Last day at job number one

Well, it is officially the last day of my first job.

Working here has left me with so many new insights.

Jai has elaborated on why the movie 'Star Wars' is called 'star wars'. Apparently it is because there are lots of stars and lots of wars. Without this knowledge, I don't know what I would have done.

Kailum has managed to dissuade me from carrying a handbag, casually stating that he knows why a handbag is called a handbag. He says the reason is that the bag is actually made out of ham, so it's called a 'hambag'. Apparently a much better option is a manbag.

Corley has helped me believe that prevention is better than cure (you can probably guess why).

I now know that a clean house is a happy house/mother.

There have been many ups and downs during the last two weeks. I have had great fun learning about the culture here and have enjoyed the ride immensely.

The Dreaded Bug...

Hello

So, I have come up with the perfect description for how I feel, why I have not updated my blog and why I have not been in contact. I think it is rather clever because it is a word that contains one syllable and describes absolutely everything about yesterday and today... any guesses????


and the word is:

FLU

Isn't it amazing how much this one little word can tell you about an entire two days?

So, I woke up yesterday morning (the morning of my job interview) feeling like a bus ran over me, followed by a train, followed by a car, followed by a bicycle, followed by three little boys (oh, wait, that one is true!). I had a bath, got dressed and flowed down the stairs like hot lava. Then I sat and waited.

Bethany was kind enough to take me to Sevenoaks for the interview.

The interview took two-and-a-half hours. It started with a presentation (informing us of all the roles we will fulfil, all the ins and outs of the position as well as all the staff in the company) next was the one-on-one interview (where they chatted to me to check that I am not a homicidal maniac and that I have a nice personality) followed by all the admin stuff. They told me straight away that I had the job (WHOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!)

SO, I start training on Monday, and starting Friday I OFFICIALLY have a job!!!!

By the end of this marathon I could hear the train returning for a second shot at riding over me. I left the interview and found Bethany and the boys. Then, on the drive home Kailum threw up all over the groceries Bethany had just bought (apparently he gets car sick!!??) That was just lovely (you know the chain - one chucks, then another, then another........) Luckily Kailum was the only one who vomited. This led to Bethany telling me about the time when Corley smelt sour milk in the car and vomited, followed by Kailum (brought on by Corley), followed by Jai (brought on my Corley and Kailum)... just what I needed to hear whilst being surrounded by that nice acidic chewed pizza smell... I felt myself turn green. Next thing I knew Bethany asked me to dig in one of the bags (yes, one with vomit on/in) and get out the pack of wipes. I closed my eyes and thought of the starving kids in Africa. The bag of wipes was also covered in nice warm acidic chewed pizza and cola. I was SOOOO impressed. I EVENTUALLY opened the wipes and hurried to clean my hands... I left Kailum to clean up his own mess.

We eventually got home, I hurried inside (as fast as i could, feeling the way i felt) with groceries from the boot whilst Bethany dealt with the groceries in the car. She came inside after me and opened the area where the dogs sleep. AND WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT... one of the dogs had thrown up all over the room. I left in search of cleaner ground.

If there is one thing I cannot handle, it is VOMMIT, PUKE, COTCH and SALIVA.

Anyway... they say sharing is caring... so i must really care about you????

Managed to make the boys dinner and pudding and sit through a movie with them. But this was followed by my friend 'Disprin' and my other friend 'Bed'.

Today has been really quiet. Bethany took the boys out to the pictures (whilst i was expected to stay home and clean). This was lovely - I can still feel the after-effects of the bus, train, bicycle...

I would imagine I will still have to make dinner (or tea, or whatever they call it) when the boys get back, but I think another early night is in order.

What do you say?

Is it TUESDAY already????

Hello

Yesterday was Spring Bank Holiday here, where all the banks close and by default then, so too do all the businesses.

Bethany had one of her clients around in the morning to look at the kittens (she wants to buy two of the four). So we only managed to leave home around 13h00 for the BBQ.

