Gardner has worked for CGI since February 1997. This is the only job he has had since graduating from College. We lived in Colorado, Wisconsin and even Germany while he has worked for them.
Since I moved back here to America with the kids in August 2012, Gardner has tried every now and then to find a job somewhere in the area so we could be closer to each other and the kids could see Gardner more often. Nothing has ever worked out.
I remember distinctively on Hannah's birthday, Gardner called me and I told him I had been thinking about the job situation. And I told him I felt like he needed to talk to his company again and see if there was anything over here in America yet where he could transfer and stay with the company. And Gardner's response was, "I did already talk to them, just today". It is amazing how we both think of the same things at times without even talking to each other about it. To me, it is always a sign that it is meant to be.
Anyway, they mentioned they might have job opportunities in Hawaii or Colorado. I loved hearing Hawaii and remember saying, "I would come and visit you in Hawaii. But I know Colorado is better for our family". And the reason Colorado would of been better, is because it is closer and there are more flights more often going there.
Well, he did hear that there were jobs in New Mexico, Arizona and Idaho as well. He was going to have an interview and he thought it was for New Mexico. I kept saying, New Mexico was at least closer, but I felt Idaho was better for our family. Something about Idaho just felt right to me. After Gardner's interview, he found out it was actually for Idaho, not New Mexico. I felt so much better about it.
Gardner was supposed to have his next interview with someone named Rick. This Rick, Gardner found out, was a graduate of BYU. He said, hey, maybe a glimmer of hope. But then upon further investigating, he found out on Linkedin and also Facebook, that the Rick guy was friends with one of our friends, Stan Hollingshead. So Gardner sent Stan a message mentioning Rick and the interview. Stan then sent Rick and email telling him how he used to work with Gardner (as Stan used to work in Wisconsin at CGI as well). So somethings were starting to stack in our favor.....or so we thought anyway.
Gardner did have his interview with Rick on Friday last week. Gardner said it sounded positive. (This would not be the first positive interview.....so I don't get my hopes up). Gardner did say the job they were thinking of for Gardner he and Rick decided was not really a good fit for Gardner as he did not have all the experience for such a huge project. But Rick said he would try to help him get a position somewhere over here and help him get back with his family.
So Gardner got an email from the HR person over the area and said she was working on things on her side...for example a contract. So Gardner thought it was 90% sure that the deal would be going through. Only to find out, they still are not sure and probably won't know until sometime Mid to late May.
So it is a continual waiting process. Gardner has a flight already to come home for a visit on June 2nd. We are having a mini family vacation to Park City. My parents have a condo up there and we are going to invade it. :) And then Gardner's family all comes out and we are going to Midway for a Wheeler Family Reunion. And, Emma will be getting baptized. So I hope by that time, when he comes on June 2nd, there is a return ticket to Germany that he won't use.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Long Overdue Update
Well, I have had good intentions of writing over the past few months. So many things happening and yet I never took the time to write. I will try to hit the main points of things that happened over the past few months. But I know I will miss some important things. That is why it is so important that I write when things happen. And yet, I am so tired all the time or I don't prioritize good enough.
For starters, Hannah had her first Gymnastics competition here in America. She did so great. She ended up winning first place on the vault and the beam, winning 4th place on the bars and 8th place on the floor. And for the all around, she took first. She is on the Xcel team and competes Silver.
Then Hannah was supposed to have another Gymnastics competition the very next weekend in Park City, which is up in the mountains. We had a very bad snow storm. We left real early and was prepared in case we had problems getting there. We did arrive a few hours early and got a call that her coach canceled the meet due to the snow storm and not wanting to risk everyone trying to get there. Well, the problem was, we were already there. So we left right away to try to get back home. I got on the freeway and probably 30 seconds after you are on the freeway, there were flashing signs that said he had to have chains or 4 wheel drive vehicle to proceed. I don't have either one. So I pulled off the next exit and asked a cashier at the gas station if it was for just Semi trucks, or all cars must have chains. She told me I could keep trying and it looked like other cars were making it through. And if I had a hard time, I could pull off at the next exit. So that is what Hannah and I decided to do. Well, it was the worst decision. The snow had come so fast that the roads were covered. Cars and trucks were sliding everywhere. You are going up to the Summit of the canyon. It was stop and go most of the way. I kept praying out loud, "Heavenly Father, please, just help us get to the exit and I promise I will get off". We finally did make it to the summit, which is where the next exit was and I saw all the cars that were having problems continuing on going down the mountain now instead of up the mountain (hence the summit). And I said out loud to Hannah, "maybe it is OK now going down. Should I just keep going?" She did not know, and replied, "maybe". But then I said, "No, I promised Heavenly Father I would get off if he got me here, so I have to do what I promised him". As I was getting off the freeway, only then could I see what was on the other side of the summit. Those same cars were having problems going down. And I was relieved I stuck to my word. Ended up finding a hotel for the night and Hannah and I stayed up in Park City. We went to the Walmart across the street and bought bathing suits and pajamas. It was a great girls night out, even though we were forced for such a thing. But it made me realize, that is what I want to do for my kids birthdays from now on.....spend a night away with them.
