Not a necessity for an update...

But, I was kindly reminded yesterday from a dear friend that I sounded a bit extreme on my last post.  Yes, I will make it back just fine.  My parents even said they didn't realize how nervous I was about the trip.  I think I posted at the wrong time yesterday (or the day before?) as I was winding down in the office to get everything together. 

Then, Luke got sick and I was up every hour with him.  So, a knock back to reality.  Then, Olivia broke out head to toe with the hives about 8 hours before I left.  Two sick kids, two trips to the pediatrician's office and I'm definitely back to reality.

All is good.  I'm in London right now.  Last night's flight was nice and uneventful.  A little bumpy over the Atlantic, but surprisingly didn't bother me.  Right before take off the pilot came on and was talking about the weather in the UK.  Apparently he was in Lithuania the day before and it was -20c.  I figured if he made it from there to Miami just fine, we were in good hands. 

Now, wrapping up the last few hours of the long layover here.  The weather is getting worse here between today and tomorrow, so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed there are no delays. 

Shortly after arrival tomorrow, a co-worker and I are taking a 1/2 day tour of Soweto and the Apartheid (discovered it's correctly pronounced 'apart-hate' not 'apart-height') Museum.  Soweto, during the Apartheid, was one of the largest inhabitants of Blacks (in S. Africa, there are 4 races, Blacks, Coloreds (mixed race), Whites and Indian).  It's a relatively small village and at one point, it housed 4 million Blacks.  Should be a very eye-opening and fascinating tour.  Will hopefully update tomorrow night. 

Aaaaack!!!

That is what's going on in my stomach right now.  The BIG trip is right around the corner....literally.  As I told Kyle the other night.  I know I'm excited.  Don't have to worry about that one.  Thank goodness.  Because, I'm worrying about everything else too much!  The 22 hours of flying. The 8 days gone, 3 nights on a place, 2 cities in S. Africa.  Etc, etc, etc.  It will be amazing.  I just want to get there.  Which is SO far away (literally and figuratively) I can't get my arms around it. 

And, the planning involved in being gone that long.  Yes, Kyle is by far one of the most capable and competent people out there for managing the house/kids in my absence.  In many cases, more organized and pulled together than me.  But, I'm still a Mom and I still worry that Olivia will miss a gymnastics class, show up at the bday party without a gift, not turn in her girls scout cookie money on time, or they won't have meals planned for the week.  Or, God forbid, they forget their mom.  So, I have goodie bags with notes for each morning, I have video's taped of me telling them good night (7 hour time difference.  I will most likely miss all of them) and the 36 hours I'll go without speaking to Olivia at the end of the trip because of my flight times, her being in school and the time difference. 

Just give me a valium and a glass of wine now.  I'll need a good 22 hour nap by the time I board my plane. 

Onto the rest of our life.  As, fortunately, it does not all revolve around this trip. 

We had a VERY big milestone this Christmas.  I told myself everyday I was going to write about it, but as you can see, blogging more regularly did not quite make my New Year's resolution list. 

Kyle celebrated his 10th Anniversary of being 'Cancer Free'!!!  Like most big milestones out there, he got a watch.  :)  It's amazing that it's been 10 years.  Time flies.  I wish all of our family and friends would've been around for a big fiesta.  So many crazy memories to rehash.  Despite the severity of it all, I think in some weird way, it's good memories for us both. 

As for the kiddos, they are doing well.  Growing like crazy and I wish time could stand still.  Luke is funnier than ever.  A complete ham.  He makes me laugh on a daily basis.  I need to video his 'looks'.  He uses his eyes to tell stories like I've never seen before.  And, he knows he's funny too!  Little rascal.  Olivia is becoming a kid more and more each day.  I can see the teenage years right around the corner and I'm scared to death.  Trying to protect her while I still can.  As I learned in a recent parenting class at church....I'm the 'authoritative' person for another year....then on to the 'arbiter'.  But, my travel girl.  She's ready to go anywhere with me and I'm dying to take her anywhere we can go. 

