Although we're not home to celebrate, we're doing a little Australia Day on our patch of earth.
It's a lovely fine day, so Lizzy & I played a little game of cricket in the backyard.
We'll have some lamb, tim-tams & ginger beer tonight. And we can't forget to mention we'll be listening to the Hottest 100.
Ahhh...it's nice to have a little bit of home for a day.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
I Want to tell you Something...
"I want to tell you something" is Lizzy's latest phrase. When she doesn't want to go to sleep you hear these words. When she's trying to delay you from leaving playtime you hear these words. It's quite often followed by "Ummm, ummm" as she madly tries to think of something to tell me.
However today we had a twist.
"Awona. Awona Awmstwong. I've got something to tell you."
She was so proud of herself as she was able to tell "something" to me...
"That's your name!"
However today we had a twist.
"Awona. Awona Awmstwong. I've got something to tell you."
She was so proud of herself as she was able to tell "something" to me...
"That's your name!"
Friday, January 18, 2008
Math & Music
I've been struggling for awhile to develop Isaac's sense of rhythm. Clapping on the beat has just been impossible for him; even keeping a steady beat has been difficult. So how do you teach rhythm to a child who seems to have no sense of rhythm?
It struck me the other week. "Isaac - can you hear the math in the music?"
His head pops up, and I can see a gleam of interest.
"Listen...the music is counting to 4, over and over again. 1,2,3,4; 1,2,3,4. It's like a pattern."
So each time we've heard something with a strong beat, we've listened for the counting in the music. And do you know what? I think he's starting to hear it!
It struck me the other week. "Isaac - can you hear the math in the music?"
His head pops up, and I can see a gleam of interest.
"Listen...the music is counting to 4, over and over again. 1,2,3,4; 1,2,3,4. It's like a pattern."
So each time we've heard something with a strong beat, we've listened for the counting in the music. And do you know what? I think he's starting to hear it!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
An adventure...
What does a princess need for an adventure?
Well...first she needs to be wearing a princess dress and a backpack.
In the backpack she needs to have a coloring book, a reading book and some dental floss. (Obviously keeping your teeth clean on an adventure is critical for princesses).
Once all of that is packed - she needs a scooter and a helmet so she can take off an explore the world.
I must run now - I can hear the adventure is occurring upstairs and need to check it out.
Well...first she needs to be wearing a princess dress and a backpack.
In the backpack she needs to have a coloring book, a reading book and some dental floss. (Obviously keeping your teeth clean on an adventure is critical for princesses).
Once all of that is packed - she needs a scooter and a helmet so she can take off an explore the world.
I must run now - I can hear the adventure is occurring upstairs and need to check it out.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Let's not do today again..
What a day! A Bad, Bad Day!
For those not in the know - that's a quote from a Level 1 reading book which my kids love. It was a very appropriate line for our day today.
We started off with preschool being cancelled and school starting late due to snow and ice on the roads. Not fun for driving, and I had to go out this morning, now with kids in tow.
When we came home, my carbon monoxide alarm was going off. O-oh! I send the kids back outside into the snow while I open up the house and call 911. So instead of taking Isaac to school, I'm telling firemen to please ignore all the toys over the floor as they look around my house for possible causes of CO gas. We found the cause, but so not to incriminate anyone I'll not go into details. Ben..sighs a sigh of relief ;) Oops..did I just say that!
Then this afternoon, my poor baby boy is doubling over in pain and barely able to walk. So it's off to the doctors we went. We're not sure what's going on yet, but for the first time in my life I'm really hoping he's going to start vomitting.
I'm looking forward to a better tomorrow, for today was a bad, bad day.
For those not in the know - that's a quote from a Level 1 reading book which my kids love. It was a very appropriate line for our day today.
We started off with preschool being cancelled and school starting late due to snow and ice on the roads. Not fun for driving, and I had to go out this morning, now with kids in tow.
When we came home, my carbon monoxide alarm was going off. O-oh! I send the kids back outside into the snow while I open up the house and call 911. So instead of taking Isaac to school, I'm telling firemen to please ignore all the toys over the floor as they look around my house for possible causes of CO gas. We found the cause, but so not to incriminate anyone I'll not go into details. Ben..sighs a sigh of relief ;) Oops..did I just say that!
Then this afternoon, my poor baby boy is doubling over in pain and barely able to walk. So it's off to the doctors we went. We're not sure what's going on yet, but for the first time in my life I'm really hoping he's going to start vomitting.
