HUTCH DOWN UNDER

NEW BLOG

2010-05-14T03:20:00.002+10:00

I have to admit that I started this blog in order to keep in touch with family back home. They wanted to see my kids grow and share in our adventures in Australia. I had no idea that soon I would have more friends following my blog than family members.

I debated what to do about blogging. Then people in Australia told me that I better keep it up - they want to know how we are doing. I think that this new blog will not have so many adventures on it, but more of the day to day things that we do and my feelings about life.

If you want to keep following us feel free to take a look - it is still under construction so don't judge me too harshly...LOL!!! When I feel like my life is more settled and calm I will do some work on the blog.

Time of your Life

SAYING GOODBYE

2010-05-12T03:39:00.002+10:00

It is hard to believe that it has been almost a week since we left the land of Oz.
Although we are very glad to be back home it was so hard to say goodbye.
I fell in love with Australia, the people, the culture, and the climate.
It is not a bad place to live with beaches 30 minutes away and sunshine almost everyday.
We traded sunny skies and warmish temperatures with rain and cold spring of Utah.
The leaves were just changing and falling off the trees, now the blossoms are falling like snow.
We left many things behind and packed up the rest and sent it on a big boat.
We came with 10 suitcases full to the brim and our hearts full as well.

I learned over the past three years that the Lord has bigger plans for us than we can ever imagine.
All we have to do is listen and have faith to follow the path He puts before us.
It may seem that some get all their prayers answered while we still long for things that seem unreachable.
This is not true.
Our paths are not all the same.
If we are willing to see the hand of God in our lives we will realize just how many blessings come our way.
If we are willing to jump out of our comfort zone every once in a while we will see how strong we really are.

I took a giant leap to move anywhere outside of Utah - this is no secret.
I certainly moved outside of my comfort zone.
I was not sure what I was doing and why I was going down the path.
I knew that this was something that Kev had always wanted to do.
I made a sacrifice to make his dreams come true.
I am glad that I did.
I learned a lot about myself over the past three years.
I will never forget the time I spent in Australia.
I will not be the same because of those I met while living "down under."
I am a better person for having jumped out of my comfort zone.
I followed the path that my Heavenly Father put in front of me and He had bigger things in store for me than I ever thought possible.
I have truly been blessed.
I will never forget where all those blessings come from.

FOR THE KIDS

2010-04-29T10:48:00.001+10:00

I have been trying to make this transition for my kids as painless as possible. There have been many tears shed over loss of friends. Many talks over all the good things we get in return. Many hugs and kisses to make it all better. All in all they are doing well.

In my quest to make this transition easier I told the kids I would have a party for all their friends before we left. WHAT WAS I THINKING? How was I going to fit that in? Well I did it the easy way. We had the party ( a glorified play date really) at the park last Friday straight after school. I had all the mom’s bring a plate to share and it was so easy!!!

Because we did it at the park I told the kids they could invite whomever they wanted. I made little invitations and gave them each a little stack – Cooper’s was significantly smaller than Madi’s (about 20 for Madi and 10 for Cooper). They took them to school on the first day back for Term 2. After school I was informed that they both needed more. I gave them both about half the number of the day before and told them that was it. We had so many kids show up.

Madi is our social butterfly. She is so nice to everyone and has tons of friends. Cooper on the other hand has two really good friends and a handful of boys he plays ball with. It is so funny to see the difference in their personalities.

We taught the kids how to play red rover and just let them hang out and play. Rylee had so much attention from all the girls who would do anything for her that she was in heaven and we hardly saw her the whole time we were there. What an easy party. I was glad that I did it for the kids. They appreciated it and told me so many, many times. Sometimes even through the stress of life we need to do things to help our kids, things we may not want to do, but things that will make them happy.

AN AUSSIE ICON

2010-04-27T19:28:00.001+10:00

We had to see it one more time.

We had to say goodbye.

We had to ride the trains there for the last time.

We had to venture through the gardens and see the bats.

We finally saw the eels in the pond.

We had to take our picture in our spot.

We never cease to be amazed.

We had to get icecream – it’s tradition!

We had a beautiful day.

EQ Fishing Activity

2010-04-25T10:07:00.005+10:00

As I mentioned in one of the earlier posts we had our Elder's Quorum fishing activity on Saturday. It was a lot of fun and I was glad to got to go before we moved home.

Matt and I went early and were on the water fishing just as the sun came up. It was beautiful and the pictures don't do it justice. My camera didn't pick up as much orange as there was.

We ended up with three boats. Matt and Brandon both had boats and we rented a BBQ boat so we could cook some breakfast while we were there.

In the picture blow you can see Dean standing on Brandon's boat. The funny part was that the reason I took this picture is that Brandon's boat was tied to the BBQ boat and the rope broke with no one on it. So dean saved the day by jumping in the water and swimming out to get the boat as it drifted away. You can see the rope dangling off the front.

Here is a picture of me and the flounder I caught. They are the weirdest looking fish! In the picture next to me you can see Dave with Brandon, Mark, and Aaron in the background. I kick myself because I didn't get pictures of everyone there, which I should have done.

Here is Patrick in his cool sunnies! And Brandon ended up catching the biggest fish. He actually caught two of these flat heads and they were about the same size. From the picture below you can see a little better why they call them flat heads. The reason he is holding it with a cloth is that the fins are very pointy and very sharp. There are some interesting fish in the ocean.

Everyone ended up catching some fish but we threw most of them back. Overall it was a great activity and a lot of fun.

Basketball - Wednesday Lunch

2010-04-25T09:51:00.004+10:00

One of the best friends I have had here is Australia is Tim Baker (#14). A while ago he asked me if I was interested in playing on his Wednesday lunch time basket ball team that played at a gym in the Rocks (about a 10 minute walk from my building).

I was a little hesitant at first because I know I am not as good of a player as he is and knew any team he played on would be a pretty good team. Plus he told me that person I would be replacing was over 6'6" tall. That didn't help.

I decided to do it and I am very grateful that he asked me and that I said yes. I was able to play 4 seasons with them and we won 3 of those seasons. I won't talk much about the season we lost because I still feel like it was my fault we lost. You see, my biggest weakness (and I know it) is lay ups and they are supposed to be the easiest shot. I would much rather take a 10ft turn around jump shot than do a lay up. To make a long story short we were tied with 15 seconds left to go in our semi-final game and I got the ball and missed a lay up. We went into over time and lost. There were other things I did but I won't go into those details.

It really was just a lot of fun! The pictures above are the before this last Wednesday's championship game and after. As you can tell from the trophy we won.

Thanks again Tim for inviting me!

Sick Weekend!

2010-04-25T09:42:00.002+10:00

It is 9:40 on Sunday morning, Stacy and the kids are at church, and I am at home trying to rest. Thursday morning I woke up with a sore throat and by Friday it was the achy muscles that were getting the better of me - especially my throat. The problem was that I had one of my last presentations I had to give at work on Friday and the kids farewell party we had planned for them was right after school ended.

All was good and the party was fun but by the end of the day I felt exhausted. The other problem was that we had our Elder's quorum activity planned for Saturday morning and we were going fishing. I wasn't about to miss that.

So I went to bed at 9pm (a record for me), got up at 4am and after getting ready felt a little better. I was excited because I was meeting Matt again (last fishing trip) and we were going out earlier than everyone else. I got to his place about 10 to 5 and we were in the water fishing as the sun was coming up (I'll put pictures later).

Anyway, I felt pretty good the whole time were were out. Maybe a little weak but not bad. Then on the way home as I was riding my scooter I started to feel really weak again. I could tell I wasn't over it. I came home and crashed for a little while on the couch. The rest of the day I just felt worn out again.

I kept waking up last night as well and so I decided to stay home from church and rest. What a time to be sick. I just hope that I will be better soon (glad we have a holiday tomorrow - ANZAC Day). I am also hoping that Stace and the kids don't get it either. We would really like to be healthy for the next week and a half ahead of us. There is too much to do to be sick.

RELEASE...RELIEF

2010-04-23T11:35:00.002+10:00

On Sunday I was released as the Primary president in the Normanhurst ward. (For those of you who are unfamiliar with our Church this is the organization for the children 18 months to 11 years old.) I have to admit that I have been praying to be released for a long time. I was worn out with all that Primary entails. I have been in a primary presidency for five years - that's a long time. I felt like I had nothing left to give. That I was just trying to "get by." I didn't get the release when I wanted too. I had to struggle to give 100% for months and months. I learned through this that the Lord has a plan for each of us. He knows our concerns and our trials. He still needs us to serve those around us. Sometimes you don't realize what you do to strengthen those around you.

Knowing that we were leaving it wasn't too big of a shock that I was extended a release. Of course I can't be the president while in Utah...LOL! Sharing time via Skype probably wouldn't work so swell. What was shocking to me was how sad I felt when the release finally came. I will miss hearing the primary songs each week in Sunday. Hearing all the funny things the kids have to say. Mostly I will miss the sweet spirit that is found only in Primary.

I know that Heavenly Father loves the primary children all around the world. They are the future. They have so much to give. They need to be strong to survive in the world around them. He knows who they are. He wants them to succeed. I feel honored to have had a small part in that.

I also felt relief - I will have to admit. Relief to not have to worry about Primary while trying to pack up to move internationally. I was supposed to do sharing time this week - so glad I don't have to figure out how to fit that in. Maybe I will have a Sunday without a headache to take home with me...LOL!

I ventured into Relief Society (the womens organization of our Church) for just a little bit. I felt a bit out of place among all those women. I haven't been to Relief Society consistently since Cooper was born - young womens and then primary took me away. I found myself having a hard time paying attention. Not because the lesson wasn't good. There were no pictures to color. No one who needed to go to the toilet. No music with actions - I needed to stand up singing while jumping on one foot and turning in circles. I think that my attention span needs to increase. Apparently I have lost some of it. How long does it take to build it back up?

We will see how it goes this Sunday when I don't have to go down to the dungeon. Will I feel relief or will I feel sad when I don't have to go up and down those stairs over and over again. I will miss Primary. I am sure I will have a stint there again sometime. Hopefully not too soon - apparently I need some time to build back up my attention span. It is dreadfully lacking at the moment.

LAST TIME

2010-04-19T13:39:00.001+10:00

Saturday we headed to the beach for the last time. This was something that Madi wanted to do before we left. Saturday was the perfect day for it. The water was even warm – so they tell me, I didn’t even put on my suit knowing I probably wouldn’t get in.

We meant to only stay for a few hours, but stayed much longer than that soaking in the sun, exploring the rock pools, looking for seashells, and just having fun. We turned and said our goodbyes as we left – realizing that the odds are we won’t be back to see the beach in Australia.

We went to Avalon beach for our last time. Mainly because there are lots of rocks on the north side and lots of little pools of water. Rylee loves the water, but hates the waves so we thought this would be perfect for her. Boy was it ever. She didn’t want to leave the water and kept telling me it was her bathtub. The little shelled creatures hanging onto the rocks were no match for her. She was pulling them off so fast and throwing them into the water. She wouldn’t believe me when I told her that there were little animals inside. Hopefully they all survived the hands of a 2 year old.

HOW?

2010-04-15T11:15:00.002+10:00

How did I move to Australia again with a brand new baby?
There is so much to do when you move internationally.
My to -do list is a mile long and I only have one thing crossed off so far!
Kev's list is longer than mine - but he seems to have more crossed off.
What's up with that?

We have plane tickets and a start date for the new job.
We will touch ground in Utah May 5th - three weeks away!
Then we will have a new to-do list which will also be a mile long -
but as Scarlett O'Hara always says "I will think about that another day!"

Still have no idea exactly how we are going to ship things home.
One guy told us we can pack it all ourselves.
Another told us that is illegal.
UGH!!!
Last time around the company did all of this.
Now we have to do it.
Once we figure that part out I think I will be breathing easier.

It will all be worth it in the end.
To see the faces of those we love!
To see the mountains that we have missed so much!
We are sad to leave this beautiful country and the wonderful people we have met here,
but home is where your heart is.
My heart is back in Utah!
I can't wait to get back to the good ol' USofA!

CRAZY DAY and THINGS FULL of MEMORIES

2010-04-10T20:01:00.002+10:00

You would not believe my day today!!

Last weekend in anticipation of moving, sometime, to the States. Kev and I went through the house and made a list of all the things that we knew we had to sell. We have to move ourselves home this time around so we have limited room in the shipping crate we are going to get. We know that we have to get rid of somethings and we definitely have to get rid of anything with a plug on it since it won't work in the States.

Last night around 10:30 we finished up pricing everything and sent an e-mail to a few people and asked them to pass it on if they could. I got on-line this morning at 8am and I already had about 15 e-mails of people wanting things on that list. I was shocked. My day continued on like that. The phone ringing. People stopping by. Things leaving my house. Making deals to pick things up later when we don't need them anymore. In one day I think we have sold half the things on the list. In between things we cleaned out the garage, moved stuff out there that will go to the garage sale in a few weeks time, clothes, books, toys, etc. Kev washed the car and we talked endlessly to people around us. I am still shocked and very worn out.

In realizing that stuff is leaving I see things and remember stories about them. One of those is the wardrobe that we have been using for Rylee. I found it on the side of the road one day during Council Clean-up. I was by myself and I knew that if I went home Kev wouldn't go back out and get it for me. I proceeded to take the seats out in the van and somehow with much sweating and a bit of "why am I doing this again?" I managed to get this big thing in the van all by myself. I could barely close the door. Kev laughed so hard when I got home to see what I had been doing - he was wondering what had taken me so long. I had drawers stacked high and the wardrobe squeezed in the van. I was proud of myself for not giving up and Kev admitted that he wouldn't have gone back out and gotten it for me. It is being sold along with many other things in our home.

Now we are just praying that the van and the scooter will sell before we have to leave. What a relief that would be!

WE'RE COMING TO AMERICA!

2010-04-09T09:11:00.002+10:00

Now do you have Neil Diamond running through your head?

Kev sent me a message yesterday and told me to listen to something on my computer - this is what started playing. Then he called to tell me that he had been offered a job!!! Yes, this is the job we have been waiting and praying for for the last three or four weeks. It all fell into place - funny how that always happens even if you stress yourself out.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers - even those of you praying that we would stay...LOL!! We have been so blessed. I won't go into to many details, but we got more pay than we expected and a signing bonus which will help with some of the shipping costs. They want him to start in three to four weeks - we are shooting for being in Utah the first part of May. That isn't much time.

