God Bless America.

I woke up today at 7 to get the kids ready to go back to school. Not only was I not happy for the vacation to be over, meaning I could no longer sleep in, but the kids were lets say... less than thrilled. What a fight with Samuel it was. haha.

They went off to school and I decided to venture to Carfour, to get a pass to recharge my phone, and to buy shampoo. Since it was 3 metro lines away I took the liberty to do a little shopping there as well. Only for non-perishables, due to the fact when the kids see my food in the fridge, they want it, and I am not allowed to say no (due to some community BS.) I ended up getting shampoo, pringles (TX bar-b-Q), peanut-butter, frosted flakes, toffee, and a box of wine (in honor of my besties - Berit & Haley).

On the way back I met a professor at the English Business school in Paris. He had been here for 7 years and refused to speak French, though he knew it. He said Paris unlike any other part of France speaks weird French, and they are rude if you dont talk with the accent. YAY. He gave me some great advice though. He gave me the name of a company that is looking for English speakers to teach people at businesses and children english for 20 euro an hour!!!! woop!!! i could make more in 5 hours than I do all week. I am really going to look into it. Especially with Lyn returning sooner, and the lack of privacy and freedom here.

So now I have a lot to think about and look into. I know that I want to stay in Paris, but not having my own space, or life, is making it hard to love it here to the amount I know I would. I will still be staying to do my classes which start March 28th and end at the end of June, but depending on how another job as a teacher looks, I may abandon my au pairing and just be young in Paris. I know I do want to go to culinary school after I finish language school. I'd be a Parisian trained chef, able to start my own restaurant in Dallas. What a life.

XOXO,
Mandy

I work for marketing of Tampax.

This morning I woke up and went to Notre Dame for Mass. I was late, so I decided after Mass was over to stay for the next one as well. It was an International Mass so one of the readings was in English.  Yay! Though the priest had a heavy German accent, I liked hearing the English. It was amazing to me though, that during Mass, people are still allowed to walk and tour the church.  It seemed a little wrong and a lot irreverent to me. After the 2nd Mass, I went to lunch in what must be a famous cafe.  As I sat outside on the patio, many open tours stopped in from of me, and the tourists took pictures. I felt like a movie star and smiled for each one.

After lunch, and after the wine, I must have looked very approachable in the subway. I got approached by men wanting to invite me places.  For the first guy, I was nice. I attempted to carry a conversation in broken English. After we parted and I got on another subway, I was no longer feeling in the mood to be hit on. When approached I started to say I spoke no French. When they (in broken English) asked me why I was in France, I decided to become an actress.  Instead of appearing as a vulnerable au pair, I created a story of how I worked for marketing of Tampax. One guy on the street (after the subway) asked what Tampax was, I replied, the tampon, you know, for menstruation. Thank God for that conversation killer. :)

When I got home on my day off, everyone was back, including Benjamin (moody and back from camp). I was in the mood to just sit in my room and watch Garden State.  After all, it is my day off. Sandrine informed me that they got a call from Lyn earlier today, she lost her baby. I am so sad. Everyone pray for her, she's who has got me through so much here. It was a little girl, I believe. Heartbreaking.

XOXO,
Mandy

not so sweet memories

So the kids are back- all but Benjamin (he returns tomorrow).  In addition, we have a cousin who stayed the night who is about Benjamin's age. Shabbat dinner was, well, like it always is. We don't eat until about 9 so the kids are exhausted and Samuel is crazy. He stresses out his grandmother (Sandrine's mom).  While helping me do dishes, she commented on his behavior. It is starting to not really phase me, because in the company of his parents, I am not really entitled to comment. I solemnly replied, "He is like that pretty much every night." In reality he is, to some degree.  Just on Fridays it's worse. Little did I know that me talking to the grandmother would be cause for a family fight the next day.

After the stressful and loud Shabbat dinner, I went to the bar down the street, and had a glass of wine and watched some rugby.

This morning when eating with Sandrine, she mentioned that her mother called to make a case about Samuel's behavior and getting him treatment. The grandmother recalled to Sandrine that I had said he was like that every night, though Sandrine believes it is only on Fridays. Sandrine was upset, and I told her I didn't realize that I shouldn't have said anything.  After all, the grandmother is always here, and I was told to treat her as part of the family. Sandrine didn't fault me, rather her over-bearing mother, and just said not to talk about Samuel with her anymore. Anyways, 2 hours later her mother called back I assume to further discuss it, and while I was playing with the kids downstairs it was a screaming and crying match upstairs. I felt bad.  I can see why they get offended with the grandmother's overbearing presence, but I also see merit in what the grandmother is saying about Sam's behavior. Yes, he is 4 but if he keeps acting like he does now, I feel deeply sorry for the next au pair.

