Hello, Katie. Perhaps encouraging Zara to get involved in some extracurricular activities would expedite making new friends. I raised two girls and found it helpful for them and me as I made friends as well. Worrying about your child/children is normal. Remember, you and Zara spent a lot of time together since your move and now she is busy at school and you have more time alone. Stay busy like you have been…you are doing great!
Yes we need to see what they have to offer, I will speak to the school this week, I just couldn't face adding anymore things into last week. Thank you for watching xx
Eagle Ridge was my go to for B&BW and JC Penny, before Posner fully opened up all the newer stores in 2019. Was so much easier than going to The Loop or other nearest ones (B&BW). I agree was always deserted !!
Katie if it’s any consolation I was an army child and we moved every two years and has new schools each time and I lived in Germany , UK and had no problems adjusting ! Once we make friends it’s all different ! At least you can visit the parks as much as you want to ! Love you just popping into a park for a coffee lol !I love Jackie from super enthused as well ! Her boyfriend’s Sam is British! You take care x x
I don’t know how you done that, that’s really stressful moving all the time but jobs come first don’t they and if it’s what you have to do. Yes I absolutely love being able to go into the parks whenever I want and just for a quick coffee!! Yes I love Jackie, and her husband seems lovely too, would love to bump into them xx
@@Katiesfloridalife to be fair I knew no difference when I was a child and then when I joined the army myself I was so used to it , it never phased me !
I’m sorry it’s been a stressful start to school! Hopefully this week is better. My oldest started kindergarten last week. We had some tears (hers and mine) the first few days but she’s adjusting very well! Of course we’re getting ready to move to Orlando too so we’ll have to disrupt her school but hopefully she’ll do okay.
Aw I hope she is enjoying kindergarten, it's so hard being a Mum isn't it!!! Zara is feeling better already about it all which makes me happy too, im hoping every week gets better. xx
I know exactly how you feel. After moving halfway across the country two years ago, I remember one day bringing my kids home from school and we were all crying in the driveway, including me. I couldn’t sleep and felt such dread every morning. Feeling guilt and anxiety and so much unease. Two years later, my youngest has so many best friends. He’s doing so well. My oldest is now homeschooled but he’s doing so well too. I don’t ever want to go back to that time period. But you will get through it and Zara will too. She’s a sweet girl and will find her people very soon. Stay strong. ❤️
Oh it's so hard isn't it, and I can't imagine having more than one child to get settled!!! She will be fine im sure and hopefully my worry is for nothing. Thanks for watching xx
Hi Katie, we just watched your vlog, great as always! Thanks for mentioning us ;-) We are again looking forward to your vlog regarding your move to Florida. Maybe you could give some details about the house buying process? How did you choose your house, the location etc.. We hope Zara keeps adjusting to her new school, everyday a little bit more….
Hi, yes of course, I think you could actually see you in the vlog too. Of course I will add that to my questions that Jason and I will go through for this weeks vlog xx
Hi Katie, your so lucky. I have lived all over Florida for over 30 years and only seen about 5 gators 🐊 it sounds by what you said he was in a drainage culvert...some lead to ponds and waterways. I have owned 8 homes at different times and the $6K plus fence quote is reasonable in today's unreasonable inflation world. The labor, permits and fencing involved will make it expensive like everything else. Looks like everything is coming into place, just give it time. 😊
Yes I couldn't believe my eyes when I seen the gator, I didn't expect to see many just wandering around. Yes that's what most people are saying the fence is sort of reasonable in today's climate, if we want it then we have to pay it!! Looking forward to the finished look on the house. Thanks for watching xx
I’m sorry the first week was a bit rough, you’re a good Mum for being there for her ❤️ I moved from Wales to Orlando when I was 14. I entered freshman year of high school half way through the school year and it was rough (I ate my dinner in the toilet for the first 3mo’s). It got so much better though. Kids are resilient and will adjust . It’s harder for us to comprehend as adults, but she will do great!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Aw that breaks my heart reading that, the thought of her eating her lunch in the bathroom is horrible. Im glad you found your feet after that. Kids are tough and I can tell she is doing ok by the way she is acting, I think I would know if she wasn't. Thanks for watching xx
Well you made it through the week. It wasn't going to be easy for you but next week will be easier. After watching the vlog the price of the fence was higher and the general living has been more than I thought it would be. Hope the weekend is better. Don't worry about not being happy all the time it proves you are normal human!! Keep going you are doing brilliantly x
Thank you, yes your right its normal to feel sad and have bad weeks isn't it. Im sure this week is going to be much better I can feel it already. Thank you for watching xx
Awww really felt for you in this vlog, hopefully Zara will settle soon and so glad she made a friends! Us mums never stop worrying...even when they become adults lol. I hope your feeling better too xx
great vlog my friend. I tell you what, vlogging does help through the bad times, when you aren't feeling yourself. Glad you stayed and had a coffee, if we had been ready we would've come anyway ! But it was lovely seeing you Wednesday and spending time with. you. Not long now and your parents will be here. I got teary when you said Zara made a friend, so happy. The days will get easier. See you very soon. xoxo
Sue vlogging has absolutely changed everything for me and I’m so happy I started it, and met lovely people like you! It’s defo got me through the week. See you next week xx
Great vlog, honest. Keep it up. Have you ever done the world food truck spot in Kissimmee? Lots of Latin food, very fun. Let me know, James and I can meet you there.
