We took the kids down to the 'Big Rig' and walked through the museum of Roma's oil patch history. It would have been more interesting if we didn't already know about how the oil field operates. The most fun part was at the end of the tour. We were able to purchase duck food and the kids got to feed all of the birds. It was the first time for the girls to have them eat out of their hands. We are now sitting at home enjoying a much needed, beautiful summer thunder storm. Ahhhh, cool air :)
Monday, December 28, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Only 363 more days until Christmas!
This holiday season has been a strange one for us this year. This has been the first time that any of us have celebrated Christmas in the heat and without snow. It all started when I went to the store to buy ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner and either couldn't find them or didn't want to pay $65 for a 12 pound turkey. Since our stuff has not arrived we were not going to have a tree this year and it felt so strange. I was just not is the Christmas spirit this year. Especially with everything that has seemed to go wrong lately. Then, James was going through one of the storage sheds out at the base where he works and happend to find a 4ft tree. We bought some lights for it and the girls made some paper decorations. It was the best tree we have ever had. I happened to find the lens for my camera that went missing. I tore the house apart looking for it and we just assumed that someone had taken it off the counter in the kitchen where I left it. It turned up just sitting in plain sight on the floor in my room just barely tucked under James's night stand. I can't tell you how many times I looked there. Our neighbors just down the street, who are also members, called the Mission President and got the ok to get permission from the General Presidency to start up a branch here so that we don't have to drive for 3 hours to Dalby every week. Our house in Casper also went under contract again last week. Everything is starting to fall into place and our prayers ARE being answered. I have truely been reminded of the reason for the season and we have all been so blessed this year. I hope that all of you find the blessings and comfort that you are in need of. Merry Christmas!

The giant sugar cookie that Sierra made for Santa. He even forgot to eat it this year until the kids came in to wake us up. He rolled over and said, "Sh!t, do you know what I forgot?' I said, "no, what?" Then we heard the girls say, "Santa didn't even eat his cookie." That was his ONLY job before coming to bed.
They even wrote these nice notes to him!!!
Crazy girls modeling their new pj's from Grandma and Grandpa Campbell.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Christmas songs...Aussie style!
Australian Jingle Bells
Dashing through the bush,
in a rusty Holden Ute,
Kicking up the dust,
esky in the boot,
Kelpie by my side,
singing Christmas songs,
It's Summer time and I am in
my singlet, shorts and thongs
*
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia
on a scorching summers day, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!,
Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.
*
Engine's getting hot;
we dodge the kangaroos,
The swaggie climbs aboard,
he is welcome too.
All the family's there,
sitting by the pool,
Christmas Day the Aussie way,
by the barbecue.
*
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia
on a scorching summers day, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!,
Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.
*
Come the afternoon,
Grandpa has a doze,
The kids and Uncle Bruce,
are swimming in their clothes.
The time comes 'round to go,
we take the family snap,
Pack the car and all shoot through,
before the washing up.
*
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia
on a scorching summers day, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!,
Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.
Deck the Sheds
Deck the sheds with bits of wattle, fa la la la la la la la la
Whack some gum leaves in a bottle, fa la la la la la la la la
All the shops are open sundies, fa la la la la la la la la
Buy your Dad some sox and undies, fa la la la la la la la la
Deck the sheds with bits of gumtree, fa la la la la la la la la
Hang some deco's off the plum tree, fa la la la la la la la la
Plant some kisses on the missus, fa la la la la la la la la
Have a ripper Aussie Christmas, fa la la la la la la la la
Say g'day to friends and relies, fa la la la la la la la la
Wave them off with bulging bellies, fa la la la la la la la la
Kids and babies youngies oldies, fa la la la la la la la la
May your fridge be full of coldies, fa la la la la la la la la
Chop the wood and stoke the barbie, fa la la la la la la la la
Ring the folks in Abudabe, fa la la la la la la la la
Pop the stuffing in the turkey, fa la la la la la la la la
Little Mary's feeling ercky, fa la la la la la la la la
Rally rally round the table, fa la la la la la la la la
Fill your belly while your able, fa la la la la la la la la
Joyce and Joany, Dave and Daryl, fa la la la la la la la la
Sing an Aussie Christmas Carol, fa la la la la la la la la
Dry Christmas by Trevor Williams"
Sung to the tune of "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas"
I'm dreading another dry Christmas
Like all the ones we have these years
Where the tree tops burn and Fire Fighters yearn
To feel raindrops on there faces
- - -
I'm dreading another dry Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
With the bush fires burning so bright
And we pray for rain before Christmas night
- - -
I'm dreading another dry Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
We pray all the fire fighters will be alright
And they can all be home by Christmas night.
