Girls night out

On Saturday night I was pleased to be invited to attend a special birthday dinner for one of my friends. Lisha is my right-hand-[wo]man in Primary. I have grown to appreciate her common sense and her opinions. She is an amazing lady. One whom I am privileged to know here in Australia. She handles all with a calm attitude and a sense of faith. I am amazed at her abilities as a mother and a wife. I wish I had half of her skills in the kitchen. She inspires me to be a better person and I am forever grateful for her friendship.

LOST

My voice is lost. I got sick at the beginning of last week with the flu. My body ached so badly for a few days and then the body aches went away, but the sinus stuff stayed around. On Saturday night I went out with some friends for a b-day party (more on that later when I get the energy to get the photos off my camera) and my voice started to go a bit.

I went to Church yesterday not feeling 100%. By the end of Church I was croaking even more. As Cooper told me, "Mom, why does your voice sound so funny? You know my teacher always says when your voice sounds like that you have a frog in there." Yep, that's it there is a frog in there taking away my voice. I wish he would give it back.

This morning I woke up and not much sound is coming out at all. I have completely lost my voice. I still have a head cold and am not feeling very good and to top it all off I am having the hardest time making even the smallest sound come out. I am a bit frustrated with being sick for so long, but because I am trying to look on the bright side I have thought of some positives about loosing my voice:

1. I didn't have to do anything in Primary yesterday. I made copies. Somebody has to do it.
2. The look on Rylee's face every time I talk to her. Today she keeps telling me I need to just talk. Sorry kiddo - my whisper is as good as it gets.
3. Madi and Cooper are quieter - they have to be to hear my answers.
4. I am sure Kev likes it that he doesn't have to listen to my ramblings.
5. You are supposed to whisper in Church anyway - I got that covered!
6. Can't answer the phone. So don't call me! That's fine by me I am not a huge fan of talking on the phone anyway.

The bad things
1. My throat hurts and I feel like I am yelling even though only a whisper comes out.
2. I couldn't sing in Church yesterday. I miss singing the Primary songs.


I guess there are more good things than bad. Maybe loosing your voice isn't so bad. No really, I want it back. That frog needs to return my voice. I miss hearing it.

DO I LIVE ON MARS?

I stole this picture off of my friend Carli's blog because I didn't take any pictures this morning - still kicking myself in the butt for that one.

This is what we woke up to this morning. It was so strange. It felt like life on Mars. The wind blew all night long and this is what it brought with it. Dust from the outback ventured it's way into the big city. I felt like I was back in Eagle Mountain, Utah. A small town where we bought our first house. A town where the dust storms would come out of nowhere and last for days. You could see the entire city centered covered in a dust cloud from the highway. The dust seeping into every crack and crevice in the house leaving a fine layer of grittiness in it's wake. The air had the taste of the earth.

This is what it felt like today - except that dust was red so it was also a bit creepy.

BYE-BYE BINKIE

About a month ago I decided that it was time to get rid of the beloved binkie. Around 9 months old this binkie was staying in the bed and was only used at bedtime and naptime. However, a sneaky little 2-year-old I know was getting it out whenever possible. I got tired of the battle so I decided we needed to just be done. I had two binkies left. I cut off the tip of one of them and gave it to Rylee one night before going to bed. She looked at it funny and told me it was broken. I told her that she was a big girl and didn't need it anyway. If she still wanted it she had to have it, but it was broken and wouldn't work right. She asked where the purple one was - it is lost I told her (a little white lie - oops).

After about a week of Rylee taking her broken binkie to bed and chewing on it - you know it doesn't suck the same when it is broken - I cut off some more. This time she had the strangest look on her face. I could see the wheels turning. She told me it was broken. I told her that she was a big girl and didn't need it anyway. Maybe it was time to throw it in the bin. She said to me, "I a big girl! Throw it in the bin!" Sure enough she walked over to the bin and threw away the binkie. We haven't had a trouble since. No tears! No sleepless nights! Nothing!! It is a small big girl miracle.

