They delivered David's hospital bed today. Thankfully I had spent a little time this morning finishing up clearing the area where it goes because we weren't sure if it had even been ordered yet. I haven't heard from Kim this afternoon but the last word was that he could come home tomorrow.
Kim worked this morning then came and got me, I dropped her off at the hospital so I could have the car. A few minutes after I got back home, the company called with a four hour window for the bed delivery. So much for having the car! :-)
I spoke to John again today. They went up on the Intermediate slopes snowboarding today!! He sounded tired but happy...they sound like they're having a blast! He thinks Lisette and Jake's low center of gravity are helping them considerably...their instructor thought they'd be ready for the even bigger slopes sooner than later! Yikes!
Kimmy isn't home yet so the house still belongs to me and the dogs. :-) I think I'll order us some pizza!
Monday, July 30, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Happy Birthday Nicole!!!!
Our baby girl turned 15 today!! She is the most wonderful, amazing, brilliant, beautiful 15 yr. old on the planet...and I'm not even biased! :-)
Last night I had dinner with the ladies in my family - we were just missing my girls to make the circle complete... :-( We laughed so much I'm sure we annoyed the other tables but it was worth it to see Kim smile.
Today was a little more running around then I dropped by the hospital to see David. He hasn't changed much and unfortunately wasn't alert enough for me to say "Hi!!!" but I got to stroke his cheek and chat with his parents a bit. His (very tough) mom was brought to tears as Cindy and I left - she wanted to express her appreciation of how close us sisters are to each other. My stomach hurts right now just thinking of the pain in her face. All I could think to say was "Family is what matters" - and it's true.
I talked to my birthday girl - they went snowboarding today!!! How cool is that?? She was sounding like a happy camper and it made my heart hurt...but I've already covered that. :-)
Jake had an early wipeout but managed to rebound beautifully! According to both John and Nicole, Jake's quite the "boarder" now! Go Jake!
So, one last time for today -
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICOLE!!!!!
Love,
Mommy
Last night I had dinner with the ladies in my family - we were just missing my girls to make the circle complete... :-( We laughed so much I'm sure we annoyed the other tables but it was worth it to see Kim smile.
Today was a little more running around then I dropped by the hospital to see David. He hasn't changed much and unfortunately wasn't alert enough for me to say "Hi!!!" but I got to stroke his cheek and chat with his parents a bit. His (very tough) mom was brought to tears as Cindy and I left - she wanted to express her appreciation of how close us sisters are to each other. My stomach hurts right now just thinking of the pain in her face. All I could think to say was "Family is what matters" - and it's true.
I talked to my birthday girl - they went snowboarding today!!! How cool is that?? She was sounding like a happy camper and it made my heart hurt...but I've already covered that. :-)
Jake had an early wipeout but managed to rebound beautifully! According to both John and Nicole, Jake's quite the "boarder" now! Go Jake!
So, one last time for today -
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICOLE!!!!!
Love,
Mommy
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Just Me
I'm enjoying the "me time" that being here is affording me. Though I really hope I'm not truly like that, I often joke "It's all about me" when things come up. Right now, it's really about Kim and David but unless I'm running chores for her or helping my mom with her new computer, it is about me...and the pups. I'm taking care of K&D's two Jack Russell's while I'm staying at the house.
So yesterday I ran here and there...took Kim into work to check on a few things, over to get information on transferring car ownership, back to the hospital, set up Momma's new computer to talk to her camera...but the majority of the time I hung around the house with the dogs. Mellow evening, Cindy came over to spend some time too.
John and the kids are loving the rental house in Bariloche. No skiing yet but they're still getting settled. I miss them massively but am quite content being where I'm supposed to be.
John's niece Miranda is partying for her very first birthday today!!! Hugs and Kisses go out to that beautiful baby!!!
So yesterday I ran here and there...took Kim into work to check on a few things, over to get information on transferring car ownership, back to the hospital, set up Momma's new computer to talk to her camera...but the majority of the time I hung around the house with the dogs. Mellow evening, Cindy came over to spend some time too.
John and the kids are loving the rental house in Bariloche. No skiing yet but they're still getting settled. I miss them massively but am quite content being where I'm supposed to be.
John's niece Miranda is partying for her very first birthday today!!! Hugs and Kisses go out to that beautiful baby!!!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Best Dad Award
John is going nuts getting himself and the kids ready for a ski trip to Bariloche. However, he's rising above the hassle of doing this all by himself in order for the kids to not miss the opportunity...he's such a great dad!! I'm so bummed to be missing out but I'm where I need to be and I know they'll have so much fun - with or without me - and that's important, we've solidly learned that life can be dreadfully short.
