Mayberry RFD

Some days I really do believe that we moved to Mayberry. The friendliness of Elmhurst is unbelievable! People have been so welcoming - our calendar is getting full already! But, this past Saturday really made me believe that Elmhurst is the nicest place on earth!

After numerous people telling us that we needed to take the kids to Riley's pub for a Saturday lunch and to watch the game, we did. Only I didn't really think it through. Michigan was playing Notre Dame. Elmhurst is a HUGE Irish Catholic community and Rileys sign has a shamrock. We walked in with our Michigan stuff on like lambs being led to the slaughter!

After a few harassing, but friendly remarks and a completely embarrassing 100 yard touchdown by ND, we began to bury our heads. But, alas, Michigan came back and we whooped it up, much to the rest of the bars dismay. The game ended and at least 3/4 of the bar came over and said "great game!" Had we been anywhere else I think our tires would have been punctured. Welcome to Mayberry!

Back to School

Last week we started our new daily ritual of school. A bit different this time, as I tried to navigate through multiple stores trying to fulfill the school supply list. There was also the nervous feeling in my tummy as I wondered what American boys wore to school. (we did ok)

So we stepped out the front door at 8:05, taking a moment to snap some school photos. The boys are excited to do it now...we'll see when the look of dread an annoyance shows up on their pics in a few years.

The walk to school is a breeze and Jacob lined up right in between two nice boys. I felt really good as I watched him walk into the school. Aiden is in P.M. Kindergarten class, so he was going in a bit later since it was only a half day for the school. So, we grabbed some donuts at the PTA breakfast and I signed up for as much as possible.

Two hours later I was back dropping off Aiden, who was happy to go. He was fine walking in as if he had done it a dozen times before.

So it begins. The monotony of the school run, but the blessed time to sit and chat with other moms. We are all ready for a schedule, even poor Jeb who is constantly asking "who's my teacher?" Sorry buddy, looks like it may just be me this year. Let's hope we can make it through!

Aiden - Class of 2023

Jefferson School - Home of the Tigers

Jacob and Mrs. Lancaster (who is new too)

I Want to Ride My Bicycle!

Last Spring, we took the training wheels off from Aiden's bike. He was a bit apprehensive to bike on his own, but he did it and was quite proud of himself. That is, until he rode into a blackberry bush. Clearly it was all Daddy's fault and he wasn't going near the bike again.

Flashforward to August in the states. Aiden is beginning to notice all the kids in Elmhurst ride their bikes. Tom and I are starting to notice how ridiculous Aiden looks on his training wheels. Aiden could have cared less. So, leaving all the good parenting tips behind, we forced him to try biking without his training wheels.

The first night we showed the new neighbors just how short our patience was. My blood pressure shot through the roof, but knowing that everyone was watching to see what the "new neighbors" were like, I pasted on my best smile and walked away. Tom took over thinking he'd do better, but it all ended the same. Aiden is stubborn and so were we. We'd try again tomorrow.

Long story short, Aiden refused, but was forced into it and guess what? On the third try, he got it and has been biking ever since. It's been a week and he is now starting and stopping on his own, biking to town for ice cream, and making me run faster on my daily run in order to keep up with him.

Another milestone checked off the list. Wow, seems like there aren't many more left!

Home...finally

I've taken quite a break from the blog this summer and it's not due to summer fun or summer boredom. It's simply the stress of moving. And we seem to be done. Finally.

From May 29 to July 28 we slept in 7 different beds within 3 different countries. I doubt I will ever be able to say that again and, believe me, I am glad. On July 30 we slipped into our 8th bed - our own, in our own home. To say it was a good nights rest would be a lie, we woke up sore and feeling old due to painting, moving boxes and cleaning.

For the next week Tom and I made our home in Elmhurst. I painted 3 rooms, including trim and windows (btw, Benjamin Moore Aura paint all the way!). Tom did a bit of painting, but due to his pure hatred of the task, he opted for unpacking the garage and organization of the rest of the house.

We took a much needed break between the sea shipment and storage shipment to go to Ikea. It seemed like a really good idea until about 2 hours into it, then it all went blurry. We finally ended it after 3 1/2 hours and Tom asked me for the list of product numbers to get all the boxes. My hands were empty, as was my bag. I lost the list! Only you Ikea shoppers would know what I am talking about - this is a massive mistake and I searched the store until I found it laying on the towels, which I decided not to buy. After a stern look from Tom, we were on our way. I was so excited for the playroom rug that I laid it out that night. Got into bed and thought, "why did I buy a WHITE rug for the playroom?" And thus, another trip was scheduled to visit Ikea.

I won't say much about putting the items together that were purchased at Ikea. But, it is worth noting that we won't be doing much of it again thanks to a DIY from Target. After spending 4 hours putting Aiden's dresser together, Tom went to put the finishing touches on it and it broke. I was in the kitchen and I really thought I'd see the whole thing being chucked down the stairs. Tom was livid and packed it all up (not in the box!) and took it back. And they took it. Good thing, I was scared for that service rep at Target!

On to the next day, which brought our storage items that hadn't been seen in 3 years. I wish I would have donated before packing them up long ago. We had a truck full for Goodwill. But, it was nice to see some of the stuff again.

The next two days were spent tidying and organizing, but it just didn't feel like home without the boys running about. We were so thankful for both sets of grandparents watching them so we could get things done, but I was ready to have them back after 10 days apart!