Now on to the not-so-sweet memory. I was reading in the sitting room while Samuel was playing on an iPhone.  Gabrielle came up and took it from him.  She being 5 years older and twice as big then started to kick him to keep him from getting the game. Defeated, he walked away, only to get a pen to stab her in the head. Then she went screaming to the parents saying Samuel hit her, acting as if it was unprovoked. I then recounted the story as they were scolding Sam and comforting Gabi. I felt bad for Sam. I would have behaved the same way if someone took my toy and then began to kick me. Maybe that is part of the cause to his misbehaving? That made me realize I was probably the Gabi a time or 2 with my brother, where I was just as nasty or nastier, but cried louder, and got him in trouble while I watched on feeling smug. So sorry Jeff. (sometimes you truly were awful to me though, so don't think you are getting completely off the hook)

XOXO,
Mandy

I do not speak French (much)

This morning was Lyn's last day on the job. I am really going to miss her.  She tells me stories that keep me going and laughs when I complain to her. I asked her how much she made working here, and she said 700 euro a month because she only works 20 hours a week, but Josephine makes 1,500 euro a month because she works more. Needless to say, I am shocked. I work what feels like 100 hours a week and get a mere 340 euro a month. Though I do not clean the entire house, and I get room and board, I feel like I deserve at least a little more. But I guess that, it is an experience type thing. When Lyn heard I only make 340 euro a month she was so shocked, she joked she was going into labor. Funny stuff. I got her number so we can do lunch.  She said she wanted to take me to the red light district for souvenirs. Haha, she's the best.

After lunch I took Samuel to get a haircut. We were running late, so I did not have much patience for the bus driver. I tried to get Samuel a ticket with his discount card, (Families with 4 or more children get discounts in France.  Refreshing concept to encourage procreation.  I like it.) and he charged me full price. Jerk. Then when I went to validate it he started yelling in French. I yelled back, I do not speak French, which prompted him to yell louder. Yay. That was no fun.

We got lost on the way to the haircut, I went to the Rue instead of the Boulevard, so I led Samuel on a 20 minute walk to get to the right place, practically dragging him there. He got a hair cut and it looked nice. 

Sandrine's mother took us home.  She's back from Israel with Gabrielle. So starting Sunday when Benjamin gets home, I will have all 4 kids every day again. But their vacation will be over and they will be in school again, so I will have my days off. YAY.

Shabbat dinner tonight, and 2 cousins are staying the night.  Hope all goes well. 

XOXO,

Mandy

not a damn babysitter

Ok, so in reality, I am. I get asked often, why are you in France? I reply je suis une fille au pair. Then I get confussed looks. I explain I watch les enfants, and they say, oh you're a babysitter. I want to scream. I did not move to France, taking a year off of college to be called a meer babysitter. Of all the people, I would think the French knew what an au pair was, afterall it is a French title. Though, I guess you could say I am a babysitter, it does not have the glamourous air of saying I am an au pair. Therefore, if I happen to meet you on the streets of Paris and we get to talking about what brings me to Paris, and you do not know what an au pair is, I will turn and walk away. I do not want to feel like I stopped my comfortable life to be called a babysitter. Thank you.

XOXO,
Mandy

Want to know the way to my heart...

Listen up boys, if you want to date me (yes, I know there are tons of you). You would have great chances if you learned to play Bach, preferably on the cello. I love Symphony No. 1 in G major. Elsa and I are listening to it as I type, dancing and having a ball. It's her favorite time of the day, naked dancing time after her bath.

Over and out,
Elsa & Mandy

Irish Pub in Paris

Last night the family was having a dinner party so after the kids were in bed, I decided to go to an Irish Pub. It was crowded for the Lyon V. Real Madrid game, but I lucked out and got a bar stool. I love this pub because people there speak english, and as the night progresses, French slowly becomes the language of choice. Sitting alone makes one rather popular in a pub I believe. I got to order Coors Lite, an import in France (too funny). I met pilots that flew for FedEx, here from Maryland and then a Canadian farmer here for a farm machinery expo along with a man from England here for the same thing. They were all very nice. We even got to talk about Sarah Palin. :)

Today will be a relaxing day at home, hopefully Samuel will take a LONG nap.

