My Italy

Envy

2009-09-16T10:48:00.004+02:00

Horrible title, don't you think? Envy is a feeling I immediately regret and feel guilty for the second it enters my brain and is delivered at my heart. It makes me feel unappreciative of what I have. But there are different levels of it. The envy you feel when you see someone looking absolutely put together and fabulous while you're still wearing T-shirt and pants from three years ago is slightly different from envying somebody elses marriage. So what's this envy I'm feeling? Let me back up.

School started three weeks ago. Amen, right? The kids had a full summer of traveling, swimming and sleeping in late. It was time to go back, all good things must come to an end! They were excited too. Getting new school clothes, new backpacks and lunch box's. They just couldn't wait to see who their teachers were and what friends from last year were in their class. They would be up stairs with the big kids now too, oh what an upgrade in their social standings. To me they just looked like third graders too. They have grown up and have gone on to the next "level" in their short little lives. But, I knew this beginning of school honeymoon period was going to be short lived and I was sad to be so well aware of why.

Those first few days of learning names, getting your seat assignment in class, breaking in your notebooks (that are just regular lines and not that "baby kindergarten" line!) all of those activities are benign....nothing harmful comes from them or hurtful (unless you sit next to the school bully, which we didn't this year). It's blissful. And then work begins. Maybe starts out with an easy review of last years math skills or writing about what you did over the summer. But slowly the newness wears off.

My kids are all different, just like anybody elses. They have different personalities, strengths and weaknesses. All are in third grade but at very different levels of third grade. I have a daughter who can barely read. Those words don't flow from my fingers onto this keyboard very easy, my heart is pounding and eyes are pushing back tears just looking at what I have wrote. But it's true. How? How can this be? She was with a great reading teacher last year and we kept notes on her progress, she did make progress. It was slow and there are still many questions why she can't read. Yes, I know, different people learn at different times....read above.

Little people are very complex for being so little. She is tiny and there is so much going on in her. She wants so badly to read....but she does get in her own way sometimes. She doubts herself so much. I see her flipping through those "Horrible Harry" books, the Jack and Annie books, trying to read them. Wanting so bad to uncover and decode what all those words mean. "Help her!" you say. Aha, she closes up, gets angry that she needs the help. Pushes me away physically and with words. This is where she gets in her own way. Her sister came home with "The Princess Diaries" last night. My heart sank. "Riley, it's the book about the movie we watched last week. It's soooo good". I'm beaming that Grace is reading a book geared towards 6th grade and heart broken because I KNOW what's coming next. A melt down. "I don't care about your stupid book." Her face is hurt and gone pale. She's pissed, to say the least. She wants to get caught up in that book and read all the funny stories and imagine the characters, but she knows she can't.

So, back in the classroom as the work begins and Riley can't read the instructions, or the book layed out before her....each one taking their turn reading aloud...she can't. She can't read it and she can't follow along. She can't say her spelling words how is she to learn to spell them? How long will this go on before she just gives up? On school and herself. How do you make an 8 year old believe they CAN do it?

This is where the envy comes in, quickly followed up with the guilt. I envy those kids and their parents who don't have this struggle. I don't want to hear about how stressed they are or how busy they are....I just want to scream "ya, but your kid can read!! Shut up and stop complaining!" I feel physically ill saying it. I mean, I have the most beautiful daughter, with the brightest smile who was born completely healthy and remains healthy (except for that small cavity we're getting fixed tomorrow). But if I, a grown thirty something adult, feel this way just what is my dear Riley feeling? I wish I could wrap this up with some bit of understanding and say something witty and funny. But I can't. I'm worried.

Catching Up!

2009-06-18T10:40:00.002+02:00

Whew, it's been awhile! The months have been busy and I have to admit that I've developed a slight addiction to Facebook....just ever so slightly. Have you been to it? You MUST check it out! It's great to catch up with old friends and keep in touch with people. Go on now, go check it out and sign up for it...I'll add you as my "friend"!

We've finished up the school year and I now have three kiddos ready for third grade. Marshall and I finished up homeschooling and it really went well. I was so nervous at first but once we got going and had our routine set things went smoothly. It was great to see him learn and make great progress. Still not sure if we will put him back in school for next year. We have 4 third grade classes and I haven't heard good things about any of them....even other teachers are telling me this. Great. Can I just say, if you don't like your job or if you just pretty much suck at it.....stop doing it. Okay. It really would make my life easier. Oh well, I'm trying not to dwell on it this summer.

The kids made their First Communion as well a few weeks ago. They were beautiful and it was a great day for them. I'm glad they got to experience this in Italy in one of the beautiful churches here.

