Rhomberg Party

Mary had planned a little get-together for everyone here in Iowa that could make it so we could see lots of people at one time. Planned it for 4pm. Sent out the invitations a couple of weeks ago. And then managed to get the food prepared ahead of time while having 5 grandkids stay with her. WHOA!
My parents drove out for the party as did Patricia and Auss. I think those were the furthest travellers for the party. But I think there were probably 70 or so people when the day was said and done.
We had the traditional/famous Dubuque turkey and stuffing sandwiches along with hot wings. That was after the feast of appetizers which included artichoke dip, cheese/crackers, pinwheel sandwiches, taco dip, sausages, shrimp and more. Not sure whether we went through more food or more drinks when the night was over. I know I took out a tray and a half full of empty cans for the recycle. And those were the non-alcoholic drinks!
We even got a magic show from Alex and Emmalee!
Fr. Dan from Bill & Mary's church stopped over just as the party wound down. The advantage to that is its not so crazy and he just sat and visited with B&M. The lightning bugs were out and the kids were having fun catching them. A perfect summer day and a great summer night.

Happy Joe's

Dinner tonight was the traditional Happy Joe's meal. Bill went out and picked up two pizzas. Cheese and sausage for the kids. The large pizza was half and half. Half Canadian bacon and sauerkraut and then the other half was BLT. Jim and I devoured the CB&T pizza. I don't really like the BLT pizza -- lettuce, tomato, bacon and mayo. Just not my style. But tons of people like it. Kids wanted to know where the chips were. No taco pizza since Bill & Leslie aren't here. How funny they remember that!!!

Off to Dubuque

This morning we slept in a bit. The stupid alarm went off at 7.45am since I didn't turn it off from yesterday. But we both fell back asleep. Thankfully! After getting home at 1am we were both beat. These late nights are killing me.
Packed up. Had Jim call Am Ex to see about moving his departure date from Mon to Tues. And to see if they cover any of my expenses since the suitcase appears to be gone. Long gone.
11.30 headed out. Stopped in Beloit and grabbed a snack roll for lunch and an Extra Large Minute Maid Lemonade. YUMMY!!! Jim had an iced coffee and said it was pretty good too.
Made it to Dubuque by 3pm. Smooth sailing. The weather was perfect and I almost stopped the truck a couple of times so I could photograph the clouds. They were like Simpsons Clouds with the sky so blue and the clouds so fluffy.

Long Day

Had to set the alarm to wake us this morning. Jim wasn't' thinking when he scheduled a 9am meeting at Abbott Park. That meant we had to leave by 8.15am. Waaaaaaaay too early when we were up so late.
Got him to the Park on time. Then I headed over to Sam's Club for a little shopping. Found a bunch of stuff, but narrowed it down to less. Speedo swimsuits for Emme for next year at $10 a piece. Flip flops for $10 for me. Lipton Soup mix which I can't find in AUS. A few book sets that are much cheaper and we can't get in AUS. Now it will be a matter of getting it all to fit back in our suitcases or boxes.
Went to Dr. Woods. Clean bill of health.
Off to Wal-mart and Kohl's to check out the bargains. Needed more necessities since NO SUITCASE YET! Its amazing how much you think you didn't pack but when you sit down to think about it, there is a bunch. I think my suitcase was only 1/2 to 1/3 full of my stuff and the rest was presents and clothes for Marci. Makes me mad. I really need to make a list of what is in there.
Went back to mom & dad's and laid down for a quick nap. Jim woke me to say pick him up at 6.30. Then we were off to Joel & Ingrid's in Barrington to see their new house and go out for dinner. Had to bring Jim's sandals because he bought himself shoes that were 10 1/2 instead of 11's and he had huge blisters from wearing them for the 1st time today.

Suitcase Watch 2007 Part III

It's now Thursday and the suitcase is officially MIA. United gives me the pre-written apology which isn't even heartfelt. They say they will put out an urgent message to all airports to look for it. But I am not having a good feeling about it.
Have to file another claim -- basically same as before but a little more in detail. Nothing like losing the suitcase on its 2nd flight ever. It was full with a few of my clothes, souvineers, power cords for all of our electronics and my brand new sandals and makeup. Man, this sucks. Everytime I go to get something I remember that I don't have a bag.

...and a movie

Jeff and Joyce invited Jim and I to hang out after the meeting to visit. It was nice to just sit and chat. Part way through after Jim had settled comfortably, probably too comfortably, into their entertainment chairs in the living room, Jeff offered to have us stay for a movie on their big giant TV. Jim said sure, so we did.
The movie was Grandma's Boy, which was an awful movie. Quite raunchy... part 40 year old virgin, American Pie and Up in Smoke. With a little Office Space rolled in. The DVD skipped a few times, so we asked for our money back... but all was got was no refund... just two free movies next time. :) But the refreshments were great -- Wine for Jim, water for me and freshly popped buttered popcorn. YUM!
Unfortunately, the movie didn't end until almost 11.30 so it was a Loooooooooooong drive home. Those are really long 20 miles that drag into a good 30 minutes... In the dark, looking for deer. Saw a few, but none were dumb enough to wander into the road thankfully.

