Expedition with 18 bags to check, 13 carry-on items, 10 people (9 of whom were flying), a dog crate and the pooch that was to fly in it! Perry’s Seafood had our lunch ready and on the table when we arrived and they quickly filled drink orders. They were super! And the food was terrific. Unfortunately for me, it didn’t stick. As we neared the airport west bound on I10 (heading away from New Orleans) I became very ill and tossed what was once my delicious oyster poboy out of the window of Mom’s Expedition! As miserable as I felt, what consumed my thought was that the passing drivers would all think I was some drunk lady coming from the French Quarter!!! One car began passing on the left only to drop back to avoid the spray! When I paused for a moment they proceeded to pass at which point I gave them an apologetic wave. By the time we reached the airport I was shaky and week. I guess it’s all nerves but it’s so frustrating to feel like , not only am I useless to help, but I’m also another person for Billy to worry about. While the skycap checked our bags (not one of which did he weigh!), I was perched on Pete’s crate with my head in my hands, taking slow, deep breaths, pray I would not be sick again.
Next we checked Pete :-( Poor guy. Wish I could just explain it to him. And yes I cried.
Now… SECURITY! This was our most dreaded part of our trip. Thankfully, we sailed through with very little problem. We definitely got some curious looks, and a few people even asked questions, but all in all it really was a piece of cake. Big THANK YOU JESUS on that one!!!
Finally, at the gate we had a few minutes to hit the restrooms and catch our breath. Mom had arranged with the people at the gate to board first with those with special needs or infants. Guess they figured a party of 9 with 5 kids under 18 was “special enough“!
On the plane and in the air… HERE WE GO!!!!
Making the Rounds
Spent another day packing, washing and organizing at Mom’s then headed to Baton Rouge to meet my dad and his wife for dinner. Acme Oyster House!! Yummy!!! Had a wonderful visit with them then drove up to Memphis to see my brother and his family that we were unable to catch on the was down. The drive was uneventful until about 10 minutes shy of my brother’s house… blue lights in the rearview! Billy was doing 70+ in a 55! I just knew we’d be hauled off for grand theft auto and transporting firearms (Billy was supposed to bring his guns to his sister’s house but that didn’t pan out so they were still with us). Between Billy’s Kentucky license, Mom’s Mississippi plate on her truck and the guns, I began to mentally prepare myself for a night in the slammer! Billy told us as we waited for the PoPo to walk up, “I was just going with the flow” to which Kaigan and I promptly exclaimed, “No! You were flying past the flow!” Mr. Police Officer came to the window to Billy’s waiting license and profuse apologies. He kindly gave Billy a citation for 5 over and said they’d throw it out. He never asked the first question! Not for registration, proof of insurance or even who the heck does this car belong to! THANK YOU MR. POPO!! Now I do think there was supposed to be a court appearance but, well, we’ll be gone. Mark and Liesl thought they could handle it with all the policemen they know.
We arrived at Mark’s house about 1am, tip toed 8 of us in the sleeping house and went to bed without waking anyone! Bright and early at 7:30am the cousins were up and at em! Yay! Ha! We had a blast though. The little kids played everything. The big kids (i.e.-everyone over 14) played Hedbanz. If you haven’t played before, you must We laughed til our sides hurt. Especially when Billy was trying to cheat by taking an answer from my 3 year old nephew. He saw Billy’s card was a ladder and was trying to tell Billy. Only he could only say “yaddle” so Billy is guessing “paddle”! It was so hilarious! Probably had to be there but…
While at Mark’s, we received an email containing our house closing papers. We printed, signed, scanned and emailed them back. Dang, that was easy! And, hey, we are homeowners again! Hooray! The other very exciting and unexpected news we received via email was that our container that was due to arrive in New Plymouth on 5 April (trying to switch to the kiwi way of dating things) was now expected to arrive on 26 February!!!! PRAISES to the LORD!!! Instead of 6 weeks without our things, we’d only have to wait 10 days!!! Really!?!?! Dare we get too excited??
We ate a late lunch with the Goscienskis then headed back to Mom’s.
Not much longer now!!!
