Start Feb....

I can’t believe it’s the second half of February, we are closing the end of the Presidents Day long weekend and it’s going into the second half of the month so that means, here I am trying to make our lives sound a little exciting.

Our February started out with a kind of hectic weekend. I cleaned the house for most of the day, Bruce went out to get out of the house and the boys chilled out as per usual for a weekend. We were ready and out the door to Paula’s at around 4.30pm. They all jumped into the van and made our way up the freeway to the UC Davis campus for our first college basketball game. In usual US fashion we couldn’t bring our own food (like in all public functions etc- NO FOOD!!) So $30 for corn chips and orange cheese sauce and a couple hot dogs later we found our seats and the game started. The experience was very similar to a Supercats game with mostly college kids who are the huge cheer squad. We also saw our first college band in action; it was really cool. The game itself was a little frustrating, but some of the kids (and I say that loosely) were HUGE!! Davis lost but we all had some fun and the kids did pretty well, Jamieson scored a UC Davis t-shirt (Conner didn’t want one) We all ran to the car in the pouring rain, which would have looked pretty funny to those watching, and got home at around 11.00, it was a fun night for all and will do it again.

We got up on the Sunday (Super bowl Sunday) I spent the morning baking for the day. We arrived at Paula’s around 2.00 and settled in for the game. Andrea and Robert came over as well as Carlos and the kids. The game was ok, for a game that stops and starts, which I find frustrating if you haven’t already picked it. We watched and ate and watched more and ate again, it was a fun afternoon and we got home just after dinner so the kids were in bed not too late. What a weekend, but my house was clean so I was happy.

The next week was fairly boring on my account; I spent the week pretty much in bed. I woke up and stayed there. The boys went off to school and Bruce into the office to work. I, along with Honey (the dog) she came in and out from Bruce’s lap to mine. Tuesday I tried to go to work and they sent me home, so that was it for me for the rest of the week. You could say the girls are germ phobic, so by Friday when I was feeling better I just stayed home to save the argument, cause I still sounded yuck!!

Conner had a basketball game, which they won (I think) which he really enjoyed, Bruce has turned into the official ref, but he’s really enjoying it so that’s been some fun for him.

The weather broke from rain to sun at the start of the week so Jamieson finally had baseball tryouts. It was a gorgeous day so we got to spend some time sitting out in the sun with the Rivera’s for a little bit. Jamieson did really well; he caught the fly ball, threw it from 1^st to 3^rd base just fine and hit 2 or the 3 pitches. Much to his old coach (Dave’s) disappointment, he told him to miss them, cause he wants to draft him. Anyway, He did really well and had all the coaches scribbling away feverishly!! We ended up at the Rivera’s after dinner, the kids played and the parents chatted and ended up playing cards which is always fun even though I never win.

On Sunday Kristie picked me up early and we drove to San Fran to pick her mum up from her Sydney trip. We didn’t get home until after 1.00pm. Bruce was sad but Kristie dropped me off and Caroline picked Honey…. we were all sad and it took her a little bit to realize that her mum was home which Bruce loved. Now, you know the boys are asking when we can get a dog? Stay Tuned!!

Last week was a busy one for me, having been away for a week things kind of don’t get done. Then there were also some cracks that have appeared that Paula and I have to deal with, so add that to my list which just when I think it’s getting shorter I have to add more things.

Conner had a bad basketball game, which he didn’t take too well. Let’s just say, his teacher/coach is a screamer, and she lets her feelings be known while they are playing. Now Conner is used to Bruce, who is the opposite, so he’s realized that he doesn’t respond well to being yelled at, so that was a learning experience for him. Which is a good thing, but he said he might not play next year. We’ll see, he loves it I think it was more the bad game, which he just hates.

We had Valentines Day on Thursday, which as you may remember from last year, is COMPLETELY over the top here. Bruce and I have never really done Valentines Day, (you shouldn’t need someone else to tell you when to have a special day) so we just sit back and laugh. The boys as usual took candy for all the kids in their class and came home with a bag FULL.

