I have to admit that this move to Germany has been tough, and that's putting it mildly. I'm always one that makes lemonade when I get handed lemons...but frankly this situation felt a lot bigger than lemons. I quit answering emails for a while because everyone was asking how cool it was and how lucky I was to get to live in a foreign country....why didn't I feel like that? I visited before and loved it, so why was it so hard? By the way, I have since learned that visiting some place and living there and not even close to the same thing. Was I getting older and more set in my ways? Was it the kid factor?
To top it off, we moved right as winter was beginning and there is little to no sun. Everyday is gray and overcast. You know the sun is shining up there somewhere, but you never see it. If you wake up at 8:00 am you can easily catch the sunrise, and if you are driving home at 4:30 pm you can watch it set! That's right...about 8-9 hours a day that aren't pitch black! My kids are so confused by this. Many people here get severely depressed in the winter time for this very reason. No wonder I was feeling so yucky!
I had so much to do around the house, but John and I decided to take the kids to a parents day out and hit one of the nearby Christmas Markets in Heidelberg (post & pictures will follow soon). It had turned cold and I was dreading freezing my rear off for a few hours while I looked at German knick knacks. The only thing motiating me was a day without the kids. But then this great thing happened....
THE SUN BROKE THROUGH!
It was visible all day and beating down on us. It was freezing outside...but it didn't matter. It was out all day and the clouds went away completely. I have not seen a day like this since we have been here. For the last 3 days, I have seen the sun everyday...maybe not all day, but I have seen in.
It got me thinking that this is what life is like. This gloom and doom that I was feeling was the clouds. They hung over me and prevented all my happiness from coming through. Then the clouds part and things don't seem so bad anymore. It's clarity. It's gaining perspective on where you were, where you are now, and where you are going. See the clouds will always pass eventually, and even when they are there, the sun is still there too. I may not always be able to see it, but it's there. It's in knowing that just like bad times, it won't last forever and the sun will shine again.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Not For the Faint of Heart...
So this is my disclaimer...if you can't handle bodily function talk...don't read this post. I promise no pictures will be included in this post...that would just be wrong.
Let me start by telling you how weak of a stomach and how strong of a gag reflex I have. It's horrible. I always worried that when I became a mom I couldn't handle puke, poop, and other nasty things that can come from kiddos! To give you idea of just how weak my stomach is, I used to try to scoop dog poop in the yard when the kids would go out to play, but I would gag so bad that I usually ended up throwing up myself...pitiful, I know! However I solved that problem by getting those long handle scoopers, and my problem is solved.
They don't make long handle cleaner uppers for the kids however. If you have kids or are thinking about having kids, there are a few things that are certain. You child will at some point get sick, they will have explosive poop, and they will have projectile vomit. After two kids, the feeling bad and poop thing I have dealt with and been able to handle. But to this day, throw up still gets to me. If I see it or smell it, I'll be over the toilet myself.
Now let me tell you why my husband is the best husband and daddy ever. Most people say poop or throw up and the guys run the other way. Not John...he's mister hands on. We usually team up and one cleans up the kid while the other cleans up whatever else got nuked!
Last night Caleigh started running a fever. I could tell she wasn't feeling well, but there was no sign of an upset stomach. I let her have her milk (as usual)before bed...a decision I would soon regret. At about 4:00 am I heard her in her room crying and she was again running a fever. I put her in bed with us and went to give her some more Tylenol. She refused the Tylenol, which she rarely does, but I figured I would let it go and try again in a little bit. So John and I with Caleigh in between all try to get back to sleep when the sound begins. It's the worst sound in the world....the churning of the stomach and the heaving begins! All I can think is how our bed an everything around is about to be nuked. Before I can react or do anything, John (Mr. I Don't Wake Up For Anything)has Caleigh and is running to the bathroom as she throws up all down his back. This is one of the few times I am grateful for the wall to wall tile in our humble abode. As I go to begin the clean up in our room and bed, there is nothing! The bed was totally clean....a feat that I will never understand. Once I get to the bathroom, John has Caleigh over the sink and is calming her down and cleaning her up. Before I could finish running her bath (okay the real truth is I spent the next few minutes over the sink dry heaving myself), he had her striped down, cleaned up, and clothes in the washer!
What kind of dad does that??? Out of our puking incidents, John has played an active role in at least 95% of them! He's the best!
We think he is the best Daddy and husband ever!
