The New Look

Mom, Kids & Nash

Got the hair done and decided to go for a new look on the blog. Hope it's not offensive to the eyes. If it bothers anyone, just let me know. I'll probably end up playing with it myself anyway..

Some pics of me and the kids as well as Nash the dog (often mistaken for a horse). We are Nash sitting while his family is on vacation in New Zealand for a few weeks. He's a great dog if you can get past the slobber!

A Day of Skating

Hello to all! Sorry I haven't posted sooner. Love to say I've been busy but, more likely, just lazy. It's crazy hot here. We spend most of our day indoors but yesterday we did go to the town pool for a few hours. The kids are swimming well now so they had a blast. Since you can bring a cooler, we picnicked in the grass beside the pool.

Here are some pics from the other day when we went to the skate park with about 15 other kids. Also, there are two videos - Cole and Brady going down the ramp. Grace scootered around for a few minutes but then decided it was more fun sliding down the big rock slopes and generally getting herself filthy. We had a few wipe-outs but everyone dusted off and kept on going. Must have been all the other kids around that did it - at home, a simple stubbed toe brings out the tears, pleas for a doctor and a band-aid. At the skate park, a face first sprawl across the cement brought out "Hey - how cool was that?". Go figure.

Christmas and Skate

Skate Videos

One note. Notice in Brady's video at the end, there is a young guy on a bike bent over in the background. The poor teenager had just busted his forehead and nose on the edge of one of the ramps. As if it wasn't embarrassing enough for him (his girlfriend was their watching) as soon as it happened, all 4 mothers (me included) swarmed him in an effort to "fix his boo-boos". By the time he walked off with his girlfriend and wobbly bike, he had a band-aid the size of Texas smack in the middle of his forehead. Mad Mothers to the rescue again! If we can't humiliate our own kids, we won't hesitate to humiliate someone elses!

I get my "do" done tomorrow and cash in my gift certificate for a "Hot Rock Massage". Wish me luck! I'm going shorter and chunkier on my highlights. I want something different! Hopefully it won't be a bad decision!

High of:

Today - 107
Tomorrow - 105
Tuesday - 104
Wednesday - 104

Aack! One of the kids self-combusted. Gotta get the extinguisher.

FINALLY! A little exploring.

Simpson's Gap

This morning we decided to make our first expedition outside the city. We settled on a place somewhat close, since it was our first time (the kid's first time) out. Simpson's Gap is about 20 min away. It is a waterhole and prominent gap in the MacDonnell Ranges. Since we got a later start than intended (whoda thunk?) we ended up hitting it in high sun and heat. Luckily, once you park, it's a short walk to the gap itself. The pictures are in order. You can see that we first walked a trail alongside the dry bed (notice the no swimming sign) down to the gap. When we walked back, we came up the bed itself. It's rocky sand and a little slower, harder walking, so the kids started to complain a bit. All in all, I think they did well for their first walk-about! We had fun. There are some pictures taken in the car on the way home so you can see some of the scenery. Last are some of Cole and Brady playing air guitar and air keyboard to Willie Nelson and Gracie recuperating! Paula, these pics are for you!

A Very Merry Christmas from the Cavanaghs

Christmas

I'm cooking Christmas dinner. Let's hope it goes better than Thanksgiving dinner! Turkey, potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, fruit, cucumber tomato and onion salad, yum! Lots of starch but oh well, it's Christmas. Cole woke me up at 5:00 this morning and confessed that yes, he'd been in the living room and yes, Santa had brought presents. Luckily he wasn't too disappointed that his main gift had a part missing (curse Amazon) and the girls didn't care too much that there were no batteries for their toys (curse Mommy). All in all, despite the mishaps and the breakfast disaster, the morning was great (never should have tried to put fresh blueberries in the pancakes - my kids don't like "fresh" anything).

My Mom wrote a poem for me based on the description of our Christmas Eve day. Since it's so cute, I thought I would share: (ahem)

Momma awoke with a sniffle and a tear,
She’s having spring allergies for the second time this year.

But there is no time to feel bad on Christmas Eve day,
There is still much to do Jason would say.

So she hit the floor running at her top speed,
She knew that this man had to have someone to lead.

Getting the kids ready they were out the door,
Hardly letting their feet hit the floor.

To the butcher and grocer this family sped,
With thoughts of Christmas dinner in their heads.

Some turkey and veggies would be just the thing,
It had such a traditional Christmas ring.