I'm looking forward to a better tomorrow, for today was a bad, bad day.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Stuck
We had a little bit of snow this afternoon, and of course, Lizzy wanted to be outside. After about 10 minutes I had her all rugged up and sent her off to play.
A little later I paused, thinking I heard a cry for help. It came again, and I realised it was Lizzy. I threw on my snowboots & jacket and ran outside. She was curled around an apple tree, looking like she was giving it a big hug.
"What's wrong Lizzy? Are you stuck?"
I walked over and realised that her jacket had become caught on the tree.
She looked up and said "Yes. I'm stuck. Like an apple."
My apple tree doesn't usually have apples on it at this time of year, but I thought I'd pick this apple. It's such a cute apple.
A little later I paused, thinking I heard a cry for help. It came again, and I realised it was Lizzy. I threw on my snowboots & jacket and ran outside. She was curled around an apple tree, looking like she was giving it a big hug.
"What's wrong Lizzy? Are you stuck?"
I walked over and realised that her jacket had become caught on the tree.
She looked up and said "Yes. I'm stuck. Like an apple."
My apple tree doesn't usually have apples on it at this time of year, but I thought I'd pick this apple. It's such a cute apple.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Excitement
At Christmas time, Lizzy was so excited that Santa was coming that she could not fall asleep.
Tonight has been another one of those nights. She is so excited that it took about an hour and a half for her to fall asleep. She finally fell asleep clutching her Dora the Explorer book.
You may be wondering what special event is happening tommorrow...
Let's just say that the dentist will be thrilled that he rates up there with Santa on the excitement scale.
Tonight has been another one of those nights. She is so excited that it took about an hour and a half for her to fall asleep. She finally fell asleep clutching her Dora the Explorer book.
You may be wondering what special event is happening tommorrow...
Let's just say that the dentist will be thrilled that he rates up there with Santa on the excitement scale.
A Mother's Work
Our family was driving in the car yesterday when the topic of women & jobs came up. I was explaining to Isaac that some mummies went to work, some worked out of their homes and others choose to stay at home to look after their children. He asked a few more questions and finally I said "Mummy chose to stay at home and look after you & Lizzy."
His response was "That's not a job. Anyone could do that!"
Maybe when I finally get a green card, getting a "real" job should be the first thing I do.
His response was "That's not a job. Anyone could do that!"
Maybe when I finally get a green card, getting a "real" job should be the first thing I do.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Sad Day, Happy Day
One of our fish died yesterday.
You would have thought it would have been a sad day. Usually when a fish dies, it is. However our children were more excited than sad because although our fish had died it had left six tiny babies behind. The excitement of baby fish definately outweighed the sadness of a dead fish.
If we manage to keep them alive, we're going to have 10 fish. I think some will need to go back to the pet shop.
You would have thought it would have been a sad day. Usually when a fish dies, it is. However our children were more excited than sad because although our fish had died it had left six tiny babies behind. The excitement of baby fish definately outweighed the sadness of a dead fish.
If we manage to keep them alive, we're going to have 10 fish. I think some will need to go back to the pet shop.
Word Confusion
Today, Elizabeth requested an egg sandwich for lunch. She's never had one before so it was a new experience for her.
She sat down and had eaten a few mouthfuls when she announced "This is awful". I initially thought "Oh well. At least she tried it." But then she kept on eating it. So I asked her "Is it yucky or yummy?"
"It's yummy!"
We were obviously not only trying new foods but trying new words too. In the meantime, I'll just tell myself that she was full of awe about her sandwich.
She sat down and had eaten a few mouthfuls when she announced "This is awful". I initially thought "Oh well. At least she tried it." But then she kept on eating it. So I asked her "Is it yucky or yummy?"
"It's yummy!"
We were obviously not only trying new foods but trying new words too. In the meantime, I'll just tell myself that she was full of awe about her sandwich.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
A Tooth Fairy Oops
Isaac lost his second tooth on Sunday night. Like every other child around he was all eager to put his tooth under his pillow for the tooth fairy. However, unlike alot of other children he completely forgot about it by Monday morning.
This was a very good thing this time because the tooth fairy got her schedule all mixed up and forgot to visit our house.
It wasn't until Lizzy remembered on Tuesday after preschool - giving the tooth fairy enough time to make a quick stop into our house and deliver the cash before Isaac came home from school. She hit a slight problem though when she couldn't find the missing tooth.
Thank goodness for Daddy's who are able to find teeth and arrange for tooth fairy pickups after hours.
This was a very good thing this time because the tooth fairy got her schedule all mixed up and forgot to visit our house.