Grayslake Youth Center

Tonight I surprised Joyce and the GYC board by showing up for a board meeting this year. I even RSVP'd by email but they didn't believe me.
Right at 7pm I walked in, said hello and I think I could have knocked Joyce and Jeff over with a feather. They thought my email was joking. Ha! It was great to see everyone.
Just slid right back into the swing of things. Board meeting started around 7.30 and it was lively. Joyce said livelier than it has been in a while. And they said since I can come 22 hours by plane for a meeting AND get there on time, no one else has an excuse anymore! How funny...
The center is moving along slowly but surely. Hope to be able to see the building before I go back. The plans sound great.

Hand Off

The kids have been handed off to the Dubuque Rhombergs. Grandma Rhomberg met Jim in Beloit to pick up the kids she has been waiting 7 months to see. They were so excited to see her and to go back and hang out with them and their cousins.

Travel Bugs

Since Andrew was up half of the night with a sore throat and his head all clogged up, I figured I better call the ENT before the kids went to Dubuque for the weekend and really got run down.
Got in at 2pm, so we had to delay the Beloit hand off by a bit. Jim didn't really believe me when I said a 2pm appointment wouldn't get us out of there before 3.15.
Right around 3ish we got into see Dr. Pollock. Emmalee went first and he gave her a clean bill of health.
Then Andrew hopped up. I figured he may have not totally cleared the previous infection in his ears although he said he felt fine on the plane ride over. Dr. Pollock pulled the last remaining tube from his right ear -- it has been sitting precariously on the edge since we moved away and never fell out. Then he turned Andrew's head and cleaned out a layer of dried infectious gunk. Said he still had an infection. UGH. And a sinus infection. YIPEE. 2 weeks of Bactrim for him. And a date on the 10th of July for new ear tubes. Gotta squeeze in the surgery before we move back.
He then used a tuning fork to test his hearing. Something about louded when its in front of the ear than when it is touched behind the ear. Andrew failed to hear the correct difference so Dr. Pollock said let's have Mommy do it to show you how. Needless to say, I FAILED. Worse than Andrew... so I had to hop up and get checked out. Walked out with a sinus infection diagnosis. That would explain the cough, sore throat and lack of voice I had. So, 2 weeks of Bactrim for me also! No sun exposure for either of us. UGH!!!!!

I Want to Be An American Girl

Today was decided to be the 'official' birthday party for Emmalee at the American Girl Place in Chicago. She has been dreaming/planning this since we moved to Australia. All she wanted to do was take Brie and Maryssa with her and hang out at the store. Have tea with her girl Nikki, pick out stuff (a new doll maybe???) and just spend time with Brianna and Maryssa.

We got to the store by 11 and walked up to make a lunch reservation at the restaurant. Was told it was sold out until 4. UGH. I put our name on the 12.30 waiting list and crossed my fingers. We actually made it in. What a miracle since Emmalee had her heart set on tea.
The actual dining room was amazing. Red and white and black. Flowers on the hanging lights, cute little hair scrunchies for napkin rings and seats for the dolls. Yes, seats for the dolls.
We ordered lunch and for the 1st course everyone gets a cinnamon bun. Then they bring out the appetizer of fruit kebabs and veggies. Very fancy looking. Lunch was OK -- kids liked it. Then dessert was served --cookies and chocolate mousse for dessert. Even with a candle to celebrate Emme's birthday unofficially. She loved it.

Suitcase Watch 2007 Part II

Today, while I was out there were two deliveries. Greatly anticipated deliveries. I have been waiting for a new Dell laptop computer, our pre-paid mobile phone AND my suitcase.
The trucks were lined up in the driveway patiently (?) waiting their turn to deliver.
So, what did I get??? My laptop and our phone...

NO SUITCASE

Sleep.....

ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Boy everyone must have been tired. I got up a little after 11 this morning and no one else in the Rhomberg family was awake yet. I attempted to wake Jim. He even said he could have slept another couple of hours. Then I opened the shades for Emmalee and Andrew to try to wake the gently. Emmalee finally woke a little after 11.30. Andrew didn't grace us with his presence until almost noon. WHOA!!! Thats amazing. Bet it won't happen again. Nothing like a time change to get the kids to sleep in.

Better than airplane food

Dad made us his special cranberry and pecan pancakes for brunch. Along with an egg/gyro strata and hash browns. They were really really good. Or we were really really hungry. But I think they were really good.
Funny thing is someone asked Andrew if Grandpa's brunch was good and he replied, "Its better than airplane food!" I am sure it was supposed to be a compliment, but based on what we were served in coach, just about anything is better than airplane food...

