The challenges of this adventure are unfolding as each day passes. Here are some of them: 4 kids, nap schedules, tantrums, not our own space, 2 under 3 year olds trying to exert their power, new rules and new boundaries to push, no familiar routines (although we have the naps and sleep times pretty locked in), no husbands to help when we are frazzled.
Great things, as follows: Laughing with Charlene until my abs hurt (and officially counting this as a workout), the bread and pastries, watching my kids thrive in any country put in front of them, exploring a new place, discovering that a smile will get you a long way, learning that McDonald's is more comforting in a foreign country than at home, the French really DO love their carbs, driving here is a sport, feeling accomplished when you don't know the language but are able to express your needs and get something done (but exhausting).
Charlene and I pretty much crumple on the couch after the kids go to bed. Casey has been hanging up with us a little later because she needs quiet time from the little kids too. She really has been a great help. I asked her and Maya yesterday, while I a was having a particularly frazzled parenting moment "Would you guys rather just pack it up and go home? This is so much work for me and if you guys don't want to work towards better behavior, I can't do this." Casey said "No! I want to stay and get to know France. I'm not done yet." Wow. My kinda girl.
We spent yesterday at the Bordeaux-Pessac zoo. After driving past the entrance several times, we finally found it. But not before a lovely French driver swerved into our "lane" (loosely labeled as the roads are VERY narrow and the drivers don't seem to slow down with that in mind) and took off our driver's side mirror. We watched as the driver sped off, not even hitting the brakes or returning to see if we were okay. Which we were.
The weather is rainy and we are just trying to keep our sanity while we entertain the kids with indoor activities. I am taking a deep breath and trying to regain my smile while my 2 kids tap dance on my nerves. Tomorrow is a new day and a positive reward system of earn a tally mark for cooperating and doing as asked. The end result will be a reward after earning a predetermined number of marks.
The forecast isn't looking too kind either. Rain all week and next week. Two days in there have a sun sign. Sigh...So we will entertain the troops in the best way we know how...lots of snacks and run them till they drop. We might even fit in a rousing trip to IKEA for some of them fancy meatballs.
Toddler lock out
How we spend a rainy day in any country. Mall, playground, food court
Come on, what we really came for
Bag full 'a nummies. In the "day old" basket. Don't mind if I do
Can't quite bring myself to go here. Yet
The local "Walmartesque" store with a whole aisle dedicated to wine making
The girls listening to Daddy read them a book
Casey getting into her book with Daddy's recording
Maya and Mark being silly on Skype
Not much separation between the girls and the tiger
Animals acting like animals...ewwww. Come on, did youthink I had matured since leaving the country?
Yea! Love it! Keep your patient hat on, as my mother would say! You'll be rewarded with less stress on in your head and happier kids!
ReplyDeleteLove ya! SKP