XOXO,
Mandy

CIRCUS

Just got back from the circu. Had alot of fun, but didnt understand a word. There were tons of horses, and an elephant. It was complete with beatles music, and abba and the black eyed peas. The funny thing about it was, I was more interested in the what kind of people wanted to be in the circus for a living. It was as if they were all from Nicholas Sparks movies. Stuck in another time.

XOXO,
Mandy

tourist for the day

Yesterday, I woke up feeling worlds better. Thank goodness my tummy bug lasted only 24 hours, and luckily it was my day off whan I got sick so I was able to sleep the entire day. I went to the post in the morning to get stamps.  I have 10 stamps this weeks so let me know if you want a letter. On my walk back, Sandrine called and asked me if I would take Samuel on a boat tour, and I said I would love to. Thankfully this time she left me 50€ and said I could use it on my ticket as well. After that I got a call from J-F saying to also go on the Ferris Wheel that overlooks all of Paris. I was so excited.

The boat tour was lovely. There was audio about all of the sites we passed in French then in English. When going under a bridge the audio said close your eyes, make a wish and kiss the person next to you. Samuel, the little casanova that he is, gave me a big chocolatey kiss (he had been eating M&M's).



Waiting for the boat tour to depart



eating a ''blaouuu'' m&m




we're on a boat!



the kissing bridge



After the boat tour, we took the metro to the Ferris Wheel. It was the same park that I had gone to with Emmanuel. Samuel loved the Ferris Wheel. I did too. Then we played on the playground and came home. Good, good afternoon.



dancing in the park on the way to the ferris wheel





in the ferris wheel



good day

Today I am going to take Samuel to get a hair cut. He needs one badly.

XOXO,

Mandy





well hello there friend toilet

I went to bed last night with huge plans. I would wake up early and go to Mass at Notre Dame, then spend the afternoon at the Louve until I had to babysit tonight. I was awakened at 3 A.M. with a tummy ache. When the bathroom came into view, I began to throw up violently for 30 minutes. It was awful. I befriended the toilet and laid there fearing a repeat act until about 6 A.M.. Then I went back to sleep, feeling better. So I slept in late and feel like I got hit by a bus. Good thing Notre Dame and the Louve aren't going anywhere.

XOXO,
Mandy

pictures

on facebook fo now. check them out

What I have learned in France thus far:

• Assume France has everything that America has. Don't ask questions such as, ''Does France have a stock market like the US?'' Because your response will be, "of course.", accompanied by a look filled with 'what a stupid American you are.' (With saying that, realize though France does not have readily avalaible peanut butter though, since it is considered a foreign food)
• The way to get a 19 month old to stop misbehaving is far different than you get an extremely active 4 year old to stop misbehaving. When trying to get a 19 month old to stop trying to claw you to death with overgrown nails, you must try to restrain her, and distract her by leading her to another toy. Thank God for the short term memories of toddlers. When trying to stop a 4 year old from running into the busy 8 lane street, don't say you will call the police and he will never see his family or toys again when he is in prision, for he will think this would be fun. After all, he is in a way almost attempting suicide by trying to run into traffic, so of course by threatening that he will never see everything you assume he loves again will not phase the little devil. You must instead try to make him feel superior to you in another way. He must also think you are a stupid American as his parents do, and enjoy the opportunity to teach you French words. So you must say, ''Samuel, what is (car, red, shoe, ect.) in Francais?'' and he will gladly grab your hand and teach you, without realizing that, in fact, the American is not so stupid after all, though she just saved the devil. (Editor's note: I don't really think this child is the devil, but it makes the story more entertaining.)
• When a beggar on the train mistakes you for someone who knows French, it feels like a huge accomplishment. When passing out cards that beg for euros, there is a French and English side. The beggar judges you on your appearance and mannerisms and hands you the card with the language he believes you speak accordingly. After receiving countless English side up cards, and being offended due to all of my efforts to not appear foreign, I finally got one French side up! So at least to a homeless, jobless beggar, I appeared French, and for that, I am happy.
• When trying to keep all the children from getting hurt, you usually end up with more boo-boo's than if you had not interfered at all. This morning Samuel shut Elsa's fingers in the door. While trying to console the screaming Elsa, and keep the terror from doing any more harm, I began a pushing contest to shut the door and keep Samuel out. In the process, his elbow got caught and thus I had 2 screaming, hurt kids. Whoever knew how dangerous doors could be.Well in the process, a newly returned Benjamin looked on between watching his hours of Bakugan on the computer and decided to take the opportunity to run to his showering mother and tattle on the horrible pain I was inflicting on the kids while trying to avoid injuries. Thanks Benjamin. I then realized I had no reason to defend myself to Sandrine, for I did nothing wrong. Therefore, I let her deal wth her screaming kids, and I retired to my room to read.
• It takes an army to raise these children. On top of the parents, there are 3 people hired to care for the kids, with that alone, adults outnumber the kids, 5-4. Then in addition, Sandrine's mother and J-F parents help out a lot, bring the score up to 8-4, a ratio of 2 adults to every kid. And even with all of that, the job seems impossible. The kids run the house, so in reality it feels like each kid gets 2 adults to command. For this experience alone, I do not think I will be having kids any time soon. Family life, is appearing to look far better from the outside.