Afternoon with Friends

Today we spent basically the whole day over in Grayslake. Went over to Shannon & Mike's to hang out and let the kids play. That was the only way we could get them to separate at the airport!!!
Finally got everyone up and out of the house by 2pm. I guess Brie was waiting for Emmalee on the front step because when we pulled up, she came running as soon as she recognized who was getting out of the car.
The kids just fell right back into their groove. Playing with the Skinners like no time has passed at all. Shannon and Mike had finished their backyard, so this was the first time I had seen it in person -- not just in photographs. Jim got a Blue Moon beer complete with an orange wedge. I stuck with water -- still dehydrated and dealing with jet lag.
Jim and I ran out to Kohl's for a quick outfit since United owed me some clothes. Got a few essentials, saving the receipt for reimbursement. Got back and ran into Nicole and Randy. Said hello and then Crystal and Brad drove up. So we got to see a few friends in the neighborhood without even trying.
Mike cooked an awesome steak dinner for the grownups and had some of the Cheesecake Factory bread rolls that his company makes. YUMMMMY!!! Since Shannon and Mike are on low-carb, Jim and I got to enjoy those ourselves.
The kids played on our old play set (looks great in their backyard), sat in the hammock and read (and fell over many many times) and just played. Just a normal summer day. Wish there were more of those. If we hadn't moved, that would be what most of our days would be like.
Finally dragged the kids out of there around 9. The fireflies were out and they were trying to chase and catch them. Emmalee had been wanting to do that for a while.
All three kids ended up falling asleep on the drive back home... yes that includes Jim. As soon as we got here the kids woke up and then were hungry hungry. Yogurt and snacks before bed. I was so tired Gramma ended up putting them to bed for us. I think Emmalee finally fell asleep at midnight after asking Jim to snuggle.

Suitcase Watch 2007

Well, arrived with no suitcase and have been assured it will be there on Sunday

...no suitcase.

We have landed

The Rhombergs are officially back on US soil. Our flights got in a little early each time so we made it to O'Hare by 7.35 instead of 8.05. Very nice.
Since I had know since San Francisco that MY SUITCASE was not sent from Sydney, I had the paperwork in hand to go straight to the customer service counter to start the process of retreiving it. I made a beeline into the office and didn't even see who was waiting for us at the airport... Shannon had brought the girls to suprise us. It was an even bigger surprise since I thought they had left for Canada the day before. Wasn't looking for anyone, so I didn't see a thing. Luckily the kids saw her kids (although she was watching so she saw us!). Talk about a surprise!!! A tear-jerker. I couldn't believe it. Kept hugging her and crying -- both of us.
...more later.

U-Thong... or kids run free in Thai

We decided to go out for dinner tonight since I didn't want to deal with dishes or leftovers the night before we are going out town. I actually spent a great deal of time cleaning up the kitchen. Its actually spotless. (I should take a photo because it'll never be this neat again!!! Clean, yes -- neat, no.)
I had planted the seed with Sarah and David and Sophie and John that we might try this Thai place in Cammeray that S&D had said was good for families on Friday nights. They said they would try to meet us but weren't sure since Katelyn was home sick from school today. Sophie thought it might be a good idea since her kitchen wasn't unpacked after moving to a new house yesterday.We got there a little after 6.15 and the place was almost deserted. Found a table where we sit on cushions on the floor. Fun for the kids, not so good for Jim. He wasn't sure he would be able to get up again after we were done.
At 6.40 Sophie called to say they were coming after all, so we reserved a table for them next to us and waited. Our food came out before they got there, so we had pretty much finished eating before they arrived. Good for keeping them company, bad for hospitality purposes I suppose. They had brought Archie instead of Jacquline, so it was 3 boys and Emmalee. Quite a sight. Then there was a little boy just learning to walk wandering (under the watchful eye of his parents) who was just taken with Emmalee. He kept walking up to her and sitting on her lap. In her words, "All little boys, even if they don't know me, like me!" It was so cute.This place was great though, since it didn't seem to matter how loud anyone was or if the kids moved around. So, we had less to worry about when they were waiting for their food. They kids just wandered and played and had fun. It was great. The adults just got to hang out, drink a little wine and chat. Very nice.A great way to spend our last night here. In the company of good friends. And I think it was good for the kids, too. They had fun with their buddies and will go off to the boring plane with happy, fun thoughts of the night before. Now we just have to cross our fingers that they will handle the flight OK.

Eddy the Teddy

Eddy the Teddy has come for a visit. His adventures with the Rhomberg's are beginning and I understand he is excited to join us on our trip to the US since he has never been to the States before. I guess he'll have to start being part of the blog as his adventures join ours...