Let me start by telling you how weak of a stomach and how strong of a gag reflex I have. It's horrible. I always worried that when I became a mom I couldn't handle puke, poop, and other nasty things that can come from kiddos! To give you idea of just how weak my stomach is, I used to try to scoop dog poop in the yard when the kids would go out to play, but I would gag so bad that I usually ended up throwing up myself...pitiful, I know! However I solved that problem by getting those long handle scoopers, and my problem is solved.
They don't make long handle cleaner uppers for the kids however. If you have kids or are thinking about having kids, there are a few things that are certain. You child will at some point get sick, they will have explosive poop, and they will have projectile vomit. After two kids, the feeling bad and poop thing I have dealt with and been able to handle. But to this day, throw up still gets to me. If I see it or smell it, I'll be over the toilet myself.
Now let me tell you why my husband is the best husband and daddy ever. Most people say poop or throw up and the guys run the other way. Not John...he's mister hands on. We usually team up and one cleans up the kid while the other cleans up whatever else got nuked!
Last night Caleigh started running a fever. I could tell she wasn't feeling well, but there was no sign of an upset stomach. I let her have her milk (as usual)before bed...a decision I would soon regret. At about 4:00 am I heard her in her room crying and she was again running a fever. I put her in bed with us and went to give her some more Tylenol. She refused the Tylenol, which she rarely does, but I figured I would let it go and try again in a little bit. So John and I with Caleigh in between all try to get back to sleep when the sound begins. It's the worst sound in the world....the churning of the stomach and the heaving begins! All I can think is how our bed an everything around is about to be nuked. Before I can react or do anything, John (Mr. I Don't Wake Up For Anything)has Caleigh and is running to the bathroom as she throws up all down his back. This is one of the few times I am grateful for the wall to wall tile in our humble abode. As I go to begin the clean up in our room and bed, there is nothing! The bed was totally clean....a feat that I will never understand. Once I get to the bathroom, John has Caleigh over the sink and is calming her down and cleaning her up. Before I could finish running her bath (okay the real truth is I spent the next few minutes over the sink dry heaving myself), he had her striped down, cleaned up, and clothes in the washer!
What kind of dad does that??? Out of our puking incidents, John has played an active role in at least 95% of them! He's the best!
We think he is the best Daddy and husband ever!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
This is why I'm hot....okay not really!
Time for another You Tube video! This goes out to all our military friends who will think this is a hoot. For everyone else...maybe you guys will get a laugh too!
You know when our husbands all deploy and ship out to random desert like places....this is what they do. Clearly too much time on their hands....
You know when our husbands all deploy and ship out to random desert like places....this is what they do. Clearly too much time on their hands....
Christmas Quiz
So I had a friend send me this little getting to know you...Christmas style. Thought I would post and share!
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper definitely looks the best...but gift bags are so darn easy! I probably do an even mix of both.
2. Real tree or Artificial? I love the smell of a real tree, but I hate the mess and the fact that they are so scraggly these days. So I have a big pre-lit artificial one. But I do get a real wreath or light some candles so my house always smells like a Christmas Tree. I love that.
3. When do you put up the tree? Ideally Thanksgiving day or the day following, but it rarely happens that way.
4. When do you take the tree down? Again...ideally January 2nd...but it usually hangs around longer.
5. Do you like egg nog? Just a little bit
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Probably the Barbie Dreamhouse...I have never had a disappointing Christmas! I love all my gifts.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes
8. Hardest person to buy for? John's family
9. Easiest person to buy for? Myself! And my kids of course!
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail...but I might send out an electronic version too this year so everyone gets it on time. My cards will most likely be late since I have no idea where I can print them here and how long it will take them to mail to the states now....but they are coming people!
11 .Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I honestly can't think of a bad one off the top of my head.
12. Favorite Christmas movie? Polar Express
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I sort of shop all year long, but probably seriously start in Sept.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Can't say that I have.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Martha Washington's & sugar cookies with icing
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear...I like things simple. Clear lights on everything.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Little Drummer Boy
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Both have their advantages. I like being home, but to the holidays are better when we can spend them with as much family as possible, so if that means traveling, we usually do it. This year we are staying home.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph...with my hands tied behind my back....to easy!
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? An angel
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning
22 . Most annoying thing about this time of year? The hustle and bustle. We have so many parties and social events, that it's sometimes too much! I'd like it to be less stressful and crazy.