We have to sell everything with a plug and a bunch of our other stuff in order to only fill a 20 foot container. Lucky for us we put together a list last weekend of all the things we need to sell. I just have to go through and finish pricing a few things and we can send it around.

I think my life just got really CRAZY!!!

SLOWLY GOING CRAZY

2010-04-07T15:40:00.002+10:00

After weeks of waiting and wondering about a job possibility, I am going crazy.
Everyday I wake up wondering if today will be the day.
Will we find out something?
Instead there have been three interviews, promises of decisions being made, and no news!
We are slowly going crazy.
My body is starting to feel the strain of the stress.
My muscles ache - the chest injury still hurting and not getting better.
My stomach feels like butterflies live inside of it.
I jump every time the phone rings.
I feel full of anxiety until around 11am when I know the work day is over in the States.
Kev got a huge stress sore on his lip a few weeks ago - it was HUGE!
Still nothing.
Seriously it has been almost a month.
I just want to know - either way - I just want to know.

THE TRUE MEANING OF EASTER

2010-04-05T10:04:00.001+10:00

The Easter bunny did make a stop at our house.

We did search for a few of these.

We also had some people over for a fabulous Easter dinner, including the missionaries and an investigator. Madi loves Sister Hepworth. She has been a great example to Madi. Her mission is coming to an end at the end of this month. She has been in our ward for half of it. I love that Madi has seen examples of wonderful sister missionaries. I am sure that she will remember their examples when the time comes for her to choose whether or not to serve a mission.

After dinner we did our Easter lesson with our eggs full of things to remind us of the Savior and His sacrifice for us.

I pondered after everyone had gone home about how I had spend my Easter.

I spent my Easter Sunday serving those around me.

I wished several time that I was home in Utah listening to General Conference. I love when it falls on Easter weekend. We will listen to the first session tonight for FHE and next weekend will be filled with the thoughts of our prophet and apostles.

I was uplifted as I attended my meetings at Church. Reminded of the little things that we do and the impact they have on those around us. The Spirit filled my soul.

Although I am far from perfect I do know that when we follow those little thoughts that fill our minds we can make a difference to those around us. We can leave a lasting impression. We can become more like our Savior.

The sacrifice He made for me I cannot imagine. I don’t understand the pain He went through. I can’t imagine the sacrifices made on my behalf. I sometimes wonder if I am worthy of those sacrifices. I sometimes wonder if I have done enough.

Easter is a good time to ponder on these things, but it isn’t the only time of the year I do it.

So although the Easter bunny paid us a visit and we hunted for chocolate eggs and lots of candy. We also were reminded of what Easter is really about. A perfect brother who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us all. A brother whom I want to try and be like. A brother who knows how I feel. A brother who hasn’t forgotten me. A brother who is always there.

ADDING A BIT OF COLOR!

2010-04-05T09:21:00.001+10:00

This is the third Easter we have spent here in Australia. Easters without new frilly, poofy dresses. Easters without little kits to color your eggs. Easters with a lot of memories. I told Kev I can’t wait to get back home so I don’t have to do all the work to make our traditions happen. When you do these things with family you get to share the work.

Saturday night we colored our eggs. With no kit once again I used a vinegar and food coloring – works like a charm. However, I always wonder if I should water down the vinegar and probably am supposed to – the colors come out really rich and lovely though. We also get to dye brown eggs here – no white ones in site. They are a bit harder to color, but you just leave them in the mug for longer and they are fine. This year for the first time I used my coffee mugs (they actually got used for something and not just taking up room in my cupboard). They worked so much better than bowls which I usually use.

Rylee loved coloring eggs. This is the first year she has really gotten to do it all by herself. She has been asking me ever since if we can do it again. Next year I tell her, next year.

Cooper still has colored fingers. He just can’t help getting dirty I suppose.

Madi was an old pro. She loved mixing the colors and making her eggs two toned.

HAPPY EASTER WEEKEND

2010-04-03T10:03:00.003+11:00

You know what I love about Easter here in Australia? It is a four day weekend. That's right Kev gets Good Friday off and Easter Monday. Who can help but be excited about that? Coming from a country where you can't mix church and state it is nice to see this most sacred holidays celebrated. In fact there is nothing opened on Good Friday - something we figured out the hard way the first year we were here. The kids also have begun their school holidays for the next two weeks. We didn't make any big plans for this weekend. We just want to relax and go with the flow!

Cooper did talk his dad into a sleep over. They made a list of all the things they are going to do and I believe Sunday night is the night of the big event. The futon cushion will be moved into the play room and out will come the sleeping bags. Possibly they could camp outside - who knows. Cooper even grudgingly said Madi could join in on the fun.

Here is the list:
- play Wii in bed
- have a pillow fight
- eat chocolate eggs
- play board games
- play legos
- sleep (not sure how much, but it will happen)

Kev is so good to do this for Cooper. Whenever there is a long weekend he always seems to get talked into it. What a great dad! These are moments that I know Cooper treasures!

CONFERENCE PACKET

2010-03-28T08:10:00.004+11:00

In the past I have always given the primary children in our ward an activity packet to work on during conference. I have created them myself using activities in the friend and coloring pictures. This year however, I found an amazing packet. If you want one for your children go here:
http://www.sugardoodle.info/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851

It is really well done. I hope the primary children will find it helpful this year and maybe you will too!

GIRL TROUBLES

2010-03-24T18:47:00.002+11:00

This little girl is having friend troubles. I can hardly keep up. Everyday someone else is mad and won't play in their group. She used to play with different friends and the drama was kept at a minimum, now with a different group it is girl drama central. I can't help but cringe. I don't know what to do. It brings back terrible memories from my past and a friend who decided that we couldn't be friends any more. Past girls being mean and selfish.

Apparently she used to play with a different group and has a really good friend there, but the other girls thought she was a bit weird (as she puts it) so she doesn't play with them anymore. She says they won't even look at her when they pass by. My heart aches. I wish I could make it all better. Who couldn't love this kind hearted little lady?

This year hasn't gone so well for her. A new class with no friends in it. A new class with some old friends from a class a few years ago, that now have new friends and don't want to play at recess. I wish that she had some friends who share her same values. I wish that she had a really good friend down the street to laugh with a giggle with after school. I wish she had someone to sit by her every lunch and recess and laugh with her. I feel sad when she tells me she spent her lunch time in the library reading books (although I have nothing against reading books).

It just brings back the wounds that are still a bit fresh for me. Girls can be so mean sometimes. The sad thing is, it doesn't change when you are a mom either. Girls are still mean sometimes. They still say means things. They still look at you as in judgment. They still can make you feel worthless. I wish I could make it all better. I guess this is how we learn and grow - watching our children struggle as we did, and not knowing what to do.

PACKAGES!

2010-03-19T16:11:00.001+11:00

I love packages – well who doesn’t right?

This week I have gotten two. That’s even better!

Thanks to my sister Julie I have now watched “Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs” twice and gotten my Butterfinger fix!!!

Then a few days later another package arrived. Inside were some goodies I created. To see my work printed was nice. These are some of my first pages I ever did digitally. I thought about redoing some of them – they aren’t so good I admit, but admittedly I do not have the time. I did go through and fix up the shadows and clean up a bit. All the pages are of Rylee. I feel so bad. She has a book that has maybe half a dozen pages in it. Now she has a whole lot more. I used a relatively new company: Persnickety Prints I was so impressed. The quality was excellent. No washed out colors. They are located in Orem, Utah for those of you who live close by you can actually go pick them up and save yourself some shipping costs. I happened to get a coupon for a discount in shipping costs, but $10 for international shipping isn’t bad. It cost them $15 to send it. I am totally going to use them again and soon!!!!

Rylee has been enjoying her book. She used to look at the half a dozen pages in her book before and loved it – now imagine all the fun she is having. It is so fun to see how much she has grown.

GOOD AS NEW!

2010-03-17T11:30:00.001+11:00

I have always wanted to do this project. Taking old broken crayons and turning them into something lovely and new. We have many broken crayons around here, and I have been a doing a bit of “spring cleaning,” so I thought now would be a good time to try this out.

Rylee was my helper one day.

It’s simple. You take your old crayons and take off all the paper. Then place them into molds and cook at a low temperature until they melt.

If I was to do this again I probably would be more careful about what colors went into each slot – but when you have a 2-year-old helping you get some fun colors mixed together. More fun that way I suppose.

FYI: On some of mine appeared a waxy layer on the top. With a bit of research I found that this may have been caused by washable crayons.

Take them out of the oven and let them cool down all the way. Then you have new crayons to use!

Madi wants to sell these at our massive garage sale we will have when we finally move back home. We were thinking maybe 5 or 10 cents a piece. She thinks she will make a killing. If not then her friends will get a nice gift when we leave!

I WAS BAD....

2010-03-10T15:51:00.002+11:00

...last night I did something I knew I shouldn't.
Kev told me I was crazy and it would make me sad.
I was just curious so I went ahead and looked at houses for sale in Salt Lake County.
It did make me a little sad when I found one for a killer deal on a short sale.
What I really wanted to know was can we afford the house we want?
Everyone keeps telling me that house prices are cheap.
I wanted to see for myself.
THEY ARE!!!
I could not believe it.
The houses we were looking at we wouldn't have even considered three years ago.
Now all we need is a job offer.
I guess that is important isn't it?
Kev told me I am getting "trunky."
Maybe he is right.
I say I just want to see my mountains again and plant a garden.

BUCKET LIST

2010-03-09T11:36:00.001+11:00

I had a challenge for a scrapbook page to do one with a bucket list of 50 things to do before I die. It was so hard for me. I have to be honest I have never made a bucket list before. I figure I will do things as they come up. There are a few things that I have always wanted to do, but the rest I had to really think about.
I encourage you all to do the same.
What do you want to do before you die?

MORE THOUGHTS

2010-03-08T09:45:00.002+11:00

I did not write my previous post to try and get some sort of recognition on what a good mother I am - although it was appreciated thanks for all your messages!

I did not write it to compare my feelings and problems with what anyone else is going through at this time. There is nothing to compare. We are all at different stages with different kids.

I did not write it to make myself look good. I have so much to learn.

I wrote it to present to you a journey that I think we all go through as mothers. We are all trying our hardest. We all make mistakes. The key is to learn from those mistakes and when we learn to do better we should change.

I wrote it to remind myself later that I am trying my best. Sometimes that means I have to reevaluate and change some things to become even better.

I do not think that it is a bad thing to talk to other mothers or to read their experiences. I can learn from those around me. I can take the good and see if it will fit into my life and I can make this motherhood experience better for me and for my children. I did find myself comparing myself too much. That is where the danger comes in. When we talk to other mothers and we try to get advice we cannot compare ourselves to them. We have to take their advice and tweek it to fit our needs and most importantly the needs of our children.

For example. I have a huge routine at my house. We eat around the same time everyday. We get ready for bed in the same way. We have showers and baths on the same nights each week. We still have rest time - even though no one around here sleeps anymore. Rest time is sacred to me. I need it to recharge myself. To get somethings accomplished. When the kids are off school they still rest in their rooms for a few hours after lunch. They don't always like it. I know they are getting too big for it, but I need it. So I am going to do it as long as I can. For me this works. Routine, schedule, for me this is sanity. For others it is not. They don't like to be tied down. They like to be spontaneous. I know that this works for me. I can't live without it. For you figure out what works for you.

I know that there are mothers out there who struggle daily with problems I cannot imagine. I know that they are stronger than I will ever be. I can't imagine the problems that some face. I am not comparing me to them, but that doesn't make my concerns and my problems trivial. They are big concerns to me. We all are faced with trials in our lives. I truly believe that part of those trials is how we endure them.

I know that I will never have another chance to raise Madi as an 8 year old. I will never get to see Cooper in first grade again. I will never get to teach Rylee the things I am teaching her at 2 years old. Although I have had other 2-year-olds in this house - they have not been Rylee. They were different. There needs were different. Their personalities are different. I do not want to miss out on any of these phases. Not only that but I want to do my best. I can't get them back to redo later. I can't try again later to fix small problems. By then they are big ones.

I think that motherhood, if done correctly, is the hardest job on earth. As my father-in-law wrote me this weekend, "If Heavenly Father expected you to be perfect he would have given you a manual." Great advice John. So true. I am not expected to be perfect, but I am expected to do my best. That is all we can do.

Don't compare yourself to others.

Don't feel like you can't make it through whatever trial you might be facing as a mother.

Just learn from your mistakes and make changes that will improve not only your life, but the lives of your children.

Then spend the time to look for the rewards - what ever those may be. A hug and a kiss at night. A long talk with a child about their concerns and worries. There are rewards in the journey called motherhood and they are what I live for and what keep me trying to be better. Not just for me, but for my children.

MY THOUGHTS ON MOTHERHOOD

2010-03-05T11:50:00.001+11:00

When I started this adventure I like to call motherhood eight years ago I had no true idea of where it would take me. I had no idea that I would have so much love to give and that my heart could break so many times. I had no idea that I would not always have the right answer or react in the correct way. I had no idea that I would get so little sleep and still be able to function (barely) without it. I had no idea that I could doubt myself so much.

I have been feeling like a terrible mother as of late. I read many blogs out there of these amazing women who seem to have it all under control. They always have the right answers. They always seem to be doing something creative with their children and taking them fun places. I do realize that people only put the “good” stuff on their blogs, but still it makes me feel like I am not doing something right. We do not paint, color, and craft every day around here – I don’t have the patience for it. I hate to clean it all up. When I do get it all out we have a blast and I love to see my kids be creative, I am trying to do it more. My goal is to have a craft day with Rylee twice a week. Does that mean I am not doing my job properly?

When you are feeling like you aren’t doing something right that means that you should sit down and ponder why you are feeling that way. At least that’s what I think. So I have spent the last few months thinking about the kind of mother I am and what needs to be improved. I have talked with many other mothers and listened in on conversations at play dates. I think we all feel the same. We are all wondering if we are doing this job right. It isn’t like there is a instruction manual given to us with each kid. It would be easier if the things you figured out with child #1 worked the same with child #2 and #3. I wonder daily if I am making the right decisions for my kids. If I am teaching them the things that I should. If I have done enough to pass on the knowledge that I do have.

I want my kids to be independent. I want them to be good people who think about others before themselves. I want them to love the Gospel as much as I do. I want them to love their family and want to be with us forever. I want them to know what it means to make good decisions and to face the consequences when they do not. I want them to know that their best is good enough. I want them to love books. I want them to find their own passions. I want them to be grateful for what they have. I want them to feel loved. I want them to know their Savior.

