Minus 1

Joel left for Seattle early Wednesday morning.  One of his college BFFs is getting married this weekend.  We had been planning since last year that Joel and I would go and make it a no kid trip.  I have always wanted to go to Seattle.    I have been everywhere in the US but the Pacific NW.   So I am highly bummed that I didn’t get to go.  But it just isn’t financially smart to fly us all back to the States.  Plus, there’s a little trip to Munich this fall I want to go on…..  So here I am with the kiddos for 6 days.  I am already sick of hotel life.  And I am still a bit uncomfortable venturing too far outside the hotel.  Especially, when I am getting travel alerts from the American Embassy.  They like their political bombings here.  And Taksim Square is only a few blocks away.  The playground is about as far as I will go.  Plus it’s hard enough with the two of us keeping up with three kiddos, let alone me in a city of over 20 million!  Do you realize I just moved from a town of 25 THOUSAND! 

So here we are, Friday evening and rying to decide what to do for dinner.  Getting burned out of the Room Service Menu, the Lobby Bar Menu, and Chinese is out.  The Lebanese restaurant is a little too fancy for the kids.  Being Friday, the Veranda Restaurant and the Bosphorus Terrace are sure to be packed.  If Joel was here, we would just wonder around until we found  a place to eat.  UGH.  Only three more days….but I don’t think I am going to want to eat at this hotel again!  Thankfully, once Joel gets back, we will be busy!   Going on Tuesday to get our residence permit!  Which means a lot more things can get done!  Cell phones for everyone, we can get our sea shipment when it arrives, and the best part…. move into our apartment!  Thursday is the girls New Student Open house.  And then Saturday we leave for our week at the beach!  The best part about that trip…. cooking for ourselves! 

Maybe I will just order everyone dessert for dinner and we’ll watch Netflix until bedtime.  Make it an early bedtime and then we can get up early and beat the crowd to the pool!  Only three more days!

Istanbul is mutating my kids!

Since arriving in Istanbul, my kiddos are picking up some interesting habits.

Case #1
I would love to included the picture to go with this put I’d probably get put in jail.  Nate has been doing awesome at potty training.  As long as I keep up with him, he’s about 80% in the pot.  He even poo’ed for the first time a few days ago.  yay!  Well, when I walked in my bathroom the other day…. he had gone to full on male mode in the bathroom.   I found him completely naked, straddling the toilet seat, biting his toe nails.  TOE.NAILS!  I was mortified!  Then laughed my ass off and grabbed my camera.  Once I figure out a way to sensor the pic a bit, I will post it.  Because it’s to flippin funny!
Ok… best I can do for now….


Case #2
Turkish people L.O.V.E kids.  Poor Elly gets petted pretty heavily on a daily bases.  Guessing it’s the blonde hair.  Jocy and Nate get their fair share too.  So, for as much as they LOVE kids, they really don’t accommodate for them.  Kids menus are only seen at McD’s and Burger King.  Thankfully, the Hilton room service does too.  We have been splitting one meal between the 3 of them.  And if you don’t bring your own drinks…. they better get used to drinking freshly squeezed orange juice ALL the time.  The Turkish are very proud of their OJ.  Or they need to be willing to try the other juice available – pomegranate, pineapple and sour cherry.  We did find a winner for Nate the other day… peach juice.  And surprisingly it was really good but talk about the SUGAR.  Anyways… my kids have taken to most of the juice here


That is Elly’s apple juice in, yes. a Vodka Glass!

Case #3

The bidet.  We are at the same hotel but different room.  Elly was really interested when we explained it to her.  We really shouldn’t have been surprised when she asked to use it.  The one we have now is a lot easier to use…. making Elly our bidet loving child.  And if Elly’s doing it…. Nate will follow.  The use of wipes has gone down greatly in our house.

Wonder what else my kiddos are going to pick up…….

Happy Birthday to my baby girl!