23. Favorite ornament, theme or color? Crystal...I love the look of the lights hitting crystal and being reflected.
24. How many Christmas tress do you have in the house? 3
25. Do you decorate outside? Usually, but not since we are in Germany. We have a lot of outdoor decor usually!
26. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Steak and shrimp
27. What do you want for Christmas this year? Some new clothes. I'd like and iPod too.
28. Who is most likely to respond to this? Annie
29. Who is least likely to respond to this? Gina, because she's one of the busiest people I know!
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper definitely looks the best...but gift bags are so darn easy! I probably do an even mix of both.
2. Real tree or Artificial? I love the smell of a real tree, but I hate the mess and the fact that they are so scraggly these days. So I have a big pre-lit artificial one. But I do get a real wreath or light some candles so my house always smells like a Christmas Tree. I love that.
3. When do you put up the tree? Ideally Thanksgiving day or the day following, but it rarely happens that way.
4. When do you take the tree down? Again...ideally January 2nd...but it usually hangs around longer.
5. Do you like egg nog? Just a little bit
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Probably the Barbie Dreamhouse...I have never had a disappointing Christmas! I love all my gifts.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes
8. Hardest person to buy for? John's family
9. Easiest person to buy for? Myself! And my kids of course!
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail...but I might send out an electronic version too this year so everyone gets it on time. My cards will most likely be late since I have no idea where I can print them here and how long it will take them to mail to the states now....but they are coming people!
11 .Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I honestly can't think of a bad one off the top of my head.
12. Favorite Christmas movie? Polar Express
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I sort of shop all year long, but probably seriously start in Sept.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Can't say that I have.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Martha Washington's & sugar cookies with icing
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear...I like things simple. Clear lights on everything.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Little Drummer Boy
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Both have their advantages. I like being home, but to the holidays are better when we can spend them with as much family as possible, so if that means traveling, we usually do it. This year we are staying home.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph...with my hands tied behind my back....to easy!
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? An angel
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning
22 . Most annoying thing about this time of year? The hustle and bustle. We have so many parties and social events, that it's sometimes too much! I'd like it to be less stressful and crazy.
23. Favorite ornament, theme or color? Crystal...I love the look of the lights hitting crystal and being reflected.
24. How many Christmas tress do you have in the house? 3
25. Do you decorate outside? Usually, but not since we are in Germany. We have a lot of outdoor decor usually!
26. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Steak and shrimp
27. What do you want for Christmas this year? Some new clothes. I'd like and iPod too.
28. Who is most likely to respond to this? Annie
29. Who is least likely to respond to this? Gina, because she's one of the busiest people I know!
Monday, December 3, 2007
We Elfed Ourselves!
This was kind of funny and cute! The kids loved it! Try to do your own family!
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1146522741
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1146522741
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Why I love Kellie Pickler
I found this video and couldn't resist. I'll be honest...I like the girl. She's cute and she seems very real. With that said, she's not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but she can laugh at herself. She came from humble beginnings and worked hard to make something of herself.... But I love how smart I feel when I see videos like this. I too am geographically challenged...but this was too funny!
Christmas is coming and this year I'm ready......sort of.....
I love this time of year....I really do! While this is usually one of the most stressful and busy times for me, I love it. Only this year I don't feel so busy or stressed. Don't let this fool you by thinking that I have it all together and am ready for Christmas.....I'm not. My house is not decorated, most presents are bought, but not all. My Christmas cards might become New Years or even Valentine's cards, but I don't care! I'm going to enjoy this time of year.
Today marks the day when all the big Christmas Markets start in Germany. This is one of the best things that the Germans do. These markets are huge and amazing. As I visit some over the next few weeks, I will be sure to try to snap a few pictures. The German's love Christmas, although their traditions vary some from ours. Many Germans don't even put up a Christmas tree until Christmas Eve. Know what that means??? I am ahead of schedule! The fact that my house isn't decorated is just keeping with German tradition. Okay, so I didn't plan it that way, but it makes me feel better.
Tonight was also the first day that the Germans turn on their Christmas lights. It's like the village was dark yesterday and tonight on my way home, most homes and the entire village square was lit up with Christmas lights and decoration. It just made me feel good.