Spa Party

Today after school Emmalee was invited to Stephanie's birthday party. It was listed as a Spa Pampering Party. Well, that sort of description is right up Emmalee's alley, that's for sure. So, as I drive her there she is frantically changing out of her uniform into 'mufti' or normal girl clothes and telling me that she is going to get her nails done, make-up and hair styling. A real girls' dream come true. Sounds like a loud sort of party after our little tea party adventure if you ask me.
We pull up (late of course because we stopped to talk with the new girl, Violet, and her mom) and its at this gorgeous 'mansion' overlooking the spit waterway. WOW. Even Emmalee commented on the house.
All the other girls are there and we were just in time for the pampering to begin. I left her to join the nail painting and more. When we went back to pick her up, the 7 year old girl we dropped off was no more. She left with painted toes, painted nails, styled hair and MASCARA. Boy was she excited. She even ate a cupcake. Which I would say made it a really great party considering she never eats cupcakes or icing anywhere, not even her own party!!!

Hip Hip Hooray!

Today Emmalee has 'graduated'. She was tested out of Reading Recovery. I knew it would happen this week, but when I went to school to teach religion, Miss Rees said she might actually be tested TODAY!!! And there she went with Mr. Franki right after religion started. Kissed her on the head and wished her luck...
When I picked her up (in the rain) after school she said that she read with Mrs. Mossel and was tested on a level 19 book. And did wonderfully. So she has completed Reading Recovery and should be reading at a level somewhat on par with other year one children.
She came home with a sticker from Mrs. Donlan the Principal and from Mrs. Mossel the assistant Principal to congratulate her achievement. Then Thursday at the K-2 assembly she will receive an award for her completion.
Now we just need to keep her on the reading movement and interested in reading!
Hip Hip Hooray Emmalee!!!!!

Alexandrew

You would think that after 7 years, my daughter would have a better grasp of the English language. Or at least the name of one of her cousins.
Emmalee and Andrew were discussing how much they missed their Rhomberg cousins. And then Andrew asked which one, to which Emmalee replied, "Why, I miss Alexandrew and Joe and Abby." I thought that was something she did when she was using baby-talk. But this was a real normal conversation. She normally calls him just Alex. So I think she thinks his full name truly is, Alexandrew -- not Alexander.

The beauty in autumn

With all the showers and dreary weather, there is still beauty all around us here.

I have been thinking alot of the landscaping that I grudging left behind in Grayslake -- not being able to see it change with the seasons. Not seeing the 2nd and 3rd years of maturity happen. After all my fussing and complaining, I had gotten the yard I wanted and then had to leave it behind. HMPFFF.....

Well, even though we have had torrential downpours and 80kph winds, this tree/bush in our back yard right off of the deck has produce some enormous flowers. I am guessing they are a type of magnolia. Funny thing is that it looks like a tulip magnolia -- the kind I didn't want in the yard in Grayslake. Yet here it is blooming in the fall here in Northbridge. And I am happy to watch it bloom -- because it reminds me of the landscaping at home and the things that are growing while we are away.

It's just another Sunday here

Unfortunately for Jim, Sunday June 17th is just another day of the week here. The big exception is that he isn't working. No fathers day here. At least not until the first Sunday in September. So he will have to wait. No double celebrating for him either -- they don't have a separate day for mothers day, so I don't see a reason to do it for him :)

Paint the Town

Wow. That is all I can say for this event. It was really well put together. As soon as we walked in the door we were hit up to buy a square on a board to win a portion of the 'pot'. The rest would go to the school. I picked 47 for our house number here -- didn't win of course.
We sat with Sophie & John, Letetia & Andrew and Sarah & David. It was a 4 course dinner with red and white wine. Quite fancy schmancy. Had pumpkin soup for the starter, so not so good for me. I got the rib-eye and Jim got the barramundi by how we were sitting, so I got lucky. The desserts were a sour cream chocolate cake and a lemon tart with passionfruit coulis.
There were 6 tables of silent auction items set up. Tons of stuff. Those stayed open until 10.30. We were watching a few things, including a few for Grace's mom since they couldn't go. They didn't get anything, but we went home with a pampering basket for me that included a pedicure (YIPEE!!), a golf club trial membership for Jim and a cool glass purse vase that was used for a centerpiece. Also they sold envelopes for $20, $40 and $50. Inside you would win prizes worth at least the amount you put in... we got $50 Bonza Brats bucks for a $40 donation. Its a kids boutique. Don't normally shop there, but won't hurt to have 'free money' :).
As for the platter -- got Biddy's laptop there by 7 and set up the slideshow so people could see their children in action painting the platter. It was gorgeous. Naomi's mom started the bidding at $200, which made it kinda rich for my blood right off the bat. So I hung around and waited. No bid for a long time. Tilly's mom came later on and hit $210. Eventually I broke down and bid $225. Tilly's mom is another ex-pat (from London), and we were going to get into a bidding war I could see. Then she gave me the sob story that they are moving back next year and she wanted that momento. UGH. I fell for it. I let her bid out at $255 and promised I wouldn't out bid her. I am a sucker. So she won and I have all the photos. Guess I am a nice person but platterless!

