We've Been Home 2 Years!

 

Novmber 1. 2012

 

Two years ago we were came home with a little girl who was scared to death and even more frightened of our dog "Abbey".  The first few weeks were tough I admit.  They were frustrating because of the communication.  So we spent the next year teaching her English and now that she is in Kindergarten it is quite obvious we will spend a year teaching her how to be quiet.  It's always the opposite of what you need right?  What a joyful ride it has been.  Through  the good times and bad we wouldn't change it for the world.  Most days Luke will tell you the same thing.  You can see how she has grown (and Luke too).  I can't wait until they are 15 and I attempt to get them to take this picture!

November 1, 2011

 

November 1, 2010



Uncle Chip back at DUKE MEDICAL

We are back at the hospital with Uncle Chip.  Running tests and figuring out what the deal is with the liver and how to make it happy.  The updates are on the blog: 

http://www.mywarpedchildhood.blogspot.com

Thank you for your POSITIVE thoughts!

Hugs....



First Day Of Kindergarten

Today (August 28th) was Luke and Maran's first day of Kindergarten.  Since Mommy's life has been in "CRISIS MODE" lately I feel bad that I didn't feel so bad when I took them and left them.  They both said they had fun and that they met new friends but they couldn't tell me who the friends were... hey maybe we will catch those names when we go back Friday.

Since they got in bed so late the night before I was surprised at how well they both did in the am.  They both ate some breakfast and we were out the door in plenty of time.  My mother MADE us eat a full breakfast before we went to school EVERY DAY and it now kills me to eat breakfast.  I need to be up a while before I can get anything 'down the hatch'.  After some eggs were consumed and some bacon was played with we drank some juices and were out the door.  Below is the "ANNUAL" picture.  We started it in PRE-K.  I feel bad that my back to school flag was packed in our 'GET THE HOUSE READY TO SALE" stage and is in a PACK RAT POD.  So we had to stick with the summer flag of "HOT HOT HOT".

To a wonderful school year full of laughs, giggles, friendships...oh and I guess some learning too!

Twas the Night Befoe the First Day of Kindergarten

Let's hope the start of the "Night before the first day" is NO INDICATION of how the year will go. Today we were supposed to go to the movie but we ended up at my office all day.  The air was out at the office so it was hot but since I have been out for almost two weeks (one week of business trip and then a few days with my brother's surgery) I just had to. We left the office late and so dinner was late and it just got crazier from there.  So Luke and Maran were in bed almost two hours later than they needed to be.  I know BAD MOMMY PLANNING.  We'll just have to see how bad the morning is and go from there.  Here's to tomorrow night being a much earlier one... you can bet it will be!

Back to School -- Really?

August brings back to school among final summer wrap ups. I find myself trying to finish the "to do's" if you will.  We still need to hit Carowinds, the Columbia Zoo, Discovery Place Kids (again) and more pool time is a MUST!  School shopping is done and new lunch boxes are ready and waiting on the dining room table.

I need to figure out some "HEALTHIER LUNCH OPTIONS THAT WILL BE CONSUMED" and feel that I need to make sure my kindergartners can recite the alphabet backwards -- not really but I feel like we are behind. While I know we are not I still feel that way. I wonder if I have done a disservice by letting them be True Kids this summer and play over reviewing as much as we should have.  My "LETTER OF THE DAY" concept was a good one but it remained just that-- a concept.  Part of me just wanted them to be free if you will as I think this is indeed the LAST FREE SUMMER.  With Luke turning 6 in October and both of them starting Kindergarten on August 27th where has time gone?  I feel like our freedom is almost gone. Gone are the days of vacationing "whenever you want".  Gone for sure are the summers that "reviewing and keeping the mind fresh with new knowledge" is not a must.  I know we should have been better with the reviewing this summer but we had fun. We played games that reviewed numbers and letters and we picked out letters and numbers while traveling.  We read books and laughed and giggled.  It wasn't enough though. 