David had a good day yesterday according to Kimmy. He was relatively comfortable and a little more clearer. She accidentally stepped on his foot and he gave her crap for it. She was delighted that he actually strung a few sentences together, not caring that it was to give her heck! LOL True love. :-)
My nephew Nick came by and we did some furniture rearranging to fit David's hospital bed downstairs, we're hoping he's discharged from the hospital early next week. Then I ran some errands before having dinner with my mom and my nephew Matt. I fall in love with my nieces and nephews all over again every time I see them, and that goes for John's side of the family too! It's so cool! On this side of the family, they're pretty much all grown up so it's amazing to see that they're continuing our tradition of closeness - they are awesome!
It's cloudy and grey outside, supposed to rain today but I've got laundry to do and some more errands to run. I just spoke to John and although he's sad that I'm missing our family vacation, they're getting excited as they prepare to head to the airport. Please keep them in your prayers too - the kids have never been skiing before!!
David had a good day yesterday according to Kimmy. He was relatively comfortable and a little more clearer. She accidentally stepped on his foot and he gave her crap for it. She was delighted that he actually strung a few sentences together, not caring that it was to give her heck! LOL True love. :-)
My nephew Nick came by and we did some furniture rearranging to fit David's hospital bed downstairs, we're hoping he's discharged from the hospital early next week. Then I ran some errands before having dinner with my mom and my nephew Matt. I fall in love with my nieces and nephews all over again every time I see them, and that goes for John's side of the family too! It's so cool! On this side of the family, they're pretty much all grown up so it's amazing to see that they're continuing our tradition of closeness - they are awesome!
It's cloudy and grey outside, supposed to rain today but I've got laundry to do and some more errands to run. I just spoke to John and although he's sad that I'm missing our family vacation, they're getting excited as they prepare to head to the airport. Please keep them in your prayers too - the kids have never been skiing before!!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Home Away From Home
I arrived yesterday morning - long flight then a shorter one, not too bad. Thank goodness for portable DVD players! On the shorter flight I watched "Wedding Date" and put the subtitles on so the lady sitting beside me could enjoy it too. That way, when I laughed out loud at the funny parts, she would be too. :-)
Kim wanted me to stay at her place so here I am. She's staying so strong and reassured me that she has her falling apart moments. I'm a huge believer that you really need to let yourself do that. My mom picks her up every morning to take her to the hospital, she spends the day and early evening there with David then my mom picks her up and brings her home. Now she'll be coming home to me - I like that!
We've decided that I'll pretty much stay away from the hospital - David's got a loving family so they'll both have plenty, if not too many, visitors. Cindy has been dropping by the hospital every day after work, my mom is there for her every morning/evening and I'll be there for Kim every evening so we're covering as much as we can I think without overwhelming.
David's doing very poorly. I don't think he knew I was there yesterday but the new pain meds seem to be keeping him relatively comfortable. It was a bit of a shock to see him, physically he's changed a great deal from when I last saw him in November. Thankfully my family had prepared me pretty well for the changes.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers...and please keep sending them!!
Love to all!
Shelley
Kim wanted me to stay at her place so here I am. She's staying so strong and reassured me that she has her falling apart moments. I'm a huge believer that you really need to let yourself do that. My mom picks her up every morning to take her to the hospital, she spends the day and early evening there with David then my mom picks her up and brings her home. Now she'll be coming home to me - I like that!
We've decided that I'll pretty much stay away from the hospital - David's got a loving family so they'll both have plenty, if not too many, visitors. Cindy has been dropping by the hospital every day after work, my mom is there for her every morning/evening and I'll be there for Kim every evening so we're covering as much as we can I think without overwhelming.
David's doing very poorly. I don't think he knew I was there yesterday but the new pain meds seem to be keeping him relatively comfortable. It was a bit of a shock to see him, physically he's changed a great deal from when I last saw him in November. Thankfully my family had prepared me pretty well for the changes.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers...and please keep sending them!!
Love to all!
Shelley
Monday, July 23, 2007
Heartache
Yesterday was fun. We froze our butts off going to another Hippie Fair but we only lasted about 30 minutes. Even a quick trip to a nearby mall didn't warm us up so we headed home.
Nicola did finish the Harry Potter book by about 10:30 yesterday morning, handed it off to Lisette who we didn't see for the remainder of the day then kept absolutely mum about it. The two of them ran off to a room to discuss it when Lisette finally finished last night.
