Six days (count them, 6) until Thanksgiving and all I have is the turkey. LOL. I'm gonna need a whole lot more than that to make a celebratory dinner. I haven't even talked 'turkey' yet with mother in law, who I am hoping will help me with the bulk of the meal prep for T-day.
As for my guests, they are still in the works. I know for sure Hubby's aunt will come... but she is my only confirmed guest. And like mother in law, I haven't talked to her about the details of her dish yet (I am asking everyone to bring a dish). Her and mother in law are pretty busy this week, what with them going on vacation on all. They just got back from Jaco and they are heading to Guanacaste to an uncle's 50th wedding anniversary tomorrow. Once mother in law gets back and settles down, I'll talk 'shop' with her. And confirm the guest list.
I need to run around this weekend (and next week) and pick up my ingredients for my dinner and prep the turkey for roasting. Oh, and I plan to do some crafts with the kids too, to make the house look festive for the occasion. Wish me luck. I have NEVER made a Thanksgiving meal in this capacity before. I just hope all goes well.
Friday, November 20, 2009
A Christmas Special
Boobie had his Christmas pageant/program/concert at school today. The fact that he will not be returning to this school made this Christmas program a little bitter sweet. Yes, I was bitter due to recent events, but the program was 'oh so sweet', with a cherry on top. It's activities like these that made me start to warm up to the school, yet, alas, he will not be attending next year to enjoy such marvels.
It was his first Christmas program/school event of this kind since we've lived here, so I was pretty excited and took tons of pictures and some video. The last time Boobie participated in a similar activity was in kindergarten (he played Chief Massasoit in a Thanksgiving Special).
I was told to have Boobie dress as Joseph (you know, Jesus's earthly father; Mary's supposed 'baby daddy'). I was pretty stoked. But I was at a loss at what to do about a costume. Thankfully, I have my Christmas Carols CD and took the picture from the cover of the 2 kids dressed as Mary and Joseph as inspiration (thanks Boobie, he's the one that pointed that out to me).
I figured, going off the picture, that I could have Boobie wear my red robe and then improvise on the rest of the garb. Big fat NO on that idea. Thank goodness mother in law came to my rescue and within no time flat, whipped up a Joseph costume so good, Boobie actually looked like he stepped out of one of Da Vinci's paintings.
The Christmas program was great. I enjoyed every minute of it (I'm a mom, of course I did).
Here are a few pictures to delight your eyes.
(Check out some of the costumes... some of these parents went ALL out.... geez).
Good job guys. Well done!
It was his first Christmas program/school event of this kind since we've lived here, so I was pretty excited and took tons of pictures and some video. The last time Boobie participated in a similar activity was in kindergarten (he played Chief Massasoit in a Thanksgiving Special).
I was told to have Boobie dress as Joseph (you know, Jesus's earthly father; Mary's supposed 'baby daddy'). I was pretty stoked. But I was at a loss at what to do about a costume. Thankfully, I have my Christmas Carols CD and took the picture from the cover of the 2 kids dressed as Mary and Joseph as inspiration (thanks Boobie, he's the one that pointed that out to me).
I figured, going off the picture, that I could have Boobie wear my red robe and then improvise on the rest of the garb. Big fat NO on that idea. Thank goodness mother in law came to my rescue and within no time flat, whipped up a Joseph costume so good, Boobie actually looked like he stepped out of one of Da Vinci's paintings.
The Christmas program was great. I enjoyed every minute of it (I'm a mom, of course I did).
Here are a few pictures to delight your eyes.
(Check out some of the costumes... some of these parents went ALL out.... geez).
Good job guys. Well done!
Can You Believe This?
So yesterday afternoon, I get a call from Boobie's school. It's the secretary. She called to inform me that the director does not want Boobie to return next year so not to bother to pay the tuition or enrollment fee. OOOOOOOOH KAY!!!!! What The Fick!!! Seriously... is this something you do over the damn phone.... what were they expecting me to say... how was the conversation supposed to go....
School: "Hello, yes, by the way, we don't want your kid back next year so don't bother paying the 'matricula or 'mensualidad' (basically, we're not accepting his application for re-entrance)."
