You spent how much to bring your dogs????

The Girls A.K.A Adah and Abby

People are always amazed that we brought our dogs here.
Was is a pain? Yes!
Was there a ton of paperwork? Yes!
Was it scary? Yes!
Is it a pain having them here? Yes!
Was it expensive? You don't even want to know!! (5 digits)
Was it worth it; would you do it again? YES!

Look at these two, they own us! They were our first babies. I could never leave them.
They would never abandon us, so we will never abandon them.
We may never get a good nights sleep, but who cares!
LOOK AT THOSE BABIES!

These fur babies have got us through some tough and scary times and they have been with us through every milestone and every wonderful moment we have had.
I am pretty sure that the only living creature that can truly have unconditional love is a dog.

Australia, in my opinion, is not one of the most dog friendly countries in the world.
However,I completely understand why. When it comes to importing and exporting they have to be careful because they do not have certain diseases within their country (ex. rabies).
There are not a ton of places you can take your dog and many people do not allow their dogs inside. This is not a judgement in any way, just an observation :) Honestly, its almost better to leave your puppies outside because it cooler. Adah has become very fond of remain outside while I drop Xan off at school and hit the gym. It's her very own paradise out there.

Bringing our girls here has definitely proved to be a challenging at times especially because we have and still intend on traveling which means more, expensive boarding for them. At the end of the day though, no one will ever love them like we do.

Have a Fantastic Day!
BRE

Dinner with the Ladies.

While being here in OZ I have had the pleasure of meeting some amazing women. Last night a group of us went to dinner because one of our friends will be leaving next week to a new duty station and like every get together we have laughter infects us all. What makes this an event worth sharing is the fact that most of the laughter was due to the Aussie view of Americans. I am hoping that my American friend, Jackye and I were able to clear the air and misconcepts a little bit last night.

I am always amused in peoples perceptions of many aspects of life but this takes on a whole new meaning when it is you and your lifestyle, but I find more humor in it all than anything else. I am hoping I do not step on any toes here but I have to share some of the funnier things that come up in conversation ....

1. Yes, Turtle Man and Swamp People are for real, BUT that is not how ALL Southern  people are!!!

2. The "People of Walmart" website is real, but normal people shop at Walmart too.

3. New York is an actual state, NYC is a small part of it :)

4. Peanut Butter and Chocolate is an amazing combination, this is not weird! This is an Amercan staple alond with PB & J. Don't knock it til you ty it :)

5. Driving on the left-hand side on the right side of the road is not difficult... well, at least no more difficult than driving on the right-hand side of the left side of the road :)

6. YES! Americans LOVE to eat and we like LOTS of selection. Many traditions and gatherings revolve around food and I will be taking with me once I leave this amazing place Lamingtons, Sticky Date pudding and new appreciation for Tea!!


Much Love,
BRE

The Queen Slacker!

Yep! That's me .... the Queen Slacker! Maybe I should get a shirt made that says this, that way the whole world knows that the Queen Slacker has appeared.

So, I had the best intentions of becoming more consistent in my postings but then, life happened and my slacking "skills" took over. Then, this morning I got up, ran through my mini getting-up routine; get out of bed, go straight to the laundry room to start a load of laundry, head to kitchen to turn on coffee maker, unload dishwasher while waiting for Keurig to warm-up, get a coffee and head to the computer to check email and Facebook before Thing 1 and Thing 2 emerge from their slumbers and while in the middle of this task I came across a new blog, and that's when it hit me! I need to add my blog to my routine like this lady does (BTW.. her blog is titled, Life with 4 boys ...coffee please!) !!

Now I am sitting here in my kitchen with my coffee that I had to heat up in the microwave (gag) because the boys got up before I could finish my last task but I am determined to make a post today :) So with that being said here is what has been going on:

*We booked a cruise! Not just any cruise, we booked a 14 day New Zealand cruise and we leave a just a couple weeks. We are beyond excited!!

*We have not heard much about about our return next year, but we still have a bit of time before this happens.

*Xander is almost done with "Kindie" next year he is off to year 1. He is very excited.

*We are currently getting ready to say Farewell to many of the friends we have made here the past year :( Most people post in and out of places in December because of the holidays and the school year change. We are so sad :(

*Louden has just learned to ride on his big bike without training wheels. This has been very dramatic for mom and I am trying to embrace his "dare-devil" mentality. Not quite sure what God was thinking when he decided I should be the mother of boys but I know he has a plan :) Definitely Blessed!!!


As you can see not too much is going on but we are definitely looking forward to the holidays. Lot's of traveling and family time! Feeling beyond Blessed :)

SERIOUSLY!!!!

OK, soooo SERIOUSLY!!! APRIL!!!! That's the last time I posted anything!!!! I'm ashamed! Half a year as gone by, LITERALLY!