Every once in a while she asks for her binkie and I tell her that she is a big girl and it is in the bin. She reapeats, "I a big girl! Throw it in the bin!" That is that!! Nothing to it.

Now if only potty training can be so easy! A girl can always hope!

BACK TO KOALA PARK

On Saturday we headed back to Koala Park. This time we took the other kids - last time just Rylee got to go - we also invited Charlotte to hang out with us. Apparently we couldn't get enough of her last week!! Of course we all had to pose by and pat the koala. Can you see the baby in this picture? It was so cute. We watched the baby squirm and wiggle around for a good 10 minutes. Then it climbed on up into it's mommy's tummy for an extra good cuddle and sleep. Oh, how cute!!

This is Australia's first koala hospital. I just think it is a cool old building.

Charlotte picked up a chicken and kissed it. It all started with her wanting to touch the red thing on it's head and pretty soon I looked back and it was in her hands. Silly girl then decided to kiss it. She is braver than I!

Of course we had to feed the kangaroos. It was hard to be photographer when all six people went in four or five different directions. I got a few good ones though. Cooper found a favorite kangaroo and spent most of his time with it - he even named it Nutella (surprise, surprise!)

NOTE TO SELF: People don't like to look at the camera when they are feeding kangaroos.

We saw two signs that said a koala was in a tree near by. We had seen the same sign when we came last month with my sisters, but we could never find the koala. This time I found two. Apparently they are right in the same tree where the sign is posted. Can you find the koala in this tree?

What a fun day!

Kyle Branches Out

Kyle has been such a good sport to try many new and wonderous things since he has been here. Here is a list of things that Kyle has tried for the first time:

1. Lasagna ("Liked it!")
2. Fish & Chips ("Liked it!")
3. Vegamite [Pictured below] ("It was all right!")
4. Aussie Meat Pies ("Good.")
5. Aussie Snags! AKA - Sausages ("Good.")
6. Ginger Beer ("Delicious!")
7. Kebabs ("Delicious!")
8. Indian Curry and Naan Bread ("Good.")
9. Thai Food ("Two thumbs up!")
10. Jumpys ("Two enthusiastic thumbs up!")
11. Crumpets ("Four enthusiastic thumbs up!")
12. Aussie cereals ("They were good!")
13. Calippo Ice Block. AKA - Popsicle ("Good.")

GOOD ON YA MATE!

CITY FUN

Since Kyle is here we get to play tour guide again. Of course that means going to the city and riding the trains.

Monday we headed off to see the Opera House and Botanical Gardens. I made Kyle pose for a few pictures - he doesn't really like to do that sort of thing. It hasn't really happened until you take a picture is my moto. We saw the flying foxes (bats) in the trees, the spring flowers, and best of all some baby ducks.

On Tuesday Charlotte took Kyle into the city to hang out. She is doing tests at school at the moment so she has more free time. I introduced Kyle and Charlotte on facebook a few months ago, but never thought they would actually meet.

Then we invited Charlotte to come hang out with us on Thursday. Kev took the day off of work to spend some time with Kyle. We headed to Paddy's Market - your one stop souvenir shop. Then we rode the ferries and we so excited to ride on the Charlotte! We ended up in at Manly Beach before heading back home.

Charlotte introduced me to gelato. It is Italian icecream and I have never tried it. It was delicious. Will have to get one of those again sometime!

It was also really fun to hang out with Charlotte for the day and get to know her better. Not only is she the best babysitter in the whole world, but she is an amazing person as well!!!

BEACH FUN

Last Saturday was a beautiful day. Warm and sunny with a smoky smell in the air. It was a little taste of summer. So we headed to the beach. Had to take Kyle of course. To be honest since we know this will probably be our last summer here we have to head to the beach as often as possible. There are no beaches like this in Utah that is for sure - Bear Lake comes a close second, hahaha.

We found a new friend sitting right where we put down our stuff. Cooper adopted little crabbie for a while and took care of him. He didn't understand why he kept crawling out of the bucket..LOL!

