Andiamo!

Andiamo means "let's go" in Italian.

Today we're off to Rome for a few days.  Paul has a meeting there tomorrow and we're tagging along to enjoy a  much nicer hotel than we could afford on our dime and some fun on the train (for the boys, of course) and in the city.  I LOVE Rome!

This morning Paul got his cast off but he's still wearing a support boot so a small amount of hobbling continues.  But, he got his cast off!!!  So it's only a matter of time before he can finallly start helping again things are back to normal.

We'll be home on Wednesday-
Arrividerci!

Wow.

http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-dont-want-my-children-to-be-happy.html

Another must read!!!
Enjoy!
and Happy Monday!

Weekend Update

Another weekend has flown by.  I love weekends.   Friday brings on this feeling of "rest to come",  but then I find myself bewildered on Sunday night wondering where on earth the time went and also wondering why I don't feel rested!

Friday afternoon we took a meal to the McMillians and we were able to spend time with all the kids.  I don't think I mentioned before but Julie is also a homeshcooling mama - she had some great advice to share and also had some materials I've just been dying to get my hands on for a look.  She was nice enough to let me borrow some things to check out before I order and I think I've finally settled on a course of action for school - yippeeeee!!!!  We'll be doing Five in a Row  http://fiarhq.com/fiveinarow.info/index.html  and I think we're really going to like it.

Friday night we met a group of friends, all with kids close in age to ours, at a local restaurant for pizza.  We had a great time, relaxed fun and good food!  I'm working harder these days to get Lewis and William some "kid" time so we don't get all those questions about "socializing our homeschooled kids".

Saturday night was my monthly bunco night, such a fun group of gals, working hard to get some "me" time too.

This morning we went to church and then I had to run to the grocery (not fun) and now the weekend is over.

I hate to admit I didn't keep a daily list of three things I've been thankful for over the weekend, but I have to say that this exercise in thankfulness has really helped me change the way I see things.  I often find myself checking my attitude and finding the good in most situations.  Looking for the positive really changes my whole day - I hope that in some way I've inspired you to do the same.  I'm amazed at how much "stinkin' thinkin'" was getting me down.

This weekend I'm thankful that gratitude is taking over the grumbling.

Oh boy!

Today we were doing math and Lewis said "Mom, I don't like math".  So I tried to explain to him how important math is in every day life and that he needs it.  He said "I know, I get it, but this is boring.  I need more of a challenge".  Oh boy. 

In case you're wondering, the math program we're currently using is considered slightly advanced and the K level is more like 1st grade.

So, what do I do?  Order another level and see if he's challenged?  Is he bored or restless?  So hard to tell.

Both boys are really enjoying the new phonics program we have called "Explode the Code".  We have workdbooks for each boy and it's fun to see William embracing schoolwork too.

We had a fun playdate this afternoon with some friends - lovely weather today!

And in the big news- my dishwasher is fixed.  Hallelujah!  Though I did receive a stern warning from my landlord not to let water get in it again.  Ugghhhhh.

Today's three things-
1.  I am thankful for my dishwasher.
2.  I am thankful for sheets dried on a clothes line.
3.  I am thankful for people with integrity.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I hope everyone remembered to wear green!

 
We checked out a book from the library about St. Patrick's Day and the boys had fun learning about all the traditions that go along with the holiday, but they really loved the story of St. Patrick himself.  You should have seen their eyes light up when they heard he was kidnapped by pirates!!  Of course now they both want to travel to Ireland just to make sure there are no snakes.

When we were getting dressed this morning, both boys remembered and insisted we wear green so no one would pinch us.  I asked, "what should we make for dinner?  Something to celebrate St. Pat's day like potato soup?"  After they unscrunched their faces they said, "No, taco night".  Oh well, what's a Mom to do?  The lettuce was green, does that count?

Here are Wednesday's 3 things-
1.  I am thankful for curiosity.
2.  I am thankful for Claritin (now my allergies are acting up)
3.  I am thankful for music.

Sometimes all you can do is .....