Me: "Ok, that's fine. Thank you and have a good day." Yeah.... No!
With such potentially devastating news, and drastic measures, why not call and set up a meeting first to discuss things?
Oh and the reason for not wanting my son back: his conduct. Bull.
Boobie is just doing typical kid stuff; talking in class, playing around, not listening. I know he can be difficult, so I am NOT excusing his behavior. But he's not violent, not fighting with kids, not threatening the teachers. He is a 9 year old BOY! HELLO! Is him misbehaving a little too much a reason to essentially kick him out of the school? I guess it is.
For a Christian school, they sure have no tolerance. What about second chances..... let the kid have another go... another year to prove himself. I have an inkling that Boobie being asked to not return to the school has something to do with the fact that we don't have a church or attend church regularly. The problem child has no God in his life. Whatever!
Well, I met with the director today. So did father in law (not sure how his meeting went as we met with her separately, but I am pretty positive it went pretty much the same). I wasn't going to beg to keep my son in their school, but I just wanted some explanation, no matter how half-assed, of their reasoning for asking a child to leave due to conduct. I guess it's in the rule book, somewhere, that the school can refuse entrance due to many things, including a child's behavior. Bad conduct is cause for expulsion. Geez... give a kid an inch will ya?
She was very nonchalant about the whole situation, even about the phone call, saying that that is how they 'do things'. Yeah, a phone call... nice. Very professional. I am not mad, just disappointed (excuse my tone). BUT I am glad Boobie will not be returning next year. Things work out I guess.
Because I fear Boobie changing schools yet again (losing friends yet again), I did ask if there was anything we could do to keep him in the school. No. There was nothing. However, this was her suggestion: put him in another school for next year and then try to re-apply to their school again the following year. Yeah right. No thanks lady. I will not put my kid in a school that does not want him and might potentially label him a problem child. While Boobie was upset about the situation, he is excited at getting the chance to return to his old school... however, that is yet to be determined as we are still unsure what school he'll be attending next year.
It sucks to have to search for another school for Boobie, but I look forward to the challenge. And while I was against sending Boobie to this school in the first place, I was actually warming up to the school some. But I am not going to plead for my kid to stay in a school. There are a million schools out there... one will suit him just fine. I know there is a perfect fit for him somewhere. He's a kid, a sometimes difficult kid but, a good kid and no reason to ask not to have him back. It's their loss, I guess...
School: "Hello, yes, by the way, we don't want your kid back next year so don't bother paying the 'matricula or 'mensualidad' (basically, we're not accepting his application for re-entrance)."
Me: "Ok, that's fine. Thank you and have a good day." Yeah.... No!
With such potentially devastating news, and drastic measures, why not call and set up a meeting first to discuss things?
Oh and the reason for not wanting my son back: his conduct. Bull.
Boobie is just doing typical kid stuff; talking in class, playing around, not listening. I know he can be difficult, so I am NOT excusing his behavior. But he's not violent, not fighting with kids, not threatening the teachers. He is a 9 year old BOY! HELLO! Is him misbehaving a little too much a reason to essentially kick him out of the school? I guess it is.
For a Christian school, they sure have no tolerance. What about second chances..... let the kid have another go... another year to prove himself. I have an inkling that Boobie being asked to not return to the school has something to do with the fact that we don't have a church or attend church regularly. The problem child has no God in his life. Whatever!
Well, I met with the director today. So did father in law (not sure how his meeting went as we met with her separately, but I am pretty positive it went pretty much the same). I wasn't going to beg to keep my son in their school, but I just wanted some explanation, no matter how half-assed, of their reasoning for asking a child to leave due to conduct. I guess it's in the rule book, somewhere, that the school can refuse entrance due to many things, including a child's behavior. Bad conduct is cause for expulsion. Geez... give a kid an inch will ya?
She was very nonchalant about the whole situation, even about the phone call, saying that that is how they 'do things'. Yeah, a phone call... nice. Very professional. I am not mad, just disappointed (excuse my tone). BUT I am glad Boobie will not be returning next year. Things work out I guess.