We sat up late and watched the A&E version of "Pride and Prejudice" and decided men really need to start wearing long coats, tall boots and start riding horses again. So romantic! Nicola didn't quite make it to the end before she needed to go to bed but I stayed the course! :-)
As I was closing down the house for the night, I checked my email before turning off the computer. My mom had emailed me that my brother-in-law had taken a turn and was doing very poorly. When you receive news like that, it's amazing how your mind freezes. I woke John up but other than relaying the news, all I could say was "I don't know what to do!" There was a million things I wanted to do but my brain and my heart couldn't slow down to choose. What I chose to do was call my other sister for another report - besides, by then it was 1:30 AM their time and I knew it would give my mom a heart attack if I called her then! Cindy confirmed the news and the freeze continued. I didn't even cry...just ached.
So this morning we made flight arrangements and got some loose ends tied up. This morning, the freeze melted and the tears came in torrents. There will be much more to do before I fly but fly I will. That was the easy decision. So if you don't hear from me for a bit, just keep us all in your prayers, especially Kim and David.
Much Love,
Shelley
Nicola did finish the Harry Potter book by about 10:30 yesterday morning, handed it off to Lisette who we didn't see for the remainder of the day then kept absolutely mum about it. The two of them ran off to a room to discuss it when Lisette finally finished last night.
We sat up late and watched the A&E version of "Pride and Prejudice" and decided men really need to start wearing long coats, tall boots and start riding horses again. So romantic! Nicola didn't quite make it to the end before she needed to go to bed but I stayed the course! :-)
As I was closing down the house for the night, I checked my email before turning off the computer. My mom had emailed me that my brother-in-law had taken a turn and was doing very poorly. When you receive news like that, it's amazing how your mind freezes. I woke John up but other than relaying the news, all I could say was "I don't know what to do!" There was a million things I wanted to do but my brain and my heart couldn't slow down to choose. What I chose to do was call my other sister for another report - besides, by then it was 1:30 AM their time and I knew it would give my mom a heart attack if I called her then! Cindy confirmed the news and the freeze continued. I didn't even cry...just ached.
So this morning we made flight arrangements and got some loose ends tied up. This morning, the freeze melted and the tears came in torrents. There will be much more to do before I fly but fly I will. That was the easy decision. So if you don't hear from me for a bit, just keep us all in your prayers, especially Kim and David.
Much Love,
Shelley
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Hippie Fair!
Lisette, Nicola and I headed to the middle of Buenos Aires today, to an area called Recoleta. There is a "Hippie Fair" there every weekend. Lisette and I haven't been since we were first here...if you really want to, you could read about it back in January or February.
We arrived around 11 and found the vendors still opening their stalls so we were grateful for our late start! It was pretty darn chilly and overcast so the more popular the vendor, the more popular they were for us - extra bodies = extra warmth!
Nicola and I both bought mate cups. I've been searching for a nice one and finally found some beautiful ones! I'll try to remember to post a picture of it - it's lovely! We also bought some gorgeous woven scarves, me for me and Nicola for herself plus gifts. She found a few things for her girls and Lisette found a great shirt and some jewelry. Overall very good take.
Lunch was disastrous. It took forever - Nicola is officially calling us "the black hole" at restaurants. This time it was at Hard Rock Cafe. Food was great, service sucked...again.
Back home in time to see kids shuffled around, Jake is sleeping over at a friend's and Nicole is having a friend sleep over.
John, Nicola and I went to the mall (totally!) to grab a bite to eat then watch "Ratatouille" (the second time for me) - it's awesome! Nicole and some girlfriends had gone to see "Transformers" so we timed it so we could bring them home with us.
On our way to the movie theatre, Nicola eyed a bookstore and lo and behold! they had the Harry Potter book - in English! Score! Since I've already ordered two copies, I refrained but Nicola bought a copy and is planning on reading it all night! I'll let you know how that goes! BTW, Lisette has sworn her to secrecy and will surely be waiting with hands out for the book in the morning. :-)
We arrived around 11 and found the vendors still opening their stalls so we were grateful for our late start! It was pretty darn chilly and overcast so the more popular the vendor, the more popular they were for us - extra bodies = extra warmth!
Nicola and I both bought mate cups. I've been searching for a nice one and finally found some beautiful ones! I'll try to remember to post a picture of it - it's lovely! We also bought some gorgeous woven scarves, me for me and Nicola for herself plus gifts. She found a few things for her girls and Lisette found a great shirt and some jewelry. Overall very good take.
Lunch was disastrous. It took forever - Nicola is officially calling us "the black hole" at restaurants. This time it was at Hard Rock Cafe. Food was great, service sucked...again.
Back home in time to see kids shuffled around, Jake is sleeping over at a friend's and Nicole is having a friend sleep over.
John, Nicola and I went to the mall (totally!) to grab a bite to eat then watch "Ratatouille" (the second time for me) - it's awesome! Nicole and some girlfriends had gone to see "Transformers" so we timed it so we could bring them home with us.
