Our House on Heatherset Way

OK, for those who have been asking, I finally got around to taking and downloading pics of our house. We are settled in, for the most part, and really enjoy the house. We are looking forward to warmer weather, so we can get out and work in the yard and enjoy the backyard and deck. We finally got the grill working!! We bought an American grill, but had to get a British propane tank. It took several weeks of looking, shopping, returning and exchanging before we got the connections we needed and everything working. Tony finally got to cook on the grill tonight. Yum!

Our house is a very simple floor plan. Downstairs is a long hallway that runs the length of the house, with a small bathroom at the end of the hall. I have talked about the tiny bathroom before. The small sink reminds me of the ones you see on airplanes. To the right is the living room and kitchen and to the left is the dining room, stairs and garage, which has been converted into a laundry room/storage room. This is where we keep our computer, freezer, washer, dryer, scrap booking, art supplies, etc. This room is still a work in progress and will not be pictured today. :O) The dining room has sliding glass doors that connect to the deck and backyard. For Christmas, we bought an outdoor fireplace which we have enjoyed. On the far end of the yard is a small ornamental pond, complete with a fountain and fish. It is fenced off at the moment, but we have permission to take down the fence this spring, which will open up the yard alot. I'll wait for Spring before posted those pics. The kids think the pond is fun. Hope they will stay dry!

Upstairs is a landing area, with the family bathroom dividing the bedrooms. On the left is the guest bedroom (contains our futon and built-in closets) and Eric's room. On the right is Sarah's room and our very small master bedroom. Sarah finally got her pink room! All the bedrooms are the same size. We store Tony's chest of drawers in the extra bedroom. Since the bathroom contains no electrical outlets, we also use the futon room for Sarah and I to get ready in (hairdryer, curling irons, etc.) We do have closets in every room except for Eric's. He uses the futon room to hang up some clothes and store his extra shoes, etc.

We have had to downsize quite a bit, even after our big garage sale and the things we placed in storage before leaving the states. But we have managed to make it work. With a smaller house and less junk, it even manages to stay a little cleaner and clutter free. Tony is happy about that! So here it is, our little home sweet home. The guest room is waiting for you!!

We Love the Theatre!

As the days are still cold and the dark comes early, we have found there are still great ways to enjoy jolly 'ole England in the wintertime...go to the theatre. In the US, the theatre or theater may mean going to the movies, but in the UK the theatre is way more fun than that!

Over the Christmas break, Sarah and I invited a school friend, Taylor, and her mom to accompany us to see Beauty and the Beast. We loved it! We drove to Cambridge Park and Ride and got on a double decker bus for a trip into the city. We had a nice lunch at McDonald's. Sarah can't get over how nice and "fancy" the McDonald's are here in the UK. They are always very crowded, but nicely decorated and often two stories. The menu is slightly different, but you can always count on the fries and chicken nuggets (see http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk/). The musical was playing in a very old, but nicely restored building called the Corn Exchange (http://www.cornex.co.uk/ccm/cornex/2009/al-murray.en.) The musical started and Sarah was amazed. There was singing, dancing, costumes, special effects and a real live orchestra. We enjoyed British ice cream during intermission and were ready for the second half to begin. The afternoon flew by as we were thoroughly entertained. You can read more about the musical at: http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_lifestyle_stage/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=371564. We took in a little shopping and dinner at a Portuguese restaurant (our friends favorite place to eat. http://www.nandos.co.uk/) Sarah would have preferred to go back to McD's, but I enjoyed our dining adventure. We hopped back on the bus and arrived back around 8. Sarah had alot to tell her Dad. Eric was a little sad he chose to stay at home.

But this week, Eric has his turn. His class went on a field trip, and I got to come along. We went to Bury St. Edmunds to see the pantomime of Puss in Boots (http://secure.theatreroyal.org/PEO/site/whats_on/index.php?nav=sp12&spt=Puss+in+Boots) The nearly 200 year old building (http://secure.theatreroyal.org/PEO/site/theatre_info/) was neat and the kids were so excited, but very well behaved. Eric thought it was funny. Pantomimes are interactive and comical. One of the actors came right up to Eric and asked him a question. Another boy was invited on stage to help with a song. The kids all packed their lunch and we ate during intermission. I didn't think it was as amazing as Beauty and the Beast, but I love live theater. Any day at the theater sure beats a day at school or home. Cheers!

Happy 2009!

I received this email from a great friend, Jamie Sears. With a few minor modifications, I wanted to pass it along to all of you.

Where did it go? 2008 has come to an end. With giant strides and aspirations we began the year new year and, within a blink of an eye, 2008 is behind us.

A big THANK YOU to each and every one of you for the huge impact you have had on our lives this year. This year has brought many changes to our family, ones we could have never imagined this time last year. Thanks for all your love, support and friendship. Without you, last year would have been extremely boring and even more stressful.

From our side of the Atlantic, our family wishes yours the very best in the coming year. May 2009 mark the beginning of a tidal wave of love, happiness and bright futures.

