Then...
Now...
Friday, May 29, 2009
Happy Birthday Pat!
Happy Birthday to the man who moved me across the world, I love you!
Then...
Now...
Then...
Now...
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Justice Served!
First off, thanks for all of the words and concerns all of you sent our way! It was so nice to hear such encouraging words of wisdom, the advice was used! I even received an email from one our favorite coaches-thanks! It still amazes me how many people read this silly blog!
Our meeting with the headmaster went well, he is a very fair man! I feel like he listened to us and had a good understanding of the way we feel. Although the two adults responsible for most of the incidents protested their sides and denied any wrong doing; I think at the end of the meeting Mr. Beedon took our word with value and promised that things would change, and that no one, child or adult, would bully my children again! At this stage that is all I can ask for! I will say that at the next boys practice, things were run VERY differently! Even one South African mom said "Why did you not move here earlier!"
I will say that I was proud of myself and Pat in our meeting! I feel like we united and really took a stand for our kids, and showed them that we are on their side-within reason!
Speaking of soccer...My boys rocked in their last games! Both boys hustled more than any of the other boys on the field, and I screamed more than any of the moms on the sidelines! God Bless the Americans, at least I think that's what the other parents were saying-HA! I think that my boys true love of sports showed on the field-way to go McCarty boys!
Our meeting with the headmaster went well, he is a very fair man! I feel like he listened to us and had a good understanding of the way we feel. Although the two adults responsible for most of the incidents protested their sides and denied any wrong doing; I think at the end of the meeting Mr. Beedon took our word with value and promised that things would change, and that no one, child or adult, would bully my children again! At this stage that is all I can ask for! I will say that at the next boys practice, things were run VERY differently! Even one South African mom said "Why did you not move here earlier!"
I will say that I was proud of myself and Pat in our meeting! I feel like we united and really took a stand for our kids, and showed them that we are on their side-within reason!
Speaking of soccer...My boys rocked in their last games! Both boys hustled more than any of the other boys on the field, and I screamed more than any of the moms on the sidelines! God Bless the Americans, at least I think that's what the other parents were saying-HA! I think that my boys true love of sports showed on the field-way to go McCarty boys!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Anti-American, Say What?
OK, I have heard this since we have lived here, but only from the Americans so I have not paid much attention to it! Now I am wondering, I am so pissed at the boy's school I could scream!!!! Taylor and Hunter are both playing soccer, all sports are played at school and run by the school, so the coach's are paid by the school! Side note- I wish I could have Mr JR Russell coaching my son(s), how I miss my favorite coaches! Last week Hunter came home crying and said a little boy was being mean, I confronted the coach and he said "Well, there were three other boys crying too" CLUE #1! I left it at that and chalked it to an isolated incident. Round 2! Taylor has practice and is being coached/supervised (HA,that's what they called it) by three teenagers-there are 30 kids on the field running around with no direction, no position while the big boys kick the ball back and forth! At one point one of the big boys even said "shut up" to the little boys!OK this practice(that's what they call it) is irritating on so many levels: 1. waste of time 2. no outcome worthy of anything 3. boys could be doing this in my backyard, heck I could coach them 4. USED to and EXPECT more out of coaching and sports! My boys are athletes and love a true game of competition, but how to improve when no direction or practice is had?