Two days after that frightening ordeal, where I seriously had a panic attack trying to drive in the snow in the canyon, Hannah had a birthday party. She invited friends from her school over. They called it a pajama party so everyone was in their comfy clothes. They sung karaoke, did each others hair, ate spaghetti with hot dogs and laughed a lot.
The next day, February 26th, Hannah turned 12. She is now a Young Women! Crazy how time flies. I remember when she was born. I remember driving to the hospital to be induced a week early and seeing my doctor on the freeway as we were driving. I remember asking for my epidural before they broke my water so I could be pain free.
And then, the very next day, February 27th, I flew to Germany to spend time with Gardner. First I had a girls weekend with Cathrin DeWendt and Anja Kopal. We spent the weekend on Norderney, a small island in Germany. We played Settlers of Catan a lot, walked the island.... a lot, and I dealt with jet lag while I was with them. Then, Gardner came to Norderney and Cathrin and Anja went home. We got to spend 3 nights there a lone. It was such a great thing to have together. No one else there. Just us. It was like a honeymoon, that we actually never had. And the best part, we did not have to pay for it. Anja's parents own the Apartment where we stayed, and they let us stay for free. Gardner and I also did a lot of walking on the island. Ate a lot of pizza (Dino's Pizzeria is my favorite there). But we also had a lot of down time each day where we just enjoyed sleeping, hanging out and talking. Our last night, we went to the beach and watched the sunset. We ate dinner outside in a "Strandkorb", even though it was pretty chilly.
We left Norderney on March 6th, Gardner's Birthday. (The whole reason for my trip....to celebrate his birthday). We stopped off at Uwe and Ursula Becker's house. They were adopted Grandma and Grandpa for my kids while we lived in Germany. They took us to Lunch and Ursula in usual fashion, made Gardner 3 birthday cakes.
At night, Thorsten and Cathrin DeWendt and Anja and Wolfgang Kopal, along with Gardner and myself all went to our favorite Mexican Restaurant while we were there to celebrate Gardner's birthday. Casita Mexicana is what it is called. It really is a hole in the wall type of restaurant, but yet so good. Best part.....The DeWendt's and the Kopal's paid for our dinner. :)
I also had breakfast while I was there with so many friends: Anke Feier, Anja Biermann, Corina Backes, Carola Weinert, Nadine Klein-beck, Christiana Block, Rosa Seidel, Petra Kniep, Eva Hlova and Anja Schwindt. I was so glad they were able to organize it so I could see so many people at one time. My time was running short and I knew I would never get around to seeing everyone.
Also while I was in Germany, I was able to go to the church for a church dinner. While I lived in Germany, I started an activity called Safari Dinner. It is like a progressive dinner, only you stay at the church and eat appetizers with one group in a room in the church. Then you eat your main course in another room with another group of people. But Dessert everyone comes together and eats in the Gym plus play group games. We did this a few years while I lived there. So it was nice to be there while they did it again. It has come to be a favorite among the Germans in Dusseldorf.
After I got home from Germany, I took the kids to Missouri for Spring Break to see Gardner's parents. We were able to go to the dentist while we were there (Gardner's Dad is a dentist). I knew Shantal had a cavity, so I had to get her in. But little did I know, she had 5 cavities. And I ended up with 4. Then on Saturday, the day before we were to start our long (did I ever mention how long of a drive that is.....LONG) yes long drive back to Utah, Hannah got cut. Pretty bad. She actually probably needed stitches. But we do not have insurance. So I put a butterfly bandage on it and wrapped it pretty good. After I got her taken care of, we colored Easter Eggs. Mindy (Gardner's sister) came over and the kids did the coloring together. After the kids colored Easter Eggs, we had a nice Easter Dinner (a day early) and did Raclette. My kids love raclette. While we were doing raclette, I found Ian lying in bed instead of coming into eat. He had been downstairs playing with the kids and was fighting every now and then so I thought he was upset. But he said his tummy hurt. I asked him if I should make him some food and he said no. finally I decided to get him a bucket, just in case he really was sick. And really was sick he was. He ended up throwing up from 4:30 in the afternoon until 2 in the morning. A total of around 15 times. It seemed non-stop.