I am nervous about school. I am nervous for Luke  and Maran. I remember how hard life was as a young kid at times. I am scared that they will be teased and chastised.  Their mommy and daddy don't look like them and they are siblings and they don't look alike --with the exception that they are absolutely adorably cute.  I don't want them to feel hurt by others and on the same note embarrassed. I am fearful of the bullies.  As a bullied person (something I never talk about) I will do all in my power to ensure my children and others will not have to endure being bullied.  For now I have to wait and see how they handle situations and tell them every day what I was told "BE SWEET KIND & LOVING" ---  as well to be "NICE TO EVERYONE".  While that is often easier said than done it will continue to be instilled in my children as it was in me.  For now mommy needs to be a big girl and stop worrying.  Let them be what they are and let them grow and learn with us finding the right amount of "pushing".  

For those who are following our JOURNEY with my Brother Chip's L IVER TRANSPLANT please see my blog

http://www.mywarpedchildhood.blogspot.com

Our trip to DISNEY!

Disney heard that Luke & Maran were returning to the Magic Kingdom but they still weren't prepared.  Seven days of Geezer's at the parks was just about all Mickey & CO. could handle. 

While I am not one to PLAN details for a vacay I must say that this trip was different.  I am the type that goes on Vacation and the plan is "TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS.  Daddy decided that we were going to go to Disney and chose the time frame.  He told me that he chose the week that is typically the least crowded during the summer.  OK that made no sense to me but I said OK.  I mean Summer, Disney Least of the crowds? He then tells me that he must have read it wrong but that we are going on one of  the most crowded weeks of the summer.  REALLY?  You plan for us to go to DISNEY first of all during the summer and then on one of the most crowded weeks?  My feet already hurt thinking about it and I was already ready for every stroller to be thrown out of the park  of course except for ours... after all it is our vacation right?  It is about us right?  Yes it is and in fine Disney fashion the cast of Walt Disney World made us feel like it was all about us and the thousands of others that were there with us.  We were just one big hot sweaty family running over small children and grandmas with strollers.  Merrily we stroll along!

We opened up the park two mornings and closed it down one night.  The Disney EXTRA MAGIC HOURS (EMH)...you know you have to be in the proper lingo.....did us right.  Who says it can't be fun waking up at 6:00 am during the summer & while on vacation to open up the Magic Kingdom? All Disney property residents get to go into the park an hour early on certain days.  It is a cool concept but you have to plan. 

Since our "WE ARE GOING WHEN IT IS SLOW" turned out to be the opposite Daddy downloaded a DISNEY GUIDE for me to look at.  Immediately this "I SEE WHAT POPS UP ON VACATIONS AND TUCK & ROLL" kind of girl became somewhat short of Nazi about this trip.  Park plans were downloaded, new sneakers were broken in, complete Mickey attire donned and the adventure begins.  One EMH morning we had ridden six rides in 35 minutes & had acquired a Fast Pass for the coveted SPACE MOUNTAIN RIDE.  Turns out Luke & Maran loved it...despite us not knowing if they would but that wasn't going to stop us.  We were ALL going on that ride as we knew it would be cool us down.  It did ...as good as it could for somewhat smelly sticky water.  Hey... Disney can make you happy and want to tap your feet and make you have a nice you know what eating grin on your fact and you don't know really why.... but they couldn't take the heat away.  It is darn near impossible to go to Disney and not have fun.  If you can do it...then I question if your pulse is even working.  So for as much fun as we had riding many things numerous times and waiting in very few lines on one of the most crowded weeks the heat was tolerable and the $4.00 diet cokes were worth every cent we paid for them.  (Yes we did take our own stuff into the park but sometimes you just have to have a drink with ice in it...at least to keep my world happy you do).