By the time we got to Rachael's home the food was nearly cooked and the drinks were already out. There was rain pouring down (luckily they had gazebo's up - as apparently it rains here every bank holiday) but that did not stop the festivities outdoors. I was introduced to a million people and then expected to get along. Luckily, food makes people a lot more friendlier and drink makes them a lot more talkative. Now, as you can imagine, I was accosted by the nosy, the drunk, the sober and ignored by the snobs.

There was plenty of food around (I think even a true south african would have been proud of all the meat available). There were also plenty of people there to eat it. The festivities included garden darts (which apparently I play quite well - well, against drunk people anyway!) and a multitude of Wii games (hula hoops, baseball, skiing, bowling etc.)
It was quite fun. They poured me drink after drink after drink (they managed to get themselves drunk, but alas, I stayed standing [I wonder how I did it?])

We left there around 22h00 and put the kids in bed. Following that Bethany and Nick went out to get Paige and her friend from an under 16's club and bring them home. Whilst they were out, I hopped into bed...

Got up this morning around 08h00. This week the boys are on school holiday, so I had to contend wit three tired boys... Once I got downstairs and had the mandatory cup of coffee, I met Paige's friend and made flapjacks... the boys LOVED them (about time too!) Following this, we went to the park (jumped all over the jungle gyms and the trees), came home and had noodles and pudding!

I am planning to get to bed early tonight, so that I am bright-eyed and bushy tailed in the morning!

Once again, only time will tell.

Bank holiday???

Hello again!

Here is an update from the last few days...

I have not been required to work since Friday, but because I get bored and feel guilty really easily I have helped out... (sucker!)

Let's start with Saturday (briefly)

It began the same as every other day... Bethany at work, the boys running around yelling, me getting my early morning coffee... you get the picture!

Nick took Kailum and Jai to dance school (where they have a three hour session of dancing, acting and singing). That left Corley and me. When Nick got back, we went down to the park to walk the dogs, followed by Nick cooking lunch and the neighbours child coming over to play. We waited until three, when Nick went to fetch the other two boys from the dancing. Upon their return we packed and went down to the gym (David Lloyd gym) because Nick and Kailum do karate there. I went along to watch over the other two whilst in the swimming pool.

Bethany joined us just in time, as Shaun phoned me and I needed a quieter environment to be able to speak and be heard! By the time I got off the phone Bethany and the boys were getting changed and on their way to the coffee area (which is really really really huge!) We sat and had a coffee, waiting for Nick and Kailum to finish their lesson. This was followed by us going home.

A little later on, Bethany's friend and her boyfriend came for dinner and drinks. We ordered Thai. It cost us £23 to feed five adults (and have stashes of food left over)... not too bad I think. The only sad part was that I eventually fell in to bed around 01h00.

On came Sunday

Was forced out of bed early (surprise, surprise). There was rain outside and everything was well. I crept downstairs (the boys were with their parents) and made me a cup of coffee. I sat and contemplated the world. Having come to the conclusion that the world cannot be saved I made myself another cup of coffee to commiserate! I was joined by Nick (who was on his way to collect Paige and Cane from their mother) followed by the boys and Bethany. By this time is was nearing 09h30. Bethany was taking the boys to the 10h00 movies (or as they say, 'the pictures') so you can imagine the mad house!!!

I went along for the ride (the movies are in a LOOOOOOOONG shopping street... but I really had no alterior motive... ;0)). By this stage it had stopped raining. So, whilst they were having quality 'family' time together I walked around the mall. I stopped in at Starbucks for a coffee ('venti', which means a coffee served in a mug the size of Kimberly hole) and a double chocolate muffin. Once I had finished there I began down the shopping street. I managed to get halfway, when Bethany phoned to say they were done at the two-hour movie (which gives you an idea of the size and length of the shopping street). We went back home, but needed to find some parking (the parking on the one-way street we live on was closed, as it was a main through-fare for ambulances - and cars that dared to park there were towed and a £200 fee was imposed!!!!). We eventually found parking and went in to eat some lunch. We then got ready to go down to the coast to watch the airshow.