Then it was on to the local K-mart store,
But after seeing the crowds it was back out the door.

By now the kids were all fussy and wanted to play,
The pool sounded great on this 90 degree day.

So home they went with their Christmas meal,
Angie’s allergies were better after taking her pill.

With the house to clear and gifts to wrap,
Jason could be heard grumbling about missing his nap.

After having their dinner there was cookies to make,
For Santa to have on his own special plate.

Covered with flour and sugar from their head to their toe,
“What time was Santa coming” they all wanted to know.

“Santa always comes to Australia first”, Pappa said,
So its time for all of you to go to bed.

After giving them lots of kisses and hugs,
They went to sleep, snug as a bug.

And after doing their special job, as good parents do,
They decided that it was their bedtime too.

And by turning the air to fifty degrees,
They knew that they would awake to an Australian Christmas would be as cool at they pleased.

And closing her eyes Angie took time to think,
That some things never change, even outside the States…….

ONCE AGAIN THEIR GIFTS TO EVERYONE WERE BEING MAILED OUT LATE.


So that's it in a nutshell. Once again, I have failed to mail my packages on time. This time, however, it's from halfway around the world ensuring that they will be even later than usual! No one is surprised I'm sure. I'm always late. But I'm consistent. Getting something on time would actually shock most of you so, instead of risking your healthy hearts, I'll just keep on being my old reliable self!

I also had grand intentions of getting Christmas cards out. "The road to hell..." I suppose. Anyway, since they were obviously not sent, I decided to present you with the pic I intended to use (above) as well as the other pics from that photo shoot (double click). Notice how the smiles get more and more forced! I think I got one of Brady pulling wedgie from her butt too. Classic.

We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas this year. We miss you terribly but are having a grand ole time!

They Just Keep Growing Up

Cole's Birthday

Cole turned 7 on the 16th. My big man! Well, actually he's a little skinny but that's quite normal for his age I'm sure. Boney little thing he is! Anyway, we had a birthday party with the neighbors. We bought a pool and lots of water guns. The pool tried to get the best of us by needing a special adapter to inflate. But my ingenious husband turned the table. It's amazing what you can do with a tube, duct tape and a leaf blower! The kids stayed in until they were pruned and wrinkly. With only a few minor battle scars from overzealous gun-weilders. Pizza, Skittles and M&Ms rounded out with Chocolate/Chocolate cake and ice cream. All in all it was a good afternoon.

The pictures above (double click on the pic) are from the party but some before as well. Notice the girls' new cuts. Brady's is shorter but she's growing her bangs. Unfortunately she won't keep her hair clips in. She likes it hanging in her eyes. There are also some pictures from when we sat outside the other night with neighbors watching a storm roll in.

Brady Mourns her Later Loss of Hair

So I'm brushing Brady's hair this morning and telling her that both Cole and Gracie will be getting a hair cut tonight. Cole needs it, Grace wants it. So I ask Brady "would you like a haircut?". She's very thoughtful, she loves her long hair. But she feels like she's missing out on something and she really wants to try something new with hers. Brady decided that she wants it cut up to her shoulders, no her ears, no her shoulders, no her chin, no her shoulders. She finally settles on up to the shoulders but immediately begins to cry (very real, very distressed tears). Of course I told her that this was not a mandatory haircut. I really couldn't care less. Yes, it would be easier to care for, but, hey, it's her hair not mine. Her decision. So she insists that she wants a haircut but she continues to cry uncontrollably as I write this. Cole is speaking with her now. She's saying "I can't, hiccup, make, hiccup, a decision." What the hell will we do when she's 15?

Tinsel and Teatowels

Cole's Christmas Program

Cole's Christmas program was called Tinsel and Teatowels. It was fabulous! Unfortunately, my camera flash kept making my photos too dark (couldn't have been user error!) so there aren't as many pics as I would have liked. Margaret from the front office is the one arranging Cole's tinsel and towel. I, having never been to one, had no idea what I was supposed to do with it. By the time I had finished with him, I somehow had him looking like a very fruity version of Super-Man. Thankfully she came to the rescue. Apparently we had too much tinsel, Margaret's job looked better but much like a shiny turban. Regardless, the night was great. We finished by having cookies and milk at our neighbor's house along with a few other families. The kids played outside until it was too dark to see and the adults sat around in lawn chairs chatting it up.

Another Installment of "Christmas in Australia"

Cole's Santa picture. (That's an X-Box in the bag). Guess Santa was having engine trouble.

