Secret recipie

We have been nominated to host Christmas Lunch at our house this year for James' Dads side of the family. With spare time on my hands now that James is away I've been surfing the net for recipies. I think we're going to supply the ham (which can be cooked in the slow cooker), the mashed potatoes (which I can make masses of the day prior), cookies and treats (which will come from cookie exchange), and some alcohol. Hopefully the rest of the family will bring the other bits and pieces. Fingers crossed for nice weather so we can set up a slip n' slide to entertain the kids.

While recipie searching I came across something that I made last night for a baby shower today and also for a friend in hospital who has just had twins. It was rated 5 stars online, so I just had to try it. The hype was correct. The whole plate was finished at the shower and I had 3 people ask me for the recipie. I was almost embarresed to tell them how it was made. Maybe I should have let them all think I was some kind of gourmet chef or something....anyways, my friends I'll share the secret with you. SOOO easy.

A double package of regular oreos
A block of philly creame cheese (I used full fat version, but I'm sure you could go low fat)
melting chocolate (milk or white)

Blend in food processor. Then put in fridge for a bit. Take out and roll into 1 inch balls and put on wax paper. Put in fridge a bit longer. Melt chocolate. Roll and gently spoon chocolate onto balls. Let them dry on wax paper and then put back in fridge to set. For gourmet look stripe white chocolate onto the chocolate covering.

My Little Turkeys

We had our first turkey while celebrating Thanksgiving in NZ this year. The boys and I (James is still overseas in Singapore) went to another American's house to celebrate. It is their first year living in NZ so they went all out - turkeys, stuffing, food galore! Everyone brought a dish to share - I baked pumpkin pies!

It was the best Thanksgiving dinner I have had in a long time, and it made it even more special to celebrate with my new American friends. It has also motivated me to host something similar at our place next year.

Thank goodness for family (and skype), my husband, and our two little turkeys. We have had a hard ....very hard....year, but we've survived, and we have lots in our lives to be thankful for.

Guess who is crawling now? Yep, Mr. Moon himself. Dad and Fran got to witness him take his first shuffles, flops, and then master the art of crawling while they were visiting us. Life has just become more hectic (I forgot about this stage) but he seems quite pleased with himself, and his independence has just shot through the roof....who thought it could get any higher?

Grandpa Den Den and Grandma Fran

We've just had the pleasure of hosting my Dad and stepmom, Fran for the past 8 days. It was the first time that 'Granpa Den Den' and Fran had met Wyatt, and also the first time they had seen our new house. It takes international visitors for us to scrub and clean the house - our floors were sparkling upon their arrival (which only lasted for about the first day!)

Their visit was short, and we tried to do as much as we could without exhausting ourselves. Like my sister Erin, who was here a month ago, they too, got the Manawatu tour and a peek into our everyday lives.

Having dinner with Jo and Bruce, the day before Jo went into surgery and the first night Dad and Fran were in NZ.

A friend from my coffee group loaned us the 'people mover' so that we could take a little trip to the Hawkes Bay. Luckily the people mover was also available to help pick them up from the airport because, they had LOTS of luggage. In that luggage was a plethora of goodies for the kids and a few requested American treats for us. Luca was beyond excited that we were borrowing the people mover for a few days. The evening that I went to go pick it up, he woke up in the middle of the night asking 'has mommy got the people mover yet?'. I would love to have our own people mover - you can fit so much stuff in it, and I just keep thinking about the camping trips we could take, or how much easier it would be when people came to visit us. Alas, we'll just drive our trusty little blue car until it dies...and then maybe consider something a bit bigger. This is what is looks like in our little blue car - squeezing someone in between the two carseats....not comfy!

We had a great time in the Hawkes Bay - in fact I didn't want to come back home. One of the perks (the few and far between) of military life is using the military 'leave' houses that are scattered throughout the country. They are usually booked up during holidays and the summer, but since it was an odd time of the year, one was available in Napier. OMG - it was so nice. A whole house for only $30. I think we are going to try and go back to Napier as soon as we can get this house again.

A photo stop inCape Kidnappers, in the Hawkes Bay (apparently there's a world famous gold course nearby). There are many wineries near here - we visited three on our self guided winery tour of the region.