The airshow was a let-down. There were hardly any planes, and masses and masses of people (my favourite combination..... NOT!) I started to cool down around 17h00. So, Nick's mother took me for some tea and toast (I think I like her... she reminds me a lot of Nanna - same way of speaking, same thoughts, same behaviour... and she took me for TEA!!!!!) Nick, Bethany, Paige, Cane and the boys picked me up on their way past and we went back home. When we got home, Nick and Paige went to the park to walk the dogs whilst I played Hitler and got the boys bathed and in bed. By the time Nick and Paige got back the boys were asleep in bed (ta-da).

We then sat and watched some television and went to bed.

Today is a public holiday (well not officially, but because the banks are closed, the other businesses cannot function, so everyone goes on holiday). There is another airshow today (not even going to bother - it is raining again this morning, yesterday was a let-down and I expect there will be a lot of people there again today). SO, my plans today are to get dressed, sit around until the BBQ (Braai), go and eat and drink and the rest does not matter.

Hope the rain continues (it will be funny watching people trying to braai in it, plus it is just really nice to hear in the comfort of a centrally heated home )

Cheery bye for now!

Oh Boy!

Hi everyone

Let me tell you a little about the 'London' experience.

We got up early, as we had to leave the house by 07h00. The boys were dressed, fed and generally prepared by Bethany and Nick. Nick and I left the house at 07h01 with the three kids in tow.

We drove to London for a number of reasons. One, because it was peak hour (train tickets are more expensive at this time). Two, because we had three children. Three, because the shoot was quite far away from the train station... and so on and so forth.

SO, after 2 hours of driving, we got to our destination (with very little screaming and crying because each of the boys has a DS - which is like a portable PlayStation). Then came the REALLY boring bit. We arrived, sat and waited. Then the older boys were dressed (by wardrobe - sounds cool hey?) and Corley and I were left to wait whilst they filmed (they were making an advert on anti-stabbing. The boys were there as extras). Needless to say, by the time Nick and the older boys got back, Corley and I were equally fed up of waiting.

So, we packed all the stuff in the car (which was in a parking lot which costs £2 per hour - this is on top of the tax charged for travelling into London [£8 per trip in]) and headed off in search of the Golden Arches...

Nick took me on a driving tour of London, so I got to see Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Nelsons column, the Millennium wheel (which takes an hour to go around, and if you look at it, it appears not to be moving at all), the Houses of Parliament, the river Thames, Big Ben (no, not that one Melanie ;0) ), pudding lane, the Tower of London, Marble arch and all that stuff.

We arrived at Micky Dees, and with some relief, got out of the car and headed for some food.
Nick bought the meals (three happy meals, one chicken nugget 6-pack, and two meals for us) next, he bought ice-cream. I was VERY disappointed when Jai got away with ordering food, taking one bite out of it and then throwing it in the dustbin, followed by Corley having two mouthfulls of ice-cream and doing the same thing (obviously I could not reprimand them, as their father was there - and I think this is his department???). Next, Jai got away with pulling his tongue out at a lady in the car parked next to ours... just disappointed and generally miffed.

I will definitely do a walking tour of London, without children, when I am up and running.

On the way home, Nick was starting to fall asleep, so I suggested that we stop at a park on the way home (sometimes the boys come in handy!) We stopped, at a place called Hadleigh Castle (for more info and pics, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadleigh_Castle) it was lovely. And, wouldn't you know it, the boys climbed up every wall that was signposted 'Please do not climb on the walls'...

I was glad to get home.

I quickly found some work to do, and busied myself in the front lounge. Nick got stuck entertaining them every few minutes. Eventually, they went for a bath. Nick went out (he has karate on a Thursday night). I put the kids in bed (with no problems whatsoever!!!!!!!). Then I waited for the phone to ring. I spoke on the phone for a good hour. Nearing the end of the phone call Corley came downstairs 'for a drink' (roughly translated: I went to mum and dads room to get in bed with them, they were not there, so I needed some excuse to come downstairs). Following this, I turned the central heating off and went for a bath (which is a spa bath, to which I added bubbles - so much more fun this way! [well until there are too many bubbles and the bath begins to overflow]). Then I fell into bed.

