We arrived at my parents' house Tuesday morning at 2 a.m. after 25 hours of travel. We were all exhausted, but so glad to finally be here! The kids did so well. They are becoming such good little travelers!
Tuesday we couldn't really sleep in. By the time we woke up at 8 our bodies were sure it was 3 o'clock in the afternoon! We slowly and groggily tried to get ourselves together. Mom took Justin and the girls to pick up our rental van. I got everything unpacked.
My brothers, sister-in-law Michelle, niece, and nephew all came over for lunch. It was so fun to see them. The kids were so happy to get some time to play with their cousins.
After they all left, Justin, Callie, and I went to our very favorite place... the WALMARTS!
It was bliss. I was very proud of myself, because the Walmarts did not have the same pull it did on me last year.
Growth is good!
We dropped by Justin's parents house on the way home to say hello. It was really good to see them!
After a super yummy dinner (my mom fixed all of my favorites) we took the kids to the pool for a quick dip. Basically I was trying to keep them awake for a little bit longer. We all came home and crashed.
Unfortunately, the kids woke up super early on Wednesday morning. My mom made them breakfast. (Bless her heart for dealing with them in the early mornings so we can sleep!) Later on we met my brother Alan and his family at our local water park. We spent the day standing a little too close to strangers in our bathing suits and tattoo watching.
It was fun!
Wednesday night we ate dinner with Justin's folks. Pizza!! They have a new puppy and the kids were wild about her! We had such a nice time together.
Today, the kids woke up early again. Justin had to go into his company's Atlanta office, so he was gone all morning. The kids put together like 20 puzzles. I took a shower and got some laundry done...
Congratulations to me!
Justin came home just in time for lunch and we all ate together. Then Justin took the girls on a few errands. Otherwise, we basically just relaxed today.
It feels like we are getting into the swing of being here. Hopefully the kids will sleep in to at least 8 am and the fog over my brain will lift!!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday Sneak Peek: The Wedding
Here's a few pictures from our dear friends' wedding yesterday:
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| Our family with the bride and groom. |
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| The mother of the bride. |
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| Signing the marriage contract. |
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| Dancing the traditional dances. |
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| Turns out Noah's got some smooth moves!! |
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday Sneak Peek
Two things about this picture:
1. It is so hot that laundry dries REALLY quickly.
2. It is so hot that people cannot stay inside. Every evening just as the sun starts to set behind the buildings, everyone sits out on their balconies, patios, or in our neighbors' case, parking lots, talking about how hot it is and drinking (hot) tea.
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Hunger Diet
I am not the biggest fan of leftovers. Justin is hardly a fan at all. And the kids are hit and miss with just about anything.
So, these past few days have been pretty slim pickin's around our house! I am trying to not buy any more food and get our fridge and freezer cleaned out before we leave on Monday. Top that off with the fact that it is way too hot to turn the oven on, and you end up with some interesting meal selections.
Last night frozen grilled burgers from 4th of July- not too bad- with a side of three day old noodles and/or some crackers. For dessert... slightly rotten fruit!
Tonight, it's left over party food from my friend's twin's birthday party. For dessert- slightly more rotten fruit!
Tomorrow night, I have 6 meatballs, a leg of lamb (literally), about a serving of frozen french fries, 1/2 cup of blueberries, parsley and dill in the freezer, and 4 eggs, some yogurt, potatoes, onions, ketchup and mayo in the fridge. If that's not yummy enough, I've also got some nuts and lentils in the cupboard. And, of course, for dessert, very rotten fruit!
After that, the selection gets REALLY bad!
So, these past few days have been pretty slim pickin's around our house! I am trying to not buy any more food and get our fridge and freezer cleaned out before we leave on Monday. Top that off with the fact that it is way too hot to turn the oven on, and you end up with some interesting meal selections.
Last night frozen grilled burgers from 4th of July- not too bad- with a side of three day old noodles and/or some crackers. For dessert... slightly rotten fruit!
Tonight, it's left over party food from my friend's twin's birthday party. For dessert- slightly more rotten fruit!