As I am trying to pack to go back home, and dealing with Ian, all of a sudden, Hannah comes to me just crying. She said she had pains in her stomach. So I sent her to the bathroom where she sat and cried for a good 1/2 hour. I got her a bucket and got her to a comfortable position on the reclining/rocking chair.
Back to packing and taking care of Ian I go. And around 10pm, I found Hannah asleep in the chair. I went to recline it so she could be more comfortable while sleeping and there it all came. Hannah threw up. Luckily for Hannah, that is the only time she threw up, as Ian was still going strong at this point.
Got everything packed, but it was hard for me to sleep. Because every time I heard a noise, I jumped to help Ian. Well, at about 1:45, I heard a noise again and jumped. Only to find Spencer in the bathroom throwing up. Spencer was up all night throwing up as much as Ian had done.
In the morning, tired as all could be, I decided we had to get on the road and start back home anyway. Got 2 throw away containers from Grandma just in case someone had to throw up in the car. And thankfully I did. Because not even 1/2 hour into the drive, Spencer threw up.
It was really an Easter and a trip that was more than I could handle.
We got home around 7pm Monday night and the kids had to be back to school on Tuesday. And Tuesday night, our friends Rainer and Tanja Muller came and stayed with us for a week with their three kids (they have 5 kids but 2 were on their missions). We had a great time with them here. And I really enjoyed having a man in the house. Rainer put Hannah's bed together, hung curtains in the living room, fixed 2 bikes, hung lots of picture frames and did other odds and ends around the house. I was so grateful to have the help.
Hannah also had her State Gymnastics Meet. Hannah did so well, she qualified to go to Regionals and be on the Utah State Team. But, since her club does not participate in Regionals, she was not allowed to attend. She took 2nd place in the all around at the State Meet.
Before we went to St Louis back in March, I took Shantal to take her Learner's Permit test so she could drive. You are only allowed to take 2 tests a day. It took a total of 3 trips to the DMV and finally on the 6th test, she passed. She now has to drive 30 hours during the day and 10 hours during the night before she can get her license when she turns 16. Her driving has really scared me and I am vowing I will finally get that grey hair a lot of my friends already have. But I am glad she has it and we can get her prepared for when she takes Drivers Education in School starting the end of August.
Shantal and Spencer have also started working. They both work at the Snack Bar at the Baseball Fields here in West Jordan. They make pretty good money and the hours are good. They both only work one or two days a week. Spencer wishes for more. But, it is nice that they have that opportunity. It really just fell in their laps. A lady from church who did not know us yet was at a craft night that I was at. We were talking and I mentioned the ages of my kids. And she mentioned she was in charge of the Snack Bar and if the kids wanted to work, they could have a job. It is a great experience for them, that is for sure.
For starters, Hannah had her first Gymnastics competition here in America. She did so great. She ended up winning first place on the vault and the beam, winning 4th place on the bars and 8th place on the floor. And for the all around, she took first. She is on the Xcel team and competes Silver.
Then Hannah was supposed to have another Gymnastics competition the very next weekend in Park City, which is up in the mountains. We had a very bad snow storm. We left real early and was prepared in case we had problems getting there. We did arrive a few hours early and got a call that her coach canceled the meet due to the snow storm and not wanting to risk everyone trying to get there. Well, the problem was, we were already there. So we left right away to try to get back home. I got on the freeway and probably 30 seconds after you are on the freeway, there were flashing signs that said he had to have chains or 4 wheel drive vehicle to proceed. I don't have either one. So I pulled off the next exit and asked a cashier at the gas station if it was for just Semi trucks, or all cars must have chains. She told me I could keep trying and it looked like other cars were making it through. And if I had a hard time, I could pull off at the next exit. So that is what Hannah and I decided to do. Well, it was the worst decision. The snow had come so fast that the roads were covered. Cars and trucks were sliding everywhere. You are going up to the Summit of the canyon. It was stop and go most of the way. I kept praying out loud, "Heavenly Father, please, just help us get to the exit and I promise I will get off". We finally did make it to the summit, which is where the next exit was and I saw all the cars that were having problems continuing on going down the mountain now instead of up the mountain (hence the summit). And I said out loud to Hannah, "maybe it is OK now going down. Should I just keep going?" She did not know, and replied, "maybe". But then I said, "No, I promised Heavenly Father I would get off if he got me here, so I have to do what I promised him". As I was getting off the freeway, only then could I see what was on the other side of the summit. Those same cars were having problems going down. And I was relieved I stuck to my word. Ended up finding a hotel for the night and Hannah and I stayed up in Park City. We went to the Walmart across the street and bought bathing suits and pajamas. It was a great girls night out, even though we were forced for such a thing. But it made me realize, that is what I want to do for my kids birthdays from now on.....spend a night away with them.
