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Sunday, December 5, 2010
Holiday Letter
Here is our Christmas letter and photo for 2010!
Click on each image for a larger view!
Click on each image for a larger view!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Happy to make my Housekeeper smile!
We found a great, reliable housekeeper. She actually started out as our cat sitter, and now does a once weekly cleaning of our apartment. She is here with her husband and has a little 1 year old boy. So, as far as that goes, she is one of the few who are not here away from immediate family, on a sponsored visa that makes her work for a Kuwaiti family and get treated like dirt etc... so she is always in relative good spirits and just a nice person.
She asked a while ago if I knew of anybody selling a used, inexpensive washing machine, as she has been doing laundry with a semi-automatic, labor intensive one. I didn't at the time, and never really thought much about it. Robb's company had downsized from 2 company apartments to just one, and was in the process of selling the furniture and appliances. He felt bad as just the week before Kumari asked, they had sold the washer/dryer. Well, he found out today that the buyer never showed up! So....he has offered the washer AND dryer to her free of charge. She was very pleased and appreciative. We are going to deliver them to her in a few days. She is so nervous, she does not want us to see her apartment, she says as it is very small. I told her we do not judge, and are just happy to help out.
She asked a while ago if I knew of anybody selling a used, inexpensive washing machine, as she has been doing laundry with a semi-automatic, labor intensive one. I didn't at the time, and never really thought much about it. Robb's company had downsized from 2 company apartments to just one, and was in the process of selling the furniture and appliances. He felt bad as just the week before Kumari asked, they had sold the washer/dryer. Well, he found out today that the buyer never showed up! So....he has offered the washer AND dryer to her free of charge. She was very pleased and appreciative. We are going to deliver them to her in a few days. She is so nervous, she does not want us to see her apartment, she says as it is very small. I told her we do not judge, and are just happy to help out.
Hi!
It has been over 1 month since I have posted. We had a great time in Dubai, my studies are going well, when I find time to sit and study!. My trip to Singapore never happened, as we are in the middle of residency paperwork here in Kuwait, and I was not able to get my passport back in time. I still hope to make it there soon!
We are on the countdown to even MORE travel. Dec 15th we fly home to Canada for Christmas, where we will spend some time in BC and Alberta with the families. The kids are super excited to see everyone, have already made their Santa list, and the winter and Christmas crafts have begun! I am hoping for much better weather than in the last two, as it had been very cold and not fun!
I now have a Dodge Durango that is being used exclusively for trips to from school and the grocery store. Taxis and buses are not a viable option here, especially when it comes to kid safety and car seats. Plus, it makes life a bit less stressful living here (except of course, the stress of actually DRIVING it on the roads here!). We had not planned on spending the money on a vehicle for me while here, but some things you cannot plan for, and safety of the kids and the family do not have a monetary value. As my dad says, You can't take the money with you!
We have become part of a small group of kids/moms that hang out fairly regularly, with two playdates this week...one for Christmas crafts! So, the socialiation factor is improving. Robb and I are going out for a Christmas Party this weekend, and it will be the second time EVER we have had a for-pay babysitter. I have asked a 17 year old daughter of a friend to watch the kids, as we know her and trust her, and the kids have met her several times. I have a hard time leaving my kids, even in our own house, with a stanger that may not know how to communicate properly in an emergency. Wish we lived closer to Grandparents!!
I will TRY to be more proactive with posting, time seems to speed up sometimes!
We are on the countdown to even MORE travel. Dec 15th we fly home to Canada for Christmas, where we will spend some time in BC and Alberta with the families. The kids are super excited to see everyone, have already made their Santa list, and the winter and Christmas crafts have begun! I am hoping for much better weather than in the last two, as it had been very cold and not fun!
I now have a Dodge Durango that is being used exclusively for trips to from school and the grocery store. Taxis and buses are not a viable option here, especially when it comes to kid safety and car seats. Plus, it makes life a bit less stressful living here (except of course, the stress of actually DRIVING it on the roads here!). We had not planned on spending the money on a vehicle for me while here, but some things you cannot plan for, and safety of the kids and the family do not have a monetary value. As my dad says, You can't take the money with you!
We have become part of a small group of kids/moms that hang out fairly regularly, with two playdates this week...one for Christmas crafts! So, the socialiation factor is improving. Robb and I are going out for a Christmas Party this weekend, and it will be the second time EVER we have had a for-pay babysitter. I have asked a 17 year old daughter of a friend to watch the kids, as we know her and trust her, and the kids have met her several times. I have a hard time leaving my kids, even in our own house, with a stanger that may not know how to communicate properly in an emergency. Wish we lived closer to Grandparents!!