Hey… no we’ve never been to the food truck place, drove past it so many times. We have a mega busy few weeks with visitors so maybe we could do it next month? Would love that! Xx
Ohh hey katie I've just been watching your vlog ❤sorry to hear been stressful 😢 But hey your not going to believe this😅hope you do I swear on.my mums life but the fence , lol you said have a gues ??? Well I half heartedly said to myself around $6/7000 dollars 😊then at.end you said the quote 🙄 I couldn't believe how near I was lol I just had to say xx hope zaras first week went well xx
Hope your daughter has a wonderful week at school. If you have not been already there is a antique mall in Lakeland that is very enjoyable to walk around. They had a ton of Disney stuff. I spent over a hour looking at everything. Some of the stuff is quite pricey but it is fun to look. Also, next to the outlet mall on vineland road there is a beautiful church called Basilica of the national shrine of Mary queen of the universe. It is quite relaxing and peaceful to visit. The stained glass windows are wonderful. You can also walk the grounds and look at the statues. You do not need to be catholic to visit. There is also a small gift shop. Just thought you might enjoy.
Thank you. Yes the antique mall in Lakeland is on the list to do for the shopping vlog, I’ve drove past a few times and haven’t been in. I know which church you’re talking about, but again did not know you could go in, thank you I will defo do that one day. Thank you for watching xx
Ahh Katie, Zara will be fine once she is settled in. I cried the day my daughter first started school and that was 22 years ago! I still worry about her even though she is nearly 27! When we visit the US, we love to go to target, bath and body works, and Sephora. We are getting a Sephora in our local shopping centre, The Metrocentre in Gateshead, the daughter can't wait! I like how handy you are with a screw driver, putting up your curtain rods etc... good for you. Take care, hope Zara likes her new school and continues to make new friends, have a better week next week. Best wishes Susan. xx ❤
The metrocentre is our closest big mall at home too, we go there often when we are in the UK, I heard they have a Sephora opening. Yes ive had to just get stuck in with the DIY myself as Jason is away too much and I also don't want him doing too much on his days off, maybe a few things tho haha. Thanks for watching xx
Aww, God bless you Katie, your bound to worried, I'm sure as the wks go on Zara will settle in nicely. Glad she's made a friend 🧡 All your followers were thinking about you . Jason not being there also. Kids are resilient. Once she's settled she will love it. Guess we are your virtual family so if you need to talk .. please do. Thanks for this wks vlogs,specifically while you have been stressed and worried about your daughter 🎉 xx
Thank you ❤️❤️ I know he had so many nice msgs from people, you are all like one big family I love it. She is a tough kid and she’s dealt with it better than me 😂😂 Thanks for watching again xx
Ah, I really felt for you in this vlog. I would’ve been exactly the same in your position. It will probably take a couple of weeks to settle in but good to hear that Zara has made a friend. Sending hugs to you both. xx
Hi Katie just watched your vlog sorry to hear the week was rubbish for you 😮, glad things turned around at the end though. Mums never stop worrying about your babies lol mines 38 and I still do. Hope this week turns into a much better one 👋🏻
Thank you…. I know the worry just continues doesn’t it, will never go away but I’m hoping she has an even better week this week. Thanks for watching xx
Sending ❤️❤️ and virtual hugs. A bit of retail therapy can indeed help. You were in the Target cookie aisle…. I just discovered recently that golden Oreos are a pretty good substitute for Custard Creams. So glad Zara made a friend to have lunch with. My son was athletic so he made friends through sports, daughter more introverted and not athletic at all. The library was her place to hang out and gradually she found a couple of clubs to join. It is all so strange and overwhelming. Like you, my husband was not home the first week of school, and in fact was out of the country, and I knew no-one.