I had a busy week at work, I worked from home after parent helping on Wednesday, but I don’t get as much done so not sure how long that’s going to last, it means I have to be at work longer the rest of the week, so I am reassessing my work hours. Bruce is still doing his thing, driving the computer; we are finishing up the Navy angels order at the moment, so the sweatshop has been open off and on at night. The boys are going well at school; Conner is really enjoying it at the moment, which makes life easier. Jamieson is being Jamieson, his teacher calls him ‘social’, which is a nice way to put, he just loves talking. Nothing unusual, Bruce thinks it’s pretty funny.

Our week ended up with chilling out and watching a movie on Friday night, I was supposed to go and have a girls night out with Kristie at ceramics, but Carlos did a trip to Hawaii, so that was a bit of a bummer. Saturday we had Justin (Paula’s son) birthday party at laser tag, which was a lot of fun. We got there after lunch and the big boys went in with the kids first then the mum’s had their go. Paula was having so much fun, she literally wasn’t watching where she was going and ran full pelt into the wall. We had a great laugh about that; she has the bruises to prove how hard she hit too. Alfie and John came to the party, Kristin and Dylan were at another laser tag party somewhere else, so we didn’t get to see bubba Cooper. By the time we got home it was early evening, had some dinner and the kids watched the NBA 3 Point Shootout and Slam Dunk Competition – which – if you haven’t seen – check it out on You Tube or something – amazing! I made some spaghetti sauce for dinner the next night and we were all in bed at a reasonable hour.

I was up early on Sunday and in the kitchen, which is usual for me. Sunday is my baking morning. The Rivera’s were coming over in the afternoon to watch the NBA All Star game on the big screen and have dinner. I spent the morning in the kitchen baking etc. Peter’s birthday, Bruce lit his candle and put it on the mantle with his picture. We had a busy day organized which helped I think. (Yep – tough day that one! B)

The Rivera’s arrived around 3.00, the kids went and played and the adults caught up, the big boys sat down with their beers and watched the end of Daytona and the girls hung out in the kitchen getting snacks etc for everyone. We had some spaghetti in front of the big screen; the All Star game was ok. Bruce and Carlos were flicking from the All star game and a college game. The kids obviously didn’t sit still for long, and when the game was done, we sat down and played some cards. We had some dessert and played some cards and the Rivera’s put the kids in the car and were out of here around midnight. Which was ok for a Sunday night, cause Monday was Presidents Day, Public holiday.

There have been special birthdays that we’ve missed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Bubba Felix – wear the jeans well, you can’t get them in Aus The Godmother - Tracey, Amber Livingston – the big 18! Lisa Cheatley -drop us a line Peter Hultgren – RIP, we think about you always Maureen Hultgren – XXXX, We miss you

That is about it from us so far this month. Hope everyone is doing well.

A note from Bruce – G’day! Yep – we still have our Aussie accents! The Visa renewal process has started in earnest and stage 1 is now complete – which is basically getting advice from an immigration specialist on the best way to renew. Because we have to change sponsors – it is like starting all over again. We are going to have to go to Canada for a week while they process the app within the US consulate.

Vancouver probably – we will keep you posted – it will be good to get up there for a week and not too far away from all the action in the US.

Any excuse for a holiday I reckon!

Although the Angels are about to explode in several niches – I will let you know about those when we are officially going!

BillyBounce is starting up again in several pockets around the US and I am just waiting for the final word on Dubai and India – as to when I am going down there.

As always – lots happening and it all just takes time – lots of time!!!

January 2nd half 2008...

Well, January 2008 is over already, and it was a busy one for us. Bruce and I worked really hard. Jamieson is doing his thing and Conner is having a great time training and playing on the school team. He has been getting around 10-15 mins per game and has also been scoring, which makes him happy. On Monday Bruce also went over to a local high school and did some coaching for a friend who asked him to help out, which he enjoyed.

