Words of Watsons

Quotable Quotes

2012-01-25T01:21:00.000-08:00

When I was transferring info. from my old calendar to my new one, I realized I hadn't posted the nice/funny things the girls have said for a year now!

So, from Feb. 2011-today:

Macy: Mom, how old is Dora the Explor-ah?
Me: I don't know. I don't think it ever says. I would guess about your age.
Macy: Then, what is she doing out exploring by herself?!

Macy: Someday, I'm gonna be The Mom. And, I'm gonna be The Boss. I'm not gonna work, so I can stay home with my children, but my husband will want to stay home with them, too, so we'll have to work it out.

Me: Jesus Christ was perfect.
Carly (after thinking intently): Does that mean he never spilled his milk?

Macy: Melissa Baxter knows how to have fun.

Macy (while it's snowing at the end of March): I'd like some variety.

Macy: I think it's a good idea to know the person your gonna marry's family. That way, you can make sure they're really not a smoker, you know?

Macy: We took a family picture at preschool. I gotta get my teachers' phone numbers.

Macy: Mom, how do you burp in Spanish?

Carly (while I'm trying to take a picture): Come on, Macy, do a real smile.
Macy: I can't or it looks like I'm in pain.

Macy (the night before Mother's Day): Dad, you need to keep Mom up real late so she'll sleep in, and we can bring her breakfast in bed.

Me: What's a beacon?
Robyn: I know. It's something you drink out of.
Me: No, that's a beaker.
Carly: Beacon would be more than one beaker in German.

Macy: Mom, can you do a cartwheel in German?

Macy (to me while I'm yawning): I can see your lungs!

Carly (looking at the picture of a model on a package of make-up remover wipes): She looks like she's having the time of her life with it.

Carly's phrase of the month: I have a little question for you.

Macy to Myles in the hot tub: Your eyelashes make your whole body look like a girl, but your swimming suit looks like a boy. Relax like you're taking your tooth out with your mouth open.

Macy (talking in her sleep): the sugar was so good, but the table was so sour!

Robyn: My head itches. I think I have cats in the cradle.

Me: What state do we live in now?
the girls: silence
Me: Baden-Wuerttenberg
Carly: I think Utah's easier to say.

Carly: I don't think I've ever walked so much before. You know, after DC with Mike, then New York, and now here without a car.

Macy (pointing to a new post for the blog): I'd like to make a compost.

Me (reading a question from an English/German trivia card): Who can help you if you get lost? A policeman.
Carly: Yeah, or Heavenly Father.

Macy (after Myles prayed in German): It's OK, Dad. He understands you.

Macy (after waking up early): I dreamt a poem. Write it down! Look at you go, go, go! In the snow, snow, snow! Look at you play, play, play! On the sleigh, sleigh, sleigh!

We were watching the movie "Rio" dubbed in German. The girl in the movie moves from The States to Brazil.
Myles: It's surprising for her to open a bookstore. She doesn't even speak Portuguese.
Carly: Well, yeah, Dad, she's German!

Macy: I wish if Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were still living.
Me: Really? Why?
Macy: Because then he could come to my kindergarten and play us a song and we could give him a card and lots of presents, you know with a violin on it.

Timing

2012-01-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

When I sat down to write about our first 6 months here, I found this post that I'd written about a year ago and never got around to publishing:

I wasn't surprised when I found this pic. on our camera. Lately, the most exciting thing in the world for the girls is when the hands align on the clock. They yell for everyone to look, and then jump up and down. Kids are good examples of noticing things we don't, of appreciating things that happen day in and day out, and of enjoying the present.

We usually think of kids as being impatient, but as an adult, I don't know if I'm much better. I want to know what's going to happen, and how, and where. I like to plan, prepare, know what to expect. It's hard not to be in control.

Sometimes, I wish I had a crystal ball, so I could just see and know and relax. But, then, other times I'm glad I didn't know what was going to happen, or I'd think, "I don't want that to happen!" or, "I could never do that!" Surprises of all the wonderful things to come would also be spoiled before they happened.

For years, we prayed for Myles to finish his project. It seemed like a good thing to pray for. But, then I started thinking that wasn't what we should be focusing on, it wasn't the whole point. There were other things to do and other people to help. We were still here for a reason. I couldn't see where we were going, but felt like we were being guided on the right path. I felt peace.

Just after Myles interviewed for jobs out of state, I was asked to be the leader over the teachers and children (ages 18 months-12 years) at church. I told our bishop, "That's fine, but we're moving soon." He said he prayed about it and felt like I was supposed to be the one to do that at that time. I got the same answer.

The companies told Myles they really liked him, but didn't have a specific place for him yet. That was over 3 years ago. Since then, the housing market has crashed (we're so glad we didn't buy in CA then), and I've been leading the teachers and children.

This past fall, when most people thought we were crazy for not looking for a job (including ourselves, at times), Myles felt like he should keep working on his project, and so he did. Because of this, he connected with a professor in Germany who does work in his area. A whirlwind of events literally blew open one door after the next for us, and we felt like that was where we're supposed to be.

I never felt the sorrow or devastation that I thought would surely overcome me for having to leave here without a PhD. This is just the next step. So, where I thought we'd have an ending, a new beginning awaits.

As the song goes, "the rest is still unwritten."

Now, today, one year later:

In some ways the past 6 months since we've landed have flown by. In other ways, our "other life" feels like a world away. Maybe because it is!

Although some days have been long, especially in the beginning, overall we've had a much easier time adjusting than I thought we might. The girls haven't complained much, Myles' work is going well, and we've been blessed over and over again with friendly, helpful people.

We always said we could go anywhere as long as we had each other. We just weren't expecting that "anywhere" to be so soon.

The other day, I was remembering that when we thought we might be moving to CA, the girls said things like, "No, way! That's too far! Can't we just stay here and you can work at K-mart, Dad?" So, when we knew we were supposed to move to Germany, we were a little worried about their reaction. But, they said things like, "Sure. Isn't that over the ocean? OK. Can we start reading the Book of Mormon in German every day?"

With 6 month's worth of experiences behind us, we're able to laugh about some of our first few weeks of blunders that were anything but funny at the time. Like when we were invited by some friends for lunch, only to walk a really long way to get there and realize we couldn't remember their last name, which you need to get "buzzed" into the building complex...to appearing homeless when we showed up with all of our stuff after 2 straight days of traveling in planes, trains and automobiles, only to discover that the lady with the keys to our apartment was sick that day...to snatching a man's keys out of his hands thinking he'd stolen ours...I'm noticing a pattern with keys here.

Just yesterday, I caught myself walking the girls to school without noticing my surroundings. I guess this is a sign of feeling settled in.

