WOW – I’m think you could say I officially dropped the ball so to make myself feel better I’m calling this the Summer blog. Let’s see how good the memory is?
Our June started and the craziness continued with sport and school and work, just the usual for everyone but this time of year is always the craziest for us with the boys played different sports.
Friday night we had the Ice Cream Social fundraiser for school – so the boys were running around, Bruce came for a little while then went home to get some work done in the quiet, and I was on popcorn duty for the duration, it’s fun, I get to see everyone who is there, people come to chat, the only bummer is that I don’t get to walk around and see what happens, but after you do a lap it’s all the same, so I don’t mind.
What a week in baseball - We played three games last week (they call it the TOC- Tournament of Champions) The Cardinals had a mixed season so going into the TOC we were hopeful. Tuesday's game was fantastic, they played really well and beat the Dodgers - it was a really tough fought game by both teams. Thursday we played the Nationals who we had gone 1-1 throughout the season so it was bound to be a good game, and it was! We ended having to go another inning (7th) which is the same as overtime. We were up 4-2 going into the end of the 6th and they got a big hit and made the two runs.... in the 7th inning we up and down 1-2-3 side out!!! As Jamieson was the last up and bat he started the 7th innings on second base (rules to help teams get a run) we has two out and a runner on first and second (Jamieson) Wesley came up and hit what would've been a triple if it had of mattered....Jamieson hit the plate and we were in the Championship game!!!!
Saturday morning rolls around - we got the field and all the parents were ???..ting themselves. Cardinals v Orioles (a team we hadn't beaten or come close to all season)
It was such a gorgeous day, we put our chairs behind the plate and got ready to go. (there was a little group of 4 mums - Me, team mom, Karen - scorekeeper, Karen coaches wife, Jessica players mum, who all sat behind the plate all season, so Karen could score, and we talked to the umpire and coaches during the game) and generally just had some fun, the new electronic scoreboards were working and we played ball....Our pitchers were on...they got a couple of runs in the second inning.. and in the third we evened up the score!!!
The end of the 5th inning we were up 6-5 and the count was 2 out, full count and the umpire called Nate's pitch a ball... they made a run before we got that last out and we were going into the 7th inning!! I was nearly sick by this stage!!!!
7th Inning - Cardinals needed two runs to win! Anthony came up to the plate (BIG hitter when he hits??) smashed it and got to first (not a fast runner) Kevin came up and got walked to first..... Time for BIG Jamieson to take the field!!! His mother had to walk and pace at the back!! Hadn't had a hit so far that day!
He wound up and hit it (High- which made everyone nervous) the fielder got a glove to it but dropped it and he was on first.
Brendan came to the plate and wacked it for another single - Anthony was home - by this time there was about 3 of us mothers standing at the back pacing.
Sebby came up to the plate and struck out - 1 out! Out came Wesley - top of the order, here we go.....
he was having a great go and then there was a fumble by the catcher and Kevin stole home - CARDINALS WIN!!!!!!!
Parents were jumping and screaming as loud as the kids (especially our coach) Karen (Kevin's mum) was crying, we were all hugging and the boys were sooo happy.
I'm actually not sure who was more happy the parents or the boys!!! They just all wanted to make sure we were going to Pizza after.....
We went to pizza (DER - whatever the boys wanted) then a couple of families headed back to Cendro's (Kevin’s place), who live around the corner from us.
We chilled out in the sun and boys played and swam and we talked and drank and everyone else left around 7.00pm, we stayed and had a catch up with Karen and Mike and got home around 11.30 - Jamieson continued the celebration with a sleepover at Kevin’s with Jake too.
What a day - the house was a mess, my face was burnt to a crisp but boy were we all in a great mood! And that was our Saturday - you can't beat that!!!
Sunday was a little reality check we just spent the day cleaning and tidying the house, but the good vibes were still all around which was nice.
Bruce and I started off the week with some fun – Tuesday night the boys went over to Paula’s and we drove across town and had a dance lesson. It was fun doing something just the two of us, but we thought it was a class with other people and it was just us so that was a little weird, way too much attention. It was fun though; we went out for dinner before picking the boys up. It was a good night for us. We actually got to discuss things without kids asking questions – we must tell our kids too much, they think if we are having a conversation they should know too. Not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. Conner had some deadlines this week for his Australian project, I helped him (just a little with suggestions) on his Australia pamphlet, which he got an A+ on and his teacher is using it next year as the example, yeay for Conner.