We braved the rain that came down in sheets every day.  We covered the kids but chose to get wet ourselves (Like we had a choice).  Just can't understand those who want a rain poncho on them when it is 100 degrees outside and raining.  I have a limit to the amount of STICKY that adheres to my body and a rain poncho in sweltering heat doesn't come anywhere close to making the cut. We quickly realized that EVERY TIME we have been to Disney it rains so it was only appropriate for us to get a new Mickey antenna adornment.  Now Mickey has on a rain hat and jacket and rides on top of Gangsta'.

We laughed, played, got wet and rode lots of rides.  We had pirate and princess makeovers and we strolled around in strollers. Although I personally think five year olds are too old for strollers, this rule does not stick at DISNEY.  In fact, the kids can be 18 and I will have a stroller just to haul around the "STUFF".  My passive aggressive mommy stroller tactics had to come out and stay out at Disney but that's OK.  It was the worst of any issues we had so be it. 

Princess Make-Over

GRRRRR....

aargh...Matey!

We had so much fun that we left it all at the park.

We can only hope that Mickey is a part of your future plans.  It was so much fun and well worth the 'we are exhausted feeling' once we got home.  We look forward to doing it again in the colder months.  Until then we will "SEE YA REAL SOON" and keep a song in your heart and have a

ZIPPIDY DO-DA DAY!



Lil' Miss Sassy turns 5!

We woke up on the morning of Maran's birthday & the disbelief that she is 5 is unreal.  I tell her how I can't believe she is 5 and that she is growing up so fast.  She looks at me and says ........

"Mommy, it will be OK, you know I have to grow up...otherwise how can I ever become a Heart Doctor".   Well, there you go.  Happy Birthday to a cute 5 year old.  May a smile always be upon your face and love in your heart. 

Luke's GOTCHA DAY -- Five Years Later!

Today is GOTCHA DAY FOR LUKE --- the five years has flown by (well a larger majority of the days have so that's a good thing). The precious needy baby that we brought home is now independent for many things but still willing to give out more cuddles than imaginable. He is a very inquisitive five (almost six) year old and is so tender hearted. He still loves to hold doors open for others and say "after you" and grin. He is also still "all about Daddy". Trains are in just about every thought of his. We have moved on from Thomas but we are now into pointing out steamies and diesels and asking Daddy about how his NORFOLK & SOUTHERN Stock is doing (thanks to Poppop's generous stock gifts). He still wants to be an Engineer and work with trains. Next month he will start Kindergarten. He is excited about going to the school that mommy went to and the fact that it is across the street seems to be really cool for him right now. (I am sure that will change pretty fast though like it did for me).

For all the LOVE, HUGS, KISSES, SMILES and wonderful LUKE-isms we have gotten along the way we can still say that there is no other 'son' for us. He is as much a part of us as one can be. We are excited about the years to come and will continue to celebrate Gotcha Day every year. Today we went to get a PIRATE costume for our GOTCHA DAY GIFT and Luke chose CHILI'S as his dining place. He ate more salsa tonight than ever. FINALLY....the spicy Guatemalan side is coming out! Mommy has been waiting for him to 'love spicey' and it's coming.

To the next five years........ oh how they will fly by!

With Love and Hugs!!

July 26, 2007

July 26, 2012

We lost our First Tooth!

Yes, we are still here and doing very well.  Sorry it has been so long since we have posted.  LOTS of excuses... some of them good...most of them not.  Will try to do better.  Life has been a roller coaster for a number of months with most of the hills being good ones.

Maran lost her first tooth last night July 23, 2012. Daddy called me while I was shopping and asked "What happened to her tooth"?  I didn't know what he was referring too.  Apparently she lost a tooth and no one knew... NOT EVEN HER.  So it must have been a crunchy nugget.  That's all I can think.  NO tooth doesn't mean the tooth fairy won't still come with pixie dust in hand though!  (the gap on the left side of her mouth has always been there so that is NOT a missing tooth but it sure looks like one).