The kids picked up an angel from the angel tree today, and I let them buy for their angel. Friday I gave blood for wounded soldiers from the desert. This time of year makes me want to give. It makes me want to be a better person. I also find that when I get down and depressed, I feel great giving or doing something to help someone out. It would be nice to think that I could carry this out 365 days a year, but I'm realistic and I know that I don't always act that way. But this time of year it comes easy... Perhaps the spirit of St. Nick is alive and enters our hearts this time of year. I'd like to think that anyway.
Today marks the day when all the big Christmas Markets start in Germany. This is one of the best things that the Germans do. These markets are huge and amazing. As I visit some over the next few weeks, I will be sure to try to snap a few pictures. The German's love Christmas, although their traditions vary some from ours. Many Germans don't even put up a Christmas tree until Christmas Eve. Know what that means??? I am ahead of schedule! The fact that my house isn't decorated is just keeping with German tradition. Okay, so I didn't plan it that way, but it makes me feel better.
Tonight was also the first day that the Germans turn on their Christmas lights. It's like the village was dark yesterday and tonight on my way home, most homes and the entire village square was lit up with Christmas lights and decoration. It just made me feel good.
The kids picked up an angel from the angel tree today, and I let them buy for their angel. Friday I gave blood for wounded soldiers from the desert. This time of year makes me want to give. It makes me want to be a better person. I also find that when I get down and depressed, I feel great giving or doing something to help someone out. It would be nice to think that I could carry this out 365 days a year, but I'm realistic and I know that I don't always act that way. But this time of year it comes easy... Perhaps the spirit of St. Nick is alive and enters our hearts this time of year. I'd like to think that anyway.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Making a House a Home....
So many of you have been asking about our house and how it looks. I've been dreading and trying to put off sending and posting pictures, but here goes! Houses here are hilarious. There is very little "design" to them. They are all made from concrete blocks and then stuccoed. They are square boxes, with a little modern touch....or so it seems. Nothing says home like a white metal front door....
The insides are cold and white....very white! Every wall is stark white, and I can't paint! At first I felt like I was in a hospital....but I just decided to cover as much of the walls as possible. John has been hanging stuff for weeks for me! By the way, hanging stuff on a cement wall is difficult! I don't have any after pictures to post now...but I'll take some soon. Everything is tiled. 3 freaking floors of all tile! Not a shred of carpet, however our stairs are made out of some type of wood. Pictures are of the stairs, the dining room, and the living room...
Moving on to the bathrooms…there is no counter.....only a free standing sink. Did I mention that the houses have zero closets or storage space? You have to buy cabinets or "shrunks" to store clothes, shoes, towels, toiletries, etc... Everything in the bathroom is tiled....the walls, everything. Again it's white, and I haven't figured out how to hang anything on tile. For now I put up some curtains to add some color. The bathrooms are large...but a waste of space since there are no cabinets or storage areas. Ikea is your best friend here to get cheap cabinets and storage solutions. 
Now for the kitchen….the kitchen used to be one of my favorite places. I love to cook and entertain. I about passed out when I saw the kitchen, which is surprisingly large in German standards. I have my cabinets full and still have 4 boxes left to unpack of kitchen items....guess it's back to Ikea to find a place for those. First let's start with the German fridge.....but let's be honest and call it what it really is....a mini fridge. That's right; it's no bigger than a mini fridge. However, I would rather have a mini fridge...at least it gets cold. The German fridge is cool at best....so I only put juice boxes or stuff that doesn't need to be refrigerated in it. What a waste of space. I'm thinking of turning it off and using it as a cabinet....it would make for a better use of space that way. We were issued a small American type refrigerator that has a small freezer. Space is still very limited....so I have to take small trips to the store every 2-3 days.....no stocking up on anything! Next, the oven! I love to cook full meals in my oven. Not anymore! You can barely fit a 9 x 13 baker in it! There is only one shelf and it takes about 30-45 mins. to heat up completely. It's more like a convection oven because it basically blows hot air around. My sink (that's right, only one) is super small. No more running a sink of soapy water and washing dishes. And no more garbage disposal!!! Whaaaa!
But after complaining about everything that this house is not, there are great aspects of it. It is very big and we have lots of room for everyone to have a space of their own. The house is new, so no worries of a bunch of stuff breaking. While the house is stark...it also is fairly easy to clean. The other thing I learned, and probably the most important, is that this house is our home. Not because of what it offers, but because the people I love the most are all here with me. The house is filled with our stuff, and our love, and that to me makes it home.