We are also moving to a different home in a few weeks. We live in what's called "GRHP" housing here. Basically a group of homes that Americans live in. We have some Italian neighbors but for the most part it's an American neighborhood. The new place is not only bigger (5 bedrooms) but it's away from the base and we are surrounded by Italians. It's very easy to come here, live in American housing, shop on base, and take my kids to the American school on base and have absolutely no Italian experience....which surprisingly is what many do. We really wanted to be out and away and experience as much of an Italian life as possible. The current renters had us over to meet the neighbors the other night and it was a blast. They speak no English and we speak just about no Italian. Hopefully that will change soon!

Our summer is packed full of visitors too. Marks parents come next week for a month, his sister and family are also coming for two weeks and then my older son and his buddy are coming. It will be non stop for weeks and we can't wait. We are going to Florence, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Rome, Venice and the Bavarian Alps....oh and I'm sure we'll be stopping at a few wineries.

Ciao for now!

Erin

Hello? Hello....anyone still there?

2009-02-27T15:57:00.003+01:00

Things have been busy at the ol' Guerin household lately. So, if by chance any of you are still coming around looking for an update, you're in luck today!

First, let me brag about my husband for a few minutes. He won an award a few weeks ago and I couldn't be more proud of him. He won First Sergeant of the Year for his wing, again. Now, I don't want to shove this in your face and be one of those people who won't shut up about how fabulous their kids are....but I have to say that word...."AGAIN". This was his second win. We were at another base last year and he won there as well. I certainly don't think this means he is better than anyone else but I do see it as recognition that he's worked his butt off.

Let me just give you a tad bit of history on Mark. He's been in for almost 22 years. He was in the medical field for about 19 years and lets just say he was less than happy there. He has never won any other award. He had been "put in" for them but never pulled them off. So, he decides to become a First Sergeant against a lot of peoples advice...too much work, too hard to get promoted when you are one, not worth it, is what most said. But he did it and has never loved anything so much. I think these awards reflect that. I am very proud and happy for him!

Okay, ummmm, what else has been going on? I've been taking Italian cooking classes. They are held on Saturdays for about three hours and are at a local Italians house up the road. It's been great and I really enjoy them. The best part is when they open wine at about 10:00 in the morning and then sitting down and enjoying all that you have cooked. I've learned gnocchi, Gorgonzola cheese sauce, pomadora sauce and profiteroles. My next class is about pumpkin risotto!!!! Can't wait for that.

And lastly, we have a pretty big update on Marshall. We have decided to home school him for the remainder of this year and possibly next year as well. It has been a frustrating year for him and us. After changing his classes this year we realize that he probably didn't get the best fit. He is slipping further and further behind each day. Sadly his teacher is unable to offer any suggestions to help, only to test him for ADD and special ed. It hurts to know that his Kindergarten and First grade teachers were able recognize how wonderful Marshall was and that he just took longer to grasp things and to now have a teacher to look at you and tell you they just "don't know".

With the help of a very close friend we have picked out curriculum, changed one of the bedrooms into a class room and lastly prayed for guidance. It is something that is very intimidating but we truly feel it's an option that we have to explore for him. It just pulls at my soul to see this little boy struggle everyday and think less and less of himself as the days go by. There are so many unknowns with this. How will he handle it? How will the girls deal with Marshall "staying" home all day? How long will we do this for? What happens when/if he goes back to school? What do we say to all of those people who doubt home schooling? We don't know those answers but I am 100% positive it will not get better in that school for him, and for right now THIS is in his best interest.

So, there you have it!

Ciao
Erin

PS We are going to Paris for 5 days in April!!! Very exciting, oui!

I've Been Published!!

2009-01-15T13:05:00.010+01:00

Ok, now I know what you're thinking....anyone can get published, right? My professor for my creative writing class in college told me once that anyone could get published, you just had to have the money for it (Oh, and I refer to him as my "Professor" because he was a Harvard graduate and just seemed so legitimate). Ok, I may be using the term published a little too loosely here. Maybe it's more like "I've been asked by a travel website if they can use my photo"......so is that kind of like published??

Just before Christmas I was contacted by an online travel website called Schmap. I know, I've never heard of them either so looked them up. It's a site where you type in where you're traveling to and then they have a map of that location and all the sites to see in the area with photos. That's where I come in! They said they saw a few of my photos online at Flickr and needed my permission to use it. Holy cow, I felt needed and powerful! Somebody needed my permission to do something and if I said no then they would listen! I was just delighted with that. Do you remember me bragging...I mean telling you about our trip to Verona?? Ya, well they liked the pictures I posted. Ahhh, my head was spinning.

So I started wondering which one they liked. I immediately thought of this one.

Doesn't that just make you want to walk along that river under those golden trees holding the hand of the one you love, kicking the fallen leaves with your feet and dreaming of living happily ever after (with three 7 year olds fighting, screaming, yelling the whole way behind you)??? Oh, and then I thought about this one.

