Halloween

James "wrapped" up for the mummy game.

Makeshift cotumes

Save us from the evil dragon!!

Quick he's getting away!

For halloween, we decided to be a medieval family. James was a dragon slayer, I was a maiden, and Jude was a Dragon. It kind of worked. Jude was so cute in his costume, but it really was a dinosaur costume. I was a maiden, yet a pregnant one, so I couldn't really be called a maiden. :) James and I threw our costumes together an hour before our ward party. Can you tell? I actually have on two skirts! :) We had a great time together.

My Car

SO, I used to really like the Aston Martin Vanquish. But I have recently found my new car. James was watching the english popular car show called TOP GEAR, when I saw my future car! I want it in white. I like the sleek look of the body, and engine is not too bad either. An Aston Martin may have been a possibility if James made a lot of money in the future, BUT, now my new favorite car will most likely never ever be parked in my garage. James wishes I had never seen my Bugati Veyron, since it generally costs $2,000,000! I like this car because it is sleek, fast, designed by VW, who I like, and just really snazzy.

What did I do for my Birthday? Go to Costco, of course!

Jude and I eating Costco "Birthday" Pizza for lunch. Jude is not impressed with the pizza in his mouth, nor his father taking pictures of us eating at Costco. If he were older, he might even have been embarrassed by his strange parents who take pics at Costco. :)

Well, yesterday was my birthday and there were two things that I really wanted to do. Well actually more. I wanted to go to Costco (with a happy, not disgruntled and grumpy husband for once, b/c he hates Costco), have a fancy tea at a restaurant with English cakes, triangle sandwiches, scones, and crumpets (very English, haven't done it yet) and then go for a walk around the lovely lake near our home. Well, I got to sleep in, soooooooo nice, ate pancakes, then had a nap at lunch during Jude's nap. (that was the morning gone) Then, when Jude got up, we went to Costco, spent 2 1/2 hours there (it was busy) and then had to come home for dinner and bedtime. So no fancy tea or walks around the lake. The day went by way too fast, but it was still a lovely one. I hope to go to an English tea soon. I have always wanted to. It "only" costs 100 pounds per person to go to tea at the Ritz in London! I would love to go there, it is soooooo fancy, but I need that money for other things.

Oh yeah, I got my hair cut on Wednesday last week. I actually got it cut to my collar bone on Friday, a week ago, but didn't like it. So I went somewhere else and had it cut shorter a few days later. I really like it, since I only wore it in a ponytail when it was long. Now it looks like I might actually do something with it.

Happy Birthday Megan!!

Good day to you all! Today is my 27th birthday! What a bizarre age! I will let you all know what we do and give you an update on what it feels like to realize you are old. Love you.

I passed!!!!

Exactly 11 years ago this Saturday, September 19th, I passed my first driving test in America, when I turned 16. Today, 5 days before my 27th birthday I passed the English driving test!!!! I can now legally drive in the UK! Hip Hip Hooray! It is so nice to have that over and done with. To celebrate I made yummy banana bread, ate mashed potatoes and gravy, and went for a victory drive in the car all "legally" and alone for the first time! YES! Life is good. (I even took a nap today while Jude did. I tried to stay awake, but failed)

This is a picture of the "L" plate from my car being ripped in half because I no longer have to put it on the car every time I drive to let people know that I am a learner! (Even though I have been driving for 11 years of my life) My "L" Plates were magnetic and I had to attach one to the front bumper and one to the rear bumper every time I drove. "L" stands for LEARNER. I was a "learner" driver for a few months. Now I am not!!! Woo Hoo!!!!

It's Vera!!!!

A few Sundays ago we had Vera over for a traditional Sunday Roast Dinner. (Well, seeing as I am not English, I did struggle a bit with the "traditional"-ness of it. For example we did not have Yorkshire Puddings, which are very traditional) So we drove Vera to church since she only lives a villages away from us, then we had her over afterwards. As you can see from the photos she is lovely!!!!!! I can't believe she got on the floor and drove cars with Jude! Jude loves her to bits. Each Sunday, Vera sits next to us at church and lets Jude drive cars on her legs. She also never forgets to bring him a kidsize Milky Way each week! She is so sweet. :) We love Vera and are so lucky to have her as a dear friend.

These are the fresh plums Vera gave us to make a fresh Fruit Crumble (like a cobbler)

Here are Vera and Jude driving cars.

Jude is handing her a bus. A little boy from our Ward gave Jude this car mat! Wasn't that so sweet. Jude loves it. He has me get it out for him EVERYDAY!!!!

Jude has cars in his hands, typical. :) He and Daddy are playing a chasing game, while daddy tries to take a picture at the same time.