Paint the Town

Tonight is the school fundraiser. Wet, rainy 57 degrees. Should be fun. We get to bid at the auction for Nicole and Tony Mattani -- they couldn't get tickets/sitter to be able to go.
Hard thing is that she wants the KJ platter too -- and I know the top bidding amount she will do. Kinda hard since I get to put her bid in at the last minute. Not sure how to explain IF (and thats a big IF) we get the platter.

Uh Oh... Here we go again

Well, autumn has truly set in here. Andrew woke up at midnight crying. Couldn't figure out what was wrong. Said his ear and his throat hurt, so I figured he has picked up one of the many bugs flying around school. Took him him into bed with us, gave him ibuprofen and tried to calm him.
The ibuprofen helped some. Then at 2 Emmalee came in. So Jim took her back to bed and decided it might be calmer for him to sleep somewhere else. Andrew was not sleeping comfortably...
Around 3.30 he woke and said his ear was really, really hurting. Not much I could do. Off and on we 'attempted' to sleep. By 5 he was really complaining and said his inside left ear was wet. On went the lights and he was right. Looked like it was draining. I couldn't remember which ear had the tube that was falling out and which one didn't get one June '06. The 5.30 ibuprofen helped, but no more sleep. UGH!!! But on the bright side, he said his ear was feeling better...
Called the doctor and made a 10.45 appointment. Well, mom was right again. Looks like his left ear burst to let out the gunk. He has a middle ear infection in the left ear. Really large lymph nodes, but his throat looks good. So I guess it hurt because of the ear pain.
So, now 5 ml of Augmentin a day and cipro ear drops until his ear quits running. Good thing I made an appointment with Dr. Pollock when we get back.

Update, part deux

No soccer again this weekend due to wet weather and squishy fields! Kids are happy. Parents are happier!

Update!

The heaters warmed wonderfully. Went to bed with 63 degrees and woke up nice and toasty. Almost too toasty. But not to complain. Was much better than its been the last few weeks. Now I just need to get Andrew to sleep without the hat...

It's Raining AGAIN

Forecast for the next 7 days...

Thursday Rain. High: 57° F. / 14° C. Wind WSW 15 mph. / 25 km/h. Chance of precipitation 70%.
Thursday Night Rain. Low: 50° F. / 10° C. Wind South 13 mph. / 21 km/h. Chance of precipitation 80%.
Friday Rain. High: 59° F. / 15° C. Wind SSW 11 mph. / 18 km/h. Chance of precipitation 80%.
Friday Night Rain. Low: 53° F. / 12° C. Wind SSW 17 mph. / 28 km/h. Chance of precipitation 80%.
Saturday Rain. High: 59° F. / 15° C. Wind South 22 mph. / 36 km/h. Chance of precipitation 70%.
Saturday Night Rain. Low: 51° F. / 11° C. Wind SW 17 mph. / 28 km/h. Chance of precipitation 70%.
Sunday Rain. High: 60° F. / 16° C. Wind SSW 22 mph. / 36 km/h. Chance of precipitation 70%.
Sunday Night Rain. Partly Cloudy. Low: 50° F. / 10° C. Wind SW 15 mph. / 25 km/h. Chance of precipitation 60%.
Monday Rain. Partly Cloudy. High: 59° F. / 15° C. Wind WSW 11 mph. / 18 km/h. Chance of precipitation 60%.
Monday Night Chance of Rain. Scattered Clouds. Low: 48° F. / 9° C. Wind W 6 mph. / 10 km/h. Chance of precipitation 50%.
Tuesday Chance of Rain. Partly Cloudy. High: 55° F. / 13° C. Wind WNW 13 mph. / 21 km/h. Chance of precipitation 40%.
Tuesday Night Rain. Low: 44° F. / 7° C. Wind SW 11 mph. / 18 km/h. Chance of precipitation 70%.

And how much will be caught in the catchment??? Have to guess not much...

Something is not so tropical about this picture

When I agreed to move here, I was told it would be a warm, tropical climate. In fact, when we were packing up the house, a hubby birdy said, "Go ahead and pack your sweaters for storage. You won't need them for more than a week or two there. It doesn't get cold there." So I naively listened to him... Now, Andrew and I beg to differ...

It was 57 degrees in the bedrooms going to bed last night and 54 degrees when we woke up. Only 9 degrees colder outside!!!