We did the usual things during the week, the boys had basketball, and Conner has been doing double duty with school as well, and then games during the week for Stone Lake and Saturday games for Jnr NBA. It’s definitely that time where a rest from the back and forth is wanted.

I caught up with Elise on messenger and did the usual Thursday night coffee with Kristie, which is becoming a little tradition, every couple of weeks when she’s not on a flight. On Friday night we had Darcy’s two boys while she had a meeting. They are cool kids and Paula bought her kids over, so all the boys had fun. We caught up with the Charles’ at Paula’s for dinner on Saturday night and then on Sunday ended up over at the Rivera’s to watch the NFL finals.

Happy Birthday to Griffy for the 19^th January.

The next week, Conner started out the week with a sick day, his temperature was up so he spent the day sleeping. Monday’s has turned into my long day so I can work from home and not do as much work on Wednesday’s. The weather has taken a huge turn in the cold/freezing direction. It’s been 9c and raining and continued for the rest of the week. We all sat down after dinner and watched the Seattle video Bruce did from our Christmas trip, it turned out really well, and there will be a copy heading South in the near future. Jamieson came home with an ‘A’ on his Grandparent report on Maureen, which he was very happy about.

Conner was up and about for the rest of the week. Jamieson was the usual self, he and his friend Mario; who lives up the street and his sister Nina, who is in Conner’s class. They have been going to the park a lot and playing which is great, and the four of them actually get on really well. Nina is cool and Conner actually doesn’t mind hanging out with her.

I went out on Wednesday after parent helping to get a couple of things for Felix’s birthday and a couple of other things. It was nice to have the day off but it’s hard to get over the guilt of not cleaning the house and then feeling I should be at work so I can be home on the other days when the kids are home. That’s something that I have to fine tune, my new schedule is not working for my conscience so I’m going to have to try something else.

Conner had a basketball game at a school in what you would have to say was not the best part of town. He started the game, and did not too bad, but when he came on in the last part of the game, he scored and that turned the game around and they ended up winning by 3 points. Bruce was very proud.

Our Saturday was a HUGE one, last game of basketball (Jnr NBA) so that meant two meals of pizza. End of season parties, it was a fun day; the boys had a good time. It was a long day though, in and out of the house. We didn’t get home from Conner’s game and party until around 9.00, so it was straight into bed and a quiet night for the rest of us. There was a movie or maybe a basketball game, but who the hell can remember.

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY EVERYONE!!!!

WOW, the last week of January already. Where has the month gone? The weather is a little better than the last couple of weeks, not raining as much. Well, our week was a busy one I suppose you could call it. Bruce is driving the desk, as he would put it, I worked more than I should have. On Tuesday we had Justin and Jeremy for dinner then Bruce took them home for bed while Paula and Steve went to a Memorial service for a friend. They haven’t been well, so it was a quiet night, which was good.

Jamieson was home from school on Wednesday, so I stayed home and worked cause Bruce had meetings to go to. We got a temporary member of the family for a week or so, Kristie’s mum (Caroline) Maltese/poodle, I think, Honey. She’s gorgeous and tiny, she wasn’t too bad cause she’s seen us at Kristie and Carlos’s when we are there and so is she, so it only took her a couple of hours before she was Bruce’s shadow. SO CUTE!!! She follows him wherever he goes, yes even standing outside the bathroom door waiting for him to come out. There’s no barking and she just wants to sit down with you and cuddle. The boys are loving it, all 3 of them.

Conner’s basketball game was rescheduled; cause the 6^th graders were on an excursion. So the week overall was a fairly quiet one. The kids have been out playing at the park after school, Bruce and Honey in the office, and me at work. Pretty boring but that’s the way it is.

I think at the end of the week there will be a conversation about getting a dog, everyone is having such a great time having her here, and we are going to miss her when she leaves.