James dressed Jude for church. We like it when he wears ties, but he doesn't have his own, so we improvise with daddy's ties. :) Not too bad eh?

SOOOOOOO NASTY!!!!

This morning, after I changed Jude's nappy (diaper), I went out to our bin (trash can) to throw it out. I was greeted by a disgusting plethora of white maggots all over the lid!!!!! Ewwwwwww, not only were they maggots, but English maggots at that. Trying to get back at me for the whole revolution tea party thing! jk So I did what any totally grossed out, yet patriotic parent would do. I went in the house, looked for my strongest cleaner (which is this case I opted for oven cleaner, and then a bit later some toilet bowl scrub and water to finish it all off) went back outside and sprayed the life out of my rubbish bin lid.

Oh how I hope, hope, hope that worked. Especially since the rubbish man collector only comes every two weeks here. EVERY 2 WEEKS!!!!! I have one whole week to go with a maggot bin. AAaaaaaaaaaaaa

Waddesdon Manor

Daddy and Jude hanging out in front of a beautiful fountain. Although James was nor Jude were that impressed, I certainly was. It must be an American thing. They seem to have these kinds of things all over England.

The house had its' own aviary. This bush really reminds me of Disneyland!!!! They have things like this all over there. Maybe Disneyland got it's ideas from this Estate home. :)

\Another beautiful Rothschild Mansion built in the late 1800's as a party and art house. Not really even built to live in. Just used as a vacation home! Can you imagine building such a huge place just to use sometimes? Crazy rich people. James and I wonder why rich people don't build these cool palaces so much anymore. It is such a shame. Art and culture just don't seem to be as valued as they once were.
This is the back of the house. Isn't it gorgeous! SO fancy! I can just imagine waking up to hot chocolate on the back patio. Ahhhhh...this is the life. jk

James and Jude took a quick pic for me of them near the entrance to the home. This is where all the maids and such would be waiting for you to drive up in your carriage and welcome you home.

This is from the very front of the property. There are gardens hidden to the left and right of the home. It is a great place for a day out and a picnic with the family. We went inside the huge house, and that was lovely as well. The owner no longer lives here, but he does occasionally use it to entertain and for nice dinners. He had the Queen over in 1995. He even still buys art for it.

Mmmm Pancakes

I have been feeling so domestic lately. This morning I made yummy pancakes with fresh strawberries for my hunny and sonny. Nothing wrong with a little bit of heaven on a Friday morning. :) Oh and the syrup is Lyle's Golden Syrup Maple flavored. It is delicious. I'm not sure if they have it in the states. I know they have it Canada. (I am half-Canadian by the way. yes it's true my mother was born in Canada)

Ascott House and Gardens

Is he not so sweet? Oh how I love my British Bloke.

Here are Jude and James in the Venus Garden. There are five seperate gardens on the Estate.

This sculpture was so cool. It is all done in slate stone and it had a plaque that said something about stone being of the earth and thus it is one eternal round and so and so. It was a neat modern art sculpture.

This is a huge sundial made of shrubs. The bushes on the arch outside of the dial actually say something. In 1880, the owner of this house had the gardens created for his wife and love. The bushes are pruned to say, "Light and shade by turn but love always". Oh how romantic the rich british people are. :) That is Jude running to play in the bushes.

Our little family of love walking down a garden path. And yes, we have our Rainbow sandals on. We try to wear them when we can eventhough it rains here everyday!!!

Ascott House and Gardens

Jude and James on top of a strange knoll in the middle of on of the gardens.

The beautiful and huge Rothschild home at Ascott. They still live here actually and the home in only open a few hours in the afternoon. You can only tour a few rooms on the ground floor.

A picture of us in what may be our future home in England. jk

Jude getting ready to take us out on our excursion. He loves to wear sunglasses and pretend to drive. :)

This is such a beautiful place with romantic gardens spanning 30 acres. It is only 3 minutes drive from our home in England and we had a lovely afternoon out as a family to explore it.

Ice Cream Truck

We had our first English Ice Cream truck experience. Instead of having wrapped Ice Creams, they actually serve you Ice Cream how you want it and it is called a whippy. The is us in our front yard.

My little drummer boy

We went over to the Wall's home for dinner. As we were hanging out we heard someone playing the drums in the backroom and assumed it was Peter, the Wall's 8 year old son. After a minute we realized Jude wasn't around but Peter was. Jude had found the drum set and started playing on his own. This video is just the end bit after we "discovered" him.
Later we all played rock band and Jude wanted to play the drums, but Josh already was. SO, Jude went into the backroom again, got the drumsticks and came back to play the fake drums with Josh. It was so funny.