XOXO,
Mandy

PS- Disney was fun!

arggggggggggggghhhhhh

I am mad to the max. After being told I would be taking Samuel to Euro Disney today, I expected money to go. My mom had gotten me a Disney passport so my ticket is free.  Along with the passport, I got coupons so he can go for 15 euros (A HUGE MONEY SAVER). Therefore, I expected my train fare to get out there, in addition to possibly lunch. Well I should have known. I got left 30 euro, which won't even cover Sam's train, ticket and lunch. If I knew I would be spending probably my whole week's income on this, I would have said I didn't want to take him. I may sound like a spoiled brat, but after getting yelled at for writing my name on something I bought for the fridge, I thought they realized I don't have a lot of money to pay for the family. Though they should know, they are after all the ones who pay me. I feel cheated, I am going to the happiest place on earth, and I will think of it as the day that ate up all of my income. I'm quite P-Oed of you couldn't pick up on that. Text me mum when you wake up.

Bon Jour

Vacation turned out to be wonderful, despite the rocky start. I got in a bit of trouble with J-F before I left over unmet expectations for him and unknown expectations from me. I thought it was going to be a horrid 5 days of the same criticism but it wasn't bad. After a 5 or 6 hour car ride, we finally got to Carnac. The kids slept most of the way so I got a lot of reading done. I had the upstairs of their oceanfront home to myself with 4 bed up there to pick from.

When we got there, J-F took me on a tour of the town. The church was the center of the whole town, and it was amazing. It was built in 1639, yes, older than America. It was great. So when walking by it I asked, "Do I get tomorrow off?"  J-F was amazed I would even ask such a thing.  After the exhausting car ride, and unpacking, I was near tears trying to explain why I was asking for a day off. I didn't get it, not exactly in the end, but it turned out to be ok.

On Sunday, we went to the market. It was so cool. We bought fresh fish, veggies, fruits, cheese, gingerbread, and pastries. I love markets, and regardless of the pouring rain and cold, this one was fun. I left the family at the market, and went to church. It was the most beautiful church I have ever attended. Everything was so old. I was the last to leave at the end because I was walking around in awe.

Over the next 3 days, it rained at least 3 times a day. We went to the beach and to the standing stones a couple of times. It was very nice. Every night I went for a walk to the creperie and had a crepe and cider. It was a great time. I have pictures to post.

Tomorrow I am going to Disneyland with Samuel. I bet it will be so fun!

XOXO,
Mandy

PS- Sorry it's not that long, Samuel is falling asleep in the next room, and I need to get off. and sorry for type-o's, I'm on a French computer and it doesn't have English spell check.

AU REVOIR (until thursday)

I am leaving for vacation in about 3 hours. I will be returning Wednesday night, so expect a blog Thursday morning. Promise to take tons of pictures and to journal so I can fill you in oh how it was when I get back. Tons of love! Will miss this dearly...

XOXO
Mandy

PS- J-f asked me last night if I liked LONG bike rides... eek wish me luck.

Why France?

I moved to France with high hopes, wanting to start new. France was a new start, a new life, just NEW. I had ended a heart breaking relationship with the man I thought I'd be with for the rest of my life. I left America with a dream ... for a new beginning and a new French start. I came with goals, goals that I would learn French, have fun, and experience a new way of life. I wanted to be happy, I longed to be happy again. It worked.  My first week in Dijon was amazing, and then things began to crumble. I ended up jobless and defeated. Embarassed that, after only 2 weeks, I would be retuning to the states without my goals completed,  I felt like a failure. Then an angel came in the form of an amazing man, a perfect man. He gave me hope and the desire not to give up without a fight. He is perfect.  Anyone would be more than lucky to have him by her side.