As for New Year's resolutions, we don't have to worry about getting more exercise, as long as we keep having trains to catch. Myles said it would be pretty funny to have a video of us running to the train, watching it pull away, coming home, getting all our gear off, only to do it again!

A few days ago, Macy played at her friend's house from Poland while the mom and I talked with only German in common. This morning, I found myself speaking Spanish to another friend, and tonight, we made Pita Pockets on bread from Italy. This has been fun, meeting people and tasting food from all over the world. And, yet, my moment of "the clock aligning" for me today was finding a post-it-note from Carly to Robyn on the bathroom mirror.

R-I love you. You can use the little toothpaste.

Carly's Baptism

2012-01-11T01:42:00.000-08:00

Carly turned 8 in December and chose to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Since Myles holds the Priesthood, he was able to baptize her.

Carly planned the program herself (some in English and some in German) and asked everyone she wanted to come and participate. Robyn played the piano for a couple of the songs.

People started referring to her as "The Princess."

The scripture on her program said, "...as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they might be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those in the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life--

Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts" (Mosiah 18:8-10).

A little Daddy daughter dance at the post-baptism party.

Our beautiful child of God.

Who would've thought?

2012-01-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

we'd be ringing in the New Year in Germany with "Country Roads Take Me Home"?! We did have fun trying out Wii-Sing for the first time.

The girls stayed up to ring in the New Year with us for the first time, and did a great job staying happy!

For their anniversary present a few years ago, our friends took an ice-cream making class together, and now we get to reap the benefits. For this celebration, they served everything from rosewater to mango. Delicious!

We only made the streetcar stop for us once during our fireworks show. People were still blowing off fireworks at 8 AM the next day!

These friends helped us break in our new Raclette set, a tasty French tradition.

When you come to visit, we'll share it with you, too. :)

Everyone gets to put what they want into their little skillet, top it with cheese, and then put it under the broiler to melt. Very nice to get to stay at the table and talk.

Our girls were excited to find these noisemakers at the beginning of the party, but forgot about them at midnight.

And, as they say here, "Have a good slide!" meaning into the New Year.

Some German Christmas Traditions

2012-01-04T06:50:00.000-08:00

The biggest difference we've noticed and have enjoyed is the emphasis on Advents. Here, we are making Advents wreaths with friends. Every Sunday for the four weeks leading up to Christmas, you light a new candle. Some people have a special dinner, sing songs, recite poems, or play games, etc.

The girls had candles at school as well (even in kindergarten) and learned how to light their own. They also had advents calendars where a different child got a surprise every day. At home, most children have advents calendars, as well, with everything from chocolate to Playmobil People.

We even went to a few live advents nights at people's houses where they unveil the number on their window, which is all decorated, have music, hot drinks, treats, etc. One time, they had a shadow nativity play in a garage when it was raining.

When we went Christmas caroling to neighbors and friends as a family, we were surprised to have people trying to give us money. We were also surprised they were so reluctant to accept our gift of a little cardboard house filled with cookies. It turns out that Stern (Star) Singers come from the Catholic Church and expect donations, sometimes even in a little cardboard house!

Everyone kept asking us if we were going to celebrate Christmas like the Germans and have presents on Christmas Eve or like Americans and open them on Christmas morning. Our girls decided both would be best!

On Christmas Eve, we went to a children's Nativity service. It was fun to join in singing the German Christmas songs.

One of my favorite parts of the season was not having a separation of Church and State. It was fun celebrating in the church with the kids' schoolmates and as a community.

This Friday, we get another holiday to celebrate when the Three Kings came to visit the Savior. We've heard something about hiding a toy in a cake...

Some Christmas Highlights

2012-01-02T06:31:00.000-08:00

Santa sure knew what these girls wanted. They love to play school any chance they get.

Macy in Seventh Heaven with her new German "Puppenwagon."

And, we're jammin' again!

The Sweet Shop is open (at 6 AM).

Merry Christmas from the Watson 5.

Our wonderful, talented friend.

Our German Oma.

Christmas cookies and holiday hearts!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T13:16:00.000-08:00

love, Myles, Christie, Robyn, Carly, and Macy :)

Fröhliche Weihnachten!

2011-12-24T13:15:00.000-08:00

My mom's favorite Christmas song is Silent Night because it was her mom's favorite Christmas song. We always sang it every Christmas Eve, sometimes accompanied by a music box. Her grandpa who was from Germany might've been smiling down on his great-grandkids when he heard this one:

Merry Christmas!

May you have a wonderful Christmas weekend and enjoy the peace of our Savior.

The Gift of Glitter

2011-12-22T04:13:00.000-08:00

When I took Carly shopping for arts and crafts supplies for her B-day, even she would not allow me to buy the glitter she wanted. It came in a little container and cost about $11!

She wanted it to make some of her Christmas presents. Myles looked at some stores, but couldn't find any. He asked about it at work, and they didn't even know the name for it, so it seemed like a specialty item.

I had just about given up (and run out of time) when I went into our little local store that sells newspapers and school supplies. I couldn't find any glitter, but spotted a card decorated with some, so I took it up to the cashier and asked if they had any for my daughter who wanted to make some Christmas crafts.

No, None.

But, then, she disappeared into the back room and came back with a tub full of what appeared to be her own personal supplies--glue, scissors, and one jar of red glitter. This quantity was much greater than the amount we'd seen at the other store, so I was worried about how much she'd want to charge me.

To my amazement, she placed it on the counter and said, "For you, a Christmas gift."

even the garbage cans are cute in Germany...

2011-12-22T01:26:00.000-08:00

at least at the Christmas Markets!
Here, they have outside Christmas markets with food, rides and crafts that run for the whole month before Christmas. It's not as cold as what we're used to, which is nice, but it has been rainy.

my first gift of Christmas

2011-12-21T12:36:00.000-08:00

You know how in the Polar Express the boy gets the first gift of Christmas, and he asks for a bell from Santa's sleigh that turns out to be something magical for those who still believe?

This is the story of my first gift of Christmas, which I didn't even have to ask for.

A little over a year ago, my mom bought 3 matching dresses for our girls to wear for my cousin's wedding. It was so fun for the wedding, and extra nice that they could wear them throughout the Christmas season, too.

My mom was surprised at being able to even find 3 matching dresses from Macy's size all the way up through Robyn's. I was surprised she found ones that were in the same "family" of material and make of a dress that Robyn had previously worn and loved.

When it came time to pack for Germany, I realized that all 3 girls had outgrown their dresses. This meant, Macy's had to be given away, and she could wear Carly's. Carly now had 2 dresses her size--Robyn's from the wedding and Robyn's previous dress with the fur collar. We could only take one, and she chose the little bit different one.