Two days after that frightening ordeal, where I seriously had a panic attack trying to drive in the snow in the canyon, Hannah had a birthday party. She invited friends from her school over. They called it a pajama party so everyone was in their comfy clothes. They sung karaoke, did each others hair, ate spaghetti with hot dogs and laughed a lot.
The next day, February 26th, Hannah turned 12. She is now a Young Women! Crazy how time flies. I remember when she was born. I remember driving to the hospital to be induced a week early and seeing my doctor on the freeway as we were driving. I remember asking for my epidural before they broke my water so I could be pain free.
And then, the very next day, February 27th, I flew to Germany to spend time with Gardner. First I had a girls weekend with Cathrin DeWendt and Anja Kopal. We spent the weekend on Norderney, a small island in Germany. We played Settlers of Catan a lot, walked the island.... a lot, and I dealt with jet lag while I was with them. Then, Gardner came to Norderney and Cathrin and Anja went home. We got to spend 3 nights there a lone. It was such a great thing to have together. No one else there. Just us. It was like a honeymoon, that we actually never had. And the best part, we did not have to pay for it. Anja's parents own the Apartment where we stayed, and they let us stay for free. Gardner and I also did a lot of walking on the island. Ate a lot of pizza (Dino's Pizzeria is my favorite there). But we also had a lot of down time each day where we just enjoyed sleeping, hanging out and talking. Our last night, we went to the beach and watched the sunset. We ate dinner outside in a "Strandkorb", even though it was pretty chilly.
We left Norderney on March 6th, Gardner's Birthday. (The whole reason for my trip....to celebrate his birthday). We stopped off at Uwe and Ursula Becker's house. They were adopted Grandma and Grandpa for my kids while we lived in Germany. They took us to Lunch and Ursula in usual fashion, made Gardner 3 birthday cakes.
At night, Thorsten and Cathrin DeWendt and Anja and Wolfgang Kopal, along with Gardner and myself all went to our favorite Mexican Restaurant while we were there to celebrate Gardner's birthday. Casita Mexicana is what it is called. It really is a hole in the wall type of restaurant, but yet so good. Best part.....The DeWendt's and the Kopal's paid for our dinner. :)
I also had breakfast while I was there with so many friends: Anke Feier, Anja Biermann, Corina Backes, Carola Weinert, Nadine Klein-beck, Christiana Block, Rosa Seidel, Petra Kniep, Eva Hlova and Anja Schwindt. I was so glad they were able to organize it so I could see so many people at one time. My time was running short and I knew I would never get around to seeing everyone.
Also while I was in Germany, I was able to go to the church for a church dinner. While I lived in Germany, I started an activity called Safari Dinner. It is like a progressive dinner, only you stay at the church and eat appetizers with one group in a room in the church. Then you eat your main course in another room with another group of people. But Dessert everyone comes together and eats in the Gym plus play group games. We did this a few years while I lived there. So it was nice to be there while they did it again. It has come to be a favorite among the Germans in Dusseldorf.
After I got home from Germany, I took the kids to Missouri for Spring Break to see Gardner's parents. We were able to go to the dentist while we were there (Gardner's Dad is a dentist). I knew Shantal had a cavity, so I had to get her in. But little did I know, she had 5 cavities. And I ended up with 4. Then on Saturday, the day before we were to start our long (did I ever mention how long of a drive that is.....LONG) yes long drive back to Utah, Hannah got cut. Pretty bad. She actually probably needed stitches. But we do not have insurance. So I put a butterfly bandage on it and wrapped it pretty good. After I got her taken care of, we colored Easter Eggs. Mindy (Gardner's sister) came over and the kids did the coloring together. After the kids colored Easter Eggs, we had a nice Easter Dinner (a day early) and did Raclette. My kids love raclette. While we were doing raclette, I found Ian lying in bed instead of coming into eat. He had been downstairs playing with the kids and was fighting every now and then so I thought he was upset. But he said his tummy hurt. I asked him if I should make him some food and he said no. finally I decided to get him a bucket, just in case he really was sick. And really was sick he was. He ended up throwing up from 4:30 in the afternoon until 2 in the morning. A total of around 15 times. It seemed non-stop.