Then my mom arrived, another angel. We had an amazing time together, and together she restored my faith in this French journey. I got a new job, an amazing job. It didn't involve enough independence as I hoped, but it was a chance to reach my goals and start new. After 1 week of bliss, I was starting to feel down again.  I had left everything I had ever known, and for what?  I was not born to be a servant, but I was not ready to give up just yet.  I got an invite from my first angel to have coffee, and my dreams didn't seem so out of reach.  I left my afternoon of coffee and conversation feeling amazing.  I knew that I could do it. With minor set backs this week, I feel like I can do it, ALL OF IT.

I have come to France alone. I look crazy to more people than I can count, but I am doing it.  I am happy and meeting all my goals head on. Since I arrived here 6 weeks ago, I have received countless compliments and a handful of marriage proposals. I am happy and over my first heart break. There is a sun in my world, and I am happy and doing it. I am starting to realize I am in charge of my happiness, and I can do it, all of it.

Thank you for all of your support! No more complaints!

XOXO,
Mandy

holiday tomorrow!

Hello all! Hope you will each have a blessed day today. Today I woke up and got a grumpy Samuel ready for school. Then I made him breakfast and he was off.  IT is a lot quieter without Gabrielle and Benjamin here, but mostly Gabrielle because Benjamin doesn't talk. (The two older kids went to Israel with their Grandma for their school break.)  Then I got Elsa dressed. She has a new found love of hitting and scratching to the point of drawing blood, and then feeling bad and hugging you. I wish I could get the cuddles without the violence though. She keeps trying to bite me, but that is one thing I am proud to say I am good at, avoiding getting bitten.

This morning I am going to enroll in my classes. It is just a subway away so that's a lot nicer than Dijon. Then I will go out for a cheap lunch, before I have to get Elsa from school. I have to pack for both the children and myself tonight for our vacation at the sea, so I hope Samuel doesn't have any fits so I can. 

I am excited about the vacation, and I am excited about the drive there. Though I will probably be the person to entertain the children, I haven't been in a car for a while, and I will get to see villages on the way to the sea. I also may have a chance to read my book. The Pillars of the Earth is amazing.  I encourage everyone to get it and read it.

I need to start taking picture again to show you all what I am up to.

XOXO,
Mandy

not a spoiled brat

Ok, yes I work over 50 hours a week, making less than 2 euros an hour, and yes I get no appreciation for my hard work, but its the real world. So I'll stop complaining.

I had lunch with Mrs deRostolan today, and it was a great break. I really think she amazing. She is so sweet and so easy to talk to.

Things I am thankful for:

• Living in Paris
• Being alive
• Having a job, food, and a roof over my head
• Going on holiday to a place I've never been, even though I'll be working for it
• Nice people
• My family
• My friends
• God

I am happy honestly, I just am going through a blah period. I'll get over it and start to fill your days with uplifting blogs of fun.

XOXO,
Mandy

ugh

where to start.. Yesterday the boys had a show at school so the family didnt get home until 830 or so, so it was just me and Elsa and Josephine all afternoon. It was good, Josephine and I tried to talk, and she explained a little of what to watch out for here.

Then I went to a pub with a friend to watch the France V. Brasil Football match. It was fun.

Oh and I went to the doctor yesterday and got meds, so I should be back to normal soon.

Ok with that done, time to complain... I miss having my own space. Yes, I have a room here, but one with a slidding glass door for privacy and a girl who thinks she can go in anytime she wants. On top of that, J-F went in last night when I was gone. He decided to go into my bathroom, which up until a few days ago had a broken heater. I finally got the heater working on 30° C and though it was a little warm, I decided to keep it there because I was afraid that if I messed with it, it wouldn't turn on again. And I would be stuck taking a shower in a freezing room again. So I explained that, and he got over it. Then he went on about how it was inconsiderate of me to have things not 100 percent tiddy in there because Lyn and Josephine live in very small spaces. Ok? Well today I'm cleaning to make sure I dont offend them.

Then he told me we would be leaving for vacation on Saturday or Sunday, so for 2 weeks now, I wont have a full day off.

Thats all my complaining for now. Compared to the last place, this one is far better, but it has bad parts too. I am feeling a tad trapped, and suffocated. Hmm who knows.

XOXO,
Mandy

PS - If you want to send me a letter, C.C. it LeLouche, so it gets to me. Thanks.

bored and feeling crummy

I dont really have much to say. Nothing eventful has happened these last few days. I am going to the doctor tonight, hopefully I will get better soon. Then I can go out and do eventful things to blog about.

