Sunday Morning Dapper

Morning darlings. Wish you could see the fog rising--it's been very thick all day and hasn't burned off. Apparently it's so foggy here the airport has cancelled all flights! I only say this because A has a business trip in Munich tomorrow and is wondering how to get there. It has, however, made for some very nice drives through the country on my way to town. Sort of eerie looking, but all the more intriguing. I am excited about the pictures it will make tomorrow on our day out at the palace in Rogalin. Here's to spooky gardens and maybe something hot to drink!

I admit I have been very lax in my writing. Perhaps this is from my lack of enthusiasm lately for it. I seem to have needed a break from it--not for any reason in particular mind you--I simply have just had a week of struggling to find joy in things. Granted some days or weeks are harder than others, and especially during these times I am reminded that they are tests in order to build me up. Consequently, about the time I am halfway or almost through with a project I get tired of it and seemingly wish not to finish it. Unfortunately this project must be finished! (And no, it's not really unfortunate. I have been very lucky.) But I do wish time would hurry--and I say that with a smile on my face. :) I have a lot of good things happening and future things as well--2 months until the end of this adventure and it will be quick to show it's face.

A U G  2 0 1 2
Just two girls and a dog... somewhere.
Add a crown of flowers and you have a blissful day in the mountains. 

Today, the youngest was ill and not fit to leave the house, so I stayed with him instead of going to church. It was actually nice to just stay home in the quiet and read. I sometimes forget what the quiet sounds like haha... those darn kids. Just kidding. I just hope they don't give me their sicknesses, so I am storing up on Vit. C and lots and lots of tea. (As if I need an excuse to drink more tea--HA!)

One weekend afternoon we had the opportunity to find some pretty amazing looking mushrooms in our yard. I am told Poland is a gathering nation, where they pick and scrummage from the forest and fields berries and the like. You should have seen the last few weeks of August and into October. The country roads were lined with cars and people with baskets, going deep into the woods to hunt for mushrooms. It was quite amusing--but these mushrooms were divine and definitely the biggest I had ever seen. See?

It's the season of pumpkin! I don't know what it is about the heaps of cinnamon, apples, pumpkin, and cranberries that get me pumped for fall baking--but it does. I love the smells, I love the smiles they bring on peoples faces. We're still digging last year's pumpkin out of the freezer but I have had so much fun making soup, cakes, doughnuts (yes doughnuts), accompanied by apple cakes and pies. Maybe someday I will open up a bakery or cafe. In my dreams, right?

This upcoming weekend is going to be a nice little holiday in London with the two youngest and their mother. Plus BONUS, yours truly gets to see her husband and in-laws. Yay! :))
Let's hope the fog clears by Friday so we can leave the airport!

Here's to a contemplative Sunday. What are you up to this fall?

Polish mountains in pictures

Polish cheese

Krakow for a day

Ski lift over the mountains
Rapkoland

Mineral water
Blueberries in the 10,000 year old moor

Bach, Haydn, Mozart

Tatra Mountains
Fields & Flora
Forest fire!

Rocky and Muddy hikes

And then there were 3

Sometimes I have to will time to go faster. Other times it slips away from me. Yet, anyway you look at it, time cannot be hurried or slowed. It is simply set as it is supposed to be--in God's own pace.

This summer seemed to take ages to go by, and then when it finally did it seemed like it almost went by too fast. It was an eventful summer, a busy one, and at times a stressful one. All the same, it was perhaps one of the most memorable ones, and when I look back at all that I did it all looks quite colourful and impressive.

I did after all....

Get engaged (in Poland)... then married (in Cyprus)
Took a month off in the States to get my UK visa and visit family
Got my visa!
Packed up a suitcase of things to give to D
Flew back to Poland for a trip to Orawa and the surrounding mountain area
Traveled to the UK to visit my husband and his family for two weeks
Received my engagement ring
Took a trip to Derby to find a flat with D (Found one--hello Amber House)
Went to the Denby Factory (I think I may have been drooling..)
Picked out our dishes (Also Denby! Yay!)
Came back to Poland just in time for the kids to start school and thus continue my au pair duties.

Now we're in mid September and, consequently, I roughly have three months to go until I get to officially move to the UK! When I think about all that happened it blows my mind. Who ever would have thought this time last year all the things that have happened just in this past summer? Not to mention there are some exciting things coming up between now and then. It give me something to look forward to. Oh and fall is here... bring on the PUMPKIN recipes!