As I am trying to pack to go back home, and dealing with Ian, all of a sudden, Hannah comes to me just crying. She said she had pains in her stomach. So I sent her to the bathroom where she sat and cried for a good 1/2 hour. I got her a bucket and got her to a comfortable position on the reclining/rocking chair.
Back to packing and taking care of Ian I go. And around 10pm, I found Hannah asleep in the chair. I went to recline it so she could be more comfortable while sleeping and there it all came. Hannah threw up. Luckily for Hannah, that is the only time she threw up, as Ian was still going strong at this point.
Got everything packed, but it was hard for me to sleep. Because every time I heard a noise, I jumped to help Ian. Well, at about 1:45, I heard a noise again and jumped. Only to find Spencer in the bathroom throwing up. Spencer was up all night throwing up as much as Ian had done.
In the morning, tired as all could be, I decided we had to get on the road and start back home anyway. Got 2 throw away containers from Grandma just in case someone had to throw up in the car. And thankfully I did. Because not even 1/2 hour into the drive, Spencer threw up.
It was really an Easter and a trip that was more than I could handle.
We got home around 7pm Monday night and the kids had to be back to school on Tuesday. And Tuesday night, our friends Rainer and Tanja Muller came and stayed with us for a week with their three kids (they have 5 kids but 2 were on their missions). We had a great time with them here. And I really enjoyed having a man in the house. Rainer put Hannah's bed together, hung curtains in the living room, fixed 2 bikes, hung lots of picture frames and did other odds and ends around the house. I was so grateful to have the help.
Hannah also had her State Gymnastics Meet. Hannah did so well, she qualified to go to Regionals and be on the Utah State Team. But, since her club does not participate in Regionals, she was not allowed to attend. She took 2nd place in the all around at the State Meet.
Before we went to St Louis back in March, I took Shantal to take her Learner's Permit test so she could drive. You are only allowed to take 2 tests a day. It took a total of 3 trips to the DMV and finally on the 6th test, she passed. She now has to drive 30 hours during the day and 10 hours during the night before she can get her license when she turns 16. Her driving has really scared me and I am vowing I will finally get that grey hair a lot of my friends already have. But I am glad she has it and we can get her prepared for when she takes Drivers Education in School starting the end of August.
Shantal and Spencer have also started working. They both work at the Snack Bar at the Baseball Fields here in West Jordan. They make pretty good money and the hours are good. They both only work one or two days a week. Spencer wishes for more. But, it is nice that they have that opportunity. It really just fell in their laps. A lady from church who did not know us yet was at a craft night that I was at. We were talking and I mentioned the ages of my kids. And she mentioned she was in charge of the Snack Bar and if the kids wanted to work, they could have a job. It is a great experience for them, that is for sure.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Registration Time
Last night, Hannah and I went to her 7th grade Orientation and Registration at the Middle School. I can't believe she is going to be in Middle School.
But what is even more crazy, is tonight, Shantal has her 10th grade Orientation and Registration at the High School. So crazy.
They have both grown so much.
In two weeks, Hannah turns 12 and goes into the Young Women's Program at church. She is so excited to finally leave primary. But what she is most excited for, is to start receiving treats at church on Sundays. :)
But what is even more crazy, is tonight, Shantal has her 10th grade Orientation and Registration at the High School. So crazy.
They have both grown so much.
In two weeks, Hannah turns 12 and goes into the Young Women's Program at church. She is so excited to finally leave primary. But what she is most excited for, is to start receiving treats at church on Sundays. :)
Exchange Students
We have decided to once again host an exchange student this next school year. It is a really crazy idea. Something I took to Gardner one day. And I told him it was crazy. But he says usually my crazy ideas end up being really great for our family.
It all started with that book I printed out from our time in Germany. We would discuss all the experiences we had. And then we would talk of Adrian or Sibylle. Two great experiences we had. Two great friendships that were made. And of course, there was Nadine too. But her experience was not as great. And we barely have contact with each other.
Anyway, we have plans to have the kids friends come over to live with us in a few years and go to school with us. But that won't happen for a few years still.
Then on Friday, Shantal came home with this booklet from school. The high school handed them out. It tells them about 5 different achievement awards the kids could earn for graduation. And I want Shantal to go for one or two of them. Most of them you had to take really hard AP classes. I knew those would not be for Shantal. If she got into AP classes, I believe her grades would drop drastically. Anyway, there ended up being two that I believe Shantal could accomplish. One has to do with foreign Language. Take three years of Foreign language. Easy, as my kids will be able to test out of the classes and get credit for them. CHECK. Then along with that, you have to do two projects. One project you can choose was to host an exchange student and keep a daily journal of that time. So, that is why we are looking into doing one again.
