Wednesday means play with Bella

Today we arranged a play with Bella. It seems that Bella has an awfully busy social calendar. We had to book this play over a week in advance just to get a time in for Emmalee to play with her. But the girls were excited. It was arranged for me to bring them home and them to play until around 5 when her dad, Will would pick her up. I have been ending playdates then so that hopefully we won't hit the snap at our friends time, which hits the Rhombergs after a certain hour of playing... it's definitely not pretty.
Bella is the most outgoing 1st grader I think I have ever met. She is the one that we met in the uniform shop before school started.
The girls did alot of art while snacking (Bella has a healthy appetite! She can keep up with Emmalee). Emmalee wanted her to play dolls, but Bella is not a doll type of girl. She is more art and sports. Eventually they went out into the back yard to play. Bella decided to try to teach Emmalee the finer points of Cricket without the proper Cricket tools -- like a cricket bat, ball, wickets, etc. So, here are two girls using a plastic baseball bat, regular softballs out in the backyard attempting to throw the ball like a cricket ball. Quite funny. When Will showed up, she talked them into a tennis ball and showed Emmalee the correct form to hold the ball and to throw it. Much easier. The playdate went well until Bella got hit by Emmalee's bat and then Bella took the other bat and smacked Emmalee in the arm with that one. Let's just say Bella has about 20 pounds on Emmalee. I think it took almost 2 minutes before Emmalee could even make a sound. Fortunately or unfortunately, Will saw Bella smack Emmalee, so half of the altercation was caught by parental units. Thus ended the playdate...

Feels like December all over again

Today is day two without a car...
Saturday I took Jim's BMW to run a couple of errands. While I was running to ALDI to swap the kids soccer boots for larger sizes (their feet are just too big!), Jim's car shimmied and shook and then just died on me in the middle of Miller Street which is a main drag in downtown North Sydney. Luckily I realized what was going on before it was too late to steer to the side of the road. It had been acting up for a few weeks and had been acting very weird for my whole drive so I was extra careful.
So, Jim took my car yesterday and left me without wheels. His car was scheduled to go into the shop on Tuesday, but evidently it couldn't wait. He started out this morning in his car, made it to the top of the block and it stopped again. Got it started back up and drove it right back home and arranged a tow. Exactly what I told him to do in the first place. Hmmmmm. Imagine the wife being right. How funny is that? I just didn't want it to break down in the middle of any of the Harbour Tunnels on his way to work or anything. That would be terrible.
This time the tow company came out quickly. Barely had time to take my shower before they were at the house. Kids were excited to watch the car get put onto the flatbed truck and as it was driven away, Emmalee yelled, "And they're off!"
But, that still leaves me without a car. For two days. I am going stir crazy. Not that I have anywhere to go. But I could. And I do have birthday party presents to shop for. And I might want to run out. Or I might not. But I want to have options. Ugh.

Reading Recovery

I talked to Emmalee's teacher today and found out for certain that Emmalee has definitely be accepted into the Reading Recovery Program at Northbridge. What that is, is a one-on-one program to help 1st grade students who are not reading at the same level as their classmates recover their reading skills in a more effiecient manner.
Because Kindergarten in the states really didn't emphasize reading AT ALL, Emmalee didn't develop her reading skills at all. She likes to listen to stories, just not read. She is pretty much reading at a level 2. And most kids in her class right now are reading at level 8 or above. So, in order to make sure that she doesn't continue to fall behind, Miss Rees worked to get her tested and placed into this program to help with her reading. Now she meets one-on-one with Mr. Franki to read and work on her word skills. I am really hoping it helps her. Working on reading with her is like working with a bull in a china shop. Obstinant and sometimes hopeless. She gets frustrated and there is alot of guesswork. Drives me crazy. Which does not make for the best teaching environment either. I try to be patient, but when she wanders or doesn't pay attention or just guesses so far off the mark, it makes it hard. Then when I have to correct Andrew to NOT read what Emmalee is obviously not reading even thought he knows it, it is really hard. What am I to do?? His teacher says he is read pretty consistently at a level 4, so he is really working hard on his reading.

We have corrupted a child!

Today Archie came home with us for a playdate. Andrew and Archie had been planning it for quite some time. It was just a matter of getting it organized between the moms. And to be honest, it was my fault... never got around to getting it settled on the calendar.
Sent Emme off to Olivia's house to play so the boys would not be bothered or be bothering anyone for the afternoon. As soon as we got home, into Andrew's room they went. First thing they hit was the Shark Park race track for Hot Wheels cars. I could hear the cars zooming thru the track over and over. And the accents flying back and forth. Very cute. And then the Smart Globe talking. So I walked down the hall to find the boys on the top bunk challenging the globe to questions about the world. And losing. It was very disappointing to them. So, with an offer of fresh homemade brownies -- off they ran to the kitchen.
Now comes the corruption part. I offered milk, water or kool-aid. I have been doing this to all the kids' friends. No one here obviously knows what it is. And they all say no. Archie on the other hand was game for it. Said milk first until I described it as juice, but not really. And as you can see, he has the Kool-aid smile!
And if you look closely he is definitely a dead ringer for Richie Cunningham or Archie from the comic books.
Speaking of comic books, after the snacks it was time for a little boy time to play Spiderman on the TV. Archie was very impressed with the telly that Jim had picked out before we moved here and expressed his delight as soon as he walked into our house. So to play video games on it was just a treat!