That about cuts the cake eh? Speaking of cake I just made a birthday cake for a special 9 year old--a Lego cake I might add. Only it was cream coloured instead of a more vibrant red or green or blue. Still just as tasty! Pictures to follow, and since I am slightly hopelessly behind on my uploads to Photobucket, a photo recap of Summer 2012 will be coming up in my next post.

Catching up on summer x 2

I did promise a recap.. and as June takes the cake here are more highlights. Hold your breath, it's gonna be a wild ride.

The start of June I found myself a fiancee rather than a girlfriend. My best friend of almost four years proposed to me in not at all a way we thought would ever happen--over Skype! To make a long story short, since he is British and I am American, I would have to get a visa to live and work over there. Unfortunately, the UK government is making changes to the law concerning this Spousal visa and as a result it would have made it even harder for us to be able to live together or even be married--hence the rushed proposal--since he had planned to propose to me this summer on our trip to Budapest and Germany (which, consequently, had to be canceled).

Not only was I engaged... but this also meant getting married before the end of the month to get all the necessary paperwork in before the law changed! We were trying to save money by not going through with a fiance visa, so within a week of being engaged, we set the wedding for the second week of June... in Cyprus and tied the knot there.

We knew it would be small and without any fuss--that was the easy part--but we had no idea the headache of getting a small document that proved that both of us were single and free to marry. Not to mention doing this all from Poland and taking care of 3 kids in the middle of this makes all wedding plans seem EASY. I thought getting this affidavit would be easy from Poland--just whip by the US Embassy in Warsaw on my way to Cyprus, but it turned out last minute that we found out I had to do it at the US Embassy in Cyprus instead, and on the morning of the wedding because that was the earliest time slot available. Cue change of time for the wedding. And hoping that the town hall would be okay with a time change. Both D and I were making calls to what seemed like embassy after embassy, asking about apostles and if I could do it in such and such country. It was a very busy and trying time. My call to Cyprus was quite comical... not at the time, but afterward it was very funny. I had somehow not been able to print out my confirmation page that you are required to bring to the embassy on the day of your appointment and thus called to find out what could be done and if I could still be seen. The lady on the phone insisted that my print out had a unique bar code on it and thus they wouldn't be able to see me because that bar code was lost with my confirmation page.
    "How can we find you in thousands of applicants? It's impossible."
Oh. No. Are you kidding me?
    "Ma'am can't you look me up in the system with my passport and name?"
    "No, we can not do that."
After a few minutes of me asking questions and then referring to a second question, she suddenly realized I was not there for a visa appointment, just a notary appointment, in which case, I would not need a bar code. The irony is instead of me laughing, she proceeded to laugh and apologize. At least she has a sense of humor. In the end, I laughed with her.
    "I am so sorry! of course you can still come for your appointment. You don't need your confirmation page."

Thank you!!

So after all that we were fine for the appointment, and soon found out via text as I was about to board the airplane that our wedding was changed to the day after the appointment. So all was good--I could get my affidavit.... and get married.

The trip to the embassy was really easy and straightforward--minus someone's camera being taken away and their photos being deleted because they took a photo of the embassy--and no it wasn't me. The people there were really friendly and helpful. I think it has something to do that I was the only American citizen there for an appointment. Everyone else was there for a visa! Afterward, one of the guards even asked me to stay--he was in such a cheery mood. Quite the adventure.

Cyprus was really beautiful and it was funny how we both got our wish to be married near the beach and in such summer sunshine. We were also lucky and blessed to have D's whole family there with us--somehow his parents and two brother's were able to get off work to celebrate with us. Neither of us thought that would happen, and even though it could never replace my parents not being able to come, it still made us so grateful to have them there to share our day.

Love

We arrived at the town hall early in the morning, and had several weddings ahead of us, so it took awhile for our paperwork to get to us. When it finally did we had to keep correcting typing errors. Poor girl who was typing everything up, she was standing in for the person who normally does these things who was on holiday. I think she was in over her head, but we finally got it all completed, and probably something around noon we were led into the conference room where they hold the ceremonies--the last wedding of the day. Having no rings as of yet (I have yet to get my engagement ring!), we became husband and wife saying these words:

I ... accept you ... as my lawful spouse, to love & share with you from this day moments of joy and sorrow, wealth & poverty, happiness & unhappiness throughout our life until death do separate us."