Yes! It had to be this one. Oh, those gardens were just breathtaking. Doesn't that picture just look peaceful? Can't you see yourself strolling through there after a long day of sightseeing and relaxing on a bench to take in the moment, you know the moment of "Oh my, I'm in Italy" (and then running to find a bathroom because your little darlings have to poop). But then I remembered this one.

Well of course, it had to be this one. This one just screams "Italy" to me. Tiny little walk way paved with stones. Doesn't it just grab your curiosity? You want to walk around that corner and see what there is. You picture an older woman hanging out laundry, a small bike that rings its bell as it comes up behind you (or a mom walking as fast as she can to out run the complaining of her kids).

Oh, I wondered which one it would be. I kept reminding myself that they may choose another so I didn't want to get my hopes up. And then I got the email, the one saying that yes I had been chosen ! They sent me the link to open that would show my picture. I took a deep breath as I clicked on it. In those few seconds it took for the page to open I felt like a child on Christmas opening up the biggest gift under the tree. And then the page opened and there it was..

ever so small.......

up in the corner.......

was the picture....

here, take a look......

Ummm, ya. I know. Nothing. It does nothing for me. It shows a crowded square with my husbands lovely bald head. Just a tad disappointing. Does it make you want to go to Verona??? I had that feeling you get when the big gift under the Christmas tree turns out to be a pair of socks....that you plan on taking back to the store. It's okay because it was still fun to open the gift!

So when you plan your European vacation check out this site and look for my name!! http://www.schmap.com/verona/introduction_history/#p=80175&i=80175_31.jpg

Ciao

Erin

Humility

2009-01-05T09:27:00.005+01:00

I've been AWOL for a few weeks from here, basically the kids have been home and well....there you have it. Wish I could tell you that I was off gallivanting through Europe. I mean the title is "My Italy", you would think I would write about my worldly travels. But it's been cold, very cold! Actually, early on in the Christmas break Marshall had a doctors appointment and the results of it kind of threw me off for the rest of the holiday. Don't worry, Marshall is healthy and has finally broken 50 pounds on the scale. No, the appointment has pointed out more of my bad parenting skills....or lack of skills.

Marshall needed a sports physical to play basketball. No problem. He was worried he was going to get a shot. Oh, don't be silly I said you have nothing to worry about. Just relax. The doctor will listen to your heart, shine the light in your eye and bang that hammer on your knee. We'll be out of there lickity-split.

So, in waltzes Dr. I'm-such-a-better-parent-than-you. He's all smiles and greets Marshall directly. In fact he never even glances my way. Cute I thought. He's treating Marshall like a big kid. And then he goes in for the kill. Right off the bat, he doesn't waste any time. The following is the conversation...the real thing. It is the epitome of childhood honesty.

DR "Marshall, do you brush your teeth twice a day?"
M "No, my mom says I don't have to"

At this point I want to interject and let the kind dr know how crazy bedtime is with three kids and that none of them have ever had a single cavity. But I don't. I just get blindsided by the next question.

DR "Do you wear a helmet when you ride your bike?"
M " No, my mom said I could stop"

Again, I feel the need to let him know that we used to but now we live on a cul-de-sac and have zero traffic. But I can't get it out. I hear him telling Marshall his brain could swell and he could die if he didn't wear one. Great, scare the shit out of my little boy. Now I'm getting a little mad.

DR "Do you use a booster seat?"
M "No"

Okay, wait. Look at me. He doesn't know I am THE safest driver around. But he's going into detail with Marshall that the seat belt could cut his spleen and he could die. Nice. More death threats from the good doctor. I almost blurted out that you don't need your spleen to live but I wasn't 100% sure of that one, pretty sure you can get rid of half of it or something. And anyway, shouldn't this be the point that he gets out his fancy doctors tools and listen to the heart. Move on. Stop the questions. Oh but they don't. They keep on coming.

DR "Do you drink soda?"
M "No" (oh I take a deep breath because I feel like I have won this one, but that only lasts a fleeting moment because Marshall follows that up with this) "Wait, mom is Fanta soda?" The good doctor doesn't even let me answer this, he gets too much satisfaction out of saying...
DR "Yep it is" (I laugh on the inside because this very highly educated man just used the word "Yep". He lost major cool points on that one.)
M follows that up with "Well I only drink it when I have fast food"

Glorious. Just fantastic. I know the doctor is pressing one of those hidden buttons under his desk that alerts the authorities that he has another one of "those" parents in his office. They are on there way to take away my children. I just know it..

