Caden's First Day of Prep

It was only a little more than a week that I had when I returned home from the States to adjust back to the Aussie lifestyle and get Caden ready for school.  Here in Queensland kids start school in their 5th year, which is basically the same as it is back home, however, the school year and cutoff for starting school are quite different and instead of calling it kindergarden, they call if prep.  Since the summer in the southern hemisphere happens Nov - Feb, kids have a really long Christmas / Summer Break.  Then the rest of the year is divided into quarters, where the kids have a week or two week break between quarterly terms. Because the cutoff for kids starting school is quite confusing, I'll spare you and just say that Caden started prep about 6 months sooner than he would have back in Texas, which was fine with me because he seemed completely ready for it.

 My five year old preppie!

Leaving the house, with mom taking the obligatory 100-million photos. 

And now the uniform is complete with the hat. Preppies wear ribbons on their hats so that they can be identified by other schoolies to steer back to the prep area if they get lost.  Way smart idea.

The week before we started school we had new neighbors move in across the street.  #1 bonus - they are Canadian and get the expat thing. #2 bonus - they have two kids for ours to play with. #3 bonus - Megan ended up in Caden's class!

Of course the two little sisters had to be part of the festivities.  You can tell we weren't used to the morning grind since neither of their hair is done.

Caden posing with his Prep F teacher, Ms. Grim.  She's awesome!

Every morning the kids have to sign in.

Mommy's first baby is so grown up.

A few good laughs with dad.

SUCCESS!  Relaxing after a great first day at Wilston State School.

Brisbane Floods

When I returned to Brisbane from the States, I returned to a city largely under water and extremely out of sorts. The rain in Queensland had started in Early December (really it hadn't stopped since about October) and it all culminated in widespread flooding across the state while I was back home.  Brisbane saw water levels that rivaled the historic flood of 1974, and other areas produced new records for historic natural disasters. Here are some images of the craziness.

                                                         Photo: Michelle Smith

Eagle Street, in the CBD.  This area is usually a happening hot spot, with some of the cities best restaurants and a gorgeous view of the Story Bridge.

                                                          Photo: REUTERS/Tim Wimborne

Although you can't see it, these apartment buildings sit on the river's edge.

                                                                                              Photo: Nick De Villiers

This photo made me teary. 

The waterfront Drift restaurant before the floods.

Learning the meaning of irony as it crashes into the Go-Between Bridge. The owner has vowed to rebuild and has been an icon in the rebuilding process.

If you talk with anyone who knows anything about Brisbane, one thing they will tell you is that it's like a big country town.  Cory and I didn't understand the meaning of this until we visited Sydney recently.  Brisbane's city skyline rivals some others I've seen, and it has a lot of the makings of other great cities; a decent public rail line, thriving performing arts & museums, large universities and the student culture that comes along with it, but it also has another quality, an endearing quality that comes from its people. People are still {for the most part} friendly here.  I know, it's a novel concept, but it's refreshing to see someone give you what we used to call the "West-Texas-Wave" when they pass you in the car. It's this culture of friendliness that brought people out in droves to help with the clean up in areas like West End, Chelmer, and Graceville.  There was never a sense of doubt that Queenslanders or Brisbanites would not rebuild.  It was simply out of the question.  And with that, I will leave you with an image that I think symbolizes the general attitude and culture here...

                                                                                                     AP/Brad Marsellos

Home {bitter}sweet Home

Almost immediately after Christmas festivities (or lack thereof) were over, we had to switch gears to get mom (me) ready to head back to the States.  For obvious reasons, I have decided to leave the part about my dad's memorial out, but hated to completely pass over the good parts about my visit.  It was so reassuring to be able to reconnect with my family and many treasured friends while back home.  It honestly made the whole situation bearable for me and was the silver lining to such a difficult time. It was hard to leave the hubbs and kids behind (well sort-of - a 16 hour plane ride without children was actually something I was looking forward to), but I was anxious to get home and hug my mom and brother, so I pulled myself up by the bootstraps and headed out of Oz for the first time since our arrival in 2010.

At the airport, outbound.