PRAY!  Though this fact is well known to me, sometimes I forget.  Sometimes I try to take care of things on my own, sometimes I even get a bit "big for my britches" and try to tell God what my life needs.  Today (and most days) I am reminded that God knows, He just wants me to ask - to talk to Him one on one.

My friend Theresa has breast cancer.  It was in remission, but last year just before the holidays it reared its' ugly head again and yesterday she hit a bump in the road.  I feel so helpless and I can't even imagine what she must be going through.  She sent out an email to tell us of the news, what she knows and doesn't know, and she ended it with these three things -

What I AM sure of ...

* God is great.
* It is going to be better than okay.
* I am saved.
 
Amen?  So I am praying, as are all of her friends and I know God will take care of her. 
 
I find great peace in knowing that God has a plan for my life, I find much frustration not knowing His plan in my own imperfect time.  Some days I say "God, please just drop a brick with a note attached containing my itinerary for the next, oh, five years".  Needless to say,  no brick. 
 
In a recent post I talked about my Dad's obsession with the weather - my current obsession is our next set of orders.  Not a day goes by when I don't think of where we'll go next - obsession. 
 
I like living in Italy, I love the travel opportunities we have as a family, but my soul does not feel settled here -I can't explain it any other way.  I don't hate it here (there are those that do), but I'm ready for something new.  As for today I will have to let that obsession go, give it up to God and try and find some peace here until November.
 
Tuesday's three things-
1.  I am thankful Theresa is in good hands with her Drs and her life is in His hands.
2.  I am thankful for peace I know is coming.
3.  I am thankful for my family.  (I've probably said this one before, but really, can you say it enough?)

A lovely day

Today was a lovely day - very little fighting amongst the monsters, the sun was out, I felt good all day - a lovely day.

Monday's 3 things -
1.  I'm thankful for playgrounds.
2.  I'm thankful for my new printer.
3.  I'm thankful for little messages written by my boys.

I also wanted to share, I really enjoy thinking of three things every day.  It forces me to take a good long look around and see what I have.

Lewis meets the world

I want to teach my children to be thankful for all of our blessings.  I want them to realize merely having a roof over our heads is a blessing, heat and running water - luxuries!  I talk to my children about what a blessing it is to have books to read, books to learn from and how blessed they are to be educated.  I remind them that many, many children around the world are not able to go to school and that many children go to bed hungry every night.  I don't want to scare them but I want them to realize that the world they know is not the reality of many children.

After the earthquake in Haiti I was watching a sermon by Mark Driscoll on his trip there- I found myself crying at the end just as Lewis entered the room.  Of course he asked why I was crying and I showed him some of the photos of Haiti.  I have also shown him some photos from  http://livesayhaiti.blogspot.com/  as they document their lives in Haiti.  He has seen the crumbled buildings, tent villages, hurt children - he understands that many people lost their families and every night we pray for people around the world who are sad or suffering - that God would bring them peace.

A family that attends our church was in the process of adopting two children from Haiti when the earthquake hit.  For days they didn't even know if the children were alive, but we all rejoiced when they heard the good news they were OK.  Then came days and then weeks of questions concerning the adoption process and how it would proceed in the aftermath of the disaster.  You can read more of the McMillian's story here  http://seasaltmosaic.blogspot.com/ .  The end result being Julie flew to the US with her kids, went to Haiti, brought her children home to the US, secured visas for them and now has her entire family together again in Italy (entire family being 3 biological children, 2 adopted children and one on the way!).  She did most of this alone as her husband had to stay here in Italy and work.  She is an amazing woman!!!!
 
Yesterday we had the pleasure of meeting these children when the McMillians brought them to church.  They were introduced to the congregation and everyone clapped with joy to see this beautiful family together.  When Lewis asked why everyone was clapping I told him about Sousi and Seve and how the McMillians had adopted them from Haiti and now they were here, with us.  His face lit up!!!  And then he was really excited to learn Sousi was in his Sunday School class- he said "Mom, a girl all the way from Haiti sat next to me!  She didn't talk much."  I explained Sousi speaks Creole and will need help learning English and he said "I'll help".  BIG smile from Mom.