On our way to the movie theatre, Nicola eyed a bookstore and lo and behold! they had the Harry Potter book - in English! Score! Since I've already ordered two copies, I refrained but Nicola bought a copy and is planning on reading it all night! I'll let you know how that goes! BTW, Lisette has sworn her to secrecy and will surely be waiting with hands out for the book in the morning. :-)
Friday, July 20, 2007
Two Years
We lost my dad two years ago today. Hard to believe it's only been two years, coincidentally it seems like it was two months. For those of you who have lost a parent you know the feeling of the incomparable loss. I'm sure there is worse but the cut continues to bleed every day.
John and Jake went to see "Transformers" today. Then, in tribute to my dad, John took Jake fishing with my dad's fishing poles. Good job, no fish but good job. :-)
All us girls went farther north via the train to Tigre. It's the Venice of Argentina with a variety of canals but with greater space. We took a Catamaran ride, had coffee/hot chocolate/pop treat while we talked and laughed. I figured being on the water was fitting too.
Unfortunately, lunch was in a smoky restaurant that led to a minor migraine for me and I spent a few hours in bed when we made it home.
Now we just finished watching "Shakespeare in Love" with Nicola's relative, Joseph Fiennes, starring as Shakespeare. Great movie, sad day. Good to be with those we love.
John and Jake went to see "Transformers" today. Then, in tribute to my dad, John took Jake fishing with my dad's fishing poles. Good job, no fish but good job. :-)
All us girls went farther north via the train to Tigre. It's the Venice of Argentina with a variety of canals but with greater space. We took a Catamaran ride, had coffee/hot chocolate/pop treat while we talked and laughed. I figured being on the water was fitting too.
Unfortunately, lunch was in a smoky restaurant that led to a minor migraine for me and I spent a few hours in bed when we made it home.
Now we just finished watching "Shakespeare in Love" with Nicola's relative, Joseph Fiennes, starring as Shakespeare. Great movie, sad day. Good to be with those we love.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Calm Day
Sunny and beautiful! Nicola and I spent the day wandering around the shopping district close by. We found a treasure of a store after hitting a way overpriced antique shop. We bought woven cloths, antique dolls and a little carved nativity scene.
Lunch was a local cafe then on to find more treasures at a small toy store - Nicola bought some beautiful figurines to hang in her elementary school classroom.
Our last stop was at a favourite restaurant for postre (dessert) where we had the worse service ever! Even moi (who tips ALL the time) left less than the expected 10% - bad, bad service. Luckily we weren't in a hurry but it was almost comical.
Back home we hit the movie button again, watching "Practical Magic" then "Emma" - this after Nicole said "Who's Jane Austen?" AHHHHH!!! :-)
Lunch was a local cafe then on to find more treasures at a small toy store - Nicola bought some beautiful figurines to hang in her elementary school classroom.
Our last stop was at a favourite restaurant for postre (dessert) where we had the worse service ever! Even moi (who tips ALL the time) left less than the expected 10% - bad, bad service. Luckily we weren't in a hurry but it was almost comical.
Back home we hit the movie button again, watching "Practical Magic" then "Emma" - this after Nicole said "Who's Jane Austen?" AHHHHH!!! :-)
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
La Boca
Lisette, Nicola and I played tourists at one of the touristy spots in Buenos Aires called La Boca. It's a very colourful place and one of the hottest tango spots in town.
We skipped past the "Argentinean-but-probably-Made in China" stores and walked around the blue, yellow, green buildings that make up Caminita. We had lunch in a little cafe and bought treasures at the mini-hippie fair. There were a few tango dancers to watch and I fell in love with that dance all over again. All in all, a good day.
Tonight was Chinese. Surprise! :-) I'm so easy!
Us girls watched "10 Things I Hate About You" - very good movie!
Now it's late and I need to get to bed!
Besitos!!
We skipped past the "Argentinean-but-probably-Made in China" stores and walked around the blue, yellow, green buildings that make up Caminita. We had lunch in a little cafe and bought treasures at the mini-hippie fair. There were a few tango dancers to watch and I fell in love with that dance all over again. All in all, a good day.
Tonight was Chinese. Surprise! :-) I'm so easy!
Us girls watched "10 Things I Hate About You" - very good movie!
Now it's late and I need to get to bed!
Besitos!!
Hurting Hearts
Once again, it is made quite clear that life is not fair. My wonderful brother-in-law has been battling (there is no other word for it than "battling" is there?) renal cancer for a year and a half. It appeared that he was winning said battle but the tide has turned. With love, encouragement, support and the hope of another med we pray the war is not lost. He's the love of my sister's life and they both deserve much better than this. So the evening was spent yesterday with pain, sorrow, anger, hope and prayer.