In fact, I told Andrew that if he was so cold when he was going to sleep that putting on a stocking cap like Grampy LeRoy would help keep the heat in. He wasn't so sure, so when we tucked him in, he had removed it. But not 2 hours later when I went to check on him, this is how I found him... sleeping soundly under 9 layers of blankets and flannel sheets. And there he stayed for 12 hours solid. YEAH. First night of sleeping through in weeks.

Needless to say, I went out and bought three ceramic heaters today. Hopefully they will warm the bedrooms a bit.

Happy 7th Birthday Emmalee

Today we celebrated your birthday with sugar cookies for breakfast. Yes, this time you were the lucky birthday child who got to eat the birthday treat for breakfast, while your sibling didn't. You chose to take in home-made sugar cookies with sprinkles on them -- without frosting. Because, get this -- you aren't going to believe this when you read this later on -- you don't like frosting or icing!!! So no one else gets any either.
You woke up and had two happy birthday songs from mom, dad and Andrew before 7am. Then Grandma and Grandpa Rhomberg called and sang Happy Birthday to you again from across the world. You told them all about your plans for the day and for when we go back to see them in 10 days. (Not that you are counting or anything!)
You informed us that your choice for dinner tonight would be Pizza Tutti here in Northbridge with gelatti for dessert rather than a cake. Easier for me. And I guess since you already blew out your candles at your birthday party on Saturday and you will definitely get more in Dubuque, I won't throw a fuss about not having any cake and candles for you tonight.
When I picked you up from school you had on multiple birthday stickers. Evidently you visited lots of classrooms while handing out cookies. You even went to see Mrs. Donlan and told her about your plans for the evening. She wished you a happy birthday and said she expected a full report about how the night was when you come back to school on Thursday. I really think that NPS is a great school for you and your esteem. You are known and you know people. I can see the twinkle in your eyes when you are there and it is great.
Dad was home by 6 and off we went to Pizza Tutti. Ordered your cheese pizza and lemonade (which is technically Sprite here -- another strange thing!). Opened your presents from Grammy and Grampy, Grandma and Grandpa Rhomberg and the Schroeders. You loved it all. Clothes, jewelry, polly pockets with pets, doll clothes, nail stuff, address book and computer games... what's not to love???
To finish the evening off you got a double scoop of mint chip and chocolate gelatti and we sang Happy Birthday to you. I think you had a great day. We hope you did too!

11 days and counting

This morning I found Emmalee in her room before school still in her jammies. She was supposed to be getting dressed for school. Of course she wasn't doing that. She was drawing an American Flag on the 23rd of June and writing go to the USA on that date. Then counting backwards to today. I thought Andrew and I were the only ones...

Queen's Birthday

Today is another one of the goofy local holidays. Technically Australia is not under the rule of Queen Elizabeth. But they celebrate her 'birthday'. From what I understand, not even England does that. But, here they do. So we have the 2nd Monday of June off. No work for regular people. And as you know, that doesn't apply to Jim. We got a wrong number call at 6am, so he was wide awake. Figured he might as well just get up then, since he was going to go into work anyway.
Off he went -- had hours of work to catch up on, just to be able to keep his head above water for the week. Its unbelievable. The more he works, the more work he has. I don't think the job was sold quite properly to me at least...
So to honor his working, I let the kids be lazy. They got to lay on the couch and watch TV Disney for as long as they wanted. Or till the Bartons called for a play date. Shuffled Emmalee off to play with Jacqueline and Sophie dropped Fraser off for Andrew. They both got a good 3 hours of playtime in before Jim cam back. Then it was off top play with daddy for a bit before it got dark. So he got a small part of the day off, but by no means a true holiday. It truly sucks.

Rain Rain Go Away

It has been raining since Wednesday night. I mean really, really raining. It started out as the night fall rain sort of a thing. But then it just kept on raining. And now its getting very old. And cold. There can be a pause in the rain and we think it is going to stop, then all of a sudden there is a deluge and it just buckets down. UGH.
For a country going through a drought, you would think that 4 1/2 days of solid rain would put a stop to the drought and maybe help put a dent into the empty dams. Or at least that is what Jim said. I begged to differ. I just knew they weren't 'catching' the rain water the way they should. That would be too easy.
Saw an article...

A Sydney Catchment Authority spokeswoman said the rain was "very welcome'' but would only lead to a "slight increase'' in the water level of Sydney's main dam. Go figure...

These are images from the storm.

The wharf in Cremorne, which is just a town or two over sunk during the storm...

Lifeguards at Bondi Beach attempt/struggle to put up the danger flags on the beach during the storm... (But serious, who would be in the water other than die hard surfers anyway???)

Lawn Bowling Is Cancelled Until Further Notice

Attention all Lawn Bowlers...
Lawn Bowling for the hubbies is cancelled until the rain clears up.... which appears to be sometime into the next century... Its too squishy to play. There is no way the greens will dry enough to roll your balls down the grass. And when the sun comes out long enough to dry them up, a quick shower rolls through to wet them down again... Guess it wasn't meant to be...