This morning I had full responsibility of the kids. Both Bethany and Nick were at work, so I had to get them dressed, fed and watered. Then off to school. I did this in half the time it usually takes.

Got back home and sat online for a while whilst the dishwasher did the hard work.

Later went out to fetch Corley from school and feed him. I was reprimanded by the Principal of the Nursery school because Bethany had not given them written notice that I would occassionally collect him from school (even though Bethany gave verbal notice the last time, and I had been walking him in every morning). This is a good thing I guess, it just made my life that one little bit harder (as she chose to do it with all the other mothers around)... Principals...

So, so far another rather dull day all-round.

Bethany phoned a minute ago informing me that I am to take the day off again tomorrow...

I ask you?

Why are they paying me?

Hello from Sunny Southend-on-Sea (pity)

Lets start with the dull stuff...

This morning I had to program myself to wake up when I heard the boys (which meant I woke up to EVERY noise in the house till morning). This was all because my cellphone battery is DEAD! And, as you know, without my cell I have no concept of the time, nor do I have an alarm... Granted, it is not too difficult to miss the sound of three boys stomping around on wooden floors (yelling, crying and complaining), with their mother in tow screaming at them to stop... But, as you know, my luck these days seems to have grinded to a halt.

Due to all of this stuff, I woke up several times during the night to all the little creeks and cars passing by. When it was eventually time to get up (or so I thought) I went downstairs (to make coffee and toast ) and because I had no idea what the time was (and that there are no clocks that work in this house) I merrily carried on... I turned on the television, to discover that it was only 06h30... I WAS NOT IMPRESSED!!!!!!!!

Bethany got up a while later (once the boys had been fed) and then the mad rush began.

We walked to school today, Bethany took the two older boys to school and I took Corley to pre-school. Before I left Bethany's company, she gave me £10 and told me to go find a nice little restaurant and treat myself (because I had done so much hard work in the last couple days... I smiled). I walked to St Micheals and must admit that I found it rather amusing that the mothers spoke to me (because they assumed I had a child) but on the previous occasions (when Corley was with Bethany) had snubbed me... Although, I have to say that Bethany's sister-in-law always makes an effort to talk to me.

Following my deposit at the pre-school I walked around Southend shopping street.

Here are some of the things I found particularly interesting:

• There was a police presence on the streets


• There was a lollipop man at the main intersections (before and after school)


• There are a lot of pharmacy's here


• Woolworths here is a rubbish shop (much like Ackermans at home)


• Prices of electrical goods are awesome (A new cellphone costs around £29, the latest iPod is about £90)


• Food is expensive if it costs £2 a product


• There are always schemes (Buy one get one free... they are not lying!)


• Comparative shopping is the way to spend the least amount of money with the most amount of goods bought (for example, body lotion is around £3 for 500ml in some shops, but if bought at the factory shop, costs £1.99)


• Face cleaning products are expensive (around £6 a product)


• Hair dye is rather cheap (around £4)

All-in-all money goes a long way here, with the average grocery spend a week being £100-£150 (that includes LOADS of fruit and veg)

Now that you have some idea on prices and stuff, let me continue telling you about my day!!!

Once I got back home, I made an omelette and sat to watch a movie. I then got up and did more ironing. Bethany got home, and informed me that Corley had another play-date today... In came woman number two and her son. It appeared to me that the lady came for a free haircut and her son was the excuse... but what do I know???!!! Halfway through their visit Corley and this little boy were shouted at for throwing toys over the fence and into the neighbours property (which led to a crying match (not too sure who won, they were equally as good as each other!))

By the time they left, it was time to collect the boys from school. Bethany drove me and Corley to the school, I collected the boys and we walked back. Bethany had already gone to work. As we got in, the boys' tutor came, which left me some time to salvage that which the sock monster had not yet taken (you get the point I'm sure???)