DR "Marshall do you wear sunscreen?"
M "Umm, mom do I?"
Me "At the beach we do" So there dr, I am a very good mom because I use sun screen. Thought you would get me on that one but you lost. Cha-ching! Score one for the Momma.
DR "Have you ever been sunburned Marshall" Oh, he just couldn't let it alone. He wanted me to fail this test.
M "No".......HHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAA HHHHHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!! I feel victorious. I sit up straighter in my chair and hold my head high and just glare at him. Only to have my very sweet honest little child say....
"My sisters have though, right mom?"
Me "I don't remember that?" I say in total dismay. Right now I'll peg my kid as a liar just so I can keep my smile. "
M "Ya, remember they got blisters?"

At this point it ends for me. I don't even remember walking out of the office. We got in the car, the car with out the booster seat. I took Marshall back to school and as I drove home I felt like a total failure. At no point did the dr ask Marshall if he loved his parents and sisters. Didn't ask him if he loved life and if he felt loved and safe at home. Didn't let me know in any way that this was okay and I just needed to make a few adjustments.

No kidding, that weekend while I was treating my kids to "fast food", which if you know me you know it's not something I throw at them very often. Anyway, who is that in the Taco Bell line with two little girls under five holding a big gulp that I'm pretty sure wasn't full of water?????? You got it, Dr. I'm-a-better-parent-than-you. It took every ounce of resistance I have not to walk up to his kids and ask them..."Did your daddy put sun screen on you today? You know you will die if you don't use it!!"

Ciao
Erin

Just in case you were wondering...

2008-11-26T15:58:00.003+01:00

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to have a full bottle of olive oil fall out of the cupboard and fall on your foot??? No. Really. Not even a little curious? Oh, what's that? You're dying to know? Okay, well I'll let ya know. It hurts like a sonofa *****.

Last night Mark accidentally threw, I mean dropped, the bottle on my foot which was not covered with a shoe. I thought I was going to give birth to something it hurt so bad. And then, not a minute later I knocked the corner of my eye on a cabinet that Mark (purposely) left open. I momentarily blacked out and when I came to I was surprised that after all of that pain I really didn't give birth to my tenth child. It was a regular ol' Laurel and Hardy episode in the kitchen. All that Mark could say...wait for it....was "I can't believe the bottle didn't break!". My toe is laying on the floor in pieces and I have a black eye and you're amazed at the damn bottle of oil. Well, Jesus does some mysterious things Mark!

So, today was Marks squadron Thanksgiving luncheon. Oh lordy can you imagine what a sight it was for the Shirts wife to show up limping with a black eye!!!??? Oh, let the gossip begin!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Ciao
Erin

Missing Friends

2008-11-17T16:10:00.004+01:00

I've got a sad little boy on my hands this week. He is really trying to find his way in a new school and class. Marshall isn't your typical 7 (almost 8) year old...I know I know, you've heard that before. But it's true. He's pretty passive and shy until you get to know him. He's the type of kid that if he's playing with something and someone takes it away he won't say anything. He'll look from the sidelines and try to figure it all out.

He's mentioned to me several times this week how he misses his "friends"...mentioned them all by name. Scott, Nicholas, Brett...these were kids he knew all through kindergarten and yet it took until he was comfortable enough in first grade to actually forge a friendship with them (he actually made up a song about them). I can totally relate to him. It takes me years to make a good friend. People think that because I have moved around every three years or so for my entire life that making friends would be a cinch. Not so. It takes a lot. You have to open yourself up.

But, it does happen. Usually about a year before we move....every time. And then we move and for the first year or so I miss the friends I left behind so much. I know this is the first time the kids have had to deal with it. So many kids just move on...not us. We talk about all of our great friends that we have made. That's where Marshall is this week. He likes his school and class but wants to enjoy it with his friends. Me too. I love Italy but miss my friends.

Ciao

Erin

Obama

2008-11-05T16:09:00.002+01:00

No matter what you are, Democrat or Republican, there is no denying what a great moment in history we are experiencing. We got the results when we woke up this morning and I cried! I did not vote for him but I knew McCain would not win. I believe that is wasn't McCain who lost, it was the Republicans that lost. There was no Republican out there strong enough to overcome what Bush has/has not done in the past 8 years. It was time for a change, in so many ways.

This morning brought me back to the early 80's when Regan was elected. I remember Regan getting elected vividly. I was about my kids age and my parents were in the military (like we are) and stationed overseas in England. We came down stairs for school and you would of thought by all the excitement that Dad had just gotten promoted....to General! I can still hear my Mom's voice "Ronald Regan is going to be our new President!!!", she was giddy, down right ecstatic which made me happy even though I had no idea who the man was! My Mom told me I could write a letter to him and if I mentioned that my Dad was in the military I might get a response back. I did so promptly and when I got the letter back from them I truly believed THEY wrote it.

The kids were excited this morning and I believe it was because I was excited. I told them how important this was. How they were witness to the first African American (Black) President Elect. They have learned about the civil rights movement, their Grandparents are from the South and lived through it. They have learned about MLK in school. I don't know if they really grasped it though and I don't think that's bad. I mean, how great is it to raise a generation who can't imagine the thought of all people not being equal!