I will do my very best to update this during the trip.  I would love to take pics, but don't think the ones on my blackberry will do it justice.  I'll post what I can, but know that many more will be posted upon my return. 

Hugs and Kisses to everyone! 

And, the Journey Begins...

Today marks a milestone for me.  Back in 1995, I graduated from UT with a BBA and a minor in International Business.  Up until now, I have been dipping my toes in the water of this career.  Today, I jumped off into the deep end. 

This is where I will be going in about six weeks. 

 Quite a colorful flag, huh? 

How about this as a clue? 

Getting warmer? 

Here is is.....

I'm going to South Africa.  Excited, yes.  Nervous, yes.  Excited, yes.  Hesitant, yes.  Excited, yes.  Disbelief, yes.  Can you tell how my brain is working at this point? 

I will be on a plane for 20 hours.  It will take me 2 days in total to get there.  I have to go through London.  20,000 miles round trip.  Not including the 2 inter-country flights we're taking as we'll be arriving in Johannesburg, then going to Durban and finally ending up in Cape Town.  My family will be 10,000 miles away.  There are 11 'official' languages in this country.  11, people.  And, English is not necessarily up high on the list. 

Did I mention that I feel like I've jumped off a cliff?  I know that this is an amazing opportunity and when it's all said and done, I will look back on it with amazement.  Until then....I'm just thinking I may need lots of drugs to get me there. 

All this other 'international' travel I've done up until this point......child's play!  :) 

Mom & Dad - I guess you're investment is finally being used to the full extent. 

The Mud Day

Today was one of those days where you let kids be kids.....It's warm (82f), sunny, the Christmas shopping is done and we're way-past-ready for Fall to be here. 

Here's what it looked like:

I also realized that my posts weren't getting emailed out.  Looks like there was a change in the settings.  So, if you haven't received any lately, there have been a few posted. 

What I am Thankful For...

Missed the actual 'Thanksgiving Week' boat, but I'm ok with that. 

This was taken a few months ago....Olivia and Luke still continue their 'bonding' as newly discovered sister and brother.  Very cool. 

The Year Thanksgiving Was In Spanish.....

We are embarking on new ground.  And, some old.  In traditional format....the Lane's are entertaining.  In new tradition, we are hosting Thanksgiving for a few families not from the US, but Peru, Colombia and Guatemala.  I am so excited.  I have spent the last few years learning about new cultures, food, travels, languages, etc.  I am the only 'gringo' in my office.  Everyone else is from somewhere else. 

In conversation here, it was discovered that Thanksgiving is kind of like President's day to some.  It's a holiday, yes.  We get the day off, yes.  But, it doesn't have as much weight in terms of 'holiday status' as others.  Now, I get to return the tradition sharing and teaching others about Thanksgiving.  So, a few families from my office are coming over.  I forewarned them that it would be as traditional as it comes.....turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie, etc.  The exciting part - they are so thrilled!!  Now, I'm nervous that I have to perform on my entertaining skills!!  And, my cooking skills. 

I spent a few hours yesterday planning out the menu, doing some shopping and making some arts & crafts for the tables with Olivia.  Kyle's laughing at how much time I'm spending on this, but I feel like the pressure is really on!  :) 

In addition to this...it's the secondary traditions of Thanksgiving that will be new as well.  Football.  There are some big games on that day.....Dolphins vs Cowboys and Texas vs A&M.  Is it rude for us to sit around and watch all day when they are into a completely different kind of 'futbol'?  I'm the freaky girl in Miami that actually likes sports.  Not many girls here are into them at all! 

And...the funniest part is that all the people coming speak Spanish as their native language.  And, naturally the one they are most comfortable with.  So, unless they are talking directly to me, Kyle or Olivia, we probably won't understand a single conversation taking place!  I should video tape this one. 

This is exactly why we love where we live.  The culture.  Fingers crossed our turkey turns out well.  But, aside from that, this will definitely be a Thanksgiving to remember and I cannot wait!  Sunshine, good friends, and a little Spanish are what it's all about! 

Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family!  We will be with you in spirit! 

XOXO - The Lane's

Olivia Turns 6...