My friend Nicola arrived yesterday morning! As is completely normal for me, I waited patiently for her - at the wrong terminal!!! What a bonehead I am!! I did arrive in plenty of time to sit down, have a coffee, visit the restroom and then wait...and wait...and wait. Sigh. :-)
She had a nap when we got home then we headed to that favourite restaurant and met John for a late lunch. Then we wandered down the main street here, picked up some sweets from the bakery and brought them home.
The evening was low key per above. Dinner was Curried Chicken on rice even though John and kids called for Delivery Chinese. I held fast and saved us some buckaroos. We haven't had Chinese in a while though, I'm not sure how long I can hold them off.
Send some love to my sis - that's where my heart is right now!!
My friend Nicola arrived yesterday morning! As is completely normal for me, I waited patiently for her - at the wrong terminal!!! What a bonehead I am!! I did arrive in plenty of time to sit down, have a coffee, visit the restroom and then wait...and wait...and wait. Sigh. :-)
She had a nap when we got home then we headed to that favourite restaurant and met John for a late lunch. Then we wandered down the main street here, picked up some sweets from the bakery and brought them home.
The evening was low key per above. Dinner was Curried Chicken on rice even though John and kids called for Delivery Chinese. I held fast and saved us some buckaroos. We haven't had Chinese in a while though, I'm not sure how long I can hold them off.
Send some love to my sis - that's where my heart is right now!!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Revolving Front Door
Today was the final day for finishing picking up from the party. Tomorrow a wonderful friend of mine is coming to town!
Our heat is back on - kind of! For whatever reason, our bedroom is not receiving any heat via the register. John is tucking in Jake and has promised to fix that. Meanwhile, the rest of the house is warming up. It was nice to have an excuse (like I need one!) to cuddle the kids on the couch but a warm house is so welcoming when you come in from the cold!
Lilian was a great help today, as usual, but she seems to be a bit under the weather so I'm not sure she'll be here tomorrow. As it is, we sent her home early to hopefully feel better.
John and I dropped the girls off to babysit the boys - Jake was already there - at our friend's house whose husband is out of town. The three of us walked over to have dinner at a local restaurant. Steaks all round (go figure!) and not much off the new budget. Again, gotta love Argentina!
I'm fighting going to bed, I'm not feeling tired but tomorrow I'll be up early to head to the airport. It would be nice to be going up to a warm room but at least with John there, it'll be cozy! :-) Sweet dreams!
Our heat is back on - kind of! For whatever reason, our bedroom is not receiving any heat via the register. John is tucking in Jake and has promised to fix that. Meanwhile, the rest of the house is warming up. It was nice to have an excuse (like I need one!) to cuddle the kids on the couch but a warm house is so welcoming when you come in from the cold!
Lilian was a great help today, as usual, but she seems to be a bit under the weather so I'm not sure she'll be here tomorrow. As it is, we sent her home early to hopefully feel better.
John and I dropped the girls off to babysit the boys - Jake was already there - at our friend's house whose husband is out of town. The three of us walked over to have dinner at a local restaurant. Steaks all round (go figure!) and not much off the new budget. Again, gotta love Argentina!
I'm fighting going to bed, I'm not feeling tired but tomorrow I'll be up early to head to the airport. It would be nice to be going up to a warm room but at least with John there, it'll be cozy! :-) Sweet dreams!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Recovery Mode
Still recovering...back in the day it wouldn't have taken so long but John and I are getting old!! We both napped too much yesterday so we ended up staying awake until 3 AM! Ooops.
Did a little more cleaning up - the house is definitely almost back to normal. Unfortunately our heater is still not working in the house so we're all freezing! One guy showed up to fix it but said it was going to have to be the other guy who installed that needs to come over. He should be here tomorrow. Meanwhile, the girls and I spent the afternoon huddled by the space heater and watching "Love Actually" - a great movie - and then the America Cup soccer match between Argentina and Brazil. Argentina lost :-( but it was a pretty good game to watch!
We took an unofficial family photo, with and without Buddy! That was time consuming! A little more squawking than necessary. I thought it would be interesting to have an unofficial family video of our taking of our unofficial family photo - you would have heard more fussing than you'd ever want to.
One more load for the dishwasher, finish washing the chocolate fountain and maybe get in bed before midnight ~ my goals for the next few hours!
Did a little more cleaning up - the house is definitely almost back to normal. Unfortunately our heater is still not working in the house so we're all freezing! One guy showed up to fix it but said it was going to have to be the other guy who installed that needs to come over. He should be here tomorrow. Meanwhile, the girls and I spent the afternoon huddled by the space heater and watching "Love Actually" - a great movie - and then the America Cup soccer match between Argentina and Brazil. Argentina lost :-( but it was a pretty good game to watch!