Stay tuned... we are FOR SURE going to catch up... that's a promise!!

SO MUCH CATCHING UP TO DO....

Just because you take a hiatus doesn't mean you are more organized or have better control.  WE ARE BACK THOUGH.... I wanted to make a NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION that included BLOGGING ONCE A WEEK but... It is April and this is the first.  OH WELL...another reason I don't make resolutions.

IN A QUICK UPDATE:

1.  School is going well.

2.  WE LOVED the holidays and had a great time.

3.  We enjoyed a long weekend in New York City for Mommy's birthday...(PICTURES TO FOLLOW).

4.  Follow up Dr. visit with Maran shows foot doing as well as it can but the bones need to grow some more and hopefully straighten up which means we wait and see. 

5.  Our house is for sale as we have found another one that we love.  Mommy and Daddy spent six weeks going through all the "STUFF" and it is now on the market.  (Basically we have the essentials left in the house and have all but packed it up).

6.  Maran LOVES DANCE.

7.  Luke and Maran are on the same T Ball Team (The Yankees)

8.  We went to Carowinds for the first time.

9.  We had a spend the night party with Aunt Peggy and Cousin Tefie.

10.  Maran's recital is coming up real soon and we are all ready!

Pre-K is going well.  Both of their little minds are like sponges.  Amazing how fast they learn and what they choose to retain (or at least admit).  Maran enjoys spelling and typing on the computer.  Luke still loves trains more than life and can tell you all about steamies and locomotives. 

Mom and Dad are still enjoying the innocence of this stage of life.  Each day is a blessing full of hugs, smiles, laughs, giggles and some tears.  Maran will one day make a good actress (actually a soap star) as her tears can come on like a light. 

God truly knew what he was doing when he made "FAMILY".

Hugs to all!

We are on a Cruise...

Be back soon with lots of pictures and stories!

Love and Hugs,

Mr. Snickerdoodle and Miss Sassafras

HOME EXACTLY ONE YEAR!

November 1, 2010 I arrived in North Carolina to dear friends and family.

When I went to my new home there was this big thing called a dog.  Her name was Abbey and she was a Golden Retriever and I was scared to death of her.  Now she is my buddy.

I was introduced to someone named Luke who is my brother.  I liked him at first, then I didn't and now some minutes I do want to play with him while others he is "JUST A BOY".  I have many wonderful cousins and a Nammy and Pop Pop that are the best people ever.  My Aunt Peggy spoils me, my Tia Lisa gives me loud toys and my Aunt Mary sends many surprises in the mail.  I am very blessed!

This was our first picture together one year ago today.

November 1, 2010

This is our picture today.  We have changed.  Deep down I love having a brother and I love playing with him. 

November 1, 2011.

Thank you for loving me!

Love and Hugs,

Maran

PS Do you want me to write your name for you because I now have mastered my name and I am starting to write everyone's name now. 

GOTCHA DAY...One year Later and Happy

Since we thought we would never get to China to get Maran it is unbelievable that we have been home a year. 

Many things have changed.  ALL FOR THE BETTER.  First, Maran brings an added light to our family.  Who knew? She has touched many and especially her cousin David.  I am sure he will not mind me using what he wrote about her.  Such wonderful words from a young man who understands without fail what agape is and that a home is a home, deserved by all and especially deserved by orphan children.  David and I always said that if we opened ONE person's eyes to adoption then we would be happy.  With Cousin David(our nephew), we pray for him a life of happiness, a loving family and lovely wife and with that many children if they are what he wants.  If he chooses for some of his to be adopted great.  If he spreads the word and advocates for this wonderful cause then hip hip hooray!  While we know adoption is not for everyone we are excited about the openness we have received especially from our young and loving nieces and nephews.  Cousin David, in turn, has been an inspiration to Maran.

Below is an excerpt from what Cousin David wrote.  He is referring to three people in particular in his life that have changed his life. The title of his story is 'GOD HUMBLING ME'. 