Man Cold

Ok, saw this posted on someone else's blog and just had to put it on here. Too funny. This is actually from a BBC show "Man Stroke Woman". Look them up on YouTube if you want to see more.

Boy Grows Up

Cole didn't want to hold my hand today in front of his friends. Sniff.

Christmas in Australia

Brady and I were having a discussion yesterday and she asked me if I knew about the "Six White Boomers". Of course I didn't so she told me that Santa's sleigh was led by six white boomers (big kangaroos) in Australia. This explained the huge white kangaroos pulling Santa's chair in the local shopping plaza. Way cool. When Santa actually comes and we take a pic of the kids with him then I'll be sure to post it. Also, today at Brady's school, they played the coolest Aussie Jingle Bells song. I came home and looked it up with the intention of putting on the blog. Unfortunately, I'm not quite sure how to put it on. So here is a site to listen and read the lyrics.

http://www.angelfire.com/hi3/austblonde/xmasjing.html

You'll have to just cut and paste, the link thing isn't working for me. Anyway, below is a description of some of the aussie terms in the song. (totally stolen from another website)

1) Holden is a make of car, its main opposition in Australia is Ford or Toyota. See below. Ute is an abbreviation of utility. The ute is usually based on the current model car and is thus about the size of a car and not usually as large as what Americans call a "pick up truck" so "dashing through the bush in a rusty Ford pick up truck" is a translation. Pronunciation Holden - hold den. Ute to rhyme with boot.

2) An esky is a portable cooler to keep your drink and food cool. Say 18 inches long by 12 wide by 15 height. A clip on lid and a handle, we put ice in them to do the cooling. Very well insulated,

3) A Kelpie is an Australian breed of dog. Much like a Border Collie only a rougher coat. Traditionally trained to herd sheep and is a farmers best friend.

4) Swaggie is an abbreviation of Swagman. These were men who during the depression tramped the country side with their few possession in a swag on their back. The english translation would be similar to a tramp.

5) Don't tell me you have not, run off and left your mum to do the washing up of all the dirty dishes after a meal. Shoot through means leave suddenly. This line means load the presents into the car and leave before the washing up is done.

A Holden Ute:

Not sure if that's a Kelpie on the back but it looks like some of the pics I've seen.

Today was cool and rainy in the evening. The kids played and rode bikes in the rain with their friends. I took a couple of pictures and will post when I get more taken (the batteries needed charging but I'm up and running now). Cole has his Christmas program tomorrow night so I'm sure we'll have tons from that too.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season so far. Miss you!

Brady's got Boobies

A self portrait. By Brady (in case you didn't recognize her). I fear she'll be like her mother, forever dreaming of the boobies she'll never have. Anyway, so sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. Truthfully, there are times when my humor and thoughts stay locked in my head and I sit at the computer...poof, they disappear! Guess it's a blond thing.

We never made it to family day last weekend. After spending the morning in the heat (I thought Cole might pass out at the baseball game) and at gymnastics, we just couldn't see going back out in 105 degree weather. Yes, I said 105. And it's only going to get worse! The kids and I did have a great time at the birthday/pool party until someone went and pooed in the pool (thankfully not until right before we left). It wasn't any of us or anyone from our party (just in case you were wondering). Brady broke the pinata (how do you spell that?). She swung like a champ and put the big boys to shame.

Gotta go, a neighbor's here! I'll write more later.

The Laundry Elf

Cole Doing Laundry

Poppa's been teaching Cole to do laundry. I say "Ha" to that because Jason seems to ruin everything he washes. It's the same reason he always did a pitiful job of putting diapers on the kids when they were little, or why he wipes the toilet seat with tissue when asked to scrub the bathroom...he doesn't like the job and therefore he does it poorly knowing that I won't ask him to do it again. It's genius really. Took a few years to figure it out though (never said I was quick when it comes to Jason's mind...I seem to always be a step or two behind). Anyway, Cole helped with the laundry.

In other news, Brady learned to ride a 2-wheeler. She's a little unsteady yet, but she's doing great. Cole's getting better with his every day too. They've been brave little monkeys so far, getting back up each time they fall with very few tears. Grace is already crying to learn herself (never one to be left out) so we'll have to start working on that soon.

Kid Cavanagh Funnies:
While planning our trip to the Desert Park, we talked about wanting to make it to the Birds of Prey show, Brady wanted to know how it was that birds prayed! (Coo Coo Ca Choo - Betty Sue, that one's for you).

