Christmas from the eyes of C

Merry Christmas! C and E, Mommy loves you bunches!

Christmas 2013

Our tree that the girls and I worked hard to decorate.

Grandma is here! Charlotte didn't waste much time before starting to "fix" grandma's hair.

This is the tree loaded up with presents for the girls (and a few for the adults) on Christmas Eve. These girls were spoiled like crazy this year.

Emilie received a potty for her baby and a diaper and bottle which she was thrilled to put to use.

Papa is absolutely beautiful in the new wig that the girls received. One of their presents was a box of costumes that they couldn't wait to use.

The girls giving a cuddle and saying thank you for their gifts that they bought each other.

Matching pj's that match their baby dolls. Adorable!

This year my mom, grandma and sister Ashley came to visit for Christmas and it was wonderful to have them here. Sadly we were unable to go to Texas this year as I have a teaching and learning conference to go to at the first of the year which wouldn't have given us much time to be in the states. We were very blessed to have family come to spend the holiday with us. The girls are having a blast "performing" and having so many eyes on them.

Just back from creche after a long day.

Drawing, Charlotte's favorite past-time.

And just like that...it's over!

My first school placement experience is over and I have learned so much. First, I realized that I love teaching Year 5. The kids are really smart and starting to think and develop intelligent ideas. Second, I have learned to never judge a book by it's cover. A child that I thought hated me and I thought I was struggling to connect with him, brought me a note and a box of chocolates for my last day, telling me how sad he will be that I am going and wishes I would stay. Third, I realized that I have a lot more to learn before taking on my own class. Mainly, I need to go back to school and learn certain subjects all over again :)
Here is a picture of my class. They were amazing and all made me a giant card and several brought me chocolates or made me friendship bracelets. Surprising some even asked for my signature. I thought that was a little strange so I wrote each of them a little personal note instead. I tried to write something small that applied to each one. I am going to greatly treasure this experience and miss the children very much.

October vacation

raspberry picking in the garden

sister love

its a race

Emilie taking C and I's picture. I was actually impressed that we were both in the picture.

Charlotte taking E and I's picture.

silly rabbits.

I am having such a nice stay -cation with the girls. We have really not done a lot but we have been able to meet up with some friends that we don't see very often anymore. Most importantly, we have really just enjoyed being together. I was really worried that Charlotte wasn't happy as every afternoon after school she cried and whined a lot. I talked to her teacher who told me that she was very happy and smiling at school. This then led me to think that she wasn't happy at home or with me, etc. Thankfully this week has confirmed to me that in fact, she was just exhausted after being at school every day all day with no nap. What a relief! It is so nice to see the girls smiling and happy and actually playing together (most of the time).

So. We have been doing this routine for a month now. Whew! Lots of fun, but very busy.
What started off as 2 English playgroups on Saturday has turned into 3 classes which is really great to see grow. I think 3 classes is a lot for my girls to be in though as 2 of the classes we do the exact same thing for the same ages. I will continue the programs until Christmas and then see how I feel for the next semester and if the interest is still there. On top of that I have agreed to teach a private lesson to 8 and 10 yr old sisters on Wednesday evenings until Christmas break. I have a lot of fun with these classes and hope that the children and the parents are happy with them. We'll see if winter comes and everyone decides to invest their time in skiing instead.
I have found out my student teaching placements for this semester and next and am really excited that they are with two great schools and these schools are only 25 minutes from the house. It could have been an hour drive each way for some of these and that would not have been good. I think I was assigned the two closest schools which will definitely help family life.
I love my Sundays now where we lie around in pjs half the day. It's the small things in life that make you happy :)

phone pics

Charlotte at tennis camp this summer. She really loved it which was great to see. I think at the end of the week she was really tired, but she never once said she didnt want to go (which is a good sign).

This is my silly rabbit! She is a nut and really makes everyone laugh.

I have a picture like this from 1 year ago and I love it. I hope I can remember to take the same pic every year to see them change.

My two girls that drive each other crazy but love each other so much.

First day of school, moyenne section. Mommy was really sad that I couldnt take C to school for her first day, but I dont think she minded so much. I think she was just happy that we all were somewhere and it wasn't just mommy and E at home while she went to school.

Quick update.

I.have.no.brain!