He isn't missing this, but I am

First Day of Soccer

Sunday was the first day of Northbridge Football Club, better known as soccer to our kids. We had to be at Bales Park in Willoughby at 8.30am for the under 6's for Andrew's grouping. It was a grey and drizzly day. Not so nice, but sure looked and felt like a fall, soccer morning. Met up with a few of his friends and got started. His friends from class, Andrew Leonard-Paterson and Tilly Kemsley are on his team and Jackson Barrett from KB is also on it, so that makes it more fun.
We made a quick run home between 10.15 and 11.00 to grab snacks and warmer clothes before Emmalee's matches started. Made it back just in time. Caught up with her team and found two of her classmates, Fred Kemsley (Tilley's brother) and Eleanor are on her team as well as another girl, Phoebe that she knows. So that made her happy.Both kids seemed to enjoy it. It is small sided play with 4vs4. No goalies, everyone plays until each players scores a goal. Today they just played 3 games to get the kids playing, but real games don't start until 31 March. Then I was told the season runs until September. WOW!

Last Day of Early Dismissal

Today is the last day the kindies get out at 2.40pm. The last time I have to walk up to the school half an hour early to pick up Andrew and then wait until the bell rings at 3.10pm for Emmalee to be dismissed. It is nice. And sad. It means that four weeks of school have flown by.
Andrew has officially made it through the lining up on his own in the morning. He is even walking his friend Grace up to the quad in the morning. She doesn't know too many people since she is new, too. And the moms aren't supposed to walk the kids up anymore. So I suggested to Andrew to offer to take her up. He loved the idea! And he says she is one of his best friends. Because she laughs at him when he makes faces. What a cute 4 year old thing to say. So next week he will be a fully grown up kindy kid. Walking to the quad on his own in the morning and meeting me at the end of the day when the bell rings. Wow. Time sure has flown by...

Fraser Fraser Fraser

Today after school, we decided to invited Fraser over for a play. Fraser, not Frasier. I was corrected a few times by Andrew (and I believe even once by Fraser's mom, Sophie -- ooops!). They live about a block from our house and we walk basically the same way home, so before we got home, I suggested that Fraser come home with us. Instead, they went home, changed clothes and dropped him back off.
The boys immediately took off for Andrew's room. Hit the top bunk of the bunk beds and played. Did boy stuff I guess. Then off to the back yard for afternoon tea (snack time) ---I am not sure he was very impressed with the American style snacks I offered ...all he wanted was a banana. Maybe he was afraid of the type of food we had??? and then playing on the playset. Next thing we knew, it was thundering and sprinkling. Had to move the play-date inside. Didn't bother the boys a bit. They had alot of fun until Fraser's mom came to pick him up so they could get gramma from the train station in Roseville.

Guess who is a room mom...

I was called and asked to be room mom for 1R, which is Emmalee's room. Then the next night, called back and had the offer rescinded because there were too many requests for the room and I guess other mom's had requested from last year. So I was 'dumped'.
Then, I get the newsletter home in the backpacks and read through it and see that I am room mom for KJ. So I guess I am room mom for Andrew's room. Funny how no one told me that!!! Should be fun...

First Kindy Morning Tea

This morning was the first official morning tea for the Kindy moms. I am part of a 'club' so to speak. Kyle's mom, Sue, (you know... Kyle with the big smile, as Andrew calls him) sent a note out hosting it right after line-up. I was all ready to be right on time for it, when Andrew informs me that he doesn't have his morning tea as we hang his bag up at school. Funny thing is I had already put it into his bag once this morning. He must have taken it out afterwards... So I had to go back home and drop it off at the school before heading over to Sue's house.
Was only about 15 minutes late. Not too bad... for me at least. I expected most of the mom's to be there. Although I have no idea how many work. Never really thought about it. In reality, most of the mom's I had already met were there. Fraser's mom, Sophie; Sachin's mom, Rachel, Grace's mom, Nic(ole); Angela's mom, Chris; and Andrew's mom, Penny. Was nice to talk to them more in depth without the running around of kids and yelling of the playgrounds. And nice to hear a little more of their backgrounds.
Rachel just moved here in September from London. Nic just moved to Northbridge from somewhere else in AUS, Sophie just moved to Northbridge for the school year, so they are new to the school. Makes me feel like I am really not alone in the boat here. A majority of the moms/kids are newish to the school. I really enjoy Archie's mom, Emma, too. She couldn't make it because her daughters were at the swimming carnival during the tea.

Little Nippers

Tonite the kids joined Archie, his sisters and Andrew's friend Milo/Hugo and his sister at the Northbridge Bath's Little Nippers club. It's a class to teach children water safety and awareness. A little bit of pre-lifeguarding skills and just general water stuff. Very cute and fun for the kids. About a dozen kids turned up for the class that started at 6:15. Jim made it home in time, so we all went down together.
The coach started with drills on the sand and gradually got the kids out into the water. By the end they were doing small surf board races, both individually and as teams. And in the end they even piled onto a long board and paddled together. It was so cute. All the kids got along swimmingly (if I might say so myself!).

Cultural Awareness

Today at 4:30 we had a counselor meet us at the house to talk to us about the transition to move the family here to Australia. Its a little overdue, but this is the first chance we have all had to make it work into our schedules since the move and the holidays. Talk about busy.
The kids were great for it. I had pretty much gotten dinner ready, just had to finish things up at the last minute when they were ready to eat. But they drew, watched TV and just played. It is nice when they can do things on their own once in a while. All was well until Andrew flipped off the back of the couch for some silly reason and hit his head.
The counselor was really good. She talked to us about the differences and similarities between here and home. And was there to answer any questions we had. I think it would have been more useful if we had done it before we came or alot sooner into the trip. By this time we are pretty well established and have most things all figured out. But we did get some interesting insight and were also able just to get more information about general things and politics and stuff.