I can't even count how many stores we went to trying to find a dress for Robyn. Nothing was in her size or remotely modest.

It turns out that one of my best friends from our previous neighborhood has a sister who lives here (and is just as wonderful). She had a friend who gave her a bag of girls' clothes, which she passed on to us.

In the bag, we found lots of clothes just right for our girls, including the exact same dress that my mom bought for Robyn for my cousin's wedding last year. The only difference? It was one size bigger.

The brand? Rare Edition.

Here, Advents is really big. We had it in time to wear to church on the first Advents Sunday, and all through the holiday season.

Although this matching dress was nothing of a necessity, it sure was magical!

Carly's B-day

2011-12-21T05:45:00.000-08:00

Carly's B-day menu:
Breakfast: French toast with applesauce and speise quark (kind of between sour cream and yogurt) with pears
Lunch: fresh, hot pretzels and yogurt
Dinner: baked potatoes with ham and cheese

She and her friends busy at work on their stomp rockets.

They were right at the right age to work together and have fun!

The wind was so strong that two of the rockets flew onto the roof!

Carly was excited to have "American" brownies instead of cake.

Macy made a nice homemade card. Robyn was cute about "sneaking" a little giraffe Carly wanted from a store when she wasn't looking. She also got a watch, something she's been wanting for a long time.

Gram was nice and shipped her a game she had at home, but we didn't bring with us.

Our Eight-Year-Old Christmas Gift that keeps on Giving

2011-12-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

We knew we were having a girl. We knew she'd be Carly. Noel ended up being the surprise. She continues to surprise us with her thoughtfulness and creativeness every day.

A couple weeks ago, she woke up, exclaiming, "Mom! I dreamt all night about Christmas gifts!"
"Really?" I asked. "What are you excited about this year?"
"Oh, not for me, Mom. I dreamt all about what I could make for everyone."

For her B-day, I took her to a fun crafts store downtown to buy her supplies.

She put a note on her door, "Knock first," so no one would see their surprises, and has been busy ever since.

At school, she was given a part of a poem to memorize for her class Christmas Program/Party. She worked really hard and memorized it. I was impressed!

Then, we found out that our Visa renewal appointment downtown was an hour before her program time. Myles called to try to change it, and the lady pretty much laughed at him. I really didn't want her to miss it, but there wasn't much I could do.

So, I prayed.

I expected my prayer to be answered with an extra speedy Visa renewal for 5 people. When we had to wait, and then the fingerprinting machine was broken, and then we missed train after train, my stomachache worsened.

We still raced from the train in the rain to the school. Carly's teacher met us at the door and told me something I couldn't understand. I figured she was telling us it was all over.

What I didn't realize was that Carly's teacher had reversed the order of everything to give us the greatest possible chance of making it in time for Carly to do her part. They also saved us seats right in the front. This seemed to surpass all cultural norms. And, so, Carly's teacher, along with all of her friends and their parents, gave us a gift we couldn't hold, but could always take with us.

I guess I have heard that time is only something that ties down man, not God.

in tune

2011-12-20T03:26:00.000-08:00

May 1998:

While studying abroad in Spain, a 21-year-old girl from Chicago exchanges love letters (real letters) with the man of her dreams in Oregon who even sends her a cassette tape of himself playing his guitar and singing for her.

A German couple sings in choirs together. The husband gives his last choir/guitar concert before being diagnosed with a tumor.

Dec. 18, 1999:

The young couple marries. The groom sweeps his bride off her feet, playing his guitar and singing for her. Everyone thinks they're perfect for each other...and crazy for getting married one week before Christmas. They do not care. Finals are over. Their pictures are beautiful with snow on the ground.

Dec. 2011

The not-so-young-anymore couple with 3 children is now living in Germany and thinks maybe they really were crazy for getting married at such a busy time of year. They miss the guitar they left in The States and plan on looking for one as soon as they get a chance, maybe for Christmas.

Then, they meet a German couple. The woman pushes her husband in a wheelchair. He can understand everything people say, but cannot speak. The wife discovers that the younger man with the funny accent can play the guitar (probably better than he can speak German), but has left his in a faraway land.

Dec. 18, 2011

After a busy day, the couple laughs about not buying each other gifts. But then, he pulls out his "new" guitar. This time, it is raining outside, and no one else is watching, but the picture is so beautiful.

bikes

2011-12-19T06:36:00.000-08:00

One of the things the girls were most excited about when we moved was getting bikes.

They had to be patient since our first apartment, downtown, was not bike friendly, at least for kids.

Friends helped us find/fix the perfect bike for each of us.

Now, we live where there are lots of great paths, and our landlord even put in a rack for 5 bikes for us!

from a friend's nice camera

2011-12-19T06:29:00.000-08:00

a smile across the miles

2011-12-19T06:24:00.000-08:00

I thought this pic. was really sweet of Myles' Grandma talking on the phone to us. Thanks, Aunt Elona, for sharing. It's so weird to think that even when I started college, calling home long distance was a special treat!

a bit of Brazil in Germany

2011-12-19T06:21:00.000-08:00

One day while waiting at the bus stop on our way to church, a man asked us, "Do you speak English?" It turns out that not only was he from Brazil, but had even lived in one of the same neighborhoods where Myles served his mission.

They didn't know each other then. But, since then, he has joined the same church as us and came to Germany for a training for work. The funny thing is Myles couldn't speak Portuguese with him. They both decided maybe it was because we were supposed to help him learn German. (His company would like to move him and his family here in a couple years). He has gone back to Brazil, and we have since met another man from Brazil who has been living in Spain. We can talk to him in Spanish or Portuguese, and are trying to help him learn German, too. It has been so fun to feel at home with these Brazilians while living in Deutschland!

In the pic. is some of Myles' favorite Brazilian candy.

Die Schule

2011-12-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

In General, the school system is very different here. Kindergarten is not part of the public school system, and is non-academic. What they call kindergarten, we'd think of as day care, and then preschool. It starts in some places with babies as young as 6 wks. old and goes until the parents decide their children are ready for first grade, which they can begin at age 5, 6, or 7. (This makes for a wide range developmentally in one grade, especially around jr. high age). The youngest kids at Macy's kindergarten are 2. She enjoys playing with them and helping them.

This has been a perfect set-up for Macy who can still learn the language through dramatic play, etc, giving her one more year to read/write at home in English before learning it in German. (She'll start first grade next fall at age 6). She also gets to be in a German class for non-native German speakers during the first hour of kindergarten. Her vocabulary is already surpassing ours! Her teachers can't believe how much she can speak and understand already.