Started school only 3 weeks ago and feel like we have been doing this forever! Not sure if that is a good or bad thing, but it is definitely hard to believe that we have only been in school for that short of time.
Last week, I observed a secondary school which was nice, but gosh the kids are soo smart. And then I started observing a primary school today and I loved it! I was with 6 year olds yesterday and it was so fun and I just felt at home with it all. I am so glad I had the observation period in both as I saw alot and always wondered if I wanted to teach Geography/History and now I have my answer. Primary is where I want to be and where I have the most fun. (and the half day on Wednesday is nice too)
I feel like I have no brain though and I don't have any real assignments due yet. I don't have time for studying and at the end of the day and the little time I have that is really not what I want to be doing. Last Wednesday I completely forgot that Charlotte didn't have school and went to pick her up there only to be reminded by silence that she was somewhere else, doh! Hopefully that doesn't happen again, man. And then I have this ability to not be able to say no to people. So I have started teaching small children english with games, etc.. and then I have older children's parents calling for lessons as well. It is fun and I can do the same subjects more or less, but I have now added more to my plate. I must say I like it though..And because I like all this so much and have my head spinning in every which way, I now must go to bed as my new bedtime is 9:30. Zzzzzz....

Bimbadaboum

Hi Mommy. First time with face paint everywhere.

C as a princess. She loved all the live shows and musicals.

In the moment of watching a show. Disregard the man at the end, don't know him.

New train set which is tons of fun!

So, September is here and all of us have started school again. E goes to daycare all day, C is at school all day, and now mommy is at school all day. I have started my PGCE studies here in Geneva at the International School. It is a partnership with Durham University in the UK so all of my classes are in english and this is counting towards Masters credits. Hopefully at the end of these 9 months I will be able to find a job teaching in one of the many international schools that we have here. So, Monday through Friday all the Gamez girls are busy and at school. Wish me luck!
Also, I have started an English playgroup here out of the house on Saturday mornings. 1-3 yr olds from 9-10 and 3-5 yr olds from 10:30-11:30. I am hoping that these two projects coincide with my studies and everything runs smoothly. Today was my first day and there were some surprises. Timing, activities, and the idea of having my own children present with some of their best friends. Mommy is no longer mommy but teacher mommy and the kids can't go directly to Charlotte's room to play but have to listen to me speak a language that they are unfamiliar with. Fingers crossed this turns out well as I would hate to be known around our little community as the woman that "tried" to play in English. Here is alink to my website www.littletotsenglish.com
So all  in all, we are headed for a very busy year. One that I hope flies by!! Wish me (us) luck!!

lazy days. thanks for the great toys aunt ashley!

city day

feeding the ducks

feeding the kids

country living

geneva tour for grandma mary

2 monkeys in the old town

we've arrived in italy

beautiful beautiful beautiful!

merry go round

Emilie saw the pool and ocean and started taking her clothes off while we were at the cash register, hilarious

Rapallo/Portofino, Italy

Hello Italy! Waiting on the ferry to take us from Rapallo to Portofino.

 

No picture is the same without a little posing from the munchkins.

On the boat, ready to go.

Rapallo, Italian Riviera

Rapallo, Italian Riviera

We made it to Portofino with a 30 minute ferry ride and one stop. Super easy and was probably the thing I enjoyed the most.

Looking at the fish in the clear water with a view of the town behind.

Pretty lady

Climbing the steps to the church

Stone art

Back In Rapallo on our last night we were able to catch the first night of a summer music special. The streets were closed down and live music was playing which seemed incredible to the girls. Charlotte said, " usually we don't dance in the street." I think she felt a little rebellious being able to dance like that.

Everyone enjoying the music

Silly ladies. They were having such a great time dancing. After each song was over Charlotte and Emilie would bow.

This picture makes me laugh. It also scares me a little. Emile decided she wanted to lay in the street where Charlotte was sayting no, you cant lay here and trying to pick her up. It just makes me think of what these will be doing in about 15 years together. Emilie drinking too much and falling down having a good time and them laughing trying to pick each other up.

The gang. It was so great having these guys here for the week. Time went by so fast and it was very sad to see them go. Michelle is wonderful with the kids and it was great to have the help and the attention for the girlss. I know they loved having an audience who was always present and had no problem being silly with them. Hopefully we will see everyone again soon.

 

Mommy and me. vacations are so much fun, even if they are for only a few days.

We drove from our house on Tuesday to Portofino area and it only took 4 hours to get there. Incredibly close for such an amazing city. In order to get there we had to cross through the Mont Blanc tunnel which is huge and 5 miles long. All in all we went through 45 tunnels one way, 90 total to get there and back. Incredible. I don't think I want to see another tunnel again for awhile. Highly recommend this area of Italy. Again, Italy does not disappoint! Beautiful!