Its a Monday again

Started the week off to a lovely start. Andrew woke with his cough again and Emmalee developed a flaming red rash ringing around her neck. So, had to call the doctor first thing and secure an appointment for both kids. Andrew was certain he was too sick for school (When did this start???) Emmalee on the other hand, I am sure just had a reaction to the treatment for the lice. Oh boy.
Made it to the doctor on time. Was very proud of all of us. Its usually such a fight to get out the door and anywhere on time, especially first thing in the morning and on a Monday to boot! Got right in (maybe nits is the magic word -- I don't know!). She checked Andrew out and said that the tube in his right ear looks like it is out and just hanging precariously on the edge. So in other words, not really doing any good. But that his drums looked healthy. No fever. Chest sounded good. Didn't really know why he was coughing. But since he had the cough for 2+ weeks and it was getting worse, she wanted to send him for a chest x-ray to make sure there wasn't any sign of pneumonia since he is prone to it. The doctor was leaning towards asthma, but I would highly doubt that Andrew has that.
On to Emmalee... After waiting patiently for her turn, we are told that she is probably just reacting to the least reactive on the skin possible stuff that I could have used on her head for the lice. GREAT! So, we left the office with a prescription for hydrocortisone skin cream, antihistamine syrup for night time itchies, clarityne syrup suggested for daytime, and a prescription for pinetarsol bath oil (which we used tonight and smells exactly like a campfire!). Nothing like bathing and smelling like that when you get out. She said she smelled like a hot dog. Quite funny. But her itchies weren't. Cross fingers they will start to get better soon.
Walked the kids to class after the doctor and the x-ray. Had to drop off the note at the office so they could send home the first 'nit note' of the year in Emmalee's class. What fun. And then I got the job of alerting all of their friends that the kids have played with in the last 21 days. Evidently that is how long they probably had been in her head. UCK. Just makes me itch thinking about it. All the moms are good spirited about it. Seems like alot comb almost daily looking for them to prevent. So I guess I will have to join that club. Not so fun...

Emmalee the cooker

Since most of the day was spent doing unpleasant things, Emmalee and I decided to do something fun like cook. She seems to share my love of cooking. Last weekend she checked out a cookbook for kids from the local library. Today she picked out a recipe that she wanted to try: Pink Fudge. We actually had the ingredients, so I said let's give it a go.We got everything out and I had her measure everything with the scale and read from the recipe. She got to sift the powdered sugar and measure marshmallows by gram weight. Of course the marshmallows here are pink and white, not white... Nothing here is simple. She likes pink, so that isn't a problem for her. She even got to stir the melting butter, milk and marshmallows on the stove. It was a first and she was soooooo excited. But waiting the 3 hours for it to chill in the fridge. Not so fun.
After dinner we got to roll out the dough and use cutters to make shapes. I don't have too many little cutters, so it was kinda slim pickins. I found my animal cookie cutters, so I pulled those out. She happily grabbed the pig and said I'll do this since its the Chinese year of the Pig. Who would have thought of that??? Amazing what they are learning in school already here. She made some of these for her teacher since it was Miss Rees' birthday on Saturday. Quite thoughtful of her. That's my girl. Daddy took photos, but couldn't wait until I smiled I guess... Emmalee on the other hand was all smiles! Yea for cooking!!!

We have our first visitors

Unfortunately its not as fun or exciting as it sounds. After Emmalee had told me she had an itchy head. I remembered her saying that a few nights back too. I had thought maybe a rash or heat rash. Now too many nights had gone by for wishful thinking for that. So, after an hour or two on the internet reading terrible, awful, gross things about nits and lice on the internet, I decided she probably had gotten them at school.
So, off to the chemist we went first thing this morning. Since I wasn't exactly sure (still hoping I was wrong), we walked in and asked the chemist (pharmacist) her opinion. She barely had to look at her scalp before one of those buggies wandered around and got into her site. CRAP!!!!!! So, we have visitors. Just makes my head itch... Can't imagine hers. Picked up the necessary treatment solutions, set us back pretty pennies and went on our way. Even got a special mixture of essential oils in a carrier to be sprayed on her hair before school now to help prevent the migration of any new buggies. Cross our fingers it will all work.
30 minutes of wearing Eucalyptus and Tea Tree oil and a shower cap, stinking up the house. Then 45 minutes of combing her hair with a special comb and conditioner. Got at least a dozen full sized critters out. UCK! I even had to treat my hair because she uses my brushes and hair accessories. (FYI -- didn't find any on me TG!) Fun fun fun. Luckily the boys in the house don't seem to be affected.
Then it was off to wash all the sheets and clothing in super hot water to hopefully kill any of the buggies left laying around. Its amazing how many things she has come in contact with with her hair. WHOA. I am going to be washing for days.
Once again, have to come all the way over here to get bugs. Spiders, cockroaches, now lice. When is it going to stop?????

and he's gone...

