Tale of a babysitter

This week Barry's sister and brother-in-law have been out of town without their two children which means this week Barry and I have been babysitting these lovely children. Well, let me clarify, actually it has been me that has done most of the babysitting since Barry has to work 12 hour shifts at the shop.  Yes, 12 blissful hours of what I'm sure is not nearly as difficult as babysitting a ten and a seven year old.  Don't get me wrong...I'm crazy about the younguns...but, I'm exhausted. 

Even though I feel like I've been hit by a train, it has been fun and also very educational.  Since this is just my second week residing here in Ireland, I'm not quite settled and used to the accents, the appliances (since I've had to *gasp* do some light cooking and washing for the gals), or even the fruit juice that has to be diluted with water before drinking. 

For example, the other day, the oldest one was telling me what she wanted from the chippy (that is a take out restaurant for my American readers).  What I thought she said was "pattered sausages."  So, I asked if this particular place had "pattered sausages."  After laughing at me, I was told she actually said BATTERED sausages.  Oh, okay well that makes more sense.  Still having some trouble with the accent as you can see.

During an after school snack the other day, the girls were eating some fruit and I asked if they wanted some juice since there was a bottle of orange pineapple juice in the fridge.  "Aye" they both said.  So, I went off and poured them two glasses of the juice and gave it to them.  They happily drank the juice.  It wasn't until about FIVE hours later when seeing Barry that they told him and ME that I was supposed to dilute the juice with water.  Hmm...I had no idea.  This is something that is completely different here versus in America.  Most juices have to be diluted before drinking here even though they come in large containers that look like they have already been diluted...very misleading.  Bless their little Irish hearts for drinking the juice even though I'm sure it tasted like pure syrup.  They were afraid of hurting my feelings they said.  Ah well, lesson learned.

Preparing to do my first load of laundry here was also an adventure.  Seeing as how the washing machines are completely different here, I wasn't quite sure where to put the detergent.  After standing in front of the washer and examining it from every angle and after numerous phone calls to Barry with questions, I finally did figure it out.  But, the whole process of loading the clothes in the washer and actually turning it on took a good thirty minutes. 

But, I am slowly coming around.  I still somewhat feel as if I have suffered a head injury and I'm having to relearn everything that was second nature to me, but I feel a little more confidant.  I even offerered to fry the little girls some sausages this morning for breakfast...which I have never done before.  Feeling a little like Mary Poppins or Holly Homemaker, I was quite pleased with the outcome until the oldest one told me I had burned them and she couldn't eat them.  Oh well, another lesson learned. I'm still a Mary Poppins trainee I suppose.

Even though I've struggled to aquaint myself with living here in a few minor ways, the babysitting has also been fun.  Saturday night, we sent the girls on a chocolate Easter egg hunt during commerical breaks of a dating show called Take Me Out.

Monday night, they made Barry look very pretty with a tube of my lipstick.  It was very nice of him to do this...especially since the youngest one has given him the nickname of Mr. Grumpy.  I, on the other hand, have earned the nickname of Mrs. Shiny Diamond.  Mine is sooooo much better than his!

Gawgeous, Dawling!

Then, yesterday, we made T-shirts out of glitter glue and markers to wear to the St. Patrick's Day parade.

I think I have a couple of up and coming artists on my hands, don't ya think?

Tomorrow, we're headed to the town to watch the St. Patrick's Day parade and partake in the activities going on.  Stay tuned...more to come!