We had a good time, but didn't spend much time in the water. It was still a little cold. Although the big fellas somehow didn't get that memo and went out anyway - that is until they started getting leg cramps. I put my toes in and that was fine for me. Madi went once on the boogie board and then was content to just jump the waves. Rylee is scared of the ocean again. I am curious to see how long it takes for her to be okay with the waves.

We went to Mona Vale beach which has a big hill before you hit the ocean. We put that hill to use as well - good thing Kev is around!

Let summer time fun begin!

WICKED!!

I have had an itching to go see Wicked ever since I heard about it. I didn't think I would get the chance to see it for a long time. So I was surprised when Kev came home one day a few months ago and said, "I am taking you to see Wicked for our anniversary!" I was thrilled. Last Friday night, September 11th, we went on a belated anniversary date to see Wicked.

Since Kyle decided to come and visit we got him a ticket as well. He was sitting a few rows behind us.

We started with Japanese food. It was so nice to get dressed up and have a night on the town with my favorite man - and Kyle. It was fun to have him along as well. No one telling me that they don't like their food. No one throwing food on the ground. Best of all I got to eat my food at my own pace and while it was hot.

Then we took some funny pictures. Kyle even got in on the act - after a little convincing.

My critique of Wicked? It was wickedly AWESOME!!! I LOVED it! The lines were witty and clever. The costumes were wonderful. The story line was easy to follow and flowed really well. I am a sucker for a good musical. I think it stems from all the musicals I watched with my dad growing up. This one was so unique and clever. I am amazed at the talented people out there with creative brains. People who can take a beloved musical such as the Wizard of Oz and create such a clever spin off. I was happy about the ending and glad that all works out for the Wicked Witch - who apparently isn't so wicked after all. Not only was the story line good, but so was the music. I LOVED it!

If you get a chance to go see Wicked do it! Don't hesitate! Just go! It is worth it! At least that is my opinion!

VISITING COUSIN

This cousin (Kyle) is going on a mission to Johannesburg, South Africa in December. We are so proud of him and his decision to go on a mission.

He decided to come visit us before he goes. It was so last minute, but that doesn't matter we are thrilled to have him here and see him before he goes.

Cooper is especially happy to have a roommate for a few weeks. He has been playing Legos, hanging out with Rylee and I, and playing the Wii with Cooper. Can't get better than that!

TO OUR FATHER

Today is Father's Day in Australia. The kids have been so excited to give him the pressies they picked out from the Father's Day stall at school. I love to see what they pick. On Thursday morning I gave them each some money as they headed off to school. They came home with smiles on their faces and were so excited to show me what they picked and give me their explanations. Here are a few of those explanations.

~ A red water bottle from Cooper - "Daddy doesn't like blue mommy. He will love this!"

~ Some candies from Madi and a black pen - "There was blue or black mum. I know he doesn't like blue so I picked black."

The kids are convinced that because Kev is a Ute fan (you know the red team) that he hates blue (because of the Cougars). This is the basis of all their decisions. I never get anything red either.

This morning they presented their daddy with their treasures. The looks on their faces were pure bliss. The joy of giving present. It is so adorable.

Madi had written this in her card:

Dear Daddy,

Your nice kind too.

You sqeese me kiss me love me forever.

Your sweet as roses

xxxooxoo

poem:

Roses are read

vilets are blue

your so sweet

as the ocen too

Cooper's card said this:

MY DAD

My dad is called Kevin

My dad has green eyes

My dad smells like Tim-Tams

He is a work person

My dad likes to play cars and he likes to play Wii with me.

I think my dad is fun.

Dear Dad,

I hope you have a lovely Fathers Day

Love from Cooper

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

I think my kids are so lucky to have the father that they have. He is hands on and loves them very much. He works hard and provides well for us. We love him very much!!! xoxo

Grocery Shopping - UGH!