Jim was back for less than 24 hours and he was off on another trip. This time it thankfully was for less than 24 hours. But the kids definitely didn't appreciate it. They aren't used to him being gone and selfishly they don't want him gone at all. It was a countdown until when he returned on Friday and I really hadn't mentioned that he would be going again on Saturday (no reason to get them down) until Saturday. So, UGH. Jim had an off-site dinner at Coffs Harbour with a group from Abbott this time.
Andrew has a cough with a stuffy/runny nose, so I have been battling the up at night, not feeling good sort of a thing. The benadryl cough/runny nose has made his nights a little better -- he has slept better, but I hate to medicate him. He just hates to cough. And I hate to wake up at night. Lethal combination. And I don't sleep well with Jim gone, so its been an icky week for sleep at night.
So, this afternoon we played LIFE. Emmalee was the moneyperson. AKA -- the banker. Andrew and I played as real players. He chose the route to get married and I chose to go to college. In the end, he got to Millionaire Acres first, but I ended up with more money. He is really amazing for not even five yet. He was reading most of the tiles on the board without help. And sat through the whole game without getting bored. If I remember right, Jim and I never played LIFE before kids because it was such a 'long game' and would take forever. Sure didn't seem like it with Andrew. Hmmmm.... Maybe we were doing something wrong?
Had a good night with the kids. They wanted to do a sleepover in Andrew's room. Went well until Emme wouldn't shut up and Andrew banished her to her room. Oh well, another night maybe.
Then Emmalee came out to the kitchen to complain that her head was itching. Alot... Sent her to bed and I spent the night researching on the internet...

He is back

Jim is back from the gold coast. Made it back in time to try to pick the kids up. I say try because he left the house in time to pick up Andrew. Made it there to get him. I reminded him to get Emmalee OUTSIDE OF HER CLASSROOM, not in the quad where he got Andrew. I decided to walk down to the school at 3 because Jim had a 3:30 conference call he was going to do from home right after getting the kids, so I thought if he got the kids, I would keep them at the park and he could have a silent home. And I also figured he didn't hear me say to wait "Outside of her classroom". I get to the school and go to Emmalee's classroom. No Jim. 3:10 the bell rings. No Jim, No Andrew. Wait with the moms outside. Emmalee comes out with all the kids. Still no Jim. Waiting. Waiting. 3:15 call him. No answer. By this time she is playing on the equipment with friends. Finally get ahold of him on his mobile and he doesn't seem all that concerned -- he is waiting UP IN THE QUAD for her. Where I figured... Good thing I showed up afterall.
So, he comes down with not only Andrew, but Will Basil-Jones. Andrew has a playdate to bring home. Worked out well. Just typical.

The things kids say...

Well, since children call their mom's "mums" here in Australia, Andrew has taken it upon himself to figure out that there is no way that dads can possibly still be called dads.
On the way home from school today, out of the blue he says to me, "Mom, I know what dads are called here". Totally confused, I reply "What?" His honest, intellectually thought out answer, "duds".

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Went for a play with Archie

It was decided that afterschool Andrew would go home with Emma, Archie's mom, for a play and a swim at their house. This is his buddy, Archie, pronounced Aaaaachie by Andrew, who has moved here from London just when the school year started so he is new to the area too. Nice to have new friends in the same sort of boat we are, too. I packed up a bag for him and headed over to the school to pick him up at the usual time. Made it to the school a little earlier than usual and realized that it was their first assembly day. Just in time to see KJ receive their first set of awards for behavior and such. Good work KJ!!!
Anyway, knowing Andrew as I do, I figured he might be a little reluctant to go home with someone he doesn't know and with a swimming pool, I wasn't completely comfortable without going along anyway. So it was decided that I would go along (and just so happened that I brought Emmalee's swimmers along for her too! What a lucky happenstance...) Good thing... I walked with Archie's sisters and Emmalee, while the boys were riding in the car and part way home, Emma pulled over and Andrew was in tears begging for me to get in the car. Breakdown #1. Not a good start...
Got to their house and kids into their swimmers. Into the pool they went. Was suprised at Andrew's lack of fear. Packed his lifejacket and he wanted nothing to do with it. Next thing I know he wipes out on the deck after tripping on his sister's foot. Breakdown #2. No blood though. Off into the pool again. This time cannonballs with Archie. Tears and panic. Breakdown #3. Evidently he didn't realize the water might be slightly deep. UGH. It was going to be one of those days. So, I spent the rest of the afternoon parked by the edge of the pool maintaining his sanity and making sure my child didn't spend the day bawling. Actually as the afternoon went on, he got better. Which he usually does. But good thing I went along. Bouncing on the trampoline went well until someone scratched him, Breakdown #4 (but a mini one this time). Good thing those English like their afternoon teas... all the snacks kept the Rhomberg kids happy. Show them food and snacks and treats and that usually will quell all tears.
When it was 5:30, it was definitely dragging them out of there to get them home. I knew we were walking home since they were in the neighborhood. Just didn't quite realize the neighborhood was a few blocks further away than I realized. After walking and walking and walking, it was quite a hike to get home. Think it was about a 45 minute walk all in all. If you take out the fighting, bickering and flower picking, we probably would have made it in 30!

I have found it!!!

I have found it! Coles grocery store actually sells Hellman's mayonnaise. Its full fat variety, but its the real thing. None of the crappy, runny, sweet mayo. Now if only they would get on the boat and figure out Reese's peanut butter cups, graham crackers, decent peanut butter, kool-aid, crystal light, hidden valley ranch, black beans and some decent Mexican food. Is that too much to ask???