Round 3! Here comes the good part, this is when the steam started coming out of my ears, I go and talk to the lady in charge of sports, Ms. West! First off, not very approachable even in the best of situations but today she was a real B*%@%H! I approached her and stated that I wanted to get a feel for what the criteria was for coaching and as a parent what should I expect! She asked what was I talking about, and I told her of my two incidences. I spoke of how my child had no practice at practice, that the big guys played with each other, and I spoke of how we wanted to improve but how with no coaching. I also spoke of how they promised my boy that if he played good at practice he could move up! She bucked everything I said and never, I mean never looked me in the face while talking (I swear-this was a big kicker for me)! She stated this is what sports was about- when I said that we were use to loyalty to a team, practicing hard, respecting coaches and children being made to behave she said "Well, boys will be boys"(oh, this quote irritates me) I said "I know, I have two but they know how to act on the field-THANKS to Coach Kevin, Coach JR and many more that we have Had the pleasure to encounter! She said well that's the way it is, and not to mention the fact that I said something about the other three boys on Hunter's team who had also been crying that day-she said"I do not care about them, their mom's are not here" Well Bitch, you better ass start caring about mine, because I am now PISSED! I know by typing this I can not portray the true conversation, the true reaction from her but I walked away feeling as if I had been shut down on all accords, and no respect had been shown! I was shaking I was so mad, all she had to do was validate my feelings-maybe, Mam, I understand your concerns, let me look into this- oh no, she said "Well, maybe I should get the three boys(punks) here and we can all talk" I said "Maybe you should" Round 4! Today Hunter has practice and I am sitting and watching from a field away and I see this young kid(one from Taylor's practice) and adult coach call his name and then line all of the team up in front of him. I then see him walking back to the team with his head held down. I asked him what happened he said they made him stand up and they asked "who was bullying you?" ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!! These are all grade three boys while we are grade two, who in their right mind is going to tell! I approach adult coach, Please do not do that to my child EVER again-A. it is a week past, and B. even the police put a victim behind a window-DUH! He said "I just want them to tell me when there is a teammate being mean" we did, you did nothing, and now this! I leave and go to the store, steaming-Hunter proceeds to tell me(while crying) the boy was in the line but he was afraid and all he wanted to do was run away! Do you blame him! I get in my car and head back to school! Side note, I have made an appointment with the headmaster, Mr. Beedon, to explain all of this on Monday! I thought that this adult coach needed to hear Hunter's view now before it was forgotten-I could not find the coach but I did see the headmaster(plot thickens) I go and introduce myself and explain that I already have an appt, he states that he is aware of this, and I tell him that I just had another run in and my boy is in the car upset. He asks what is going on and I explain of the line up, and finally a voice of reason says"You are right, that is not the way to do it, and I will check into this and we will discuss this on Monday" Thank you, all I have wanted was to be respected as a parent and have my thoughts and concerns validated!
To help you understand my feelings of neglect from the school this is the third time that this school has failed me! The first time was when my child was strugglinghttp://mccartysafricanadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/lines-lines-lines.html with the lines! They were unwilling to see or listen to my point of view. The second time was when Taylor went camping with his class and received a HUGE burn on his hand, blistered his entire bottom of his palm! I was never called, he was never checked on after, it was never even acknowledged that it happened. I was upset at the time, but what do you do? Then here comes this. I do not want to be told how right I am or even given special attention, but when I do bring up issues I want to be respected as an adult and a parent and told that they understand my concerns, how can we help! Pat said he would go with me to the conference, for many reasons I need him A,#1 He is the dad, 2. He is a male and 3. To have someone/one person on my side! I have had talks with the other American parents here, one of which just had to meeting with the Headmaster-this parent said he was aware of the Anti-American ways, but they deserved respect as everyone else does who is paying good money to go to this establishment! Anyone who has taught or been around my children know that they have respect for authority and have NEVER been a discipline issue, they are sweet boys! How do I entrust these people with my children for 6-8 hours a day, I am really wondering what to do! The last place I want to them to be at is there!
I apologize for my rude words, but my head is spinning! Today of all days I wish I could have walked into Stockwell Place and seen the same old gang I had seen for 6 years!