We took an unofficial family photo, with and without Buddy! That was time consuming! A little more squawking than necessary. I thought it would be interesting to have an unofficial family video of our taking of our unofficial family photo - you would have heard more fussing than you'd ever want to.
One more load for the dishwasher, finish washing the chocolate fountain and maybe get in bed before midnight ~ my goals for the next few hours!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
What a Party!
We woke up around 2 this afternoon. Our little family tend to be sleeper inners but we had a fabulous reason to snooze so late. We threw an Argentinean party last night.
Yesterday we worked our tushes off prepping the house for our first party of grand proportions in this house. We've thrown big parties before but never for an international crowd. So John hung plastic covers around the terrace and Lilian scrubbed the entire patio/parilla (BBQ) area. The girls and I set everything else up as well as prepped the food that wasn't coming from outside the house. Jake and Buddy stayed out from underfoot.
Everything was ready by the designated start up time of 8:30. By 9:30 pretty much everyone was here. I scooted the kids over to our friend's house, Lisette decided she'd stay home and be my "kitchen help" and thank God she did. We had about 50 people show, food and drink flowed beautifully - other than an excess of chicken we had the perfect amount of food. Our chocolate fountain was a raging success...again. Best party investment we've made! Our asado guy took pity on me as I raced around keeping the food bowls and sangria pitcher full and made me a lomo (steak) sandwich.
We sang, we danced and we stayed up until 5 AM. John and I had figured it would go til about 3 so when the dancing started at around 1:30 we sucked it up and joined in the fun. By the time the last of our guests headed out the door at 4:30, my feet and back and legs were screaming for unconsciousness. I spent 30 minutes cleaning up some and then gave up to the call of the mattress.
Lilian came in this morning so by the time we fell out of bed the house was looking pretty damn good. John got downstairs first and turned on the coffee pot. Yeah!
Now there's delicious smelling chicken soup cooking on the stove, the dishes are mostly clean and/or put away. The coffee pot is still on and the chocolate fountain is running. Definitely a great party!
Yesterday we worked our tushes off prepping the house for our first party of grand proportions in this house. We've thrown big parties before but never for an international crowd. So John hung plastic covers around the terrace and Lilian scrubbed the entire patio/parilla (BBQ) area. The girls and I set everything else up as well as prepped the food that wasn't coming from outside the house. Jake and Buddy stayed out from underfoot.
Everything was ready by the designated start up time of 8:30. By 9:30 pretty much everyone was here. I scooted the kids over to our friend's house, Lisette decided she'd stay home and be my "kitchen help" and thank God she did. We had about 50 people show, food and drink flowed beautifully - other than an excess of chicken we had the perfect amount of food. Our chocolate fountain was a raging success...again. Best party investment we've made! Our asado guy took pity on me as I raced around keeping the food bowls and sangria pitcher full and made me a lomo (steak) sandwich.
We sang, we danced and we stayed up until 5 AM. John and I had figured it would go til about 3 so when the dancing started at around 1:30 we sucked it up and joined in the fun. By the time the last of our guests headed out the door at 4:30, my feet and back and legs were screaming for unconsciousness. I spent 30 minutes cleaning up some and then gave up to the call of the mattress.
Lilian came in this morning so by the time we fell out of bed the house was looking pretty damn good. John got downstairs first and turned on the coffee pot. Yeah!
Now there's delicious smelling chicken soup cooking on the stove, the dishes are mostly clean and/or put away. The coffee pot is still on and the chocolate fountain is running. Definitely a great party!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
A List Day
I love to make lists. I love to follow lists. I love it when a list is all checked off. Today I made a list. Only half way through it but I love my list.
We're throwing a party!! Yeehaw!! Come on over! This is what my list is for and it's a mighty fine one. It's a last minute list so it's that much more important. When things are left to the last minute, it's mighty important to make sure you don't forget anything.
Here's the story behind why this is a last minute list... John's been home from vacation for almost two weeks. While I was still away with the kids, he decided we'd have a party after the kids and I got home. Hmmmm. Sounds good. Unfortunately jet lag was a bit of a energy killer for me the first few days of this week. Then, on Tuesday, we were heading (late as usual) to pick up Nicole and John didn't like my choice of "short cuts" and mentioned (twice) that "this isn't a shortcut" before I glared at him and said "It doesn't help when you keeping saying 'this isn't a shortcut.'" He promptly looked at me and said "This isn't a shortcut" - straight faced serious. Now, those of you who are aware of my driving habits...just imagine them when I'm pissed. Thankfully, I'm skilled because we're all still alive. Since I've barely been talking to him and he hasn't bothered to ask for help, now I have a last minute list. We're still not talking much but we have lots of wine! :-)
Today I ordered breads, crackers and dessert pastries (will be delivered), picked up paper products, grocery shopped (will be delivered) and brought in some extra outdoor furniture for indoor seating. The kids scooped and got our luggage put away finally! I was explaining to my sister that we were going to hire a gentleman to do the asado (Argentinean BBQ) for us, she teased me until I told her it would only cost us about 30 bucks! So who wouldn't?? He's even going to bring the meat (steak and chicken) with him. Food cost is separate mind you.