Six White Boomers
Firstly the introductory narrative.
Early on one Christmas Day a Joey kangaroo,
Was far from home and lost in a great big zoo.
'Mummy, where's my mummy? They've taken her away.'
We'll help you find your mummy, son. Hop up on the sleigh.'
The song commences here.
Up beside the bag of toys little Joey hopped,
But they hadn't gone far when Santa stopped.
Unharnessed all the reindeer and Joey wondered why,
Then he heard a far off booming in the sky.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
On his Australian run.
Pretty soon old Santa began to feel the heat,
Took his fur lined boots off to cool his feet,
Into one popped Joey, feeling quite okay,
While those old man Kangaroos kept pulling on the sleigh.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
On his Australian run.
Joey said to Santa, 'Santa, what about the toys?
Aren't you giving some to these girls and boys?'
'They've got all their presents, son, we were here last night,
this trip is an extra trip, Joey's special flight.'
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
On his Australian run.
Soon the sleigh was flashing past right over Marble Bar,
'Slow down there,' cried Santa, 'it can't be far,
Come up on my lap here, son, and have a look around.'
'There she is, that's Mummy, bounding up and down.'
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
On his Australian run.
Well that's the bestest Christmas treat that Joey ever had,
Curled up in mother's pouch feeling snug and glad.
The last they saw was Santa heading northwards from the sun,
The only year the boomers worked a double run.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
On his Australian run.
Dashing through the bush,
in a rusty Holden Ute,
Kicking up the dust,
esky in the boot,
Kelpie by my side,
singing Christmas songs,
It's Summer time and I am in
my singlet, shorts and thongs
*
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia
on a scorching summers day, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!,
Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.
*
Engine's getting hot;
we dodge the kangaroos,
The swaggie climbs aboard,
he is welcome too.
All the family's there,
sitting by the pool,
Christmas Day the Aussie way,
by the barbecue.
*
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia
on a scorching summers day, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!,
Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.
*
Come the afternoon,
Grandpa has a doze,
The kids and Uncle Bruce,
are swimming in their clothes.
The time comes 'round to go,
we take the family snap,
Pack the car and all shoot through,
before the washing up.
*
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia
on a scorching summers day, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!,
Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.
Deck the Sheds
Deck the sheds with bits of wattle, fa la la la la la la la la
Whack some gum leaves in a bottle, fa la la la la la la la la
All the shops are open sundies, fa la la la la la la la la
Buy your Dad some sox and undies, fa la la la la la la la la
Deck the sheds with bits of gumtree, fa la la la la la la la la
Hang some deco's off the plum tree, fa la la la la la la la la
Plant some kisses on the missus, fa la la la la la la la la
Have a ripper Aussie Christmas, fa la la la la la la la la
Say g'day to friends and relies, fa la la la la la la la la
Wave them off with bulging bellies, fa la la la la la la la la
Kids and babies youngies oldies, fa la la la la la la la la
May your fridge be full of coldies, fa la la la la la la la la
Chop the wood and stoke the barbie, fa la la la la la la la la
Ring the folks in Abudabe, fa la la la la la la la la
Pop the stuffing in the turkey, fa la la la la la la la la
Little Mary's feeling ercky, fa la la la la la la la la
Rally rally round the table, fa la la la la la la la la
Fill your belly while your able, fa la la la la la la la la
Joyce and Joany, Dave and Daryl, fa la la la la la la la la
Sing an Aussie Christmas Carol, fa la la la la la la la la
Dry Christmas by Trevor Williams"
Sung to the tune of "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas"
I'm dreading another dry Christmas
Like all the ones we have these years
Where the tree tops burn and Fire Fighters yearn
To feel raindrops on there faces
- - -
I'm dreading another dry Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
With the bush fires burning so bright
And we pray for rain before Christmas night
- - -
I'm dreading another dry Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
We pray all the fire fighters will be alright
And they can all be home by Christmas night.
Six White Boomers
Firstly the introductory narrative.
Early on one Christmas Day a Joey kangaroo,
Was far from home and lost in a great big zoo.
'Mummy, where's my mummy? They've taken her away.'
We'll help you find your mummy, son. Hop up on the sleigh.'
The song commences here.
Up beside the bag of toys little Joey hopped,
But they hadn't gone far when Santa stopped.
Unharnessed all the reindeer and Joey wondered why,
Then he heard a far off booming in the sky.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
On his Australian run.