The weather was gorgeous. Much warmer than where we live (although we are only 2 hours away). Less windy, and sunny - I even got a bit of a tan. We went to Ocean Spa so Luca could burn off a bit of energy in the pools. Outdoor heated swimming pools. I can't even begin to tell you how good it felt to swim outside, and not be shivering the whole time. The sun on my skin was theraputic, and if it was up to me, I would've stayed there all day. When looking at the photos I can't believe how starkly white we all look, and then I started thinking that it has probably been since our honeymoon in Mexico that my body has really seen any sun. That is way too long for a lover of outdoor swimming pools. We need to plan a trip to the States ASAP. I miss swimming during the hot midwestern summer - or year round in Florida! Where we live there is only a very short window of outdoor swimming...and even then, it's still a bit cold.

We visited several wineries, a cider brewery, a strawberry farm, Cape Kidnappers, the Port of Napier, and Napier city. We saw as much as we could while accomodating for both children's naps - such a pain when they are on opposite nap schedule. Needless to say there was lots of sleeping in prams, carseats etc.

Dad and Fran also got to attend a function at the Officer's mess with James and I. We try to go to all the functions that they have because they usually put on a dinner and free babysitting with food for the kids. How can you say no to that?

They also met a few of our friends, and the whole coffee group at the joint 3rd Birthday Party. Unfortunatly James had to leave to go to Singapore about halfway through their visit, but it was nice having the extra hands to help out in absence.

Dinner at Breakers in Napier - one of the few child friendly resturants we could think of. Luca was beyond excited to eat dinner in the fake VW bus.

Luca chilling out at one of the wineries - in between sips of wine, we would take turns playing with him and Wyatt. We figured out there were 3 things that were good deals in NZ (compared to USA)

• 1. Wine!


• 2. McDonald's Ice Cream cones (Grandpa Den Den would often double fist them!)


• 3. Avocados (according to Fran)

We went to a strawberry orchard and had some of the juiciest sweetest strawberries I've ever had in my life. Pricey yes, but way better than the ones I get on special at Pak n' Save (the el cheap-o store that sells grade B/C fruit and veggies). Sadly all the good stuff in NZ gets exported because kiwis can't afford it.

Dan and Fran's visit flew by, and we are so grateful that they were able to make the trip over to visit us. We are looking forward to flying over to the States sometime next year.

Dad and Fran couldn't get over the no security at our wee little airport. It's funny how doing such routine things like going to the airport become BIG events in our household now that we have kids. We talk about it for days prior, then get to the airport and watch all the people, luggage, planes. Talk about it all, run around and explore different parts of the airport. The night that Grandma and Grandpa left, I tucked Luca into bed and said, "Grandma and Grandpa are still on the plane right now. Right now they are up in the air flying home." Luca responded with, "OPEN THE CURTAINS!!! I want to see the plane, where are they?" Awwww......

His eyeballs will be popping out of his head, and he'll be wiggling around with excitement when we get to take our next plane ride (not sure when that will be, hopefully sooner rather than later). Last plane ride for us was June 2009 - and in Luca lifetime, that was so very long ago.

Mr. Independant

It's hard to imagine our little man is now 9 months. My next post, I will probably be able to announce that he is now on the move. I predict the crawling will begin sometime this week (uh, oh!).

He thinks he is years beyond his age. Always grabbing, wriggling around when I try to change his diaper, insisting that he only feed himself (but obviously lacks the coordination, so most of it gets on his chin/bib/floor), constantly looking around the room, trying to move, trying to keep up with his brother - who, just in case you are wandering, runs around at 100 mph).

He gave us a bit of fright when this week he figured out how to sit up in his cot all by himself. The parents out there will know how shocking it is to see that for the first time. His new trick is getting himself into strange positions, backing up into the corner, or sitting up and not being able to lay back down in the middle of the night. Never fear, little bubba, we are here to save you. Yes, that's right. I must be part kiwi now, because I sometimes call my baby 'bubba' (only 2 years ago I detested that name...now I use it?!) His other nicknames are 'Why-guy', 'little buddy', and luca's favourite, 'Mr. Moon.'



Wyatt gives the best cuddles. I love the cuddle he give me when I pick him up from daycare, or see him first thing in the morning. His chubby little hands grasp on for dear life and he rests his head against my chest - often rubbing his snot into my shirt. Ahh, bless.

He's got the most gorgeous dimples, and I love his baby fatness. I think 9 months must be the chubby stage. He's storing up all that energy for when he starts to crawl. I know it's selfish, but I wish he could stay this age forever.