I guess what I have realized is that most of the time I feel like I am failing and haven’t made the right decisions, but I just have to do the best I know how at the time. When I learn something new and a better way then I need to chance what I am doing and improve. No every day around here isn’t perfect. Sometimes there is a bit of yelling. Sometimes there is a bit of stubbornness. Sometimes I don’t make all the right decisions. I am trying.

Then I have moments where I see the fruits of my labors. Someone comments on how kind my kids are to others. I see them find something they truly enjoy doing – even if I had to ~~force~~ gentle push them into doing it. When they have their own spiritual moments and the Spirit just shines through them. When a little voice says to me, “Mom, you are my best friend! I love you!” Someone tells me how well adjusted my kids seem to be. I see them run off to their first day of school without looking back. When I hear their answers in Primary. When I get a huge hug and know that this person loves me even if I didn’t make all the right decisions that day. Then for a simple moment I realize that I am not doing it all wrong. I am doing some things right. Doing creative things with them everyday and taking them fun places all the time just isn’t my way of doing this little job I like to call motherhood. It isn’t my journey. My journey is different, and there is nothing wrong with that.

PING PONG ACTION

2010-03-02T20:35:00.002+11:00

What happens when a little boy finds a ping pong ball in his room and gets an idea?

He gets his dad to help and they come up with a creative plan

1. Homemade ping pong paddles – good thing for some old cardboard boxes

2. The kitchen table with a pillow net

3. A fun Sunday afternoon!

4. What a smart little boy and his daddy!

Who needs a proper ping pong table and paddles? Not us!

OUR LUCK CONTIUES...

2010-02-22T12:54:00.004+11:00

...or maybe not so much.

Saturday the Stake had an activity at the beach.

I was a bit worried about going as my chest still hurts and Rylee has a bit of a cold.

I went anyway, knowing that I wouldn't get in the ocean because the waves would hurt.

We had a good time.

Madi and Antoi had a fabulous time playing in the waves, exploring the swimming pool with their goggles on to see the fish swimming around, and digging in the sand.

Rylee wouldn't get in the ocean again.

I am not sure what happened to her, but she will not get in, or even close, to the "big waves."

Cooper entertained himself and kept cracking me up as he filled up cups with sand and offered icecream cones to everyone.

All was going well for several hours.

It was a warm, sunny day perfect for the beach.

The bishop had his canoe there and Kev wanted to give it a try.

Bishop Nel took him out and held the back to help him get stabilized.

I watched for the first few attempts and took some pictures before taking Rylee and Cooper back over to the swimming pool.

It's harder than it looks.

While we were gone came the injury.

Kev apparently kicked the paddle and sliced open his foot.

It was in the strangest place - right between toes two and three.

When I got back to our spot on the beach he was sitting down with the first aid kit under his foot all bandaged up.

The Bishop had gone up to our car to get the first aid kit.

Let me tell you something interesting about said first aid kit.

It is typically in the car and we have used it often, but hasn't been in there for months.

Right before we headed to the beach Kev grabbed something out of it and thought "I should put this in the car."

Good thing he follows those little promptings.

We decided to take him to the Mona Vale Hospital right down the street from the beach.

I packed everything up and had some help getting it to the car.

Kev walked up and looked down at his foot when he got to the car.

He had opened up the flood gates and lost a ton of blood.

He went back to see the doctor by himself since we weren't all allowed back there.

I told him to take the camera so I could show his mom what trouble he is getting himself into.

Susan these pictures are for you!

Three stitches later he is good as new. A bit sore and wobbling a bit as he walks, but other than that good.

Good thing I went - because I had to drive home. We got home late, hurried with baths, and Kev has to shower with a bag on his foot. He got the bandaging a bit wet so he took it off for a while. I told him I would bandage it up again. Then the power went off.

The bandaging took place by candlelight.

How romantic huh?

BAD, VERY LONG, WEEK

2010-02-20T10:05:00.003+11:00

Maybe you are wondering where I have been - maybe you don't miss me that much.

I don't know, but I do know that I have had a very long week.

It actually started a few weeks before - so let's go back to there.

Three, or so, weeks ago I rolled over in bed and heard a LOUD pop!

Nothing hurt right away so I just thought a joint had popped.

That was until a few days later when my chest started hurting - again.

Yep, again!

Remember in October I got inflammation of the cartilage between my ribs and had to spend hours in the ER?

It was back.

No, I didn't go to the doctor - it all felt the same I just assumed.

Well, a few weeks later I started feeling better and decided to ride my elliptical one night.

Big mistake.

As soon as I got off I knew I had over done it.

Crazy thing is I didn't go that hard and I only rode about 30 minutes.

This time the pain was much, much, much worse.

I hardly slept that night as it was too painful.

The next day I took myself to the doctor.

I just wanted to make sure that I was okay and it wasn't something more serious than I had originally thought.

Well, it was nothing different than I had thought.

The doctor thinks that possibly a rib popped in and went back in - thus the popping noise.

The only problem is - THERE IS NOTHING TO BE DONE!

Rest, anti-inflammatories, and a strict order not to pick up Rylee (she is way to heavy).

So I have spent the whole week doing just that.

Lucky for me Kev has also been working from home to help me out!

This means that my house is a mess, the laundry is piling up, and I don't even care.

Not only that, but my computer died on me.

I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT MY COMPUTER!

There is no connection with the plug.

No, it isn't just the plug - we tried using a different one - same result.

Something is going on inside the computer.

That means I only have battery power.

Kev managed to jimmy rig it one night so that it charged up the battery.

Long enough for me to copy all my photos that were on my computer onto my EHD.

I managed to get everything off - except my primary stuff.

Luckily for me most of my important stuff (scrapbooking stuff that means) is on my EHD.

I am currently using the old lappy - the one Kev got when doing his Master's degree.

It is old, and it is slow, and can barely handle PSE.

It can't even recognize my EHD because it is too big.

That means that during this downtime I can't even scrapbook - UGH!

I know I should have announced a winner for my journal - I am sorry I haven't done it yet, but now you know why.

I am going to make one for all four of you.

You are just going to have to wait until I can fix my computer and get to my scrap supplies.

Possible get a new lappy!

Good thing for that bonus Kev just got - it may be put to good use!

2010-02-11T10:54:00.002+11:00

We have had some very sad news in our extended family.

Two little, precious girls were returned to our Heavenly Father too soon.

While I have been going about my daily routine my heart has been full.

I have been holding my children tighter and taking extra time tucking them into bed at night.

I am grateful for the knowledge that I have in this Gospel.

A knowledge that tells me that this life isn't the end.

This life is only the beginning.

We can be together forever.

Do I know why bad things happen to good people? No!

I do know that we came to earth knowing that life wouldn't be easy.

I do know that we have to suffer the bad to appreciate the good things that happen to us.

I do know that if we keep the commandments and endure to the end we can have all we imagine and more.

I do know that these little precious girls were perfect.

They will be waiting for their family.

I wish I could go to the funeral on Saturday and pay my respects.

I wish that I could tell Brenda how my heart breaks for her and how I can only imagine what she is going through.

I will have to write her a letter and send it instead.

I have realized this week how life can change in the blink of an eye.

We may not understand it all, but we have to have faith in this great plan of our Heavenly Father's.

His love can help us through anything.

His arms can encircle us.

We can find peace and comfort through prayer and the Holy Ghost.

We are all His children and He loves us very much.

We can be together forever!

EVERYDAY MOMENTS JOURNAL

2010-02-07T16:50:00.002+11:00

I have a New Years resolution to live in the moment and to recognize the help from my Heavenly Father each and everyday. I thought a good way for me to do this would be to write it all down. I know I could have just gotten any old notebook to do this in or spent good money on a really pretty journal. Instead I made my own. I am hopping that by writing in it each night I will be more aware of those little moments each and every day that are simple pleasures. I also think that by recognizing the Lord's hand in my life each day I will be more aware of the things around me that bless me always. So far so good. I wrote in it last night.

I am also feeling very generous and want to make another one for one lucky person. Just leave me a comment. I will pick a random winner and make a journal for you. All you have to do is tell me what you want to use it for and what colors you want it and I will customize it to your needs. So just leave me a random comment and I will pick a random winner on Feb 13th.

MOMMY AND MADI DAY

2010-02-06T22:19:00.004+11:00

Today Madi and I spent some quality time together.

We went to see this movie - which we both loved!!!

(The Princess and the Frog)

We did a bit of shopping and both got a new necklace.

I learned that my daughter's taste in clothes and her style sense is so different from mine.

She is growing up!

Then we headed over here

for some of this!

It was a day well spent!

Madi and I haven't always been seeing eye to eye lately.

There have been some tears and a bit of yelling.

Me feeling like a terrible mother.

Today made me realize that no matter what, we love each other, and she is a wonderful girl!

So far we haven't done so bad in raising her.

I am proud of the person she is becoming and although I am sure there will be many more rocky roads to come, I will treasure days like today full of laughter, smiles, and chocolate!

WHERE DID MY WEEK GO?

2010-02-05T09:45:00.004+11:00

I can't believe that it is already Friday - seriously where did my week go?

It has left me.

I know that I have been busy, but still don't feel like I have accomplished much.

(Although I did finally filled out all the paper work to get reimbursed for Madi's tonsil surgery six months ago, nice big chunk of change coming my way! )

We are getting back into the swing of things with school.

The kids found out which classes they had on Monday.

(They always have the kids go back to their old classes until they figure out the numbers they have at school, then put them into classes -

this still frustrates me a bit, but oh well what can you do!)

Anyway, Cooper was so sad on Monday because his two best friends are in class together.

He is in a different class.

He told me on Tuesday at dinner that he cried when he found out.

Real tears!

But now he is okay and it is fine!

He handled it so well and both Kevin and I were so proud of him!

Cooper needs a new raincoat and library bag - apparently he is growing up and is a bit embarrassed that Thomas is on both of them.

He still plays with Thomas at home - but is turning into a closet Thomas lover...hahaha!

It has been raining off and on all week long and is humid and muggy - yuck!

Rylee is doing fantastic at going toilet all by herself - and I mean all by herself.

Little Miss Independent!

My back is finally feeling better - at least for now.

I did Pilates this week for the first time in six months - now my stomach hurts..LOL!

I also rode my elliptical the other night - slow and steady.

It felt really good to exercise again!

Maybe I can get rid of the little tire growing around my waist line.

Now I should really plan my Sharing Time for Sunday!

Seriously where did my week go - I kind-of want it back so I can enjoy it!

Stacy "Makes me FUNNY!"

2010-02-02T10:31:00.003+11:00

First I have to explain the title.

A long time ago in a galaxy on the "Up Over" side of the universe when we lived in my parents house I was an adviser to the young men. There was a young man by the name of Tyson who had a great sense of humor. One day Stacy was trying to say "Tyson makes me laugh" but actually said "Tyson makes me funny!" For some reason that stuck and I still tease her about that to this day.

Now onto the actual post (Remember you love me Stace!).

Last night I was awaken by Stacy pushing me in the back repeatedly. Here is the conversation that followed:

K: What's wrong?
S: What's under us?
K: Ummm... a bed!
S: What?
K: A bed. Why?
S: Ummm... I don't know.
K: (Starts laughing)
S: Why are you laughing?
K: Because you are still asleep.
S: What?
K: You are still asleep. Go back to bed.
S: Oh, Okay.

Sorry Stace, but that made me laugh so I had to share. Good times aren't as good unless you share them, right! Love you!

SIDE NOTES: things I forgot to write, but want to remember.

2010-01-28T11:45:00.002+11:00

There are a few things I forgot to write in my post last night - it was late and I was tired, plus it was long already. These are little things that I don't want to forget.

1. I threw up on the plane - yep you heard me. I get motion sickness pretty easily and don't always like flying because of it. I have never gotten that sick on a plane. We were at the very back of the plane on the way back to Sydney, and there was turbulence. Needless to say I was keeping it in check until we landed and it is a good thing for those lovely little bags in your seat pocket.

2. Three girls got kicked off our plane on the way home. They were sitting across the isle from us and they were taken off the plane. The pilot told us sorry for the delay, but they were being "silly". What does that mean? We are still wondering what they did.

3. Madi cried the night before we left when I tucked her in. She is such a sensitive girl. I told her she could call me whenever she wanted - she took me up on the offer.

4. While talking to Cooper one night he proceeded to tell me everything he had done that day. Then all of a sudden he stopped and said, "So mom, what did you do today?" He was so sincere and excited to hear about my day. I told him I was going to see the #1 tennis player in the world play the #1 tennis player in Australia and he wanted me to call him and tell him who won. Sorry kid, the game ended at 11:00 pm. I told him the next day when I got home.

5. The first day we brought sandwiches for lunch. I wanted a drink and some fries to go with it. Kev went down and got a little box of "chips", a bottle of Coke, and a bottle of Powerade. It cost $20. We bought drinks outside the stadium the next day and brought them in.

6. You forget how hard it is to be a parent until you get away from it all for a few days. While you miss all the endearing things, there are a lot of hard things about parenthood. Why don't people tell you that?

7. I thought that since Melbourne was the fashion capital of Australia everyone would be dressed up fancy and in the latest and greatest. Not so much. They look like everyone else...LOL!!

8. I talked to Rylee once on the phone and while I didn't understand a thing she said it was so awesome to hear her little voice tell me she loved me before she got off the phone!

AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2010

2010-01-27T21:55:00.008+11:00

Kevin and I had our first KFW (kid free weekend) since coming to Australia. It was wonderful!!! We are lucky to have wonderful friends, the Graces, who stayed at our house and took care of our kids! We could not have done it without them! Every time I called the kids told me something else fun and exciting they had done. Thanks Jared and Regina for being willing to help us out. Words can't express how much we appreciate it!!!

We went to the Aussie Open. I still can't believe that we went. It has been on our list of things to do while in Australia, but I didn't think that it would actually happen. Things fell into place and we found ourselves in Melbourne for a long weekend.

We had to start out really early and get up at 3am to get to our plane on time Saturday morning. I was lucky enough to meet some Aussie on-line scrappin' friends in the morning after we arrived for morning tea/brunch. It was so fun to meet IRL.

(Sharon, me, Bree, Maz, and Pene)

After that we headed over to Merv and Margaret's house - they are friends of Kev's parents, whom they met while serving a mission for our church in Melbourne. We are lucky enough to know them as well and we were so happy when they said we could stay at their house while in Melbourne.