Pretty soon old Santa began to feel the heat,
Took his fur lined boots off to cool his feet,
Into one popped Joey, feeling quite okay,
While those old man Kangaroos kept pulling on the sleigh.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
On his Australian run.
Joey said to Santa, 'Santa, what about the toys?
Aren't you giving some to these girls and boys?'
'They've got all their presents, son, we were here last night,
this trip is an extra trip, Joey's special flight.'
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
On his Australian run.
Soon the sleigh was flashing past right over Marble Bar,
'Slow down there,' cried Santa, 'it can't be far,
Come up on my lap here, son, and have a look around.'
'There she is, that's Mummy, bounding up and down.'
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
On his Australian run.
Well that's the bestest Christmas treat that Joey ever had,
Curled up in mother's pouch feeling snug and glad.
The last they saw was Santa heading northwards from the sun,
The only year the boomers worked a double run.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
On his Australian run.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Getting Caught Up
Sierra turned 10 last month. I have no idea how she got that old already. She invited a few friends to the pool and we made some fairy cakes. It is tradition here to celebrate with fairy cake; it is bread covered in butter then rolled in 100's & 1000's (aka sprinkles). We decided to go with a more modern version.
I have been priding myself on how well I have taken to driving on the other side of the road, then I backed into a green pole. The only thing that makes me feel better is the fact that you can tell that others have also backed into the same pole. Damn their rear in angle parking.
It has been very hot here and we have been told that they are forcasting January's temps to be in the mid to high 40s (C). We have been spending a lot of time at the pool and have been using a ton of sunscreen, so we decided to buy it by the 1 litre jug.
Tyler decided to start playing water polo. It has been fun watching him. It has also been good for him. He is becoming a stronger swimmer. We are trying to convince Kayla to start playing after the summer break.
Brooklyn has also become a good little swimmer. I helped her with the basics and she practices every time she gets in the pool. She has also been eating Cheerios every morning for breakfast because it says right on the box, "helping kids to swim." She is just sure that is why she can swim so well now. (bottom left corner, sorry the picture is so bad) It is actually an organization that provides swim lessons to underpriviledged kids. I just didn't have the heart to tell her that.
Brooklyn's teacher painted all of the kids faces one day at school and she chose a butterfly.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Questions???
I have been receiving a ton of questions from everyone. I would like to answer them all for you. In order to get them answered, leave your questions in the comments (even if you have already asked them) and I will post the answers when I get around to it promptly.
VikiViki said...
My first question is: How do you get those crossed out words in your blog? It's awesome!
Go to settings, basic, scroll down to select post editor and choose updated editor.
My second question is: How long are you gonna be living down under?
Our work visa is for 4 years. After that, who knows.
Here's a plain old comment: I love those uniforms - seriously - it reminds me of when I moved to Argentina and I had to wear one to school! =)
*Lissa* said...
I can't remember everything I asked!!
Private school?
No it is public school, but ran very much like a private school.
Do the kids like school?
The kids have really liked it so far. They are the popular ones. Everyone wants to know about America.
Have you driven?
I have driven. Everywhere! Ok, the town is a smidge smaller than Jerome, so it is not like I have had to go far. It was scary at first, but now that I am used to it the only time that I have trouble is when I pull into a parking lot. I have to really think about which side I should be on.
Hunted any crocodiles?
No crocs, but some wicked cool lizzard things. Not really hunted. More like almost ran him over.
How's the shopping?
The shopping sucks! Everything is soooo expensive. I find myself putting things back because I know that I can get them cheaper in the US.
Does James have an Australian accent yet?
He doesn't have an accent, but he does use a lot of their slang.
What are the seasons like?
We are headed into summer right now. It is hot and only going to get hotter. Lucky us!
That's all for now. ;)
VikiViki said...
My first question is: How do you get those crossed out words in your blog? It's awesome!
Go to settings, basic, scroll down to select post editor and choose updated editor.
My second question is: How long are you gonna be living down under?
Our work visa is for 4 years. After that, who knows.
Here's a plain old comment: I love those uniforms - seriously - it reminds me of when I moved to Argentina and I had to wear one to school! =)
*Lissa* said...
I can't remember everything I asked!!
Private school?
No it is public school, but ran very much like a private school.
Do the kids like school?
The kids have really liked it so far. They are the popular ones. Everyone wants to know about America.
Have you driven?
I have driven. Everywhere! Ok, the town is a smidge smaller than Jerome, so it is not like I have had to go far. It was scary at first, but now that I am used to it the only time that I have trouble is when I pull into a parking lot. I have to really think about which side I should be on.