Like I said,  I don't scare my children but I let them see some of the rest of the world so they know what's going on.  And this week, they were blessed enough to see a happy ending.  God is good.

Notice most of this entry is about Lewis' reactions - William doesn't get it as much, being only 4.

Since I didn't write over the weekend I'll share 6 things I'm thankful for

1.  I'm thankful Judy is coming for a visit in May.
2.  I'm thankful Laurie is coming for a visit in September.
3.  I'm thankful the McMillian family is together.
4.  I'm thankful my children want to change the world.
5.  I'm thankful for the opportunity to educate my children.
6.  I'm thankful for the sun shining on my face this morning.

Have a great day!

TGIV!!!

Thank God it's Venerdi!  Venerdi is the Italian word for Friday.

If there's one thing I truly grasp after living overseas for almost 3 years, it's this - never underestimate how hard it is to learn a second language.  I used to be one of those pain in the butt Americans who thought everyone who moved to my country should automatically speak English.   You came here, speak the language -right? 

Let me tell you something - if this is your attitude - do yourself a favor and change it now.  And then go out and learn a different language, or attempt to.  And then take the little bit of information you can retain and try to speak it with native speakers, and try to follow a converstion they're having, and try to do all of this while upset about something.  It. is. hard.

I will never again look at a non-English speaking person the same way.  Not only is it difficult to learn a new language "later in life" but it's horribly intimidating to use this new language when you need to.  If you see someone struggling to understand, struggling to make their needs known but can't because they can't find the proper words in English - PLEASE try and help them.  A little kindness goes a long way.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Great news today!  Judy, Paul's mom, is coming to visit us in May!  We are all so excited and can't wait to show Oma around Naples.  (Oma is grandma in German)

Fantastic day homschooling - we've got a groove going!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

I really shouldn't.....

I really shouldn't make fun of my Dad concerning his interest in weather when my last three entries are weather related - do you think it's possible I'm getting old too?  NO.  But, one more weather related thing - we had another crazy storm pass through later this afternoon bringing on more hail and rain!  What on earth is going on?  Lewis said "Mom, again with the ice?"  He cracks me up!

Today's funny story-
William comes to me and says "Mom, I missed the potty and made a mess.  I wasn't looking where I was peeing and I missed.  I'm sorry"  What a sweet baby!!!!  So I said "Don't worry honey, Mommy will clean it up.  Thank you for telling me"  Then I went to investigate.  I looked on either side of the toilet, nothing.  I looked directly in front of the toilet, nothing.  Hhmmmm, maybe he made a mistake?  and then I turned around to find a spot of pee about 3 ft. in front of the toilet - wasn't looking?  it was in the complete opposite direction of the toilet!!!!  I think "not paying attention" was a bit of a stretch?  How about "I was dancing a jig while trying to pee and completely missed!!!!"  ???  That would be a bit closer to the truth, in my humble opinion.  Oh the joys of living in a house full of men.

In other news, I saw first hand the joys of homeschooling  today.  Lewis, being the older and more educated child, helped his baby brother learn his alphabet.  It was absolutely the cutest thing!  He took on a very serious "teacher" voice and proceeded to help William get all of his letters in the correct order while writing them on the chalkboard for William to see.  I LOVE the dynamic that we've created having them together for the day - they learn so much from each other - the least of which is patience (an ongoing process) and they play so well together (other than the occasional spat over whose turn it is to play with a toy).

Did I mention our "let's buy and RV and travel the country for a year" idea is starting to become a real plan?  I've done a bit of research, looked into RVs - I think this may just work!!!  Paul really wants to take a sabbatical after working in the Navy 20+ years, we're already homeschooling, and we really love to travel - it's a win, win, win situation.  I don't know if it will actually come to fruition - but it becomes more appealing every day.

Here are my 3 things for today - March 11
1.  I am thankful for future dreams.
2.  I am thankful for my Dad.
3.  I am thankful for my house full of men.

What the.....? again.

The weather lately has been weird, that's the only way to describe it.

Today the sky got dark, really dark, and then all of a sudden Lewis exclaims "it's raining ice again!"