Tomorrow night, I have 6 meatballs, a leg of lamb (literally), about a serving of frozen french fries, 1/2 cup of blueberries, parsley and dill in the freezer, and 4 eggs, some yogurt, potatoes, onions, ketchup and mayo in the fridge. If that's not yummy enough, I've also got some nuts and lentils in the cupboard. And, of course, for dessert, very rotten fruit!
After that, the selection gets REALLY bad!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Who's CRAZY Now?
I called our favorite dentist in KY to make appointments for the kids to get their teeth cleaned. The very nice lady let me choose a date. I said, "July 8th in the afternoon or July 9th in the morning."
To which she replied, "I have August 8th at 2 pm."
In my Lady, did you hear me voice, "Um... so you don't have July 8th or 9th?"
Patiently, "Ma'am, those dates have already passed."
"Oh! Ok, I'm crazy! I'll take that 2 o'clock on August 8th."
To which she replied, "I have August 8th at 2 pm."
In my Lady, did you hear me voice, "Um... so you don't have July 8th or 9th?"
Patiently, "Ma'am, those dates have already passed."
"Oh! Ok, I'm crazy! I'll take that 2 o'clock on August 8th."
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Ladies, Don't Talk to the Bearded Guy!
Women here keep their homes spic-and-span. They typically clean their flat almost daily, wash their windows at least every other week, and wash their drapes every few months. They wash their carpets about twice a year. A few do it themselves, but anymore everyone sends the carpets out to be washed. It's not too expensive and the companies pick up and deliver the carpets.
That little bit of background information brings us to yesterday.
I am having a lady come in while we are gone to do a major deep cleaning. So, before we fly out on Monday, everything in this flat needs to be picked up, organized, and stored away so that it does not get dusty or in the cleaning lady's way.
I am washing all our rugs myself, and rolling them up to be stored. Since I can't do the carpets myself, I had arranged to have my carpets cleaned.
The guys came yesterday to get the carpets (6!). Noah was headed back outside to play as they pulled up in their van. When I saw them, I made Noah stay inside with me. They looked VERY religious. It is not appropriate for women to be alone in the house with any man other then her husband, even workmen.
To avoid gossip, when a workman comes, either a neighbor lady pops by for a bit, and/or women leave the front door standing open.
When I saw these guys I wanted to make sure that they were not uncomfortable coming to my flat- especially because I am foreign (aka- loose). So I made Noah stay inside for a bit.
It was so interesting because Noah has really learned how to handle these situations. He's like a little gentleman and takes care of everything. The men basically only spoke to him. They even filled out the order ticket with his name on it!
HA! Maybe I should let they try to squeeze the payment out of Noah, too!
It's the little cultural nuances like this that feel like they'll take a lifetime to learn.
That little bit of background information brings us to yesterday.
I am having a lady come in while we are gone to do a major deep cleaning. So, before we fly out on Monday, everything in this flat needs to be picked up, organized, and stored away so that it does not get dusty or in the cleaning lady's way.
I am washing all our rugs myself, and rolling them up to be stored. Since I can't do the carpets myself, I had arranged to have my carpets cleaned.
The guys came yesterday to get the carpets (6!). Noah was headed back outside to play as they pulled up in their van. When I saw them, I made Noah stay inside with me. They looked VERY religious. It is not appropriate for women to be alone in the house with any man other then her husband, even workmen.
To avoid gossip, when a workman comes, either a neighbor lady pops by for a bit, and/or women leave the front door standing open.
When I saw these guys I wanted to make sure that they were not uncomfortable coming to my flat- especially because I am foreign (aka- loose). So I made Noah stay inside for a bit.
It was so interesting because Noah has really learned how to handle these situations. He's like a little gentleman and takes care of everything. The men basically only spoke to him. They even filled out the order ticket with his name on it!
HA! Maybe I should let they try to squeeze the payment out of Noah, too!
It's the little cultural nuances like this that feel like they'll take a lifetime to learn.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Bed Stuff
My sweet neighbor, the mom of my friend who is getting married, has 4 kids. Her son has worked on a ship, and therefore been out of the country for about 5 years.