Then, the kids go to Grundschule (Elementary school) from 1st-4th grade. They keep the same kids together in the same class each year, so they really get to know each other well. Some people say that when 1st grade begins, childhood ends. It really is a drastic contrast from all play to all school.

The kids have a different schedule everyday. It kind of drives me nuts, but gives me a bit of one-on-one time with each one. The school day is a few hours shorter for a first grader here compared to The States. They are expected to do more work at home. Every year a child goes to school, their school day gets longer.

By the end of 4th grade, the academic path of a child is pretty much determined. Starting in 5th grade, based on test scores, they will enter gymnasium, a pre-req. for college, or a haupschule or realschule, which are more hands-on vocational tracks. I think beginning next year, parents will be able to choose if they want their kids to try the gymnasium track. (Previously, it was more limited because college was paid for by the gov.).

In some ways, school is a lot stricter here. In other ways, it's much more relaxed.

For example, children may not ride bicycles to school without passing a test and earning a bike license in third grade, but they are allowed to run around on stilts during recess, and one teacher brings her dog to school with her every day. They must be on time (five minutes early), but are allowed into their classrooms before their teachers show up. When the teacher arrives, she always greets the children with, "guten Morgen liebe Kinder," and they stand and answer with, "guten Morgen Frau..."

When the weather's nice, the teacher may choose to walk her class to a local park at anytime to play or to read. Carly said you don't have to be quiet in the hallways.

One day, Robyn came home early. She said one of her teachers didn't show up, so class was cancelled. Once in awhile teachers will cover for each other if they can, but there are no outside substitutes. When Carly's teacher was sick, the PE teacher covered for her the first day, and a fellow student's mother (with her 2 year-old brother) covered for her the next few days.

There are no desks, only tables. Children carry and take care of all their own books, folders, and supplies (markers, glue, scissors, etc.) This requires a special backpack all the kids have (another post for that).

Kids bring "Frustuck," which means breakfast, but is also like a snack. They usually eat this during recess. School gets out in time for kids to eat a late, warm lunch at home. This is the biggest meal of the day. I still haven't quite figured this out yet, because I'd like to cook this when Myles is home, not at work. Not having to take time out for a lunch hour at school means kids get to be home earlier.

Sport (PE) is important here. It's held at least 3 times a week, and the kids get to try all sorts of things like swinging on ropes, gymnastics, field hockey, etc. This is Carly's favorite so far. All the kids must change into their Sport clothes/shoes, even in kindergarten. Up to age 6, they all change in one room together. After that, all the girls change together in one room and boys in another. (This public changing was something new for the girls to get used to). Especially in kindergarten, the kids may just wear their undershirts/underwear for Sport. In Carly's class, one girl just wears her tights and undershirt.

Starting in elementary school, classes get to take turns going to a swimming pool for Sport, then later also ice skating, rock climbing, etc.

The Flute (recorder) is big here. Carly has started playing. They also have orchestra. It's funny to watch such little kids carrying such big instruments, along with their crazy-big backpacks.

Macy brings a snack to kindergarten, which she eats on real dishes. They guys at Myles' work who bring their lunch do this, as well as the teachers, etc. Even at community, church, or school-wide events, everyone eats on real dishes.

For roll call, one of the kindergarten groups stands on their chairs in a circle. When the teacher calls their name, they hop down and sit down.

In the States, my kids got in trouble if they did their work in pen. Here, they must use a fountain pen. They learn cursive with a fountain pen in first grade. So Carly is catching up on her own time with cursive and learning German at the same time.

Although homework is tiring at times, overall, school has been a positive experience. The kids have met nice friends with nice parents. They are keeping up so far, which really is amazing. Now that it's Christmas time, they're having fun crafts, field trips, and singing. They also have friendly, patient teachers.

On Second Thought...

2011-11-25T01:33:00.000-08:00

maybe I really am crazy...or just confused.

After doing more research since my last post, I discovered that Hashimotos causes under thyroid function (not high) and supposedly doesn't have symptoms.

Mmmm.

So, now I'm more confused than before. Oh, well. I'm just trusting the doc. on this one, and we'll see again in 3 more months...

danke schön

2011-11-24T02:45:00.000-08:00

For a variety of reasons, we're not "doing" Thanksgiving dinner this year (probably next year), but just because we don't have the same food or family nearby, doesn't mean we don't have A LOT to be thankful for!

I love danke schön because it means "thank you, beautifully." (I guess the closest thing in English would be "thanks a lot.")

We have been so blessed with people on both sides of the world who have helped make our move not just doable, but wonderful. Many people have asked, "Why Germany?" We weren't sure all the reasons for the place, but once we felt it was right, we believed everything would work out. From selling our house there in a month to finding a perfect place for our family here, everything has continued to fall into place at exactly the right time.

One hope for me was to find a doc. who could figure out my thyroid. As many of you know, I've been struggling with a crazy thyroid that nobody could seem to figure out for over 5 years now. When I saw a doc. here last week, he was nice but short on time, and we had a bit of trouble communicating, even in English. I didn't have very high expectations of learning anything new.

When I came back a few days later to pick up my lab results and prescription, I was surprised to be told I would need to speak to the doc. before getting my prescription. I was more surprised to see the word "Carconim" that seemed to have a familiar ring to it. (Unfortunately, my pocket-sized dictionary was not much help in this department).

Luckily, I did not have cancer, and my thyroid levels were fine, but I had a new diagnosis--Hashimoto-Thyroditis. After having quite a long stretch of stable thyroid levels, I was discouraged to have to adjust to not only a new brand of medicine, but also an additional type of medicine, as well.

Now, two days later, it has occurred to me that maybe, just maybe this was the answer I've been looking for! ( That Bette Midler song came to me with the lines, "Sometimes the snow comes down in June, sometimes the sun goes 'round the moon...sometimes the very thing you're looking for is the one thing you can see.")

When I was first tested for Hashimotos years ago, it came up negative. Since then, I have been high and low, but there have been multiple times when I thought I was experiencing high thyroid symptoms only to be told my levels were just fine. I was sent to a heart specialist (for panic attacks) and then to a psychologist who wanted to put me on anti-depressants that would make me tired. I was so frustrated and kept thinking it had to be related somehow to my thyroid.

So, even though my thyroid levels that they check routinely are normal, maybe because I'm a new patient here, the doc. did a complete blood work and discovered that my thyroid antibodies were through the roof--a positive diagnosis for Hashimotos. These high levels can cause high-thyroid-feeling symptoms. Yeah, I'm really not crazy, afterall!

Some people online have said the medicine for this helps. Others say not. So, hopefully, it'll work for me. At least I know what it is now.

If this was the only reason we needed to move to Germany, it was worth it. Fortunately, for us we have already seen many other reasons, too! To this, I say, "danke schön!"