Cole was saying something silly (can't even remember what it was now), Brady kept fussing at him about it. Cole said "I'm just being silly. God Brady (sounding exasperated), that's why I don't like you very much." Classic.


Anyway, click the pic for a few more candid shots and a couple from the Christmas Program.

A Star on the Rise

Thanksgiving Program

These are videos of Brady's Christmas Program at school. In the first, she is not wearing a costume and is standing beside the Christmas tree, in the second she is the third angel from the right and the last she is the last angel on the right.

The second clip is where Brady had her very own solo singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". If you are wondering why she keeps circling, she's trying to keep sight of the star being carried around the group.

She did such a wonderful job!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

Thanksgiving Day has come and gone for us. I guess it's still going on for all of you unless you've overloaded on turkey and dressing and decided to call it a very early day. (Too much Tryptophan).

Our first Thanksgiving in Australia was uneventful. Jason did get his haircut but the car had to wait (two week wait if you can believe it). We spent the day at home being slugs while the kids played with the neighbors. Eventually we mustered the energy to clean the house. It's always much quicker and easier to stomach when the five of us do it together. And of course the kid's cooperate more because Jason has that fatherly presence that seems to whip them into action, whereas I have to beg, plead and order every tiny chore I get out of them. Anyway, since Brady's Christmas program at school was to start at 6:00, I decided we would eat Thanksgiving Dinner at about 5:00 then head on to the school. I had purchased an imposter turkey (you have to preorder the real ones and they run about $60-$80). It was called "Turkey Leg Roast" on the label. It seemed to be a big turkey leg and lots of dark meat squished into a roast like ball and bound with string. But I figured "What the Hell, turkey is turkey". But the mad chef strikes again! I misread the label (I know, very hard to believe) to say that it should be cooked for 40 minutes - but it actually read 40 min per 500 grams!!! Big difference and it threw off our dinner timing plans since I didn't actually start it until 3:30. Well, the girls were too excited about their new little dresses to worry about eating so we cooked half the food and headed off to the program. We came home directly after, finished cooking and were able to sit down to a meal at precisely 7:45 in the evening. That's a good 15-30 minutes after the kid's normal bedtime. The turkey wasn't half bad. We had mashed potatoes, broccoli, corn-on-the-cob, fresh melon (it's summertime here), and a couple of other things I can't actually recall right now. We had brownies for dessert. It wasn't Momma's Thanksgiving dinner but it was something.

The Christmas program was great! I must brag for a moment - Brady was the only child with a solo singing part!!!!!!! Her teacher said she has a wonderful singing voice. We recored her stirring rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and I hope to have it and a few other pictures downloaded later today so be on the lookout.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! We miss you and wish we could be with you today. Out of all the things we have to be thankful for, our family and friends are the most important. You all continue to amaze me with your love and support in everything that we do. We are blessed and we love you.

And it Continues...

Will the sickness ever end? Cole's still seems to be lingering. He now has very faint polka dots on his face. I sent him to school yesterday thinking everything was fine. When I picked him up, he walked across the campus towards me at a sluggish pace with his head kind of hanging down. Poor baby stayed at school with a headache all day. His temp was 102.5. Those are when Mommies feel their worst. Anyway, why do you suppose it is that, at home, there's no fever and everything's great, but send them to school and everything goes to hell in a handbasket? Well of course he'll probably have the whole week off. We're keeping him out for Thanksgiving regardless.

That's another issue altogether. Gotta get a turkey, or something else that is Thanksgiving like. Guess I need to do that today, huh? Since the Aussie's (by the way, that's pronounced Ozzies) don't celebrate thanksgiving, we've decided to get a few things done on our self-pronounced holiday. We hope to take the car in for servicing, get Jason a haircut (which you have to make appointments for here - none of that walk-in stuff), and do a little Christmas shopping. Oh and of course have a grand meal in a spotless house, giving thanks for all of our blessings. I think we can fit it all in. The meal part will be tough. Last night I screwed up a pork-roast and had to make a quick meal of homemade Chili-Mac to substitute (thanks to my can of Hormel chili from the commissary). Why can't I cook? Thanksgiving here should be interesting. As if I'm not challenged enough, now I have to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius for everything recipe. And the oven's so tiny it's comical. Yes, the deck is stacked against me. Good thing is, if I screw up, nothing's closed, so take-out is still an option.

In closing, Cole told me this morning (it's 7:30 am here) that he wants to learn to sky-dive. I'm sure it took a couple of years off my life just thinking about it.

