Sunday, August 21, 2016

Back to Normal Selfie

Gus:  Things are starting to get back to normal now that Mama is home again.  I have to admit, I did hiss at her when she got home.  In my defense, she did intrude on my hiding place and wake me up from my nap.  I thought she was another cat sitter.

Although, I think she deserved a hiss.  After inspecting her luggage, we discovered she didn't bring us back anything from Europe.  NOTHING!  Can you believe that?  After all we do for her?

And her clothes stunk.  I mean, it smelled like something died in her suitcase.  She must have had some serious B.O. during her trip.  It probably didn't help that she only took a carry-on so she had to wear the same clothes several times.

You may be wondering how the bathroom looks after Uncle Mike and Aunt Martha tiled the floor.  The Mama LOVES it but did she acknowledge our contribution to the project?  NO!


We've slowly forgiven her for everything.  We are just glad she's home so we decided to let her help with our selfie.

NOTE FROM THE MAMA:
I just got back from Europe.  It was an awesome trip!  I take all my nieces and nephews to Europe when they graduate high school with the help of their Grandma who pays for their airfare.  I let them choose 10 places, cities, countries, or sites that they would like to visit.  I try to incorporate as many of those as possible in our trip.  This year I went with my niece, Emma.  She chose to go to Berlin in Germany, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Barcelona in Spain, and Florence in Italy.  
I went to Germany for the first time the summer after I graduated high school to visit some foreign exchanged students who had lived with us.  I still can't believe my Mom let me go by myself!  I'm glad my parents did because it was life changing.  The parents of one of my German friend didn't speak English.  They were so kind and interesting.  I wanted to be able to speak with them so in college I took a German class.  I loved German so much, I ended up majoring in German.  I spent a semester there and the following summer I had an internship at Mercedes.  I have seen more of Europe than I have of the United States.
I have since forgotten most of my German but it was amazing experience that shaped who I am.  I was able to see that there is so much more to the world than small town Iowa where I grew up.  I feel that if we take the time to learn about other cultures, understand the similarities, and respect the differences, the world would be a better place.  
This is what I want to share with my nieces and nephews and why I think it is important for them to explore the world.  This was my fourth trip with the nieces and nephews.  I have one more with my nephew, Cal.  I would love for one of them to follow my footsteps and spend a semester abroad but I would be happy if it helps them see the world in a new light.

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This post is part of a blog hop hosted by The Cat on My Head.  Please hop on over to see the other entries.

14 comments :

  1. Hi guys, don't be too hard on your mama not bringing any treats back, cos I understand customs peeps often don't allow these things through from abroad. As to that wonderful tiling, you definitely deserve extra treats and hugs for helping. purrs ERin

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  2. Sounds like your Mom and her Niece had a goods time. Glad your Mom am back though to help you with Sunday Selfies... She may have smelled like airplane.

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  3. That sounds like a wonderful trip! I think your mum should have brought goodies back for you though.

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  4. Your mom is a wonderful Aunt!!!! I'm sure she missed you while she was gone so don't be too mad at her!

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  5. What a pawsome trip your mom had...though we really can't understand why she didn't bring you home anything. :)

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  6. You are one pawsome aunt! But nothing for the kitties??? Shame on you :)

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  7. So glad that your mom is back and I think that is the best treat men can ask for ;) Great Selfies too :) Pawkisses for a Happy Day :) <3

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  8. you are an incredible Aunt and blessed that you can do this for them. But I agree, you brought back NOTHING for the kitties? Not acceptable, no way, nada, zip catchatwithcarenandcody

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  9. You are a very sweet Aunt. I can't believe you didn't bring anything back for the furbabies though.

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  10. Glad your Mama made it home safe and sound and you are forgiving her for being gone. :)

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  11. That a pawsome gift for the nieces and nephews of your mom ! We're glad she's back to you, despite the fact she had nothing for you...

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  12. Your mom is the coolest aunt! What a special gift she bestows on her nieces and nephews. But nothing for you kitties ... we think she has some 'splaining to do! ;)

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  13. How wonderful that you get to travel with your nieces and nephews

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  14. Okay, selfie aside and thanks for hopping. That is truly the nicest thing to do for nephews and nieces. Dad Tom's aunt took him to Europe after he graduated from high school. He was only 17 so she had a brilliant idea to enroll him in some private swiss school for another year of high school. He said it was awful, dumped school and set out on his own. My parents put me on a plane at age 16 to attend a pre-college program at the American University in Paris. Talk about trusting. For the two weeks before the students in the program (I don't remember how many of us there were) toured several other countries...Holland, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and after the program I went to London with there other girls. It was a different time...the 60s (before terrorism and kidnapping and all the bad things that are happening in our world now). I know Cal cannot wait for his turn to take off with you on an adventure! Hugs, Janet

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