We had baseball breakup on Friday night so I was baking for that, Elise was on her way over and there was a little drama to deal with because Ross was stuck in
Saturday was tipped to be a little busy, it was more that all the stuff we had to do was at the same time. Presentations went well, the morning was nice and warm and there were cameras everywhere, the coaches called up each boy individually so they all got their little piece of attention. Jamieson just loved it, as you can imagine. Bruce had basketball tryouts to deal with in the middle of all of that stuff. We dropped him off at the stadium, we had some lunch, then Jamieson, Elise and I went back over to the ballpark to watch the All Star game, back to pick Bruce up and Elise and I went out and about and did a little bit of shopping. Sunday was kind of quiet one, there were a couple of things that Elise wanted to take to camp and then later in the afternoon we drove into Sacramento train station and put her on the train to Fresno. Bye Elise have fun!!
Yet another busy week was upon us, we had angels orders to get out, which even though the boys complain, once we get into it and they forget what they are doing we all have some fun. Tuesday was Conner’s birthday so we were up with the presents before school which he loved, anything Lakers is always safe. The boys went off to school and I had the morning to myself, I whipped up a cake for Conner and tidied up the house. Conner wanted Fish and Chips for dinner so off we went; it wasn’t the same as home but it’ll do when we have complete withdrawals. I think overall Conner had a nice birthday, turning 13 something to remember (with his No 13 basketball cake) Earlier in the day my new swish bang camera arrived so that was pretty exciting and intimidating! No more blurry basketball pictures. Wednesday at school Jamieson and his grade tie dyed t shirts which turned out really cool and he loves his. Friday came around and Conner had a field trip to the bowling alley, they had a great time and I had a lunch with Ed and Sharon (from their Eureka office, I talk to her on the phone all the time and she was in Sacramento visiting her daughter so we organized an actual meeting, face to voice and all that) We went to Lemongrass a really yummy Thai restaurant, who knew I’d love it, just make sure I stay away from the hot stuff, and the raw stuff BLAH!!!
The weekend was nice and quiet, no sport phew. Jamieson slept at Kevin’s then Kevin slept at our place. Sunday was Fathers day so Bruce had a nice day, he got some vouchers for Best Buy (which he asked for, no surprises here) and chilled for the day, we had a yummy Bruce’s favorite dinner and I think enjoyed the day. I left early and had to be at the ballpark at 8.30am for snack bar duty. Kristie was supposed to do it for Trevor’s team but they were in
We finished out the month with a more relaxing week, kind of. (Last week of school before the end of the school year) The hot weather continued, it was nice, just have to get used to it. We went over to Paula’s for dinner and spa, it was nice, the kids were in the pool and the adults were in the spa, although they eventually made their way in, it was fun even if there were 8 of us in the spa. I went to school and did an Australian talk for Jamieson’s class. Wednesday Jamieson had his Patriotic performance, which he had a speaking part (he volunteered to do one) and he did really great. There was the father of one of his class mates there (Army – we had done some donations (inc some angels) last year and sent them to him and his battalion) he presented the school with a flag and the great thing Bruce was talking to him at the end and he had his Angel that we had sent over still with him. He takes it everywhere and so do they all, that made Bruce’s night. Jamieson had a field trip to King skate – awful stinky place. The NBA draft was on, so we sat through the whole bloody thing and poor Patrick Mills didn’t get called up until the end – stupid NBA teams, I was pissed off! We finished out the week and the school year with Conner’s Graduation ceremony on Friday morning. OMG, we walked up to school (Paula came too) and laughed (quietly) some kids were in suits as well as parents, all dressed up like you would not believe. God Bless
July
It was a quiet week with the boys at home; I worked my usual times, although my hours are reducing with the lack of work around. There was nothing overly exciting happening. On Friday it did my baking for 4 of July party at Karen’s. On Saturday (4th July) Jamieson and I walked down the street to meet the fire truck (Karen organized one every year and they have a parade that does 2 blocks and the kids walk behind it) Jamieson went off with all the others and I took pictures, chatted with Karen and met some of her family that were here for the weekend. We headed over there later in the afternoon and Jessica Gunning (baseball) and her kids were there so we caught up with them before they headed out to their next stop for the day. It was a nice day, we met Mikes best friend and his girlfriend and hit it off with them. They came over on Sunday to talk some work opportunities too. Fireworks were fun as always, the boys got to have their piro time and it was all done and we walked home around 11.00pm. Another fun 4th July!
