Yearly Archives: 2011
Happy Holidays!!
Happy Holidays from Suffolk Au Pairs of APIA!!
International Au Pair in America Holiday Party
Sunday, December 11 was the International Holiday Party for the Suffolk County Cluster of Au Pair in America. Each au pair brought a dish from their country for the International Feast. There were dishes from Germany, Thailand, France, Poland, Slovakia, Bolivia, Croatia, Peru and the USA. 
Each au pair brought a wrapped gift for the gift exchange. The gifts were placed under the tree as the au pairs arrived. After our wonderful feast, we gathered around the tree for the exchange, numbers drawn from a basket determined who, went 1, 2, 3 and so on. Everyone enjoyed their gifts.
Cindy Garruba, Suffolk Community Counselor, handed out her gifts to each au pair. A snow scraper, knit gloves, an ornament to remember their holiday in the USA and some candy kisses. 
Pictures around the tree, holiday music and lively conversation was enjoyed by everyone. Happy Holidays!!
Holiday Tree Decorated by Suffolk Au Pairs
Sunday, December 3rd 2011 the Suffolk County Cluster of Au Pairs decorated a tree for Stony Brook Village’s Promenade of Tree.
The theme of the tree is “We Bring the World Together!” The decorations have been made by au pairs from this year’s au pairs, as well as au pairs from previous years.
![386470_244272698972397_100001690058084_713697_1246130526_n[1]](https://blogs.aupairinamerica.com/lie/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2011/12/386470_244272698972397_100001690058084_713697_1246130526_n1.jpg)
Santa Claus arrived at 2 PM on a fire engine. Children lined up for a chance to tell him what they want this year for Christmas. Santa will be available every weekend till Christmas for the children. There is a red mailbox outside the Stony Brook Post Office just for letters to Santa. The trees are on display until January 1st. The APIA tree is right in front of the Brook House Restaurant, just to the right of the Post Office. Hope you visit Stony Brook and visit our tree!!
See You in Stony Brook
Build a Lego Menorah in Pt. Jefferson with Your Kids
Building the World’s Tallest Lego® Menorah – North Shore Jewish Center
Date: December 04, 2011
Hours: 12:30-4pm
Ages: Young elementary, Tween
Price: Free
Address:
385 Old Town Rd. – 631-928-3737
Pt Jefferson Station , NY 11776
www.centralsuffolkjewishalliance.org
Description: A professional architect helps children ages 7 to 12 construct a 14-foot menorah with over 50,000 Lego® blocks. Parents must accompany their child. Pre-registeration required. The event includes a dairy lunch and goodie bag. Bring a non-perishable food item for a local food pantry.
Au Pairs Prepare for the Holidays
Sunday, November 13 the Suffolk Cluster of Au Pair in America began preparing for the upcoming holiday season in the USA.
Senior Community Counselor, Cindy Garruba began the meeting by discussing what holidays are celebrated in the USA. She explained why we celebrate Thanksgiving and how important the holiday is for all Americans. She then continued the discussion with conversations on the holidays their families may be celebrating, Hanakkuh, Christmas and New Year’s. There was a discussion on childcare during this happy, but very hectic season.
The au pairs divided into small groups to discuss childcare challenges by age group. Then they came together to discuss the best ways to deal with these challenges. Cindy emphasized using each other as resources for how to deal with situations. Holiday childcare can bring on tired, over excited behaviors and it is important to minimize stress during this season with their host children.
We also discussed being homesick at this time of year, best ways to deal with missing family and friends. Cindy encouraged the au pairs to bring some of their holiday traditions into their host families celebrations. Then the au pairs decorated ornaments to be hung on a Au Pair in America Holiday Tree in Stony Brook Village Promenade of Trees. The meeting concluded with pumpkin pie and apple cider. The au pairs enjoyed the Thanksgiving dessert and spending time with each other.
Host Mom writes a Poem to her Au Pair
ODE TO CHELSEA
The new au pair had just arrived.
The following day, I went outside.
And on the backyard deck, I saw something was amiss.
All our crocs were lined up neatly…
Who had done this?
The kids? No way! The hubby? Couldn’t be.
Oh My God!!! It must be Chelsea!
I confronted her about it.
She said she tidies all the time.
She asked if that was ok..(chuckle)
Oh honey, we’re gonna get along just fine!!!!
2 rules for the children. No sugar no tv.
And what did she say? “Works great for me!”
She is caring, sweet and truly kind.
That family in NYC missed out! This girl is a find!
So vivacious and full of life, the kids adore her!
So neat and clean, germs and dirt abhor her!
A modern day Mary Poppins, singing while she works.
Performing for the children, dance parties to Firework.
Every morning she greets us with her beautiful smile.
Going with the flow and always going that extra mile.
Ballet carpools, making lunch, Bodhi’s cloth diapers full of poop.
She goes above and beyond daily. Walking the puppy and closing the coop!
Every task she undertakes, she performs with care.
And if my clothes are in the dryer, she’ll even fold my underwear. 🙂
In this crazy fast paced world with our crazy schedules and busy life.
She is better than the best au pair…. She is like having my own wife!
Chelsea- for the beautiful spirit that you are and for all that you do.
November is also the month of gratitude- and I’m so grateful for you.
Love,
Kari