The kids had questions about the Obama's kids. I told them that their youngest was their age and that thrilled them. "I bet if you write them and tell them your Dad is in the military and you live in Italy that they will write you back." I suggested. All three had a letter done before we left for school. Funny how history repeats its self!

Only in America!!!!

Erin

That Dreaded Conversation

2008-10-28T12:36:00.005+01:00

Warning...the following blog might be too graphic for some of you, okay, I know there are only two of you out there that actually read this...but still, you might want to look away and not read.

So, last night was dinner as usual at the Guerin house hold. We couldn't wait any longer for Mark to get home so we started with out him. There was the usual, "oh, I don't like this", "why do we always have to eat meat" complaining. I'm to the point where you eat what I make and don't you dare complain. Then, out of left field Riley asks what does "sexy" mean. Well, dear, it's a way that adults may dress once in a while. "Does Daddy think you are sexy in those jeans?". I chuckle (mostly because my jeans are at least 3 years old with holes) and tell her that sexy is just not in Moms wardrobe. Sexy would be showing your belly, or your boobs showing a little too much. The word boobs got a lot of laughs and I even think Marshall spit milk through his noes.

The conversation should of ended right there. But no. Grace then says, "Sexy is not the same as sex though.".....this is where you should probably stop reading and just walk away. Okay, stay calm. Don't freak out. They are only seven and still so innocent. Surely she doesn't know what sex is and I can think of something to reply to her.....thinking of something to say.....still thinking of something to say. Ummmmm, well "What have you heard about it". I thought in my little head that this was the best thing to say, you know, putting the ball back in her court. Oh, how silly of me. I was not prepared to hear what her response was.

We were raised Catholic, not that that is a bad thing. But both of my parents were raised Catholic and came from "old fashioned" families. Therefore when they became parents they followed suit and didn't explain the birds and bees to us. I still to this day cannot imagine asking them what sex was. My parents approach to sex was to wait until one of us came home pregnant and even then the talk was minimal!! I want to be more open and talk comfortably about this with my kids....when they are about 25! So, how at 7 do they even know the word "sex". God knows it's not from the TV they watch, or the music they listen to. Where did they pick it up...the little shit across the street...the same little shit who had Marshall in a choke hold a few months ago. I'm sure it will be this same kid to tell them the real story about Santa.

So, Grace says to me (you might want to cover your ears) "He said it was when two people get naked and rub their privates together". Marshall starts to gag at this point and Riley looks like a dear in the headlights. Grace follows that up with "I told him that was gross and my mommy and daddy didn't do that". Okay at this moment I wanted to agree with Marshall and just stop the conversation. I was channeling Andrea, I knew she would have the right words and reaction for this. I stayed calm and went on to tell them that was kind of right and it was suppose to sound gross to them right now. Sex was for adults who were like 35. Not a year sooner either.

They were throwing questions at me left and right. Just where in the hell is my husband! Why am I doing this alone!!!!! Marshall wanted to know if you did it at your house or in the grocery store (no kidding), if a girl wanted to but he didn't would he still have to (ha, didn't have the heart to tell him that would probably never happen). Grace wanted to know if you had to take all of your clothes off for it...(nope and it's best if all the lights are off and windows closed). Riley begged them to stop asking questions, thank you little girl, I owe you big.

I told them it was important to talk to us about this and not the kids at school. That sometimes what kids tell them is not true and if they want to know they can just ask us...preferably not at the dinner table or while company is over.

When I took them to school Marshall gave me a kiss and told me not to worry he wouldn't talk about that "naked stuff" today. Thank you, Son. So, that's sex-ed at 7. Ummm, please tell me someone has gone through this too? This is normal right?

ciao,

Erin

Venice Pictures

2008-10-10T16:56:00.002+02:00

I was finally able to upload the new Venice pictures to flickr, go on over to http://flickr.com/photos/29548690@N03/ and take a look. I have to say pictures can't capture all of it, you'll have to come see for yourself!

We are doing fine around here. Marshall really likes his new class and teacher. He starts Karate next week. Riley also found a spot in the gymnastics class that begins in a week and Grace will continue with Yoga until a spot in gymnastics opens for her. Both girls are doing Brownies but I'm not sure how long I will keep them in that. Seems very unorganized and nothing ever gets done. It's a new troop and leaders so we'll see.

Riley declared this morning, "It's my body and you can't tell me what to do".....huh, what did you just say!!! No kidding. Those were her exact words. She had changed her clothes and was wearing green terry cloth capri's, a black t-shirt with blue/purple hearts and purple crocks on her feet. I very nicely said that she had to change because her clothes didn't match and she came back with that reply. I was so dumbfounded I let her walk out the door in the damn outfit. Pray hard now for what the future may be!