Just a few other things I'm thankful for:

e-mail, blogs, and video chat to keep in touch with friends and family

being members of Christ's Church on the earth today

happy, healthy kids who are willing to try their best

Myles' daily homecoming

friendly neighbors

my 5 senses

prayer

mail

German Holiday

2011-11-21T09:50:00.000-08:00

This was a beautiful hike on a day off to celebrate the Wall coming down. We were told to wear jeans and long-sleeved shirts to prevent tick bites, but were sure hot! (Myles actually got a tick bite on a different day, and I was worried about possible Lyme disease, but luckily he's fine).

We enjoyed hiking with friends, seeing lots of vineyards, trying freshly-pressed grape juice, and visiting a market. The drive and views were incredible.

Thinking we'd help ourselves be a little more cultured, we were sure to check out German Natl. Anthems on U-Tube so we could sing along when the time came. We were surprised the time never came. When Myles asked somebody about it, they said, "It's illegal to sing the first 2 verses of that song." Oops. Too bad those were the 2 we'd learned.

It's one thing to hear about history. It's sure another to live it. People our age have stories of their parents having to sneak across borders. It really wasn't that long ago. We're sure blessed in many, many ways.

Reunion

2011-11-16T12:10:00.000-08:00

We were excited to have our good friends from The States who are living in Kenya meet us in Germany!

It was so fun to share about our lives in different countries. While our kids think it's normal to take the train downtown to see moving stuffed animals in storefront windows, theirs get to see the real thing on car rides through the safari.

We were blessed with good weather and breathtaking views of the castle with a fall-leaf backdrop. (Our camera definitely doesn't do it justice).

The girls loved speaking a mile a minute in English and staying up late.

My Little Frog and Toad

2011-11-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

Some days I think, "Do I really have to wash the dishes, do the laundry, and pick up stuff all over again?!"

But then, I hear a few giggles erupting into uncontrollable laughter coming from the girls' room. I poke my head in to find Carly reading Frog and Toad to Macy (in German), and suddenly anothr plain old day has turned into pure magic.

What's your favorite one? We sure like the one where they can't stop eating the cookies and the one where one of them gets ice-cream for the other and it melts so much, he looks like a monster. I think the one where they rake leaves for each other is pretty sweet, too.

Quotable Quotes

2011-11-15T12:28:00.000-08:00

Carly: Mom, when we go back to The States, I'm bringing a whole suitcase of German bread with me.

Macy: Mom, I know what I can be for Halloween. A bruised banana!

Meant to Meet

2011-11-14T03:28:00.000-08:00

Have you ever met someone you felt like you already knew somehow? Like you're not starting a new friendship, but just picking up where you left off?

This is what happened in the basement of our first downtown apartment where we did our laundry.

I simply opened a door for a mom with 2 little boys in a stroller. At this point, I was still pretty terrified about trying to make/understand small talk with anyone, so when we realized that neither of us could speak German, we found that English was what we had in common, just for starters. (Her first language is Czech, then Russian and English, then French).

(By the way, Macy says you don't have to speak the same language to be friends. Even though the mom knows English, the boys don't. So, our kids were friends for a few months before having German in common. How true. They would laugh and play without having to say much).

It turns out that our husbands work in the same building, and that before landing here at the same time, we both tried moving to CA for work/study at Stanford.

Some may brush this off as mere coincidence. I see it as a gift. And, with every gift, there has to be a giver. In this case, a giver who knows every language and heart.

German Hokey Pokey

2011-10-17T03:18:00.000-07:00

The first week of school, Carly's grade prepared a fun program for the new, incoming first graders. Instead of doing, "You shake it all about," you do, "Your heart goes boom, boom, boom."

It was fun seeing Carly up on a stage singing in German so soon after we got here. They impressed the parents by singing "School is Fun" in English. Definitely an easy one for Carly!

One of my fav. parts of this video is the mom's fun hair.

Our New Pet

2011-10-17T03:07:00.000-07:00

Germany Is...

2011-10-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

trustworthy

Morgens

Shutterblinds and guten Tags

Omas peddling

bicycle Baskets

through

farmers' Fields to

market Squares

loyal

tiled Rooftops, flower Boxes

black

red

and

yellow
waving

balcony's Pride

teenage Drinking

sharp Remains

scattered at bus benched
Train Stops

churchbelled Cobblestones

hosting

Cigarettes and

bakery-window
Gazing

Chocolate.

Yogurt.

Bretzels...

Cheese, bitte,

vielen Dank

the French,

the Czechs
the Polish
Greeks,

Italian Iced

Russians
eating

Turkish Doners

Milk in Boxes

Apfelmus, too

Sausage and Doorknobs
hidden Courtyards

iron Gates locked

barbed wire Fences standing

still.

flower Gardens

garden Gnomes

beer Gardens

belly Laughing

kinder Gartens

running Bikes

rainbow graffitied

tattoos,
lip-ringed
Mothers pushing
Kinderwagons

round fountained Statues'

kingly Castles

pink-haired Nodding

ice cream Licking
in sunny Rain

platz Places

newspaper Reading

walking Dogs,

yellow Post Carts and

Playmobil People

past

our new Home

First day of School

2011-10-10T02:00:00.000-07:00

I love this shot of Robyn. She was so ready to go! She sets her alarm for 6:30 AM to be ready in time to ride on a bike path with other kids from the neighborhood to her "gymnasium."

It was so perfect that we moved here when we did because 5th grade is the beginning of this school, so it's new for all the other kids, too. (It goes all the way through Sr. yr. of our HS equivalent).

She has worked hard, been responsible for what she needs to do, and has complained very little, even though she could understand very little, especially at the beginning.

She has different classes, teachers, and schedules everyday. From kindergarten they start learning English. Although one might think English would be "easy cheesy lemon squeezy" for her, she has to know the German equivalent, so that class has been challenging, but good, too.

In 5th grade, they begin learning their 3rd language. She could choose either Latin or French, and chose Latin since she already had some Latin last year. (In 2 years, she'll take French, too). So, she takes Latin from a German-speaking Asian teacher!

English, art, and sport are her favorite classes so far. She has been blessed with nice kids at school and in the neighborhood to help her out.

Carly has been happy to go to school, too. She's pretty darn tired after listening to German all day by the time she gets home and is expected to do homework!

She has a different schedule every day, too. I'm grateful our one-on-one chances we get. In this school, the kids already learned cursive in first grade. So, when the teacher wrote words for her in English on the board, it was still like a foreign language for her! She is working hard to learn how to read and write all over again. She has also been blessed with nice friends and a patient teacher. Her favorite subject so far are English, sport and art, too!