Resting at the park, unless you are Jude.

Lovely Lynda, my mummy-in-law

Clockwise from top: James, Josh, Grumpy Jude, Lynda, and Bex

James's mom, Lynda, and James' sister, Rebecca, came to visit us on Sunday and to pick up Josh and take him back home to Kent. We had a lovely afternoon together. I made lasagna and salad which we ate outside. Then we took a stroll along the canal to the park to listen to "Summer Music in the Park" but ended up being 2 hours too early, so we decided just to hang out instead.

Uncle Josh Comes to Town

Josh in a Tree at the Park near our home

James' little brother came to stay with us for a few days and ended up staying for two weeks. We had so mch fun. We went on bike rides, walks along the canal, grocery shopping, etc. Jude loved his Uncle Josh and can't wait to have him over to watch Thomas the Tank Engine again soon.

Just Thought You Should Know

Our first trip on the Bus

So Jude and I have to take the bus now, since I have been in England for one year and haven't taken my driving test yet to get a license. My Maerican licnse only works for one year here, and then I have to get an English on e to legally drive. Anyway, I am working on that now. :)
SO we took a bus trip to the Hospital for a Scan to find out what sex the next Greaves baby would be! That's right, I am 5 months pregnant!!!!! You are the first to know if you are reading this now.

Our trip to California last month

Last month I went home to California to see my family. It was so lovely to see everyone. Jude had an especially great time hanging with his cousins. I hope to see you all again soon.

Jude trying to tickle Eliza (my sister, Mandy's daughter) while Noah runs away. (my sister, Melissa's son) Jude is just 6 months younger than them .

Jude fell asleep on my lap while we waited at the Doctor's office. He was not feeling well at all, poor muffin. He ended up having a virus and an ear infection.

Jude (left) and Noah show their more delicate side at Sammy's (Melissa's daughter) princess birthday party.

Jude in Dad's Motorcycle Gear

Talk about walking in Dad's footsteps!! Jude is wearing James' Motorcycle gear or "kit" as they call it here in England. It's kind of like a farewell to James wild days since we can't afford another bike for him after his accident. Sorry love, but Jude does look so cute in your clothes. Perhaps a bit cuter than you do. :)

Lemon Stuffed Olives with Ginger and Lemon Grass

Oh wow!!!! I have recently discovered a passion for the lovely little green things that are stuffed with all sorts of treats. I am talking about stuffed olives. I love them. I love them with garlic cloves, pimiento and much more. I recently bought a small cup full from the grocery store of fresh ones. They are lemon stuffed olives with ginger and lemongrass, and they are fabulous. Even James and Jude love them. I think they may even be better than chocolate. (but not creme brulee)
Go out and try some. You won't be disappointed. They are delish!!!!!

5 year anniversary or catastrophe?!!

On our 5 year wedding anniversary I sent James on a scavenger on his Motorcycle. It was a beautiful spring day and it seemed like a great idea. He was to follow clues to retrieve gifts and more clues at various destinations. After a while of him being gone I received phone call telling me that James had been in an accident and was getting an ambulance to the hospital!!! Ahhhhh, this was the worst feeling ever. Anyway, he ended being not too bad. He had Crushed his right foot between the bumper and his motorcycle, as you can see in the pictures. Even now, one month later, it is still swollen and sore. He had crutches for two weeks and his foot was nasty.
Anyway, luckily he was healthy, I still have a hubby, I won't send him out on a hunt anytime soon. :) Can you tell which foot is the injured one?

Loads has happened!!!!

Sorry for the long break, tons has happened. We've moved out of James' Family home and into a place of our own that is just North of London! :) James got into a motorcycle accident on our 5 year anniversary. Jude has learned to walk and do all sorts of sign language. James has become a VEGETARIAN. (If you have any recipes please send them my way. I am struggling for original and tasty meals) I have used a clothes line for the first time in my life, which I actually like using. (we don't have a dryer) I hope to update with some pics later on today.

My little Orator

Jude is so funny. This is a video of him at 14 months reading before bed.

He is such a little read-a-holic.

Getting ready to go out

This is Jude getting ready to go out for a stroll, or whatever. He is just so fun, I had to post these pics of him.
He sometimes loves his beanie and other times he tries to get away. He is such a monkey. :)

Snow Day! Yipeeeeee

It snowed here in Kent, England! Wow, more snow than they've had in the past 18 years. So we of course decided to go for a walk in it, before it all melted. But as you can see in the pics, it was a few days after it actually snowed, so it has mostly melted away. These are pics of my Darling Husband and Darling Son while they are out for a stroll. :)