The final example is with my three-year-old cousin Maran Gieser. I wasn’t ready for Maran to change my life when my aunt and uncle adopted her in October 2010.

Now that Maran’s been in the States, I cannot believe how much joy she has brought me in just the few days I’ve spent with her. Last weekend at graduation, I couldn’t get enough of playing with Maran.

If you would have told me just last September that I would find Maran Gieser the cutest, cuddliest cousin, and be laughing and smiling nonstop when I was with her, I would have pessimistically countered

God humbles me all the time, and this is the way he’s humbled me most recently. Eller, Jack and Maran, thanks for hanging in there and being willing to love me, even if I didn’t have the best attitude at first. I love y’all, and I hope that I’ll do a better job of loving all people through the lessons that y’all have unintentionally taught me.

Instead of looking at all those hungry faces needing homes or adoptions on TV, I shouldn’t dismiss them but think, “That’s somebody’s Maran right there.”

One year later we have this:

A little China Doll who is

*beyond her years of being fluent in English
*ready to perform heart surgery sooner than later as she wants to be a heart doctor
*lover of hair bows
*lover of any and all foods placed before her.  She has yet to meet many things she doesn't like
*a caretaker
*everyone's friend
*teacher's pet (IN A GOOD UNDER COVER WAY)
*Daddy's little angel
*Mommy's little helper
*the office wrecker (She is like a one girl wrecking ball when allowed)
*Lover of the outdoors
*Portable Party
*tender hearted
*thinks family and cousins are better than rice and noodles and BELIEVE ME this is truly special
*fearless
*daredevil
*prissy
*loving
*huggable
AND A SOUTHERN GIRL HAS BEEN MADE

We LOVE:

Grits and Green beans
Banana Pudding and Fried Bacon 
Waffle House Waffles
Soup that has cooked all day
BBQ in any style, flavor and combination!

ONE YEAR AGO:

We spoke Chinese now we speak some Chinese (still trying to keep it with her) some Spanish, and LOTS OF ENGLISH.  We are also pretty good with sign language.

We had on a ragged dress and shoes that were three sizes too small on Gotcha Day.    Today we have what we need and some of what we want but we have learned fast that want and need are different.

We hoarded food.  We still do it some today but not as bad.

We weighed 17 pounds and we now weigh 36.  19 POUND GAIN.  While this is not good for many people this was VERY NEEDED and GOOD FOR HER.  (We were told she weighed 25 pounds)

We were 26" tall.  We are now 34" tall.

We had on a size 5 pair of shoes that should have been 8.  Now one foot is size 10 and the other size 9.

We don't have club feet nearly as bad.

We have eaten more shelled peanuts than you could imagine.

We have shared the love (Blowed kisses) to just about everyone we have looked at.

We have enjoyed Mother's Morning Out and rocked at Pre-K.

We have gotten in trouble.

We have cried to get our way out.

We have heard every day from mommy "Share the Love" and "Be a good Friend and Listener" as well as "I LOVE YOU".

We have shown the world how we can cry on demand.

We can charm you like there is no tomorrow.

We can use little girl "ANTICS" on you and once you figure it out you are hooked in our grasp.

We drink YOO HOO (the only form of Chocolate if you can call it that).

We still will not drink Milk but we will tell you that we like it.

We think cemetery flowers are "BEAUTIFUL" like mommies friend Duckie.

We feel that boo boos should have MANY BAND AIDES on them regardless of where the boo boo is located.

We KNOW that Santa watches us all the time and we know that mommy gets text messages from Santa when we are naughty.

We know that BU*T is a bad bad word and that SH*T UP is equally as bad and we will tell you if we hear you say it.  (EVEN IF YOU SAY IT IN A NON-NASTY WAY). 

We love singing Baby Jesus song. 

We love playing dress up.

We ARE HAPPY that the holidays are around the corner.

