Me and Mary Poppins

Posted April 25, 2016 by Prairie Wife - 24 comments

Facebook LikeIt all started with a friend request on Facebook.

She thought I was her cousin (who shared the same name as me), and I thought she was the mom I had met at playgroup earlier that week (whose name I couldn’t remember).

I accepted the request and soon realized that this single 20 something living in Portsmouth, England was not who I thought she was. Her mistake was realized quickly as well when she saw my cover picture of two kids! We messaged each other and laughed about the mistake and decided to stay Facebook friends.

A few months later as I announced the birth of Cowboy W she exclaimed about me having three children. I joked that perhaps she should come to Wyoming and be my Mary Poppins!

After a few more more months of chatting I began to refer to her as Mary Poppins when talking to The Cowboy and my friends about her. We private messaged each other frequently, and celebrated the ups and downs of our lives. I was green with envy when she moved to Portugal and joked about showing up on her doorstep. She cheered me on when I began this blog and was in awe of our constantly growing family. Our readers know how much I love all things British, and when she moved to Liverpool I added it (and her) to my “must see” list.

This last December (after 6 years of Facebook friendship) Mary Poppins was feeling ready to make some changes so, I told her it sounded like the perfect time for her to come visit us.

Later that week she messaged me…”I know this is crazy but, were you serious?”

I paused for a moment and then answered “Heck yeah! We don’t need a nanny but, you can totally come stay with us and see Wyoming.”

We began to talk about the best time of year for her to come (the Spring) and I received The Cowboy’s blessing.

Then, in January, I made the decision to have a preventive mastectomy…and suddenly the idea of a real Mary Poppins didn’t seem so crazy…it sounded more like a blessing.

I messaged Mary Poppins and told her about my upcoming surgery, and mentioned that if she came here, and didn’t run away screaming, we actually really would love to have her be our British Nanny. Not only was she all about the idea, it turns out that she had a bit of experience with breast cancer, and the surgery involved, because of her mother.

Her lease on her “flat” (apartment for our US residents) was up April 14 and after spending a few days with her family she could come over here and have some fun time with us before the work would begin.

I didn’t know if we were both insane…or if it was fate.

We spent the next few months talking weekly, Skypeing, and “meeting” each others’ families. I adored them all and I became more and more excited about finally meeting her.

I was a little nervous to tell my friends and family. This could either turn into a happy tears Hallmark movie or a scary Lifetime cautionary tale. I didn’t want anyone to talk me out of this, but I knew they’d be a bit freaked out about the idea of having a woman (now in her early 30’s) I’d never met in person coming over from England to live with my family.

It does sound a bit risky when I type it all out.

Two weeks ago we got the house reorganized and moved Cowgirl G in with LittleMissH. Mary Poppins now had her own spacious room where she could retreat for her much needed moments of zen!

Mary Poppins and the CowkidsOn Thursday LittleMissH, Cowboy C and I waited anxiously at the airport. I was holding my breath as the passengers walked by, looking for the familiar face of my friend. When I finally saw her I’m sure I was smiling like an idiot and I welcomed her with a big Prairie Wife hug. If I’m being honest I almost started to cry, it was so wonderful to meet this woman who I’d been friends with for 6 years. I knew she was taking a bigger risk than me. After all, she flew half way around the world to live with our crazy family.

Five days into her stay here, and I think we both are positive that this truly is something that will work for both of us. She’s absolutely wonderful. Not only do the Cowkids already adore her but, she hasn’t been phased a bit by anything we’ve thrown at her.

She went on a family vacation with us a few hours after she arrived. It included more than 8 hours in the car with me and the Cowkids, a four mile mountain hike, more than a few ticks, and a country wedding where she was introduced to almost every member of The Cowboy’s family. Add to that jet lag, and the fact that she’s hardly ever been around any children, and you can see why I think it’s a miracle that she is not only still smiling and happy but, excited to stay here and help out after my surgery.