W.E.I.R.D.

And exactly one hour later it is bright and sunny and all the ice has melted.

Did you know that the older you get the more you talk about the weather?  It's true, just ask my Dad.  Though in his case I can say his interest in the weather far exceeds his age.  If there were a direct correlation, he would be 150.  Sunday I missed a call from my Dad but Paul answered and told me when I got home. 

My first question?  "How's the weather in TN?"  second "Anybody die?"  third "How are the cows?"

These are my Dad's favorite topics - anyone relate? 

Cold - the viral kind

With the change of weather from cold to warm to cold again- we've all got colds.  Sinus clogging, sneezing, coughing, snotting, sniffling colds - we're a commercial for NyQuil.  Fun.  Currently it's not too bad, a little under the weather but not down for the count - I'm hoping it stays this way and then gets better soon.

This week's state we're focusing on in school is Tennessee!  Woohooo my home state!  The boys don't think they want to live there either but think visiting Graceland looks fun - good grief.

In other news, my landlord showed up today without the technician he was supposed to bring to fix the dishwasher and proceeded to tell me I have to pay for the repairs because it's my fault it doesn't work due to the water infiltration.  Now listen, I don't speak Italian well under the best of circumstances but get me upset and I make absolutely no sense (not so much in English either).  I'm sure I underwhelmed and confused him with my attempt to say "no way am I paying for that" - let the games begin. 

Here are Wednesday's 3 things-
1.  I am thankful for Usborne books.
2.  I am thankful for washable markers.
3.  I am thankful for bleach.

What happened to my weather?

I was so sure Spring had sprung- in fact I think I actually named an entry that very title just last week.  But lo and behold I was wrong, it's gone back to cold and rainy and unpleasant.  Today was one of those weather days where I thank my lucky stars we homeschool.  No bus to catch in the rain, no running to class in the rain - nothing in the rain.  We stayed indoors all day, snuggled on the couch and read books, played games - a nice indoor day watching the rain fall and being thankful for heat and/or blankets.  My poor husband on crutches, however, had to hobble around in the rain.  Say it with me "poor Paul".

I have two new games I would like to recommend for kids
1.  Sequence for kids- very fun strategy game

http://www.amazon.com/Jax-8001-Sequence-for-Kids/dp/B00005UM9P/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1268161282&sr=8-1

2.  Rush Hour Jr. - an interesting puzzle game

http://www.amazon.com/Think-Fun-5040-ThinkFun-Rush/dp/B00004WJSN/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1268161334&sr=1-1


My boys love them both and I admit I do too!   As you can see, the versions I recommend work specifically for my age range - but, there are other versions for older "kids".

Here are my 3 things I'm thankful for today
1.  I am thankful for my family.
2.  I am thankful for each and every person who has sponsored a child through a charitable organization and made a difference in their lives.
3.  I am thankful that a child can find hope in places where there seems to be none.

Italian lesson for the day:
poor = poveri
help = aiuto
hope = speranza

It Could Be Worse

When I first made my declaration that I was going to quit complaining, I received several supportive emails from friends saying such things as "sometimes you need to let it out" and  " you need to vent"  and I totally agree.  I'm not holding in my feelings just so I don't seem like I'm complaining (just ask Paul).

But, when I see things like this blog entry, I am even more convicted in my decision to rethink my thoughts and count my blessings.

Please read an entry at   http://www.thisisreverb.com/      Specifically the March 8th article titled "Hope flows through Mathere". 

The author of the blog is Ryan and he's currently on a trip to Kenya to report on how sponsoring a child through Compassion International actually works.  He's meeting the sponsored kids, checking out the programs offered and sharing it with all of us.

I also encourage you to read the entry "The day of spiritual jealousy" - moving.

And more importantly, I encourage you to sponsor a child.  

http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=105832

May you and your family have a very blessed day,
Sabrina

Festa della Donna 2010

Yesterday, March 8th was Festa della Donna or Ladies' Day here in Italy.  I had the priviledge of participating in a cooking lesson/dinner with 9 ladies and we had a blast.