John's putting covers around the back terrace and we'll use our portable heaters to help warm the space - hoping the BBQ will help with that too!
So, busy bees we are!
Wish you could join us!!!
We're throwing a party!! Yeehaw!! Come on over! This is what my list is for and it's a mighty fine one. It's a last minute list so it's that much more important. When things are left to the last minute, it's mighty important to make sure you don't forget anything.
Here's the story behind why this is a last minute list... John's been home from vacation for almost two weeks. While I was still away with the kids, he decided we'd have a party after the kids and I got home. Hmmmm. Sounds good. Unfortunately jet lag was a bit of a energy killer for me the first few days of this week. Then, on Tuesday, we were heading (late as usual) to pick up Nicole and John didn't like my choice of "short cuts" and mentioned (twice) that "this isn't a shortcut" before I glared at him and said "It doesn't help when you keeping saying 'this isn't a shortcut.'" He promptly looked at me and said "This isn't a shortcut" - straight faced serious. Now, those of you who are aware of my driving habits...just imagine them when I'm pissed. Thankfully, I'm skilled because we're all still alive. Since I've barely been talking to him and he hasn't bothered to ask for help, now I have a last minute list. We're still not talking much but we have lots of wine! :-)
Today I ordered breads, crackers and dessert pastries (will be delivered), picked up paper products, grocery shopped (will be delivered) and brought in some extra outdoor furniture for indoor seating. The kids scooped and got our luggage put away finally! I was explaining to my sister that we were going to hire a gentleman to do the asado (Argentinean BBQ) for us, she teased me until I told her it would only cost us about 30 bucks! So who wouldn't?? He's even going to bring the meat (steak and chicken) with him. Food cost is separate mind you.
John's putting covers around the back terrace and we'll use our portable heaters to help warm the space - hoping the BBQ will help with that too!
So, busy bees we are!
Wish you could join us!!!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Yeah! A Title!!
It let me back in!
It's the little things that make me happy...really.
Jake spent the night at a friend's house last night. I picked him up this morning along with the brothers that he'd had the sleepover with and took them to the school playground to play. They had a great time other than the few times the littlest guy (he's four) had cold hands but we fixed that with a couple of minutes with his paws wrapped in my wool scarf.
We picked up the girls from the house before heading to a local bowling alley to eat lunch and bowl. Unfortunately we never got the chance to bowl. I think it was the late night last night but the little guys were not in the best of moods at lunch. I couldn't help feeling some respect for Jake's buddy who, when it was suggested that it would be time to go home if he didn't sit nicely in his chair just headed for the front door and waited. No nasty looks or grumpy attitude, he just looked kind of tired. Nicole and I just looked at each other in shock and tried not to laugh. So I took him home and called his mom at work to explain myself.
We dropped off his little brother after lunch then the girls went to watch the newest Harry Potter movie. I was feeling a little tired myself so chose not to attend with them, instead I dropped them off and came home to curl up with a good book.
Now, John is off shopping/picking up the girls, Jake has his nose in the TV and I'm eating dinner in front of the computer - Shame!
Have I mentioned it's bloody cold outside! Up next on the menu - hot chocolate!
Cheers to you in the warmer climate!
It's the little things that make me happy...really.
Jake spent the night at a friend's house last night. I picked him up this morning along with the brothers that he'd had the sleepover with and took them to the school playground to play. They had a great time other than the few times the littlest guy (he's four) had cold hands but we fixed that with a couple of minutes with his paws wrapped in my wool scarf.
We picked up the girls from the house before heading to a local bowling alley to eat lunch and bowl. Unfortunately we never got the chance to bowl. I think it was the late night last night but the little guys were not in the best of moods at lunch. I couldn't help feeling some respect for Jake's buddy who, when it was suggested that it would be time to go home if he didn't sit nicely in his chair just headed for the front door and waited. No nasty looks or grumpy attitude, he just looked kind of tired. Nicole and I just looked at each other in shock and tried not to laugh. So I took him home and called his mom at work to explain myself.
We dropped off his little brother after lunch then the girls went to watch the newest Harry Potter movie. I was feeling a little tired myself so chose not to attend with them, instead I dropped them off and came home to curl up with a good book.
