The Beautiful People

In a couple of weeks, the Armed Forced Network will be putting on a show/party for everyone here where they will be bringing in a comedian, a rock group and the Tampa Bay cheerleaders to perform. The girls and I are very excited because the cheerleaders will be putting on a short cheer camp for the kids. Later that evening the girls will be brought on stage with the cheerleaders during their performance to show what they've learned. Isn't it exciting?! I'm going to try to get lots of pics.

The boys are excited too. Especially Jason. The icing on his cake was when we found out all performers will be staying two duplexes down the street from us. And let me tell you, the duplexes aren't that far apart. These close-to-perfection women will practically be sleeping in our front yard. We'll probably be able to hear them snoring if we listen closely enough (because if there is a God, surely he will make them obnoxiously loud and ugly sleepers - that way it kind of evens out). The only people who are more excited are the neighbor's husbands. Since their duplex is between ours and the ones reserved, they'll be a few feet closer.

Banana fanna fo fanna

Mutant Naners & Plastic Hands

Couldn't resist posting pics of a double banana found in the bunch we recently bought. Now if any of you are ever asked, you will be able to say that yes you have seen a double banana in your lifetime. Quite a boast if you ask me. Of course, Mom asked "Are they all like that here?" when I showed her. Wouldn't that be something? Australia: Land of Mutant Naners.

Make sure to check the the other pics of Gracie helping Grandma with her hair color (or rather playing with the gloves that came in the box).

Grandma's Here!

Grandma's In

And Poppa had a birthday! Well, truthfully, I realized today while I was shooting pics that I forgot to post Jason's birthday pics (or even mention his birthday at all). What a good wife I am. For those of you who don't know, Jason's birthday was way back on Feb 8th. Considering he never checks this blog, I'm not going to lose sleep over it.

Anyway, Mom's in and completely exhausted. She keeps saying that if it weren't for "her babies" (of which I'm pretty sure I'm not included) that she would have turned around 1/4 of the way into the trip. She ended up having a middle seat on her 14 hr flight. I've barely been able to get a word in edgewise around the girls.

Gotta go get Cole. We'll post more later. Click the Alice Springs pic to see the rest.

Can't pull the trigger on the purchase pistol!

Jason always makes fun of me for my spending habits (or lack thereof). For those of you who don't know, I'm cheap. So cheap that Jason's running joke is that he could send me to the mall with $200, I would spend $5 on something for the kids and come back with $195 to spare. This is not altogether true but it's close - I am a reluctant shopper. I spend in spurts. And I hate paying full price. Anyway, during my sleepless night I decided to go shopping. For me. I need jeans and some boots for winter, new tops, etc. So, now 6 hours later, I have 5 tabs open from various stores, items in each shopping cart and I can't seem to bite the bullet and pay (even though I'll be using mostly gift cards given to me on my birthday and Christmas). I found three pair of boots that I like (one really kicking pair of cowboy boots - impulse buy). Two pair of jeans (admittedly $80 a pair is high, but they're really cute). All together, I probably have $600 - $700 worth of clothes stuck in limbo-land. Just waiting for me to bring them home. Which is where most will stay. Maybe I'll treat myself to the cowboy boots and jeans. What's your opinion? And what brings on my usual reluctance? Feel free to psychoanalyze.

Yeah, yeah, I know!

I can hear you all now. "It's about time". Seems like I spend half my time on the blog apologizing for my inactivity! Well no more! Well, no more apologizing at least. I'm sure I'll continue to be just as inactive as ever!!! Anyhoo, right now it's about 5 am our time. Couldn't get to sleep until about 12:30 last night and Jason set the alarm for 3:30 the morn to go in early. I've been awake ever since. I'm gonna feel like poo the afternoon!

Mom's on her way in. Should be here about noon today! Hooray! I wanted the house to be perfect (or as near to it as I can get) for her arrival but I tweaked me back lifting Gracie into the truck yesterday (should have lifted with my knees) and had to take some meds (hence the sleepless night - they always screw me up) meaning I was unable to do much of anything (since we all know I wait till the last minute). Of course, Mom wouldn't know what to make of it if she came in to find all the laundry done and floors mopped. Who am I and what did I do with her daughter, and all that.

