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!

Winter Holidays

Finally we have some time to update the blog. Kayla, Stephen and Caleb did an art project for the front garden to match the window in the back garden. Caleb competed in his first dance comp coming 2nd in Ballet and Highly commended in Jazz. Kayla competed in her first Gymnastics comp receiving a bronze medal overall, a red ribbon for vault (2nd) a green ribbon for mini tramp (3rd) and a white ribbon for beam (it means she scored) We were so proud when she fell off the beam. Stood up. Got back up. Finished the routine. THAT was the best part. We were all so very proud. We have put the photos in a slide show again as it is easier. ENJOY!

The Creek! 75% Complete!

Hail the Hail!

Very exciting today as we had a downpour followed by a hail storm. The kids were very excited as it is the closest thing they will get to snow here. A couple of snaps of the hail.
Front Path

Back Path

The Extension is FINISHED!

At last the Powell's can tick off another goal, the extension is finished with the dryer being placed up on the wall to complete the laundry. Now the hard work, PAINTING!

A couple of pics and a little video of the laundry to let know what we have been raving about!

Laundry facing West

Old laundry now hall with cupboards concealing a fridge and freezer.

Feature Tile

Also, Happy 41st Birthday FRAN!!! Love you! Stephen, Kayla and Caleb xxxxo

New Addition

Our latest art aquisition by Margaret Bird. Now on show in our garden!

In The Garden

We thought we would add a couple of photos showing some recent additions. These two sculptures are so simple but so effective. The one with a bird on top was a 40th Birthday Present for Stephen from the Stokes and the butterfly one was recently purchased from the Kalamunda Markets. We have converted both of them to simple water features that operate while the sprinklers do their 15 minute water. One tops up the water lilly pot twice a week. They make great bird baths.

Extension and Kids

Just a few happy snaps of the extension. Stephen managed to paint the gutters which makes it look more part of the house. The glass is all in, now we are just waiting for cabinets and the plumber to finish.

On the Australia Day long weekend we took the kids to see Hi5. It was Caleb's first big concert, he was just a bit excited and loved every minute.

Building Update

Some more pics of the building to date. The bricks went up and they look great. We believe if global warming destroys the world, this part of the house will survive fire, flood and ice! The roof went on today, on Caleb and Olivia's birthday. We just hope it doesn't rain until the tin goes back on.

Let the Building Begin!

It was a mad rush when we received a phonecall on the Tuesday that the rockbreaker was arriving on the Wednesday. The shed had to be moved and the clotheline ripped up and we had a day to do it. So while Fran was at work, Stephen went and moved the shed with contents inside and ripped up the clothesline with concrete still attached. Thank God for DVDs , keeping the children quiet whilst Stephen ripped things apart. So we are up to the Pad stage now, the only delay being the bricks. End of October at this point in time. Caleb loves watching the bobcats and various construction machines racing around the back yard. Kayla gets a little spooked especially if the workers are a bit rough looking. The photos show the meteorite impression left by the rock breaker, the smooth sand pad and the wet setting cement pad ready for the bricks!

2005 - Powell Christmas Message

THE POWELL CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER

This year the Powell family has decided to fling itself into the 21st Century by creating a "Blog" to share the news instead of chopping down trees to spread the word at Christmas time. We were watching Grumpy Old Men the other night and had a quiet chuckle when they spoke about the dreaded Christmas Newsletter. To all the Grumpy Old Men or Ladies in our lives, please don't read on from here.

2005
The new year started off quietly in the Powell house, as quiet as it can be with a 2 year old and 2 month old. Fran recovered well from the birth and we were making changes and modifications to the house to adapt and live as comfortably as possible. Caleb was a noisy sleeper, so much so that we ended up moving out of our bedroom and into the lounge room to get some quiet. Why wasn't he in his room we hear you ask? Simple, our 2 year old daughter Kayla wasn't the greatest of sleepers so we had to make sure she wasn't woken up by the constant feeds and therefore our room was it. Why not put him in the lounge room we hear you ask again? Our old cat Emma has the run of the house, and new babies and cats don't mix. So it was just easier for us and it was like going on a holiday waking up in a different room that you are not use to for a few weeks. Kayla and Caleb are both thriving and keeping us on our toes. Kayla has a busy life planned next year. Playgroup with Caleb on Mondays, Tina on Tuesday mornings, 3 Year Old Knidy without Caleb on Wednesdays, Swimming on Thursdays and who knows what she will be up to on Friday. They will both be very busy indeed.