I contacted CCI, the exchange company we used when Adrian and Nadine came to us. I got our application all sent in. Our background checks were approved. They just need to check our references still and then check on Gardner's employment.
They already sent us a list of 5 girls to choose from. Yes, we want a girl. Since Shantal will be going into High School, we thought it would be better. And of those 5 girls, two of them will be in the same grade as Shantal. That excites me. And of the 5, I have already crossed off three of them. One of them did not like younger kids. Another one was so fixated on Sport, working out, looking good. I did not want that in my house. I don't need to be judged because I am overweight or don't exercise as much as she might think I should. Honestly, it just would not be a good mesh with our family. But the two that were left, look promising. We are trying to decide between Mareicke and Sarah. On paper, I think Sarah is a better match for the family. But Shantal really wants Mareicke. And I love the name. In the end, I have asked our coordinator if I could see pictures of them. We used to see pictures of the kids 8 years ago when we got Adrian and 7 years ago when we picked Nadine. It is like Hannah said, you can look at them and maybe get an idea if they are friendly or not.
The exchange student will be sharing a room with Hannah. Hannah has one of the biggest rooms in our house. I designed it with her friends in mind to come live with us. And we would not have to move anyone around. I really don't want any of my kids sharing. I think that will create more fighting than if someone is sharing with the exchange student. And one of the biggest reasons I don't want the exchange student to have their own room has to do with Nadine.
When Nadine lived with us, she isolated herself to the basement. Hardly ever did things with us as a family. Was always on the computer chatting with her family. So my thought is, if she is sharing a room with someone, she is forced to interact with someone from the family.
My kids are older now too. And I hope that helps the exchange student to participate more in family activities and family time. Family is huge for us. And the biggest thing about Adrian, he was part of our family. In every sense of the word. He still calls me Mom. And it melts my heart every time he does it. He knows there is nothing I would not do for him. We are still great friends to this day. And that is what I would hope for from this next one we host. Otherwise, it is just a waste of time and energy for me.
It all started with that book I printed out from our time in Germany. We would discuss all the experiences we had. And then we would talk of Adrian or Sibylle. Two great experiences we had. Two great friendships that were made. And of course, there was Nadine too. But her experience was not as great. And we barely have contact with each other.
Anyway, we have plans to have the kids friends come over to live with us in a few years and go to school with us. But that won't happen for a few years still.
Then on Friday, Shantal came home with this booklet from school. The high school handed them out. It tells them about 5 different achievement awards the kids could earn for graduation. And I want Shantal to go for one or two of them. Most of them you had to take really hard AP classes. I knew those would not be for Shantal. If she got into AP classes, I believe her grades would drop drastically. Anyway, there ended up being two that I believe Shantal could accomplish. One has to do with foreign Language. Take three years of Foreign language. Easy, as my kids will be able to test out of the classes and get credit for them. CHECK. Then along with that, you have to do two projects. One project you can choose was to host an exchange student and keep a daily journal of that time. So, that is why we are looking into doing one again.
I contacted CCI, the exchange company we used when Adrian and Nadine came to us. I got our application all sent in. Our background checks were approved. They just need to check our references still and then check on Gardner's employment.
They already sent us a list of 5 girls to choose from. Yes, we want a girl. Since Shantal will be going into High School, we thought it would be better. And of those 5 girls, two of them will be in the same grade as Shantal. That excites me. And of the 5, I have already crossed off three of them. One of them did not like younger kids. Another one was so fixated on Sport, working out, looking good. I did not want that in my house. I don't need to be judged because I am overweight or don't exercise as much as she might think I should. Honestly, it just would not be a good mesh with our family. But the two that were left, look promising. We are trying to decide between Mareicke and Sarah. On paper, I think Sarah is a better match for the family. But Shantal really wants Mareicke. And I love the name. In the end, I have asked our coordinator if I could see pictures of them. We used to see pictures of the kids 8 years ago when we got Adrian and 7 years ago when we picked Nadine. It is like Hannah said, you can look at them and maybe get an idea if they are friendly or not.
The exchange student will be sharing a room with Hannah. Hannah has one of the biggest rooms in our house. I designed it with her friends in mind to come live with us. And we would not have to move anyone around. I really don't want any of my kids sharing. I think that will create more fighting than if someone is sharing with the exchange student. And one of the biggest reasons I don't want the exchange student to have their own room has to do with Nadine.