I will TRY to be more proactive with posting, time seems to speed up sometimes!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
So much happening!
So much to update on!
Leanne hitting the books:
I have decided to do a two-year distance education program from the Canadian School of Naural Nutrition. I will obtain a diploma in Registered Holistic Nutrionist. I did it for many reasons. Firtly is to get my health back - practice what I preach so to speak. I have had a rough few years being sick and losing hair from my colitis. I want to feel healthy again. My family will get healthier in the process as well. I also did it to 'pass' the time here in Kuwait. i can do exercises and reading while the kids are in school and at night. Once i return tothe US, I have to take two upgrade courses in order to be recognized by the Nutritional Assiciation there. I feel it will be a great field to work part time, in any one of a number of areas/. This way I can still be around for the kids, but have my own thing going on for me. In fact, my books just arrived today, so tonight I will start the course!
Heading to Dubai:
In order for us to get our resident visas here (me and the girls) we have to do a medical test outside of Kuwait and get it certified by the Kuwait Embassy before re-entry. So, we will be spending the first part of November in Dubai dealing with this, as well as making a small vacation out of it, as we will be there over the weekend. It works out well, as Robb has to stay for a few days longer for work meetings. Jessie will turn 3 while in Dubai, so we will have to plan a special activity for her, as I wasn't planning a party or anything for her. I may send cupcakes into school for her classmates. Saige spent her 4th birthday overseas and flying, so it is fitting that Jessie gets to do the same :)
Leanne is OUTTA HERE!!!
One of my great friends from home has been living in Singapore as an expat for a year now. I was wondering if and when I would get the chance to see her while she was there, as it has been years. Robb told me the other day that he gets 10 days off of work in mid-November for a national holiday, as do the kids. SOOOO, a well timed Skype call convinced me to see if I could pull some strings...and as a result, a spur of the moment, 5 day kid free trip to Singpaore is in the near future! It worked out great, I was able to use reward miles and it is basically a 'free' trtip, and Robb doesn't need to take any time off of work to watch the kiddos. It would have been nice to take the whole family, but I decided that I needed a few days for me. Darlene and I have always made a point of trying to connect when we can, as she moved from BC to Ontario at 23. I have made a few trips to see her there, once for her wedding. Robb's extended family lives near her, so I am able to meet her whenever we rarely head there (for weddings and funerals). She has made the trip to BC to visit several times as her family is still there, plus has driven to see us in Kelowna while we were vacationing in BC as was she. I made a trip to go canoeing/camping with her as part of an extended work/visa trip to Toronto. She made it to Houston to visit me while we were both preggo (our daughters were born 1 month apart). I barely missed seing her this summer when we were both home from overseas. and finally, it has been years, we will CONNECT IN PERSON! No more Skype, facebook, emails, phone calls. OK, yes, I am excited.
Halloween will be celebrated with some parties at school and the Mom's Group. We won't get to trick or treat, but I think enough fun and candy will be had by all so they won't miss the door to door so much.
Leanne hitting the books:
I have decided to do a two-year distance education program from the Canadian School of Naural Nutrition. I will obtain a diploma in Registered Holistic Nutrionist. I did it for many reasons. Firtly is to get my health back - practice what I preach so to speak. I have had a rough few years being sick and losing hair from my colitis. I want to feel healthy again. My family will get healthier in the process as well. I also did it to 'pass' the time here in Kuwait. i can do exercises and reading while the kids are in school and at night. Once i return tothe US, I have to take two upgrade courses in order to be recognized by the Nutritional Assiciation there. I feel it will be a great field to work part time, in any one of a number of areas/. This way I can still be around for the kids, but have my own thing going on for me. In fact, my books just arrived today, so tonight I will start the course!
Heading to Dubai:
In order for us to get our resident visas here (me and the girls) we have to do a medical test outside of Kuwait and get it certified by the Kuwait Embassy before re-entry. So, we will be spending the first part of November in Dubai dealing with this, as well as making a small vacation out of it, as we will be there over the weekend. It works out well, as Robb has to stay for a few days longer for work meetings. Jessie will turn 3 while in Dubai, so we will have to plan a special activity for her, as I wasn't planning a party or anything for her. I may send cupcakes into school for her classmates. Saige spent her 4th birthday overseas and flying, so it is fitting that Jessie gets to do the same :)
Leanne is OUTTA HERE!!!