Next, it was time to cook dinner. I had all the boys in the tiny kitchen 'helping' me (Corley peeling carrots, Cailum chopping them, Jai rubbing butter on the tinfoil... then an argument... then Corley putting butter on the chicken, Cailum telling them how to do it properly and that "I am the oldest, and I'm allowed....." and Jai complaining because he wanted to rub butter on the chicken... another argument... YOU GET THE PICTURE I'M SURE??????)

Once dinner was in the oven they helped me hang out the washing (Corley handed the item to Jai, who shakes it and hands it to me (Cailum was inside building the worlds best paper airplane...)) and do the vacuuming. It was rather eventful.

Lastly, we ate dinner, ate pudding, got them into the bath and then into bed (tomorrow is going to be a LONG day, as we are going into London (Cailum and Jai have a commercial to audition for) and Corley is coming with.

Until then!

My first day off!!!!

Hi all

Today I have been given the day off (and it is only my second day of work???)

I got up late (at last), well when I say late, I mean 08h00 [this damn internal clock is a real let-down sometimes!] I did not have to help get the boys ready for school or feed them, or any of the stuff I am paid to do. Bethany said: 'I'm home, I will do it, you relax love and leave it to me'. Naturally, I smiled and helped out anyway. This house is mad mad mad when Bethany is in charge, as she is a little scatter-brained sometimes. So when they left for school, I took a deep breathe and wandered into the kitchen.

Yes, you guessed it, I made a cup of coffee.

I poured a bowl of cheerios (it's so nice to eat a product you only ever see on TV!), added some milk and went to the front room to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet!

I was enjoying my cheerios, when, wouldn't you know it, one cheerio on my spoon moved. I hastily dropped the spoon back into the bowl, unsure of what I had just seen, and put the bowl down with a bang. Then, once I had recovered from the shock I CAREFULLY lifted the spoon (ready to propel whatever it was [cheerio and all] across the room). As I lifted the spoon to inspect the cheerio something crawled out of the centre of it at speed. Once again, I dropped the spoon (predictible? so much for propelling it across the room I hear you say?!) I then gathered all my strength, lifted the spoon (far away from me) and peered at the possessed cheerio.

There, looking up at me was a bewildered, frightened, milk-stained moth.

I was so glad there was no one else in the house (need I say more?)

SO...

Later, whilst I was ironing, Tesco's delivered the shopping. This was followed by Bethany getting back, with her sister-in-law (and her daughter - poppy), her mother-in-law and another lady. I was later to discover that the lady (who has a son) was here for a play-date...

Needless to say, the house was once again quite hectic!

Soon it will be time to collect the older boys... but that is not my problem today.

Will update again tomorrow, I'm sure!

Job Day One

Hi!

Firstly, let me say: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM!!!!!!!!

I started my new job today... and trust me it is a great means of contraception!!!!

Let me elaborate a little.

I woke up this morning at around 07h30. I was on my way downstairs when I was told to go with Jai and do his reading homework with him. I continued down the stairs and sat in the back room, glazed expression on my face and did his reading with him. Following this, I was told to do Kailum's reading with him (all this before school?? Nothing like leaving it to the last minute eh?) I was busy doing the reading when Bethany brought me a much-needed cup of coffee...

Then was the mad rush to get the kids to school (first the older boys [school starts at 09h00], then the youngest [school starts 15 minutes later]). Bethany drove to the schools, and I walked back home.

On the way home I stopped at Tesco, Marks and Spencer and the Piano shop (typical huh?)

I got home, put a load of washing on, scoured the laundry room (really tough job!) and made lunch for Corley. By the time that was done, it was time to fetch Corley from school (he finishes at 11h45). I took a brisk walk (don't laugh, that's just not nice...) to St Micheals to collect him and then waited (probably should not have walked as briskly as I did). Following this, Corley and I went to the park, ate lunch, played and then came home.