Hunted any crocodiles?
No crocs, but some wicked cool lizzard things. Not really hunted. More like almost ran him over.
How's the shopping?
The shopping sucks! Everything is soooo expensive. I find myself putting things back because I know that I can get them cheaper in the US.
Does James have an Australian accent yet?
He doesn't have an accent, but he does use a lot of their slang.
What are the seasons like?
We are headed into summer right now. It is hot and only going to get hotter. Lucky us!
That's all for now. ;)
First Day of School...in Australia!
They only have 3 weeks left in the school year here, but we figured it at least gives them something to do until our air shipment gets here. The school year here runs with the calendar year. The kids are super excited about that because it means that they get to skip half of a year and go into the next grade level. I was surprised that they go more by age for grade placement than anything else, so this means that I have one kid in high school and another one there in January. Yikes! I don't know if I am ready for that. Guess it gets them out of the house sooner...LOL! I am liking the idea of them going year-round with the heat here. It will be good for them. I hope that they made some new friends and are enjoying their classes. Now it is time for me to find a job. Do you think that they will find it funny if I walk in and just say, "I am job?"
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Pictures as promised...finally!
Here are the pictures that I promised of our adventure. Amazing how much we accomplished in just one week. We miss all of you, but are enjoying Australia.
This is of the kids at my mom's Taco Time in Jerome with their cousin Morgan.
These were taken at LAX while waiting for our next flight. Can you tell that we were all really tired? I couldn't even manage to get the pictures in focus. I am pretty sure that I thought they were when I took them.
This was downtown Brisbane. Don't know who the guy is, but those birds are everywhere.
This is our new puppy, Cooper.
He has already made himself at home.
These are the crazy birds that attack everyone when they ride their bikes.
Fun in the HOT sun at the local pool.
James after swimming laps.
We thought this was strange...just a random door in the middle of nowhere.
We almost ran this guy over. He was just hanging out in the middle of the road.
My kids were so excited. Kayla wanted to catch it and bring it home as a pet.
These Roos were just hanging out on the golf course.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Beginning of a Great New Adventure...Down Under!
It all began on Friday, November 13, 2009. We hauled 10 large suitcases and 10 carry-on bags to the airport in Boise, ID. It is great when you are traveling internationally with kids and a ton of luggage; they give you your very own line to check in. Made us feel real special. You get a lot of funny looks from men and smiles from women. You know the men are thinking, "I hope they are not on my flight" and the women are thinking, "bless your hearts trying to travel with kids, glad it's not me." Thank goodness my dad, stepmom, and in-laws were there to help us get it all hauled in. I was a wreck; there is no way that I could have done it by myself.
Our first flight was BOI to LAX at 7pm. The kids did great. Brooklyn and Sierra grinned from ear to ear the entire flight. We had a slight layover at LAX. It was hard for us all to not fall asleep waiting. Our flight left at 11:30pm. About 20 minutes into the flight they began serving dinner. Brooklyn was so excited because she got spaghetti and meatballs. She ate about 3 bites and then started feeling sick. Of course, there were no bags in the seats in front of us. We had to ask for some and just as I was trying to open the bag Brooklyn started throwing up all over the front of herself. I felt so bad for her; she started crying because she didn't mean to throw up on her clothes. I was just glad that it was just a little stomach acid at first, so it didn't make a huge mess. After that, she fell asleep and was fine the rest of the flight. The other kids did great. They all slept at least 8 hours. James and I even slept really well considering we were in the cheap seats at the back of the plane. 13 hours and 20 minutes later we landed in Brisbane, Australia on Sunday, November 15 at 7:30 am. Once we go through all of the lines, we were only held up in customs for about a half an hour. I was expecting to be there much longer. We only had 3 items that were confiscated. Not too bad!
We then went downtown Brisbane to the Holiday Inn for a shower. Best money ever spent on a hotel room. We met up with the new guy and his wife, that James hired from Canada, for lunch. Then went shopping for a bit before our last flight to Roma. When we arrived in Roma one of the ladies from the office was there with our new puppy, Cooper Roley. I got my first experience driving on the other side of the road. Can't say "wrong" side or they will correct you and tell you that Americans drive on the wrong side, it is the "other" side. It is a trip driving on the left side of the road. I have not had to concentrate this hard on driving since Driver's ED. I still try to get in on the wrong side of the car and I always reach to my right for my seat belt. The kids just laugh at me. Don't get me started on the dang round-abouts!