The vows were perfect--as was our wedding. I can only say the journey of getting to this day was long and an incredible story, but one so worth it that I never regret any of it. Unfortunately our small (but wonderful) holiday in Cyprus was short and sweet. I traveled back to Poland and then about a week later went to the US to get all my visa papers in order. I now safely have my visa (and before the deadline of UK law change! Yay!) and will be back in Poland in a few weeks to finish my year there. The beginning of next year I start my new life with my husband in England. Who would have thought?
So that was June.

Catching up on Summer

Boy, you can tell I have been busy from the lack of writing. It's been an incredible and fast pacing few months. Right now I am visiting back home in the States, home of super hot weather (loving it), and seeing fireworks and catching a Braves game. Strange being back, and I know it will be short lived.

Here's some highlights from end of May...

May brought excitement over strawberries in Poland. So for many days straight we were relishing strawberry smoothies and buying them by the kilogram. I love strawberries--and I never knew there were so many varieties! "Truskawka" as they are called in Polish are one of the many items that announce the start of summer. That and white asparagus--we had that quite a bit too.
The kids had exams the end of May and early June, so between some (extra) English lessons they were heading to town quite frequently to take these exams. I heard they all did well, so kudos to them. I must say I have to laugh at Marceli's attempt to label an Elephant's trunk, and as a result got marked half a point higher than Cecylia. He didn't know the English name for it and consequently put 'really long nose' as his answer. The teacher accepted it.

And June takes the cake....

But that story will have to come later ;)

On a more positive note--I am please to announce that I have put two of my short stories on Amazon Kindle edition for all the world to see. Both are available for just 99 pennies, so if you have an e-reader or a Kindle I would love your support and to get your feedback so that I can improve on all things writing.

Here is Adelaide:
Todd, Blacwin, captain of "The Immanuel" in the British Royal Navy, comes across an abandoned ship bearing his country's colours. Upon entering the ship he finds a stowaway--a fiery red haired young woman in the disguise of a young lad. in his determination to discover the demise of the ship's captain and crew, he pursues the young woman's desire in finding and freeing her father from bondage; thus, earning her trust and perchance her name.


And the second, On the Other Side:

Paige, like all teenage girls, struggles with acceptance--perhaps even acceptance of herself. Involved in a serious car accident that leaves her in a coma, her ghost of her future self, Grace, takes her on an adventure in an empty and lonely world that brings to light her life from another perspective as well as the relationship between her and her elderly and judgmental Grandmother. Torn between past and present, Paige is left with a choice to change things. Will she wake up?

So spread the word, tell your friends, have a blast reading and, above all, have a Happy 4th of July!

---

The best of the best, of the best, of the best best

It has dawned on me recently that I have rarely talked about my 'weekly routine' and schedule. While some may consider me a mere babysitter (which may be true in some cases), I would argue that my role here is purely one of many talents. I become the chauffeur, the cook/baker woman, the English teacher, disciplinarian, official enforcer of table manners, and sometimes when called upon the goofy companion. The title of this post tells you how many silly slogans and comic book phrases get thrown at me everyday--most in Polish. That is one Marceli likes to repeat over and over. I truly do understand what being a parent is all about--perhaps this 'training' has given me a wake-up call to the child I was to my parents when I was little. It ain't easy. All come with their trials, rewards, and lessons--maybe even perhaps in doing so I will be "the best Mom ever"... after my mother of course. Love you Mom! :)

When I first came I had nearly a week and a half to learn everything. That included the roads, who liked what foods, what time meals were, and how to decipher Polish food labels. It was something new, something challenging, and something I truly enjoyed. Now five months into the year and I still find myself learning even when the schedule seems to be at it's normal pace and repertoire. I think even the kids are starting to warm up to me a little after realizing I am not all that mean terrible. It's for their own good; I swear.

Here's how a normal day looks like for us:

Kids have swimming at 7am - Either I pick them up or their tutor, depending on the location, at 8:30am. 

Second Breakfast at 10am

Lessons from 10am-3pm with a break at 1pm for lunch. 

Supper at 7:30pm

Throughout the week there are alternating days for other activities including swimming at two other swimming pools (they do swim an awful lot), horseback riding, piano lessons, taekwondo, and English lessons (when we can). 

Yes. They are extremely busy kids. 

My little cuties - the eldest is only pretending he's tough.