There are many more but the best is that Maran loves her family and she KNOWS she is loved.  She loves Luke the majority of the time and is a good playmate. She has already learned that it is often better to go ahead and share than to fight over "whose turn it is". 

Blessings in the form of children are so sweet.  Here we are one year later with a beautiful and smart child who we hope continues to love being here.  She often  refers to China as "MY CHINA" but she will also quickly tell you that she does not want to go back.  Some of the stories I have learned have allowed me to confirm that 100% she does not have to go back (meaning to the orphanage).  To visit --- ABSOLUTELY.  She will see her native country as much as we can take here there. I personally promise that I will enjoy it a lot more this time around!

Thank you for joining us on our ride.  It has not all been smooth and happy but it has been worth every emotion we have gotten from it.

From our Happy Family to yours......

HUGS and "SHARE The LOVE".

At the Fair enjoying my ONE YEAR in America! Dora  This Princess Chic is one of my favs!

Tweetsie Rail Road/ Remembering Summer Fun

If you grew up in North Carolina then you know about Tweetsie Rail Road.  LONG BEFORE Carowinds thought about existing we had Tweetsie.  Back in the day (and this is meant in all of the truest senses possible) it was a REAL THING (Yep, like Coke or Diet Coke for me) to get to go there.  You were super lucky if you got to couple it with an outing to "The Land of OZ" which has been closed for many years now but I hear it opens once a year on the anniversary of the Wizard of OZ.

We were looking for something to do that would be fun with the kids.  Since we avoid Chuckie Cheese like we attempt to avoid the latest 'bug' that is going around we decided a jump in the car to Boone, North Carolina would be the Best thing.  Again we didn't tell them where we were heading but Luke being the brilliant "I KNOW THIS SURPRISE STORY ALWAYS ENDS UP BEING TRAIN RELATED" figure it out pretty fast.  He was so excited about going as  usual.  In fact he is happy with riding the CATS metro system in Charlotte and could do so for hours on end. 

Half a day later we are still at Tweetsie riding the train and eating popcorn.  The other rides were nice and fun enough for them.  THEY REALLY LOVED Feeding the animals.  The goats tickled them to pieces.  You can feed them if you buy the seeds.  Maran would walk up to all of them.  Luke was a little hesitant with the pigs but he quickly warmed up.  They didn't have animals when I used to go to Tweetsie.  Or maybe they did and we just didn't "GO TO THAT PART".  The old chair lift is the same one that was there 40 years ago ( I think I remember it being there) and none of the wood has been replaced since then either.  The scrambler ride is there and it wreaks havoc on me now like no tomorrow.  David and I were both dazed when we got off of it. Surprisingly Maran did not get sick which was unbelievable because I thought for sure she would. 

Another fun Family Outing which created some fun memories and some really Cute Pictures. 

If you can go to Tweetsie... DO.  It's no five star amusement park but it is quaint and cute and just the speed that you may need on one of those 'slow moving' weekends.

ONE YEAR AGO WE LEFT FOR CHINA

365 days ago David and I left on a journey that we had no clue would make a mark on our lives in the way it did.  Sure we had adopted before and it was wonderful.  The hurdles that we endured were not so fun when adopting Luke and the ones we endured in getting Maran are now somewhat VAGUE. When we were living through them, however, they were gruelling and we thought we would honestly never make it through.  Truth be known the 'process' was much easier with Maran than it was with Luke because we didn't have as many hiccups.  It was simply 'luck of the draw' as this does not happen often during adoptions of any type.  SO ONE YEAR LATER David and I will still say that we were paid back for a somewhat simplistic paperwork process by having the 'travels that make you want to scream and yell like a wild fool'.  Our journey to Maran, albeit not easy and time consuming, was worth every ounce of what it took for us to get her.  We were delayed in San Francisco for many hours which caused us to miss connecting flights and essentially caused us to get to Beijing one day late.  So we paid for tours and hotels that we didn't get to go on which was fine.  We paid for another 'in case we get stuck here hotel' that we didn't stay in and so things like that just kept happening.  All in all we paid for three hotels that we never saw and two tours so ALL THINGS CONSIDERED NOT TOO BAD.  Looking back on it I can say it wasn't so bad but living it at the moment was just an inconvenience.  BUT AN INCONVENIENCE that was well worth it.  