Tuesday we organized for Kristin (Charles – who used to live here) to bring her boys over and we all went to the pool, with Paula and her boys too. That was a fun afternoon all the boys have grown but you especially notice little Cooper who is not so little anymore, and talking… it freaks me out a little, he will always be the baby who was born the day before we landed here. I went to work the next morning and found an email from Andrea that Eric (her friend and then Bruce’s friend) had died (from his cancer) the day before. Bruce was out of whack for a little bit as you can imagine. It threw me too, poor Laura, his wife - they are so young.
The boys had friends over during the week for sleepovers, the boys had basketball practice again, so I took the opportunity to clean the house while it was empty and enjoy the quiet. Sunday morning Bruce and I decided to book our trip back home, not sure how that came about but the computer was out and the flights got booked, I think his guilt over the boys not being home for so long was really getting to him, me too.
Conner was over the moon so it makes it all worth while. We had Paula, Steve and the boys coming over for dinner so I had some cooking to do, in the end Jennifer White and her sister popped in for a visit and stayed which was great. We had a nice night the kids were outside playing and the adults were at the dining room table talking.
Here we are in the middle of another month, in the middle of another year already, literally where is the time going? The week started off on not a good note at work, Paula let Jonathan go on Monday, so I was glad I was out of the office for that. I organized to meet the Rivera’s at the pool on Wednesday which was fun. The kids all played and swam and we even got into the pool and caught up with Kristie, it had been a while since we’d seen each other, she’d been flying and with the kids on holidays she’s more busy than usual. I took “Twilight” to the pool, the girls at work were all reading and raving about them all, Karen had given me a copy weeks ago and it had gone to Paula and come back so I thought I’d see what the fuss was about. I got through a couple of chapters and loved it (which considering I’m not a reader is a good thing) I finished it in 2 sittings, which is actually the only way I can read otherwise it puts me to sleep. I have to love it or forget about it.
Anyway, it started as Bruce puts it; he became a Twilight widower for a couple of days. The boys had picture day on Saturday and then Conner’s team had a little get together after it for afternoon tea and for the boys to hang out. It was a quiet night, I wasn’t feeling so great, a little headache. Sunday was quiet in the morning and then we went to Paula’s for swimming and dinner in the afternoon, it was really hot 100f+ again, so the we all got in the pool, it was lots of fun swimming and catching up. Paula wanted to talk about the book and Bruce and Steve rolled their eyes and laughed.
Jamieson was back at school so that settled things down a little, we had back to school night on Tuesday, so I went and the boys all went to basketball practice. Work was slow again everyone was on holidays and Andrea went down to LA last minute to be with Laura so it was just me at the office, I went into the office for a couple of hours in the morning but not much was happening so it allowed me some time to get ready for our trip home and to get all the stuff I needed to take with us too. I also managed to read New Moon over another couple of days as well. We were gong to be gone for Jamieson’s birthday, which he was a little bummed about but he seemed ok, he got to go out to dinner with Dad and have a movie night (that was the plan anyway)
The weekend rolled around and I was all packed and ready to go, lots of clothes and putting them on to go the airport was weird. It’s been so hot here for so long, I can’t remember the last time the temperature was below 95F. We took Jamieson off to basketball for his game and watched the first quarter before we jumped into the car and headed to
OK, here is a run down on our trip home, considering I was where you were and everyone kind of knew I’m going to keep it kind of short, plus it’s all a bit of a blur. Conner and I got on the plane. I had waited all week but promised myself that I would wait for the two plane rides to read the last two twilight books. Considering I don’t really sleep on planes I had Eclipse finished by the time we left
We went to Maureen’s for lunch and had a catch up with her and Ali which is always lots of fun. We drove down the highway and stopped off to see Trace at work, like we always do, then we went to
I was in bed at 7.30pm exhausted but then woke up at 4.30am (bugger). We had a quiet morning, we spoke to Jamieson for his birthday (the first one we weren’t all together for) Raels came and picked up Conner for the day and mum and I went into to
Bruce here – I’ve been told I need to interject some news about Jamieson’s birthday and what we did while these guys were away. (Ha! Belinda thinks I can actually remember this stuff!!! I’m flat out remembering last week!) So – in a nutshell – we just kinda hung out a bit – watched TV and rented a few movies – his Birthday was pretty cool – he wanted to go and pick out his own bike – so after school and homework – we cruised on over to Wally’s world (Wal Mart) and picked out his very cool new wheels! Then we went over to Macca’s for drive through because he wanted to get home and watch a DVD – so we did that – cuddled on the coach while the movie was playing – and then he went to bed – happy as Larry and very proud to now be a 10 year old.