We drove over to see the temple. Kev and I went inside shortly after it was dedicated while visiting John and Susan in Melbourne while they were on their mission. It was nice to see it again - even if it was just through a locked gate and fence.

Sunday morning we got up early to head over to the tennis center. Yep, we went on Sunday, don't tell anyone we broke the rules and went to a sporting event on a Sunday. It just happened to be when the tickets were bought. Since we don't normally do things like that we hope that we won't be struck by lightening any time soon. We were there for the fourth round and went to see tennis on the Sunday afternoon session and the Monday evening session.

We had tickets in center court, Rod Laver Arena. The atmosphere all around was fabulous and so much fun!We got to see some good tennis.

Sunday afternoon session

Andy Murray - GRB (5) vs. John Isner - USA (33) final 7-6 6-3 6-2

We cheered loudly for the underdog and our fellow countryman. Although he lost he played hard. He is young and I think we will hear more from him in the tennis world!

Ivo Karlovic CRO vs Rafa Nadal ESP (2) final 4-6 6-4 4-6 4-6

If you know anything about tennis you know who these pictures are of by the first one (yep, butt picker himself Rafa Nadal). For those of you who don't know. He has a routine that he does before every serve and it includes picking his butt. Kev waited and got this picture just for me...LOL!

Monday evening

Roger Federer SUI (1) vs Lleyton Hewitt AUS (22) final - 6-2 6-3 6-4

The crowd was out to cheer on the #1 Aussie tennis player vs the #1 player in the world. The atmosphere was charged and fun! What a game to see!

We also saw a women's match, but we didn't stay for much of it. By then it was so late and one of the ladies was making a funny bird like noise every time she hit the ball. Kev was snickering and we decided since we didn't know them we would head out.

While we were there we also took in the sites of the city of Melbourne and did some shopping in the fashion capital of Australia. It has such charm. I wanted to take pictures of all the old buildings and fun alley ways, but forgot...OOPS!

The problem with a KFW is that I have to be in all the pictures...LOL!

The cathedral on Flinder's Street outside the station

Federation Square

We had dinner with a friend of Kev's from work, who was also going to the tennis, and her friends. It was at this Greek restaurant. I have never had Greek food before. I have to say now that it is one of my favs!!!

While there we also took the time to see Avatar in 3D (this was the one thing Kev wanted to do besides watch tennis). What a cool movie!!! Seriously, I know the message is a bit political, but it was such an amazing movie!!! I LOVED IT!!!

Thanks to Merv and Margaret for dotting on us and letting us stay with them!

OH WHAT DO YOU DO IN THE SUMMER TIME?

2010-01-21T10:24:00.002+11:00

Well summer holidays are coming to an end.

I have been thinking a lot about what I used to do during my summer break - which was three months long and I am still not sure how my mom survived that.

I remember going outside, after chores were done of course, and playing all day long.

I was so tan by the end of the summer because I just stayed outside all day - some days in my swimming suit the entire day.

My friend Karina and I would build huts in the field by her house.

My friend Maria and I would jump on her trampoline, singing Grease songs at the top of our lungs, and creating our own dance moves.

There were sleep overs and bike rides.

We would put the sprinkler under my friend Kori's trampoline and jump and cool off.

We had our own beauty pageants at Kristi's house and I remember practicing until my talent was just right.

My brothers and I created our own circus in our backyard a few summers in a row.

We had a tight rope walker - Robert on the top of the swing set.

Synchronized swimmers in our little plastic pool.

A lion tamer - I think Travis was the lion.

And so much more!

We made our own ticket booth out of a huge cardboard box.

Popped popcorn and baked cookies to sale.

We would play baseball in the church parking lot across the street during the day, and kick the can or spotlight tag at night.

We played tag and stuck in the mud in the backyard. Along with colored Easter eggs.

We built cities in the sand box and filled it with water.

This caused us on more than one occasion to get hosed off with cold water.

We picked peas in the early morning light and ate fresh veggies all summer long.

We just headed outside to see who could play and let the adventures begin.

Summer holidays seem different for my kids.
You have to schedule play dates with friends because everyone is just too busy.
"Screen time" has to be limited so kids will just go outside and use their imagination.

I don't feel safe just letting them go outside and run through the neighborhood.

How I wish they could have the carefree days I remember.

Although, maybe they will - just in a different way.

MY LITTLE MAN

2010-01-17T20:25:00.003+11:00

I love my little man. He is loud and a bit crazy at times, but he is who he is and I love him for it.

He rarely stops to pose for pictures and when he does we have to get them fast.

When he dances we all laugh - he has his own rhythm and his own style.

He has grown a bit taller and still is very picky about what he eats.

Nutella and PB are his favorite - yes together.

Tastes a bit like a Reeses PB cup.

He makes friends easily and I have almost forgotten what it was like when he was so shy and anxious about everything.

He has the best smile and the cutest dimple.

I always know when he is truly happy because that dimple shines bright.

Today this little man gave a talk in Primary.

He helped me write it by telling me all the ways he knew people loved him.

Here it is:

I know that my daddy loves me because he plays with me, he gives me hugs and kisses, and because he gives me treats. I know that my mommy loves me because she cuddles with me, she reads stories to me, and because she makes dinner for me. I know that Heavenly Father loves me because He created this beautiful world for us to live on. I know that Jesus Christ loves me because He came to this earth to die for me that I can return to live with Heavenly Father and my family again someday. I am grateful for all the people who love me and all that they teach me. I will show my love in return by listening and obeying. I know this Church is true and I am thankful for my family and for my Father in Heaven and for my brother Jesus Christ. I love them just as they love me. Amen.

He read the entire thing by himself with no help from anyone.

He snicked a bit when he got to the part about his dad giving him treats.

I sat at the piano where I was filling in and felt so honored to be his mother.

He is a special boy and we love him so much!

CHANGES COME HER WAY

2010-01-15T16:08:00.004+11:00

Finally after years of talking about it, Madi decided that she could ride without training wheels. I know she should have done this long before now, but what can I say she is a bit stubborn. We have taken them off a few times before, but she always gets scared and says she wants them put back on. I admit that it is partly our fault. We just don't ride bikes around here much. We have no sidewalk, and I don't let the kids out by themselves in the front yard because Rylee is too little. It is a pain to pack up the bikes and go to the park - scooters are easier. Some of this is our fault, but as usual Madi had to decide before it would happen. A few weeks ago when Kev was just finishing up mowing the lawn she asked to take them off. She was a pro. She needed just a bit of help and she was off. Now she just needs a bigger bike. This one is too small. We have a replacement in the garage at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Next we need to do the same for Cooper - he is dying to have his off. We just need to get it done. It's a pain not having a sidewalk to ride on.

(this picture was taken last week at the park)

Also , she got her ears pierced again. We let them grow for the past six months or so because one of her ears was done too low and was almost pulled out. She now wants to wear small dangley earrings so we figured we better get that fixed. Yesterday, while Cooper was at a friends playing, we went to get them done. I am not sure she believed me when I told her it would hurt. She put on a brave face until we walked out of the store. Then the tears fell and she told me how much it hurt. I was just glad they had two people available to do it - we may have just had one earring. In 4-6 weeks she can be back to wearing all her pretty earrings again!!!

SHE'S GOT A NEW STYLE!

2010-01-14T13:19:00.004+11:00

When we were in Jervis Bay Rylee cut the bottom of her foot on some rocks at the beach. It should be noted that Kev also cut his foot on these rocks. They were dangerous hiding there lurking under the white sand. She would not walk on her foot. We put a band-aid on it and for five or six days this is how she walked. Even when it started looking better. It should also be pointed out that this wasn't a bad cut - apparently she is a bit of a wimp when she gets hurt, who knew? Yep, that's right she walked on her tip toes for days. She fell over a few times, but she has proven that she may be a good ballerina someday!

She also has a new style that has kept us all busy.

This little girl is wearing big girl underwear and doing great. I hate potty training, it is by far the worst thing I have had to do as a parent so far. It seem so unsanitary and takes a lot of work. Always running to the potty and cleaning up mistakes. This time it hasn't been too bad. It has only been a week and a half and she is doing great. Yesterday she wore the same underwear all day long!!! Hopefully this keeps up because Kev and I are leaving the kids for a long weekend next week to go to the Australian Open, and that is not something our friends need is to worry about.

No more diapers for a while!!! Hallelujah!

2010 - changes

2010-01-11T09:23:00.002+11:00

all from STOLEN MOMENTS Scraps by Number: Just Call Me Niki & Resolutionary

The end of 2009 was a bit hard for me. I can't pinpoint it to one thing - I just know that I have been struggling with many things.

My back has been hurting for six months now - chronic pain is no fun. I have had a back problems since a series of car accidents in my early 20's, but it was getting better. The problem is that exercise is good for me to keep my back feeling okay, but when it hurts like this it is hard to exercise. A catch 22.

I am worn out with many things and just can't seem to find enough energy to make it through everyday. I find myself dragging all of the time. I get a headache every Sunday, and it takes me days to feel better. I need to find my "good place" spiritually.

I want to change this for 2010. My goal is to live in the moment. I am not really sure how to do this, but I will take it day by day. If I live in the moment I will appreciate all the little things, I will grow, and I will stop thinking about when the things I really want will happen.

OLD LIGHTHOUSE

2010-01-07T12:26:00.002+11:00

There is the hollowed out remains of an old light house in Jervis Bay. I found the story quite amusing. Long ago it was determined that a lighthouse was needed to help the ships and guide them on their way. The man in charge didn't ask any seamen the best place to put a lighthouse, he just built it in the easiest spot. Needless to say, the ships continued to crash into the rocks below and were not guided safely into the bay. The lighthouse should have been built on the other side. Soon another lighthouse was built and the Cape St. George lighthouse was turned off never to be lit again. However, when the moon light shone on the lighthouse the rocks sparkled and shined so the ships were confused. It was then decided that this once majestic lighthouse should be turned to rubble. That is what it is today - a shell of it's old self.
This is where I spent my birthday morning in 2009.

The views were amazing!

Rylee loved all the little rocks around and the puddle she found to throw them in.

On the way down the dirt trail to the parking lot there was a side trail. The signs told us to stick to the trails because there were sheer cliffs. This trail ended at the edge - with no fence mind you. I was a bit nervous and told the kids not to get to close.

This is what I found in the pictures when we got home....

...apparently their dad's idea of too close to the edge and mine are two different things.

JERVIS BAY

2010-01-04T21:43:00.003+11:00

About three hours south of us is a beautiful bay.

A bay that is twice the size of Sydney Harbour Bay

A bay with water like this

Where about 80 of these dolphins reside year round and can be seen regularly while sitting on the beach.

A bay with the whitest sand in the world

A great place for a family vacation. A vacation with no pre-planned agenda. A vacation full of smiles and tired kids. A vacation to remember!

HOLIDAYS COME AND GONE

2010-01-01T18:58:00.007+11:00

Christmas has come and gone and so has the New Year - with a birthday thrown in there for good measure. I can hardly believe that we are into 2010 - how did that happen? Where did the time fly?

Although I admit I wasn't too excited about Christmas this year it still came with all it's magic and wonder. It turned out great. Christmas Eve Kev had to work for the last time in 2009, but only for half a day so he worked from home. I tried to keep the kids busy and the excitement level down. We did crafts in the morning trying to make our house more wintry - snowmen and snowflakes. I also made the kids clean the house - I know mean mommy!

After Kev was finally done with work. In Cooper's eyes it took FOREVER! Kev entertained the kids while I went to the store for a few last minute things. I admit I have never gone to the store on Christmas Eve and I will never again. It was INSANE!!!!

When I got home we had some outdoor fun to cool down. We played in the pool and Rylee had her first water balloon fight. She loved it and was so funny running up to Kev and throwing water balloons at him.

We then moved on to the cookie baking for Santa. We do this every year and it is so much fun. The kids love to cut out their sugar cookies and decorate them after they are all cooled down. We left out carrots for the reindeer and some pistachios for good measure! While we were waiting for the cookies to cool down I had a new game to add to our traditions at Christmas Eve. We had to pop balloons and do what the strip of paper said inside. There was also a toy or a treat in each balloon. Some of the questions had to do with the Christmas story and baby Jesus. While some were just funny like you have to walk like a penguin or act like a chicken. It was heaps of fun!

Christmas morning the kids woke up around 7am. Cooper was up earlier than that, but the rule is they have to stay in their rooms. Kev went in there around 7am and Coop was up on his bed saying, "This is too hard! I can't do this! It is just too hard!" Finally we all went out to see if the kids had been good or bad and what Santa brought.

The weather wasn't the best and we debated whether or not to go to the beach. In the end we decided to just get out of the house and go. The weather held out and the rain didn't come until after we were driving home. I didn't think it was warm enough to get into the water - but that didn't stop everyone else. Rylee stayed with me most of the time on the sand.

People often ask me why we go to the beach on Christmas Day. There are two reasons really. First, it is something we definitely can't do in Utah. Second, it breaks up the day and keeps us from thinking about the things we are missing out on.

Kev had the rest of the year off from work so on Monday we took off on a family vacation to Jervis Bay (about three hours south). It was BEAUTIFUL!!! Dolphins reside in the bay and you could see them from the beach. I will do another post later on just our trip to Jervis Bay - as you can imagine we took a lot of pictures. All I am going to tell you is that I spend my birthday sitting on the whitest sand in the world! Not a bad day!

We got back New Years Eve and somehow Kev had talked me into going into the city to see the fireworks in the Harbour and off the Bridge. I wasn't really looking forward to it, but marriage is about compromise and sometimes you have to give in so the other person can do what they want to do. I don't like huge crowds and I dislike drunk crowds even more. Luckily we had a sitter lined up to watch the kids - there is no way I would have taken them into the city. All in all it was an adventure, something I am glad we experienced while we were here. Not one I think I would like to redo anytime soon, but it was AMAZING to see the fireworks shooting off the Harbour Bridge. We originally wanted to go to Blues Point, but when we got off the train that area had been shut down because it has reached capacity. So we walked down to to Milson's Point - us and thousands of other people. We found a great spot where we could see the Opera House and the Bridge, but we couldn't really see down the Harbour. When the family fireworks started at 9:00 we had to laugh because they were on the other side of the Bridge and we couldn't really see them (maybe our seats weren't so good after all). We knew that the midnight fireworks also were done on the bridge so we figured it would be fine. We sat and waited, played a few games, took trips to the bathrooms and stood in long lines, and watched some around us consume too much alcohol. On my way to wait in line for the toilet the police ran past me on their way to stop a fight. It was interesting to see all the people running after them to see what was going on. I also got stuck in a crowd of people and never thought I would make it back to Kev. It was crazy - so many people in one place!