Lots of Love,
Mandy

sick

I have been feeling ill for 2 days now. My throat is so bad, it no longer hurts just when I swallow, but also while I am doing nothing. Yesterday the boys were off school. I read a lot while they played outside. J-F gave me The Pillars of the Earth to read, and it's really good. Samuel took a nap in the afternoon and we all walked to get Gabi from school. This time I brought a snack, but she wasn't hungry. ha. The afternoon went as normal.

Last night J-F told me we will all be going to Brittany next week for an impromptu holiday.

This morning I got the kids dressed and went back to bed for 4 hours. I really feel awful. Sorry I am not writing more, I just want to sleep and feel better.  Sandrine's sister is a doctor and she'll take a look at my throat today, I think. 

XOXO,
Mandy

knows the meaning to life

Last night, after another tired fit from Samuel, I decided to lay in bed with him till he fell asleep. I was rubbing his back and he turned over, pulled my face close to his and said. "I love you," then kissed my cheek. It melted my heart. That moment made up for a million chair throwing fits.

XOXO,
Mandy

tres tres happy

So yesterday I went to Champs-d'elysse to find supplies to make Valentine cards. I spent all afternoon cutting and gluing and making cards. Then it was time to get Gabrielle from school. She was very, very mad that I forgot to bring her a snack, said I should call an ambulance right away to bring her to a restaurant because she was that hungry. Home is only a 15 minute walk away so I promised her she would live. Next time though, I won't forget the snack. When we got home we hung out for a bit and I gave her a snack. After I bathed the boys and played. Samuel had an absolute fit, throwing chairs and what not, I don't remember the reason, but it was crazy. Finally he calmed down. He is the cutest boy in the world, but when he is tired, he is crazy.

Dinner was later on Friday. We had a typical Shabbat dinner. It was my first ever, and it was quite an experience. After dinner I went out. I met some Canadians in a pub who talked about how amazing Canada is. Yay. They were very, very liberal, but interesting.

I came home on the last metro of the night. It is very suprising the metro closes here. I went to bed. And this morning was pretty typical. The older kids have a tutor that comes on Saturdays, so it was nice to interact with another girl about my age. When they finished their homework, we watched Mama Mia (in French). Thank God the music was in English though, because that is my favorite part.

Then I went to meet Emmanuel for coffee. We went to a beautiful park near the Louve. It was full of sculptures, I am still amazed I really live here. Anyways, I always have an amazing time with Emmanuel. He is so smart. Perfect in every way. :) I will be happy for a while after my afternoon.

XOXO,
Mandy

blessed Friday

La La La! I am so happy here! Yesterday I got Elsa from daycare, and was the first one home. She is getting a cold and I feel so bad for her, everytime she forces a cough, it breaks my heart. 30 minutes after I got home, the boys arrived with Josephine. Josephine is very easy going, but likes things her way, I am finding it difficult to adjust to taking directions from her, especially when I know my way is better for the children. Its ok, I will just take it, afterall I have only been here for a week, and she has been with the children far longer. I bathed the boys, who thought it would be a good idea to play with water guns and shoot each other. I ended up drenched, but the boys had fun so its ok. I got them dressed and they played bowling with legos. Benjamin is so smart, setting up games to play with Samuel and keeping him entertained.

Eventually Gabrielle came home, she has acting class after school on Thursdays. She came home in a bad mood. Upset and overwhelled at all her activities. She did not want to go to dance, so she called her father and whined on the phone. He told her she had to go. She got dressed for dance, then called her mother and whined some more, she said Gabrielle could miss dance because she was in a bad mood and had alot og homework. Fine with me, sometimes its easier to give in rather than battle. So, she took a bath and came up for dinner.

For dinner we had rice and chicken in a curry sauce. It was good, I think Thursdays are the clean out the fridge and serve leftovers day. I didn't mind, it was delicious. Josephine likes that I do the dishes after dinner. I'd rather she'd help, but I want to make her like me so that she stops undermining me. At dinner Samuel said he was tired and didnt want to eat, unless I fed him. After dinner, I said, since your tired, lets go to bed, he had an absolute fit!

I read him a book, and he calmed down, so I got him to lay down and just as he was about to go to sleep, Josephine came down and told him to get up and play, because his mother wasn't home yet. Great, I thought, now I'll have it do this whole thing all over again. Yay. J-F handed me Elsa and told me to put her to bed, so I got her in her baby papoose thing she sleeps in. She was all relaxed and I was just about to lay her down when again Josephine came in, took her and said not until Sandrine gets home. Ughhh, I am really getting frusterated. I tried to explain that J-F said to but her to sleep and she smiled and said no.