Oh ive never tried golden Oreos, I'll have to get some. Zara is the same she isn't really athletic at all so im hoping we can find something else that suits her, I'll have a look into that this week. Yes rubbish timing that Jason was away but hopefully this week will be better. Thanks for watching xx
Thank you for a great vlog, my girls started school this week also- made me smile to see you at animal kingdom as a fun distraction. You are doing a great job and great to hear that Zara is easing into school here in the states. Also, a little retail therapy especially in the parks helps ❤ hugs
I hope your girls had a good first week at school, it's a lot for them isn't it, but kids are strong. Disney will be my main form of distraction I think whenever im down about something haha!! Thanks for watching xx
Ahhh. Bless Zara. So glad she’s made a friend 😊. Hopefully you’ll both feel better as she becomes more settled. I did guess 6000 for the fence, but only because I’ve basically realised that as far as the US goes currently, if you think of what you consider to be a reasonable price for something and double it, you’re probably in the ballpark 😂. Thanks for the honesty as always x
Yes I had 6K in my head before he sent the quote, I think in todays climate its probably about right, not hat I want to pay haha but we have no choice!! Thanks for watching xx
New country, new school, I really feel for you, I cannot even imagine, plus you don’t even have Jason to share with. Thankfully you will look back on this one day and be so happy with the outcome. Also, when we get so much rain, the alligators basically walk right out of the lakes, the water is so high. Have seen them on Celebration Ave.
Yep it's a lot, but we will get there and im sure this whole school stuff will be a distant memory when she is settled. Yes that's what must of happened with the gator as there is water behind those houses, couldn't believe my eyes. xx
Oh wow what a week for you and Zara. What does she think about the way of teaching? Is it different to Qatar? I am sure Zara will make friends in no time. Love the NIKE you bought thats down my alley too 😅 AK is my favorite park I would be in it daily just to watch the animals and do the Safari. The house is coming together nicely. How far is the container with your furniture? Can you track it? Wishing you both a lovely weekend sending virtual hugs ❤
Zara went to a British school in Qatar so im sure the teaching style will be different here but she said most of the week was learning rules and not really doing proper lessons so im sure that will be to come this week. I wish I could track the furniture from the UK, I haven't heard anything from them so maybe in a few weeks ill contact them as it should be here in about 5 weeks max off the estimate they gave me. Thanks for watching xx
@@Katiesfloridalife one week to learning rules? That made me laugh 😄 I have to check on another vlog as I can remember they used a website to track the ship who had the container. It's interesting to see which route it takes. I'll continue to watch as long as you take us with you as I enjoy it so much, Katie. You are a natural 🥰 xxx
Great vlog once again but obviously not so great how you've been feeling. Crazy how as parent/s we can worry ourselves to bits about our kids , questioning if they are ok, if you've made the right decision etc when most of the time they are fine and just cracking on with it. That overthinking just shows what great parents we are, the fact we do care, and sadly some kids don't get that concern from their parents. I'm sure a few weeks down the line you will look back on this week and say I had nothing to be concerned about, Zara is loving school life and has her own social group now . Totally agree with you , a Target shop is very good therapy 😄
Your right, the worry is just awful sometimes and I don't deal with it very well... probably because Zara has always been a very easy child, and not much drama so I especially feel guilty about the school situation. Like you say this will all be a distant memory soon. Thank you for watching xx
I wonder why we have children sometimes, all we do is worry. It’s so hard but sounds like she has been amazing and just got on. Keep busy and the time will fly I’m sure ❤
Disney & Target def always make me feel better too haha! A pop on Everest always does the trick. And yea, kids are so resilient and I hope your daughter settles in nicely and loves her school and friends. Thank you for the shout out, I really appreciate it and I hope I see you out in the parks. Oh and also there’s a few Spirit Halloweens around, I did a video at the one at the loop but there are a few others and I know they’ll filled the store up more since then. It’s a really fun mother daughter trip! 🧡