Valentine's Day 2007

Happy Valentine's Day. What a change it is here to celebrate Valentine's Day. First off, hubby is off in the Gold Coast hob nobbing with the celebrities. Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey and Owen Wilson are all at the same Palazzo Versace that Jim is at. (And we should have been if we wouldn't have cancelled for school purposes...) And close enough that Jim saw KH and OW in the hallway and eating brekkie! And being the man that he is, he is so totally unimpressed! UGH! AND -- no camera, so no photos for the blog. Boo hoo!!!
Anyway, enough whining on my part. I got to spend V-Day with two of the best valentine's possible anyway...
They got up this morning asking when they could open their gifts, knowing that they had presents mailed to them from people in the states (that I had safely hidden away until today!). Being the nice mom I am, I did let them open them today and not make them wait until the US Valentine's Day (ha! ha!)
Funny thing about the holiday, no one here really celebrates it. I didn't really think about it until last night when it hit me that I hadn't done any valentine's for the kids' classes. So I panicked and called one of Emmalee's local friends' moms. Asked what was normal and she said most kids here don't even know its a holiday or anything. WOW!!! Talk about a big marketing hole that is missing around this area! So I didn't have to rush out and get anything with kids in pajamas last night which was a good thing. Not so funny thing though, didn't get flowers or anything from Jim. That's how little the holiday is celebrated or marketed around here. You barely even see VD cards or notices at the store. I think that is why I forgot until last night when the kids asked if they could open the presents as soon as they woke up.

Time flies when you aren't paying attention

I can't believe it!!! This is my 101st post on the blog...
Its just a post to state this fact. Nothing more than that. But we have been here just over 2 months and I have posted 100 entries. Can't even imagine how many I will have by the time we go home.

Tuesday, Tuesday, Tuesday

Seems like Tuesday is going to be our busy day around here. Kissed Jim goodbye for his trip to the Gold Coast before the kids went to school. Should have been all of us on this trip, but oh well.
Next it was off to school for Andrew's 1st day of lining up in the quad in the morning just like the big kids. Which meant it was a big day for the parents too I guess. Tons of moms and dads hanging around the see their kids off. We were asked to stay today to make sure our kids found the right line (even though they had been practicing for a week or so). Andrew didn't seem bothered or fazed at all. I think I could have left and he would have been fine. I did remember my camera, so I thought it would be a good photo op since it was a big milestone for the Kindies! Bell rang and line-up went smoothly.
Once they went off to class, I was off to a meeting at the Anglican church to get my directions for teaching the Year 1 scripture to the Catholics at Emmalee's school. Since I volunteered (under severe jet-lag they assume) to help out, and they have 28 Catholic children in year 1 alone and 42 in Kindy and Year 2, they had to find another teacher to assist. Figured that must be my calling since I did it back at home. What better way to get to know the kids and school? Met some funny Anglicans and Uniting Church people who were meeting together for planning all the scripture classes (there is a choice of religious teaching in the schools -- imagine that!!!) and we planned all the way through the Easter Season.
After that I headed over to Eveline's house for lunch. Was running late as usual due to the church meeting. She texted me (the normal procedure here I am learning) to find out if we were still on since we had had to cancel a couple of times last week! Did find my way over there and had a great afternoon. Time flew and next thing I knew it was time to turn around and leave to pick up the kids. Where does time go?
After school it was time for Drama. This time I looked up the directions on the web and made sure I knew where I was going and left with plenty of time. We got there and were actually at the right place. The kids seemed to really enjoy it. No complaints, no tears. And asking to go back. Twas a good thing.Packed them in the car and headed off to swim school. Had 15 minutes to play in the water before school and they really enjoyed that time to just unwind I think. This time around with goggles, Andrew was much more comfortable with the lessons. Emmalee had a different teacher (not sure why). And when it was done, Andrew asked when he was going back for more lessons! :)
Home again Home again Jiggety Jig

First Appearance Down Under

After many months of waiting and speculation, its finally here....

Drum roll please....


The top, right tooth in Emmalee's mouth has finally broken through as of lunch time!!!!!

Parent Teacher Night

Tonight was parent teacher night at the kids school. We got a sitter so that we could give the teachers our complete attention. Oh, that and the note said "No children". Of course we got there at 6:32, went to the wrong classroom, thought it was Kindy first, not Year 1. So we were late to Emmalee's room. They had already started. Oops. Not the way to start it off. At least we got seats in the front of the room. Andrew's went much better. We were late to his, but only because we had come from another classroom setting, which was permissible lateness... We got seats together in the back and learned about the classroom routines for his day too.
Boy, the school day here is amazing. Both kids will be learning alot. Maybe they did this much back in Illinois and we just didn't pay attention, but I am thinking not.
For PE, Emmalee will get a rotating group of classes, which will include hopefully tennis, yoga, Pilate's, ball skills, dance and gymnastics. Andrew will get into tennis, general sports, hopefully AFL which is Australian Rules Football or Rugby (Go Steve Schroeder!!!!) and other sports. They learn Japanese, science, art, music, computers as well as the general RRRs. Very busy days indeed. Plus they get a morning tea and lunch. Andrew even gets a 5 minute rest after lunch which includes a quick water squirt from the teacher if they are good to cool down! (We thought it was a joke until we asked the teacher today).