Then Sandrine got home and the children all played. Eventually Sameul went to bed, and Josephine put Elsa to sleep. Gabrielle and Benjamin were allowed to read until 9. The parents left for their date, along with Josephine. I let the kids read until 9:10 and still Gabrielle fought me when I said it was time for bed. She wanted to finish the book, she had just begun. I said no, put a bookmark in and sent her to bed.

After all the kids were tucked snug in their beds, I watched Nanny McPhee, which seemed only fitting. :) 30 minutes into the movie, Gabrielle and Benjamin came up to tell me Elsa was coughing alot and crying. Gabrielle told me to make her a bottle with warm milk and honey to soothe her cough. I did, but she didnt want it. She went back to sleep, as did the other 2. I heard her cough all through my movie, but she wasnt crying. I felt so bad.

After my movie I went to sleep. Nanny McPhee was quite funny! I am very happy though these kids are a bit wild, they are no where near as naughty as the kids in the movie.

This morning I got the kids up, who were tired from their later than usual night. Sameul was up stairs with his parents, so I didnt have to play the dress the limp 'sleeping' 4 year old game this morning. The kids got dressed and Elsa woke up early. Her nose was extremly crusted over, and her cough was wet. Poor Elsa. I brought her up to the kitchen and gave her her bottle. Then made the kids breakfast. And they were off to school. J-F showed me how to shoot saline solution up Elsa nose and then suck the boogies out, so she could breath easier, she did not like it one bit, but it helped the sound of her cough almost instantly.

Today I dressed her in the cutest pink and white overall's, on top of her pink long sleeved onesie, with a pink and navy striped sweater. She looked just like a doll. Her mom took her to day care, and now I'm here with Lyn.

I am thinking about enrolling in a cooking course to help the days from being so boring and to learn something I love - food. I am also in the mood to write letters, so if you email me your address, I will send you a beautiful post card, or letter from Paris. (amandarosedunn@gmail.com).

Kisses to all,
Mandy

cabin fever

I really do love it here, but being here all day 24 hours a day is starting to get to me. I need to go out and explore but not spend too much money and be back in time to get Elsa from day care.

Yesterday I went to the store to buy the family milk. Lost in translation I was suppose to get Gabi from Yoga. It was all good though because Yoga is litterally 40 steps from their front door. After that I met Jean-François parents, they were very nice (imagine typical grandparents). Then I played with the boys and bathed Elsa. She was in a rotten mood yesterday, so that wasn't all that fun, but she seemed happy again this morning.

Then we had dinner. A cucumber, tomato, corn with tuna salad for the starter, then beef and green beans for the meal. Josephine even made homemade apple sauce for dessert. Talk about amazing, I hope she never stops cooking while I'm here, I dont think my food would compare.

Sameul threw a fit at dinner and went to bed early, when he's not mocking every word I say, he's screaming. It's when he's quiet, you have to worry what he's up to.

This morning, Sameul was the first one awake, but it makes sense because he went to bed first. When he saw me get his clothes out to dress him, suddenly he fell "asleep" so I would play the dress the limp body game he loves in the morning. This morning because he wasn't actually drifting in and out of sleep, he was fully awake, he was rather stiff. So I stood him up to dress him, and luckly he cooperated.

He decided to be my helper as we made breakfast for everone. I am starting to get the hang of it. Ben likes orange juice with toast (butter and STRAWBERRY jam), Gabrielle likes salmon but when they are out, she just has warm milk with a bit of honey. Samuel likes whatever hes in the mood for, today it was warm milk with honey and "TOST" he calls it immitating me, with more cheese than bread. Elsa just has a warm bottle with milk. Gabrielle was very funny today at breakfast, yelling, "I dont want to go to school, I dont care about school, I wont do my work, I dont care if I get bad marks and get punished, I dont give a damn" all in french of course, J-F translated for me though. She went to school, they all did.

After they were all gone I went back to bed, this whole waking up at 6:45 is getting to me, so I napped a bit then woke up to talk with Lyn and have lunch. I want to go explore but Sandrines mum will be here at 2 to get some things then I can leave before I go get Elsa at 4. 

Tonight J-F and Sandrine are going to the opera so I will be babysitting. I hope the kids go to sleep for me. Should be a nice little experiment. Wish me luck.