We arrived at Mark’s house about 1am, tip toed 8 of us in the sleeping house and went to bed without waking anyone! Bright and early at 7:30am the cousins were up and at em! Yay! Ha! We had a blast though. The little kids played everything. The big kids (i.e.-everyone over 14) played Hedbanz. If you haven’t played before, you must We laughed til our sides hurt. Especially when Billy was trying to cheat by taking an answer from my 3 year old nephew. He saw Billy’s card was a ladder and was trying to tell Billy. Only he could only say “yaddle” so Billy is guessing “paddle”! It was so hilarious! Probably had to be there but…
While at Mark’s, we received an email containing our house closing papers. We printed, signed, scanned and emailed them back. Dang, that was easy! And, hey, we are homeowners again! Hooray! The other very exciting and unexpected news we received via email was that our container that was due to arrive in New Plymouth on 5 April (trying to switch to the kiwi way of dating things) was now expected to arrive on 26 February!!!! PRAISES to the LORD!!! Instead of 6 weeks without our things, we’d only have to wait 10 days!!! Really!?!?! Dare we get too excited??
We ate a late lunch with the Goscienskis then headed back to Mom’s.
Not much longer now!!!
07 February 2011
The Exodus- Part Two
Morning came WAY too fast! Mikaylie was picked up at 6:30am by her friend's mom for a "Last Breakfast" with her 4 best friends at Cracker Barrel. Nick brought her back to the hotel before he went on to school. I can't imagine the goodbyes between Nick and Mikaylie. They've been dating nearly 2 years and he is definitely a "keeper". I'll miss him nearly as much as Mikaylie!
Mikaylie was back on little kid duty while I went to the dentist for one last check of my tooth problem. Come to think of it, I've not posted about this I think. In a nutshell: for reasons not really known to dentists, my tooth was reabsorbing itself. MY FRONT TOP TOOTH! Anyway, after two root canals, all seems to be fine. I then headed back to the house to help Billy finish packing, loading our belongings and clean the house. Billy had done a fantastic job! We wrapped up the house, again with the help of Cindy, and by noon we were pulling out. One friend, Patty, came by and took all our "donation pile" with her and Anne took me to get my driver's license renewed (the photo a vivid reminder of the state of the day!!!). We picked up the kids from the hotel, grabbed fast food lunch and bid Somerset farewell; Billy in the rental truck with Kaigan and Pete and me in an SUV with the other five kiddos.
The drive was long and boring. Thankfully the SUV had a TV/DVD so the kids were terrific. This left me lots of time to think and ponder the enormity of our state. Mikaylie must have been doing the same, as I glanced over at her a couple times and saw tears running down her checks. The worst part, however, was when Nani, tired and uncomfortable, cried, "I just wanna go home!" Broke my heart! Home is now over 7000 miles away.
Spent the next 2 days repacking and eating...literally! My poor mom's house looks like a hurricane blew through! Suitcases, footlockers, and piles of folded clothes are strune all around. Still 2 bags over the allowed limit but... Clearly the rule makers never moved a family of 8 halfway around the world! Finally, yesterday we visit some dear friends and family. Goodbyes to friends and family members that you don't see often isn't near as difficult as those in your everyday life. But we'll miss them just the same. I just hope even a quarter of those who say they will visit, actually will.
Mikaylie was back on little kid duty while I went to the dentist for one last check of my tooth problem. Come to think of it, I've not posted about this I think. In a nutshell: for reasons not really known to dentists, my tooth was reabsorbing itself. MY FRONT TOP TOOTH! Anyway, after two root canals, all seems to be fine. I then headed back to the house to help Billy finish packing, loading our belongings and clean the house. Billy had done a fantastic job! We wrapped up the house, again with the help of Cindy, and by noon we were pulling out. One friend, Patty, came by and took all our "donation pile" with her and Anne took me to get my driver's license renewed (the photo a vivid reminder of the state of the day!!!). We picked up the kids from the hotel, grabbed fast food lunch and bid Somerset farewell; Billy in the rental truck with Kaigan and Pete and me in an SUV with the other five kiddos.
The drive was long and boring. Thankfully the SUV had a TV/DVD so the kids were terrific. This left me lots of time to think and ponder the enormity of our state. Mikaylie must have been doing the same, as I glanced over at her a couple times and saw tears running down her checks. The worst part, however, was when Nani, tired and uncomfortable, cried, "I just wanna go home!" Broke my heart! Home is now over 7000 miles away.
Spent the next 2 days repacking and eating...literally! My poor mom's house looks like a hurricane blew through! Suitcases, footlockers, and piles of folded clothes are strune all around. Still 2 bags over the allowed limit but... Clearly the rule makers never moved a family of 8 halfway around the world! Finally, yesterday we visit some dear friends and family. Goodbyes to friends and family members that you don't see often isn't near as difficult as those in your everyday life. But we'll miss them just the same. I just hope even a quarter of those who say they will visit, actually will.
The Exodus- Part One
The last several days have been so crazy that I’ve not had time to write any posts and so much has gone on that I can’t possibly get it all in one post.