I'm sure I will say this many, many times over the course of the 20 years ahead of me.  But, I feel like this was a big year for us and even more so Olivia.  Somehow this year, she morphed into a bonafide K.I.D.  She has no toddler left in her....unless of course I look at her from a certain angle at bed time and see those big, fat cheeks smiling out at me.  That's about the last of it.  This little kid used to be chubby, squeezable and wore the clothes I picked out for her. 

Now, she's 44lbs of solid muscle.  I mean solid.  It looks like she invented a P90x-kids version.  I am envious of her six pack.  Her glutes, her triceps.  It's crazy.  You would think we had her on some sort of no carb, protein-heavy diet.  But, nope.  She's just genetically made up this way.  From whom, I don't know! 

Now, she has a true mind of her own when it comes to fashion.  It's cute.  And....yet frustrating when you're trying to make her look 'pulled together'.  Doesn't always happen.  But, she's got a very creative mind and if this is the worst of it for now, I'm doing pretty good. 

Here are some good milestones achieved this past year with 'little O'....(I can try and hold on, right?):

- She learned to ride a bike.  And, I mean ride.  I was not very confident at first as she did not seem eager to learn.  Didn't have much of a desire at all.  Friend-rivalry didn't even give her the push.  But, one day, I branched out from our neighborhood and took the bike to the park to try a different approach.  Bad move.  That's the day it clicked.  And guess who had to run...SPRINT, to keep  up with her.  From then on, there was no stopping her.  Just the other day, she went on a 5 mile ride with me.  I have to admit, I love having a riding buddy.  She certainly shares the road in a very happy manner! 

- Olivia learned to read.  My mom is a great influence here.  She showed me the ropes on kindergarten prep.  Olivia has the 'reader finger' or whatever it's called....keeps her place on each word she's reading.  She loves it.  She spells everything now.  Instead of 'Mom, can I have a glass of O.J.'...it's now..'Mom, can I have a glass of OJ, Y-E-S or N-O?'  Kyle and I are on the cusp of not being able to have 'code-talk' anymore by spelling out our conversation.  To try and keep up, we just spell really fast now.  Fingers crossed that she doesn't understand yet. 

- She learned math.  Not just counting, but addition and subtraction.  This excites me!  So far, I think math is her passion.  I find her counting everything!  (She's going to love me sharing this) But, I'll find her distracted on the potty because she's counting everything around her....how many tiles are on the floor, how many slats are on the blinds, how many toys are in the tub, etc. Anywhere we go, she's counting.  I came home the other day from work and she'd completed 4 pages by herself in a math book.  And they were all correct.  They haven't even started this subject in kindergarten. 

- She had her first official sleepover.  Olivia and her cousins and friends that come to visit have been having slumber parties for awhile.  But, this was the kind where she packed her back and went to the neighbors.  With no 10pm phone call to come pick her up.  I was very sad at this one.  She's not supposed to be this independent yet.  I think I was 10 and still calling my parents to come pick me up.  :) 

- This past year was also the year of 'not listening very well'.  Our biggest challenge.  Frustration.  I think the 'don't make me repeat myself' phrase has officially been passed down.  I'm officially a parent.  UGH.  Please, child.....just make it easier on everyone and listen.  Concentrate.  Selective listening, for sure. 

- She's become a killer on the soccer field.  Olivia is still a fairly reserved and shy child.  How, we can't figure out.  (Have you met Kyle and me?)  But, she is.  Except on the soccer field.  She's fast.  She loves scoring goals.  This is where the inner crazy girl comes out.  The minute she gets on the sidelines, she's back to being reserved.  But, when she's on the field, she's a maniac.  I love it.  Can I find a permanent soccer field? 

This is our child....sweet, sweet Olivia.  I had the great opportunity to take her to NY this summer by myself and we had a blast!  She is my buddy.  I don't want time to move forward, because I am not at all prepared for losing her in the 'tween/teen' years that seem to start these days at age 7.  Stay small, little O.  Stay small.  Yet, I can't wait to watch her grow. 

Love you Pooh.