And that is the rest of our January, not as exciting as you might have hoped but that’s the way it is. Our February may be a little more exciting, who knows what will come up.

I have a trip to Vegas to a planning conference in April with Paula to look forward to. Pocket Angels is about to take the world by storm, which is very exciting. Conner is loving his school basketball and Jamieson is excited, cause he is about to start baseball.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KATE AND SOPHIE (OLD SCHOOL FRIENDS) FOR 25^TH& 26^TH

Hey everyone, this is Bruce.

Yep – Belinda pretty much nailed the month – on the Visa front – yes – we are going to renew for a couple of years until we get this mission accomplished. So enquiries are happening and it looks like we are going to have to go to Canada for the renewal – it should turn into a positive and if we need to spend a week somewhere – why not up there – it will add to the experience for all of us.

Apart from that – just lots of business things happening and as they get locked in – you will find it here!

Cheers, B

January 2008 pics....

Jamieson's Lakers

Conner's Stone Lake Hawks

Bruce & Cooper ( This is how long we've been here, look how big he is now)

Early January

Well, you heard that we had a late New Years Eve, it was fun and we didn’t get a lot of sleep. We were all up and about (at Paula’s) around 9.00. Her X-husband picked up the boys at around 10.00. The rest of us finished out breakfast and chilled out for a little bit. We got home from Paula’s around 11.00; by the time we packed up sleeping bags, deflated mattresses etc. We had a quiet afternoon and then ended up at the Rivera’s for some dinner. One of the Andrew’s (Australian guys) got sick and ended up in the emergency room, we think reaction from one of the beers. It was a nice quiet evening and great way to start off the year.

Wed 2^nd, Jan was the last day of holidays for the boys, (not that Bruce and I were excited) and Conner wanted to do something fun before they went back to school. I went off to work and the boys spent the day at home, doing the usual. So they picked me up from work, and off we went to the Movies to see “The chipmunks” movie. We had a great time, eating popcorn and laughing through the whole thing. It was a cool way to finish the holidays.

The boys got back to school and into the swing of things pretty quickly, no homework for the first couple of days, so it was a little easier of a transition. Thurs bought a small milestone, the tree whose branches have been falling down was finally removed (even if it was after all the leaves had fallen), and we were hoping we wouldn’t have to do that this year. Bloody tree!!!! Anyway, we have no more tree out the front, so in the summer, no shade on the drive way, we’ll see how much difference that makes.

The storm hit over night, and boy was it a BIG one, it continued into the Friday. OMG, it was huge, I have never seen it like that, it was raining so hard all day and I’m not kidding. Paula told us to go home early cause she was worried about us (Darcy) driving home. So we were out of there early afternoon, although I did go home and work, so it really made no difference to me. The rain eased and we had a semi quiet Friday night; Bruce wanted to get out of the house and of all places wanted to go to Costco for dinner and a little shopping. So off we went, the boys ate and I looked around. We bought a few things (food) that we needed and a stop off at Best Buy for a look around and we were home around 9.00.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE TWINS (RAELS & TRUDY)

Our Saturday was the usual, the boys played basketball, Jamieson is doing not to badly although his shooting is not going so great, he seems the have lost control. I cleaned the house and we moved Conner’s desk out of his room and into the office and the extra desk out of the office and into Conner’s room, which also gave me a chance to do a clean through the room, my usual after Christmas thing. Conner played a great game, he is getting really great, he’s working hard and practicing a lot and it’s definitely paying off, he makes his father proud.

Our Sunday was a usual one, chilling out around the house, the boys doing some chores and in the afternoon I went out to take some stuff back from Christmas, the rushes have gone, so it’s not too bad. I bought some DVD’s for myself. Mum called later in the day and we spent a quiet night at home watching Beauty shop on DVD.