Macy and I were surprised to see only scooters at Robyn's school. When I asked a mom, she explained that kids have to get their bike license in 3rd grade before they can ride bikes to school.

Macy is enjoying kindergarten and comes home speaking full sentences in German already. Her new best friend is a three-year-old boy. (They have mixed ages in the same group from 2-6). She loves the playhouse inside, sport in the gym, and playing outside. She likes taking kiwis for her snack so she can eat it with a "cute little spoon" like the other kids. Her teachers are very professional and caring.

Our First Visitors!

2011-10-07T01:41:00.000-07:00

We were so excited when we heard our great friends and old neighbors, Katie and Andy, would be coming through Germany! Andy's mom is from here, and they got to take a trip with her to visit places from her childhood.

The girls talked their ears off the entire time. They were so excited to see friends, and be able to talk to them a mile a minute in English!

It was so fun to hear about their travels and get to show them our new neighborhood. These flowers lasted almost 2 weeks.

We had to take a picture with the dolls and T-shirt Katie helped make with another friend before we moved.

Our only sadness? That they couldn't stay longer! And, that we didn't get to see their kids, too.

Pinocchio's

2011-10-07T01:33:00.000-07:00

Some great friends took us to a super fun indoor play place on one of our last days of summer vacation before school started.

I couldn't believe how tall this volcano was!

Robyn did a really cool ropes course for the first time.

Carly discovered a fun roller slide.

Macy was brave about going down this one.

On our road trip before moving out here, Myles read the chapter book Pinocchio to the girls, so it was extra fun to hang out with the characters.

Below: the girls with our fun friends!

Our New Place

2011-10-06T03:11:00.000-07:00

We feel very blessed to be where we are now. After many long nights of scouring the Internet, weekends of apartment visiting, much prayer, and help from some friends, we have found a really nice place to meet the needs of our family. Many people have asked, "How did you land here?" Or have said things like, "We looked for 2 years before finding our place here."

It was challenging to find a place near 3 different schools, a grocery store, and a train stop that allowed 3 children and was in our price range! Before we could thank our landlord enough, she showed up with an apple peach cake for US!

We have nice neighbors all around, and have met some really nice kids and moms since school has started. There is a weekly open-air market in the cute, little downtown area just a few blocks away, and a park within a few steps. Some of the buildings in the pics. may look like big houses. Most of them are divided into 2 buildings and then into apartments. We have a 2-bedroom.

Saying Goodbye to the City

2011-10-06T02:55:00.000-07:00

What we miss:
So much shopping so close by
Fantenella Ice cream
Fresh, hot pretzel stands
The children's library
Myles being able to walk to work
Lots of parks close by
Frau Pisch
Klara and her boys
our balcony and view of the castle

What we don't miss:
the noise
the crowds
worrying about being hit by cars
living on the 4th floor
knowing so few people

It's been fun to be able to experience life in the city and now life in a village.

I Believe I Can Fly

2011-09-26T02:47:00.000-07:00

I Believe I can touch the sky!

We found this fun teeter totter while Myles was getting his hair cut. They seem really big into balancing here. At school for recess, Carly gets to try out Pogo balls, Pogo sticks, stilts, and other fun toys. At PE, they balance on benches and do other "crazy" things. "Only one kid fell on his head, but he was OK."

Singing in the Rain or Sunshine

2011-09-26T02:42:00.000-07:00

When we take the umbrella, we don't need it. When we don't take it, we do! Oh, well. We decided that this day that turned out to be sunny would be a fun day for a photo shoot.

This fountain and town square was just a few blocks away from our first apartment in the city. We also took a few in front of one of our fav. places there--a children's library. The kids thought it was so cool that they each got their own cards, and I didn't get one!

one BIG fun park!

2011-09-26T02:35:00.000-07:00

We have gone multiple times to this park and have still only seen a small part of it. Here Carly is in the "jungle" with banana trees and other tropical plants. You can also visit a desert area, butterfly house, reptile house, etc.

We get to try out cool playground equipment here that we've never seen before. Above is a teeter totter/swing/merry-go-round combo. Below is a zipline that I even tried. There are also trampolines.

At this park, you'll find storks walking around. Next summer, we'll have to go back and check out the water play areas. We also haven't seen the Chinese gardens yet...

Catch up from Robyn's B-day

2011-09-26T02:25:00.000-07:00

My favorite part was how excited Carly and Macy were to buy and give Robyn her presents. Playmobil is really big here, and they found some cute ones for her.

They had fun making a German cake.

This one reminded us of milking the goats at Aunt Becky's.

Robyn had been asking for rollerblades for a very long time, so it was fun to get them for her. She's caught on pretty fast and rode all the way to the lake on the bike path by our new place. She was nice about letting Carly try them out, too. (They're adjustable for a few sizes, which is nice).

It's all relative

2011-09-23T01:38:00.000-07:00

I remember thinking when I got braces that I could hardly stand the pain. After having a baby, I felt like I could probably do anything.

I remember thinking some things in The States were hard to do or hard to find. Now, I think, "I could do anything in English!" I am understanding a little bit more every day.

Before we sold our house, we thought our kitchen was small and our closets were tiny. When we came to Germany, our kitchen was smaller than our bathroom, and there were no closets.

Now that we've moved from that downtown apartment to our 2-bedroom apartment in a suburb, everything feels so spacious again! Although, the room for the kitchen is bigger, but we have to put everything in it. Maybe that phrase, "They took everything and the kitchen sink" originated here because when people move they literally take everything, including the kitchen sink, oven, fridge, cabinets, light fixtures... And, we thought we were wiping our hands clean of all home-improvement projects when we became renters!

Our latest date nights, besides assembling and installing things, have been translating the kids' notes from school. Words like "Zusammengehorigkietsgeful" or "Einschulungsunteruchung" are always fun. Google translate is helpful, but sometimes still leaves us wondering like when it says the kindergarten couldn't take the money out of our bank account because there was a lightning strike!

The whole school system is very different here. More on that later, but, overall, the kids have done great.

Carly is not only learning German, but also cursive because the kids already learned that last year in first grade (with a fountain pen). She's doing really well. She has the most fun at Sport (PE), Musik, recess, and English!

Robyn has really grown up, riding her bike to school and having to keep track of a different schedule with different books everyday. She's a good sport about having to translate her Latin homework into German and then into English!

Although this has been a bit challenging, we have been blessed with super friendly, helpful, and generous people from church, our neighborhood and the schools. People have shared furniture, food, and even Kleenex with us.

Just a few examples:

One family was storing their son's furniture from college, but he got married and moved to the States. They let us have it all, including a freezer, which was so nice to have when we were without a fridge! (We bought a skillet and someone else let us us a burner you can plug in). The wife helps kids with reading and has spent time helping Carly and Robyn read German.