Because I fear Boobie changing schools yet again (losing friends yet again), I did ask if there was anything we could do to keep him in the school. No. There was nothing. However, this was her suggestion: put him in another school for next year and then try to re-apply to their school again the following year. Yeah right. No thanks lady. I will not put my kid in a school that does not want him and might potentially label him a problem child. While Boobie was upset about the situation, he is excited at getting the chance to return to his old school... however, that is yet to be determined as we are still unsure what school he'll be attending next year.
It sucks to have to search for another school for Boobie, but I look forward to the challenge. And while I was against sending Boobie to this school in the first place, I was actually warming up to the school some. But I am not going to plead for my kid to stay in a school. There are a million schools out there... one will suit him just fine. I know there is a perfect fit for him somewhere. He's a kid, a sometimes difficult kid but, a good kid and no reason to ask not to have him back. It's their loss, I guess...
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Jingle Bells
I finally bought my first Christmas CD since I've been here. Hard to believe it took me so long to buy one, seeing how much I love Christmas and all it has to offer, including Carols.
The one I bought (and I agonized over my choice for some time) is a Christian children's CD. It has my all time favorite Christmas song, O Holy Night, along with a few other favorites like Joy To The World, The First Noel, Silent Night, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and We Three Kings.
I cannot wait to pipe that bad boy all throughout the house come December. Actually, I think I'll be playing it after Thanksgiving as I trim the tree, just to get into the whole spirit of things.
I played it as soon as I bought it, to feel it out and see if I liked it. Well, I do. It has songs on there I'd never heard of, but it's very Christmas-sy, so I give it a thumb up.
I am planning on buying at least 2 more to add to my collection. And I already know which 2 I'll get.
I guess I never bought Christmas cd's before because I HATE to spend money on cd's, especially when I can listen to music on the net for free. But with this computer, it's hard to hear the music outside the office and I want my house brimming with carols at Christmas time. I guess I can do both, I just have to get better speakers. But I am pretty excited about starting up a collection of Christmas cd's... for the time being, 3 is all I'll need to get me through the season. And for the price, I say it's well worth it.
The one I bought (and I agonized over my choice for some time) is a Christian children's CD. It has my all time favorite Christmas song, O Holy Night, along with a few other favorites like Joy To The World, The First Noel, Silent Night, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and We Three Kings.
I cannot wait to pipe that bad boy all throughout the house come December. Actually, I think I'll be playing it after Thanksgiving as I trim the tree, just to get into the whole spirit of things.
I played it as soon as I bought it, to feel it out and see if I liked it. Well, I do. It has songs on there I'd never heard of, but it's very Christmas-sy, so I give it a thumb up.
I am planning on buying at least 2 more to add to my collection. And I already know which 2 I'll get.
I guess I never bought Christmas cd's before because I HATE to spend money on cd's, especially when I can listen to music on the net for free. But with this computer, it's hard to hear the music outside the office and I want my house brimming with carols at Christmas time. I guess I can do both, I just have to get better speakers. But I am pretty excited about starting up a collection of Christmas cd's... for the time being, 3 is all I'll need to get me through the season. And for the price, I say it's well worth it.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
I Lost A Shoe
I went jogging on Monday. Since mother in law isn't here and father in law was heading out, I had to take the kids with me. I hadn't taken them jogging with me in some time so I was a little hesitant. But I didn't want to miss my jogging day so I strapped them in the stroller and off we went.
Well, I was proud of my jog. It was the first time I had jogged without stopping while jogging with the stroller. I mean, I stopped maybe twice but not stopping really until I hit 'heartbreak hill' and just had to give my legs a break. After I started up again, on the stretch home, Princess woke up crying because she had lost her shoe. *Sigh*
I couldn't believe it. I hadn't even noticed when she lost the shoe. I tried to re-trace my steps but I decided I would go back over my tracks on my way to drop Boobie off at swim practice.
Well, I walked back the way I jogged that afternoon and no shoe. My legs and feet were so tired, but I searched in hope yet in vain.
I was aching and I was so disappointed, I just about cried. But I had to remind myself that it was only a shoe so I wouldn't lose it. Who in their right mind, I kept thinking to myself, would take one shoe? I honestly thought I would have found it... but, alas, I did not. It really put a dark spot on my otherwise good day.