He was a little bummed that his Mum and Brother weren’t here – but when we decided to do the Birthday cake when mum got back – he was happy! The week flew by and before I knew it – I was heading back to SF airport to pick them up!
We were up and out of the house when Raels took Oscar to school and headed up to
Thursday morning Conner and Mum went and played mini golf and I went to caught up with Kate and Rachel. I took him into
I met Conner, Ashley and Ros at Belmont High for Conner’s day at school then back to the
I was at Grovedale football oval at 10.00am to meet Conner, they happened to be playing Joey’s so Rhys and Cameron were playing so I got to see all the Lynch’s too which was cool. I spent time with Ros (which I love to do) and saw Hayley (gorgeous girl) then Conner and I dropped into the Lolly shop for bring home lollies and off to Trudy’s for Conner to head off to the football. I met Tracey at
Sunday was here and it was 24 hours before leaving, I should’ve tried to meet up with Sophie, but my body just wasn’t co operating so she is on the top of the list for next time. We packed up the car and headed into the Bells for lunch and so Conner and Nick could spend some time together. We went to Tracey’s for a Lynch catch up which I always love (you guys are some of my favorite people) then later in the afternoon we went back to Trudy’s for a family dinner and sleepover.
Then before you know it, it was Monday morning and I was driving the car back and heading to the airport, we said our goodbyes and headed behind the doors….it was a long flight considering I was tired already, I read the last Twilight book which was done before the trip was finished but what a great book. It was nice when the sun came up and we were nearly home so our family was all together.
August
Ok, August ended up being a blur for me….I guess once you read it will become a little clearer. We arrived home on the Monday morning and Bruce was there to meet us with the big “I missed you” smile. YEAY, it’s was good to be home with all of us together. We got home and went over to Paula’s to get Jamieson (he went after school) had a quick catch up with Paula and headed home. I stayed awake for as long as I could and so did Conner. We were in bed at a reasonable time and 14 hours later I woke up. Bruce was impressed, I suppose not sleeping properly, two plane flights, busy schedule will do that to you…. At least I just slept sometimes when I eventually stop I get sick and my body just says no – although technically I hadn’t stopped just yet.
Conner and I both slept till lunchtime and chilled in the afternoon. I unpacked and started washing etc….. Bruce and I had a parent teacher conference with Jamieson’s teacher Mrs. McDougall which was good; she is a fun teacher that doesn’t put up with any crap so she is exactly what Jamieson needs. That night was a quiet one, the boys went off to basketball practice and I had some quiet time, another long night of sleep then into work for a couple of hours on Wednesday afternoon.