It wasn't until Lizzy remembered on Tuesday after preschool - giving the tooth fairy enough time to make a quick stop into our house and deliver the cash before Isaac came home from school. She hit a slight problem though when she couldn't find the missing tooth.
Thank goodness for Daddy's who are able to find teeth and arrange for tooth fairy pickups after hours.
A New Meal
I like to cook. So it's inevitable that every now and then I stumble across something noteworthy. Our latest find is Acorn Chicken Stir-fry. It's so yummy and very quick to make.
Basically all it is, is an Acorn Squash (a type of small pumpkin for all my Australian friends) which is split in half, cooked and then stuffed with a chicken stir-fry. While my acorn squashes are cooking in the microwave, I stir-fry some chicken and veggies along with a store bought stir-fry sauce and - voila - it's a meal.
You should try it one day - really.
Basically all it is, is an Acorn Squash (a type of small pumpkin for all my Australian friends) which is split in half, cooked and then stuffed with a chicken stir-fry. While my acorn squashes are cooking in the microwave, I stir-fry some chicken and veggies along with a store bought stir-fry sauce and - voila - it's a meal.
You should try it one day - really.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
A traditional Christmas
Growing up we used to see the traditional white Christmas pictures, despite it being so hot on Christmas day.
Living in California and then in Seattle - chances of having a white Christmas are still pretty slim. It rarely snows in San Francisco and only about 3-4 times a year in Seattle.
Therefore, you can imagine how thrilled I was to look out my window just after writing my last post to see that it is snowing!
Now we have to wait and see if it sticks, and see if we might have a white christmas or not.
Living in California and then in Seattle - chances of having a white Christmas are still pretty slim. It rarely snows in San Francisco and only about 3-4 times a year in Seattle.
Therefore, you can imagine how thrilled I was to look out my window just after writing my last post to see that it is snowing!
Now we have to wait and see if it sticks, and see if we might have a white christmas or not.
Some Christmas Quotes
There was definately alot of excitement in our household this morning.
Just to let you in on the Christmas scene, these were some overheard comments...
Isaac
"Mummy, Daddy, quickly! Look, Quickly, Mummy, Daddy! Santa came!"
"What would happen if someone was called "From"?" Followed by lots of giggles.
"That's just what I wanted but I forgot to put it on my list!" (When opening a transformer from Santa)
When talking about the Christmas story...
Werona: "What did the angels do?"
Isaac: "They came to sigh."
Werona: "Sigh? Did they sigh when they saw the baby?"
Isaac: "Yes!"
Lizzy
Werona: "What did the angels do?
Lizzy: "They flew"
"Santa didn't bring that! We bought it!" (said when Ben opened a present from his stocking)
Ben
"Oh - it looks like Mummy put some more things in the Santa Stocking" (followed by a confused look from Isaac and a dirty look from me).
Werona
"Oh no. It wasn't me. It must have been Santa" (said whilst trying to cover Ben's blooper)
Just to let you in on the Christmas scene, these were some overheard comments...
Isaac
"Mummy, Daddy, quickly! Look, Quickly, Mummy, Daddy! Santa came!"
"What would happen if someone was called "From"?" Followed by lots of giggles.
"That's just what I wanted but I forgot to put it on my list!" (When opening a transformer from Santa)
When talking about the Christmas story...
Werona: "What did the angels do?"
Isaac: "They came to sigh."
Werona: "Sigh? Did they sigh when they saw the baby?"
Isaac: "Yes!"
Lizzy
Werona: "What did the angels do?
Lizzy: "They flew"
"Santa didn't bring that! We bought it!" (said when Ben opened a present from his stocking)
Ben
"Oh - it looks like Mummy put some more things in the Santa Stocking" (followed by a confused look from Isaac and a dirty look from me).
Werona
"Oh no. It wasn't me. It must have been Santa" (said whilst trying to cover Ben's blooper)
Monday, December 24, 2007
'Twas the Night Before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the house
Not a creature was stirring
Not even a mouse..."
Oh darn. Who came up with that perfect image? They obviously didn't have a 4 & 6 year old who are so excited that Santa is coming that they can't fall asleep nearly 3 hours after bedtime. It's not through lack of trying. They are lying so quietly in their beds, and when Ben checked on them Lizzy told him "I'm trying to sleep but I just can't wait for Santa to come".
Maybe we'll be sleeping in tomorrow morning after all.
And all through the house
Not a creature was stirring
Not even a mouse..."