I wonder now, if I should have just missed my jog. Would it really have been so terrible. I could have made it up today... but I just didn't want to. If I hadn't gone jogging, I would have Princess's shoe now.... and they were nice ones too. The pink strap-py boots with the tiny purses on the side... shoes she had time to grow in still. Shoes she loved. Now I just hope I can find the same ones and buy another pair for her. *Sigh*
Goodbye shoe...... you will be missed.
Well, I was proud of my jog. It was the first time I had jogged without stopping while jogging with the stroller. I mean, I stopped maybe twice but not stopping really until I hit 'heartbreak hill' and just had to give my legs a break. After I started up again, on the stretch home, Princess woke up crying because she had lost her shoe. *Sigh*
I couldn't believe it. I hadn't even noticed when she lost the shoe. I tried to re-trace my steps but I decided I would go back over my tracks on my way to drop Boobie off at swim practice.
Well, I walked back the way I jogged that afternoon and no shoe. My legs and feet were so tired, but I searched in hope yet in vain.
I was aching and I was so disappointed, I just about cried. But I had to remind myself that it was only a shoe so I wouldn't lose it. Who in their right mind, I kept thinking to myself, would take one shoe? I honestly thought I would have found it... but, alas, I did not. It really put a dark spot on my otherwise good day.
I wonder now, if I should have just missed my jog. Would it really have been so terrible. I could have made it up today... but I just didn't want to. If I hadn't gone jogging, I would have Princess's shoe now.... and they were nice ones too. The pink strap-py boots with the tiny purses on the side... shoes she had time to grow in still. Shoes she loved. Now I just hope I can find the same ones and buy another pair for her. *Sigh*
Goodbye shoe...... you will be missed.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!
Boy was it chilly today. No, I don't think that's the right word. It was downright COLD! I actually needed a COAT.
Granted it's not Boston cold, but damn, it was so cold, I had to keep the kids inside most of the day since both Fatty and Princess are battling colds. I didn't even give them their showers yet... just a quick wipe down and a change of clothes.
I am used to this kind of weather in October in Costa Rica, but mid November, I dunno. I knew winter had taken it's time, but now, it is in full force.
Luckily, we don't get snow. But what a day it was. Hardly any sun, gray skies for miles, winds that chilled to the bone. Yeah, it felt like a crisp autumn day in New England, yet we are in Costa Rica, a tropical country. Honestly, I kinda like days like today, sometimes. There was hardly any rain, and it just reminded me of my days back in Boston. I didn't have much to do or anywhere to go, so a cold day stuck inside is sometimes a nice change of pace.
I look forward to this weather now as the holiday season rushes in. Cool weather gets one in a festive state of mind. Plus, cold weather now and again is a nice change from all the heat. I just hope come January, it warms up again.
Granted it's not Boston cold, but damn, it was so cold, I had to keep the kids inside most of the day since both Fatty and Princess are battling colds. I didn't even give them their showers yet... just a quick wipe down and a change of clothes.
I am used to this kind of weather in October in Costa Rica, but mid November, I dunno. I knew winter had taken it's time, but now, it is in full force.
Luckily, we don't get snow. But what a day it was. Hardly any sun, gray skies for miles, winds that chilled to the bone. Yeah, it felt like a crisp autumn day in New England, yet we are in Costa Rica, a tropical country. Honestly, I kinda like days like today, sometimes. There was hardly any rain, and it just reminded me of my days back in Boston. I didn't have much to do or anywhere to go, so a cold day stuck inside is sometimes a nice change of pace.
I look forward to this weather now as the holiday season rushes in. Cool weather gets one in a festive state of mind. Plus, cold weather now and again is a nice change from all the heat. I just hope come January, it warms up again.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
We Needed An Outing
2x1 Pizza ball pit
2 medium pizzas, 1 order of 2 round garlic breads, a pitcher of Horchata
Pizza face
YUMMY!
Ball Pit
Climbing up high
Playing alone
Playing together
Enjoying life!