Some of my favourite memories of the past 9 months are taking him to the baby session at the movies. Wyatt and I have had 5 or 6 dates. Every Wed at 10:30 they have baby sessions - discounted for moms and free for babies. You don't have to stress if baby cries, because there's usually others crying too. When he was younger I'd cuddle him, and breastfeed him till he feel asleep in my arms. It was perfect - We got to spend time together, and I got to indulge in popcorn and a movie.

Ha! fat chance of that happening anymore. I took him for the last time a few weeks ago. We saw Eat, Pray, Love (which to be honest, was a bit too slow for me) and I could no longer get him to sleep or sit still. He was too awake, too aware, too active. It was anything but relaxing.

Another sad part of losing his babyness is stopping breastfeeding. The thing I was most scared of prepregnancy, turned out to be the most enjoyable. The bond you have while feeding a baby from your body is just MAGICAL. Our bodies are made to do some incredible things. I fed both Luca and Wyatt till 9 months. Now I have a pile of maternity bras and tops that I have literally lived in, and it's sad to think of getting rid of them.

The sadness lasted about two weeks (being able to enjoy in alcohol again has also helped).

Mr. Moon is growing up - too fast. It's endearing to watch him 'play' with his brother, and begin to look at books by himself. I love putting him to sleep at night. After a bottle I stand up and cuddle him for a few moments. He usually has a burp so loud that everyone in the house can hear it, then he sighs, drops his head, and his body goes limp. His little legs just hang loose, and he's so long now that his toes touch my waist. Mr. Independant becomes my little bubba again, and I kiss him on the head as I lay him in his cot.

We love you Wyatt

5 legged sheep

Yes, you read that right. This is a photo of a very freaky 5 legged sheep. See the bent leg coming out of it's chest? That's the fifth leg.

One advantage of me studying extramurally is that my schedule is a bit more flexible so I've been able to be a 'parent helper' on a few of Luca's field trips. About 2 weeks ago they took his whole center (the babies, toddlers, and preschoolers) to an animal petting farm about 30 mins away from town. Half the fun, was the kids getting to ride the bus together.

It's an odd place. This couple has a bunch of land, and a bunch of strange animals - your typical farm animals, lots of rabbits, chickens roosters, cows, pigs, goats etc and they also have emus, ostriches, peacocks, chincillas, and all kinds of other things. When you arrive they give you loaves of bread to hand feed the animals. I think some of the animals where donated to them, because some looked a bit ill or out of place (including the 5 legged sheep!)

Regardless, the kids had a blast, and the teachers and parent helpers where VERY worn out by the time we got back on the bus to leave.

These two little spotted piggies where my favourite animal of the day!

Luca and his friend chillin' in the double buggy.

Snack time! It's pretty cute to watch all the kids together - and suprisingly they are well behaved en masse.

James and I had taken the boys to this petting farm before, but we usually combine it with a trip to the Irish pub for a beer afterwards. Somehow I didn't think the daycare wanted to stop there on the way home.

Big pigs squeeling and playing in the mud.

The boys trying to take the chicken's eggs. Look at their white diapers peeking out from their pants. Cuties! Although I do wish Luca would learn to use the toliet, I will miss the bubble butt diaper look when he finally does. It's oddly kind of cute. Although I loved getting to spend time with Luca and Wyatt and watching them interact with their teachers and friends, it was incredibly tiring watching all those kids. I felt a bit guilty leaving them with their teachers in the afternoon after the trip so that I could go home and do some school work. I know those teachers must have been knackered!

Ice-Scream 2010

What do ghosts eat for dessert? Ice-Scream!

That was our halloween joke that we tried to teach Luca for trick or treating, but he didn't get it -he thought each house was suppose to give HIM ice cream. Ha ha!

No picturesque pumpkin patches over here. We got ours from the fruit and veggie weekend market - your typical small white/green pumpkins that people use for their roasts. Not the best carving pumpkings (they have really thick skin and flesh) but James was able to carve them after Luca painted them.

Wyatt is at the 'grabbing everything stage' and when I wasn't looking he managed to grab the pot of paint and paint my pants. Lovely.

For a country that doesn't really celebrate halloween, we had an eventful weekend. The holiday is definitly growing over here, and you can now buy decorations and more costumes bits and pieces at the likes of the dollar shops and the warehouse. We kicked off the weekend with a kids party hosted by one of the coffee group mothers. All the kids were dressed up, and she went all out with decorations, Luca loved it - even the 'scary' decorations.


Wyatt (the dragon) is being held by my friend Amy (she's due in a few weeks with TWINS!)