No Soccer

Fields are underwater... its still raining... need I say more???

Black and White Paintings

Spent a wet day at school finishing up the last two kindy classes black and white paintings with Sophie. Met her before morning tea in a huge downpour. We set up in one of the classrooms and decided to work with the children 8 at a time instead of the whole class. That way we could find out what they were painting AND have a little more control. Turned out to be even more helpful with 2 classes of kindy in one demountable...
The kids are quite creative. Some will copy others, but there was one little boy who painted Jesus. Plain and simple. Another painted a sword, a light saber and a traffic speed camera. Wonder what goes on in his cars at home??? Lots of love hearts from the girls. And still hard to decifer handwriting. Fun Fun Fun.

An excursion, not a field trip...

Today I got to accompany Emmalee and the entire year 1 class on their first excursion. It was to the New South Wales Art Gallery and the Botanic Gardens.

The morning was spent broken up into small groups of 4-6 students and parent helpers along with a gallery volunteer/guide to take the children around the gallery to introduce them to some of the artwork that is on display. Since they are studying wet/dry environments, that is one of the main focuses of the tour. We started with Aboriginal art and moved onto a display by a German artist who actually had a dead palm tree brought into the gallery and displayed 10 panels of clay and dried seeds and leaves and stuff. Well, actually 9 -- one was still in quarantine because it was sprouting something when it was shipped in!!!!

After the morning tour, we stopped on the gallery lawn and let the kids have a quick morning tea even though it wasn't scheduled. They were bored with the art. Except the boys who snickered at the nude statues -- I guess no one told them that statues often don't have clothes on and that they would be seeing genetaila up close and personal. You should have seen their eyes pop out and the giggling start...

After the snack we all grouped into the classes, so Emmalee got into Miss Rees' class group and we went over to the Botanic Gardens, which was basically across the street. We sat under the 'Womping Tree', named as such by Miss Rees because it looks like the tree from Harry Potter! After very little food was consumed the kids decided to run and play in the autumn leaves. It is so weird to see the fallen leaves on the ground. But it is my favorite 'time' of the year...

The guide was very good. She was from Bermuda, so she had an English accent but she really knew her stuff. She taught the kids alot, but didn't put up with them not listening or not paying attention. Especially when all they were interesting in in the beginning was the flying (foxes) bats that were all over...

We made it back in time for pick-up and we had a great day. I know Emmalee was excited that I could do that for her. Not sure why, but since she wanted me to be there, I do my best to be able to go. And its fun to see her in action with her friends.

UGH... I've caught the bug

I knew it had to happen. I wasn't going to stay immune to things forever. Last night I went to bed with a gurgling noise in my belly. Woke up a couple of times running to the toilet. And that was the end of it.
Got what Jim had last week. Spent the WHOLE ENTIRE day on the couch. Managed to get the kids to school and make it through reading groups and then the bottom fell out. Literally. UGH.

Ended up having Nicole take Andrew home from school to play with Grace so I didn't have to go out and get him. Just didn't feel like getting up off the couch. Emmalee was already going home with Olivia. Just... too... much... effort...

Called Jim at 4 and told him that he needed to go and pick them up because I didn't think I would even be able to make it long enough to pick the kids up and didn't want to get Nicole or Julia sick. And he did it. Picked the kids up, fed them and got them to bed. WHOA... Worked late, but did it.

Driving in Circles

I really should let Jim post this, but it probably would get wiped off the face of the Internet for fear of foul language. We decided to try and hit Hard Rock Cafe for their Nachos for a quick late lunch with the kids. It is down on the other side of the bridge and the last time we went down there, it was totally booked up and we couldn't get in. HRC nachos are kinda a tradition with Jim and me. We have eaten them in every city that we have been in that has a HRC. And we hadn't hit Sydney's yet. So we went down there.

It was kinda crowded on the streets, so Jim dropped me and the kids off. 10 minutes, 15 min, 20 min. I finally get a phone call saying that he hadn't found a spot yet. Unfortunately I had already ordered because the kids were hungry and I didn't think it would be that hard for Jim to park. So he got a little irritated and said he would just drive around until we were done and then just pick us up. Not what I had in mind. Told him to park and get inside. He did eventually find a spot and make it in. UGH!!!

After all that, we knew there was an Italian Fest going on nearby so we thought we would go and check it out. Left HRC and headed that direction. It was jam packed. No wonder there was no parking anywhere. You could hardly walk. We had kinda promised the kids more food there, but the lines were ginormous. Ended up hitting a news agent and just buying them ice cream to satisfy them that way. Unbelievable. Decided to get out there before we disappeared into Little Italy forever.