Round 3! Here comes the good part, this is when the steam started coming out of my ears, I go and talk to the lady in charge of sports, Ms. West! First off, not very approachable even in the best of situations but today she was a real B*%@%H! I approached her and stated that I wanted to get a feel for what the criteria was for coaching and as a parent what should I expect! She asked what was I talking about, and I told her of my two incidences. I spoke of how my child had no practice at practice, that the big guys played with each other, and I spoke of how we wanted to improve but how with no coaching. I also spoke of how they promised my boy that if he played good at practice he could move up! She bucked everything I said and never, I mean never looked me in the face while talking (I swear-this was a big kicker for me)! She stated this is what sports was about- when I said that we were use to loyalty to a team, practicing hard, respecting coaches and children being made to behave she said "Well, boys will be boys"(oh, this quote irritates me) I said "I know, I have two but they know how to act on the field-THANKS to Coach Kevin, Coach JR and many more that we have Had the pleasure to encounter! She said well that's the way it is, and not to mention the fact that I said something about the other three boys on Hunter's team who had also been crying that day-she said"I do not care about them, their mom's are not here" Well Bitch, you better ass start caring about mine, because I am now PISSED! I know by typing this I can not portray the true conversation, the true reaction from her but I walked away feeling as if I had been shut down on all accords, and no respect had been shown! I was shaking I was so mad, all she had to do was validate my feelings-maybe, Mam, I understand your concerns, let me look into this- oh no, she said "Well, maybe I should get the three boys(punks) here and we can all talk" I said "Maybe you should" Round 4! Today Hunter has practice and I am sitting and watching from a field away and I see this young kid(one from Taylor's practice) and adult coach call his name and then line all of the team up in front of him. I then see him walking back to the team with his head held down. I asked him what happened he said they made him stand up and they asked "who was bullying you?" ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!! These are all grade three boys while we are grade two, who in their right mind is going to tell! I approach adult coach, Please do not do that to my child EVER again-A. it is a week past, and B. even the police put a victim behind a window-DUH! He said "I just want them to tell me when there is a teammate being mean" we did, you did nothing, and now this! I leave and go to the store, steaming-Hunter proceeds to tell me(while crying) the boy was in the line but he was afraid and all he wanted to do was run away! Do you blame him! I get in my car and head back to school! Side note, I have made an appointment with the headmaster, Mr. Beedon, to explain all of this on Monday! I thought that this adult coach needed to hear Hunter's view now before it was forgotten-I could not find the coach but I did see the headmaster(plot thickens) I go and introduce myself and explain that I already have an appt, he states that he is aware of this, and I tell him that I just had another run in and my boy is in the car upset. He asks what is going on and I explain of the line up, and finally a voice of reason says"You are right, that is not the way to do it, and I will check into this and we will discuss this on Monday" Thank you, all I have wanted was to be respected as a parent and have my thoughts and concerns validated!
To help you understand my feelings of neglect from the school this is the third time that this school has failed me! The first time was when my child was strugglinghttp://mccartysafricanadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/lines-lines-lines.html with the lines! They were unwilling to see or listen to my point of view. The second time was when Taylor went camping with his class and received a HUGE burn on his hand, blistered his entire bottom of his palm! I was never called, he was never checked on after, it was never even acknowledged that it happened. I was upset at the time, but what do you do? Then here comes this. I do not want to be told how right I am or even given special attention, but when I do bring up issues I want to be respected as an adult and a parent and told that they understand my concerns, how can we help! Pat said he would go with me to the conference, for many reasons I need him A,#1 He is the dad, 2. He is a male and 3. To have someone/one person on my side! I have had talks with the other American parents here, one of which just had to meeting with the Headmaster-this parent said he was aware of the Anti-American ways, but they deserved respect as everyone else does who is paying good money to go to this establishment! Anyone who has taught or been around my children know that they have respect for authority and have NEVER been a discipline issue, they are sweet boys! How do I entrust these people with my children for 6-8 hours a day, I am really wondering what to do! The last place I want to them to be at is there!
I apologize for my rude words, but my head is spinning! Today of all days I wish I could have walked into Stockwell Place and seen the same old gang I had seen for 6 years!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
It has been a busy week, one with many firsts! Pat left me here for the first time on my own-he flew to Durban for a rugby match with a bunch of work buddies! The kids and I had to do it all alone, typically I would be fine with this but the security here scares me! We made it, in fact we did a lot together-we went out to eat, went to a play place and all got to church on time, actually early! Go Team Mom! We only had every light in the house on, but who was counting!