I can NOT believe that my little bitty baby girl is 7 years old today!  Where has the time gone?  Is definitely making me feel a tad old today.  And it doesn’t help that my birthday is three days later.  Double whammy!    But I couldn’t be happier to be her Mom.  She is beautiful, loving, and smart.  And I’m not just saying that because I’m her mom.  I have tests and acceptance into the gifted program to prove it!  LOL

This is the first year there is not a huge party surround by friends.  There aren’t a bunch of crazy gifts (the girl already got a car ).  But I am hoping that this year she is getting the greatest gift of all.  Celebrating in Istanbul.  I am hoping during the next three year she will suck in all the amazing things that she will be surrounded by daily.  Most kids in the US will never leave the country, let alone the state they live in.  I know she really has no idea how big of a deal this is.  But I think one day she will be grateful for all the things she will see and learn.

I wish I had a pic of Jocy when she was a baby, but my external hard drive is with the air shipment.

So here is recent pic of my 7 year old!  I’m getting all teary eyed just typing it!

And she finally lost some top teeth!  One in the hotel in Liberty and one here in Istanbul.  And yes…. the Tooth Fairy leaves Turkish Lira!  But she did adjust to 2 TL to at equal $1 USD.  She’s just going to have to hold out for a better exchange rate and maybe make a $1.25! 

Happy 7th Birthday   Jo Jo!!!

 

Su NOT soup

Last night we headed out to look for a pet store.  We have looked at the mall, around areas we know and Joel even looked near work.  The only one we remembering seeing was in Zek and that would be our desperation trip.  Because who knows if we could even find downtown Zek!!!

So thanks to Google maps, we found what we thought was a pet store.  The word pet in Turkish is WAY too long,  Akvaryum.  So off we went.  We seem to be the only people that ever walk out of the Hilton.  But I have been enjoying the daily long walks.  Except for today when my back is killing me.  The pet store we were looking for was near an intersection we know well but in one of the little back street.  Since it was pretty late, we were scoping out where to have dinner on the way back.  There doesn’t seem to be any set times that stores close so we were trying to make a mad dash before the pet store closed.  We reach was we thought was Rumeli Cd., but the street sign was gone!!  We asked the first by passer and he confirmed it was.  Joel was not convinced that the store was down this little street.  I think our alley in Detroit was twice the size.  But I looked at the map and I know I can read them…. so I grabbed Jocy’s hand and off we went.  I was a little uncomfortable.  Because, yes, we do scream AMERICANS!  I think the blonde hair and the blue eyes are just a little hint.  But it was pretty interesting. Definitely a place I need to shop!  No idea if the stuff were knock offs or real (I couldn’t tell) but their prices were a 1/6 of the mall prices!  Finally I see the pet store!  Yay!  And what is in the window?  The cutest puppies and kittens!  It was so hard not to take them all!   It was a bit expensive for the supplies, but I guess that Joel’s OMG HOW MUCH face got the lady to knock the kitty litter box down half price.  I am going to have to get him to do that at the Grand Bazaar! 

So mission accomplished!  We head back looking for Café Sultan.  It was packed when we walked by the first time so it much be good… right?    When we got there, the outside was still packed but the inside had plenty of space.  Once we got in, I knew why.  It was a bit warm, but a nice breeze did finally make it in the front door.  I am still having a HARD… EXTREMELY HARD time getting past the B.O. thing.  I am slowly getting better and by the time we left the restaurant I didn’t notice it too much.   Our waiter knew a little English but we have been trying hard to order in Turkish.  Which we found out last night might be more confusing!  We ordered our meals which came with a drink.  We ordered 2 cokes and 1 Fanta (which is how they say it) but then we ordered 3 Su… which is water.  Well he miss understood and we ended up with 3 soups.  LOL.  I have no idea what it was.  Maybe pea or asparagus?  And it came with a lemon and tasted amazing with the lemon juice.  Jocy and Nate weren’t interested, but Elly loved it!  So much she chose eating the soup over her chicken nuggets and fries she ordered! 

Dinner was really good.  I got grilled chicken with mashed potatoes and French fries?  Not sure why that was the meal.  Nate got my fries but the mashed potatoes were really good!  And, as Joel said, I am a mashed potato snob.  And one thing that I just don’t understand, why America gets the rap for Supersized meals.   We have not gotten a meal here than we could finish!  The kids can usually share a meal and have leftovers.  Which I guess will save us some money!