When Nadine lived with us, she isolated herself to the basement. Hardly ever did things with us as a family. Was always on the computer chatting with her family. So my thought is, if she is sharing a room with someone, she is forced to interact with someone from the family.
My kids are older now too. And I hope that helps the exchange student to participate more in family activities and family time. Family is huge for us. And the biggest thing about Adrian, he was part of our family. In every sense of the word. He still calls me Mom. And it melts my heart every time he does it. He knows there is nothing I would not do for him. We are still great friends to this day. And that is what I would hope for from this next one we host. Otherwise, it is just a waste of time and energy for me.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Week in Review
This past week has been busy, as usual. I am usually on the run. With Gardner living in Germany still, I am a single parent.
Hannah has Gymnastics two times a week. She goes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30pm - 9pm. She has her first Gymnastics Competition in America coming up next week. She is really excited about that.
Spencer and Shantal both have Young Mens and Young Womens activity on Tuesday nights from 7pm - 8:30pm. Spencer played basketball for his activity. He loves playing sports. And he has lots of friends he has made here. Shantal worked on Decorations for their New Beginnings which is next week.
This week, both Spencer and Shantal received their Honor Roll Certificate from school. Shantal also earned a certificate for No tardies during the 2nd quarter. I'm so proud of both of them.
Emma has been sick this week. Sunday night she complained of her ears hurting. I don't mess around with ears. Because if they hurt, more chances than not, they are infected. And the pain will only increase. We don't have insurance right now due to Gardner still being in America. It is so expensive to get insurance on your own if it is not with an employer. And we can not afford it while we are paying for Gardner to live in Germany and for us to live here. He has insurance there in Germany, as well as the whole family, but they will not cover us to live over here. Anyway, I decided to take Emma to Urgent Care. But as I was driving there, I remembered I had some antibiotics from Germany in the closet. Germans give you a powder that you mix with water. So they last a lot longer than the American antibiotics. Once you mix it with water, it is only good for 2 weeks in the fridge. But while in powder form, it has years of shelf life. The one we used was good until 2016. So we did that this week. It did the trick, her ears feel so much better. But she has a cold and cough. She ended up coming home from school yesterday not feeling well. She ended up with a 101.2 temperature. She is home again today and I hope with the weekend of her taking it easy, she can get better.
Bad thing about people being home from school sick, the tv seems to be more of the thing to entertain them while they lay on the couch. TV on so much drives me crazy. Today, It is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Marathon. I guess it could be worse.
Last night, I went grocery shopping. I took Ian with me. We went to Walmart. That is the closest store to us. Well, Ian came with me because he had money from Christmas he wanted to spend on a new Star Wars figure. Walmart did not have much of anything. But I told him there was a target just one street over and we could check there. He was so happy. Well, we finished my grocery shopping. And I decided to buy Emma some popsicles because she does not feel well. So when we ran to Target, I kept telling Ian we had to hurry so the Popsicles would not melt. He was more worried about those popsicles than I was. He kept saying, "we have to hurry before the icicles melt". Shantal was with us at the store and she and I just kept giggling at how cute Ian was.
Spencer and Shantal put in an application this week to work at a baseball field where they will work in the concession stands. Both are very excited. I was shocked to hear that minimum wage is now $7.25 an hour. I remember when it was $3.35 an hour. They both just have to get a food handlers permit before the season starts.
Hannah had her Science Fair this week. It was a huge project she had been working on for two months. Her project had to do with white flowers being put into different colored fluids to see if it would change the flower to a different color. And the answer is, food coloring changes the flowers colors. She was one person off from making it to district. I am so glad she did not move on. Whoops, did I just say that?
Shantal is in her school play again. Shantal loves to do theater. She did a musical in the fall with her school and had a great time. Well, there is a lady in our ward who does theater classes and has a studio where they put on plays. She came over this week to invite Shantal to try out for the summer musical. For some reason, Shantal will not have anything to do with it. I don't understand it. It drives me crazy. I just want her to get out, be more involved, hang out more with friends. Right now, if she is not at school, she just sits in her room. I think she would be far more happy if she was doing more. But at least, she will start to work. That will help get her out a bit.
Hannah has Gymnastics two times a week. She goes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30pm - 9pm. She has her first Gymnastics Competition in America coming up next week. She is really excited about that.
Spencer and Shantal both have Young Mens and Young Womens activity on Tuesday nights from 7pm - 8:30pm. Spencer played basketball for his activity. He loves playing sports. And he has lots of friends he has made here. Shantal worked on Decorations for their New Beginnings which is next week.