Now, John is off shopping/picking up the girls, Jake has his nose in the TV and I'm eating dinner in front of the computer - Shame!
Have I mentioned it's bloody cold outside! Up next on the menu - hot chocolate!
Cheers to you in the warmer climate!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Monday, July 9, 2007
No title for this one - because the composition window won't let me write one in! Computers, can't live with them, can't throw them out a window.
It's snowing!!!!! It's been snowing most of the day - exceptionally rare here in Buenos Aires, the last major snowfall was in 1918!! How cool is that?? There's now a layer of the white stuff on the ground, all day it was melting but since the sun set the snow has been winning. Jake just headed to bed but had to take one last look at the snow before heading up. Don't blame him, I'll probably do the same!
We took pictures but I'm too tired (read "lazy") to download them tonight - I'll post them tomorrow.
I slept for over 14 hours last night. I waited until 9 PM to go to bed, that seemed reasonably late and then slept until around 11:30. Feeling much better now!!
Lilian noticed how much heavier our luggage was from when we left. We did some major shopping damage! I gave her some Sweet Pea lotion/shampoo/conditioner from Bath and Body Works. If you haven't tried the stuff, it's awesome! While we were gone, she did a fantastic job picking up and organizing Jake's toy area in the attic. Now if I can get him to keep it close to that way from now on!
Today I organized bills to be paid - John hadn't even opened the envelopes and said, jokingly I think, "Don't they pay themselves?" when I asked why he didn't pay them. Looks like they'll be paid before the power gets turned off at least. Good thing 'cause it's freezing around here!
Since we spent waaaaaay too much money on our vacation, we're not going out to eat for awhile...yeah, right! We'll see how long that lasts. Tonight John cooked up some sausages for dinner. He refused to go out in the snow to BBQ but they were yummy anyway. Wussy Warm Weather boy! :-)
Sleep tight! Enjoy the warm weather and think of us down here in the SNOW!!!!!!
Love you all! :-)
It's snowing!!!!! It's been snowing most of the day - exceptionally rare here in Buenos Aires, the last major snowfall was in 1918!! How cool is that?? There's now a layer of the white stuff on the ground, all day it was melting but since the sun set the snow has been winning. Jake just headed to bed but had to take one last look at the snow before heading up. Don't blame him, I'll probably do the same!
We took pictures but I'm too tired (read "lazy") to download them tonight - I'll post them tomorrow.
I slept for over 14 hours last night. I waited until 9 PM to go to bed, that seemed reasonably late and then slept until around 11:30. Feeling much better now!!
Lilian noticed how much heavier our luggage was from when we left. We did some major shopping damage! I gave her some Sweet Pea lotion/shampoo/conditioner from Bath and Body Works. If you haven't tried the stuff, it's awesome! While we were gone, she did a fantastic job picking up and organizing Jake's toy area in the attic. Now if I can get him to keep it close to that way from now on!
Today I organized bills to be paid - John hadn't even opened the envelopes and said, jokingly I think, "Don't they pay themselves?" when I asked why he didn't pay them. Looks like they'll be paid before the power gets turned off at least. Good thing 'cause it's freezing around here!
Since we spent waaaaaay too much money on our vacation, we're not going out to eat for awhile...yeah, right! We'll see how long that lasts. Tonight John cooked up some sausages for dinner. He refused to go out in the snow to BBQ but they were yummy anyway. Wussy Warm Weather boy! :-)
Sleep tight! Enjoy the warm weather and think of us down here in the SNOW!!!!!!
Love you all! :-)
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Home Again!!
The kids and I flew back from Florida arriving nice and early this morning. John had to get back last weekend so his tan is soooo last week!
We surprised the kids with the trip and I keep saying I wished I'd had a video camera on them when we told them - they were jumping out of their skin with excitement. Jake ended up crying for joy.
One week at a condo on the beach then another week at the house of a friend who was visiting Romania! Globe trotters we all seem to be!!
So tan lines intact, we're home! Nicole is officially happy, my beach girl was in dire need of surf, sun and sand. Buddy was thrilled to see us. John was even more happy though he refrained from jumping up on us.
When my jet lag is less tiresome I'll be back on!
We surprised the kids with the trip and I keep saying I wished I'd had a video camera on them when we told them - they were jumping out of their skin with excitement. Jake ended up crying for joy.
One week at a condo on the beach then another week at the house of a friend who was visiting Romania! Globe trotters we all seem to be!!
So tan lines intact, we're home! Nicole is officially happy, my beach girl was in dire need of surf, sun and sand. Buddy was thrilled to see us. John was even more happy though he refrained from jumping up on us.
When my jet lag is less tiresome I'll be back on!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