Hi friends and family!!! How are you all??? I just read my last post and was completely disgusted in the amount of errors I came across. I'm sure the same amount can be found now because I'm exhausted :) It has been a long few days ...weeks..... months! However, I'm am even more ashamed to say that I really have nothing to report :(. It has been busy with normal daily activity but we have not been able to travel much and explore because Mike has been in course and Xander has been at school. We are however finally getting away this weekend to play in Sydney with some amazing friends :)

In the past few months we have been enjoying some much needed family time. Part of this experience is the fact that we actually get some real, everyday family time... you know the kind where daddy gets to come home at night and eat dinner with us, do homework, brave bath time and battle bedtime :) This whole experience would and could still be (hint,  hint) an interesting case study, LOL! DO NOT get me wrong, I LOVE having my wonderful hubby around, but when you are use to playing the role of a single-parent it becomes difficult to let others in. I cannot complain too much though because Mike has been amazing. He really could be an amazing stay-at-home parent. He is so involved and encouraging, he puts me to shame many days and right now I am going to enjoy every minute of it :) Because of Mike, Xander has come leaps and bounds in his schooling. He is reading and writing and enjoying life. His school experience here has been wonderful!!!! That will probably be one of the things I miss most when we leave here.

So the last time I posted I talked about Australian life :) So I figured I should share some Australian slang (Australian Friends, correct me if I am wrong!!):

WHIPPER SNIPPER (my FAVE!!!) - weed eater/ week whacker
TEA - tea or dinner
BICKIE - cookie
RUBBISH - garbage
BREW - coffee
BREKKIE - breakfast
TRACKIE-DACKS (spelling is wrong, lol) - sweats (comfy clothes:)


These are some of my favorites!! I will add more as I go. But for now, I must go. I need to back. Tomorrow is the last day of school before the holiday. That's right folks, Xander is off for 2 weeks. Again...LOVE the schooling here :) I am sure I will have some fun stuff to share. Miss you all!!! xoxo

BRE

Australia.

So I realized, I have not said much in regards to Australia since arriving here.  I shared birthday fun, travel and even a few trips but not much on our feelings and outlooks of Australia.  After all, what's the point in reading a blog if it's not sharing interesting information and insight :)

I had a friend say to me one time, in regards to their trip to Europe, that we (Americans) could learn a thing or two from different countries. I could not agree me, but I do feel that this could go both ways.  I have loved getting accustomed to Australian culture and meeting amazing people.  I enjoy the fact that the pace of life is a little slower here and people just enjoy life!  There's no rush, no sense of urgency - just living! Its so peaceful here.

Kids: they are allowed to be kids. I cannot tell you how many situation I've been in where I have been a complete stress nugget over my WILD MONKEYS; Xan and Lou, and been put to ease after another parent has gotten on me about letting them be boys. Something I really need to hear every now -and-then :) The kids here are darling!!! One thing that I laugh at every time I'm out is the fact that half the kids out-and-about with their parents in stores and at events are completely shoeless! Hilarious! Xander was truly born in the wrong country, this is where he belongs!!! :)

Wildlife: Awesome! I'm sure to the Australians its nothing special, but I do not think I will ever get tired of seeing kangaroos jumping around freely on my way to base. They are so stinken cute, and soft too. I never would have thought that but they are SO soft. However, you can only touch the ones at zoos and farms because wild one will do some serious damage to you.

Shopping: OK! So this is the one thing I miss but I appreciate the fact that small businesses are highly supported here.  We have a Target, but it is 40 minutes away and is NOTHING compared to the ones in America. We have malls but they are not exactly what we are use to in the states.

Money: It is so EXPENSIVE here! I am always floored when I walk in a store because prices are so high here and the selection of many products in minimal.  I will never forget my $14 Hershey syrup ordeal. LOL. But, I'm happy to say that one of the discount shops here in town has Hershey syrup this month for $4 a bottle until its gone :) I totally stocked up!  The paper money here starts with $5 and their are $1 & $2 coins. Very cool, or at least I think so.  I'm pretty sure that's somewhat similar to Europe.

These are just  few things, I have so much more to share but currently I have wild Lou on my back and he's trying to "do" my hair (this has become a very painful activity for me).

The Birthdays!

Happy Birthday, Xander and Michael!

One of the neatest thing about Mike and Xan is the fact that their birthdays are so close.

Xan, 1/30 and Michael 2/5 ... We end up partying for a week :)

This year, Xander's birthday party was a little unusual for the Elliott Family because we had not met many people yet. However, the ones we had met were more than happy to join in the birthday fun. Xander wanted a Mario party so I made him a Mario cake and ordered pizza (Mario and Luigi's favorite food and very easy for Mommy).  Of course no function that the Elliott Family host can happen without an "issue." 2 hours before Xanders party, Louden and Xan were racing up and down the hallway and Lou got shoved, fell to the ground and smashed his head on the tile floor, Bleed immediately! Off to the ER we went where the doctor just shrugged and said "ehhh, just let it clot he'll be fine, not worth putting him through the drama for a couple stitches". LOL! True Story! So home we came where I frantically finished getting ready for the party in an hour. Turned out to be a great evening and Xander had a blast!