2nd Cricket Final

Jim got invited to attend the 2nd Final Cricket Game in Sydney today. Evidently its a big deal. Some bankers from NAB here invited him to join him in the box at the stadium for the game. It was an invite not to be missed as 40,000 people were supposed to be attending the game. After church, Jim took the kids to the Northbridge Baths for a quick swim, then ran home to clean up quickly and head out to the game. Then from 2:15 until 10:30 he was immersed in Cricket!
He expected it to be a long day of Cricket, but there were actually three rain delays included in the game. And that usually doesn't happen. With the great drought of Australia, it never rains here. But today it did. And boy did it ever. Then since Cricket is a gentlemen's game, there is a 'dinner break' where the players actually break for dinner. And that is when dinner was served in the box -- but due to the rain delays, dinner was delayed until after 7, so everyone was hungry.
Jim said after the day at the match, he got a much greater understanding of the game. In fact he pretty much has a grasp of it. Now he is off to learn AFL. Maybe netball or bowls, too. As for me, still looks boring. I mean, watching people play the same game for hours on end, for up to three days in a row???? What kind of game is that? They pitch the ball fast -- wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of the ball, but standing in the sun all day long... No Thank You!

ItchyPuffyItchyPuffy

Had to quit unpacking today. Got hit with the hives and just too itchy. Don't know what triggered. Spending the rest of the day snoozing on the couch. Should get about 18-20 hours of sleep by Sunday morning. Drive Jim crazy, but the medicine works wonderfully to reduce the puff/itch and knocks me right out...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Afternoon tea in the park

Hugo's mom put together an afternoon tea in the park for all the kids in KJ (Andrew's class) this afternoon. The park was right behind the school so we said sure, and I figured I would hear the bell ring at 3:10 when Emmalee was done. I thought it was a great idea since most of the moms didn't know each other and the kids were just getting to know each other. I just wish I would have remembered to bring my camera. UGH! (Sorry!!!)
Afternoon tea definitely is afternoon tea. Biddy had laid out cake and cookies (biscuits as they are called here), juice and water for the kids and some watermelon. It was a nice little feast. Not the most of the kids noticed. They were off and raring to play. Nothing like a little energy to burn after school--that's for sure! Eventually they wandered over to the table near the moms, but that didn't really happen until after the older siblings came over to the park after school and started to munch on the food!
I met the moms of most of Andrew's friends. I met Archie's mom (Emma), Will's mom (Belinda), Hugo/Milo's mom (Biddy), Andrew L's mom (Penny), Kyle's mom (Sue) and a couple more I just can't remember. The funny thing is just like at school, the boys moms hung out together and the girls moms hung out together so I really didn't get to meet any of the girls' moms. Hmmmm... maybe next time.

Play Dates

Thursday seems to be the popular day for our kids to have play dates. First Emmalee gets invited to play at Bella's house and then Andrew gets to go over to Will's house. Fun Fun Fun.
When Andrew got home, I asked him what was the most fun about the play date and he said jumping on the trampoline at Will's. That and eating Popsicles and thinking about throwing them in the pool. Very funny. They played hide and seek and jumped and did boy stuff I guess.
At five we had to go and pick Emmalee up from Bella's house. It was like dragging a kid out of a candy store. Makes it hard to let her go on playdates -- she loves them, she just doesn't love ending them. She and Bella really seem to get along well. Bella is the first girl she met at Northbridge in the uniform shop before school started and they have just gotten along perfectly ever since. But judging from the playground at school, everyone knows Bella and she gets along with just about everyone. So, the girls are trying to play sleep overs already. Boy do they move fast!

Unpacking -- Day Two

Today is a full day of unpacking. Nothing planned but me and the boxes. So I decided to tackle one room at a time. First goal -- the dining room. Since it is the first room you see when you walk in the door I wanted to get it finished and at least have one room completed. Make the front of the house look somewhat hospitable. And I did. Before I got Andrew picked up, too. But barely...
Sped off to get to school for the 2:45 pickup which truly had been closer to 2:40 lately. When I got there, the class was out and Andrew was waiting with Will and his mom. Evidently Andrew had handed his info card (a business card with my name and his and our address/numbers on it) to Will so we could set up a play. Will's mom, Belinda decided to wait and see if Andrew could just go home with them. How nice. He was so excited. Off he went with a promise to be dropped off at 4:45. Emmalee was going to Bella's house for a play, so I had about 2 more hours of unpacking on my own. YIPEE!!!

Play with Olivia

Emmalee's playdate with Olivia at the park this afternoon fell through. Evidently her mum had a headache or cramps or something. Not really sure. Olivia's dad met us after school to break the news to the girls. You should have seen the dissapointment on their faces. I offered to take Olivia back to our house and let the girls play -- he took me up on the offer and excitement ensued. Emme and Olivia walked home holding hands. Even though they are about the same age and in the same class, Emmalee towers over Olivia.
Olivia will be a good friend for Emme to have. She has been thru the move only one year earlier. She moved here a year ago from England. So she knows the container with all your 'stuff', leaving family behind, etc. Plus, the more little girlfriends she gets, the less she bugs us for a little sister.
When they got home immediately they went for the dress-up clothes. Olivia was Ariel the Little Mermaid and Emmalee was a princess of some sort. Then then went on a picnic. It was definitely a good thing that we didn't do the park anyway since quite a thunder and lightning storm kicked up around 3:45. Didn't rain much, but the lightning was something. So, the girls played and played. When Olivia's mom came to pick her up at 5, she definitely didn't want to go home. That's a great thing...