I can’t wait to see how this new adventure will change both her and my family and I. I’ll be sharing what are sure to be some hilarious stories about her new life her in Wyoming…

What do you think about me and Mary Poppins? Is this absolutely crazy or a dream come true?

Click here to read Mary Poppins’ Musings: The First Month

Copyright: inbj / 123RF Stock Photo

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24 thoughts on "Me and Mary Poppins"

  1. Pa says:

    Life is an adventure – embrace it.

    I can’t wait to meet her – and see you, the Cowboy, and the Cowkids!

    1. Prairie Wife says:

      I agree…hang on to your hats!

  2. Lizzi says:

    I’m excited things have been smooth sailing so far for you all and Mary Poppins!!!! I’m envisioning her singing just a spoon full of sugar all around a the house while taking care of business post surgery.

    1. Prairie Wife says:

      Right lol…she’d do it too lol 🙂

  3. Captain Obvious says:

    New boobies and a nanny! Bingo! 😉 this will be a good thing for everyone. Rest!!!!!!!!

    1. Prairie Wife says:

      HAH! I agree…and I will…I promise!

  4. Raci says:

    Love this! I’ve been friends with Vikki for many years now and can honestly say she is a pure darling. Hope you all have the best time and will someone please tell her I’m still waiting for pictures of horses and their names 😉 x

    1. Prairie Wife says:

      I agree, she’s a doll 🙂 I’ll tell her to get going on the pics 😉

  5. College BFF says:

    Nice! So glad she’s as amazing as you thought she was! She will be an amazing help! Hope she likes windy Wyoming lol!

    1. Prairie Wife says:

      She’s been doing great so far but…we haven’t had a windy day yet lol!

  6. Bennie says:

    What a great story! It is like a Hallmark movie story (let’s stay away from the Lifetime movies). I look forward to hearing how this all unfolds and a few photos. Enjoy your foreign exchange nanny.

    1. Prairie Wife says:

      I’m rooting for a Hallmark movie too!

  7. Cathy gibiliru says:

    This brought me to tears I am the Cathy Holman now Gibiliru, Vikki is my cousins daughter and she is a credit to her Mum she is a lovely person, take care of our Vikki we will miss her dearly but she has done the right thing. Looking forward to updates and pictures. Love you Vikki xxx

    1. Prairie Wife says:

      I couldn’t be happier about the mix up 😉 Thanks for sharing her!

  8. Karen says:

    What an awesome story this is, and in so many ways it is just beginning! I would love to hear from Mary Poppins herself on this site–it would be so neat to have her perspective on Wyoming and helping your family, and whether or not she is enjoying the West and the wind,etc…Love this!

    1. Bennie says:

      Yes, maybe a ‘guest blog’ one day when our Prairie Wife can’t exactly type for a few days. 😉

    2. Prairie Wife says:

      I’ve been asking her for a few Mary Poppins in Wyoming posts! She was shocked we didn’t cancel school today with all the snow. And couldn’t believe the kids would be sent out to play at recess lol!

  9. Friday Smith says:

    Good luck too you all! I’ve known Vikki nearly 20 years, and she has a heart of gold. You will have a wonderful adventure all of you together, cannot wait to watch it all unfold. 🙂 you’ll all have such fun/mischief!! 🙂

    Lots of love Vikki, Friday & Gemma
    Xxx

    1. Prairie Wife says:

      I agree Friday! And the fun has already begun!

  10. Lesley Dalzell says:

    You really do have a diamond in Vikki. Always a fighter …..even from birth! Look after each other. Love you Vik. xxx

    1. Prairie Wife says:

      Will do Lesley, so happy to finally have her here as part of our family 🙂

  11. Sarah Kent says:

    Well done Vikki, made up for you. Have an amazing adventure, and if there is a Hallmark movie, remember ya Aunty Sarah, actor extraordinaire, and available…..just sayin ! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

  12. Jenny says:

    Dream come true!!!

Categories: Life As It Happens, Prairie Life

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