One of my great friends from home has been living in Singapore as an expat for a year now. I was wondering if and when I would get the chance to see her while she was there, as it has been years. Robb told me the other day that he gets 10 days off of work in mid-November for a national holiday, as do the kids. SOOOO, a well timed Skype call convinced me to see if I could pull some strings...and as a result, a spur of the moment, 5 day kid free trip to Singpaore is in the near future! It worked out great, I was able to use reward miles and it is basically a 'free' trtip, and Robb doesn't need to take any time off of work to watch the kiddos. It would have been nice to take the whole family, but I decided that I needed a few days for me. Darlene and I have always made a point of trying to connect when we can, as she moved from BC to Ontario at 23. I have made a few trips to see her there, once for her wedding. Robb's extended family lives near her, so I am able to meet her whenever we rarely head there (for weddings and funerals). She has made the trip to BC to visit several times as her family is still there, plus has driven to see us in Kelowna while we were vacationing in BC as was she. I made a trip to go canoeing/camping with her as part of an extended work/visa trip to Toronto. She made it to Houston to visit me while we were both preggo (our daughters were born 1 month apart). I barely missed seing her this summer when we were both home from overseas. and finally, it has been years, we will CONNECT IN PERSON! No more Skype, facebook, emails, phone calls. OK, yes, I am excited.
Halloween will be celebrated with some parties at school and the Mom's Group. We won't get to trick or treat, but I think enough fun and candy will be had by all so they won't miss the door to door so much.
Monday, October 11, 2010
The 'Santa' talk
While in the car last week, I decided to bring up Santa. I rarely use 'Santa' as a form of bribery ie - "You had better be good if you want Santa to bring you a present" etc.. Instead, I wanted to start asking what the girls would want Santa to bring them, because living where we do, there may be a bit more planning to do on Santa's part to make it happen. I explained to them that it needs to be something small so it can fit in Santa's sleigh with all the other toys for the other boys and girls. (or, perhaps, the suitcase for the plane ride to/from Canada). So, as of October, here is what the wish list consists of:
Saige - flippers for the water to swim faster (I think Santa can do this one)
Jessie - A princess snowman (whatever floats her boat, this can also be do-able with a bit of imagination and pink fabric).
I am sure the list will change a few times. In general, my kids are not greedy Santa listers. Because a Princess Snowman can only make it back to Kuwait as a digital photograph, I will keep working on Jessie for a more tangible item for her wish list.
In other, more seasonal notes: Happy Thanksgving to all my Friends and Family back in Canada. We will be joining a group of Canadians having a delicious catered Turkey Dinner. Can't wait!
Saige - flippers for the water to swim faster (I think Santa can do this one)
Jessie - A princess snowman (whatever floats her boat, this can also be do-able with a bit of imagination and pink fabric).
I am sure the list will change a few times. In general, my kids are not greedy Santa listers. Because a Princess Snowman can only make it back to Kuwait as a digital photograph, I will keep working on Jessie for a more tangible item for her wish list.
In other, more seasonal notes: Happy Thanksgving to all my Friends and Family back in Canada. We will be joining a group of Canadians having a delicious catered Turkey Dinner. Can't wait!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Just an update
This is about nothing in particular. Just random goings on in our life.
Last week Robb had to fly to Calgary for 8 days. I was just starting what felt like a cold. It turned into what has been my very worst sinus infection yet. I suffered (as did the girls) for 3-4 days until I decided to go to the Dr. for help. The reason for not going sooner (mainly) is this: I have colitis, and the last time I had a sinus infection, I ended up in the hospital with my diagnosis. I did not want to repeat this experience. I did have a few things going for me this time: I have not been taking any Advil cold and sinus (Advil (ibuprophen) is a colitis no-no). I stocked up on yogurt and probiotic tablets to counteract the antibiotics I was eventually going to get. I was better able to anticipate a reaction, so i made sure I was extra hydrated in case a reaction DID happen. So, via IM, Robb demanded I head to the doctor. A lady who's daughter goes to the same school as Saige and Jessie offered to watch the girls. I went there, got the diagnosis and medications and was home within an hour. The infection was MUCH better the next day, and gone by 2-3 days post antibiotics. The sniffles and coughing still linger, but I am so much better. I had a tough time dealing with the kids and the almost migraine headaches that came with the sinus infection. The pain meds were not at all helping, and lask of sleep and inability to be upright with my eyes open took it's toll.