The people here are very friendly. They always ask, "How you going?", which means, "How are you doing?" Everything is "thanks mate" and "no worries" here. I love it. The groceries are crazy expensive though. For example, a 12 pack of Diet Coke in the can it is $12.98. It is $3.60 to go into the petrol (gas) station and buy a 20oz Diet Coke in the bottle. A bottle of plain old of rubbing alcohol is $10.50. We spent $280 and left the market with one trolley (cart) of groceries. It was so hard shopping because I know that I could get things for half the price at WalMart. Needless to say, I am going to give up my Diet Coke. I just can't bring myself to spend that much. I found us a 4 bedroom house with a really nice yard. The only drawback is that it only has one bathroom. Which is the case for most of the houses here. The bathrooms are seperate from the toilets too and you don't ask for the restroom, you ask for the toilet. The kids are going to start school on Monday. Hopefully it will help them get better accuainted with the customs here and then they won't be so nervous to start the new year in January.
It is so strange seeing everything decorated for Christmas with as hot as it has been. It has been so hot that as soon as I get all of the laundry hung on the line, it is already dry. It has been over 110'F here every day and only supposed to get hotter. Between the 6 of us we have drank almost 30L of water. The kids and I are going to go swimming tomorrow, then I am going to take Kayla to see New Moon on Friday. (will post pics of the trip tomorrow)
In true Australian fashion, Good Day Mate!
Our first flight was BOI to LAX at 7pm. The kids did great. Brooklyn and Sierra grinned from ear to ear the entire flight. We had a slight layover at LAX. It was hard for us all to not fall asleep waiting. Our flight left at 11:30pm. About 20 minutes into the flight they began serving dinner. Brooklyn was so excited because she got spaghetti and meatballs. She ate about 3 bites and then started feeling sick. Of course, there were no bags in the seats in front of us. We had to ask for some and just as I was trying to open the bag Brooklyn started throwing up all over the front of herself. I felt so bad for her; she started crying because she didn't mean to throw up on her clothes. I was just glad that it was just a little stomach acid at first, so it didn't make a huge mess. After that, she fell asleep and was fine the rest of the flight. The other kids did great. They all slept at least 8 hours. James and I even slept really well considering we were in the cheap seats at the back of the plane. 13 hours and 20 minutes later we landed in Brisbane, Australia on Sunday, November 15 at 7:30 am. Once we go through all of the lines, we were only held up in customs for about a half an hour. I was expecting to be there much longer. We only had 3 items that were confiscated. Not too bad!
We then went downtown Brisbane to the Holiday Inn for a shower. Best money ever spent on a hotel room. We met up with the new guy and his wife, that James hired from Canada, for lunch. Then went shopping for a bit before our last flight to Roma. When we arrived in Roma one of the ladies from the office was there with our new puppy, Cooper Roley. I got my first experience driving on the other side of the road. Can't say "wrong" side or they will correct you and tell you that Americans drive on the wrong side, it is the "other" side. It is a trip driving on the left side of the road. I have not had to concentrate this hard on driving since Driver's ED. I still try to get in on the wrong side of the car and I always reach to my right for my seat belt. The kids just laugh at me. Don't get me started on the dang round-abouts!
The people here are very friendly. They always ask, "How you going?", which means, "How are you doing?" Everything is "thanks mate" and "no worries" here. I love it. The groceries are crazy expensive though. For example, a 12 pack of Diet Coke in the can it is $12.98. It is $3.60 to go into the petrol (gas) station and buy a 20oz Diet Coke in the bottle. A bottle of plain old of rubbing alcohol is $10.50. We spent $280 and left the market with one trolley (cart) of groceries. It was so hard shopping because I know that I could get things for half the price at WalMart. Needless to say, I am going to give up my Diet Coke. I just can't bring myself to spend that much. I found us a 4 bedroom house with a really nice yard. The only drawback is that it only has one bathroom. Which is the case for most of the houses here. The bathrooms are seperate from the toilets too and you don't ask for the restroom, you ask for the toilet. The kids are going to start school on Monday. Hopefully it will help them get better accuainted with the customs here and then they won't be so nervous to start the new year in January.
It is so strange seeing everything decorated for Christmas with as hot as it has been. It has been so hot that as soon as I get all of the laundry hung on the line, it is already dry. It has been over 110'F here every day and only supposed to get hotter. Between the 6 of us we have drank almost 30L of water. The kids and I are going to go swimming tomorrow, then I am going to take Kayla to see New Moon on Friday. (will post pics of the trip tomorrow)
In true Australian fashion, Good Day Mate!
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