XOXO,
Mandy

long Wednesday

Bon jour! Yesterday I went with Lyn to pick up Elsa and Gabi from daycare and school. Lyn is the woman I am replacing in a way while she is on maternity leave. Lyn is AMAZING.  She is 4 foot 9 I am sure and happy and easy going. She is so cute pregnant, because she is so tiny. Like me, she doesn't speak French, despite being here for 10 years now. She speaks amazing English though and says whatever is on her mind. She informed me the window in her home overlooks the Eiffel Tower, and it is very romantic, which is the reason she is pregnant again. I wish I could show you all just how cute this woman is.

So we got the kids from their schools, about a 20 minute walk from one another, and came home. Lyn packed Elsa a snack of nutella in bread, so by the time we got home, she was covered in chocolate, and didn't have any of the bread. The girl knows what she likes, so we threw the bread to the birds. We got home and Gabi showered.  Then it was time for her piano lessons and Hebrew lessons. Benjamin takes Hebrew at school so he only had piano yesterday. Josephine watched Elsa while I played Monopoly with Samuel. He cheated the whole time, but I didn't mind. I am not a poor sport when playing Monopoly with a 4 year old.

After that, I bathed Sam and Elsa and got them dressed in jammies. Thankfully Elsa didn't poop in the tub today. Then it was time for dinner. Josephine made a broccoli soup and fried chicken with broccoli and potatoes. Yum Yum, dinner here with Josephine's cooking is better than a restaurant.

Then we played some more before it was time for bed. Sam refused to go to sleep last night and kept knocking on my door to lay with him. I didn't mind, but I am afraid to get lice. I've never had it and I want to keep it that way.

I love nights here, between Jean-Francois and the guest they had over last night, there is always beautiful classical music being played on the piano. It's really like a dream.

This morning I woke up the boys bright and early and got them dressed. Again Samuel acted like he was asleep, so it was a game getting clothes on his limp body. Gabrielle got to sleep in because she didn't have school today. I made the boys breakfast- oatmeal for Sam, toast for Ben - and they went off to school.

I then got Elsa dressed and played with her until her mom was ready to take her to daycare. By the time her mom left, Gabi decided to wake up and get dressed. She did her homework, and we watched a bit of Avatar before her friend came to get her to go to the swimming pool for a play date.

Now I'm here at the house with Josephine. She is doing some laundry and tidying up the house, and I am quite bored. She can't speak English so when we talk we run around the house looking for props to get the point across. It's fun, and with her amazing cooking, I welcome the exercise.

Gabi will return just before it's time to take her to yoga. Then I will go get Elsa from school. Until then, I will just be hanging out in this beautiful house.

Until tomorrow,
XOXO,
Mandy

PS- mums I haven't heard from F but talked to E a bit, and I'm thrilled you got the chocolate!! All my love!

hello to all!

I absolutly love it here! Last night once the kids got home from school, I built train sets with the boys, then played a game of monopoly. Then it was bath time. The 3 youngest took a bath all together, and the boys are just getting over lice so I had to scrub their heads with stinky shampoo. Then Elsa started to poop in the tub, haha mums... remind you of anyone. That was hilarious! Me and Josephine were cracking up as the kids looked on with shampoo in their hair. After baths and a little more playing, it was time for dinner. Josephine is a wonderful cook! We had cabbage soup and then rice with fish and onions and tomatoes! Yum yum!

After dinner the parents arrived home, and for a treat we had the ephinany gallette. Then Sameul went crazy - running, biting, screaming - he gets that way when hes tired, but little does he know, I bite back, run smarter, and scream louder. So in the long run I'll win when hes having these fits :)

The kids wen to bed a little after 9, but since Samuel and Gabrielle aren't used to sharring a room yet, they had some issues with going straight to bed, and played a little too long. They were exhausted this morning.

This morning I woke up Sam, Ben and Gabi at half past 7. Ben does this funny zombi walk when he first wakes up and Gabi just lays in bed and moans. They got dressed, while I dressed Sam. He acted like he was still asleep so I would completly dress him before he opened his eyes, little does he know this "game" makes it worlds easier for me :) They went off to school with their dad and I got to get Elsa ready.

Now all the kids are gone, and Lyn the house keeper just got here. I am free all day until 3 15, so I'll do some exploring.

I still haven't gotten my lap top to connect to the internet, so I am using the family computer for now. I can proudly say I am begining to learn the European keyboard, so props to me!!

Everyone have a blessed day,
XOXO,
Mandy