The Big Move

I have a few minutes before the pool opens and the kids are being "quiet" so I can fill you in on the excitement over the past few weeks.

It all started when July 18th, when the moving company showed up to start packing our stuff. Thankfully, the girls had gone home with my parents and Uncle Kevin was in KC to babysit Nate while we got everything done. It was very emotional watching the truck pull away with our stuff of Tuesday. I was really ready for the move but we have made such wonderful friends while in Liberty, that was the hard part. I was so over the house and stuff, that part didn't matter.

Good bye stuff!  On the way to the boat!

 

I got a little last minute girls trip in before we left. The day after the movers were done, Kevin, Nate and I loaded up the Flex and headed for the ville.  I basically dropped Kevin, Nate and some stuff off at my parents and headed to Erin’s house to start loading the car.  We drove all night (which worked out great!) and by 10 am we were in Hilton Head Island.  We threw on our suits and headed to the beach.  It was a very busy week but I think I managed to relax.  There was lots of beach and pool time, a little shopping (scored an amazing deal on a Coach purse) and a impromptu trip to Savannah!  Oh how I love Savannah.  Beckie and I went on a ghost tour!  Always wanted to and she managed to score us a last minute one! 

It was an amazing trip.  Funny thing is, I went to HS with the three of them.  I was friends with Jenny and I knew who the other two were but not friends.  Jenny and I became much better friends after HS but now to think 15 years later that I have just now developed these friendships!  Love this group of girls and of course the HHI girls!  I can’t wait until our next girls trip to HHI

 

Made it back to the ville on the 25th.  I got to spend the 26th resting up and hanging with my family.  Had a very nice evening swimming at Joyce and Buddy’s new house. 

the ville VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Did I mention the girls got their ears pierced?!  Jocy finally gave in!  We went to Claire’s at the Mall St. Matthews with Grandma Norma.  Elly was super excited she could get Hello Kitty earrings.  Jocy was bummed they were out of the peace sign earrings but opted for a blue flower pair.  I thought she made a good choice.   Jocy went first and just said “Ouch” for each ear.

 

Elly didn’t do so well.  She was pretty nervous beforehand.

Elly VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

And then she screamed bloody murder as it was done and then afterwards.  It wasn’t until I gave her a mirror that she finally relaxed and said “It looks awesome, Mom.  I love them.  That was easy.”

So it has finally been done.  They picked out a few more pairs and are anxiously waiting to wear them.

 

The kiddos and I headed back to Liberty on the 27th and back to the Hampton Inn.  Which was a surprisingly nice place.  Grandpa Bruce and Grandma Jackie fly in late on the 28th.  Joel and I had a few more things to get out of the house and into storage.  Even Big Bertha made a trip out and got a new home.

 

We got in last minute playdates and dinners with friends.  Tried to say goodbye to as many people as possible.  It was so hard not being an emotional wreck knowing it might be a really long time before we could see many of these people again.

 

Before we knew it, July 31st arrived.  We had a 1pm flight to Chicago.  Thankfully, Ford let us split up the trip into two days.  Saved my sanity!  Nate and Elly had never flown before.  So I was really worried.  But they were great!  Elly and Jocy sat together and thought it was the greatest thing ever!  Nate and Joel sat together but that didn’t last long after takeoff.  The second Joel took off his seatbelt to assist with naptime, Nate wanted to be running the aisles.  I was   dumb to think I would get to sit alone and enjoy it!  He spent part of the time in my lap the other part fighting to run around.  I got stuck on the worst seat in the plane for landing with Nate.  Was not cool. NOT.AT.ALL

It was all a pain in the butt, but we had a great time in Chicago.  We had a   rental car (yet another mini-van – that rant for later) but we most just walked around Chicago.  Ford had put us up in the Courtyard downtown. Best part, there was a 7-11 next door! And yes, I got my Slurpie!  Once we were all settled into the hotel, we decided to head out for dinner.  When I came to Chicago for my 8th grade trip, we ate at Ed Debevic’s.  I almost went the last time I was in Chicago but opted to skip out.  I thought the kids would enjoy it, and it was just a few blocks away! 