It was so funny to see the crowd once the fireworks started. All eyes to the sky and all cameras as well. I know the picture isn't the greatest, but you get the point. Look at all the camera screens. So funny!!

Here's a link if you want to see them yourself: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2009/12/31/vo.sydney.australia.new.year.img?iref=allsearch

Kev was the camera man and my new tripod Santa brought was helpful. He got some great shots. After the fireworks were done I was done with the smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke. Then we had to make it home. We started heading to the train station and got stuck in a huge crowd of people all trying to get on the trains. I was a bit of a nightmare for me. I was a bit worried about the drunk crowd and what they might do. After some walking to another train station and standing in a queue we finally squished onto a train at 2am.

Mrs. Santa did arrive with the one gift that Santa forgot on Christmas Day (a Hutchinson tradition) - but I was allowed to sleep in (thanks Kev) so I didn't even take any pictures. Today was spend sitting around doing nothing.

I think we are allowed that.

I am interested to see what the New Year has in store for us!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009

2009-12-23T17:15:00.003+11:00

I am slowly making headway through my to-do list. I have made myself a bit crazy this year because I didn't start everything as early as I usually do. No worries! I am almost done!!!

We just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas from sunny, hot Australia. This will probably be our last Christmas here and so we are trying to make the best of it. Of course we had hoped to be home by now - but the Lord apparently has other plans for us at this time. That has made it hard for me to get into the Christmas Spirit - but I think it is slowly leaking into my heart!

This year has been eventful for us. Mostly because of all the visitors who came so we could play tour guide. It was so much fun to have family here to show them around our "turf" and share with them some of our Aussie memories.

Madisen turned eight in August and was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She continues to amaze me each and every day with her spirit and her knowledge and love for the Savior. She also had her tonsils taken out this year and was such a trooper. Her recovery was swift and we have noticed many improvements. Her hair has gotten really long and she plans on getting it cut when we return to the States and giving it to "Locks of Love"

Cooper started and successfully finished kindy. He loved every minute of it and has made some wonderful friends. He has become an excellent reader in such a short time. I love to see him continue to grow and to learn. He is a true boy and loves computer games. Not only does he love them, but he is good at them.

Rylee and I have had a lot of quality time this year since the older kids are at school. I have treasured my time with just Rylee and feel bad that I never had this alone time with Cooper. We play Memory and read books. She loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and wearing her "princess dresses."

Our family adventures this year found us in New Zealand and The Great Barrier Reef. We have also spent as much time as possible at the beach.

Although most of the time I do not miss the cold winter weather in Utah, I have to admit that for the first time a few weeks ago I actually missed the snow. I know crazy!! Not the driving in the snow bit, but the watching it fall, drinking hot chocolate, warm and cozy inside my house bit. There is something magical about a snow storm and I have missed it even though I thought I didn't.

We are interested to see what 2010 will bring us.

We hope that this holiday season finds your family healthy and happy!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Happiness is...

2009-12-18T14:01:00.004+11:00

...your first pair of "click clack" shoes!!!

We had to dip into the clothes box - hand-me-downs from Madi.

Rylee is outgrowing her shoes.

We found these and another white pair.

After a little cleaning with nail polish remover they are just like new.

She has been wearing them for days all around the house, to pick up the kids, to the store.

She even has little blisters on her feet - nothing a band-aid and socks can't fix.

Who can blame her love that click clack noise!!!

On a side note: she is wearing the clothes that Madi wore at three.

That purple dress is a 4T.

I think she is tall - what do you think?

Gone Fishin'

2009-12-13T11:51:00.013+11:00

Saturday December 12, 2009 was a fishin' day!

I had dropped some hints to Matt (in my ward for those of you at home) after hearing all of this fun fishing stories that I wanted to go with him sometime. Lucky for me he did just that. He invited me, A.K., and A.K.'s son Sam to go fishing with him.

The four of us got up early and met at the boat ramp at 4:30 AM (Yes, I said 4:30 - that was not easy!). We took off to "Matt's spot" where he likes to go all the time, which is right next to the ocean.

Here is the crew after we shoved off and started heading out to the spot. It was a beautiful morning and I was amazed at how clear and light it was even with the new moon. Just that alone was worth getting up at 3:30, crazy as that may seem. It took us about 45 minutes or so to get them but it was a fun ride. I was glad that I threw in a long sleeve shirt because it got a little cold driving out there but it felt nice.

Before I continue on with the rest of the day I have to pause and rewind for a second. Before coming out Matt had mentioned that waves continue to hit is and so it would be a good idea to get some motion sickness pills. Thursday before the big fishin' day we went to the shops to get some supplies and Stace went into the Chemist to get me some. She came out with some "Natural" motion sickness pills and said that there were the only ones that 2>didn't make you drowsy.

Now back to the fishin trip. We started fishing and didn't get anything for a little while. A.K. pulled in the first fish of the day (below). I think it is a flat head fish but could be completely wrong on that. I can't remember what Matt called it.

The sun came up just after that time and it was a beautiful sunrise. Pictures just don't do it justice.

Here is the second fish that hooked itself on my line while I was doing something. Sam pulled it in. I have no idea what this fish is called. (Yes, I am a novice in these types of things. My fishing experience all revolves around rainbow and brown trout. The biggest fish I had ever caught was a 12 inch rainbow.)

A.K. pulled in the first "keeper" fish that is a rock cod that has poisionous quills on it's back so you have to be careful not to get pricked. Matt pulled in another one of these later as well.

Matt hooked a Moray Eel. I think we had two more of these pulled up during the trip as well. It was just cool to see the way they coiled themselves up the line to try and get the hook out of their mouth.

Sometime in here Matt made us all a gourmet breakfast. It was bacon and egg english muffin sandwiches, baked beans, and roasted tomatoes. It was great! For those of you that don't know I normally don't eat breakfast but couldn't pass this up.

Matt pulled in some sort of ray. I am not sure of the name. I thought I knew it but when I looked it up on Google to verify it was something completely different. I am sure someone will know and can leave me a comment as to what it is called.

After that I actually got a "Double Header", which until 20 minutes before this time didn't even know there was a special name for catching two fish at the same time. Not sure how I did it, well, okay it was probably all luck. I caught two spotted cod fish at one time. It was fun pulling them in. My wimpy rod looked like it was going to break and pretty much looked like a horse shoe the whole time I was pulling it in.

My next fish wasn't as impressive. What do you think?

I think it was Sam that pulled in the next and it was an octapus. Right after he got it over the edge of the boat it let go of the hook and fell on the floor. It immediately crawled into the back of the boat where we couldn't get it. Matt said, "It will come out in a while." so we just left it. I threw my line in and felt something slimy crawl over my foot. Scared me so much that I almost jumped out of the boat. At least it was good for a laugh!

A.K. also caught a Wobbegong Shark. It was pretty cool looking and it's skin felt like sand paper.

Just a little before the last couple of catches I started feeling a little woozy! I just put my pole down and tried to look at the horizon. I sat there for about 30 minutes and then decided to help the fellows out by using my breakfast as chum. I guess my lesson is that I shouldn't trust "natural" motion sickness pills and shouldn't eat breakfast when boating. Not a great combination.

After that we had to take A.K. and Sam back to the boat ramp because they had a party that they had to get to. I had to leave by 1 pm or so and had some time left. Matt and I went and fised in the bay. I ended up catching some whiting fish and one other one that I can't remember. I didn't get any pictures of those but they were about 10 inches long and looked like trout.
The other interesting thing was the bright orange jelly fish that kept swimming by the boat. They were bigger than a basketball and there were lots of them. They were really cool to just watch.

Anyway, it was a great trip, even though I did end up throwing my breakfast back to the fish! I really had a good time and I am thankful for Matt for letting me have that experience.

I almost forgot to the end this story by telling you how we ended the day. That night I took the fish home and had no idea how to clean and/or prepare cod so I had to watch a nice little youtube video that showed me how to fillet the cod. Then I found another video on an easy way to prepare and cook the cod. We had four nice size cod fillets for dinner and it was actually really good. Stacy even liked it. Rylee asked for some more "chicken" so you know that it must not have tasted too fishy. Good eating!

Are you POPPIN'?

2009-12-11T09:38:00.002+11:00

We are!!!

It seems like all the kids at school are.

This is all Cooper talks about.

I find the kids quietly playing on the computers - yes computers. Madi gets out the old laptop so she can play on her own.

I am amazed at how well my kids know how to use a computer and the internet. Think it may be time to get some parental controls and blocks on there so they don't accidentally find something they shouldn't.

It's a good incentive to get chores done, listen, and not get into trouble.

Some good old fashion fun - for this generation at least.

C-YA IN A FEW!!!

2009-12-10T09:00:00.003+11:00

This cousin got on an airplane yesterday to head for Johannesburg, South Africa.

He will be gone for two years.

Away from family and friends.

Away from the comforts of home.

Away, but learning more than he can ever imagine.

He will be immersed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

He will wear a black name tag to show what he stands for and whom he is representing.

He will have many hard times.

Many times where he wants to just get back on a plane and go home.

But he won't do that, because if he does I have told him he will have to deal with me!

We are so proud of you Kyle.

We wish we could have been there to wish you a safe trip and see you off.

Unfortunately we couldn't be there, but we are thinking of you and praying for you!

We will treasure our time spent with you here in the land down under!

C-ya in a few!

COOLING DOWN

2009-12-07T13:48:00.003+11:00

Last year to cool off we used these.

I thought I was pretty clever to come up with this solution.

It has been replaced with something a little bigger. On hot days (and we have had a lot of those already this year), when the other kids are at school, this is where you can find Rylee!

Oh the joys of summer!

Oh Christmas Tree

2009-12-04T10:48:00.006+11:00

Well our Christmas tree is up and so are the few decorations that we brought with us to Australia. Can you believe this is the third Christmas we will be celebrating in Australia - I can't. It seems strange that we are starting to count in threes. As in the previous two years I am having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit. It's too hot!! I know that the temperature doesn't have anything to do with Christmas, but when you are used to it a certain way it is hard to imagine it different. We also don't have lights on our tree. We brought our pre-lit tree with us and tried to use a converted the first year we were here, but it kept blowing the fuse within seconds. We decided not to worry about the lights. It has been fine up until this year. I told Kev that I miss the magic of the Christmas tree lights. The tree just looks different with them.

Not to worry. You have to get into the spirit of Christmas with children under foot. They are so excited about it. We have our calendars out and are counting down! Each year the kids get to pick out a new ornament for the tree. The idea is that when they leave home and start their own families they get to take these ornaments with them. It is fun to get them out each year and remember why they were picked. This year I made the kids pick out a unique Aussie ornament - I know bad mom! Since this will probably be our last Christmas here I thought it only fitting. Here is what they picked - two kangaroos and a wombat.

We are also getting ready to finish up the school year. It is so busy around here. It is bad enough to have Christmas things to do and end of the school year stuff to do, but together it is CRAZY!

Madi's class had a museum open up in their classroom this week. It was all about the things they have learned this term - the human body and bugs including the butterflies life cycle. It was fun to go in and do the activities that her class had put together. Madi was so thrilled about the whole thing. They even invited the K-2 classes at school to enter their museum to check it out. What a fun project!

Let the CRAZINESS begin. I love Christmas - and can probablly even get used the heat!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT

2009-12-02T11:56:00.002+11:00

Happy Birthday to this guy - can you guess who it is?

To a man who loves adventures and learning new things. He loves to explore the world around him and to experience all he can. Who works hard and constantly thinks about others. A man who honors his priesthood and takes care of his family. A man that we all love!

Happy Birthday Kev!

CRAZY BUSY WEEKEND

2009-11-30T20:57:00.002+11:00

Bring on the Christmas Season!

Doesn't life always seem to get CRAZY busy after Thanksgiving? It sure does for me. It is like all the sudden the flood gates open up and the fun comes in. This past weekend was so busy for us. Non-stop fun! We had our first Christmas party on Saturday and even got a visit from Santa. It was super hot (40 - or 103 - degrees) but we still enjoyed ourselves.

Sunday was a day that I don't think I stopped all day. I had to prepare my part in our American Thanksgiving celebration here, listen to the BYU vs Utah game, and finish up a few things for the Primary presentation all before Church started. I got all my bits for the Thanksgiving dinner done and thankfully I thought ahead and did most of the Primary stuff on Saturday night.

There was three minutes left in the fourth quarter of the football game when we had to leave for Church. I kid you not three minutes! If it hadn't been the Primary presentation I think I may have had to go late to Church. I know shocking! Good thing people in the world can access the Internet on their phones. I was given an update after sacrament meeting and heard the good news!!! So even though Kev hijacked the blog with his lovely message - see post below - it was wishful thinking!

After Church and Kev's weekly meeting we headed over to the Boyle's house for Thanksgiving dinner. There were three families there and the three sister missionaries from our ward. It was so fabulous to walk up to their door and smell the turkey. Oh, that smell, it is lovely!! We had all the traditional Thanksgiving food and the best pumpkin pie ever!!! It was good to celebrate even if it was a few days late. No picture though, because I forgot the camera. Seriously, can't remember everything I guess!

Finally we got home and got the kids to bed. I read up about the game and crashed into bed.

Today I am exhausted, but at least the rain came and the temperature cooled off.

The heat wave is killing me!

GO UTES!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-29T08:20:00.002+11:00

Go Utes!!!! Beat them Cougs!!!!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!

2009-11-27T09:43:00.003+11:00

I love that there is a day set aside to think about all the things you are thankful for. I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving and let our families and friends know that we are thinking of them and are so grateful for all that they do for us. I have so many things to be grateful for and will refrain from listing them all here, but just wanted to sum it up with this: Everyday is a blessing!

OUR LITTLE TADPOLE!

2009-11-25T14:13:00.003+11:00

About five months ago I put Rylee into swimming lessons. She wasn't old enough to go into the pool by herself so she and I enrolled in a mom and me class. It has been fun to go swimming with Rylee once a week and spend that time with just her and me.

Her favorite thing to do is at the end when they get to walk along the mat, hit the flags, and then jump off!!!

Well our little water baby is now going to be a tadpole. She is moving up. She no longer needs me in the water and gets a new teacher. She will be doing similar things, but I get to sit on the sidelines. I am excited for Rylee to branch out and explore her independence. I know that a teacher will push her more. I am not a fan of the water, because of that I swore that my children would not be scared of the water and would be able to swim with ease.