Thursday morning, we packed the car and headed South to LA for the ‘Teen Choice Awards’ gifting suite function. We were all excited and the ride down didn’t seem to take too long, the boys did really well and we made it to
Friday was a long day…. Bruce and I were up and getting ready early, the boys went for a swim before we checked out and went to the stand to get started. It was a long day but it was kind of fun, most of the guests were actors from the Disney Channel so the boys got to have photo’s with a lot of them which they loved, they are the future of this what looks like a real world of it’s own. There was also some movie actors (the new shaggy – who was really a cool guy and even did a shaggy for us. Most of the younger ones were there with their parents or at least mothers, most of them were really nice. The boys were in and out of the stand checking out what else was going on, we finished up around 6.00pm and packed up the stand, the boys went for a swim before we left. Bruce got to meet ex NBA champion - John Sally which was a highlight for him so that made him really happy. We said our goodbyes to Nancy and Lynn after some pictures and jumped into the car to head out of the city to get some dinner then onto the freeway home. It was a fun day and it gave us a look into what is definitely a different world (Tween Hollywood- interesting dynamics) We headed down the road and had some dinner then up I5 to home – tick that experience off the list even though we never had it on the list to begin with. Pretty cool!!! Managed to arrive home in one piece at about 2am – it was a looong day!
We woke up Saturday and had a quiet morning; the boys had basketball in the afternoon so we were out of the house and at the stadium from 5.00 till around 8.00pm which will be the case for the next 8 weeks. Jamieson’s team lost on the buzzer which was a bummer but when you have 5 of the 10 kids in the team that literally have NO IDEA what to do then it makes it hard to win games. Conner’s team was well, very impressive as expected. I bought the new camera and got some great action shots. We finished the week with a Sunday around the house, cleaning and unpacking and washing etc…
The second week of August was me trying to get back into a normal routine, which wasn’t easy do at all. Things at work had changed, the downturn had finally really hit us the work was put on hold, so my new hours were minimal, which made Bruce happy because he had lots of stuff that I could help him, at least it was keeping me busy. Billy Bounce is being upgraded so I will be putting the booklets together, layout etc (which Bruce hates to do, but I love) so it worked out well for that. Conner had another Orientation at Toby Johnson which he went to and enjoyed, we got some of his school stuff ready, usually basketball on Saturday, so most things were heading back into the usual pattern.
OK, yes it was my birthday on the Saturday. Blah!!! I woke up and opened my pressies….the boys made me fantastic cards with pop ups and telling me I’m the best mum ever!! So there!!! I got the Twilight DVD and Stephanie Meyers other book ‘The Host’ and I am getting an IPhone…Wooo Hooo!!!! I had a nice relaxing day, the boys went out to Kevin’s and Bruce and I went out for lunch which was really nice. Yummy food and good conversation with your husband, life is good. I went out and did a little shopping, Bruce made up the lasagna for dinner after basketball and later in the afternoon we headed out.
We got back from basketball and of course Bruce had invited over the party people without me knowing, Paula, Steve and the boys, Cendro’s and the Rivera’s arrived later after Kristie got home from her London trip. It was a fun night, the kids played outside, the adults sat in the lounge room, we had photo’s cake and what would a Hultgren gathering be without dancing in the lounge room. It was lots of fun and it was a great birthday; with the exception of actually feeling older for the first time in a long time. Not sure why but this year was the year I actually started feeling older.
Enough about that, Sunday we had a busy afternoon planned, Conner had open day at school and we had to go and pick Elise up, but they were kind of at the same time. We headed to school early and got Conner’s schedule and met his teachers and the saw his classrooms which was nice for all three of us, it was warm and there were people everywhere, 800 kids for year 7 alone this year (1500 if you include year 8 as well).
We dropped Conner off at home and headed to pick up Elise. The bonus was that she’s called and was getting dropped off in Elk Grove – SCORE!!! There she was waiting for us as we rounded the street and TWO bags; she’d accumulated another large bag while she was at camp. We got her home and she had a shower and started feeling human again. It was a quiet night of catching up and Elise was in bed at a reasonable hour.
Conner started Middle school with not a lot of fuss at all, Bruce dropped him off at school in all the traffic (OMG) the middle school and high school start at the same time and there is traffic everywhere. (the High School has about 4,000 kids – from years 9-12 only – so you are looking at over 5500 kids – the 1500 kids at Middle School are connected on the next campus - entering and leaving – everyday at the same time – on roads that simply weren’t meant for this kind of traffic – so we had to find shortcuts and fast! It took us 2 days and we’ve now got this down to a fine art – woo hoo!) I went to work in the morning then took Elise out for some shopping in the afternoon, Tuesday we went down to the Galt Market with Kristie which was fun and a little frustrating, we took Jamieson who wanted to buy everything, Mum can I have, Mum can I have??? Grrrrr!!!! We did Elise’s hair while the boys were at basketball practice, Wednesday night Paula came over and we did her hair, Thursday we went shopping with Millie in Sacramento and out to lunch at an Irish Pub which was nice and finished off the week with Hot Summer nights concert in the park which was fun and a nice casual night out with friends. Saturday we cleaned the house and went over to the Cendro’s for a catch up and swim, then off to basketball, Sunday was a quiet day watching movies and chillin out, getting Elise ready for her trip to the East coast and helping her pack.