Aw thank you so much for watching I appreciate it, I’ve watched your videos for years. Yes it’s been a tough week but we will get there and I’m sure she will settle. Oh that’s good that there is a few spirit halloweens as I don’t want to go back to that one 😂😂 we will defo go! Yes would love to bump into you one day 😍😍
Aww u made me tear up talking bout Zara n dropping her at school ! It is daunting but not only that I guess u feel a bit like you’ve lost having ur best friend at home with u… Stay strong…enjoy every minute of the holidays you’ll get together n the peace n quiet lol
I hope I wasn't too miserable this week, I was aware when I edited it that I looked miserable haha!! Once she is settled then I will enjoy my free time for sure. Thanks for watching xx
I know how it is I have 7 kids (6 boys and a girl). I cried every time they went to school, 2 of my boys are twins, one was always clingy to me. When they first started nursery aged 3 I had to go in with them for the first month because they couldn't do nothing with him. Xx
Oh wow 7!!!! I couldn't imagine having more than one to worry about, I think I would have exploded this week haha. Well done you for doing that, takes a special person. xx
Hi Katie, I know how you feel about the school situation, we moved back to the UK from Doha just as my son was ready to start his GCSE year - I was a worried mess! It turned out fine for him though as he ended up with really good GCSE’s & my nerves did survive the ordeal 😅.
ah I remember you saying you were in Doha too, didn't your son go to DC like Zara?? its so hard isn't it as I knew we couldn't stay there but she was very happy in school. im so glad your son ended up with good GCSEs, that's great xx
Oh Katie…My son is back off to university. His third year starts in three weeks. It’s so hard isn’t it? It doesn’t get any easier. I get sad each time he leaves. I make sure I plan a nice week when he goes or I get down. Hope Zara had a good week.❤
Oh that must be hard for you, I’ve got this all to come haven’t I. It’s hard being a mum sometimes isn’t it, but the best too. Thank you for watching xx
We’ve been there. Our 8yr old boy and 13yo girl are now in their 3rd and 4th school after we got here to Orlando in April 2022 from UK. We rented for 6 months then bought a house so it was moving around that caused that. OK, our 8 yr old has just got on with it and doesn’t mind where he is but our 13 yo daughter has just started 8th grade in a brand new school that has just been built here near lake Nona. She has struggled to fit in. Partly due to a very high Latino population where they aren’t the friendliest and that’s the truth! We are in public schools as private schools were not only too much money but too far away so we are happy with the school buses as both of them are in the same school now and one bus. Math has been very hard for both of them. Bullying is an issue with our daughter. She was stabbed by a boy in her class with a pencil that drew blood in her hand, they suspended him for a short period but then had them sit together in the dining hall afterwards! Unbelievable, they tend to brush trouble under the carpet here as it’s bad for business. Kids talk back to the teachers and a whole host of other stuff. She has learned to deal with it but it does keep me and my wife awake at night thinking about her. We like it here and the kids know their life would be harder in UK but she complains about the heat a lot but we don’t mind it. Everytime we have a downer we weigh up the pros and cons and the pros always win but it can be tough!
Oh wow!!! I’m stunned at that, your poor daughter. Honestly that’s why I haven’t been able to sleep at the thought of someone being nasty to her, I just can’t deal with it, breaks my heart. Your daughter is the same age maybe we should let the girls meet, even if they do go to different schools. Like you say you have to weigh up the pros and cons and for us we knew we couldn’t stay in Qatar much longer even though Zara was happy in school there. Thank you for sharing and watching xx
@@Katiesfloridalife You have to stick up for yourself here Id say a bit more than in UK. We had her in taekwondo for a year but she’s given it up now. She’s into Korean K-pop now and that’s enabled her to make some friends outside of school. She’s a friendly girl but when most of your classmates speak Spanish you’re at a disadvantage. Maybe they can meet sometime let’s see. Thanks for replying.
My wife is hooked on your Vlog , and has got me watching it too, the fence quote of $6500, was it for a composite/metal panel or timber , and how many lineal meters/feet was it for?