Saturday was filled with not 1 but 3 (yes 3!) Halloween party invites for James and I. The kids were whisked off to Jo and Bruces (yay!!!) and we made it to two of the parties. James was a witch doctor and I was a lady bug and then later a witch. One of the parties had a witches and wizards theme (how wierd is that? To have a theme for a halloween party?). Although we had a child free night, I can't bring myself to staying up late anymore, so although we had a good night, it wasn't a very late one. On Sunday we got to sleep in till 9am, and then get on with household things... How sad is that. The kids were away, and instead of just relaxing I have this urge to clean the house. James finished tiling the kitchen backsplash. Very satisfying to actually get something done on the house.
After a visit to pick up the kids from the beach, we got ready for trick or treating. This was the first year we had trick or treated in NZ. It was good to meet a few more of our new neighbors, but it was an intersting expierence. The kiwis obviously don't understand trick or treating etiquette. A few differences between us and America.

1. It's light out - because we are going into summer
2. People answer the door and look suprised, then run off to rumage through the kitchen to find you something. We got lots of granola bars and bags of chips...lol. Also some of the candy (gasp) is unwrapped. You go to someones house and they give you 3 jellybeans, or a gummy worm. That's NZ for ya! ha ha

3. Some people don't answer the door at all - which we found odd. We saw them in the window, they saw us - but instead of answering the door and just saying 'we don't have anything, but boy you guys look cute...' they just DONT answer. To me, that seems kind of rude - but whatever...
4. There's still some anti-halloween people (churches) out there and although the holiday is celebrated as a non secular holiday the media still has to report about the pagens and witches holding ceremonies on halloween (as if people in NZ need another excuse to hate the holiday).

Regardless of the differences, we enjoyed our trick or treating around the culdasac. There's only about 14 houses, so it was a perfect number. Poor little Wyatt crashed out after house #3, so I ended up carrying a sleeping dragon the whole time (he's getting heavy too!). We met some lovely people, and Luca now requests candy for breakfast. Uh, sorry little boy, don't think so.

Everyone thought their costumes were adorable (thanks Grandma Cassie!) and we look forward to more halloweens to come. I'm using every bit of self control not to gobble up 1/2 of Luca's halloween candy while I'm working on assignments. So very hard.

Springtime Wine

We took Erin and Ethan to the airport today, so I figured I better post a few more photos while they are still fresh in my head. On a very little budget, and a very little car, we managed to see quite a bit of New Zealand - in fact I'm exhausted.



If you've been to New Zealand, you know that most things are more expensive than what you'd find in the USA. The scale of economy and living in a politically neutral isolated island country will do that! The ONE thing that is cheap....WINE. And it's very, very good.





We travelled to the Hawkes Bay to do a bit of our own winery tour. It was a rainy spring weekday, so the wineries were empty (which means bigger pours - unless you're the driver...) I explored a few new places I had never been to before, and will no doubt visit even more when Dad and Fran, and my mom come over for a visit. There's around 30 different vinyards to choose from.

More Wineries - this one was one of my favourites!



We went to a Rural Days - a farming festival in Feilding (that's where my last student teaching placement was). Tractors, trucks, farm animals, bouncy castles, and farmers markets. Love this old liquor store sign. Very kiwiana.

On our way to the vinyards we stopped at the daffodil fields. I had read about these online, and had looked forward to going - AMAZING. Can't wait to take Luca, Wyatt, and James next year. There are fields and fields of all kinds of different daffodils and for $2 you can pick a bunch of 30. All the proceeds go to Plunket (that's our free postnatal and child development service in NZ...which rocks!) We arrived at 9am, and the daffodils had seen better days - but I still managed to pick a bouqet and put a few gold coins into the honesty box. The whole setup was just so cute. Okay so we don't have halloween pumpkin patches, but we do have this awesome daffodil patch. Love discovering cool hidden gems like this.

Sadly daffodil season is almost over...but you can tell there are a few left....and the smell was so divine - spring time!

This photo cracks me up. Erin jumping on the back trampoline,

and Luca with his hands over his eyes!

We have had a few days of glorious sunshine. Much needed as the past 2 months have been filled with wind and rain. The sun has made me feel better, windows are open, washing is hanging up outside on the line (ha...yeah, that was a new expierence for Erin too), and now that is is light at night we can continue our after dinner walks and hikes. I think I may even be motivated to start running in the mornings. Bring on Summer :-)

Bye-Bye Erin and Ethan - Thanks for visiting us, we'll miss you!