One week after Xander's party we had Michael's Party.

This was a much BIGGER event because Michael turned 30!!!!

That's right Ladies and Gentlemen, Michael Elliott is no longer in his beloved 20's!!!

Thank Goodness!

That boy was an handful in his 20's so I am hoping it only gets easier with age :)

For Michael's Party I hosted a Beer Tasting Party and it was a huge SUCCESS! So fun and I highly recommend it for a male themed party.

We had 3 huge buckets in the categories of Cider, International and Australian. Cider is big here in Australia.  We had Pub style appetizers and chips, popcorn, nuts and pretzels.  For his cake I did a cupcake tree filled with Chocolate cupcakes frosted with peanut butter icing and I did this for 2 reasons 1) PB and Chocolate cake is one of Mikes faves and 2)the color scheme was black and tan :).

We had a great time!

 

A week of birthday's, new schedules and a routine

The Birthday chaos is finally over.  We went from Christmas break, into Birthday week which concluded with the start of school.  Little Man Xan turned 6 on the 30th of January. Where has time gone????? Was it really six years ago that our little man made his month early debut??? I should write about that child ... his life and being is a story all in itself. :)  Everyday with that child is an adventure and anyone that knows him would probably agree.  He is brave, tough, funny, inventive, sensitive, kind, and WILD!  Whats not to love!!

Following Xanny's birthday came Michael's 30th.  That's right,  I said ... Mike has managed to live through his 20's without any MAJOR mishaps, well I guess that's a matter of opinion. I threw him a Beer Tasting party that was a complete success for the most part :).  I think the highlight of the event though was that Mike introduced Flip Cup and Beer Pong to his Australian friends/ co-workers. HILARIOUS!  It brings great joy to my heart knowing that Michael has had such an impact on the Australian Army community (can you sense the sarcasm here).  Regardless, we all had a great time and I was able to meet some amazing people. 

The day after Mikes party was the first day of school for Xander.  I would post a picture of him in his new uniform but he was not a happy camper so I was unable to get a good picture and I refuse to put one on here with him in tears so I will wait until he gets use to it.  He is the biggest kid in his class, surprise surprise.  He had a great first day and was very excited to tell us about his day when we picked him up. I pray that this school is a good fit for him and that he stays happy and successful in the school year. 

Currently we are laying low and not doing too much because the weather has been yucky and we are trying to create some sort of routine for our family.  I hope everyone is well and I will try to post more pictures in the week to come :)

Life is starting to come together.

Last week was busy. We finally were able to pick up our car, so off Mike went with the help of another American family (the LTC) and away they went to Sydney.  What an ordeal ...such a process.  Mike drove the car all the way back to Singleton only to be told he could not drive it until he had it completely registered (no temp plates here!!!).  Finally got all the i's dotted and T's crossed and now we have our car registered and insured ($$$$$) which means .... it is time for me to start driving, ahhhhh!  I would be lying if I said I wasn't terrified.  I have been driving a little bit here and there and I think I'll be OK :) It's probably a good thing that I have not driven since I left the states December 12th but driving on the opposite side of the street is still tricky to me. 

In other news ... Xanny is finally registered for school!!! He is very excited :) We have decided to send Xander to a private Catholic school.  This is not what it seems, and no we are not Catholic.  We have talked to several parents in the area (all of different religious backgrounds) and they have only had wonderful things to say about the school, teachers, and its programs.  He will start "kindie" February 6th.  The Australian school year is different from the U.S. school year.  Their new year starts Jan/ Feb. unlike the U.S. with Aug/ Sept.  Kinda neat.  The end of the school year falls in mid-December so they get a very long Christmas break but short summer break :) I think I can live with this change.  We had an interview today with the principal, who was absolutely wonderful and then a quick tour.  What came next was not one of the happier moments for Xan .... a trip to the uniform shop.  When he realized he was going to have to wear a uniform the "coolness" of the new school quickly changed.  Poor Dude, but I have to say ... he looks DARLING! Pictures soon -to-come.

Tomorrow is Xanny's small birthday party. Since he has not had the opportunity to meet many kiddos we are having a small Mario party with another family ... Thank goodness for them. They have been so wonderful to us and their children are darling.  They are older than our boys but our boys adore them both.  They military is a phenomenal place (most of the time;) and because of it we have privileged to meet amazing families, like the "T" family. 

We hope all is good and that life is treating everyone well.  I will be sending out our "Christmas/ we have moved" card in the up-coming week .... please send me your addresses ... my address book is one of the many things "misplaced" during the move.

