Siblings

So the other day MaKayla had a splinter in her finger. Daddy was in the bathroom trying to convince her we had to get it out. Colin and I took a break and stepped outside. He turns to me and says "Mommy, I really don't like when MaKayla is crying and upset". I asked why. He said "Because it makes me sad when she is sad or hurt, it hurts my feelings and I worry". Awwww.

I only hope that in the years to come they still have the same love for each other.

Playroom

The kids are super happy with us at the moment. After all this time of having our stuff I finally found the time to call housing and have them come pick up the bed in the spare room and a few other items. This freed up the 4th bedroom for a playroom. I moved all their books, games, and some toys. We still have a lot of work to do but they also have a desk and a computer with games loaded onto it. I don't think the old pc has a wireless card so no Nick JR or anything fun, but I guess that makes life easier for me not having to sit there when they play either. They played on the computer tonight and were in heaven with their old games.

I'll have to take pictures once we get the last few boxes unpacked. We also traded the entertainment center for one that wasn't just a base, but instead has a top and sides for storage. I bought them an Australian television for in there to go with the dvd player we picked up. We had brought our small American television for the kids but after unpacking it we noticed it is crap. Looks like they stored it beside a huge magnet. It was old and crap anyhow but now the screen is rainbow...perdy!!! LOL

On another note work is keeping me busy, I feel like by the time I get the kids home and we change out of uniforms, put away lunch's and all Daddy is home and it's dinner time followed by dishes, baths and bed. Ahh the life of a working Mommy! Jury is still out on if I am liking working, though I enjoy my job.

School

So here in Aussie they don't do letter grades for report cards. Your child is either below grade level, at grade level or above. We had parent teacher conference's last night and got the reports for both. Both kids are doing awesome and are at or above in all areas.


Colin's teacher says she is working on him learning it's nice to be the first one done but he has to be quiet and not disrupt his classmates so they can finish as well. They don't come home with any homework, here they believe they are kids and should go home to play. They each have to read one book a night, but that's it. With that said it was nice to go see some of Colin's work and see what they are working on. In English  they are writing stories with a beginning, middle and end with correct punctuation. Comma's, question marks, full stops(period). He wrote about being attacked by a dragon and an army guy came in with a helicopter and saved him, but took him home, to Africa. In math they start multiplication and division this next term. He is doing awesome in all areas and likes science the most.

MaKayla is amazing me with what she has learned this last term. She can sound out most words when she tries and is starting to read. I try not to think that she is behind since she is ahead of her classmates back home, but in K back home they learn so much more so I guess come next year she will be right on track, and we still have half a year left. Her teacher was super proud. She always tries, has many friends and is always willing and ready.

Boy, they must take after Daddy! LOL

Best BBQ Rub and BBQ Sauce

I think this was on Good Morning America or something. I have had it for a few years and love it!
 
Classic BBQ Rub
2 tbs spoon each of the following:
paprika
kosher salt
brown sugar
3 tbs sugar
1 tbs each: ground cumin, chili powder, pepper, onion powder, celery salt, crushed oregano
1/2 tbs cayenne
 
Combine all and mix well, crushing if needed or using food processor. Store in an airtight container or bag for up to 6 months.


Bourbon and Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce

1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes(not flavored)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup bourbon
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup Heinz chili sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbs red wine vinegar
1/4 cup Worcester sauce
2 tbs molasses
2 teas bbq rub(above recipe)
salt
pepper
1 tbs unsweetened cocoa

Add everything to large saucepan over medium simmer except the last 4 ingredients. Mix well after each addition. Add bbq rub and molasses and mix well. simmer 30 mins or until thickened.

Let cool 10 mins or so. Puree. Taste and adjust if needed with salt and pepper. Add cocoa powder and mix WELL. Let sit, re-stir to ensure cocoa is stirred in well.

I always double this, or ever triple as it doesn't seem to make much. You can food saver the rest!

Mom Knows Best

Today I took the kids to K-Mart. While there Colin hit the little CD thing that lets you sample the songs. Then I hear him singing "D-I-N-G-O, D-I-N-G-O, D-I-N-G-O,and DINGO was his name-o". I told him it was B-BINGO. He argued with me and told me no. We walked back over and hit it again and I had him listen closely. Then he said to me "Well it says B-I-N-G-O but then says and DINGO was his name-o". LOL kids crack me up. He loves to think he is always right. Like his mom he is stubborn.

Now MaKayla has been walking around singing about Bingo and Dingo! I guess it's their way of fitting in Australia!