He came home Sunday for his little sister's wedding.
My neighbor, the mom, was so excited that her son was coming home that she bought a brand new bed for him to sleep on.
She is 58 years old and has never in her life owned a bed!!
Many people here sleep on a couch/futon sort of thing- especially kids. Noah and Callie are the only ones of their friends who have their own beds!
He came home Sunday for his little sister's wedding.
My neighbor, the mom, was so excited that her son was coming home that she bought a brand new bed for him to sleep on.
She is 58 years old and has never in her life owned a bed!!
Many people here sleep on a couch/futon sort of thing- especially kids. Noah and Callie are the only ones of their friends who have their own beds!
Grocery List
We'll land in America at this time next week!
SQUEALLL!!!
We'll only be there for a few weeks of vacation.
I haven't lost the weight I gained in America last summer. But, that's a problem for another day. I can't be bothered by those sort of things while I'm busy enjoying the deliciousness of things like Chic-Fil-A and Mexican food.
Oh, American food... we dream about you at night. We talk about you during the day. At last we will be together again!
Here's my dream grocery list:
Cheetos
Dr. Pepper
Turkey
Colby-Jack Cheese
Cool Ranch Doritos
Sweet Potatoes
Peanut butter
Wheat Thins
Cookie Dough
Moose Tracks Ice Cream
Asparagus
Plain M & Ms
Peanut Butter M & Ms
Butterfingers
Sausage
Bacon
Here's the places where I hope to eat:
Chic-Fil-A
Dairy Queen- I hear there is a triple chocoholic blizzard with my name on it!!
Ramsey's (in KY)
La Parilla
Wendy's
McAllister's Deli
Gabriel's
Cracker Barrel
Good Grief! I'm gonna need some elastic waist clothes! HA!!
SQUEALLL!!!
We'll only be there for a few weeks of vacation.
I haven't lost the weight I gained in America last summer. But, that's a problem for another day. I can't be bothered by those sort of things while I'm busy enjoying the deliciousness of things like Chic-Fil-A and Mexican food.
Oh, American food... we dream about you at night. We talk about you during the day. At last we will be together again!
Here's my dream grocery list:
Cheetos
Dr. Pepper
Turkey
Colby-Jack Cheese
Cool Ranch Doritos
Sweet Potatoes
Peanut butter
Wheat Thins
Cookie Dough
Moose Tracks Ice Cream
Asparagus
Plain M & Ms
Peanut Butter M & Ms
Butterfingers
Sausage
Bacon
Here's the places where I hope to eat:
Chic-Fil-A
Dairy Queen- I hear there is a triple chocoholic blizzard with my name on it!!
Ramsey's (in KY)
La Parilla
Wendy's
McAllister's Deli
Gabriel's
Cracker Barrel
Good Grief! I'm gonna need some elastic waist clothes! HA!!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Par-Tay Time
I have been a busy girl this weekend. I have just goofed off to my heart's content!
Saturday late morning Callie and I went dress shopping. I wanted to find a pretty dress to wear to my friend's wedding. Callie has turned into such a great little shopper/stylist. (When I told my mom this she was shocked because shopping with Callie used to be the worst possible torture I could imagine- well... next to taking Callie for a blood draw. I'd suppressed all of those shopping nightmares and pray that we are on the other side of that cold dark crevasse!)
(I like to add "helpful" information to my stories by making use of parentheses.)
(Lots and lots of parentheses.)
So, anyhow, we shopped around, found a cute dress, a purse to match, and had lunch. It was the perfect date with my girl.
On the way home we stopped by Nuray and Mahmut's flat to help a bit. That's when I got to make her bed.
Then we went to the salon. My tribulations at the salon have been well documented. What I think I have forgotten to tell you is the fantastic thing about the salon.
You see, bathing is not an everyday sport here and hair washing is about a weekly event. (I, too, have started washing my hair less and less. It is healthier than ever. So don't gross out.) Lots of women go to the salon to get their hair washed and styled. Ironically, just like our grandmothers did every week- shampoo and set. Except, minus the little pink curlers and hair-dryer globe. It only costs me 5 lira (about $3) and I LOVE how they style my hair. So about once a month, I treat myself to a style.