Haven't taken many pictures lately. I'm sure we'll get started again now that Grandma's here. Maybe I'll be in some of them this time! We'll post them as we take them.

I'm sure there have been many interesting things happening over the last couple of weeks but I can't seem to think of anything interesting to write! So I'll head off today with the self-imposed responsibility of digging up something cool or funny and posting again later!

If it wasn't so hot, we'd walk.

Oil - Engine $27.68
Washer - Sump Plug $2.00
Filter - Oil $16.35
V Plus Engine Coolant $6.50
Oil - Gear, LS90 $3.35
Wiper Refill $18.60
Washer Additive $1.10
Cleaning and Materials $6.00
Labour $105.00
GST $18.66

Total cost of "Oil, Lube, Filter" Servicing for a 1994 Toyota 4Runner:

$205.25

Priceless? I think not.

What a Week!

Or at least it feels like a week (very long week) but it's only been, what?, 5 days since I posted. OK, the biggest happening has been the start of school, Transition (Kindergarten) for Brady and Year 2 for Cole. My big kids!!! Gracie of course started preschool. The pictures in the below album have shots of all on their first day. There are also shots of Brady and Cole on their second day (Friday) in their Sport's Day uniform - every Friday is Sport's Day. I think it's just a big racket to get you to spend an extra hundred bucks (per kid) in the uniform shop!

First Day of School

Luckily the uniforms seem to be quite sturdy. And if Brady's dress seems a bit big - well, it's because I'm cheap! Want them to last (before you think I'm mistreating my angels, everyone - or a least lots of people - do it). So, Brady and Cole are making friends quickly and seem to be loving school. Today Brady told me that, although she's nervous, she doesn't want me to walk her into her class, just drop her at the gate like I do Cole. Damn but I wanted to cry. It doesn't help that her too big uniform and the massive backpack that tips her over, both make her look like a little munchkin. I really wanted to walk her today because yesterday I dropped her at the gate and walking down the sidewalk (way away from Mommy) she fell and skinned her knee. She actually got back up, brushed off and walked on (this from my normal drama queen). But of course, me being crazy Mom, flew out of the Kiss-and-Go line, threw the Toyota in a side street parking place and ran full speed up to her classroom. She was, of course, fine and looked at me like I'm insane. Insane, no, under-appreciated, yes.

I spoke with Grace's preschool teachers today and (don't beat me) volunteered to be on the board if they need me. I know, I know. Maybe I am a bit crazy. At least I drew the line at President, expressing only interest in the lesser jobs V.P. or Secretary. (For those of you who don't really know me, responsibility - even the smallest of - tends to stress me out). But I thought it would be a good way to meet more people and start working on getting my Skills again! Haha! After all, in a couple of years I'll be going back to work (doing who knows what - what do I want to do with my life anyway?) and I'll need to put something on a resume now won't I. See, way ahead of you naysayers out there.

One last thing before I go. I'll be starting a new feature on the site called "What I miss about home". Yeah, I thought it was catchy. For my first installment...pay-at-the-pump. God I miss pay-at-the-pump. All the gas stations (called fuel or petrol stations here) look like something you'd find on a long winding country road. You know, the ones that seem to be the only thing available for miles and smack dab in between where you left and where you're going - a long, long way away. And they all seem to spurt back on me. I'm sure that's just user error, but hey, it's still crap!

Hooray, Hooray! It's off to School Today!

Developing...

Mother Mary meets Mother Goose

Brady saw a painting of Mary at Mass one Sunday. This is the conversation that followed.

Brady: "I saw Mary at church."
Cole: "Mary is Jesus' mother."
Grace: "Yeah, and she lost her sheep."

Happy Australia Day!

"On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation."

January 26th is an official national holiday for Australia, celebrated much like our July 4th. It commemorates the establishment of the first European settlement (a penal colony) on the continent of Australia. In January 1788, the First Fleet arrived in Botany Bay and, deciding it was not a suitable location, moved further up to Port Jackson's Sydney Cove and raised the flag in the name of King George III. Sydney Harbour is where you will now find the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Admittedly, I'm no expert on the subject but I did run across one thing that I thought was interesting. Wikipedia stated that the British saw establishment of Australian settlements as "necessitated by the loss of colonies in North America". Of course there was a lot more to it than that but it's interesting nonetheless.