Since the news of our PR approval, our lives have been sucked into a whirlwind. I feel like I’m in some sort of a state of shock. It’s all so surreal. Sorting, selling, purging and packing (3 times in 3 months now!) has consumed my life; trying to get all of our remaining belongings into 16 checked bags is quite complicated. On top of that were the heartbreaking goodbyes. Our wonderful children’s programs director at our church had a party for the younger four kids at our local YMCA on Saturday night. We had a great turnout and the kids had a blast. They really can’t wrap their heads around the concept of moving so far away.
Sunday morning, my tears began on the way to church. I had Praise Team practice before the service for the last time with this very special group of people that have been so important to me. The tears flowed throughout praise and worship during the service but when I realized we were singing the last song of the service of our last service at Science Hill Church of the Nazarene, I could barely get through the song. Then at the end of the service, our wonderful church family gathered around us and prayed for our new life, safe travels, etc. Hugs and goodbyes were shared and many, many, many tears!
From church we headed to the going away party at a local community room given by some wonderful friends. People came and went for 3 hours, chatting, hugging, crying and signing the going away book. By 4 we were exhausted. I tried to catch a quick nap before Billy and I had dinner with our pastor and his lovely wife.
Monday was spend packing, selling and I had lunch with my two BFFs. But Tuesday was the most hectic day! We had reservations to rent a small moving van and an SUV to get the 8 of us, Pete and 20+ pieces of luggage to Mississippi. We arrived at the Budget rental place to find that they mistakenly had our reservation for 5:30pm rather than 11am. We then drove to the Lexington to collect the SUV. I went on to purchase 3 additional suitcases while Billy and Kaigan collected the moving van from another location. I had expected to get back to the house by noonish to get to laundry and packing but instead had to collect the kids from school and get them settled at the hotel with an awesome friend who watched them swim and took them to eat. I ran a couple of other errands before finally getting to the rental house to start packing. By this point the job looked impossible! I was on the verge of a panic attack. Dear Cindy came over and along with Billy, we got to work. Oh yeah, by the way, Mikaylie and Graham both had the flu!!! Mikaylie on top of feeling awful, had to say farewell to her boyfriend of nearly 2 years and his family.
By 10pm, the house was still not packed or cleaned. I went on to the hotel to relieve my friend and get the kids to bed. We would NOT be leaving by 9am as planned.
To be continued…
Since the news of our PR approval, our lives have been sucked into a whirlwind. I feel like I’m in some sort of a state of shock. It’s all so surreal. Sorting, selling, purging and packing (3 times in 3 months now!) has consumed my life; trying to get all of our remaining belongings into 16 checked bags is quite complicated. On top of that were the heartbreaking goodbyes. Our wonderful children’s programs director at our church had a party for the younger four kids at our local YMCA on Saturday night. We had a great turnout and the kids had a blast. They really can’t wrap their heads around the concept of moving so far away.
Sunday morning, my tears began on the way to church. I had Praise Team practice before the service for the last time with this very special group of people that have been so important to me. The tears flowed throughout praise and worship during the service but when I realized we were singing the last song of the service of our last service at Science Hill Church of the Nazarene, I could barely get through the song. Then at the end of the service, our wonderful church family gathered around us and prayed for our new life, safe travels, etc. Hugs and goodbyes were shared and many, many, many tears!
From church we headed to the going away party at a local community room given by some wonderful friends. People came and went for 3 hours, chatting, hugging, crying and signing the going away book. By 4 we were exhausted. I tried to catch a quick nap before Billy and I had dinner with our pastor and his lovely wife.
Monday was spend packing, selling and I had lunch with my two BFFs. But Tuesday was the most hectic day! We had reservations to rent a small moving van and an SUV to get the 8 of us, Pete and 20+ pieces of luggage to Mississippi. We arrived at the Budget rental place to find that they mistakenly had our reservation for 5:30pm rather than 11am. We then drove to the Lexington to collect the SUV. I went on to purchase 3 additional suitcases while Billy and Kaigan collected the moving van from another location. I had expected to get back to the house by noonish to get to laundry and packing but instead had to collect the kids from school and get them settled at the hotel with an awesome friend who watched them swim and took them to eat. I ran a couple of other errands before finally getting to the rental house to start packing. By this point the job looked impossible! I was on the verge of a panic attack. Dear Cindy came over and along with Billy, we got to work. Oh yeah, by the way, Mikaylie and Graham both had the flu!!! Mikaylie on top of feeling awful, had to say farewell to her boyfriend of nearly 2 years and his family.
By 10pm, the house was still not packed or cleaned. I went on to the hotel to relieve my friend and get the kids to bed. We would NOT be leaving by 9am as planned.
To be continued…
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