 I have begun to relish my morning quiet time ritual. It is sometimes postponed to the afternoon though depending on what I am doing. Still, my Bible reading has become the essential daily activity for me. I am working on reading it from cover to cover--so far it's been a well rewarded journey.

Weekends are a bit more relaxed, as I get to do things on my own time. And on Sunday.... Breakfast with the family at 8am, and leave for church at 9:15am. They drop me off at one of the roundabouts in town, and I take the tram to my church, while they drive to their mass. Afterward, I usually meet them at the local shopping mall or they come pick me up. We have a nice lunch (or dinner as they refer to it) at home around 2 or 3pm, and then they have a 'sweet snack' around 5pm. Supper is at 7:30pm. 

Time with friends is sprinkled in there. And yes, they do eat alot of small meals during the day. It's unreal. They keep telling me I need to eat more, and if you know me at all than you know I barely eat anything--except maybe peanut butter.

The past few days I have been in charge of waking up at 5am, waking the kids up, feeding them, and driving them at 6am to the swimming pool since Aga is out of town. By golly we did it--aced, done and dusted. 

I definitely do feel like the best of the best, of the.... well you get the point. 

Happy Friday!

Heart & Hand

"But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself , so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God."

[And with the winter months their hearts were cold and unbecoming, but then spring came and melted their disparaging thoughts and minds. Then things were beautiful.]

 At the coming of May I am again reminded of so many things. Not only has my life been truly full and blossoming, but I am also able to share so much of my life with others. I was reminded by this verse of the 'course' or mission that I am on here, and of how very important it is that I follow through with it--whatever it is that I am called to do. I have been trying to do more in the way of finding God's purpose for me here, and to fulfill it to the best of my ability. In more ways than one I can see what it is He is doing for me here and it makes me happy to see His plan unfolding. We are so small compared to what He has prepared for us--I know that more and more.

I see this year as a huge milestone. Not only do I turn 25 (yikes!) but I also have been able to pursue more of my interests in English. Since being here God has really opened up opportunities to help others with English in the way of teaching or editorial work. This is something I have been praying about and I am excited at the possibilities that are unfolding. Perhaps my dream of freelancing is starting to unwind, still there is so much work that needs to be done. Regardless, I am grateful for the much needed experience. I have also learned how to manage a household. I list this as one of the blessings of this year because one day I will have to manage one of my own, and being a part of this family here in Poland has only opened my eyes to how it will be. I feel like a parent, teacher, housewife, and caretaker all in one--only I have limitations because I am in another person's home. However, being given these responsibilities has helped me to learn what I would do differently, how I would apply certain things to my own household. I used to get frustrated and discouraged when I was seen as the 'outsider' to the kids or how they test me with their actions and attitudes, but I realize all these things happen to strengthen and build us up. I know now how challenging, as well as rewarding, these things are in our lives. I feel older; I feel more prepared. I know God wouldn't have placed me here without wanting me to go through these things for my benefit and to use this as something to look back on for a learning tool. I have learned patience, even when I thought I was patient enough. From working here I have realized there is always room for more.

I have been placed in many churches in my life, and while I first questioned being a part of this one here in Poland I know that somehow I am to be an influential tool here too. I love being able to worship, strengthen my faith, and to build some friendships with some of the elders of the church. I haven't had much luck with fellowship with the youth of the church or spending much time with members, but I hope if anything that I can be of some influence or encouragement in some way while here. I see this as more of a place to help myself grow than to obtain lasting friendships, although that may happen too. Sometimes, God gives us ways and means to help ourselves be 'fed' in order to help us grow. I think He is feeding me now with being in this church.

Likewise, perhaps one of the most amazing thing that has happened this year is my incredible experience getting to know God better. I have the church to thank in helping me see and think more about what it means to be strong in God and how important it is to live your life in such a way that reflects Him. Throughout this year I have made more of an effort to pray, to have more intimate time with God, to read more of the Bible, to influence and encourage others in living a more Godly focused life. These things have become so very important to me. All of these things have no doubt helped me to become the woman I am, and I have come to love what I see. I am yearning to be taught more in the ways of compassion, mercy, love, and living for Christ. He has, after all, done more for me than I can ever think was possible. His everlasting love is what has made me want to be a child after His own heart. Now perhaps with His love and influence I can influence the work my hands are doing in this place.

Only 5 months into this new adventure and I relish at the thought of what the next 7 months can teach me. I am hopeful for what God has in store for me, and even more excited for what He has planned after.