My week started out with a long Monday. I am trying to figure out a schedule that gives me a day off and Bruce is planning on being on the road Tuesday’s and Wednesday. I have parent helping on Wednesday’s so the decision was kind of easy. It just means I have to work a longer day. Anyway, the boys are back and school and as adults always do in the new year, trying to organize the rest of the year. Bruce was working his schedule and I was organizing strategic planning for work. I was online with Elise while I posted the last blog, otherwise it was a quiet night.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO NICK BELL!!!! (January 7^th)

Tuesday was our strategic planning at work and Tom from works Birthday so we couldn’t go out for lunch, which was a bummer. The planning took up most of the day but we got some great results and are all really happy with our goals for the next 3-12 months, in the afternoon to check out a couple of prospective new offices spaces that I had found. Paula wants to relocate into new premises in the next 6 months so that has been added to my task list. I’ve done it before for 17 people so this should be a little easier, I hope. Bruce was in and out of the house for the day. Conner had his first basketball game for the Stone Lake Hawks (school team). He played well considering how HUGE they were. There was this one kid, the biggest on the court; he was 11 years old and as big as me. Needless to say they didn’t fair so well, Conner got about 12 mins and did ok, he made one basket but missed a couple, he did well considering the pressure, the team was really good. It was the usual evening for us, the boys went off to basketball practice and I did some stuff at home.

Our Friday started off surprisingly, Bruce came into the bathroom while I was getting ready for work to inform me that he had just measured the boys and my youngest son had growth 1cm in around 2 weeks and I have to feed him. Jamieson walked into the room with a huge smile on his face. We all had a usual day, I got home from work and the boys were playing while I made some Vanilla Slice (Kristie bought me back some custard powder fro London) and they love vanilla slice, of which you cannot get here. We arrived at the around 6.00pm, Carlos had gotten back from Germany earlier in the day. We had a yummy dinner and sat down to what is becoming a little tradition playing cards. Paula and Steve arrived around 9.00, they had been out for dinner. We finished the game and started in on a new one. Before we knew it; it was 12.30 and poor Carlos’ eyes were falling out of his head. We worked out he had been up for nearly 2 days at that point. I drove Paula’s car home, they had had a few wines, and Bruce picked me up and we arrived home with the kids in the back seat sleeping at around 1.00am.

We had a quiet-ish weekend. The boys played their basketball after a sleep in from our late night on Friday night. Bruce had a brain wave about Jamieson watching him during the game, cause it definitely wasn’t his best. He’s growing too fast and hasn’t adjusted to his body yet, which is why everything is completely out of whack with his game, which makes sense. Julian came over for a play in the afternoon and then we all went to watch Conner play and win later in the day. I quiet night at home for us, which we all needed.

Sunday was John Charles’ birthday party over at a stadium on the other side of town. It was nice to see them cause we haven’t seen the Charles’ for Christmas; we are all catching up for dinner next weekend at Paula’s. The boys had fun; it was a basketball party so Conner and Jamieson were in their element. The girls sat down and watched bubba Cooper (Belinda took lots of shots of Cooper, of course) just generally catching up. It took a little while, but I finally got a kiss, so I had a great day. We were home in time to watch the last ¼ of the Patriots v Jaguars NFL finals game, so Bruce was happy. Otherwise a nice quiet night chatted to Rhys on messenger and watched TV with my husband.

So, that is 2008 up until now, it’s Tuesday night and to read what has been happening in the last couple of days you’ll have to wait for another 2 weeks. Which is my aim with the blog this year. (Let’s see how we go) I hope everyone is doing well and staying out of the heat as much as possible.

Just a quick FYI – our wonderful friends the Rivera’s (who work for United, and helped getting us home on our trips last year when we needed it) are going to be in the Geelong neck of the woods next month. Hopefully they will be staying with mum and dad one night on their travels to see the coast and if you could try and meet them, they would love it and so would we. I will get more details to everyone when I have them.

Otherwise, everyone have a great one and I’ll be back in a couple of weeks.