I just have to show you what we get to see out of the windows of the swim school. Not a bad view eh?

CHRISTMAS HELP!

2009-11-23T15:22:00.002+11:00

So I will admit, even though I was trying not to get my hopes up, I was hoping that we would be home for the holidays. I was hoping that the Lord's timing for my life plan and my timing were one and the same. Obviously not! I was tying really hard not to get my hopes up, but admittedly that is harder than it seems. Anyway, because of this I have put off those last few Christmas gifts that I need to get and send to family in the States. I have to get this done soon or it will be too late and I will have to pay heaps of money to get it there on time.

This is why I need your help. I have two sisters-in-law to buy for this year. I was going to make them something spectacular, but due to my hoping I have left myself little time to do that. Do you have any ideas of something I can either make quickly or buy and send to the States? Something I can buy on-line in the States and ship to my mom's house? Anything fun on Esty you have seen recently. Something unique yet personal. Anything at all?

I am looking for all kinds of ideas. I need help!

THE GAP!

2009-11-18T10:47:00.003+11:00

About a month ago Cooper tried to use his teeth to get two Legos apart - smart move huh?! Needless to say those two bottom baby teeth couldn't handle the pressure and became loose. He has been working on them since then, but wouldn't let us help with the wiggling. He said it hurt too much. Every once in a while he would bring Kev some Kleenex to try and pull them out. It has been a month of cutting up his apples in his lunch box because they hurt to eat. That was until yesterday. They were finally really loose. Kev got one out after a bit of pulling and wincing on Cooper's part. I found Cooper a little container he could decorate with stickers to put his tooth in. We then had dinner, and as I was getting ready to go to bookclub Cooper asked Kev to try the other one. Sure enough it came out with just the slightest pull.

Two teeth in one night = two gold coins from the tooth fairy ($3 in total - I guess the tooth fairy didn't have two $1 gold coins).

I think it is fun when the kids start loosing their teeth, but I also find it kind-of sad. It is one more thing of "babyhood" (is that even a word?) they are loosing. They are growing up and their teeth are growing up with them. Their smiles begin to look different with those big teeth and gaps. Although adorable as well.

Here is tooth #1

The lovely container

Two teeth gone within 45 minutes of each other

That toothless grin and big boy! Who now thinks he has the most special mouth of the whole family because he lost two teeth at a time.

WANTS

2009-11-16T21:35:00.004+11:00

I haven't felt like blogging much last week - thus the reason nothing new came from me. Life has been a bit on the stressed out side of things. Waiting to hear back from jobs that Kev has applied for, sick kids, this new digital scrapbook designing I have taken on, and normal every day things in my life have created that stress.

Last week I thought a lot about the things I want. Some things that have been put on the back burner for us to come and life overseas. Some things that I didn't even know that I wanted.

a house to call my very own
to decorate that house any way I please
a garden to grow delicious veggies
to plant bulbs and see them come out of the newly thawed ground
to compost my waste and bottle, freeze, and dry fruits and veggies to last all through the winter
a new baby - there, I said it out loud
to go to family dinners
to stay up until midnight playing games with my siblings
a rootbeer float whenever I feel the urge to have one
Cafe Rio
to know what the future has in store for me and my family
a stop over in Hawaii on the way home when we finally get to move back
to laugh with my sisters until I cry and have to pee my pants
to see the snow on the mountains
to get a good deal on kids clothes
November to actually feel like the November I remember - fall not summer
Thanksgiving dinner with family

What I keep reminding myself is that when you worry about all the things you want you forget the things you already have.

Need a laugh?

2009-11-08T18:42:00.002+11:00

Q: What do you call a boomerang that won't come back?
A: A stick!

Q: Why do kangaroo mums hate bad weather?
A: Their Joey's have to play inside.

Q: Why did the crocodile cross the road?
A: He was after the chicken!

Just a little Aussie humor for your day!

lesser known FACT about me...

2009-11-07T21:50:00.003+11:00

...I have gray hair and have had gray hair since I was 16. At least that is the first time I remember seeing one. The boys in choir used to sit behind me and pull them out. My roommates at Ricks used to do the same thing. When I was about 21 I decided that I was too young to have gray hair and I bought my first hair dye. I was too poor to go get it done professionally so I turned to the box. That box has been my friend now for over 10 years. I am still to poor (or maybe now it is frugal) to go get it professionally done.

Why am I telling you all my deepest secret? Because it has been a while since I dyed my hair. I have been busy and lazy and haven't gotten it done. The older I have gotten (and the more kids I have had) the more gray hairs have developed. It is bad, and it is noticeable. Including to my six-year-old son who notices nothing. He asked me the other day why my hair had white in it. Madi proceeded to inform him that I usually color it brown. Sad I know! That's when I decided I better make the time to color it.

So I am sitting her with my color in my hair waiting the allotted 25 minutes (I may have to wait more like 30 for stubborn gray) for my hair to turn a nice light brown color. I have had it burgundy, light brown, golden brown, and even black. It depends on my mood and the season. I have no idea the actual color of my hair - it is in the brown category somewhere. It is a good thing I can hide my gray so easily, and people tell me all the time they like the color of my hair. I wonder how long it will be before there isn't much brown left. When do I have to give up the box?

CROSSROADS

2009-11-05T13:45:00.003+11:00

I have been thinking a lot about the crossroads we all come across in our lives. Those defining moments that make us who we are.

I came across this quote by Elder Neal A. Maxwell in the October VT message in the Ensign and it has got me thinking. It reads as follows, "...youth are not unlike prospective converts. There are those critical moments when their souls begin to tilt - toward the Lord or away from Him. These moments of decision cannot always be created, but when they occur, they must not be wasted. More often than not, these moments will occur in quiet and reverent conversations with parents, grandparents, a bishop, an adult leader, or a righteous peer."

This quote got me thinking about a defining moment in my life. A moment where I had to make a decision about which path I was going to travel down. The summer between sixth and seventh grade were tough on me. My best friend since I was about five decided that she didn't want to be my friend anymore. She was going down a different path than I and we were slowly drifting apart. When I entered Jr. High I was friendless, shy, and scared. I struggled through much of my Jr. High years in finding friends and trusting myself. My self esteem took a plunge as this friend ignored me in the halls at school. I soon realized that boys were easier to get along with and many of my friends were more into football than make-up. Still to this day I have a hard time putting myself out there for others to judge me.

Like this quote says from Elder Maxwell I had wonderful young woman's leaders who helped me to figure out who I was. I knew that I had chosen correctly. I knew that the path I was on was the right one for me. I knew through personal experiences that the Lord loved me for who I was. Although it was hard to see this friend make different decisions that would ultimately take her away from the Church for a time, I knew that I was holding to the rod. Life is just hard sometimes. We question our decisions and we hold on tight for the ride.

May we all try hard to be an influence for good in someones life. You never know when that kind word or encouraging smile may help someone who is at a crossroads.

HALLOWEEN 09 (warning this is a long post)

2009-11-01T10:48:00.009+11:00

Yesterday we had our trunk or treat for the Primary. That's what you get when you call the American to be the Primary president (the person over the little ones at Church) - gotta bring some Halloween fun to the land down under. No they don't usually celebrate this holiday - it is pagan after all.

I have to admit that we do the trunk or treat for my purely selfish reasons.
1. How else would my kids celebrate Halloween?
2. We have to do a activity in the last quarter anyway
3. It is so easy to plan and follow through
4. I LOVE Halloween!!!

This is our second year of planning the trunk or treat as a Primary activity - the first year we were here it was just thrown together and it was so much fun we decided to take it on as our Primary activity for the last quarter of the year. We had some great costumes and a good turn out even though it was a hot afternoon. We did a little carnival before the trunk or treat just as we did last year. Lucky for us Lisha was a smarty pants and kept all our props from last year - the beanbag toss pumpkin and the pin the wart on the witch posters. We added a few extra things this year: a costume parade, bobbing for apples, and hanging cheezels. We also did a cupcake walk and face painting just as we did last year. I didn't get pictures of everything, but will show you two of my favorite games we played.
I even got in on the action for the bobbing for apples. It has been a long time since I have done that. They told me I cheated because I grabbed it by the stem. Just doing it the smart way I say! Rylee gave bobbing for apples a try and then just reached in and grabbed her apple - silly girl. Hanging cheezels is a play on the donut game we always seem to play at kids parties around Halloween back home. Instead of a sticky donut you have to eat without using your hands we used cheezels (they are a bit like round cheetos).

Our family costumes: a pink princess, a jar of Nutella, 2 witches, and Dragon Ball Z.

You must have a close up of the nutella jar. That is what Cooper wanted to be. If you don't know Cooper LOVES Nutella. The kid would have a peanut butter and nutella sandwich for lunch everyday if they allowed either of those things at school. Since they are both banned at school, being made with nuts and all, he has to deal with a plain turkey sandwich or jam. Kev made it work. He is so clever.

After the trunk or treat was all cleaned up we finally headed home and cooked up some sloppy joes. We actually had a group of three kids come to our house to trick or treat - imagine our surprise and excitement!!! That is when the kids thought it would be fun to go up and down our street. Kev went with them while I finished up dinner.

Funny things about trick or treating in a country that doesn't really celebrate Halloween

1. You have to wait a few minutes at each door as they frantically go searching for something to put into your bag

2. You end up chatting with every neighbor about how big your kids have gotten - makes trick or treating last forever

3. You may get a box of rice crackers instead of candy - a whole box to share amongst all of you

4. If you are lucky your neighbors won't have any candy, but they will feel bad and give you money instead

5. You don't get nearly as much candy - this makes mom and your teeth happy!

6. You get to wear flip flops with your costume, and you don't have to wear your winter coat over the top so nobody can see what you are anyway.

7. The old lady across the street doesn't have any candy, but she does have some nuts. After getting the okay from daddy she heads inside to get them. Then proceeds to tell you to open your hands and she pours some in from out of her jar. At least you get instant satisfaction from that house!

All in all it was a fabulous Halloween come and gone. Until next year when we can celebrate Halloween with the masses!!!

P.S. from Kev -

At one of the houses Rylee was a little slow going in getting up the long flight of stairs to get to the front door. By the time we had got there the man had already gone back inside to "search for something" for the kids. When he comes back I hear him say under his breath, "Oh... I didn't know there were more." He then proceeds to give Madz and Coop their candy and says to me, "You know, we don't celebrate Halloween here is in Australia."

After saying good bye Rylee all of a sudden yells, "Hey, what about me?" as she didn't ever get any candy. The man looked at me I and I just shrugged my shoulders. He then sighed and went back in to get a big candy bar. Must have been all he could find. Lucky girl and good for her speaking up!

GETTING READY...

2009-10-29T10:10:00.004+11:00

...for Halloween!!!

Even in Australia where they don't really celebrate Halloween we are getting ready! Costumes almost done - Cooper's is going to be AWESOME!!! That is all I am going to say, you will have to wait until after Halloween for me to post pics!

Rylee on the other hand couldn't wait to wear her "princess dress" She wore it two days in a row last week and cried when Kev took it off to put on her pjs at night. Then she was sad when I told her that it had to be washed. It is now clean and hanging up waiting for the big day!

Grandma Susan sent us some cards in the mail. Each kid got a green back - they think they are rich. LOL!! They will be big spenders when we get back to Utah. She also had an eraser in each card for the kids. Rylee has been carrying hers around since we got the cards yesterday afternoon. It has even taken a swim in the bathtub. It is now safely stowed in her Dora purse.

REALITY CHECK...

2009-10-26T15:28:00.003+11:00

Since people keep asking here is an update on the job hunt. It is going to be HARD!!! Kevin's boss called the VP over one of the jobs that he has applied for to put in a good word for him. They had many more applications than they had anticipated. That is the nature of the beast as people have lost countless jobs or are looking to improve their current status in a company. These are the first jobs coming up in Salt Lake so they are getting tons of applicants as well - that's what happens when a job freeze ends in a recession.

This is going to be harder than we at first thought. I was worried about this. When Kev found a job in Australia and we moved here I knew it would be hard to get back to Salt Lake. We didn't just get transferred in the company, he found a new job and we relocated here. That means we won't just get transferred back either, we have to find a new job to get relocated. People like Utah and they don't want to leave. Some of the jobs coming up do not have relocation available, which means that if Kev gets a job that he really wants and they won't pay our way back we have to come up with the money to do so ourselves.

I am trying really hard not to worry about all of this, but it seems to be weighing down on us a bit. Sleepless nights and stressed out kids are not helping. Madi doesn't want to move back to Utah. She is worried about leaving her friends here - totally understandable. Of course we know that in the times we live in she can communicate with them easily and stay in touch. She will make new friends and adjust well once we get settled. It doesn't matter how much we tell her this she isn't sleeping well. She is tossing and turning for hours after her lights are turned out. That is how Madi deals with stress - always has been - she doesn't sleep well. Cooper doesn't want to go back to Utah because we have to sell the Wii and all his hard work will be lost. I know it sounds a bit silly, but he is worried about it. I told him that we can always take this Wii, get an adapter, and still use it in Utah. If we want more games we will have to buy another Wii.

So the job hunt is still on and any extra prayers would be totally appreciated.

CRAZY HAIR

2009-10-23T15:52:00.003+11:00

Today was crazy hair day at school - need I say more?

Too bad we just buzzed Coop's hair.

Magic was achieved with lots of tiny elastics and a can of blue tinted hairspray.

Success and two crazy kids.

2nd WHITE DRESS

2009-10-22T16:37:00.005+11:00

My mom couldn't come to Madi's baptism, but she wanted to be part of it anyway so she made Madi a white dress to be baptized in. Then she made another special dress for her as well. Madi loves this blue dress and wears it almost every week to Church. I took some pictures of Madi in her dresses that didn't turn out very well and haven't had a chance to attempt again. My mom keeps bugging me about seeing pictures of Madi, so during school holidays we went over to the temple and the surrounding grounds and took some pictures. The white flower in her hair was something that she wore around her wrist when she was blessed. She wore it in her hair on her baptism day as well. Then she she is married she will wear it again. Thanks to my mom for making Madi feel extra special on her day and making such lovely dresses for her.

HUGE NEWS!!!

2009-10-16T19:10:00.004+11:00

I am going to sell my digital scrapbooking designs. I can hardly believe it. I am super excited and nervous as well. I will be selling at Digiridoo Scraps. Exciting as well because it is an Aussie based scrapbooking site.