I was invited to a book club, much like a Bunco night. Lots of drinks and laughs with little time spent on the real deal-loved it! Great group of people, this is exactly what I need- I have been trying to salvage some really hard friendships lately-caddy, caddy, caddy!
I have upped my tennis to two days a week, and I am going to try the Women's League tomorrow! I asked my tennis coach if there had ever been a 37 year old beginner Wimbledon star, just wondering! (she just laughed, what does that mean)
Our maid has moved in with us, we have maid's quarters in the back of the house. We decided to do this because she was needing a place to stay, and it just felt right! So far so good, she seems very happy-I know she is safe and has a place to sleep!
Soccer has begun! Hunter had his first match today, and Taylor has his on Friday! Claire started PT this week with a new therapist, she seems very good-just hoping we see some good results!
ONLY 6 MORE WEEKS until mom and dad come! Oh, I think I will never be able to send them
home! I will probably need counseling after they leave!
One last thing, I finally turned on the monogram machine and made Claire a shirt! It felt so good to get the old machine working! How silly to be missing my sewing, but I do!
On top of all that the typical stuff still happens: taking kids to school, taking kids to sports, feeding my family, went to the doctors twice, dried tears, wiped bottoms and gave lots of kisses!
I was invited to a book club, much like a Bunco night. Lots of drinks and laughs with little time spent on the real deal-loved it! Great group of people, this is exactly what I need- I have been trying to salvage some really hard friendships lately-caddy, caddy, caddy!
I have upped my tennis to two days a week, and I am going to try the Women's League tomorrow! I asked my tennis coach if there had ever been a 37 year old beginner Wimbledon star, just wondering! (she just laughed, what does that mean)
Our maid has moved in with us, we have maid's quarters in the back of the house. We decided to do this because she was needing a place to stay, and it just felt right! So far so good, she seems very happy-I know she is safe and has a place to sleep!
Soccer has begun! Hunter had his first match today, and Taylor has his on Friday! Claire started PT this week with a new therapist, she seems very good-just hoping we see some good results!
ONLY 6 MORE WEEKS until mom and dad come! Oh, I think I will never be able to send them
home! I will probably need counseling after they leave!
One last thing, I finally turned on the monogram machine and made Claire a shirt! It felt so good to get the old machine working! How silly to be missing my sewing, but I do!
On top of all that the typical stuff still happens: taking kids to school, taking kids to sports, feeding my family, went to the doctors twice, dried tears, wiped bottoms and gave lots of kisses!
Monday, May 11, 2009
I Am A Proud Momma...
This is the card everyone gave me, Taylor added at the bottom"This card tells the truth, I love you"! This is what made my day!
Being a mom is the best job I could ever have- we have our good times and bad times, but at the end of the day I have three great kids that make me proud! It is days like these that I know I must be doing something right! I woke up this morning, after being able to sleep in, to all my goodies laid out on the counter(this is how I always have the kid's bday/special day stuff)! My sweet boys went shopping with daddy and used their OWN money to buy my Mother's Day gifts. Hunter gave me a precious earring and necklace set- he stated that he gave me my favorite,Fake Diamonds! I will take any kind from that sweet freckle face, Pat said after they left the store he was very concerned because he thought my gift might hurt me-he saw it positioned in the package and thought that the earrings were to close and the necklace was to small. Pat had to explain that it was just the way it looked, and mom would be OK!
Taylor searched high and low for a wallet, he picked a real nice and shiny red one! Pat said he was all gung ho while buying it, but afterwards was a little bummed- he likes to keep a hold of his money, so it was hard to part with! In fact after I opened the wallet there was a piece of paper saying it was from him, and then the little toot said "I should have included the receipt", HA! Pat gave me a book and everyone signed a precious card for me, one to be treasured forever! My sweet Claire proudly made me a glittered dish!
We went for breakfast to one of our favorite restaurants, The Pink Fig! We ate outside while the kids played!
After spending the day outside Pat started cooking and the boys and I went to church! We came home to a great meal! Another wonderful Mother's Day with my babies!
One of Hunter's many drawings for me this morning!
The boys had all my goodies waiting for me when I woke up!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Happy Mother's Day!