In they came on Thursday as I turned and said goodbye to my clean house, never to be seen that way again. Each boy has their own room and I think we are all happy about that. Doesn't seem to make a difference in the morning wake-up, but at least they each have their own space.

So, here we are. Officially Americans living in America. It's a lot to take in, but we are getting there. Come on over, there is plenty of room, lots to do, and always a cuppa waiting (can't give the tea up just yet!).

In case you need us...
650 S. Stratford Ave.
Elmhurst, IL 60126
USA

And we are serious, please invite yourself over!

Aiden outside our house...

Me, painting Jacob's room. Back breaking work!

A quarter the way through Jeb's room - it was lavendar and purple before

Tom lending a hand to put in new lights...and no one ended up in the hospital!

Jeb in his new room and new bed. Look familiar?

Stole the idea from Jacob's first room...I'm so creative under pressure!

Aiden in his new room. Proud owner of the bunks.

Jacob - new bed too!

The best part was the new desk. So nice to just be yourself in your own room!

Lately

What have we been up to lately? Well, we've been hot! Really hot! Our bodies are not used to the heat and especially the humidity of the midwest! Jacob recently told me that he couldn't take the heat, followed by "bring on winter." Spoken like a true Brit!

Let's back up six weeks...We landed in Michigan a bit overwhelmed to be home. We were greeted by both sides of the family at the airport, which was so nice! But, whenever someone asked if it was good to be home, I felt the tears coming.

It's different here. For some reason, I've forgotten how big things are and how busy it is! Even the American accent has taken me off guard. Listening to the boys play with their cousins, it struck me how different the accent really is. And the boys seem to have lost theirs, although many have commented on Aiden's, which I don't hear at all (One little boy asked me if Aiden was Australian).

Aiden has asked the best questions about America:
1. Why are there so many American flags in America?
2. Why are there so many farms in America and no sheep?
3. What is that picture on the side of the road? (Answer: A billboard)
4. Do they sell flowers at that place that looks like a church playground without a church? (That was a cemetary and the answer was no!)

On to the cottage. After sending the kids off to various family members for a week so that we could house hunt, we went back up to Michigan for a week at my parent's cottage. It was great. The kids swam, tubed and even skied on the EZ ski. Even Jeb did it! You should have seen people look up when we pasted with our two year old waving with his royal wave. The rest of the week was spent going to the swamp to catch frogs and ended with a Fourth of July celebration.

Back to Chicago. Now we are back in Oakbrook at our little apartment, awaiting our closing on the house. It hasn't been pretty. While the pool has been a great distraction, even that is getting old. Besides the odd doctors appointment here and there, we've just been getting on each others nerves. It's time for a house with a yard and neighbors, who hopefully have kids!

It's all feeling real and that is ok. It's hard to move on and I think about England almost every day. But, good things await us in Elmhurst. I should enjoy my last care free moments of not owning a house. Now to focus on my biggest issue just may be: what do I rename this blog?! The name just doesn't apply anymore...

All ready for the Fourth of July Boat Parade!

Jeb "skiing"

Jump!

Back together with Andy and Matt - American best friends

Last Photos and Last Post of England. (Sniff, sniff)

Today marks one full month of being in the states and away from England. Funny, it's been rainy and humid here, while sunny and beautiful in the UK. Ironic! Anyway, I forgot to post some pics of the boys going away party with their classes. We rented a bouncy castle and ate ice lollies (popsicles). It was great!

But before that, here is a slideshow of our family photoshoot at Cliveden in May. Liezl Croft (www.liezlcroft.com) spent the day with us capturing the boys at their best and worst moments! I'm so glad we did it and that the background is one of our favorite places in England!

Aiden's class party

Jacob's class party. Somehow the 7 year olds don't listen like the 5 year olds. They just wouldn't sit!!

Jeb's last Tumble Tots class - with his best mate Health.



And our last shots in Beaconsfield...we'll miss you!

10 years on...

Wednesday was our first full day for me and the boys to be here in Chicago alone. It also happened to be my birthday and our 10th anniversary. It also happened to be 90 degrees with 90% humidity. Oh, and the boys were tired - code for "let's fight so much that mom goes nuts." You can see where this is going.

Ok, so we made it through the morning, just barely. We all took some quiet time before Tom came home early for, not what you think, but instead for Jeb's first appointment with the CF team at Children's Memorial. The appointment went well (check out his blog in the next few days), but it was 3 hours long. We were exhausted, but all the boys were troopers.

After it was time to celebrate the big 10 year marriage marker! Oh, but we don't have a babysitter! So, we decided to treat the boys to pizza. Except we don't know where a pizza place is, so we rely on the satnav. We ended up in a fancy restaurant that didn't have pizza on the menu. But, they made it for us anyway. Bless them! I always imagined Tom and I at a fancy restaurant on our 10th, but not in this scenario.

But, you know what? Isn't that what we should do to celebrate our 10 years together? It's where we are in our lives and in hindsight, I'm glad that the day went the way it did. It is pretty unforgettable and I'm thankful for every piece of pizza stuffed into Aiden's already full mouth, each doctor appointment that helps Jeb, each antagonizing act provoked by Jacob and each time the satnav brings us to a dead end road. This is our life. I'm not sure that I would have imagined it this way when I stood in front of Tom 10 years ago. But, I wouldn't want it any other way...