The Year that was.....

What a year we have had. The family is getting busier and busier. As it has been such a busy year, dot points have been called in to list the happenings.

Stephen and Fran at Nelson, New Zealand, July 2012

• Stephen dropped down to 4 days of work and  had a change of year level after 2 years at the top (Year 6/7) and plummeted to the realms of Year 1/2. This was a welcome relief and he is happy to be with the little ones again as the hormones were just too much. His class last year was terrific so it was a good last class to have.
• Fran also works 4 days now and continues to work hard in the Tax office working on the mining tax which is oh so popular with the mining industry. Fran was hit hard by the Flu this year, we have never her seen her so sick. She was so sick she had to cancel a work trip to Melbourne. 
• Kayla has been Kayla. This year she started with a new dance school. She is with Kalamunda Performers and she is studying jazz, ballet and singing which she loves. She completes Year 4 this year and with only 2 remaining years at Sawyers, we are now starting to say, "Where did those years go?". Kayla also continued with her piano lessons.

  

  Kayla getting ready for her Dance Concert 2012

• Caleb has had a very big year. He has completed Year 2 this year and is making great progress with his reading which has been a challenge for him. His most impressive work has been with his gymnastics. He started the year in high performance at Swan Districts. He worked and competed at Level 3 International Levels (We think, gymnastic levels confuse us) and managed to be good enough to badge and be allowed to compete at States in September  The family even got to go to New Zealand in July for 2 weeks so that Caleb could compete for his club. He didn't win anything but we all had a brilliant experience and can't wait for the next one!



Caleb warming up at the State Gymnastics Competition on P-Bars with coach Teagen.

• So the first six months was really work, training for Caleb, taxi service for the kids, lessons for Kayla, more taxi service and saving up to go to New Zealand as this was not on our plan for the year until we were told in February. Well, actually we were told that Caleb will be going to Queensland however due to the Olympics, Gymnastics Australia didn't really get the dates ready and so the club decided it was New Zealand. So it was many sausage sizzles and Krispy Kremes sold to try and reduce the cost, not a lot was raised, but every cent counts, so we are not complaining. 



Caleb on High Bar at Top of the South Competition - Nelson, New Zealand.



Number 6950!

• Our journey to New Zealand started in Nelson where we had the 3 days of competition. We loved Nelson and were so glad we decided to go. Once the competition was over and all the team events over, we headed in the car down south to Greymouth, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Waneka and Queenstown.



The view from our room in Queenstown. The Remarkables.

•  It was high on the list for us to see snow and on our last day we all went to The Remarkables for skiing lessons. When we arrived, it started snowing lightly, then it got heavier and heavier and colder and colder. It was perfect for the kids to see real snow and not just the lumps on the side of the road. It was a day they won't forget. New Zealand was amazing and we would love to go back again.



Al l rugged up and having something warm - Kayla and Stephen at The Remarkables.

• Our house continues to provide us with all we need to be comfortable, we are slowly improving areas that needed redefining and we have added a new path. 
• We were very sad to say goodbye this May to our beautiful cat Emma. The awful decision was made to have Emma put to sleep as her health was deteriorating and she was so sick, it was the kindest but most difficult choice. She had a wonderful 18 years of life, so sad to say goodbye. We spent a long time without a cat in the house and in October, Kayla and Stephen went looking for the newest member of our family. We found the beautiful Peppa at the RSPCA. As soon as Kayla and Stephen saw her, it was love at first sight. She is now 5 month old and runs the house as if she has been here all along. A very clever and well behaved cat.



Hello Peppa!

• The caravan (VANessa) hasn't been out and about too much due to the New Zealand trip but she had a quick trip to Manjimup earlier in the year and we hope to take her out again over the Summer break.

The Family - Cardrona New Zealand (Non ski gear - first time at a ski resort)

I think that is enough about us for this year. We worked hard and tried and stay sane for as much of it as possible. Please have a wonderful break this Summer (or Winter) and we wonder what 2013 brings us all.  Merry Christmas and happy new year from the Powell Family!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Merry Christmas! Another Year Over....