The style was completely necessary because I was headed out to paint the town red with my (foreign) girlfriends. My three dear friends and I went down to the fancy part of town. They treated me to dinner at a really yummy italian place and then to a progressive dessert sort of thing. Don't judge, we did walk from each dessert place to the next! HA!
All in all, it was such a fantastic evening. I love these girls, and it is so nice to just escape a bit and laugh together!
Sunday morning I was up and at 'em, ready for my communal bathing experience. Yall, I promise you that this is one of the best things about this city. Sure, it is very awkward for the first minute or two. But you get over it really quickly because of all the relaxation and goodness- sort of like a massage.
Again, I had so much fun with these friends. They are so fun and so dear to me. My friend Nuray, the bride, had never been to the hamam before. So it was fun to walk her through it. She has been so stressed trying to get everything ready for her wedding this coming weekend. It was obvious how much more relaxed she was when we left.
Deep sigh of happiness for communal bathing.
We went home and Justin- my AWESOME husband- had the house perfectly in order. He had done laundry, cleaned out the dryer vent, washed our (extremely yucky) fan, and taken care of the kids. He is such a good man!!
We went down to visit our friends (Nuray's family) because her brother had come in town for the wedding. He lives in Ireland and has only been home one weekend in 5 years! Needless to say everyone was so excited to see him. It was fun to meet him and hear him speak English with a strong Irish accent!
We came home and Justin and I got ready for our big date. Justin had bought me concert tickets for my birthday (yes, we are still celebrating 5 days later!) We went to dinner at a yummy restaurant and then to the amphitheatre to see this country's equivalent of Barbara Streisand. It was amazing. It does not get any better than sitting next to my man under the stars, with a light breeze, listening to an incredible singer accompanied by a huge live band.
Perfect night.
Today, I have 4 baskets of laundry and some precious kids to attend to. Life is back on track. But it was fun to par-tay all weekend!! Maybe middle-age won't be so bad!!
Saturday late morning Callie and I went dress shopping. I wanted to find a pretty dress to wear to my friend's wedding. Callie has turned into such a great little shopper/stylist. (When I told my mom this she was shocked because shopping with Callie used to be the worst possible torture I could imagine- well... next to taking Callie for a blood draw. I'd suppressed all of those shopping nightmares and pray that we are on the other side of that cold dark crevasse!)
(I like to add "helpful" information to my stories by making use of parentheses.)
(Lots and lots of parentheses.)
So, anyhow, we shopped around, found a cute dress, a purse to match, and had lunch. It was the perfect date with my girl.
On the way home we stopped by Nuray and Mahmut's flat to help a bit. That's when I got to make her bed.
Then we went to the salon. My tribulations at the salon have been well documented. What I think I have forgotten to tell you is the fantastic thing about the salon.
You see, bathing is not an everyday sport here and hair washing is about a weekly event. (I, too, have started washing my hair less and less. It is healthier than ever. So don't gross out.) Lots of women go to the salon to get their hair washed and styled. Ironically, just like our grandmothers did every week- shampoo and set. Except, minus the little pink curlers and hair-dryer globe. It only costs me 5 lira (about $3) and I LOVE how they style my hair. So about once a month, I treat myself to a style.
The style was completely necessary because I was headed out to paint the town red with my (foreign) girlfriends. My three dear friends and I went down to the fancy part of town. They treated me to dinner at a really yummy italian place and then to a progressive dessert sort of thing. Don't judge, we did walk from each dessert place to the next! HA!
All in all, it was such a fantastic evening. I love these girls, and it is so nice to just escape a bit and laugh together!
Sunday morning I was up and at 'em, ready for my communal bathing experience. Yall, I promise you that this is one of the best things about this city. Sure, it is very awkward for the first minute or two. But you get over it really quickly because of all the relaxation and goodness- sort of like a massage.