It was a rough plane ride.  Maybe it was all the stuff swirling around in my head.  Or, maybe it was that I couldn't watch enough movies to make up for the past five years of having children...I'm not sure which. I definitely waited too long to turn off the screen and close the book and couldn't get even an hour of shut-eye on the 16 hour flight.  I arrived in LA just in time to feel completely tuckered out and spent my 5 hour layover in Cinnabon, which only slightly made me feel better! By the time I sat down on the Continental flight I was ready to take a nap.  You can imagine my relief when no one sat in the middle seat next to me, allowing me to stretch out.  But, hold up.  When I asked the flight attendant for a pillow, I was rudely told "we don't have pillows in coach."  Should have known. Oh well, sleep is over-rated right? So about four hours later I landed on some of the sweetest soil on Earth - Texas, USA.  I was plain out of it.  I had been up for about 30 hours at this point and wanted nothing more than sleep, sleep, sleep.  Instead I was received by my mom and brother, who swiftly whisked me off to Dayton, Texas for some delicious albeit greasy resuscitation in the form of glorious Tex-Mex and a huge fountain Coca-Cola. It was exactly like I remembered it.  Oh yum.

The next week was full of busy, and mostly unpleasant planning of my dad's memorial.  It was hard, as anyone who has had to go through a family tragedy knows, but it was also nice to feel the warmth and love of our family and friends surround us at the time.  I'd like to acknowledge all of you who made the effort to send prayers, thoughts, cards, and visits our way.  There were many who came to show support and many others who simply helped like rock stars.  You all know who you are and my gratitude still extends today. The day after the memorial, we spent on Bolivar; the beach that held a special place in my dad's heart.  It was an eerie day, complete with a thick blanket of fog.  I have to admit it was fitting for our mood.

After the first week in Beaumont, I left to spend the weekend with two of my oldest and bestest friends in Austin. Chelsey and Larissa were both so sweet to put everything on hold and just hang out with their emotionally battered, exhausted and half sick friend. I spent the entire three weeks in the states sniffing, coughing, sucking on Halls and saying "what?" due to the lack of hearing in my right ear. But that didn't stop me from enjoying my time with them.

We started at Trudy's for some amazing food and mexican martinis.  We split queso-covered stuffed avocados, which honestly were so good they should be illegal.  Afterwards we drove over to Eagle's Nest which over looks the 360 bridge and Lake Austin, and were feeling so adventurous, we climbed to the top in the pitch dark with only our iphones to light the way.  One fall and several bruises later, we were at the top looking at one of the best views in Austin.  I so wish I had had my good Canon 20D with me, but alas, it was too much to lug around on this trip...maybe next time. 

Oh so many memories up on top of this hill, sitting by this tree.  

We decided on a whim to head to downtown Austin once we found out an old fave, Bob Schneider, was playing at Antone's, an old haunt , and perhaps the best and oldest blues joint in town. We had time to kill so we stopped and had a drink at Maria Maria, Carlos Santana's restaurant. We had what we all agreed was one of the best Sangrias we have ever tasted...you can see it below in the far bottom right-hand corner of the photo.  I would highly recommend visiting just to try this tasty cocktail!

Here we are having our photo taken by some previous Lady Longhorns! We probably should have been taking their picture! Hook Em!

At Antones enjoying the opening act, Saints of Valory, a new favorite band...check them out here.

Ah, Bob.

What a great night. It was just like old times, and so fun to go with the flow.  It was just what this old Austinite needed! The next day we spent at the outlet mall and then headed over to Alamo Drafthouse for what has to be the most worthless and pointless movie released in 2010, The Tourist.  I can't remember the last movie I wanted to walk out on, but we came close on this one.  Yikes, even Johnny Depp couldn't save the movie!

The following week I was between Beaumont and Houston.  The few days spent with just me and my mom were priceless, taking care of loose ends, some chores, a lot of shopping and just getting the time together. We started in Beaumont and then ended up in Houston, where she could visit her friend who was recovering from a double lung transplant in the med center and I could get some shopping done.  We were so busy, the whole time there seems a bit like a blur, but I treasure it none-the-less.  