Unfortunately, many Aboriginals don't see Australia Day as warranting celebration. It has been dubbed "Invasion Day" and was recently declared Aboriginal Sovereignty Day - considered the day of British invasion.

We spent part of the day at a reception for a new Australian head honcho taking over where Jason works. It was a nice little event, although I was unable to concentrate on grown-up things. I remember meeting a few people, shaking a few hands and making a bit of small talk - but mostly I just chased the children around and tried to keep the girls pacified and quiet. Later, when I drove through the streets of town, I ran across (not over:)) lots of people draped in Australian flag clothing and, in some cases, the flag itself. They were a lively crew. It made me smile and wish for our July 4th celebrations!

Career Aspirations of the Middle Child

Cole knows he wants to be a scientist and Gracie doesn't quite grasp the concept enough to answer the age old question "What do you want to be when you grow up?". But Brady, now there's one with some real goals in life. In the order they were given to me:

1. Taxi driver.
2. The girl who hands out the donuts at Brumby's. (Our bakery)
3. Astro Girl

I think she just wants to fly around without her shirt.

Also...

A few of you made comments regarding the dancing prowess shown by the girls in the earlier posted videos. I believe "They need a pole" was heard more than once. You should all be ashamed! I think it's quite obvious that a platformed corner cage would be more appropriate. Poles wouldn't showcase their talent.

And just in case you were wondering - the girls watch nothing but kid's TV, no late night shows or videos. In fact the music was from a Bratz cd - all about fashion and friends. So I really have no idea how they honed or perfected their dances (unless you count the innate ability inherited from their mother.)

Oven Updates (as in It's an Oven Here)

Never thought I would picture a 102 degree day as a reprieve from the heat! I suppose it's all how you look at it! We've obviously been spending a lot of our time indoors!

The kids had a playdate scheduled for Tuesday but I called it off at the last minute for bad behavior. We rescheduled for yesterday, and since the neighbors arrived from New Zealand at the start, we had a house full of kids (as usual). Nash left us and is sorely missed. What a good dog! He slept in the girls' room and I kept finding Gracie curled next to him on the floor in the middle of the night. Made us long for Dixie-dog although I know she's in good hands.

School starts next week - WooHoo! Grace and I are terribly excited - Cole and Brady are enjoying the leisure time a bit much I'm afraid. No matter what our feelings, getting to school by 8:30 will be an adjustment for all of our lazy rears!

I keep trying to pin Jason down to schedule our two R&R's (short trips in or around Australia) and our big trip home (probably early '09). As soon as the calendar is planned, I'll post the basics to let everyone know what to expect. I'm excited about the R&R. I'm going a bit stir-crazy. To be expected, I guess, with school out and the heat. I can't wait until the weather cools and we can start exploring more and camping.

The social life if still going strong. Our neighbors came over a few nights ago and Veronica (whose Mexican) taught me how to make a red chili pork dish with mexican rice! My mouth waters just thinking about it! Our friend Lance came into town with his boss and we had them over for dinner along with a few others. As usual, I cooked too much food but it all went well. We have a celebration to attend on Saturday for the new Australian head of something-or-other. Then the kids will go swimming at the hotel (where the reception is being held) and then Tripoly with the ladies hosted at our house Saturday night. Don't hate me because I'm popular and beautiful!

Hope this finds you all well!

Argument Topics #836 and #837 in Girl-land

Regarding the television show "The Fairies": Who gets to be the blue fairy that lives on the beach.

Regarding the television show "Hi-5": Who gets to be Charlie (a girl).

I try to explain that in make-believe land there can be more than one character but for some reason they don't buy it and add insult by saying (in all seriousness) that I get to be Nathan on "Hi-5". Nathan's a boy. At least it's a distraction.

Dancing Divas

and The Shootout

Dance Videos

The girls decided to put on a show - well, they decided to dance. Not too much planning went into the "show" as you can see. But boy did they groove!

The boys put on their own show (after relentlessly trying to ruin the girls'). I think we have the making of stars on our hands. One day you'll see these videos on a show called "We Knew Them When".

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!