Unpacking -- Day One

Today after walking the kids to school, I decided to undertake the ginormous task of unpacking all by myself. All we did last night was get the bedding out so we could all sleep gloriously on our beds. Oh, and try to find glasses, silverware and bowls so we could have breakfast in the morning.
But before unpacking, I had to run to the grocery store. Seems I was so busy with the move on Tuesday that I didn't realize that we had NO BREAD for lunches for the kids. Had to send them off with only morning tea and promise to drop off their lunches as soon as I found food. OOOOOPS! Talk about a one track mind. All I could think about was getting things unpacked and getting a little settled. Never thought to look for bread. That, and Jim made a sandwich for his lunch and didn't happen to mention that he took the last of the bread. Hmmmmm...
So, unpacking began at 11:30 and went through till 2:30 when I had to go pick up Andrew. Emmalee had a playdate scheduled at the park with Olivia from school, so I figured that was it for my unpacking for the day. Got a good start on the dining room, family room, Andrew's room and parts of the kitchen. Tons of boxes and even more paper. Thank goodness they recycle.

Swimways Swim School

Today was the first day of swim lessons for the kids. I found a swim school at the Willoughby Leisure Center, just 5 minutes from the house and they had spots open for the kids at the same time on Tuesday afternoons. Right after drama, but I figured get all of the activities out of the way on one day.
Ended up being half an hour early since we went to drama and never found the place. The navigation let us down. Took us to someone's house in the wrong area and when I called, all I got was the answering machine. Oh well, kids needed the down time anyway. Andrew fell asleep in the car not long after we left the house. Got a little rested up for swimming.
So, being early for swimming meant that they could play in the water for a while before lessons. Probably a good thing just to get them acclimated to the water some. Not just jumping right in. At 5:30 walked Emme over to her lane and then took Andrew over to his area. He was alot more hesitant to go to swim lessons than to Kindergarten. In fact, he broke down crying 10 minutes into the lessons when he didn't see where I was sitting and thought I didn't come back to watch him. He just didn't know where I was sitting.
The lessons look really good. In fact, Andrew was even working on the arm motions to the crawl stroke in this basic preschool class. There are three total in his class. In Emme's I think there are about 7 kids and they are in a little deeper water. Not sure about what they are doing because I stayed with Andrew's area the whole time so that he would keep swimming.

Moving Day Part II

9am on the head, the movers showed up with a 20ft container. Evidently, when our stuff arrives in port, customs divides up what they want to go through and instead of us getting everything back in a 40ft container, we get two 20ft containers -- one that has been searched and the other that hasn't I guess.
I had been preparing for a while. Moved all the rental stuff I could out of the house. Talked the movers into getting the beds, couches and kitchen table out so that we could get OUR stuff in. The rental company couldn't make it until after noon, so we looked like white trash with furniture thrown out on the porch, front lawn and boxes all over the place. Oh well. Don't even know if they have such things here.
Tiffany came over around 11 to sit and keep me company and then help out when the kids got out of school. Figured I couldn't leave to pick them up if the movers were still here and that was a big 45 minute window that I would be gone for.
298 boxes later, we were done. I have to say it went quite smoothly. They guys were actually done by 3:10 and on the road. I chose not to have them unpack anything other than the furniture. For one thing, they really didn't know what they were doing when it came to building anything. The bunkbed and the dining room table really gave them headaches. And as for the kitchen boxes... well, I figured I didn't know where everything was going to go and we don't have alot of counter space, so there was no point in having them unpack and set things on the floor and just take up space. They unpacked the furniture, beds, pictures and a few things. But otherwise, they said they would come back at least twice for pick-up of the boxes. Have to say, it was quite funny watching them try to get the couch into the house. Could hardly get it into the Grayslake house and it was just as bad here!!!

Another Manic Monday

It may be Superbowl Sunday in the States, but it is Manic Monday over here. Got the kids off to school. Decided not to head over to the Superbowl party at Darling Harbour with the other ex-pats because I had too much work to do on the computer and around the house. Plus, the Foxtel cable guy was supposed to come between 12 and 5 to install IQ, which is like TiVo. Didn't want to miss him. So, I stayed home. Good thing I did... Jim called around 10:30 to tell me that our container had cleared quarantine and that it was set for delivery Tuesday at 9am!!!!!!!!!
So, time to start cleaning up all the rental crap. Pack away all the awful kitchen stuff. Had half of it in boxes by noon. The rest was done by 8pm tonight. Hallelujah! Nightstands are out on the porch along with the coffee table. Unfortunately the rental company can't make it out on such short notice -- they prefer 4 days to pick things up -- so they won't be out till noon. So, I am getting as much stuff out of the house before the movers show up as I can. No reason to confuse or clutter the house mess more than it will be. You know a 40ft container is going to hold alot of clutter! Will definitely post photos tomorrow.
Now the bad new... Had to sneak out of the house to pick up the kids. Only gone long enough to do that. Left a nice note for the Foxtel guy taped to the front door with my mobile number and everything explaining where I went and when I would be back. Did he wait? Did he call? Nope! Called the house and left a message so fast I still can't figure out the number he left. UGH! So, no IQ. Had to sit and beg and plead to get a new appointment which the 1st available isn't until the 22nd of Feb. I said no way, that was unacceptable. Explained all that happened. Told them I wanted to do it myself. Said it would cost me $50 instead of the free install. Went around and around with them. After about 45 minutes, I think I wore the guy out and he said they would post one out to me. We'll see... Keep you updated on that too.