A few days later she dropped me off at one of my best Houston gal's houses, which was a treat in it's self because we actually got to sit, talk and relax.  Shannon was a gracious host making me breakfast and running me around like a little gopher.  We enjoyed dinner with Kim on Friday night at CityCentre.  Being just the three of us, it was relaxed, casual and easy to catch up on every detail of each other's lives; such a blessing to be with two friends that inspire me in their own unique ways.

Me & Kim

Shannon, being my own personal chauffeur, was also sweet enough to drive me out to North Houston to  meet some other friends and a sweet baby girl who was born after I moved to Australia.  I couldn't wait to meet this sweet cheeked little one, and it was such a precious afternoon visiting with Amy, Meredith, Shannon and of course baby Kate. 

Meredith Baby Kate. 

Me & Baby Kate.

Meredith, Me, Baby Kate and her mommy, Amy. 

Me & Shannon.

That afternoon, Meredith treated me to a shopping stint at Target.  I know that sounds ridiculous right?!  Wrong.  If there's one thing I miss about the shopping in the U-S-of-A, it's Target.  Okay, well there's not just one thing I miss about the shopping back home, but this one tops my list.  Then we headed to another fabulous mexican dinner at Pappasitos.  I was so excited, not only to eat the fabulous food, but to fellowship with this group of women whose friendship helped me get through the "year of fog" after I started staying home with my three little ones.  My Mom2Mom group at Faithbridge was such a grounding force that year.  Every time we met I had a new sense of confidence in my parenting and felt refreshed, ready to face the monsters, err, I mean toddlers.  How great it was that they all came out on such a cold night to see an old friend.  Had it not been for the HORRIBLE, horrible service, which eventually meant our meals were comped, it would have been a perfect evening!

Great mom group. 

Meredith, Me, Kathy & Amy. 

Kristin, Erin, Me & Jenny.

The following morning, I was able to tag along with Meredith's family to attend my old church, Faithbridge, which was fittingly discussing the topic of life after death.  They do great podcasts, which we listen to often, and you can get by clicking here. It felt so comfortable to return to a place that was literally a second family for us in Houston.  We loved it there, and unfortunately hold every other church we visit up to their standard.  Since I was staying with Meredith, who also graciously opened her home to me, we went home on a cold wet Sunday for a home cooked meal.  It was one of the few I had while in the States, and I savored every last bite! Then it was back to Faithbridge for Baby Kate's dedication.

Pastor Ken dedicating baby Kate. 

Brian, baby Kate & Amy.

After the dedication it was more chauffeuring, this time by Meredith, who took me to see my old Apple Valley Gang.  Once again, it was a case of feeling like you're coming home. These girls were my daily sanity back in Champions, and I miss having access to them right down the street! It was great to hang out and see their kids (who were my kids' besties). It was too bad I didn't get pictures of Molly, Marshall, Caden and Natalie.  We enjoyed good wine and silly talk...just like old times.

Danielle, Hannah, Me & Datra.

Davis & Adalyn.

Then it was back to Meredith's whose sweet little boy Andrew gave up his bed for me for the second night in a row!  Thank you Caver family for allowing me to crash at your pad! The next day, Mere, who is a fellow, experienced expat, helped me repack all my bags for the journey to LA, and then on to Oz.  Let me tell you friends, this is no small feat.  I was literally worried whether the airline would allow me on the plane my bags were so stuffed and heavy.  

 Meredith's sweet kids, Andrew & Kate.

Mere & Me, getting ready to say goodbye :(

Me & my sweet mom:  Rock.  Teacher.  Friend. 

Mom came to pick me up and take me to Bush Intercontinental.  Boo Hoo...I hate goodbyes.  Especially when you don't know the next time you'll see the people you love.  It just hits you right in the gut. Luckily I had one last stop to look forward to.  A visit to another of my oldest and bestest friends, Carrie and her fun hubby Eric, who live in Santa Monica.  I figured there wouldn't be many opportunities to stop in and see these two who are sans children, without my three-ring circus in tow, so I jumped right on it and booked my stop over.  A huge thanks to Carrie who took two days off work to hang and play with me in the middle of a HUGE pitch to get the International Levi's account at her Ad Agency.  I'm happy to say that even with the crazy fun we had, the pitch was a success and there were no lingering effects from my visit.