I made my first full kit! Introducing Fairy World. I made this kit for my two girls. With wonder and imagination fairies are alive in our home. We see them at the grocery story, inside our home, and in the trees outside. We even have a fairy world in our garden. I love the imagination of a child and wanted to capture this for my girls. Go here to my shop to pick it up! If you go to my scrapping blog, Stacy's Back Door Designs, you can also get a freebie alpha to go with this kit.

I made two LOs with this kit in honor of the girls who I made the kit for. Here they are!

TODAY

2009-10-14T11:28:00.002+11:00

- My chest still hurts. I guess it is getting better I can't really tell. I've been told it can take up to two weeks to get better. I just don't feel very good. Now my neck and back are hurting because I am compensating for the chest pain. UGH!
- My mom told me to eat honey - I hate honey. I think it stems from her making us eat honey and vinegar when we were sick as kids. Honey is a natural antibiotic. I hate it. So I got me some honey and lemon herbal tea - it's not so bad.
- My house looks like WWIII - that's what happens when you don't feel good.
- I did not make my bed and haven't all week.
- I haven't put on make-up all week either.
- At least I am not in my pjs at noon.
- I just went outside to check on the kids - you should see the front yard. UGH!!! Weeds everywhere - it looks bad, really bad. Oh well! It's not my house.
- One of the jobs Kev applied for went down today - yeah!
- Now we wait and see what happens - not so yeah!
- I have put up three loads of laundry on the line - that feels good something is getting done.
- I have some exciting news about digital scrapbook designing, but I can't share it yet.
- I really want Cafe Rio - they should really come to Australia. Seriously there is no good Mexican here they would make a killing.
- The kids are playing nicely and it sounds lovely. School holidays are more than half over.
- Everywhere I look I see something I will have to sale before we move back to the States - the fridge, the waching machine and dryer, my hair dryer, lamps, two TVs, the Wii, our car, Kev's scooter, the list goes on and on. Double UGH!
- I need a new style - or at least not the worn out mommy look. Seriously a good hair cut and some cute clothes would do wonders for me.
- At least the sun is shining and I got a package in the mail yesterday from my sister - in it are two really cute necklaces for me. Boy does Julie know me well!!!

THE WAITING PLACE...

2009-10-11T12:53:00.003+11:00

...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.

These words written by Dr. Seuss kept running through my head yesterday as I had the longest waiting day of my life.

Let me start at the beginning. I have been sick for a month now. It all started out with the flu and progressed to the point where I lost my voice - remember that post? (read it here if you want to). I had a cough and a cold and then finally at the beginning of last week I started to feel better. YEAH!!! Well that was until the middle of the week when I got a pain in my chest. It felt like someone was sitting there no matter what I did. I started to think that my infection had moved to my lungs, but since my cough was getting better I thought it would go away in a few days. Then yesterday morning, when I went to hang up some clothes on the line, I realized that I was short of breath. I decided to take myself to the Medical Clinic and see a doctor. Maybe I have walking pneumonia or something.

Here is where the waiting begins.

It was a Saturday - they don't do appointments on Saturdays just walk-ins. That's fine I can wait while Madi was at a birthday party. I dropped her off and drove to the shopping center where the Medical Center is located. Soon all the people who were there before me had gone in to see the doctor and then a few started going in that had come after me. I inquired at the desk - I had been there an hour and a half by now. She said that I hadn't told her I had come back. WHAT?!!! I hadn't left. I was sitting quietly reading my book. She said I was next and kept apologizing. I will admit I was upset now.

I finally got in to the room to see the doctor and he asked me why I was there. I explained my history and he listened to my lungs. Then he gave me a blow. You don't have an infection. I think you have a collapsed lung. Your right upper lobe isn't filling all the way with air. You must get an x-ray TODAY!!! Unfortunately radiology here closed at 12. It was 12:30 now. I had to go to the ER. This is where my frustration began - if only they had gotten me in when they should of I would have saved myself so much time.

I called Kev, and yes there were tears. I was scared. A collapsed lung? How does that happen. Luckily for us Charlotte was home and came to watch the kids. Madi is still at her b-day party and I arranged for a mom to bring her home.

We went to the ER. Needless to say I spent six hours at the ER. They did a chest x-ray - everything was clear. WHEW!!! That was a relief. However, still a mystery as to the pain in my chest and the shortness of breath. I do have a family history of heart disease. Then came an EKG and blood work, and a lot of waiting. That was scary. They were ruling out a heart attack even though my only risk factor is family history. Waiting for results and wondering if something is really wrong is not fun. Everything came back normal and it was diagnosed that the cartilage between my ribs and sternum are inflamed. Due to my being sick for so long. Rest and pain meds is all I need.

While it was comforting to know that I was okay, it was a frustrating day. The waiting place is no fun. Kev missed the broadcast of the priesthood session at the Stake Center and Charlotte, bless her heart, missed a party. On the bright side it happened on a day when we had nothing to do for most of the day. On a Saturday when Kev was home. And nothing is really wrong.

Today we were supposed to go to the Stake Center and watch the Conference broadcast. We decided to sit at home and listen to it on-line instead. It is nice to sit around listening to prophets and apostles and realize how blessed I really am.

THE UNKNOWN

2009-10-09T10:32:00.002+11:00

I do not do well with the unknown. I like to know the direction my life is going and what is in store for me. I hate the times in my life where I don't know what is going to happen next. I do know these times have to happen. Life can't just continue on in the same direction all the time. That would be boring, and we wouldn't be able to experience all the joys and happiness Heavenly Father has in store for us.

Right now we have a lot of the unknown in our family. We know that our time in Australia is coming to an end. Kevin and I both feel that it is time to go home. We feel like we have come here and experienced what we were meant to experience. Met wonderful people and our testimonies of the Gospel have grown tremendously. It is time to go back home - to the comforts of Utah.

Our landlord has informed us that they want to move into the house we are renting in March. That is our time frame. March really isn't that far away. For the past few months Kev has been looking within AMEX for a new job in SLC. Nothing had come up, and I mean literally nothing, until a few weeks ago. Now jobs keep popping up every couple of days - not that he is qualified for all of them. He has found a few that he is going to apply for this week. Any prayers you could send our way would be appreciated.

That means that it is real. The change is really coming. I am not sure how I feel. I am happy to go home, but sad to leave Australia. We are now just waiting. Waiting to see what the Lord has in store for us. What path we are going to be led down this time. I am not good at waiting. I am trying, but I am not good at waiting.

SIMPLIFY

2009-10-07T15:34:00.002+11:00

I believe in a life that is simple. I do have a lot of projects going on, but I try really hard to keep everything simple. Sometimes that doesn't happen and I feel overwhelmed. Lately I feel like the world is coming apart. Too much to do and too little time. So last week on a very (and I mean very) warm day Rylee and I went to spend an hour at the park. Just the two of us while the others were at school. It was such a simple pleasure. I need to remember to simplfy. Life is so much better when it is simple. At least my life.

This little fellow followed us in the bush all the way to the park. Never seen a rooster in the bush before. It was a little strange.

Who wouldn't love to spend a few hours with this litlte girl?

What goes up must come down...how? Rylee is our climber. She loves to climb. She can get up, but not always down. She scares me sometimes.

Girls night out

2009-09-29T11:54:00.003+10:00

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

2009-09-28T09:40:00.003+10:00

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?

2009-09-23T17:39:00.002+10:00

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

2009-09-23T10:26:00.003+10:00

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

2009-09-21T21:58:00.007+10:00

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

2009-09-20T23:00:00.006+10:00

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:

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

GOOD ON YA MATE!

CITY FUN

2009-09-18T16:08:00.004+10:00

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

2009-09-18T15:55:00.004+10:00

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!!

2009-09-15T10:47:00.003+10:00

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

2009-09-12T09:32:00.004+10:00

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

2009-09-06T10:24:00.003+10:00

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!

2009-09-03T13:10:00.002+10:00

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

2009-09-02T14:28:00.002+10:00

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

2009-09-01T11:53:00.004+10:00

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!

YOGURT LOVE

2009-08-27T16:53:00.003+10:00

What do you do when you are two, you want yogurt, and your mom isn't fast enough? You help yourself of course. The joys of having an independent two-year-old around who absolutely loves (and I mean LOVES) yogurt!

I guess I should be glad that she only opened one!

It cracks me up that they are all still attached together and that she picked a middle one.

BTW - thanks for all the comments due to my last post. I wasn't trying to fish for comments, but thanks all the same.

DARN GOOGLE READER

2009-08-25T09:57:00.003+10:00

I have to admit that I have a love hate relationship with Google reader at this point.

Loves:
1. I was having a hard time keeping up with all my friends blogs. Some people update daily, some monthly, some yearly. Now I don't have to click on their links anymore to see who has updated recently. Google does all the work
2. Order, order, order. I love anything that organizes my life.
3. It's so easy. I need a little simplicity in my life.

Hates:
1. NO ONE LEAVES COMMENT ANY MORE!!!! I guess I should feel special if someone leaves me a comment. That means that they actually clicked on my link and did an extra step to leave me a comment. I am just as bad. I don't leave comments much any more either. Bad Stacy! Bad Stacy!
2. I wish that I could put the links on of those who have gone private. I always forget to look at their blogs.
3. NO ONE LEAVES COMMENTS!!! This is really my biggest complaint about google reader. The organization has made it harder for us to take that extra step to leave comments on each others lives. I admit it I love to hear what you are all thinking. It makes me realize that people out there care about what I am doing and thinking.

Maybe you are all just trying to tell me something....

I am going to try harder to take that extra step and leave more comments. I am not a lazy friend. I want to be a true friend and leave you all some love. If I start slacking off again let me know. I can take it!

FAVORITE MEMORIES

2009-08-24T11:33:00.004+10:00

The last few months have been a blur. It all started with Kevin's parents coming for a visit and just ended a few months later with my sister and her family coming. I knew that it would make the time go faster, but didn't realize just how fast it would go. August is nearly over!

I want to remember some of the things we did. Here is my top 10 list!

10. Dera trying to capture the sound of the kookabura on her video camera. Every time she got it out they would stop singing. It was pretty funny!
9. Watching everyone eat Vegemite for the first time - priceless!
8. Watching Dera's collection of sea shells grow and accumulate. She did kill a poor crab when boiling her shells.
7. The possum I killed on the way home from Wiseman's Ferry. Kev saw it skid across the road, since he was behind us on his scooter. I guess I am a killer like Dera - remember the crab (#8)
6. Madi's surgery = one stressed out mama bear.
5. Getting tagged on the train. Brandon and I accidentally rubbed up against some fresh paint on the train. Darn taggers! Those were my good pants!
4. Meeting the Barrs and going to the Central Coast - Australia is a beautiful place!
3. Seeing Cairns, The Great Barrier Reef, and parasailing with Madi - still think I am crazy because of that one. It was special to do those things with John and Susan.
2. Staying up late and laughing until the tears began to flow. It was so much fun to spend time with my sisters.
1. Madi's baptism - she was so happy and the Spirit was definitely with her. Plus watching the DVD our families made for Madi on her baptism. It was nice to feel the love our family has for us, and feel their presence on her special day.

LOOK AT ME!

2009-08-22T12:30:00.001+10:00

I figured it out!!!! I will make a few more dish cloths for practice and then it is onto bigger things. My mom sent me some yarn and hooks with Julie as well as a pattern she created for a hat and flower.

I am so excited and I just can't hide it!!!

It is so fun to learn something new. Such a sense of accomplishment!

CENTRAL COASTING

2009-08-21T17:12:00.007+10:00

Last weekend we spent on the Central Coast. Brandon's mission president and his wife, the Barrs, live up there and we were privileged to meet them. They were lovely. Words cannot describe the generosity and love that they shared with us. Madi has already made plans for us to go up there again in the summer and spend the day with them. It was great to have someone who has lived in the Central Coast for 40 years show us around. Here are a few of my favorite pictures.

A SPECIAL GUEST

2009-08-19T18:07:00.004+10:00

Today we had a special guest in our home all day long!

Baby Claire spent the day with us hanging out and tagging along. Her mom and dad went whale watching and I volunteered to have her stay with me. Secretly I am hoping that they don't see whales. If they don't they get a return voucher, which they will give to us since they are returning to the States. Don't tell them that though...hahaha! Ok, so I already did - OOPS!

I couldn't resist getting all the kiddos together.

All in all it has been a good day. Every once in a while Claire will crawl around crying looking for her mommy, who can blame her right?

Maybe having four kids wouldn't be so bad....

MADI'S BAPTISM

2009-08-17T10:13:00.003+10:00

Friday August 14, 2009 is a day I will never forget. Madi entered the waters of baptism and was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was such a special day.

Baptisms in Australia are not done the same as in Utah. In Utah there are so many members of the Church that baptisms are typically held on the first Saturday of the month and whomever has turned eight during the previous month goes to the Stake Center and gets baptized and confirmed. However, in Australia there are not as many children in a typical month who are at the age of accountability to get baptized. Therefore, Madi got her own special day. She was also baptized on her birthday which is even more special. We planned the entire program and made treats to share for after. It was a busy day, but well worth all the effort.

Here is the program so that we don't forget:

Chorister – Katrina Gledhill
Pianist – Carli Jeffrey

Conducting – Nick Murphy

Opening Song – Seek the Lord Early
Opening Prayer – Rosa Bale

4th Article of Faith – Cooper Hutchinson
Scripture – Stacy Hutchinson
Talk – Brandon Carlson

Baptism performed by Kevin Hutchinson

Song – I am a Child of God performed by Natasha and Antoi Nel

Talk – Joanne Carswell

Confirmation performed by Kevin Hutchinson

remarks - Nick Murphy

Closing song – When I am Baptized
Closing prayer – Julie Carlson

When we left the chapel and headed to the font I left Rylee by the glass to go help Madi. Rylee started screaming as soon as she realized I wasn't there. Lisha brought her to me in the bathroom where I was watching through the door. She whimpered through the entire thing.

Madi said she was a little nervous when she looked up and saw all the kids with their faces pressed against the glass looking at her.

Madi was a trooper. She had to get baptized twice. The first time Kev forgot to say her name - just practicing...hahaha! Not only that but her dress bubbled up out of the water. The second time went off without a hitch.

She came into the bathroom to change and was shivering. I couldn't get her dressed fast enough.

Madi, our little missionary, invited four friends who are not members of our faith. They all came and brought at least one member of their family with them.

top row: Antoi, Madi, Bethanny, and Isabella

bottom row: Jaimee and Sophie

My mom made Madi's white baptism dress and another special dress she could wear that day. I am going to take her out sometime in the next couple of weeks and get pictures in her special dresses. Thanks mom!