First Beach Trip - Nobby's!

Xanny and Louden's friend James came to Australia for Christmas! He is our 3rd child :)

So far, our favorite beach, Nobby's Beach! So pretty!

Mike and the boys checking out Nobby's for the 1st time.
FYI: We were only there for 45 minutes WITH sunscreen and we all got fried!





So I am having technical difficulties with this post, but I did figure out the picture thing, yay! The 2nd two pictures are from our first trip to the beach once the boys and I arrived in Australia, Nobby's Beach! It is definitely our favorite so far, but we haven't been to many yet, 3 or 4 so far. So amazing. Never in my life have I lived so close to the beach, 1 hour scenic drive and we are there!! There are some people that think that is too far but when you have never been able to go unless you are driving at least a few hours and staying a couple days, this seems like nothing. We usually try to go every weekend. Get up in the morning, grab some breakfast, bring a travel mug of coffee and we are off! The best part about many of the beaches and public attractions here is that bringing your own picnic is the cool thing to do, not to mention easier! Back in the states we always bought food from vendors or nearby fast food but here everyone packs coolers and goes! Love it! Healthier and cheaper!!!                                                                                                                                                                                     

The top picture is so funny! We had people stop and laugh. There was also one tourist that stopped to take a picture. LOL. Not sure if that was legal but whatever lady, enjoy that one on the house.  Our DEAR friends, the Beemans flew from Germany (where they are stationed - yes, military friends) to spend their block leave and Christmas with us.  They are one of those families that you meet in the military that instantly become family.  I cannot tell you how wonderful and selfless they are.  They have come to my rescue so many times and taken care of me and the boys whenever Mike has been gone. They are that family that you spend all of you time and holidays with because you can't spend it with blood relatives due to being in the military.  Needless to say, holiday's together had become the norm until they had to leave for Germany in August 2010, one year before we were suppose to leave.  We were thrilled when they called to see if they could spend their block leave with US!!! We had such a wonderful, adventure filled 2 weeks with them.  I'm sure they thought I was completely crazy seeing that I had just arrived here myself and was not yet settled so I was a complete head case, but if anyone in the world would have understood, it would have been them.  The 3 little boys, Xanny, Louden, and James are so close they are like brothers. I hate that they are so far apart, but I have a feeling that their high school days will be spent together ..... not sure if I can handle this, but maybe they'll surprise us! LOL. We Miss You Guys!!!!!                                   

Finally made it!

First I must say, I am sooo sorry for taking so long to update our blog.  Life has been crazy and to be completely honest, from the last post I made up until about a month ago, I was in a funk! Between being out of my element and the unknowing, I became slightly depressed and just didn't want to talk about it.  Every time we thought we were going to hear something, something else back-fired and frankly I was over it.  I got to a point were I chose not to talk about anything until I knew something for sure, in regards to all aspects of our lives. Once we finally received good news, that we were literally clear for take-off, I had one weekend to pack up 5 months worth of stuff, tie-up lose ends, and say good-bye to family. 

The entire situation is a long story and I will break it down over the course of the next few months in an effort to hopefully provide some information and help to those who might go through a similar experience.  Now, when I look back at the situation I am happy to say that some good things did come out of it and most importantly, we are a family again!!!!!!

The boys and I left New York on December 12th.  We had to travel to NYC to catch a 6 hours flight to LA (Cali) where we then got on another flight that brought us to Sydney.  That flight was 15 hours long and I am thrilled to say, it was a great flight! The boys totally ROCKED! For anyone who knows me and had talked to me prior to leaving, you knew I was freaking out!! LOL. The thought of flying on your own with your children is scary, but when you are the proud parent of a Xander and a Louden it goes from scary to horrifying. OK, OK totally mean, and trust me, I love my little men but they are a total handful and full of unexpected surprises.  But to my surprise (and Thank the Lord for sanity sake) the boys could not have been any better. They were PERFECT ANGELS!!! I even received compliments on how well behaved my children were especially for a 3 year old, first time flier...another funny story.

Yes, it was Loudens first time flying. This added even more stress to the situation because here I was taking my 3 year old on his first flight .... 6 hours and then another 15 hours. He totally rocked! He had the flight attendants completely wrapped around his finger.  On our first flight he even walked around with two of them and helped serve snacks. HILARIOUS!!! For that, he earned his wings :). Proud moment for Lou. He still wears them proudly.

We got here safely and without any complications, as far as travel goes.  Michael was waiting for us at the airport just as excited at a kid on Christmas.  Life is Good! I have so much more to share but I want to figure out how to post my pictures on here ... so I will fill you in ASAP!  Thank you everyone for checking on us and we hope you had a Wonderful Christmas and Magical New Year.


XOXO,
BRE