It is for 3 sides, 1 gate. The sides are solid and the bottom will be lower so you can see through it. I have no idea how many meters or feet. It’s made of plastic. 🤷🏼♀️ sorry I’m rubbish at these things x
@@Katiesfloridalife we are renovating and for timber panel , lattice at the top and concrete gravel board and post we are paying £2500 for 14 panels at 1.2m wide , your plot looks bigger than 14x1.2 and the width looks over 8m a total of 40 lineal meters plus for 3 sides so I recon your getting a great deal, keep up the sterling work..
Oh Katie, what a rough week you've had 😢 Thank you for being so honest in your vlogs and sharing everything. I'm glad Zara's first week in her new school was ok. Is school life and the curriculum different in the US compared to Qatar? Ouch, the fence cost seems very expensive. Do you have to pay the full amount up front? Hope you and Zara have a lovely weekend ❤ Xx
Thanks so much for watching. Yes it’s been a hard week for me but I feel better now :-) we have to pay 50% of the fence up front and then the rest on completion. It’s expensive but I’m looking forward to it being done xx
Nooo it was a mall called Eagle ridge in Lake Wales, miles away but I was looking for a pair of trainers that are out of stock everywhere. Florida mall isn’t the best mall either I think but it’s much better than this one x
There is usually quite a few of the Spirit Halloween stores open in the Orlando area. I live on the north side and there are some in Winter Park and Altamonte Springs (in case you want to check out this side of Orlando). But I did see one open at Lake Buena Vista. Spirit Halloween LBV Fla Open today until 7PM 15789 State Road 535 Former Reebok Lake Buena Vista, FL 32821 Also, if you want to check out a quaint area and have an adventure, take the Sunrail train (during the week only) to Winter Park. It's a quaint little town within a city and has some cute shops and good restaurants. The train station for Winter Park is right in the main area so everything is walkable.
yeh ive heard there is a few Spirit Halloweens open now, we will defo go to a different one. Ive seen the sunrail signs but never been on it, we will have to wait until a weekday when Zara is off school but it sounds like something we will enjoy. Thank you for watching xx
Hi Katie...My name is Carol...lol...sorry I am using my sons computer.... I am not sure where you live exactly and not neccesary , but I belong to a philantropic womens club...they are wonderful ladies and do so much for community and have fun while doing so...I have beem where you are...I moved to Orlando when my sons were only 8 and 10 years old...so I well know what you are going thru...lots of tears...but they are grown now and have families of thier own and very successful...I sacrificed moving here for their sake for several reasons, I had a sweet friend from UK when I first moved here...loved her and my sons were such good friends with her children...sadly she went back years ago...but had a wonderful friendship , praying for you friend....take one step at a time and one day at a time...makes life much more easy....prayers
Hi carol. That's so nice to hear that you moved here all those years ago and everyone is now settled, Im hoping that's what will happen for us too. As each week passes im sure school will get a little easier and all of this stress will be a distant memory. Thank you for watching xx
Mum stress is the worst so sending positive thoughts. My daughter is working in Epcot in the Uk Pav and have had some mum stress too x Say hi to Maisie from Stafford if you’re ever in the Epcot Uk pavilion!
@@TheMatt1214 yes it terrifies me 😔 I don’t agree with guns at all but I’m fully aware it’s common for a home in the US to have them. I just have to pray that we are not affected by it in any way. X
The thing is Katie you wasn't going to stay in Qatar for ever and even if you came back here she would have still of had to go to a new school and make new friends, I'm sure she will soon have lots of friends and I know where I would rather be your givi g her a wonderful life so don't be hard on yourself 😊 I thought the fence was reasonable 🤔
Exactly, wherever we went it would have been new, that's what I keep telling myself. Yes we are ok with the fence price too, looking forward to it being fitted. Thanks for watching xx
If its any consolation Katie when we first moved to Bahrain 2 teachers carried my son in to school kicking and screaming, probably wouldn't be allowed now 😱
Jason said I didn't explain the fence correctly on the vlog, we are having a fence all around the back so 3 sides in total, one gate and then labour so I think we are probs paying average. Thank you for watching xx
We’re not sure at the moment, it depends if the cost of living keeps rising 🤷🏼♀️ but it will hopefully be our home now until Zara is finished education. Thanks for watching xx