This week, both Spencer and Shantal received their Honor Roll Certificate from school. Shantal also earned a certificate for No tardies during the 2nd quarter. I'm so proud of both of them.
Emma has been sick this week. Sunday night she complained of her ears hurting. I don't mess around with ears. Because if they hurt, more chances than not, they are infected. And the pain will only increase. We don't have insurance right now due to Gardner still being in America. It is so expensive to get insurance on your own if it is not with an employer. And we can not afford it while we are paying for Gardner to live in Germany and for us to live here. He has insurance there in Germany, as well as the whole family, but they will not cover us to live over here. Anyway, I decided to take Emma to Urgent Care. But as I was driving there, I remembered I had some antibiotics from Germany in the closet. Germans give you a powder that you mix with water. So they last a lot longer than the American antibiotics. Once you mix it with water, it is only good for 2 weeks in the fridge. But while in powder form, it has years of shelf life. The one we used was good until 2016. So we did that this week. It did the trick, her ears feel so much better. But she has a cold and cough. She ended up coming home from school yesterday not feeling well. She ended up with a 101.2 temperature. She is home again today and I hope with the weekend of her taking it easy, she can get better.
Bad thing about people being home from school sick, the tv seems to be more of the thing to entertain them while they lay on the couch. TV on so much drives me crazy. Today, It is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Marathon. I guess it could be worse.
Last night, I went grocery shopping. I took Ian with me. We went to Walmart. That is the closest store to us. Well, Ian came with me because he had money from Christmas he wanted to spend on a new Star Wars figure. Walmart did not have much of anything. But I told him there was a target just one street over and we could check there. He was so happy. Well, we finished my grocery shopping. And I decided to buy Emma some popsicles because she does not feel well. So when we ran to Target, I kept telling Ian we had to hurry so the Popsicles would not melt. He was more worried about those popsicles than I was. He kept saying, "we have to hurry before the icicles melt". Shantal was with us at the store and she and I just kept giggling at how cute Ian was.
Spencer and Shantal put in an application this week to work at a baseball field where they will work in the concession stands. Both are very excited. I was shocked to hear that minimum wage is now $7.25 an hour. I remember when it was $3.35 an hour. They both just have to get a food handlers permit before the season starts.
Hannah had her Science Fair this week. It was a huge project she had been working on for two months. Her project had to do with white flowers being put into different colored fluids to see if it would change the flower to a different color. And the answer is, food coloring changes the flowers colors. She was one person off from making it to district. I am so glad she did not move on. Whoops, did I just say that?
Shantal is in her school play again. Shantal loves to do theater. She did a musical in the fall with her school and had a great time. Well, there is a lady in our ward who does theater classes and has a studio where they put on plays. She came over this week to invite Shantal to try out for the summer musical. For some reason, Shantal will not have anything to do with it. I don't understand it. It drives me crazy. I just want her to get out, be more involved, hang out more with friends. Right now, if she is not at school, she just sits in her room. I think she would be far more happy if she was doing more. But at least, she will start to work. That will help get her out a bit.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
The Beginning
Here is my first post with my new blog. Why a new blog? Well, it goes like this:
For six years we lived in Germany. And while living there, I had a blog I kept up so family and friends could know how we were and what kind of experiences we were having while living overseas.
We just moved back to America in August 2012 (well, most of us moved back), and I just had my blog that I kept up while living in Germany printed out into a book. It arrived yesterday. And Hannah and Shantal both have sat down for more than an hour at a time and was reading it. Afterwards, Hannah said to me, "Mom, you should do a Living in America Blog". She loved having it to look at and read. And you know what, I thought she was right. I should do something like that and every year print it out. So, that is what I am doing. Although, it is not a Living in America blog. But it is a blog about our family and our daily life written through my eyes.
So sit back, and enjoy the read.
For six years we lived in Germany. And while living there, I had a blog I kept up so family and friends could know how we were and what kind of experiences we were having while living overseas.
We just moved back to America in August 2012 (well, most of us moved back), and I just had my blog that I kept up while living in Germany printed out into a book. It arrived yesterday. And Hannah and Shantal both have sat down for more than an hour at a time and was reading it. Afterwards, Hannah said to me, "Mom, you should do a Living in America Blog". She loved having it to look at and read. And you know what, I thought she was right. I should do something like that and every year print it out. So, that is what I am doing. Although, it is not a Living in America blog. But it is a blog about our family and our daily life written through my eyes.
So sit back, and enjoy the read.
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