Oh darn. Who came up with that perfect image? They obviously didn't have a 4 & 6 year old who are so excited that Santa is coming that they can't fall asleep nearly 3 hours after bedtime. It's not through lack of trying. They are lying so quietly in their beds, and when Ben checked on them Lizzy told him "I'm trying to sleep but I just can't wait for Santa to come".
Maybe we'll be sleeping in tomorrow morning after all.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Sandwiches
Just lately, Isaac has been wanting some variations to his usual peanut & butter sandwiches. We've tried it with the usuals such as jam and honey, but yesterday he wanted something different.
"Mummy, can I have peanut butter and vegemite?"
I told him I didn't think it would taste nice but he still wanted it. I ended up putting peanut butter on half and vegemite on the other and then cut off a slither of each. He put those slithers together and gobbled it up. The verdict? Yummy! So the rest of the sandwich was placed together and eaten.
Maybe his dual nationality is coming out in his eating habits...a sandwich which is a little Australian and a little American in flavour.
"Mummy, can I have peanut butter and vegemite?"
I told him I didn't think it would taste nice but he still wanted it. I ended up putting peanut butter on half and vegemite on the other and then cut off a slither of each. He put those slithers together and gobbled it up. The verdict? Yummy! So the rest of the sandwich was placed together and eaten.
Maybe his dual nationality is coming out in his eating habits...a sandwich which is a little Australian and a little American in flavour.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
How Do You Feel?
Yesterday, while Isaac was at Speech Therapy, Lizzy I and played a game we found in a kid's magazine.
There was a question in there which asked "How do you feel when you argue with someone?".
Her response was "Happy".
I was a little confused and thought maybe she didn't understand the question. "Do you feel happy when you and Isaac have a fight?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because then Isaac is sad".
O-oh. No misunderstanding there. I think we have a little issue to work on.
There was a question in there which asked "How do you feel when you argue with someone?".
Her response was "Happy".
I was a little confused and thought maybe she didn't understand the question. "Do you feel happy when you and Isaac have a fight?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because then Isaac is sad".
O-oh. No misunderstanding there. I think we have a little issue to work on.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Chistmas Concert
Last night was Elizabeth's Christmas Concert. She was very excited about singing at the concert, and had been singing her songs to us for the past week.
The time finally arrived for the concert, and she seemed a little overwhelmed. She stood quietly with all her class and sang her songs whilst seeming to look for Mummy & Daddy. I don't think she ever found us, despite the fact that we were in the 4th row and had shown her where we sit.
Here are some photos of her singing...
The time finally arrived for the concert, and she seemed a little overwhelmed. She stood quietly with all her class and sang her songs whilst seeming to look for Mummy & Daddy. I don't think she ever found us, despite the fact that we were in the 4th row and had shown her where we sit.
Here are some photos of her singing...
Now...don't go into shock - but Ben took a photo of Lizzy & I...
OK...now I've actually posted a photo of myself. Don't expect another for a long time :)
Sunday, December 02, 2007
It's Beginning to Look alot Like Christmas
Yesterday was December 1. For me, this is the offical first day of the Christmas period. From this day forward I can listen to Christmas carols, put up the decorations and starting feeling Christmassy.
To help along with the mood, mother nature decided to dump a few inches of snow on us. It was really quite beautiful and so fitting for the first day of the Christmas lead-up. As a result, the song "It's beginning to look alot like Christmas" kept on going around my head.
To help along with the mood, mother nature decided to dump a few inches of snow on us. It was really quite beautiful and so fitting for the first day of the Christmas lead-up. As a result, the song "It's beginning to look alot like Christmas" kept on going around my head.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Fiercely Independant
Today Lizzy went to her music lessons. At the end, all parents come back into the room for 5-10 minutes of family time. However, today I had just parked my car when the lady beside me asked if I was going to be long because she had a passenger with a disability who would have trouble getting into the car.
I quickly ran up to Lizzy's classroom and let her teacher know I needed to quickly move my car. Miss Allison responded with the comment "That's fine. Lizzy is very independent and she'll do fine with me. In fact, I'd call her fiercely independent. And that's a good thing."
I had to laugh. Yes - fiercely independent is probably an excellent way to describe our girl.
I quickly ran up to Lizzy's classroom and let her teacher know I needed to quickly move my car. Miss Allison responded with the comment "That's fine. Lizzy is very independent and she'll do fine with me. In fact, I'd call her fiercely independent. And that's a good thing."
I had to laugh. Yes - fiercely independent is probably an excellent way to describe our girl.
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