Rocks Markets

Sunday after church we went downtown to the Rocks Market. They are a more artisan marketplace that run every Saturday and Sunday in the old historic section of the Rocks. Jim and I had been there before when we were house-hunting and I needed to pick up some things that I remembered they had there. So, I told him that I wanted to run down there. When Emme heard I wanted to go to a market, she decided it would be a family trip.As with Jim, there is no way he will park in a paid lot unless it is the last place on earth to park, so we drove a bit looking for spots. Found an area on the main road that usually has parking but was marked for some strange reason Clearaway (no parking) from 1am-10pm on Sunday. But there was a line of cars parked there. He thought, well if everyone else is there, it should be ok. I thought differently and convinced him to try elsewhere. He dropped me and the kids off at the markets and went off in search of another more legal spot. Took a while, but he eventually found one over by the Bridge. Good thing, too because later when we separated so I could do some real shopping, I wandered past and watched the last of THOSE cars being towed away. They don't just ticket here in Sydney -- if it says CLEARAWAY, they mean it!
Like I said, decided it was in my best interest to split up if I was ever going to actually get to look at any of the booths, so Jim took the kids off and I went off treasure hunting. Found some great things. Would love to share with you, but some may be returning back to the states... and don't want to spoil any surprises! But it's definitely a market not to be missed when you visit. There was a HUGE cruise ship docked at the quay so there were tons of people shopping, which made it a little more difficult to navigate, but other than that, a great shopping afternoon.

Freshwater Beach

Another great Saturday beach day. Today we decided to go to Freshwater Beach with the Youngs. They had made plans to meet another set of their friends, Julie and Keith and their two daughters, who moved here with Yahoo.com about a year ago. Headed out around 11 with Ali Young in the car with us, too. Trunk was packed with all our beach goodies -- boogie boards, towels, lunch, our new UV tent to keep the sun off of us and sand toys. We were set to go.
Found the beach with no problems. Even got FREE parking. YIPEE!!!!!! That's always a plus. Short walk to the beach and found beautiful sand and a gorgeous beach. Parked our stuff in front of the surf lifesavers and made base there for the day. Off went the kids and we were having our beach day.
Around 2 Jim and Kathy Young arrived with Sara to join us after Sara's first footie game (Rugby), so we had 4 ex-pat families hanging out on the beach together. Was great. Tons of fun. Only thing that sucked was that I forgot the backpack I had carefully packed with my camera. So no photos of this day's events. Sorry!

The things kids say...

Today while we were waiting for Emmalee to be done with school we were playing at the park. Andrew was climbing a tree. Next thing I knew he came walking over to me and said, "Something magical fell from the sky on me!"
Was bird poo!

lavenderblue

Had lunch today with Tiffany. First official lunch without the kids. How free feeling. Funny thing was still had to keep checking my watch because I knew I had to be back to pick up Andrew and didn't want to be late picking him up.Walked down to this cute little restaurant in her neighborhood, lavenderblue. Its a little bistro appropriately named because its located on Blues Point Rd and Lavender Rd right near their house. Had a entree of salt and pepper tempura prawns and rocket salad and a Thai beef salad for lunch. Still trying to get used to calling the appetizer the 'entree' here. Both were really good. Tiffany had a leek and something or other ravioli for her entree and it was spectacular. She had had it before, so she knew what she was doing.It was really nice to have a girlfriend here to just sit and chat with. We talked about here and home and everything in between. Two and a half hours just flew by. We made plans to go out Saturday night with the boys in Bahlmain for Thai and check that area out. Jim and I already have a sitter so that should be fun.

Head Shoulders Knees and Toes... Japanese Style

Andrew and Emme had a new lesson on Thursday that I forgot to post about. They had their first Japanese lesson of the year. Evidently that is one of the lessons they will get every week. And for Andrew's first lesson on the week, he learned:

• Cat
• Dog
• Hello
• Goodbye
• and the Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes song
  

Emmalee on the other hand was working on Japanese characters and writing her name. Since there is no word for Emmalee, she had to settle for her alter ego "Emily", which was fine with her.

February 1

I know, its a boring heading, but now that school has started, the days may not be as exciting.
Today was a full day for both kids. Funny thing is ever since we moved here all I wanted was for them to sleep past 7am. No dice. But, now that school has started, today they slept till 8am. You bet... they are on the school sleep schedule. All that learning must have worn them out!
Made it to school with about 10 minutes to play before the morning bell at 9:10am. Emmalee walked Andrew up to his classroom (which will be standard procedure I think for the rest of the year) and then ran up to the quad for line up with the rest of the kids. Drop off was quite simple this morning. She was more excited for today because on Wednesday she had met a girl in class named Olivia who was shaping up to be a friend. She also said that she thinks she herself is one of the tallest girls in the class (uh oh!).
Its fun to watch the morning line-up with all the children in the quad lining up on the lines with the teachers and saying 'hello' in their aussie accents to the principal before heading off to class. I expected a pledge of allegiance to the flag or something but none of that yet.
The rest of the day was spent running errands -- had to pick up prescriptions for myself, some plasticware for the kids lunchboxes -- Australia is very big on environmentalism so they frown upon baggies and such... its better to send lunch items in plastic boxes/containers that can be washed and reused, and just the normal household stuff like laundry and such. Still had to be back by 2:45 for the pick-up. Andrew was all smiles and at 3:10 so was Emmalee. She introduced me to Olivia and her 'mum' so we can arrange a play at some time in the near future. Glad that Emmalee is happier now! Keep those happy thoughts coming. I think they worked!!!!