 

Ed Debevic’s VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Not bad for our last night in the States!  We were exhausted and headed back for some sleep.

 

The next morning we had breakfast at the hotel.  It was so YUMMY!  I had the chocolate and Mascarpone French Toast with strawberries.  The goal for the day was to hit up the Americal Girl store.  As we were walking down Michigan Ave, Joel spotted the Disney Store.  Some time between unloading the car at KCI and arriving to Chicago, Elly’s Minnie went missing.  Very sad, as it was a gift from Uncle Shawn from Disney World.  Joel whispered to me that we should hit the store on the way back.  We finally arrived to the AG store.  I had told the girls that we couldn’t buy too much because our luggage was already full.  We had to pay extra to fly to Chicago (we packed to international flight rules)…. ok Ford had to pay.  We got the girls to agree to one book, one outfit, and one set of earrings each.  They did really well and there was no fighting.  They did of course ask for some big stuff. But they will be super happy to see when Christmas rolls around that mommy already took care of it. LOL.

 

 

Then off to the Disney Store. Elly found a new Minnie with a pink dress and was so excited!  I am so glad the Disney store near us closed a few years ago, because I could have spent a ton of time (and $$$) in there.  Nate picked out a set of cars from CARS 2, which was the most expensive set in the store. We talked him down to plastic ones.  They have already paid themselves off. He LOVES them.  Jocy picked out a Tinkerbell school set.  Plus we snuck in a few Christmas gifts.  Thankfully, everything did fit!!!

 

Afterwards, we had to stop into the hotel and check out.  We left the car and headed out for lunch.  The girls wanted to go to Rainforest Café.  Jocy had been before with preschool (Elly was just a baby) but we had a really good lunch and the kids had fun.  I was ready for a nap afterwards but we had to keep moving in hopes that we all would sleep on the plane.

 

We picked up the car and headed for Navy Pier.  We looked thru the telescopes (which only Jocy liked) walked the pier and rode the Carousel.

After all the fun at Navy Pier it was almost 6pm, so we thought we would head to the airport.  With 8 suitcases, 4 backpacks, 3 carseats, and 2 carryon's, it’s not easy to drop off the rental car and make it to the International Terminal.

But thru out our journey, we have come across some wonderful people.  Someone always offering to help.  Kind of forgot there are still people like that out there and I am very grateful for all the help and offers!

 

We finally got checked in and made it thru security.  Monday night is definitely the time to fly.  Joel went thru the passport checkpoint first and by the time I made it thru, he was almost thru security.  We hung out in the lounge for a while (my first time) and enjoyed the food and drinks.  Everyone was very impressed with the kids and keep telling them how cute they are.  Big heads they will have!  After about an hour, we got to board.  The girls ended up in the 1st row and Joel was in the middle across the aisle from them.  Nate and I got to hang out behind the girls.  They all did amazing!  The girls were asleep right after dinner and Nate feel asleep in my arms right before dessert.  I did too!  They all slept a  good 8 hours!  I managed about 4 hours, which was MUCH better than the flight over last time.  I did get to enjoy a gorgeous lightening show while everyone slept!  Joel slept just fine, as always.  The kids were all squeals as we watch the flight camera upon landing. 

 

 

We got our luggage and found our driver with out a problem and arrived at the Hilton Istanbul by 7pm.  Can’t complain at all about the trip!!!

 

first night in our new home!

 

 

 

 

Change is a comin"

So whenever my iMac arrives and things have finally settled, I am giving the blog a total makeover.  Might as well with the big move and all.  I should have posted about our adventures so far but we have been so busy since we arrive.  Heck even the weeks leading up to the move were insanely busy.  What was I thinking taking a vaca before moving to the other side of the world?  LOL.  But it was well needed and worth it.  I will post about each event soon.

Just a mini update.  The kids are being quite watching a move so I am going to nap.  Something that has become a neccessity since the move.  Not that I didn't enjoy my naps before.  But today is the first day the kids weren't up at 6am (and Joel up at 3am)  And we have not walked than 4 miles a day. So mommy is better. 

Later