Four weeks into the Exchange student experience

So...the demands of school starting have been overwhelming and I have not been as good about posting as I had hoped.  I still feel like I can't catch up, but I figure that blogging could be a great way to ease stress.

Parker is adjusting quite well to having another "sister" in the house.  It all started out a little differently than we first thought.  About a week before our French exchange student Cassandre got here, we found out that another student from Germany (Viki) had her host parent suddenly become ill.  She didn't have a host family anymore.  Since it is difficult to find someone that has passed through the screening process and the background checks, we told the representative that we would be happy to host her until a permanent host family could be found.  therefore our adventure started out with three teenage girls overnight!

When we picked up Cassandre at the airport, we all exchanged hugs, but when she got to Parker he immediately stiffened and wrinkled his nose.  The typical reaction, since he only likes to hug mom and dad.  We couldn't help but laugh.  Fortunately Cassandre was a good sport!   

We had lots of laughing, giggling and good times with the three girls.  Viki quickly found a host family that lived near.  Although it was hard to see her go after we became attached during our two weeks together!   She is happily settled with a family nearby and we see her often! 

Parker is becoming quite comfortable around Cassandre now.  The other night the girls, Parker and I were all watching a movie.  Parker let's out a huge amount of gas.  He then quickly jumps up from his spot by me on the couch and yells, "Mom that is just gross!!"  I don't believe that anyone really thought it was me.  Especially when he couldn't quit laughing! 

We have been introduced to crepes done the French way for breakfast, and a delicious chocolate cake with some sort of Lindt  chocolate layered in it.  Cassandre loves to cook.  It is just converting the metric measurements to the standard measurement we use here.  Why does the United States have to be different than everyone else? 

I look forward to more exciting adventures in the months to come.  I will really try to keep up!

Another Big Sister??

As a family, we have decided to host a foreign exchange student.  Madison my 15 year old is totally pumped!  Parker on the other hand, is not so sure.  Another big sister?  As if Madison didn't stay on him about things as it is, now another teenager in the house? 

Her name is Cassandre and she is from France.  She will arrive here in Arizona just before school starts in August.  We are preparing her room and are still applying the finishing touches.  Hope she likes orange and green!  We are using bedding we already have, but are trying to add a few personalized touches.  Any suggestions are welcomed!  How can we make her feel at home here?

We hope that this will be a wonderful and rewarding experience for all of us.  Hopefully, Parker will decide that he likes having another big sister.  Can't wait to meet her!