We have a three day weekend for Columbus day....and because he was born in Italy (Genoa) the Guerins feel it is our duty to celebrate this great explorer who founded America...or not, I know he got lost and was greedy, but we would like to celebrate him anyway by taking a few days away and relaxing! We're off to Verona for two days tomorrow (home of Romeo and Juliet). It's about 120 miles away. We're staying at the Hotel Aurora (http://www.hotelaurora.biz/) that is a few steps away from Juliet's balcony. The second largest arena (next to the Colosseum in Rome) is here. During the summer they still do operas in it. And I want all of you to know that we are doing this trip as research for when you all come to see us. That way we know the where and what to do....strictly research!

Hope you all have a nice weekend!

Ciao

Erin

Venice

2008-09-28T14:34:00.001+02:00

We decided to try out Venice yesterday. It's intimidating....such a "small" place over run by tourists. We thought we had been here long enough and have gone to so many places that we were ready for it. Well, Venice kicked our butts and sent us home poor.

We took the train from Sacile, about 20 minutes from the house. It's an hour long ride and we didn't have to change trains. Cost-32 Euro, about $45 round trip. Everyone we have talked to advises that we take the train because there is no where to park. So the train was pretty uneventful. The kids liked it and as we got really close and could see the water and the outskirts of the city they were thrilled.

The train station at Venice was a nightmare!!!!! It was unbelievably busy, packed full of people. We hustled over to the bathroom, waited in the line that took forever and paid 5 Euro, about $7 for all of us to go. That's right, we had to pay. Who cares, we thought. We are in Venice and we were ready to explore it.

Our plan was to take it easy and just go to Piazza San Marco. We would go in the church, the bell tower and some of the shops. We knew we were one of the lucky ones who didn't need to get it all done in one day because we could come back. Just take our time and enjoy it, right??? We got out of the train station and it was glorious!!! The Grand Canal was right in front of us. The pastel painted buildings across the water, gondolas effortlessly carrying people around, tourists meandering across the small bridges. It was exactly what you picture it to be.

Okay, on our way to San Marco, which happened to be on the other end of the Grand Canal. We talked to the information booth and we were told it was a 45 minute walk or we could take the water taxi down there for 35 Euro for the five of us....one way. So round trip would be 70 Euro, about $105. Forget that. We're frugal, cheap, determined to walk it. We got a map and away we went.....for about an hour... in circles. Thank the Lord the weather was nice because otherwise the kids wouldn't of made it. It was beautiful but we weren't getting anywhere. It was time to regroup and eat our lunch that we brought. Okay, we were going to have to pay for the water taxi other wise we would never make it.

We coughed up the dough and got on the taxi. For all the money we paid I'd have to say it was worth it. The ride was just breathtaking. Every sense you have is over stimulated. The canal is complete chaos. There were no right of ways; gondolas, taxis, private boats all moving hap-hazardly in the water. I was so thankful the beauty kept my attention or else I would of been fearing for our lives.

Thirty minutes later we arrived. It was a short walk to the Piazza. Now, I'm sure like most of you I have seen this Piazza several times in books and on TV. When we came around the corner it was so intense, really took my breath away. Although the tourist season is officially over it was still very crowded. The lines for the Basilica and Tower were so long. People crowded the square. But look, there is a beautiful and very inviting cafe with about, oh I'd say 200 empty chairs. There is a lovely piano and violin player there to serenade the guests. Perfect, just in time for our cappuccino stop. Mark took the kids in to get gelato and I ordered up two cappuccino. I took in a deep breath and almost cried, really. I AM IN VENICE!!!!!!!! I thought of each and every person I know and wished they were with us at that moment. We enjoyed our drinks and looked at our bill. Ahhh hemm?? I choke and panic. There must of been a mistake. Oh no. Mark is going to flip out. What the hell was going on. Was this a joke? Are we on candid camera??? Suddenly I understood why all of those people in the square were not sitting at this cafe and why there were 200 empty chairs. Our cappuccino's cost us 10 Euro EACH!!!! That's about $30 for two drinks. YUP. We missed the big sign that said "Bend over, your about to get *&%##@". Gulp. We paid and left in a hurry.

We didn't wait in the lines for the church or tower, not with the kids. It would of taken too long. We decided to walk through the the back streets and just get lost. It was great. The Murano glass is beautiful to look at here and all over. There were also great clothing stores, Valentino, Gucci, Prada, Chanel....If I hadn't spent so much on that cappuccino I might of been able to afford the 5,000 Euro dress in Valentino's window. I did pass Uma Thermon on her way to all those lovely stores, I'm sure she picked herself up few of those lovely things.