One woman picked us up and all of our laundry so we could do it at her place before we had our own washer. (She and her friend also fed us dinner and sent us home with treats and hand-me-downs for our girls).

When the washer was delivered, the man was only supposed to leave it outside. You were supposed to pay a lot of extra money for him to bring it inside, but for no extra fee, he brought it all the way downstairs for me. Once we had the washer, Myles' wrist hurt and he didn't have much time. I called him at work to see if we should ask someone to help us hook it up. A couple hours later, a neighbor stopped by to see if we needed help with that very thing!

Macy had a great first week at kindergarten, but refused to go at the beginning of the second week. She was crying, and after awhile I started crying, too. A mother from England had her daughter play a game with her and speak English with her. Then, she invited me over to her house for tea.

Another family helped us get our apartment, which is in a great neighborhood.

The pediatrician have the girls bracelets he brought back from his vacation to Turkey.

A couple nice moms arranged for their kids to pick up Robyn for school so they could ride their bikes together. One of them is originally from Bolivia. So, we were sitting in her German kitchen, speaking Spanish, and eating cookies from Holland!

We've always said we could live anywhere, as long as we had each other. I think this is true. I also realize more than before that we all need each other, whether we're getting our braces on, having a baby, or just having one of those days.

We might not all speak the same language, but we're all human. Like I said, "It's all relative."

Everyday

2011-09-02T12:10:00.000-07:00

Some every day fun in our first apartment. I liked our pretty well established routine of a post lunch quiet time with books and possible siesta. Maybe a sign I'm becoming more European.

Chillin' in the Courtyard

2011-09-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

Before I can even write much about our last apartment, now we've moved into another one! It is nice to have more space (2 bedrooms) and be in more of a neighborhood. At our last place, we did enjoy the courtyard, a bit of green space that you can't see from the road.

Double Digits in Deutschland!

2011-08-14T01:05:00.000-07:00

Where has the last decade gone? Yesterday, I was holding you in the hospital, and today, you're holding our dinner you made! Ever since we got here, you've been extra helpful in the kitchen. Daddy says, "Maybe because it's just her size."

This is our courtyard, one of your fav. places.

Here you are with Carly. It has been fun living across the street from the palace.

Although, you're happy as a queen at the children's library! Your only complaint? The English section is too small. I'm sure you'll be able to read that German Harry Potter before you know it!

We love you. We're so glad you're in our family.

Thanks for being such a good sport, and Happy Birthday!

love, Mom

Our First Month

2011-08-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe we've been here for over a month now. Some of the days, especially at the beginning, seemed really long, but now the weeks seem to be zipping by.

We're starting to feel more comfortable, especially as we've started making some friends. At first, I'd get a stomachache whenever we went out in public because I had no idea what people were saying to me, and I was super hypersensitive about the kids being too loud or in other people's way. There are few children here, especially in the downtown area. Even though the grocery store is very crowded, you could still hear a pin drop. We're getting used to going shopping every day, where things are, etc.

People at Myles' work, as well as people at church have been really friendly and helpful. Thanks to their suggestions and help, along with scouring the Internet for months, and much prayer, we finally sealed the deal on an apartment! It ended up being a bit more expensive and farther away from Myles' work than we'd hoped, but we love everything else about it, especially the location. It is in a nice neighborhood just steps away from a park and the train stop, a few blocks from Macy and Carly's schools, a short bike ride on a bike path away from Robyn's school and a lake, and within walking distance of shopping. We feel really blessed that it worked out in time.

Now, we get to start shopping for a kitchen (not included), beds, etc.

Talk about a Welcoming Party!

2011-08-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Germany just in time for one of the biggest concerts of the year, right in our own front yard!

Fans and bands came from all over the world, including Ricky Martin (not our fav.) and Foreigner (fun to sing along with).

We liked this band called Sunshine Ave. from Finland the best.

The 8-hour concert ended with phenomenal acapella singers on the balcony of the palace, timed to an amazing fireworks show, right out our window. Myles and I were so pleased to have such a fun date right off the bat, and we didn't even have to get a babysitter!

The Best "Eis" around!

2011-08-12T12:46:00.000-07:00

This famous Italian ice-cream is mm...mm...good! I love hearing the Italian families' accents and trying new flavors like apricot lavender, walnut fig, cinnamon, etc. We like getting different flavors, trying each other's, and voting on the best.

German Playgrounds

2011-08-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of playground equipment here that we've never seen before. Someone told us, "In The States, there are lawsuits. Here, people are just expected to watch their kids."

This mentality provides much more free entertainment! This is a teeter totter merry-go-round all in one was fun for Myles and I as well.

Although the girls have not been super excited about apartment hunting ever since we got here, they have had fun exploring new parks at each new area we visit. They know the towns better by "the park with the..." than their names.

Good old-fashioned merry-go-round

A "spider web," as the girls like to call it. Unfortunately, Macy got stung by a wasp here, so she doesn't want to go back. We had no ice or baking powder and were really grateful for a neighbor who shared some baking powder/water paste with us, along with the chocolate cake she'd bought the baking powder for.

They seem really big into balancing things here. There's usually some kind of balance beam at most parks we've been to. This school playground has several balance beams and even tighropes several feet off the ground!

This is a lower one without handrails.

"P" is for Pretzel!

2011-08-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite lunches is freshly baked soft pretzels from a street vendor and yogurt from the grocery store. Since Myles and I were here in Feb., the price of pretzels has gone up twice. We're not sure if this is a sign of inflation, just tourist season, or both.

few toys + few friends = extra creativity

2011-08-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

When we bought these cute little sunflowers at a farmers' market, Carly transformed the paper they were wrapped in into this...

The pocket was not only cute, it was a good idea. "I put it there to cover a hole."

Another day, she transformed a box, a little disposable washcloth hanger, and some string into a guitar/violin.

From another box, she made a baby wheelchair/backpack. This girl is definitely creative and resourceful.

Be Careful What You Wish For!

2011-08-09T06:15:00.000-07:00

Every time we told someone we were flying out of NYC on the 4th of July, we'd say, "It's too bad we weren't leaving later so we could see all the fireworks." Well, because of our whole fiasco of trying to leave the airport for good (see ? post), we got to know this Big Apple pretty well, and ended up seeing several firework shows!

Teddy Roosevelt's (Summer) Home

2011-08-08T05:36:00.000-07:00

This was such a fun, relaxing, and patriotic way to get to spend our 4th of July before leaving the country! Teddy's house was filled with lots of stuffed animals and fun stories to go along with them. Most everything was the original.

We had fun watching the horses...

making arts and crafts...

and eating those gourmet cupcakes!