The girls each got to go on a field trip this week. The school took them to the Natural Science Museum to see a T-Rex display, dig for bones and have a picnic. They were so excited to ride on the bus (they even had car seats!!!) They are really loving school. Jessie seems to fit right in with the 'Monkeys' class. Saige will benefit from going 3 days/week next term, as she is the only one going 2days/week now, and they cover SO much stuff. I can't see doing 4 ro 5 days just yet - she will have enough of that next year for Kindergarten...
We have finally got our banking situation figured out, so we can make some purchases for the house. We still need mainly storage items and wall hangings. Robb says our home is too 'hospital-like' and sterile with bare, white walls. We were losing so much in exchange rate loss using our US based debit and credit cards. But, let the buying games begin! The weather is finally showing signs of cooling, so we may venture out to the Friday Markets to see what goodies we can come across.
I have hired a cleaning lady for a once per week scrub down. She has turned out very well. I feel a slight guilt, but it is my treat to me and I am going to try and concentrate on experimenting with cooking etc. I have made arrangements to buy a car at the end of the month, so in the meantime, we are renting one. It is from a non-brand name rental compnay, so I will see if it sees me through to the end of the month! I am happy to have transportation, though. I did use a taxu last week to collect the kids from school, and it was an over all pleasant experience. We may have to head to Dubai as a family at the beginning of November. Robb needs to go there for work, and the girls and I may have to do a 'visa' run, meaning leaving the country to have a medical done to obtain a civil ID. If this happens, we will celebrate Jessie's 3rd birthday there. If not, I will make cupcakes for her class and let her choose what she would like to do.
The weather is showing signs of cooling, especially at night. We have had a few days of taking the scooters outside for a spin, and heading to parks at sundown.
Last week Robb had to fly to Calgary for 8 days. I was just starting what felt like a cold. It turned into what has been my very worst sinus infection yet. I suffered (as did the girls) for 3-4 days until I decided to go to the Dr. for help. The reason for not going sooner (mainly) is this: I have colitis, and the last time I had a sinus infection, I ended up in the hospital with my diagnosis. I did not want to repeat this experience. I did have a few things going for me this time: I have not been taking any Advil cold and sinus (Advil (ibuprophen) is a colitis no-no). I stocked up on yogurt and probiotic tablets to counteract the antibiotics I was eventually going to get. I was better able to anticipate a reaction, so i made sure I was extra hydrated in case a reaction DID happen. So, via IM, Robb demanded I head to the doctor. A lady who's daughter goes to the same school as Saige and Jessie offered to watch the girls. I went there, got the diagnosis and medications and was home within an hour. The infection was MUCH better the next day, and gone by 2-3 days post antibiotics. The sniffles and coughing still linger, but I am so much better. I had a tough time dealing with the kids and the almost migraine headaches that came with the sinus infection. The pain meds were not at all helping, and lask of sleep and inability to be upright with my eyes open took it's toll.
The girls each got to go on a field trip this week. The school took them to the Natural Science Museum to see a T-Rex display, dig for bones and have a picnic. They were so excited to ride on the bus (they even had car seats!!!) They are really loving school. Jessie seems to fit right in with the 'Monkeys' class. Saige will benefit from going 3 days/week next term, as she is the only one going 2days/week now, and they cover SO much stuff. I can't see doing 4 ro 5 days just yet - she will have enough of that next year for Kindergarten...
We have finally got our banking situation figured out, so we can make some purchases for the house. We still need mainly storage items and wall hangings. Robb says our home is too 'hospital-like' and sterile with bare, white walls. We were losing so much in exchange rate loss using our US based debit and credit cards. But, let the buying games begin! The weather is finally showing signs of cooling, so we may venture out to the Friday Markets to see what goodies we can come across.
I have hired a cleaning lady for a once per week scrub down. She has turned out very well. I feel a slight guilt, but it is my treat to me and I am going to try and concentrate on experimenting with cooking etc. I have made arrangements to buy a car at the end of the month, so in the meantime, we are renting one. It is from a non-brand name rental compnay, so I will see if it sees me through to the end of the month! I am happy to have transportation, though. I did use a taxu last week to collect the kids from school, and it was an over all pleasant experience. We may have to head to Dubai as a family at the beginning of November. Robb needs to go there for work, and the girls and I may have to do a 'visa' run, meaning leaving the country to have a medical done to obtain a civil ID. If this happens, we will celebrate Jessie's 3rd birthday there. If not, I will make cupcakes for her class and let her choose what she would like to do.
The weather is showing signs of cooling, especially at night. We have had a few days of taking the scooters outside for a spin, and heading to parks at sundown.
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