Our lesson was at a restaurant in the town of Monte di Procida and is named "La Taverna dei Sapori".  Our instructor/chef was Mariella - though she's not an actual trained chef.  Her former career was a tour guide!  She taught herself to cook because it was her passion and now she owns and runs this restaurant with her husband and son.  She's a lovely patient lady and it was a great experience to be in her kitchen for the evening.

Festa della Donna has a yellow theme - yellow mimosa flowers are given to the ladies and our menu also had a touch of yellow as you'll see.  Giallo is the Italian word for yellow (just in case you're wondering).

Last night's menu:

Prosecco Mimosa Cocktails

Antipasti Buffet "Principalmente Giallo"

Bruschetta della Casa

Gnocchi Napoletani "O' Sole Mio"

Pappardelle 8 Marzo "Delizia della Donna"

Bocconcini di Carne "Femme Fatale"

Torta Mimosa

Vino

Caffe e Limoncello della Taverna

English anyone? 

Mimosas - Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine and it was mixed with fresh OJ

Appetizers with a "yellow theme"

Bruschetta of the house - no yellow but yummy!

Gnocchi (potato dumplings) with corn and hard boiled eggs in a smoked cheesy creme sauce

Pappardelle (pasta ribbons) in a saffron, ricotta cream sauce with walnuts

Beef and mushrooms in a curry reduction

Mimosa cake

Wine

Coffee and Lemoncello

A good time was had by all, I learned a lot and had a yummy meal but what I loved most was spending time with some wonderful Ladies.

I am very thankful to my husband for getting home on time and taking care of the kids for the night even though the poor guy is still hobbling around on crutches.

Here are Monday's 3 things (a bit late due to the fact I left my house at 5 for a 6 o'clock lesson and didn't return until almost midnight, whew.)

1.  Buon Cibo

2.  Buon Vino

3.  Buon Amici

English anyone?

1.  Good Food

2.  Good Wine

3.  Good Friends

Buona Domenica!

Buona = good  and  Domenica = Sunday  in Italian

Lovely, lovely day today.  Waffles for breakfast as is our Sunday tradition, followed by church and then a nice lunch with friends.   Ahhhhhh.  I LOVE Sundays!  Have I mentioned this before?

You know how sometimes your husband throws out an idea that at first seems so crazy you laugh hysterically and secretly wonder if he's insane?  And then it starts to grow on you, and then you actually find yourself thinking it might be a good plan?  Has your husband ever mentioned putting all your stuff in storage and living in a motor home while travelling the continental US for a year or so after retirement?  Crazy, right?

Anyhoo, here are Sunday's 3 things
1.  I am thankful for my new hand lotion
2.  I am thankful for Claudia's profiteroles (if you've never had one, you have no idea what you're missing)
3.  I am thankful for mozzarella di bufala (mozzarella made from the milk of  water buffalo, yummy!)

Profiteroles

Mozzarella di bufala

Miracle in a tub

This stuff is awesome!!!!!

As you know from my complaining  updates my dishwasher is broken which makes me, by default, the dishwasher.  Water here is harsh, my hands are suffering.  I have tried every single lotion out there, even my Aveeno wasn't working well on my hands (still great on my body though).
Two days ago my friend Jennifer asked if I wanted this lotion.  Her sister-in-law had come to visit in December and apparently this had fallen out in their car.  Jennifer does not like the hemp smell so she gave it to me and truth be told I could live without the smell but it's not offensive.
I've had these weird extremely dry raised and rough streaks on my thumb and pointer finger - dry to the point of cracking and bleeding - painful!  After only two days using this lotion they're better, clearing up, the cracks and bleeding areas are gone!  It's a miracle.
Thank you Angie!!  Sorry for your loss but so thankful for my gain.

Hoarding

Did you know there's a disorder called Compulsive Hoarding?  While I don't think I could technically be labeled, I've noticed lately I've got some issues.  But, in my defense, it's not entirely my fault.

You see, I live in Italy.  I'm an American in a foreign land and Italians ONLY eat Italian food.  So I rely on my Navy Commissary to supply me with all those things I want that I can't get "out in town".  Ketchup is one of these things.  Europeans typically don't do ketchup.
Are you ready for this?  They eat mayonnaise on their french fries!!!!!!  I know, I know, YUCK!  But hey, different strokes for different folks. 