I got out the laundry and started the ironing procedure (emphasis on the 'procedure' - it is amazing what people iron, or want ironed...) and put another load of washing in the machine (could not wash it as there is no washing liquid). Then I made some dinner (spaghetti bolognaise - always a favourite - thanks Wendy!)

By this time Nick was home, we went to the local gym for Jai's swimming lesson. This gym is rather awesome. The pool is a 25m, with two other pools for children (Melanie, you would really be at home here!!!!) We returned home, I warmed dinner (whilst the kids did their homework with Nick). We ate, and an hour later they were all in bed (Corley's first night in his own bed... we will see!) I had to use the naughty step today, with great success!!!

What was I saying about me putting some order and routine in place?????? (Stop smiling Shaun!)

On another note, I still have not found an adaptor for all my South African plugs (let me rephrase - I can find an adaptor, but I have to order it online, which they will not deliver unless I place an order over £20... annoying!) So, if ever you are planning a trip anywhere out of SA, TAKE AN ADAPTOR!!!!!!!!!

I know that this is hard work, but I am glad that I am FINALLY doing something!!!!

Until tomorrow then...

My First Job

Hi-ya (as they say here!)

I successfully moved from Orpington to Westcliff on Sea. I was collected from Carl and Wendy's place by Bethany, in her beetle.

We drove to her place, where I met my WORK.

Walking through the door I just knew that this was going to be hard work.
I met Paige, who is Nicks daughter from his previous marriage (age 15). Followed by Bethany's two boys, Jai 6 and Corley 3. As if that was not enough, we began making coffee and then the masses descended!!!!
In came Nick, Cane (Nicks son from his previous marriage, age 13), Kailum 7 and some of their friends (husband and wife with a 1 year old daughter and a 4 year old son). Needless to say, the household was HECTIC!!!!!!!!

So, all together there were 5 adults (including me) and 7 children in a small house... you can just imagine the noise!

Then, a little later on we had a BBQ (a braai in my terminology). We had loads and loads and loads of food (and because there were so many children, there was loads and loads and loads of mess on the floor!). As you can imagine, there was also a lot of alcohol involved (3+ bottles of wine amongst the women, a few cases of beer/cider between the men and a bottle of vodka between the oldest two kids[!!!!!!!])

BUT the evening did not end there.

Around 23h00 the cat went into labour... (I was SO SO SO SO SO SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!). The kids were still up (!!!!!!!!???????!!!!!!!!!!!) so there was competition to see the new kittens. I watched four little souls enter the world, it was absolutely phenomenal!

The kids got to bed around 01h00 (can you believe it? i was not impressed). We got to bed a little while later.

I woke up (or was woken up) around 07h00, by all the fuss being made over the new kittens in Bethany's room (my room is next to theirs). I tried to ignore it, but was not too successful, being forced out of bed around 08h00 (so much for my day off ;0))

There was commotion, commotion, commotion all morning. Nick made breakfast (a huge one at that!) I had a shower (with hot water!!!!!!) and then we went down to the beach. The beach is obviously not like those in SA (way more pebbles), but rather nice none the less. We had an ice cream and coffee down there, and then returned home (the parents were forced into going to the beach, with their hangovers! I just smiled).

The rest of the day has been slow for me, but there has been a LOT of noise all day... With a lot of sweets involved... (you can picture my face/reaction - stop smiling) I will soon put them in place.... :0D

Tomorrow is my first day actually working (as I discussed with Bethany that I observe them on Saturday and Sunday to get an idea of what their routine is). I will endeavour to put some kind of routine in place and maybe even a little discipline?????!!!!!

We will see!

See ya later (as they say)

Today I move again

Hi everyone!

I was up at 4am this morning, as Logan got sick, followed by Alicia wetting her bed. I did however manage to get back to sleep after all the noise had died down. This resulted in me only getting out of bed around 08h45 (awesome to lie in for a while!). Once again, I did the usual dragging of heels.