We made it back onto the water taxi as the day got a little cold and cloudy. We all were beat on the train ride home. This is how I summed it up in my head:

Train ticket for 5 $45
Water taxi $100
Bathroom breaks $10
Cappuccinos $30
Gelato $6
Knowing that you can come back as many times as you want because you're not a tourist, you actually live here.........PRICELESS!!!!!!

I have great photos to share but will have to post those later!

Ciao
Erin

Padova

2008-09-05T13:01:00.013+02:00

On Monday we drove over to Padova, about an hour and a half away. Getting into the city center was hectic but we managed to find a place to park. We're noticing that parking is an issue everywhere we go and it's never free. The more into the center of town you drive the narrower the streets become...not very exciting when you've got an over sized car that screams "HEY I'M AMERICAN" and a husband who's frustrated that you won't turn down certain streets when the GPS is telling me to because I am convinced we won't fit. So you can imagine how thankful I was to find a place to park right next to where we were going! Yeah for me!

Our plan was to go to the Botanical Gardens, it's the oldest garden in Italy, but they were closing for lunch. We headed over to the piazza which was beautiful. It was a huge circle with grassy spots to sit, a water moat around it and huge statues circling it. Great place for our lunch. Then we stopped at the fruit market and learned the hard way that you don't pick up your own fruit here, you point to what you want and they bag it up for you. The guy was pretty annoyed at Mark for squeezing every peach he had. Lesson learned.

Then we went over to St. Anthony's Basilica. It's where the patron saint of all lost things is burried. It was unlike anything I had ever seen. I would have to believe that even non-relegious people would be wow'd by this. We walked in and Grace says in a whisper, "Now this is what I have been waiting for!". We all were just blown away at the three garden courtyards, the paintings throughout the church and ceilings, the seven bronze sculptures on the alter by Donatello himself. We were just in awe. They had a special spot for St. Anthony (naturally, it's his place after all) that you could go up and touch his tomb and say a prayer if you wanted. Marshall aksed if he would be burried in a church like this...of course dear, you are a saint after all! There was some graffeti on one of the walls in the courtyard and Riley really got upset about it. She didn't understand why someone would do that in a church, good for her for being so aware of how wrong it was.

We then did our usual routine of finding a cafe for espresso and gelato. The kids got cioccalato and fragola (strawberry) gelato. I quickly noticed how handsome our server was...dreamy really. His dark brown hair with wavy curls on the end...oh Mama Mia. I imagined his name was Georgio. As he came over and delivered the ice cream I kind of lost myself for a moment. He leaned down, smiling "Uno cappucino for the Signora" (to make it real you have to slowly say it as you're exhaling, so that it like takes a minute to say it) oh my gosh!!! He just called me Signora!!! Oh my, I think he was flirting with me, with my husband and children sitting right there. I swear he was. Our eyes met and Graces words from earlier in the day echoed in my head "Now this is what I have been waiting for!" Amen to that sister! Hey if Mark can be forced to look at ta-ta's on the beach then I can have a moment with my server, right? Or maybe not. Suddenly I see my Georgio giving my husband his cappucino and leaning over him in a very conspicuous way. Sweet Jesus, my Georgio just turned into a Raphael...if you get what I'm saying! Surprisingly my very homophobic husbands gay-dar didn't go off but mine did. And just like that I realized there was no flirting. Well fine then! I didn't care anyway, really. Really. Lets just leave it alone, okay?After that we headed back across the street to St. Anthonys and I said a prayer for my lost ego.

It was still a pretty good day, I guess!

Ciao

Erin

First Day Jitters

2008-08-25T09:03:00.007+02:00

Today was the first day of school for the kids. Everyone was nervous, including Mom. Don't get me wrong, school needed to start or else someone was going to get hurt (probably me), but I was so nervous for them.

I tallied up all the schools I've gone to and it came up to seven. Seven times me and my sisters had to walk into a new school where we knew nobody and became the "new kids". I guess it's kind of normal for military brats to do this but it's certainly never easy. All of those first day nerves came back to me today. I reassured the kids that there were going to be many new kids today, not just them, but I could tell they didn't care. They felt that pit in their stomach. All of the "what if's".

All of the students met in the cafeteria and found the table with their teacher's name on it...caos at its best. Oh God, please just let us be back at Crestview, is what I was praying for. I want to walk up my familiar grounds and see my familiar people. I want to walk to school with Jennifer, Mary, Kristen and all the kids. I want to see Marshall and Scott run to eachother and be so excited to be in the same class again. I want to ask Tonya about Jordans first day of High School and see what kind of embarrassing scheme she had concocted. Everyone would be just going crazy about how cute little Madie looked at Kindergarten and Katie would bring a little stuffed animal with her to drop off her big brother. I want to talk with everyone about their Summer and say hello to Dr. Faulk...and all of the teachers that we miss so much. Instead I entered a room full of teachers, parents, and students and knew non of them. No hello's, no hugs, no making plans with others. Total strangers around me. What must the kids be thinking? What was the conversation they were having in their heads?