Gracie Gets the Polka Dots

Polka Dots

The kids have been sick. So what's new? (Although I must admit, it has been a while since we've had to deal with the sickies) First Brady ran a fever, then Grace and now it's on to Cole. Why it can't happen to all at one time is beyond me. Of course now that Gracie is better, we're still unable to take her anywhere because of the horrible spots that have come after the fever. She enthusiastically explained it to the Doctor as "I got polka dots!". Fortunately, the Doctor told us it's not Chicken Pox and she's not sick enough for it to be measles. Therefore it's must be one of those wonderful "other" viruses that kids get from time to time. While she's no longer contagious, she's utterly unpresentable. We've been spending a lot of time indoors. Click on the picture for more pics from a girl's photo session.

All Hail the French's!

Ok, so undoubtedly you all have been wondering where I've been. After all, it's been a while since my last post. And yes, I am in no way kidding myself into thinking that this is more about me (or Jason for that matter) than it is about getting more pictures of the kids! Sorry, there are none to be found here, but I promise to start clicking and uploading more soon - hopefully tomorrow. In the meantime, I suppose an explanation is in order.

First, I've been very busy. The holidays are among us. Since everything is quite expensive here and I have to order online to get the things we need shipped in, that means that I cannot be my usual procrastinating self and wait until the last minute. As those of you know who have received their photo books, I've been a busy bee. Unfortunately, most of my time spent online searching for the right gifts ends with a few gifts (not nearly what I need) and a few laughs (I'm easily sidetracked). So while I've been online, I haven't concentrated on blog or email much at all.

Also (and how should I put this without worrying the beejeesus out of everyone?), I've been in a funk. I say funk because saying I've been depressed sounds, well, depressing. We were inundated with tons of information when we moved here about what to expect. The psychologists put out lots of info on what I like to refer to as the "cycle" of emotions on moving to Alice Springs. At first you're definitely on a high just from excitement alone. It's exciting moving to a new place, meeting new people, doing new things. Then comes that place on the chart (there actually was a chart) where the inclining line of excitement humps and becomes the declining line of depression. I woke up one morning and said "yep I'm there". Much like "stop the adventure I'm ready to get off". It's a point where you realize that while everything is fun, it's still basically all the same just with a lot more hassle - new = hassle. So essentially, I walked around in my funk for awhile. Doesn't really feel like the holidays, but I have the pressure of the holidays. Have great new friends but miss the old. That kind of stuff.

Anyway, I'm feeling better now. Probably not 100%, but much better so no worries from any of you! (Did I mention that's like the Australian motto "No Worries" - it's true everyone says it) But isn't it funny how the strangest things can perk you up? Two days ago we received our commissary shipment from Japan (ordering American groceries to be mailed free of charge from one of our commissaries in Japan is one of our perks). As Jason and I were loading our many boxes of groceries in the car, I noticed a sign on the door of the APO that simply said something to the affect of "Property of the Australian Government". For some reason this hit my funk like a ton of bricks - all but shattering it. I am really in another country. And despite the fact that a very rude man gave me a parking ticket that day and talked condescendingly to me, it's been a great experience so far. They are all so wonderful. And it's all so beautiful. And I should be enjoying it not stressing it. Then we get home and unload our treasure (and yes, it's a treasure when you consider you don't know when you'll see your next Chessmen cookie and, oh look, there's some in your box) and the next thing you know, I'm eating an egg and cheese sandwich with, wait for it.......Kraft mayonnaise! And the next day, I had a turkey sandwich with, wait for it........French's mustard! And the last of my funk went tumbling.

All About Me

Tomorrow I turn the big 3-7. One year closer to the big 4-0. But I won't complain as to not irritate those of you reading this who are older than I am. I told Jason that when he comes home tomorrow morning (he's working a night shift tonight), that the only thing I ask of him is to remember to tell me "Happy Birthday". Because, let's face it folks, my husband isn't the best at remembering those types of things. But I love him anyway. The present I requested?...a day of peace in our room. No, no, not that kind of peace...I want Jason to get up with the kids and take care of them for one entire day next weekend so that I might have a full day of rest and relaxation hanging out in our room. (Remember, this is Alice Springs - not many places to go for the day and truthfully, I might not feel like putting on my makeup). I may read, I may write, I may sleep. Whatever I choose, I want to do it without little people bothering me and without worrying about them. Probably not a good sign that he walked out laughing his head off. But I'll keep you posted.