Bruce dropped Elise off at the airport on Tuesday and Bruce headed out to see some clients while Jamieson and I stayed at home for the day, I got lots of the Billy Bounce booklets done which was great, then on Wednesday Jamieson came to the office while Bruce had some meetings, nothing else exciting to take up the end of the week, worked a little at the office and then on booklets for Bruce. Conner is really enjoying school which makes life easier for us. They have a great tool called school loop here, it’s communication between home and school, you can login and see all your kids homework as well as their grades, what’s due when etc, it’s fantastic and the kids know that the parents are keeping track so it keeps them honest as well, fantastic tool and it should be copied everywhere.
Friday hit and along with it came a throat thing for me, I spent the next few days fighting it which is my own fault, I would lay down and rest and then when I though I was feeling better I would get up and start doing stuff, so of course then an hour or so later I would be in a pile on the bed again, typical, you would think I would learn, NOT!!!!
And here we are its September already, where has this year gone, really someone please tell me?? I hope all is well and with the Footy finals on that the CATS WIN!!!! Ha ha.
I should be saying that it’s cooling down here so if you call going from 100F+ to the 90F’s then it’s cooling down here, it’s actually nice and I get out into the back yard with a book or my IPod more now that it’s not so HOT!!!
Fall/ Autumn is nearly upon us, the leaves are starting to fall from some of the trees and I wonder what the change in seasons will bring. Lots of challenges ahead for everyone, what would life be without them…. BORING I suppose!
I gave Conner some advice a couple of weeks ago (when he was going through some homesickness, new school, new friends, teenager thing etc), and I think it holds true for everyone. BE BRAVE with your life, (like Dad – we know dad is a different kind of brave, but give it a go) have a big life not a normal one, that is part of the reason we bought you’re here, to show you have so many options. I think that was a good mother/ son moment for us. I also think it applies to everyone, (as someone who has packed up her old life and moved it to somewhere new, for life experience and family experience) our kids can literally do anything and do it anywhere in the world, what a great and scary proposition for them! We/I got a little of that growing up, but now that’s what we should all tell our kids…. Find your vehicle and take it wherever you want it to go!
The great thing is that we also showed him a great example, look at Elise, she got on a plane by herself and had an amazing life experience, how brave she was to do that and look what she got out of it, she is not the same person that left Australia in June - Bruce and I have noticed that just in the short time we had her here.
Listen to me being all philosophical it must be time to say goodbye….. Check back in soon. It was great to see all those gorgeous faces when we came home….you all need to start saving and come and visit, we won’t be here forever.
Happy Birthday Alex and Paul….xxxxx
Hey everyone – Bruce again – Jamieson and I were meant to be down there for this past week and actually getting back onto the plane tomorrow (our time) – but circumstances had us stay here and the upside for Jamieson is that he will now get to miss a week of school – probably late October or early November is the plan.
I was lucky enough to be down there in April (I think it was April! Maybe May?) so this trip for me will be somewhat of an attempt at a vacation. Yeah right – I know – but I’m going to try!!!
There will be some coffee shops with my name all over them – just watching the world go by, I will be a taxi for JR and will be arranging some catch ups – OK – so it sounds exactly like Belinda and Conner – but I’m going to TRY and rest in among all the JR things to be accomplished!
I also have to squeeze a one day trip up to
Well – that’s about it – looking forward to seeing you all again in just over a month!
For us here that means the NFL will be in full swing (starts tomorrow – woo hoo!) the College Football will be well and truly underway – college basketball will be upon us and then the NBA starts – and to think – I used to really dislike October, November and the following months because there was NOTHING on TV!
I guess this period makes up for all the time I don’t watch it throughout the year!
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