Finding three different tables in the cafeteria at Aviano Elementery School was not where I wanted to be....neither did the kids. But I'm the Mom and I can't crumble and become a big pile of tears on the floor infront of them. So, off we went to find our spots. Each one at a different table, me running back and forth trying to reassure them they would be fine. Trying to say hello to the teachers, reminding them that my kids won't be riding the bus and I will be picking them up after school....this is their first clue that I am an over-protective, worrisome mother (I'm not ashamed either!!!!!). Kindly reminding them that they need to take care of my babies. I'll have to let Marshall's teacher know what a tender heart he has and how he is terrified of fire drills. Riley's teacher will have to be reminded that she needs to sit next to good kids and that she needs a lot of positive reinforcement. I'll tell Grace's teacher what an eager learner she is and how easily intimmidated she can get. I'll also let them know that they will never yell or threaten my kids...ever. These kids are special....right. Oh God, please make these teachers the right ones for my kids.

Hugs and kisses to everyone and off they went. Off to learn new things, explore their classrooms, meet new and wonderful kids. One more notch in their belt as military kids. One more school for them to grow to love.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Michael starts college classes today. Pray for his Mom, Andrea. She will be feeling the "empty nest" for sure. Both of her kids are going off to college this year. I wonder if she has to walk them to their teachers as well, I'll have to ask!!

Enjoy the pictures below!
Ciao
Erin

New Pictures

2008-08-20T12:29:00.002+02:00

I've posted pictures on Flickr. Go on over to http://flickr.com/photos/29548690@N03/sets/ to see pictures from Jesolo and Trieste! Enjoy

Erin

When in Rome??

2008-08-14T21:01:00.009+02:00

We went to the beach the other day. It was a place called Jeselo, it's on the Adriatic Sea about an hour from here. It was beautiful. It's one of Italy's largest resort towns. Kind of made me think of Miami Beach and Avila Beach in California mixed together. The beach ran down as far as you can see in each direction and is lined with hotels and beach umbrellas. On the other side of the hotels is a "boardwalk" filled with restaurants, cafe's and arcades for the kids.

We some how found a place to park and headed in-between the hotels to the beach. Ahhh, it was sunny and warm and just felt great. It was crowded but we managed to find a nice little spot to plop our stuff down at and headed straight for the water.....which by the way was as warm as bath water. And then it happened. Oh dear. I had heard about this. I was warned but didn't think I would ever encounter it. My face went flush and eyes got wide. I couldn't believe it. Two twenty-something girls came over to our direction to set up their stuff....and um, well, they ah forgot to finish putting on the rest of their suits before they left the house. I'm sure their momma won't be happy.

Meanwhile I've got to do damage control and somehow alert my husband about the situation so we can divert the kids attention. Too late. Husband spots the ta-ta's and well, he was gone. Umm HELLLLLOOOOO, I gently say to him. He has once again lost his hearing and is unable to respond to me. At that moment all three kids see the ta-ta's. Great. One husband lost for the moment and three kids looking at me to explain. "No Riley, we won't do that. It's what some people do here but we won't"...okay, lets move on play in the water and have family time. Right? Everyone with me? Time stood still. The following is what everyone was saying in their minds (I'm a Mom and a mind reader):

Mark--"I love my wife, I love my wife, I love my wife"

Erin--"I should go over there and tell those girls they better appreciate those ta-ta's....and if I had enough money I might be willing to order a pair from my favorite plastic surgeon."

Marshall--"Wonder if I can recreate those with Lego's??"

Grace--"Hail Mary full of grace the lord is with thee (she is such a good girl).

Riley --"I don't know what the big deal is. When I'm 18 and in Panama City for Spring Break Mom won't be able to tell me no"

So, we all had our moment and really did move on....even Mark! Honestly, the great thing about the beach was anything goes! We had a great day.

We are off to Trieste on Saturday. It's a small town about an two hours away on the border of Slovenia...hopefully everyone will be fully clothed.

Ciao

Erin

Welcome!

2008-08-10T21:07:00.000+02:00

So this is my little attempt at a blog~more or less it's just a way to keep up with friends and family that are spread out from California to Maine...and many points in between. Hopefully I will get the hang of this and be able to post pictures and stories of what we have been doing!

You'll notice the picture of what I call "perfection" below. This is what I have begun to live for! What? You must be asking yourself. Doesn't she have the best husband and three wonderful kids that she lives for? Ha, yes I do. But with out this heavenly brew I wouldn't be able to make it through the day and keep everyone alive.

Anyway, keep this on your favorites page (I'm sure you'll want to!) and check back often to see what we have been up to.

Ciao
Erin