Another year has flown by and if you are in regular contact you would be aware that we had an adventure this year, the Powells went global. Our flight plan was Singapore, Frankfurt, Budapest, Split (Stay in Croatia 2 months and visit Venice, Dubrovnik and Zagreb) then back to Budapest, London, New York, LA (only after we had a flight cancelled and ended up going to LA via Boston), drive around California, Arizona and Nevada, Tokyo, Phuket, Hong Kong and home. The blog was only kept up to date with posts in Croatia however Stephen managed to keep the posts up to date on his class website http://misterpowell.edublogs.org/ . We had a fantastic adventure and the children were really really good considering what we parents put them through.

It was wonderful spending 2 months with Fran's family with Stephen, Kayla and Caleb finally having some understanding as to what makes Fran and her family tick! We swam everyday, and we ate way too much food and Stephen drank way too much beer. The weather was hot and humid which was unusual by Croatian standards. We could write about Croatia forever, but you can go to the older posts to read about our thoughts and observations.

London was great, Stephen finally enjoyed it as last time he was run off his feet looking for visas! Our accommodation was great (Think Apartments in Earls Court) and we managed to navigate our way around with seeing Wicked as a highlight and the natural History Museum. Harrods - overrated and way too expensive!

Off to New York and we were amazed at it's size and feeling of safety, we did not feel at any time at risk from the wonderful people of New York. Our hotel was amazing (The Beacon) and we were lucky to have a room on the 23rd floor overlooking Central Park. The kids enjoyed seeing Mary Poppins on Broadway but jet lag caught up with Caleb with him sleeping through. We navigated the subways and walked and walked and walked doing the usual touristy things. Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Rockerfella Centre, Central Park, Park Avenue, Time Square, New York Museum of Natural History, New York Zoo, Maceys, Bloomingdales, Tiffanys....we saw a lot in 4 days.

After a somewhat disappointing flight change at JFK Airport we observed Boston from the terminal before heading on 'shonky' airlines (American Airlines) to LA. The children were so tired but lucky for us Disneyland doesn't open to 10am, so the kids could sleep in a little before 2 days at the Happiest Place On Earth! We had a blast and were amazed when we bumped into and Education Assistant from Sawyers Valley at California Adventure Park (Part of Disneyland). Two days was enough at Disneyland and it was time for us to hit the road with some trepidation. Driving on the wrong side of the road on the wrong side of the car was enough to strike terror in the hearts of Stephen and Fran. To make things worse we had to navigate 6 lane freeways straight away! We had a very comfortable Chrysler Town & Country and a GPS! We drove to Palm Springs, Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale, Sedona (Amazing - we all want to live there) Meteorite Crater, Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Las Vegas then back to Aneheim. LA was dirty and busy and we were glad we had only one night before flying out to Tokyo.

We landed late afternoon in Tokyo and went straight to our Ryokan. We had a walk and found Stephen's apartment where he use to live. The next day we met up with Harumi and visited the Sumo Museum, Edo Museum, a beautiful 400 year old park, Fish market sushi restaurant, Imperial Palace and Asakusa. We needed to have an early night as we were required to be up early for our flight to Phuket via Hong Kong. We were getting tired now.

We landed in a very wet and soggy Phuket. Thialand floods were bad and the day before there were land slides. We tried to rest as much as possible, swimming and doing very little sight seeing. We rode elephants and went to a show, and that was enough. We were well and truly ready to go home. Just one more stop.

We headed back to Hong Kong for 2 nights and had a half day tour of the island. It was very wet and crowded, again, we had had enough and couldn't wait until our final, number 13, flight.

Highlights were  Croatia ~ Beautiful, Sedona ~ Beautiful, Grand Canyon ~ Amazing, New York ~ Friendly, Tokyo ~ Clean and friendly - we were disappointed that we couldn't stay longer but with the radiation risk, it wasn't wise. London ~ helpful and cheaper than expected.