I HATE IT!!! There I said it out loud. I hate grocery shopping. I wait until I have absolutely no more food in the house before I venture out. It is a pain in my tushie!

Getting Rylee to stay in the cart without a fight is a pain in and of itself. She wants to walk by herself. Sorry girlfriend! I don't have all day.

Then there is the point where they tell me the total. UGH!!! It is so expensive to feed a family of five in Sydney. I guess maybe I shouldn't buy so many fresh fruits and veggies. Less milk. More bubbles would be cheaper.

The shopping carts (or trolley sorry) here drive me crazy. All four wheels move. WHAT!!! Make two of them lock. The cart moves so much better and easier. I always end up fighting the cart all the way to the car. I am sure onlookers in their car are wondering what is going on with me. The shopping cart has won a few times and has hit other cars - OOPS! Sorry! Not my fault the shopping cart has a mind of it's own.

Obviously you can tell I ventured out to the grocery store today. My family will be happy. Another trip down - thousands left to go.

BOOK REVIEWS

I started this book in early July, but just finished it a week ago. Not because it wasn't a good book, but because I had company for much of that time. I found this book fascinating. It is historical fiction about a time in the history of Australia when they had immigrants come here to work. The government realized when the Japanese attacked that they didn't have enough people to defend their country. They figured if they let immigrants come and work for two years, they would stay, and their country would grow by leaps and bounds. This is a story about a girl who is originally from Russia and how she finally found a life in Australia. When we went up to the Central Coast and met the Barrs they both had immigrated to Australia during the time that this book speaks about. It was fascinating to talk to them about their experiences and how similar they were to the events that took place in this book. I have read three other books by this author and they are all really good - historical fiction about events in Australia.

I saw this book in the book shop and read about it. I knew that I wanted to read it, but it sat on my shelf for several months collecting dust. Then I saw the preview for the movie. I decided that I better read the book before I go to see the movie. I was not disappointed. It is a powerful story of family dynamics and how we affect people with even choice we make.

I have had my nose buried in this book for the past two days. A friend of mine at Church on Sunday asked me if I was currently reading a book. I told her yes but I was almost done. She gave me this book to read. (She does this often and I love it!) I finished my other book and immediately started this one. I have always had a fascination with the polygamist culture and especially with those who live in Colorado City and belong to the FLDS Church. This is an account of a woman who was brave enough to take her children and escape that life style. The FLDS Church broke off from the LDS Church (or the Mormons as we are often called) when they stopped practicing polygamy. This group still wanted to continue the practice of polygamy so they moved away and broke off from the main LDS group. I found it very interesting to see how many of the beliefs they have carried over from the LDS Church. My heart breaks for those living in this group and the abuse that they go through daily both emotional and physical. This book literally took me a little over 24 hours to read. I have actually heard Carolyn Jessop's story before, but it struck me the strength that we all have within us. We can do handle more than we ever thought possible.

SLUMBER PARTY

You only turn 8 once.

It is a special number.

In our religion it is the age where you get baptized and become a member of the Church. You also receive the Holy Ghost. It is a special birthday to remember.

That's partly the reason I gave in to a slumber party last weekend. I figured four girls couldn't be that bad and we could survive the night. We did survive. There was a lot of squealing, giggling, and laughing. They all seemed to have a good time.

It all started before the party was to begin. I kept getting calls from moms saying, "My daughter is so excited can she just come now?" Sure! Why not!

We started out with making our own personal pizzas and birthday cake.

After a few games it was movie time. We got the mattresses out and set up the sleeping bags.

The girls, and Cooper, watched Enchanted and oohed and aahed at the end when they all live happily ever after. Then it was time for bed. We told them they could whisper but needed to try and go to sleep. Yeah right! We had to remind them countless times not to be crazy and to calm down. I remember being at sleep overs when I was a kid - this is so normal and I have so many fond memories of sleep overs with friends. At about 10:30 they finally all went to sleep. Unfortunately they also woke up at 6am the next day. Don't they realize that Saturday is a sleep in day? They will learn that soon I am sure!