Again, I had so much fun with these friends. They are so fun and so dear to me. My friend Nuray, the bride, had never been to the hamam before. So it was fun to walk her through it. She has been so stressed trying to get everything ready for her wedding this coming weekend. It was obvious how much more relaxed she was when we left.
Deep sigh of happiness for communal bathing.
We went home and Justin- my AWESOME husband- had the house perfectly in order. He had done laundry, cleaned out the dryer vent, washed our (extremely yucky) fan, and taken care of the kids. He is such a good man!!
We went down to visit our friends (Nuray's family) because her brother had come in town for the wedding. He lives in Ireland and has only been home one weekend in 5 years! Needless to say everyone was so excited to see him. It was fun to meet him and hear him speak English with a strong Irish accent!
We came home and Justin and I got ready for our big date. Justin had bought me concert tickets for my birthday (yes, we are still celebrating 5 days later!) We went to dinner at a yummy restaurant and then to the amphitheatre to see this country's equivalent of Barbara Streisand. It was amazing. It does not get any better than sitting next to my man under the stars, with a light breeze, listening to an incredible singer accompanied by a huge live band.
Perfect night.
Today, I have 4 baskets of laundry and some precious kids to attend to. Life is back on track. But it was fun to par-tay all weekend!! Maybe middle-age won't be so bad!!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
This Should Be Interesting
Yall, I am going here today. I've been once before. It was with a foreign friend who had been before. So, she talked me through the whole thing. After the first few awkward minutes it's really not so bad. And in the end it turns out to be downright luxurious.
But, it's those first few minutes that I am worried about.
It's always real weird to be naked around folks... especially for the first time.
I am going with my local friends, so I don't know what will be "normal" for them. I expect a lot of poking and prodding. A lot of comparing of body parts in matter-of-fact ways. Wishing we were skinnier while eating too much food.
My dear friend is getting married next weekend. This is sort of the local equivalent to a bachelorette party, I think. A bunch of girls sitting around naked, talking non-stop and scrubbing the snot out of each other.
This should be very interesting!
There will be no pictures, but by tonight, I may have an interesting story or two to share!
But, it's those first few minutes that I am worried about.
It's always real weird to be naked around folks... especially for the first time.
I am going with my local friends, so I don't know what will be "normal" for them. I expect a lot of poking and prodding. A lot of comparing of body parts in matter-of-fact ways. Wishing we were skinnier while eating too much food.
My dear friend is getting married next weekend. This is sort of the local equivalent to a bachelorette party, I think. A bunch of girls sitting around naked, talking non-stop and scrubbing the snot out of each other.
This should be very interesting!
There will be no pictures, but by tonight, I may have an interesting story or two to share!
Pray for Nuray
One of my dearest friends is getting married next Saturday. Today was the day they moved all the things that they have been collecting for her to the new flat.
The bride's side is responsible for providing everything for the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
Each and every box, package, bag, etc. was tied with a red ribbon for good luck and happiness. Although I am happy for her, I am sad that she is moving.
Callie and I dropped by to help for a bit. I got to make up their new bed. They ask someone who is happily married to make up the bed for the first time. It is supposed to bring good luck to the new couple. I was really honored that I got to do it. As I spread out the sheet, tucked the corners, smoothed the quilt, and fluffed the pillows I prayed for these sweet friends- for unity in their marriage, and for joy and blessings.
Would you join me in praying for the Lord to work in and bless Nuray and Mahmut's marriage?
The bride's side is responsible for providing everything for the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
Each and every box, package, bag, etc. was tied with a red ribbon for good luck and happiness. Although I am happy for her, I am sad that she is moving.
Callie and I dropped by to help for a bit. I got to make up their new bed. They ask someone who is happily married to make up the bed for the first time. It is supposed to bring good luck to the new couple. I was really honored that I got to do it. As I spread out the sheet, tucked the corners, smoothed the quilt, and fluffed the pillows I prayed for these sweet friends- for unity in their marriage, and for joy and blessings.
Would you join me in praying for the Lord to work in and bless Nuray and Mahmut's marriage?
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Sleep When the Baby Sleeps
Even little mommies get tired sometimes.
And who wouldn't with 4 babies to look after?!
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