Apart from the 3 months away, Stephen had a great Year 6/7 class, Fran was busy working 3 days a week, Kayla completed Year 3 and Caleb Year 1.

This week we had our car broken into and we lost many items including the brilliant camera we had whilst away. A very sad end to a wonderful year, but we are all safe and well. We are looking forward to more adventures in VANessa in the holidays and hope to go away lots in 2012. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year! With love from the Powell Famliy xxxx ~O~

Let the Silly Season Begin!

Just in case we don't send a Christmas Card as this year has been ...somewhat....difficult. Merry Christmas from the Powells!

Merry Christmas 2009

Christmas Dance Concert 2009

Had a wonderful night last night with Kayla and Caleb performing in Ballet and Jazz. Here are some pics of them in their costumes from the dress rehearsal on the 13th of December.

Caleb...Devil in Disguise

Kayla - Celebration

Christmas 2009

Wishing you all a safe and happy festive season. As per last year we have created a little movie for you all to enjoy. Love from the Powells xxxxo

Happy New Year!!!! 2009

After a very, very busy Christmas the Powell Family headed south for some R&R in Albany. Not known for it's warm weather, the Powells found the Albany weather to be most agreeable when comparing the temperatures to Perth, which seemed to be averaging 37 degrees. Stephen managed a swim on most days and he even got sun burnt where the sun burn cream didn't quite cover. The kids got to spend time with their beloved cousins Jack and Georgia whilst Mum and Dad got to relax by the sea side. Dad had the odd glass of wine to help with the relaxation.

Some pictures below to share of the long awaited break down south. Next break...Rottnest in March!

Greens Pool...Just gorgeous!

Kayla pleased as punch to be buried by her cousin Georgia!
" Don't mess with me and my Tiny Teddies!"
Stephen and Kayla at Emu Point - December 08Fran and the kids suspended at the Walpole Tree Top Walk.

Just like the good old days...Kayla and Caleb in a Holden in a Tingle Tree (It was fake but looks good!)

Merry Christmas Everyone!

We are not going to write a long message telling you of all our ups and downs for 2008, you can see the highlights in the many blog entries for 2008. We like the blog as it focuses on the positives rather than the negative.

Instead we thought we would perform for you all a Christmas Jig!

We are all happy to have our health and finances in tact (barely) and we hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Love and hugs and butterfly kisses from The Powell Family - Stephen, Fran, Kayla and Caleb ~O~ xxxxo

PS: This is the latest Christmas Snap - will Santa bypass our house? Not when they look this good!

Merry Christmas 2007

No big long winded newsletter this year. Hopefully the past posts on the blog will give you a little bit of what is happening around here. Just a quick picture and wish for all to have a happy and safe Christmas. Hugs and Butterfly kisses from Stephen, Fran, Kayla and Caleb xxxxo

2006 - A Christmas Message from the Powells

Kayla and Caleb and the 2006 Gidgegannup Show

Another year is drawing to a close and we, The Powells, once again find ourselves wondering where the year has gone and why don't we have any money and why are we so tired, oh that's right, we have children!

SWITCHAROONIE!
This year we decided that it was time to send Fran back to work for 4 days a week and I was to experience Fatherhood with greater gusto. I wewnt from full time to a day and a half a week. I was closely coached and mentored by Fran as I gradually took over the well oiled and trained ship and was terrified of steering the ship way off course. I am not known for my consistency on the home front. I heard some research once that said that so long as you are consistently inconsistent then your kids will turn out fine! Let's hope so! We were very lucky to have Tina once again care for our two little treasures for 4 hours a week, my half day. The children loved being with Tina although it took Caleb a little while to get use to being left with someone different. It didn't take him long and soon he was doing what we all hope wouldn't happen, he'd start crying when Dad got home and Tina had to leave! The combination of Fran working 4 days and me working 1.5 has worked reasonably well and will continue for 2007.