I got a phone call from the new family, so I am expecting to be collected from Carl and Wendy's home around 4pm, and taken to my new home (I must admit that I am getting quite good at relocating - my bags are much easier to pack the third time around!)

Today Carl is at work and Wendy has gone to see her mum somewhere near Ramsgate (on the opposite side of where I am going) so I am alone at home. I said all my good-byes last night and early this morning. I will have to use the spare key to get out, lock the door and then post it back inside (feels weird).

I think today is going to be very exciting, if everything goes as planned!

Week 2 in the UK

SO let's start with the good news... I am starting a job on Monday (Au Pair for now) in Westcliff on Sea, looking after 3 boys, age 3,6 and 7. They have animals and are 5 minutes away from the dam (technically, it is called the sea).

Let me tell you about some of the stuff that goes on here.

The first few days I was here were HOT! I was miserable, cos you know I hate the heat. But, now we are experiencing some fantastic UK weather! Bliss! There are clouds, cool winds, bits of rain, green green grass and trees... It is REALLY awesome (turns out it is everything i expected!) The buildings are just like you see on the TV, the people are just like those on TV and the TV here has 900 channels and 200 radio channels... how exciting huh?

The other day I went to the biggest mall in Europe called Waterstone mall. The awesome thing is that I got to see all the shops they show on TV (Marks and Spencer, Starbucks, that sort of thing). This mall has two of each shop, one big one and one smaller one. This is where I got my new SIM (with ORANGE - mommy I bet you couldn't resist pronouncing it with the French accent huh?) I also went into the bank here to check their requirements. Then I had a tall hazelnut latte (at Starbucks!).

My days are spent as follows:
I am woken by Alicia (who, as she gradually wakes up starts to say 'mommy.... mommy mommy... mommy... mommy... mommmmmmmy mommy... you get the picture). Then if she has not been collected out of her bed will waddle out of the room. i then turn over and go back to sleep. I get up in the morning (EARLY) around 8 am latest... Then I come downstairs to face the masses. Alicia and Logan are generally bothering each other, so there is lots of screaming and crying... I walk straight over to the kettle and make a strong cup of coffee. I walk into the lounge and hide my coffee from the kids (Logan has a tendency to go after anything he can't have). I plonk down on the couch and stare at the TV which has children's programs on, and wait until my coffee is drinkable.

Then I get up and forage for food. I find something, and then eat it. I go upstairs to shower/bath. I usually run a bath because the temperature of the water is predictable that way. I walk upstairs slowly, dragging my heels...
I run the bath and then get in and out VERY quickly (the boiler still problematic, so the water is only ever luke warm - at best). Then I get dry with a HUGE bath towel. Next I go downstairs and stare at the TV... The kids run around and make a mess all day. Logan sleeps at 8:30 - 10 ish, then again in the afternoon. Alicia goes to playgroup Mon-Thurs morning. The rest of the time there are loads of different kids (all different days)... Not like Au Pair work. Then, Carl gets home and we feed the kids and then we make dinner for ourselves (Carl and Wendy are on a diet, so I eat what they eat). Then we sit and watch TV and go to bed. I generally get to bed late because there are such awesome shows on at night (like Bones, Heroes, ER, that kind of stuff). These days I spend most of the day sitting around and/or helping Wendy. The days are longer now than they were before. And Wendy does not talk too much (so I am left with kids chatter and sometimes we talk about her and Carl). I do my bit around the house, cleaning up mostly, and helping with the kids, to sort of pay my way (I think they appreciate that).

I cannot give you a daily update for the last week, as I have not done too much. I have spent most of that time on the internet trying to research my options here.

I have found that there have been a lot of hurdles, some I have gone over, some around, some under, and there are still many more on the horizon (but at least things are becoming a little more predictable). The lady I am going to work for seems to be very at ease and friendly. I have spoken to her on the phone a lot.

I have attached two pics, one of wendy and carl, the other of Logan and Alicia. Enjoy!

I hope that all is well on your side and that I provided some comedic relief.