We were so glad that Brandon, Julie, and Claire were here to share it with us. (Somehow we didn't manage to get a picture with them) It was a little sad that the rest of our family couldn't be here as well. We wish you all could have been here to share in our special night.

I asked Madi after we got home how she felt about her baptism night. She said that she just felt so happy. It was obvious to me that she felt happy. She was glowing. She could hardly sit still and she was giggling and smiling all night long. Madi is such a special spirit, one that we are blessed to have in our home, and we are so proud of her decision to be baptized and confirmed a member of the Church.

Thanks to all who helped to make her night a very special night. It was nice to share it with so many of you and to have so much support since we didn't have family here.

A night to never be forgotten.

SUNNY DAYS

2009-08-13T20:32:00.005+10:00

Today was a beautiful day.

I was adventurous again and drove to the beach. Twice in two weeks has got to be a record for me. I get a bit anxious driving a car - espcially here with the narrow lanes and the fact that I am not sure where I am heading most of the time. I have grown up so much and can now drive myself to the beach - who knew. Now I know what Rylee and I can do on our free days when the kids are at school. Madi told me that I need to take her to the beach every day during school holidays. Not sure that is going to happen, but a girl can always dream.

This time we headed to Mona Vale beach for some

sunshine,

crashing waves,

and sand lots of sand.

Claire loves the sand - especially by the fistful straight into her mouth.

There are no dogs allowed on this beach - but they never said anything about kitty cats.

Not a bad way to spend a few hours.

ANNIVERSARY

2009-08-11T13:02:00.003+10:00

Today is my anniversary. I have been blessed to be married to this amazing man for 11 years. How did I get so lucky?

He sent me an e-mail today. I am going to share so you can see how he cracks me up every day. He loves to make up songs and poems for us.

It's our anniversary, shout hooray! One year older with me today.
Come tonight and we will play. I hope you enjoy this wonderful day.
I love you are the words I will say. In the future come what may.
SO HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, HOORAY!

Thanks to Brandon and Julie for taking the kids tonight so we can go on a date!

KOALA PARK

2009-08-11T12:28:00.007+10:00

Since I have family in town we have been doing a lot of touristy things as of late. Lucky for me there is a fabulous transportation system in Sydney so I can take people to the train station and they can get where they need to go. It has been fun to get excited about the things around me and to show them to other people.

However, last weekend we did something that our family has never done before. Crazy because this place is located literally 15 minutes from our home. We went to Koala Park. It was such a fun place to go. Cooper and Madi missed out because they had to school - we will have to take them another time. Kev had taken the day off of work to spend with our visitors and it was fun to be there with both Julie and Dera. Several times I missed Wendy very much and wished that she were here too.

So here are a few things we got to do at Koala Park.

Emu eggs (at least that's what I think they are), fairy penguins at feeding time, and a wallaby with a baby in her pouch.

We got to give the koala a little cuddle, a pat, and take a photo. Rylee was okay until Dera moved her closer, then she wanted nothing to do with the koala anymore.

Kangaroo feedings. Rylee had no fear - even the big guys didn't phase her. Claire woke up just in time to get in on the action.

Now we have to take the other kids.

LIFE GOES ON

2009-08-04T10:23:00.004+10:00

Even though we have company here we still have to go to school and work. It has been a bit tough to keep up with home readers and spelling words, but we are managing. Bed time seems to get pushed back a bit - as does dinner time. I think I am going to need a week off after all our company comes to recoup and really clean my house.

I feel bad that I completely forgot to blog about this. With Madi's surgery and getting ready for people to come it got overlooked. The last week of last term Cooper got the student of the week award!!! We were so proud of him. His teacher said that she had the kids in her class tell her who they thought the student of the week should be before she decided. Cooper was the only one who didn't say himself. What a sweet kid. He is a hard worker in school and has made so many friends. He is always thinking about those around him and we are so proud of him!!!Last week the kids had school athletics carnival. The kids are in the house of Sturt and their house colors are yellow. Hep, just like Harry Potter they are divided into houses. They did house cheers and cheered for the other members of their house. This was the first year that Madi had to run in the 100 m race. She was up on top of the hill in the upper oval and Cooper was down below with the little kiddies. Unfortunately I was up on the upper oval waiting for Madi to run when I decided to walk and see if Cooper was up yet. I got to a place where I could see the bottom oval from the top of the hill just to see Cooper come in 2nd place in his race. No pictures, but at least I saw it!!! He was so happy. I saw him pump both arms in the air and yell YES!!! I did get a picture later of him sitting and waiting - doesn't he look so grown up sitting there? (He is wearing the green hat and yellow hoodie on the front row)

Rylee played on the equipment - lucky girl! Although the equipment at the kid's school isn't made for toddlers and there were a few "tricky" spots.

Madi was not very happy about running. It just "isn't her thing." I told her to try her hardest and she would be fine. We can't be good at everything right? How did she do? Well she didn't come in last and that was fine with her. She cracks me up! She actually didn't really want to run and was hoping the doctor would tell her that she couldn't - no such luck. He did tell her that she wouldn't have as much energy though. I thought she had enough - but what do I know?

Speaking of Madi. People have asked me how she is doing post surgery. Fabulous!! The doctor was amazed by how little pain meds she used. I told him that she said it felt just like a sore throat and it wasn't a big deal. He said that she probably always had a small sore throat and also probably had more tonsillitis than we had originally thought - she was just tough. After lots and lots of popsicles and jelly, many movies, lots of sitting on the floor playing with pet shops and polly pockets, she is fine. She even got to sleep on a mattress on her floor so she won't have to climb up into her bed. The doctor said that her tonsil beds should have healed more by now, but her tonsils were so big and deep that he isn't too surprised. Give her a few more week and you won't even know that she had surgery.

SUNSHINY DAY IN THE MOUNTAINS!

2009-08-03T21:55:00.004+10:00

Our last trip to the Blue Mountains in April of 2008 - and our only other trip - was not a sunny day. In fact we couldn't even really see the 3 sisters in Katoomba. If you would like a review you may go here.

This time however, was completely different. It was a Beautiful SUNNY DAY!!!

Dera had a list when she got here of things she wanted to see and the Blue Mountains was on that list. Kev took the day off of work so we could drive up there. We found a place for the older kids after school to give ourselves a bit more time. It was a lovely day!

The 3 sisters are a beautiful site as is the expanse of the valley full of gum trees. The blue mountains were indeed bluish. This blue color is caused by the eucalyptus oils in the air. Kevin, Mark, and Dera started down the stairs to get a closer look at the 3 sisters. Rylee and I stayed behind to play with rocks and sticks. I have proof that my sister - who is very afraid of heights - made it about half way there before turning back. Good on ya Dera for at least trying!

After seeing the 3 sisters we stopped by the chocolate shop for some delicious hot chocolate. I want one of these sets. The hot chocolate is warmed up by a tea light inside the tall cup. Then you add more milk and chocolate bits as you go along. It is so delicious!! I love this picture. We got Rylee a little box of candies that she got to pick out all by herself. She was so proud of it and had to show it off. She is adorable!!!

We then grabbed some lunch and walked around Leura before heading down the mountain and stopping at the UGG shop. Dera and Mark both ended up with new UGGS - gotta get those in Australia!

VISITORS!!!

2009-07-31T11:05:00.004+10:00

It is so nice to have familiar faces from home here in Australia. We have visitors for the next month. It is fun to play tour guide, but exhausting too. Strange to think that I have lived here long enough to play tour guide.

Dera and Mark went up to Cairns this week so Mark could scuba the Great Barrier Reef.

Before they left we saw another icon of Australia.

Of course they had to try Vegemite. I don't like it much either - I think it is an acquired taste.

Went to Manly Beach. This little girl wasn't supposed to get wet - of course she did. This time I was well prepared and had extra clothes for all the kids.
We rode the ferry over to Circular Quay. This view never gets old.

We spent a day in the Botanical Gardens. The day was perfect not a cloud in the sky. We had a picnic and walked around.
We did something we have never done before - fed the cockatoos all our lunch scraps.
Had to show Mark the bats in the trees. We learned more about them as well. There are over 2200 bats living in Palm Gardens at the Royal Botanical Gardens. They are destroying the trees they roost in. They have been given permission to use non-lethal ways to discourage the bats from roosting there. I don't think it is working.

2 YEARS

2009-07-27T20:17:00.004+10:00

Can you believe that we have now lived in Australia for two years?! I can't! It seems like time has flown by. There have been times when I have wondered why we did a crazy thing like move to another country, but most of the time it has been wonderful. We have experienced so much and enjoyed so many fun adventures.

Every year on our anniversary we head to the Botanical Gardens and take a picture across from the Opera House. We did this on day one of coming to Australia so we figure it is fun to go back to the "scene of the crime!" It is fun to see how the kids have grown each year. This year we are actually one day early, but I figure it's close enough.

our first day in Australia

one year later

two years later.

As you can see the weather was the best we have ever had and Rylee was not happy about getting her picture taken.

Cooper's Friend Party

2009-07-21T23:26:00.006+10:00

OK, I don't know if I am ready for this or not as this is not going to be a short post. I can bet that Stace doesn't think this will be done anytime soon as she said, "You planned this so you have to post it on the blog." I will try to make this short, or in the in the words of Inigo Montoya, "Let me 'splain. [pause] No, there is too much. Let me sum up."

To start off with I have to say that I added way to much stress to last weeks' stress levels when I told Cooper that he could have a party. Stace didn't think she could do it, with everything else going on, so I said I would take care of it. Sorry Stace, but I am glad to hear you laughing again! (Ha ha...).

Anyway, Cooper decided that he wanted a SUPER HERO party so we went with that theme. We sent out the invites that invited the friend to come to SUPER HERO TRAINING at the Coop Cave -- Super hero attire optional.

Cooper was Bat Man -- his fav! Dun na na na na na na na na Du na na na na... Coop Man! So of course the cake had to be the bat signal.

We put some basic black streamers up to make the Coop Cave in the TV room (gotta have a TV in a Coop Cave!). As you can see, and probably would have guessed, Coop occupied himself for well over 15 minutes just running through the streamers.

When each kid came they got a bag of things needed at any Super Hero training. It consisted of; a Super Hero plane, a Super Hero figure, a Super Hero car, and one score sheet to keep track of their points earned at each training activity.

Arrival time and occupy the kids while others are coming = decorating their Super Hero Planes.

Training Activity #1: Learn how to land your Super Hero plane. (There was a big orange target they were trying to land on.)

Training Activity #2: Learn how to swing your Super Hero in a bucket and knock over the "Bad Guys". (The problem was that I kept hearing words like "Strike" and "Spare" for some reason. I have never heard of any Super Hero call it a spare when they knock down the bad guys on the second chance!)

Training Activity #3: Learn how to drive your Super Hero car at lightening speeds. (It was a good thing that the kids didn't car that because of the bricks on our driveway the cars ended up rolling across the finish line more than driving across it.)

Training Activity #4: Learn how to jump your Super Hero car over the PERILOUS PIT OF DOOM (A.K.A. - The Pooh Bear Huggies box).

Training Activity #5: Learn how to have your Super Hero jump over tall buildings and land safely in the hidden Super Hero lair (A.K.A. - The Pooh Bear Huggies box).

Finally, after all the tiresome training our Super Heroes were ready to take on the bad guys and save the princess in distress.

We met in the Coop Cave to go over the dangerous mission. I showed them a print out of the bad guys (Army Men) surrounding the princess ($2 Barbie Doll that was 5x the size of one of the bad guys). Their mission was that they had to maneuver through the back yard, with out being injured, capture all the bad guys by putting them in prison, and find the princess. The catch was that they couldn't save the princess until all the bad guys had been caught.

Here is the opening of the gate! They were some excited Super Heroes. The funny thing is that you notice the first one out of the gate is the older sister (Super Hero Pinky -- complete with cape!) who is supposed to be taking it easy after her tonsils had just been ripped out.

Here is a nice shot of some of the bad guys grieving in prison.

Super Hero Pinky got to be keeper of the prison gate, and she loved the responsibility.

The princess was left dangling from the side of the house and no way to get down -- except for flying Super Heroes of course!

The victory celebration after the princess was back in her castle safe and sound. (Apparently Coop was tired of celebrating and just wanted to know what his next mission was!)

Of course we had to have the normal "Pass the 'Super' Parcel" at the end of all the strenuous activites. Much to Coop's disapointment he didn't get the ending prize (A Wolverine water gun).

We ended with the cake. Our Super Cooper needs to work on his Super lung capacity and blowing skills because it took him 3 tries to blow out the 6 candles. We were just glad he didn't spit on the cake. You know, it would have been 'Super' spit and no one wanted to see (or eat) that.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUPER COOP / COOP MAN! WE LOVE YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE MAN

2009-07-20T16:50:00.003+10:00

My little man is turning six. I can't believe it.

Things about Cooper:

He still likes trains, but his love is waning a bit.

He doesn't like the Cartoons that all the boys his age seem to like (i.e. Ben 10 and Star Wars) they are too scary. That's ok by me. He can stay young and innocent as long as he wants.

The kid never stops moving. He makes me tired.

He never lets me take his picture. If he does I have to be fast to capture the moment.

Every night when Cooper goes to bed we hear him hitting the wall by his bed. He has to roll around a few times before he can fall asleep. Every night it is the same thing - bang, bang, bang, then silence.

He loves Nutella and would eat it for every meal if we let him. He loves it so much he has a few stuffed animals named Nutella.

He loves to build things.

He loves to make up his own games. He comes to me and makes me write down the rules on his rules sheet. Then he puts the game in a plastic ziploc and we get to play them occasionally. Maybe he will make us lots of money one day with a game idea.

He is really good at computer games.

The piano seems to comes naturally to him. Too bad I am not a better, more consistent, teacher.

He is such a good kid. Always trying to follow the rules.

He tells me that he hates nature.

He is really loud. I am trying to accept that about him, but also think I can change it if I remind him constantly to be quiet. I think I should lean more towards the accepting side of the spectrum.

He makes us laugh all the time. His laugh is contagious and he says the funniest things.

Cooper loves to give me hugs. They are super tight and I love them. He tells me I am the best mom ever all of the time. I love that!

We love him and are so happy to have him as part of our family. We would not be complete without the boy around to keep us grounded. We need someone to help us laugh and keep us guessing.