DISASTER STRIKES
Just when everything was going smoothly Tina asked us for a reference. Of course we wrote a glowing report. Tina applied to study childcare at TAFE in second semester and therefore was no longer available to look after Kayla and Caleb. AH! Fran and I were thrown into a mess and had to quickly find a solution. Do we reduce Fran's work time? Do we reduce mine? Daycare? But wait, we had heard that there was a great occasional care facility that operated only during school terms right here in Mundaring. Fran went and had a look and felt confident that this would be a good place for Caleb and Kayla to spend some play time with other children. So "Little Possums" was the saving institution. For the first 4 weeks it was hard going. Fran had to leave little Caleb crying but was reassured by the ladies that all was well not long after. I said to Fran that if he didn't settle down soon I would have to take leave until the end of the year. Luckily, this never eventuated. Caleb loves going to Little Possums. He wakes up in the morning and goes and puts his back pack on and tries to go out to the car with his PJ's on. I am glad that we found a place that he feels comfortable in and Kayla has been a great big sister helping him through the tough times.

BIG SISTER GOES TO THREE YEAR OLD KINDY
This year we decided that Kayla needed to work on her social skills and learn to listen to instructions from someone other than family and friends. We found a wonderful 3 year old kindy program in Swan View. Churchill Brook Kindy has provided the perfect program for Kayla to start being a little bit more independent and to get her ready for big kindy in 2007. Our little girl is growing up so fast. You want all those horrible toddler behaviours to go away so you want them to grow up, but then you don't because they are only little for a short amount of time, and big for a lot longer. So she completed her 3 year old Kindy with glowing colours, only had to be pulled a-side twice by the teacher to have one of those talks, but other than that, a good year. We feel very confident sending her to Sawyers Valley Kindy next year where we know she will blossom and develop socially, emotionally and academically. With Fran and me juggling our work so that we can make sure we are here for them we hope that her transition to school and away from her brother will be relatively pain free.

WORK, WORK and more WORK !!!!
Stephen:
This year I was quite happy going along on 1.5 days per week. It was a bit tight financially but we had a good system worked out and we were able to pay the bills and save very little. My role at Upper Swan is Learning Support Coordinator and Level 3 Teacher (Admin role of a type). I have attended some great training for the LSC role and am looking forward to the rest in 2007. In June, I received a phone call at work from a lady who worked with my sister Roslyn at SIDE. She is now working for Central Office and is one of the managers of the new, yet controversial, Syllabus Directorate. She wanted to know if I would be interested in working part time writing the Early Childhood English and Health & Physical Education (I am so sporty!)Scope & Sequence. For the non-educators out there, a scope and sequence is a chart that shows the development of skills necessary to be taught over the specified time eg. what needs to be taught in Kindy, Pre Primary, Year 1,2 and 3. This was a big task and I said that I couldn't put the children into more childcare. The sweetener was, I could work form home! So I said that I would work one day a week from home (7.25 hours per week excluding breaks). I worked my little cotton socks off starting with writing and knowledge and understandings in Health. When it came to the first reference group, my manager said, how about we just get you to do English. They realised that English was a big enough job in itself and to complete Health was nearly impossible although I had a good crack at it! So I have completed my 3 scope & sequences and they may or may not be online at the moment. Hopefully I will get some more writing work next year to boost the income without having to leave the children. I am in the "pool" of writers for next year so we will wait and see.
Fran:
Fran had thrown herself back into Product Rulings with great enthusiasm, enjoying the time away from the children yet missing them dearly. It was hard at first leaving them at 7:30 in the morning and returning at 6:00, spending little time with them, but having flexi and leave, Fran can take the time off to spend time with the children when needed. Product Rulings was still exhilarating for Fran however she felt that it was time to leave and seek greater adventure within the Tax Office. A job at level was going in Serious Non-Compliance (Sounds Scary) and so she thought, why not leave, not thinking that she would get the job. Well she did and has been there since July investigating fraud and doing raids and questioning people and seeing the magistrate and so on and so on. This has certainly been a change of scenery for Fran and who knows what will be next. Will she get the EL1 position back in Product Rulings or will she have to stay put until some other opportunity arises at a higher level?