That's not to say you can't get ketchup here, you can - it's just not the same.  It's like saying all ketchup is the same, let me tell you folks, it. is. not.  There is a huge difference between Hunt's and Heinz (despite what my husband says) and I don't even consider that Del Monte stuff ketchup - it's not worthy of the label.   Not that I'm biased, but Heinz rules!  And now that you know I'm 100% brand loyal, let me share this - I only buy the organic ketchup because I avoid high-fructose corn syrup like the plague.

Three weeks ago, they ran out of the Heinz organic ketchup and my home supply was running low.  You see, I typically buy two at a time because the Commissary isn't exactly reliable with their ordering and stocking process.  So, they ran out, we ran out.  There was a small rebellion here at home - anarchy if you must know.  My children were beyond upset.

Last week, I rounded the aisle where they display the ketchup and silently said a prayer that there would be organic ketchup in stock - HALLELUJAH!!!  my prayer was answered - but, there were only 7 bottles.

What to do?  Be greedy and take them all?  No.  My friend Jennifer also uses this ketchup and was out (she's weak, she actually caved and bought the regular stuff)  so I decided to get 3 bottles for me and 2 for her leaving two on the shelf for some other unfortunate mother who desperately needed this item.  And when Jennifer went back yesterday they were out again - slight edgy feeling bordering on panic (yes, I still have two in reserve).  But, HALLELUJAH!!!!!! today they were restocked when I went so I picked up two more. 

That's right, I now have one open bottle and 4 in reserve - all is well with the world.
 
I also have 3 bags of coffee, 4 jars of apple sauce, 2 bottles of maple syrup, 2 jars of peanut butter and 2 boxes each of the cereal we eat - all in reserve because these favorite items also tend to be out of stock a lot.
 
OK, I may have a problem.

Military moms around the world who depend on their commissary understand this, the rest of you will just have to trust I'm mentally sound and not a compulsive hoarder.  Right?

Here are Saturday's three things I'm thankful for
1.  I am thankful for organic ketchup in stock!
2.  I am thankful for my husband who suggests I should get away and take some alone time while he stays home with the kids. 
3.  I am thankful for all the reasons I've had to smile throughout my life.

Have a great weekend,
Sabrina

    

TGIF!!!!!!!

Whew, another week gone by.  Sometimes it feels like life is flying and sometimes it feels like it's crawling.  I guess it all depends on what you're doing and if you really want to be doing it?

Tonight was family movie night and we watched Nemo.  I still love that movie, so many cute one-liners and such a good story.  Afterwards Lewis said, "Mom, this story teaches us not to give up"  yep.  And then he said "I'm never moving away from you, I'm gonna stay with you forever".  How sweet!  Luckily we had a great day yesterday and this thought actually seemed appealing, as opposed to those days when I think I won't make it one more with these little monsters in my house!  ;-)

Great day homeschooling, everything we did was art related - which to the 5 and under crowd means crayons!!!  It's amazing the stuff you can find on the internet to print for your kids.  My kids love worksheets - strange.  I have found these great pages for William where he gets to color all the things on the page that start with the letter we're studying.  I found a color by number clown for Lewis.  In order to know what colors to use, you had to do math problems and read the color word.  He loved it!

We're getting into the final phases of planning some awesome trips, I'm so excited!  Looks like we'll go to Paris in May, Crete in June, Germany in August and a trip to the Venice area in September or October.  We're trying to decide what to do in July and all those three day weekends.  I can't believe I have less than a year to do all of the travelling I want to,  time does indeed fly.

Hoping you all have a great weekend,
Sabrina

Friday's 3 things-
I am thankful for my travel opportunities.
I am thankful that my children think it would be nice to stay with me forever.
I am thankful for all of my homeschooling choices and for friends that help you narrow them down.

A good read, and photos of the yucky stuff.

http://donmilleris.com/2010/03/04/every-good-story-must-endure-conflict/