December Events

We have two events this month! Our first event will take place on Thursday evening, December 10 from 6-8pm at SERVE. We will do crafts and play with the children at the shelter! The address is: 10056 Dean Drive, Manassas, Virginia 20110. Please remember that we are collecting items to bring along. Some of the much needed items include: Baby Items – teething gel, bottles, sippy cups, over the counter medications (Children’s Tylenol, baby aspirin, cold medications, Benedryl, etc.), large sized diapers, Pull Ups (size 2T and up).
Pajamas (size 2T and up)
New underwear for children
Socks for children
Slippers for children
Baby monitors
High chairs
Umbrella strollers
Hats
Gloves
Mittens
Scarves

Our second event will take place on Sunday evening, December 13 at my home, 6017 Smooth Stone Pl. Haymarket VA 20169. It will be a Christmas Party. Please come dressed up and bring a Christmas food from your country as well as a wrapped gift worth $10 or less for a gift exchange! I'm excited to see you all!!!

Laser Tag Was a BLAST!!

We had such a fun afternoon of playing laser tag. I have to admit that my competitive side came out today and I was on a mission to get you all!!! hahahah If you would like me to send you some tissues because you are so sad by the fact that I WON...just let me know! hahahah I love you all and I can't wait until next month's fun events! Thanks for all of you who came today! You all make me smile :)

Event on Sunday November 8th

I look forward to a big turn out on Sunday for Laser Quest in Woodbridge, VA. We will meet at 4pm at Laser Quest which is located very close to Potomac Mills Mall. Unfortunately, the mall closes early on Sundays so if you would like to go shopping there (which I highly recommend!!!) I would go earlier and meet us at Laser Quest when you are done shopping. We will go out to dinner for those interested after we play!

Laser Quest information is below:

Laser Quest Potomac Mills(703)490-418014517 Potomac Mills Road

Woodbridge, VA22193 in Woodbridge

I have room in my car if you need a ride! So far I have one girl riding with me!

My Experience as a Host Mom

When I decided to pursue the job of Area Director with AuPairCare it was not only because of my love for people but my passion for this company. My family hosted an amazing girl, Jaqueline (I am sure you have all heard me talk endlessly about her!) for over a year. Jaque is from Brazil. While we had an amazing program with Jaque and consider her to be a part of our family, I can say for sure that we learned a lot and it was not always "perfect". (Jaque can attest to that too!) What we did learn was that communication with each other was absolutely necessary. When you live with anyone, even your spouse and children, things are not always wonderful. Let's face it....we can be grouchy and annoying at times. If you have a positive attitude, communicate with one another, and learn to appreciate and respect each other, your year (or two) will be amazing! Take time to talk outside of work, spend time with each other on family outings, au pairs-make your family a meal from your country. There is often a fine line as an au pair because you not only work for your Host Family, but you are here for a cultural experience. Be proactive and try to have fun during your year here. When you are feeling down...don't stay cooped up in your house....go for a drive or out to dinner. This should be an adventure for you while you are in the U.S. so take every opportunity to make it a great year!!! Ask me for any advice....I've been in your shoes!!!

P.S.- Jaque may be coming to visit us in April so you can all meet her then!!! She was a blessing to our family!

Coffee Anyone?! I will be meeting at the Starbucks in Gainesville (close to the Target at the Atlas Walk) this Wednesday from 8-9:30 pm. I know there are many of you who have been feeling homesick, have questions or concerns, or would like to get out of the house for a bit. Come join me!!! Nothings beats homesickness like a nice cup of coffee and an Area Director to give you a hug!!!

Welcome to our Blog!!!

I am so excited to get a blog up and running for our cluster! I want to be able to post pictures here so if you have any from events or happenings within your family, please send them my way. I love to know what your families have been up to and it's fun to share photos with our group! I look forward to many fun events in the future!