THE LAST DAY IN JUNE

This year I accepted the offer by the SIDs&Kids organisation to be media liason. I didn't know what it involved but I was happy to help where I could. I was asked earlier in the year to speak about our story at a conference at the Telethon Institute. The audience was midwives, doctors and researchers who were looking at the reasons for still birth. It was a little daunting however I clearly told Olivia and Calebs' story and the reception was warm and supportive. I was also contacted by 2 local newspapers and was front page news (I thought it would be page 8 or 9) The stories were mostly right however some of the details were a bit strange. I was also contacted to be part of a nine news story - Healthwatch and was interviewed with Kristy Dignam (From "The Biggest Loser"). I then manned the stall at Midland Gate for Red Nose Day. There are about 1300 still births a year, 400 of these are unexplained. We fell into this category when we lost Olivia. So SIDs&Kids are now spending money to try and find out what causes stillbirth and if it can be prevented. I have scanned the better front story picture from the Hills Gazette. It was wonderful to be able to provide an organisation some support when they supported us through our experience.

HOLIDAYS and TIME OUT
With a little bit more money helping with the family expenses we were able to scrape together a few dollars to go away for a week in the September holidays. We were very lucky to once again be able to house sit for friends in Donnybrook which takes the financial sting out of any holiday. We spent a wonderful week exploring our usual and not so usual haunts, Bridgetown, Nannup and the Cider Factories (A new discovery for us and we will be back!) Kayla wanted to go home after the first day; she said she didn't want Caleb to break anything at the house even after we reassured her that this was something for us to worry about and not her. Caleb loved sharing a room with his big sister, but Kayla was glad it was over as he liked to call her name for a long time after going to bed "La,La! La,La!" Kayla just wanted to go to sleep. We were able to catch up with Chris & Louise in Nannup and Rob & Jodie in Bunbury.
In August I had the RASCL Conference at the Tradewinds - I am on the organising committee and I thought it would be nice as a family for us all to stay the night. Well, after the conference dinner I returned to the room to find Fran trying to put Caleb to sleep. The room above was making some strange noises - the girl was getting ready to go out and she wore stilettos on a hard floor. She finally left at 10 pm and we were able to get some sleep. At 2 am she returned , drunk and god knows what else and with someone. The fighting started immediately. The swearing and abuse from both parties was so loud that we though the kids would wake up. We rang the front desk who immediately took action. It died down then started again at 3 am, then 4 am - Fran and I at this point were very tired but couldn't sleep. After our 3rd call the poor duty manager went and told them to leave. They started abusing him and he called the police. They were dragged off at 6 am hurling abuse etc... With bags under our eyes we were greeted at breakfast by the manager who was mortified that this had happened. We were provided a free breakfast which was nice. At the conference there was a raffle and guess who won the overnight package for 2? I did! The manager said "You won't want to stay here again", on the contrary, the staff were brilliant at managing a very difficult situation. We are staying there on the 30th of December as we are attending a wedding in Freo. The voucher was not for Saturday nights, but I reminded them of the incident and they were more than happy to grant us a free night. Hopefully, no drunken hysterical drug crazed birthday girls upstairs this time.

..AND SO THE YEAR ENDS

We find ourselves yet again hurling towards Christmas not knowing what to to buy and who to buy for and how much to spend. I am finding writing the blog is a good way to document the year and if the internet is still around in years to come Kayla and Caleb can look back at the history of the Powells and what made it to the annual newsletter. We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends and that you take the time to slow down and enjoy the festive season. Love, hugs and butterfly kisses from The Powells - Stephen, Fran, Kayla and Caleb ~O~ xxxxo

Kayla is pictured here waiting with anticipation at her first Hi5 Concert, very exciting!