The insides are cold and white....very white! Every wall is stark white, and I can't paint! At first I felt like I was in a hospital....but I just decided to cover as much of the walls as possible. John has been hanging stuff for weeks for me! By the way, hanging stuff on a cement wall is difficult! I don't have any after pictures to post now...but I'll take some soon. Everything is tiled. 3 freaking floors of all tile! Not a shred of carpet, however our stairs are made out of some type of wood. Pictures are of the stairs, the dining room, and the living room...
Moving on to the bathrooms…there is no counter.....only a free standing sink. Did I mention that the houses have zero closets or storage space? You have to buy cabinets or "shrunks" to store clothes, shoes, towels, toiletries, etc... Everything in the bathroom is tiled....the walls, everything. Again it's white, and I haven't figured out how to hang anything on tile. For now I put up some curtains to add some color. The bathrooms are large...but a waste of space since there are no cabinets or storage areas. Ikea is your best friend here to get cheap cabinets and storage solutions. Now for the kitchen….the kitchen used to be one of my favorite places. I love to cook and entertain. I about passed out when I saw the kitchen, which is surprisingly large in German standards. I have my cabinets full and still have 4 boxes left to unpack of kitchen items....guess it's back to Ikea to find a place for those. First let's start with the German fridge.....but let's be honest and call it what it really is....a mini fridge. That's right; it's no bigger than a mini fridge. However, I would rather have a mini fridge...at least it gets cold. The German fridge is cool at best....so I only put juice boxes or stuff that doesn't need to be refrigerated in it. What a waste of space. I'm thinking of turning it off and using it as a cabinet....it would make for a better use of space that way. We were issued a small American type refrigerator that has a small freezer. Space is still very limited....so I have to take small trips to the store every 2-3 days.....no stocking up on anything! Next, the oven! I love to cook full meals in my oven. Not anymore! You can barely fit a 9 x 13 baker in it! There is only one shelf and it takes about 30-45 mins. to heat up completely. It's more like a convection oven because it basically blows hot air around. My sink (that's right, only one) is super small. No more running a sink of soapy water and washing dishes. And no more garbage disposal!!! Whaaaa!
But after complaining about everything that this house is not, there are great aspects of it. It is very big and we have lots of room for everyone to have a space of their own. The house is new, so no worries of a bunch of stuff breaking. While the house is stark...it also is fairly easy to clean. The other thing I learned, and probably the most important, is that this house is our home. Not because of what it offers, but because the people I love the most are all here with me. The house is filled with our stuff, and our love, and that to me makes it home.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Halloween - Trick or Treat??
The kids hit like 3-4 Halloween parties this year, so we got a lot of use out of those costumes!
Caden was a Blue Power Ranger...specifically the SPD version....had to be that one!
Caleigh was a Harvest Witch....now I told myself I wouldn't ever let my kids dress as witches or devils or anything liek that...but this costume was so cute I couldn't resist. I told her she was a Halloween Princess and she liked that. She still pulls out this dress and wants to wear the "Princess" dress. Can't say the same for the hat. The picture you see was the only 30 seconds in which she allowed us to put it on her head. From them on we got the stiff arm and a stern "Don't want it!"
Here's a few pictures of the kiddos!
Caden was a Blue Power Ranger...specifically the SPD version....had to be that one!
Caleigh was a Harvest Witch....now I told myself I wouldn't ever let my kids dress as witches or devils or anything liek that...but this costume was so cute I couldn't resist. I told her she was a Halloween Princess and she liked that. She still pulls out this dress and wants to wear the "Princess" dress. Can't say the same for the hat. The picture you see was the only 30 seconds in which she allowed us to put it on her head. From them on we got the stiff arm and a stern "Don't want it!"
Here's a few pictures of the kiddos!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
The Start of Something New...
Welcome to my first ever blog! This marks the start of a new time for me. A new assignment, a new place, a new house & a new language!!!
I realized that there is so much going on in my head and I never get the chance to get it down on paper....until now! So welcome to my head and the many wonderful things that flood my mind!
I guess I should thank my dear friends Michelle & Jennie (the expert bloggers) for their inspiration for this.
Hope you enjoy!
I realized that there is so much going on in my head and I never get the chance to get it down on paper....until now! So welcome to my head and the many wonderful things that flood my mind!
I guess I should thank my dear friends Michelle & Jennie (the expert bloggers) for their inspiration for this.
Hope you enjoy!
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