Blessed we were to get to do so much and to have SAFE TRAVELS like we did.  Yes we were detained, delayed, told inaccurate information and all that but we survived and we made it in time to get our little girl. (Which the flight to go and get here was cancelled too).  So we got her and the rest is making history.  In a few days it will be GOTCHA DAY FOR MARAN.  365 days of pink laundry, little girl giggles and a child who adores her daddy more than anything.  A loving, caring and very nurturing toddler who is the life of the party is what she is.  She has touched us in many ways but she has touched many others in many ways too.  For this we are so happy.  Looking back at one year ago and our traveling journeys is fun and it has gone by so fast.  HOWEVER some days have been long! 

We are loving our family, loving life and loving what the future holds.  We are appreciative of the continued love and support that we get from our friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and the nice looks from strangers who see us at the mall.  We even appreciate the not so nice looks that we get from those who "don't understand" adoption and don't understand why we adopted from where we did.  It gives us the chance to smile at them and hope that maybe one day they will be enlightened to the fact that no matter where you are from or what you look like you deserve a home.  It is really that simple.  

In love with our children we are happy one year later to be a family who is living life to the fullest!

Hugs to all from "TEAM GEEZER"  (details on that later). 

 

Maran's School Day

When I pick up the kiddos from school I try to get them to tell me what they did during the day.  If I ask them what they learned I always get the standard "Nothing".  Makes you feel good about the money being spent BUT I KNOW IT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY and I do know that they are learning things.   Add to that the fact that they are used to being in Mother's Morning out for 4 hours and now their day is 7 hours. That's quite a difference in time.  Maran pipes up the other day after I asked what they "DID" at school versus what they "learned" and she said:

• Playground
• Lunch
• Naptime
• Oh and a Snack

There we have it.  The priorities of the day according to Maran.  What we would do with a day filled with such activities!  How innocent it is..... Can it just stay this way?

We Went to the DIXIE CLASSIC FAIR

We went to Nammy and Pop Pop's house and it was fun.  Nammy always has wonderful snacks and delectable treats that she has baked.  We decorated Pop Pop's scare crow and then went to the Dixie Classic Fair.  Loads of fun! 

Thomas the Train Outing in Bryson City, NC

...and here we go again off to another "Day out with Thomas". We didn't tell Luke and Maran what we were doing but told them we had to go to bed early...and I won't let you know how that worked out for us.

Off we went at 8:45 in the morning to Bryson City. By far this is not a ghastly hour but when you have well over a three hour drive with two toddler of which one who gets deathly car sick you just have to prepare for it all. Dressed in their new Thomas outfits we hit Brueggers and then hit the highway. It is/was a nerve wracking drive. I felt like every three to seven minutes we were asking Maran if she was OK. Of course in our journeys we now have to plan for numerous car sick stops and we take the route that has the LEAST amount of 'Stop and Go'. So Route 66 basically has been replaced by I 85. It's no big deal but the 'waiting in anticipation for it to happen' is the worst. Last time it occurred I was able to tell. Not sure if it was my ONE AND ONLY PERFECT MOMMY MOMENT but the color in the face, the expression and all told the FULL STORY. We were able to get the bag (compliments of US AIRWAYS) front in center just in time.