Needed to pick up a few take-home souvenirs for the folks at home. Jim said he would run me past the markets and circle back and get me in 10 minutes. Thought that was a good plan rather than parking in the mess down on Hay Street. I run in, run out. Proud of myself for getting done in less than 10 minutes. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. Finally call Jim.

"Where are you?"

"Ummm... By Star City... I can't get back to you... all the streets are one way the other way (frustration seething through the phone)"

"OK, I can walk towards where you are -- just tell me a point and I'll meet you there"

"No, I don't know -- Just wait there and I'll be there"

Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. 10 more minutes. Call back...

"Where are you?"

"Traffic is awful"

"I can still walk up to you. Where are you? I'll head your way"

"No. Just stay there."Click

So I wait. And watch. And wait.

Finally the car with the driver with steam coming out of his ears drives up to retrieve me.

Dinner at the Fords

Tonight we went to dinner at the Ford's house -- Letetia and Andrew's. (Anthea and Timmy's parents). Sophie and John Barton (Fraser and Jacqueline, too) were there. Andrew and Letetia cooked tarragon chicken (chook), roasted potatoes and two salads. I brought artichoke dip, rum cake and a new dessert of double chocolate caramel pecan macadamia nut bars. All the food was yummy. Well, the kids weren't impressed with the rum cake. Actually I think one actually said the cream on top looked or tasted like bird poo, but what can you say coming from a kindergartener...
Geez... tonight was just about continual laughs. We all get on so well. Everyone, including the kids get along marvelously. It was funny. Part way through dinner, Letetia said if her parents were at the table with us they would have been shocked at the topics we were discussing. She was brought up to never discuss: Politics, Religion and Sex with guests or in public. And by then we had made it through all three. And somehow almost in one conversation... I am very thankful for the draw that Andrew got to fall into KJ with Fraser and Anthea. Sophie and Letetia have made good friends for me here.
We talked about language and the differences between here and there. I educated them on the phrase 'pitching a tent' and how it has a slightly different context if used in a different manner. You should have seen John and Andrew's eyes light up when they caught on. Now they said they can't wait to use that one at work on Monday! When I explained what was in the dessert bars, the pronunciation of 'pecans' came up. All of us say it with an 'aw' rather than an 'a' sound. John explained than he can't see it as a pecan pie with it being pecan (pee can) because it sounds like someone pees in a can and then makes it into a pie and pecawn sounds so much more gentile. Quite funny how that makes a difference in their minds...
8.30 rolled around and we had to break up the evening when even Emmalee couldn't settle Timmy down. Up until that point, whenever he got hurt, he didn't want mommy or daddy -- he wanted 'my emmalee'. And then when he was finally forced to go to bed by his mean, mean parents, all he wanted was 'my emmalee' to pat him to sleep. Awwwww..... how cute!

Happy Birthday to Boo

Happy Birthday to Boo

Happy Birthday to Boo

Happy Birthday to Boo Boo

Happy Birthday to Boo

We miss you Boo Bear...

See you in three weeks!!!

Hope you are having fun with your cousin Smokey!!!

Anyone know what mufti is?

The kids have a teddy bear picnic on Tuesday and the note said to have them wear mufti to school. I have been perplexed for the last couple of days as to what that is. With Emme being sick yesterday, I didn't get to ask.

Today, I stopped Miss Jowett and asked her. I had been thinking possibly pajamas or a robe or scarves or something since they were going to be playing outside with their bears and you don't know what the weather will be like. Well, I was wrong.

Mufti is "their regular play clothes". You know, "What American kids wear to school". I wouldn't have guessed that in a million years.

The 'mufti' day dates back to the 1970s, when schools introduced charitable 'Wear what you want days' as a change from sponsored walks and fetes worse than death. Teddy Bear Picnic day is to raise money for the Children's Hospital of Sydney, so I guess that is what the charitable idea is behind this one...

Where am I living?????

I had to run to Big W because when I got up this morning it was a toasty 58 degrees in our bedroom. And the kids rooms weren't any warmer. So I broke down and decided to get them some warmer pajamas. Flannel ones. Because I was informed it didn't get cold, so I didn't pack cold weather stuff. Besides, it was always WARM in our house in IL during cold months, so we never needed flannel at night...
Got to the store and headed into the kids department. Found heaps of flannelette pyjamas (yes, not tons of flannel pajamas as I would say). Got three sets each for the kids. Should do it for the season hopefully. Jim and I will tough it out. We layer better and have a down comforter and know how to keep our blankets on!
Then as I was wandering through the store, I kept running across hot water bottles. I thought those went out with the 1800's. Oh yeah, and electric blankets. And sweaters for the hot water bottles. Not sure the reason for hot water bottles... have to ask my Aussie friends tomorrow. But the electric blankets, we can see why... They even have electric throw blankets here. UGH!