Mom,
All I ever wanted to be when I grew up was a mom, because of you! Thanks for the sacrifices you have made, only now do I understand the sacrifices a mom will make for her children!
I love and miss you!
Love,
Megan
Mimi ,
We love you and miss you!
Love,
Taylor, Hunter and Claire!
Happy Mother's Day!
Grandma Lou,
We love and miss you!
Love,
Taylor, Hunter,and Claire
Lou,
Happy Mother's Day! Thank you for all you have done for me and mine! I hope you have a wonderful day! I could not have asked for a better mother in law! We miss you!
Love,
Megan
Monday, May 4, 2009
More Adventures...
Fish, River, Sun Golf Resort!
Views from the resort!
We went away this past weekend to a place called Fish, River, Sun in Port Alfred, South Africa. It was about a two hour drive from "home", and a nice place to get away with the kids. There were three other American families there the same time we were, so Pat was able to get some golf in. Taylor even joined in on the last nine holes, he is really loving golf and has even grown out of his clubs and is now ready for a new set. While Pat played golf, the kids and I went to the small lake/river on the property for some canoeing-the boys loved it! They would have stayed in the lake the whole trip, in fact they were not interested in the beach at all which was only a few steps away from the lake! I had a nice time, it is always fun to watch your kids loving life! I also canoed a little, at one point Taylor proceeded to tip the canoe that Claire and I were in-all in a days work! We also enjoyed a great hike from the resort to the beach, although we had to carry a three year old half way the scenery made it all worth it!
Claire wanting to canoe!
Hunter having a great time!
My adventurer, Taylor!
The beach, nobody wanted to go to!
Good news on the home front...Taylor and Hunter made the school soccer teams! The boys have really missed their fave sports from home, we have now missed a season of basketball and now we are missing baseball! Soccer is very popular here, the boys like it OK- it is after all a sport with a ball! To be very honest, I like watching a soccer game, so I guess you could say I am now a South African Soccer Mom (who knew?)! I am still loving playing tennis, I am playing twice a week-trying to get good enough to join the ladies league!
Views from the resort!
We went away this past weekend to a place called Fish, River, Sun in Port Alfred, South Africa. It was about a two hour drive from "home", and a nice place to get away with the kids. There were three other American families there the same time we were, so Pat was able to get some golf in. Taylor even joined in on the last nine holes, he is really loving golf and has even grown out of his clubs and is now ready for a new set. While Pat played golf, the kids and I went to the small lake/river on the property for some canoeing-the boys loved it! They would have stayed in the lake the whole trip, in fact they were not interested in the beach at all which was only a few steps away from the lake! I had a nice time, it is always fun to watch your kids loving life! I also canoed a little, at one point Taylor proceeded to tip the canoe that Claire and I were in-all in a days work! We also enjoyed a great hike from the resort to the beach, although we had to carry a three year old half way the scenery made it all worth it!
Claire wanting to canoe!
Hunter having a great time!
My adventurer, Taylor!
The beach, nobody wanted to go to!
Good news on the home front...Taylor and Hunter made the school soccer teams! The boys have really missed their fave sports from home, we have now missed a season of basketball and now we are missing baseball! Soccer is very popular here, the boys like it OK- it is after all a sport with a ball! To be very honest, I like watching a soccer game, so I guess you could say I am now a South African Soccer Mom (who knew?)! I am still loving playing tennis, I am playing twice a week-trying to get good enough to join the ladies league!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Hannah Montana Rocks...
That's right, I said it and meant it! I took my boys to see the latest Hannah Montana movie last night, and as crazy as it sounds we(I) loved it! It was such a sweet story that had great meaning, and I even shed a few tears-Taylor had to roll his eyes at me a few times! At the end of the movie I almost(ruined my boy's life) got up and started dancing! Oh yeah, Hannah Montana Rocks, even in an "Old Lady's" eyes.
This was the cutest dance, and I am determined to learn it! (I know Elizabeth McKain could rock this one!-thought about her during the dance)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93a8Y72C3XA
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