We spent day one doing a little brunch at World Cafe on Main Street, a little shopping and then moved on to Malibu or "the boo" as Eric lovingly calls it and hit up Moonshaddow's, which you may remember is the bar/restaurant that Mel Gibson was leaving when he was infamously arrested for his anti-semitic rant. Since it was the middle of winter there, the scene was pretty subdued, so instead of star gazing, I got a quick lesson on the fabulous Hipstamatic iphone app.  

Sharing a bottle of Australian sparkling wine at Moonshaddows.

The Hipstamatic expert.

Here are the results:

This is my favorite.

As the sun started to set, we headed back to Santa Monica for happy hour and some oyster shooters.  I think that's where my story for the evening ends.  That said I can't help but post this goofy, touristy photo of me on our way home...you know why?  Because there is nothing more beautiful than a California sunset.

Wednesday morning we woke up and headed to the beach for some coffee.  We met another old Texas bestie for lunch and hopeful star sightings at Urth Cafe.  Alas, no one wanted to come and make this silly girl's day.  Then we went back for some beach cruising before it was time for me to pack up and officially leave US soil.  

Carrie & Me. 

Me, Stacy & Carrie.  

{Thank you camera man for not being willing to budge one inch to take a better photo.}

My time in Cali was the icing on the cake of what should have been a depressing trip home.  My friends and my family were the stability that I needed to get through such a tragic and shocking chapter of my life.  It is with a heart full of gratitude that I look back and say thank you to everyone who I was able to see, visit, talk to, hug, and break bread with while at home.  And for those of you I missed, it was equally difficult to not get a chance to visit with some of my other near and dear Texas loved ones. Sometimes it takes the finality of a tragedy to get you to wake up and enjoy the great gifts you've been given.  If only we could keep this perspective on all the days when we decide to throw ourselves a pity party.  That's my two cents...Until next time...

Christmas

A quick post about Christmas...

Usually this is absolutely my favorite time of year.  I love the smells, sounds, lights, activities, busy-ness, get togethers...everything.  This year, I just couldn't get in the spirit.  Between the unusual-ness of Christmas in a tropical, foreign country, the massive amounts of rain in Brisbane and my dad's death, it was simply not a good time.  We weren't involved in a church last year, which also meant that the real Spirit just seemed to be evading us.  Of course the Lord's presence is always with us, it was me who was pulling away at the time...but that's another story. I think I would go so far as to say this was the worst Christmas on record for me personally.  I was distracted at best and filled with thoughts and emotions that would never normally accompany such a happy time of year. All of this of course meant that my family didn't have the best Christmas ever either. You know the saying: "when mama ain't happy, nobody's happy"? Well you get the idea.

Anyway, we made the most of it and got together with some of our dearest friends here on Christmas Eve. The Purnells were gracious hosts of a little BBQ and some cocktails.

Silly kids. 

Jon & Cory hamming it up at the grill, as usual. 

 Ruby & Marin

Then we went home to get things ready for a visit from the big man. Apparently Santa starts his trip around the world on the international date line and then works his way East, which means Australia is one of the first places he visits before heading to Africa, Europe and then the Americas. This meant we had to get to bed early!

This year Santa was treated to a cake ball!

The cake ball must have paid off, because the next morning, Santa didn't disappoint.

Caden was surprised by his much sought after, and almost life-sized Millennium Falcon.

Marin found her kitchen, and wasn't disappointed that it wasn't more Dora stuff, as the note refers to.

And here's our little American Idol, who got busy with the tunes straight away.

I planned and cooked a big meal for our Christmas dinner, and do you know I don't even remember what we had?  That's what kind of a daze I was in.  So, I hope and pray that this next year gives me plenty of time to reconnect with the Spirit and the reason we have Christmas in the first place.  It is certainly a time of year that deserves our quiet reverence and joy for the hope that Christ brought to our world.