HOLIDAYS

This year we went on 2 holidays. In January we went down to Nannup for some peace and quiet after the traumas associated with Caleb and Olivia's birth. We stayed at the Blackwood River Cottages and we were able to kick back and relax for a week in a lovely cottage by the river. We had a few challenges, Kayla had to make a few adjustments to sleeping in a bed. So much so that she decided to sleep in the car one day because she didn't like the bed. The possums at night kept us awake and made us appreciate the well behaved possums in our back yard. Nowhere near as noisy. We were able to catch up with Andrew and Camille in Balingup, Rob and Jodie in Bunbury and of course Chris and Louise in Nannup. In July we were also able to spend a few days down south. Stephens friend Jeanette in Donnybrook always said that we could stay if they went away for a holiday. So we took up Jeanette and Daves offer to house sit for a few days. Well, the house was great however the weather was terrible, Kayla and Caleb didn't sleep well due to colds so we were amazed that we got anything done. We always love popping into Bridgetown and having a look around. Kayla was so excited that we were staying in Donnybrook because of the apple trees. So much so that we had to have a photo of her taken next to an apple tree. The thought of going on another holiday in the not so distant future isn't looking promising and in all reality, a holiday with a 3 year old and a one year old isn't much fun.

STEPHEN's WORK
Stephen had a wonderful year working with a great bunch of year 2 students. This year he had his level 3 teaching status and was lucky to be placed with a fellow teacher who was interested in teaching both classes collaboratively. Both classes combined to be one by the end of the year. The work load was reduced, Stephen was less frazzled and the children loved having 2 teachers instead of one. In 2006 Fran is returning to work at the Tax Office. She can't wait! She will be working 4 days a week. Stephen on the other hand has reduced his hours to a day and a half. He has managed to stay out of the classroom for the year working as Learning Support Coordinator (A role he doesn't really know what is involved) and his half day level 3 time working with staff. Tuesdays will be hectic with both going off to work and we have the wonderful Tina looking after Caleb and Kayla until lunchtime. Financially there won't be any great gains but we will write these years off as nonprofit financially but profitable in terms of family and home (We hope).

CLIPSON CRESCENT
There have been very few changes to the house this year. The garden is getting more and more established with never ending weeding. The rain this year has certainly been a bonus for Perth, but we just wish the weeds would lay off. Luckily the bush, block setting allows us to hide these little sins. We had the house valued after discussions re: suitability for 2 adults and 2 children in the future. We were most impressed with the value however we didn't like any of the options for moving. So we are looking into extending just to give us that little bit of extra space. This is a long way down the track. So watch this space.

ANNIVERSARIES

This year was marked by many anniversaries. We celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary in April. We also remembered Olivia's passing in July and the day we were told in August and the moment Caleb and Olivia were born. Each annerversary was touched by sadness however we got through them well and paid tribute to Olivia's memory yet we celebrated the life of our wonderful boy Caleb. Thank you to all our friends and family who supported us through this difficult time.

ILLNESS
This year has been a shocker for illness in the Powell House. Stephen has calculated that he was sick with a variety of illnesses over 18 weeks. Kayla and Caleb were also infected by a variety of illnesses. Fran managed to keep going throughout. As a result Stephen lost 9 Kilograms without trying. We think his miraculous weight loss was due to a combination of the illnesses and less alcohol due to financial constraints! Not a diet that we would recommend.

FINALE

2005 has been a relatively uneventful year thankfully and we hope that you have discovered a little more by reading this Blog. Stephen,Fran, Kayla and Caleb send you all butterful kisses and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.