Running away... typical Princess.
The kids needed an outing.... and not just to the grocery store. Today presented itself to be a perfect day for a family outing (well, minus Hubby since he was at work).
The day started out cold and drizzly, but it soon warmed up with bountiful blue skies, wispy white clouds and a warm sun. Boobie had a half day at school due to 'the mini-Olympics. Plus, he received rave reviews from his teacher. Yes! FINALLY! Boobie was working in class and behaving himself at long last. He deserved a treat, don't you agree.
So after the mini-Olympics, and a well needed nap (for both Fatty and myself), we bundled up (it had turned just a tab bit chilly again) and headed out to Nova Centro to 2x1 Pizza.
This pizza place is pretty cool and Boobie had been wanting to go there and play for some time... we'd been before but never actually stayed any length of time.
As I placed our order for pizzas and an order of garlic bread, the kids played in the play space. It was an enjoyable time.... no tantrums, no yelling, no fighting.
The prices at this place are ridiculous, in a good way. My order was for 2 medium pizzas, which came with a pitcher of your choice of a natural drink (I chose Horchata). I also got to pick any topping I wanted for the pizzas for just c5.000 or roughly $8.62. The order of bread sticks were 2 round and nicely toasted 'pan de ajo' that was just a mere c600, just over a dollar. You cannot beat their prices. And their pizza isn't half bad either. Not gourmet, but still some good eats.
I ordered cheese for the kids and Tex Mex for myself (ground beef and jalapenos and onions). The Horchata was a tad too sweet but still good, and the place was virtually vacant so we had it pretty much all to ourselves, which was nice.
After lunch, we headed over to Mas x Menos and browsed the toy and Christmas sections. Boobie, for all his hard work trying to make amends in school, was rewarded with a toy, while I treated myself to a nice decorative Christmas votive holder and potato peeler.
Outings like these, simple yet fun, are what it's all about. No in depth planning, just a day where we hop in a taxi and head out for some good food and a little shopping.
2 medium pizzas, 1 order of 2 round garlic breads, a pitcher of Horchata
Pizza face
YUMMY!
Ball Pit
Climbing up high
Playing alone
Playing together
Enjoying life!
Running away... typical Princess.
The kids needed an outing.... and not just to the grocery store. Today presented itself to be a perfect day for a family outing (well, minus Hubby since he was at work).
The day started out cold and drizzly, but it soon warmed up with bountiful blue skies, wispy white clouds and a warm sun. Boobie had a half day at school due to 'the mini-Olympics. Plus, he received rave reviews from his teacher. Yes! FINALLY! Boobie was working in class and behaving himself at long last. He deserved a treat, don't you agree.
So after the mini-Olympics, and a well needed nap (for both Fatty and myself), we bundled up (it had turned just a tab bit chilly again) and headed out to Nova Centro to 2x1 Pizza.
This pizza place is pretty cool and Boobie had been wanting to go there and play for some time... we'd been before but never actually stayed any length of time.
As I placed our order for pizzas and an order of garlic bread, the kids played in the play space. It was an enjoyable time.... no tantrums, no yelling, no fighting.
The prices at this place are ridiculous, in a good way. My order was for 2 medium pizzas, which came with a pitcher of your choice of a natural drink (I chose Horchata). I also got to pick any topping I wanted for the pizzas for just c5.000 or roughly $8.62. The order of bread sticks were 2 round and nicely toasted 'pan de ajo' that was just a mere c600, just over a dollar. You cannot beat their prices. And their pizza isn't half bad either. Not gourmet, but still some good eats.
I ordered cheese for the kids and Tex Mex for myself (ground beef and jalapenos and onions). The Horchata was a tad too sweet but still good, and the place was virtually vacant so we had it pretty much all to ourselves, which was nice.
After lunch, we headed over to Mas x Menos and browsed the toy and Christmas sections. Boobie, for all his hard work trying to make amends in school, was rewarded with a toy, while I treated myself to a nice decorative Christmas votive holder and potato peeler.
Outings like these, simple yet fun, are what it's all about. No in depth planning, just a day where we hop in a taxi and head out for some good food and a little shopping.
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