We decided not to tell them until we got really close. Of course Luke had already pretty much figured it out. When Daddy handed him his new "THOMAS DAY OUT" hat it just confirmed what he already knew and had confirmed from the grimace on my face. Then Daddy gave them their lanyard's that allowed them to hang their ticket around their necks. The complimentary Thomas whistles never made it out of the bag and left the car and went straight to the recycle bin. Call me bad mommy and gasp in horror but how many whistles do you really need? Allow me to help you on this one..... WE DIDN'T NEED ANY MORE AT ALL". So there you have it and truth be known we never needed the first one that my sister felt so inclined to give to Luke a few years back.

Maran had ridden the POLAR EXPRESS at Christmas but had never ridden Thomas. She jumped up and down and put her hand over her mouth in awe of him. We had our pictures taken, went to all the stands to get the much needed stamps for the so called 'FREE GIFT' and sweat like there was no tomorrow. Finally it was our turn. We got on, we rode, we sang all the Thomas songs of which everyone stared at us as we even know the 'less popular tunes'. Luke and Maran immediately befriended the railroad attendant and collected their "Junior Conductor" certificate.

We walked around the quaint little town and checked out a Bed and Breakfast which will be perfect during the holidays for our Night time Polar Express ride. (We take Nammy and Pop Pop with us this time).

We ate lunch (late) at the Mexican restaurant and finally hit the road back to Charlotte. The train pulled back into the Charlotte station around 8 pm with two very tired conductors.

The surprise worked out well and we even got our "REPLACEMENT THOMAS FAMILY PHOTO".... it's about time. (To be posted on Main blog).

Keep on Chuggin'.......

Waiting for our ride on Thomas. 

Choo Choo! (Day out With Thomas July 31, 2011)

First Day of School

Luke and Maran were very excited about the first day of school.  Getting them up two hours earlier than what they were used to was not as hard as we thought.  Of course we started them going to bed early about a week before so it wasn't horrific. It was worse for mommy.  I was really nervous about the drive and not knowing how long it would take although we mostly go against the traffic flow.  I wondered if they (mostly Luke) would throw a fit when I drove up and they had to get out of the car.  The drop off was easy.   The hardest part was the 16 minute wait in the parking lot.  We had a great talk and once again I told them what I did every morning of Mother's Morning Out..."Be a good friend and a good listener".  Then we did our knuckle buster, lock it and blow it up handshake and our 'TEAM GIESER' cheer.   

After drop off I pulled around the corner of the school and thought 'wow that went well' and then I immediately decided that I didn't know how I felt about it.  I kept driving though.  I then figured it was a good morning to have some breakfast (not a breakfast fan am I) so I did.  After getting to the office I kept wondering how they were doing.  Our information packet said that we could call and see how they were doing and it was all I could do to not call. 

The teacher said to be in carpool line at 2:20.  I left the office and was in line at 2:07.  (Timing definitely had to be worked out).  I waited for what felt like an hour for them to come out. They came bouncing out and were so happy.  After loading the car they were both talking over each other and couldn't get it all out quick enough.  Luke showed me his stamp that he received and asked if he could eat his sucker.  I said yes.  I asked Marant if she wanted to eat hers and she said she didn't get one and Luke quickly said that she was 'bad'.  Turns out Maran didn't get a sticker either.  If I would have guessed the one who would have come home with 'no treats' it definitely would have not been Maran empty handed.  Luke is a very outgoing gregarious fella who often ends up in the wrong place and enjoys being the 'fun one in the group'.  (Not sure where this comes from.......).  The story continues to grow on what exactly happened and if any of the portions of it were true then I am pretty sure I would have heard from the teacher.  Who knows what did or did not happen but one thing is for sure the 'over pleasing' child in the group was the one who came home empty handed.  I kind of talk it up as Luke having a good day of  'not getting caught'.  He is not a bad little boy by any means he just likes to be somewhat of a prankster. Such a charming quality for a 4 year old. 

Here 's to hoping that the fun of Pre-K continues.  If it is anything like Day1 then this will be a very good year!

First Day of School for Luke and Maran in Pre-K ...the uniform will come later.