And to those who need someone special, may you find that true love. To those who need money, may your finances overflow. To those who need caring, may you find a good heart. To those who need friends, remember we are still here for you. And to those who need life, may you find the eternal love found only in our savior, Jesus Christ.

Thanks for your blessing of friendship. May God wrap His arms around you this new year and may you find the peace and happiness only He can bring.

Sarah's Big Day

Sarah wanted me to hurry and get these photos posted on the blog so all could see. For those of you would haven't heard, the day finally came....and here are the pics to prove it.

Yes, the tooth finally came out! The timing was a little off, so the Tooth Fairy and Santa were unable to car pool to the house on Christmas Eve, but the tooth is gone. Remember, it has been VERY loose and Eric told Sarah the Tooth Fairy was just going to come and pull it out in her sleep. She woke up and thought he was right. Sarah lost her tooth in her sleep! She woke up on Saturday morning and found the tooth in her bed. The Tooth Fairy came the next night and brought her British money (I guess she doesn't carry around different currencies).

Also on Saturday, my little Sarah got her ears pierced!! She has been wanting to do this for a few months. I told her it was her choice and that she had to take care of them. We talked alot about it, the procedure, the maintenance, etc and she was adamant about wanting it done. While we were in Newmarket on Saturday, we came across a Claire's bouquet. Knowing they were licensing and certified, I felt comfortable going in. Sarah was jumping up and down with excitement. I really thought she would back out when we got in the store, but she just hopped up in the purple chair. She picked out pink studs and sat very still during the whole procedure. She did not cry a bit. She has done a great job with me cleaning them and her turning them. The studs must stay in for 6 weeks before they can be changed out. Let's see...6 weeks would make it right around her birthday. I guess I know what she'll be asking for her gift.

Tony and Eric were both their for the big ear event. Eric was amazed at her bravery. Dad, on the other hand, had to leave the store. Eric said, "now she looks like a true princess." That made her smile (her new toothless smile).

Wii Wish You a Merry Christmas!

You'll be happy to know, Santa did find our new home here in Red Lodge. We have spent the last week busy with our newest toy, the Nintendo Wii. When the weather outside is frightful, we still have bowling, boxing, tennis and more to keep us entertained and active!

Most of you know, I am not a fan of video games. I would much rather have to kids outside, playing together, using their imagination, etc. But the Wii is pretty cool. Compared to other game systems, the Wii is much more interactive and gets you up and moving. I am still limiting their time and yesterday I forced an "electricity free afternoon." The kids did not know what to do! "What no TV, no video games, no computer, no DS, no batteries. What is left to do?" They did survive. It's still easier for Sarah to find something to do than Eric. Boys!!

Here are some pics from our Christmas morning. Sarah was excited to get her own pink DS. Now she's a gamer too!

Hope yours was full of joy and surprises too!

Christmas Eve in London

On Christmas Eve we took the kids to London for a day to remember. We rode the Underground to Oxford Circus and went to Hamley's Toy Store (http://www.hamleys.com/) Hamley's is, by far, the largest toy store we have ever been in. It is 8 floors of pure magic. There is a floor just for Lego's and building toys, a floor for stuffed animals, a boy floor, a girl floor...and the list goes on. We were there for two hours and saw demonstrations, Father Christmas, and more toys than we thought possible. There are people who walk around playing with toys and encourage the kids to play too. Fake snow was even coming off the roof, as to appear it was snowing outside! It was a cross between Big and Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. The kids got to pick out a gift (Sarah chose a new Build-A-Bear (there was a store within the store) and Eric chose Bakugans and a flying saucer.)

Afterwards, we walked to Hyde Park for Winter Wonderland (http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/) Winter Wonderland a German Christmas Market with lots of food, crafts and rides. There was an outdoor ice skating rink and Father Christmas. We tried German sandwiches called Brotchen and Sarah had a German waffle (like a funnel cake.) There were lots of carnival rides, but very expensive. We let the kids chose one and they both took me through the Fun House. We never thought we would spend Christmas Eve at a carnival! It was very crowded (you know how Tony loves crowds) but a fun and memorable day. We took the Underground back to our car and was home by 6 or so...just in time to get ready for Santa....oh, I mean Father Christmas. And to all a good night!

A Train Ride to Father Christmas

On Saturday, December 20th we journeyed north and took a vintage steam train ride. We rode the Poppy Line Express in North Norfolk from Sheringham Station to Santaland! Along the way we were entertained by clowns and others, given balloon animals and treated to sherry and mince pies for the adults and a biscuit and juice for the kids.

Once at our stop, we met Father Christmas and the kids received a gift. We looked around the station, re boarded and headed back to Sheringham Station. We even saw the The Wash (North Sea) from the train. We had hoped the train ride would be longer and the bus ride to get their shorter, but it was still a fun day full of British holiday treats! You can read more about our adventure at: http://www.nnrailway.co.uk/santas.htm