Long Island

2011-08-08T05:29:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed seeing how different various parts of NY were. This was a cute, little fishing village we got to play at with our friends.

This is one of my favorite family pics. from our whole road trip. It's hard to get everyone looking and smiling at the same time! And, such a nice, scenic backdrop, don't ya think?

It was fun seeing Jonas so grown up since we'd last seen him. He was so talkative and nice about sharing his toys with the girls.

Eli and Carly.

I thought this was a pretty fun action shot.

Jill and Gerry stayed up late making gourmet cupcakes for the 4th while we did our final packing. We were so glad we could re-connect with them!

Central Park

2011-08-07T05:31:00.000-07:00

We thought the birds were pretty fun on the statue. The girls said it was like a giant bird bath for them. This park is so big that you could spend multiple days exploring it.

This park made me feel like I was at a United Nations meeting. While sitting on a bench watching the kids, a Chinese family was sitting to the left of me, a Polish family was sitting to the right of me, and people from all over the world were running in front of me. I loved hearing all the different languages and just observing.

Times Square

2011-08-05T05:59:00.000-07:00

This part of New York was unbelievable. It really felt surreal. There was so much to see, hear, and do, it was hard to take it all in!

One of the coolest things we saw was a huge Ferris wheel you could ride on inside of a toy store. It had other fun characters from Toy Story, My Little Pony, etc. It also had the cute Fisher Price Cozy Coupe car.

This "Silver Man" was one of the girls favorite parts. They couldn't believe he was real since he looked so much like a statue. When we put money in his bucket, then he'd make a fun sound and change poses.

Carly wanted me to say that she's only on getting a shoulder ride because she'd already walked "a lot a lot."

Staten Island

2011-08-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

If you ever want to see the Statue of Liberty, take the free Staten Island Commuter Ferry! Our friends gave us this tip, and it was a great idea. You don't have to pay a cent or wait in long lines for hours, and you still get a good enough view, in our opinion.

When we told Macy we were going to see the Statue of Liberty, she thought we were going to see one of those people who dresses up as Lady Liberty during tax season on the street corners to get your business. We tried to explain that we were seeing the real Statue of Liberty.

We loved trying the NY food and hearing the NY accent. Myles thought one food vendor's tattoo was pretty funny: Made in NY.

Princeton, NJ

2011-08-05T05:41:00.000-07:00

Back in the 80's, my brother, Brian, went to this boarding school for a few years. It was fun to visit it again, and show Myles and the girls. I wish Brian could've been there with us. It was even his B-day weekend!

It brought back memories of how proud I always was of my big brother, and how much I missed him while he was gone. He is very talented in many ways.

DC Zoo

2011-08-05T05:34:00.000-07:00

At the Metro stop for the zoo is the biggest escalator ever! It is seriously several stories high. The girls talk more about this than the animals, so it was definitely a big hit!

Me and my bro. (if you couldn't tell).

We were glad to have our friends, the Hawleys, meet us there. So fun to see them again and how their kids have grown up!

Even though these girls were just little the last time they'd seen each other, they were friends again instantly.

DC walk

2011-08-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

We were excited to have Mike as our personal tour guide of DC. (Myles had never been). I think the girls will appreciate it better in a few more years. They were more interested in watching the squirrels and seeing how many fence posts they could reach across than seeing the White House. Good thing Mike was understanding. This was also the beginning of our walk-a-lot part of our vacation.

It was fun seeing Mike's work, The American Red Cross, and meeting his co-workers, who were generous with sharing anti-itch cream for mosquito bites and M&Ms from the White House.

Planes, trains, and...

2011-07-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

duckboats!

Mike arranged the coolest tour of DC for us--a tour bus that can go straight into the water. The change of pace from the South where people and the driving was so laid back to DC was pretty incredible! The girls had a lot of fun riding escalators and public transportation. We realized that it was good practice before having to do it all in German.

Stony Creek, VA

2011-07-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

We spent the night in VA to break up the drive betwn. GA and DC. Ralph's BBQ did not meet our great expectations, but we did get to try pickled watermelon rind and hear Ghost Riders in the Sky.

Beaches and Peaches (Kingsland, GA)

2011-07-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

We were sad to miss Deryk this time, but were so glad we could see Becky and the girls, and meet our new nephew, Adam! I think this pic. is cute of everyone oohing and ahing over the cute little guy getting a bath.

I like this one of all the girls ready for church.

Our girls got to try out boogie boarding for the first time at a really neat shelling beach at Amelia Island.

Cute cousins--Carly and Elise

Robyn and Carly enjoyed bottle feeding the kids, and milking the goats. Becky spoiled us with homemade yogurt, feta, cottage cheese, and amazing ice-cream (from the goats' milk), and yummy salads from her garden. We also got to try GA peaches, BBQ with mustard sauce, succotash, boiled peanuts and shrimp.

We were greeted by tree frogs on the windows, and also saw lizards, geckos, armadillos, and a scorpion. We tried to see alligators, but couldn't because of the wildfires.

Paradise (Panama City Beach, FL)

2011-07-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

We were excited to see Aunt Ronya and her family, especially in such a beautiful, relaxing place--white sandy beaches with incredibly warm water. After a morning at the beach, we enjoyed a frozen yogurt place where we got to choose our own flavors and toppings. The girls were in heaven, and so were we!

Who Would've Thought?

2011-07-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

A couple years ago, out of the blue, Macy started asking us all about Alabama. She was the inspiration for the following fictional story I entered into a short story contest for Family Circle. I never would've thought her dream of visiting would've come true so soon!

Although I did not win any awards for this story, it was fun to write, and the contest gave me a deadline, something aspiring writers always need.

Thanks to Myles for his feedback and technical support, and to Ann and Melissa for their suggestions and encouragement.

Sweet Home, Alabama

I remember the first time you asked me about Alabama. You were at that fun stage when one minute you were melting my heart, and the next you were having a meltdown on the floor. “I don’t wanna take a nap!” you’d wail, fists pounding, legs flailing. “I’m NOT tired!”

About every other afternoon when I won the battle and you actually did fall asleep, I’d catch up on things around the house. Usually, I’d end up on the couch folding laundry, reading e-mail, or taking a snooze myself. You’d come out from your bedroom with matted hair to find me. You’d stand in front of me, holding your strawberry “blankie” and shout, “It was a zooooo in there!”

Then I’d ask with much surprise, hands on my cheeks, “Oh, but, why, my dah-ling?”

You’d respond dramatically, “Because, I’m SO, SO sweaty!”

I’d laugh, then you’d giggle and jump into my arms.

Our little post-nap ritual changed the day you came out of your bedroom and asked, quite seriously, “Mom, when are we going to Alabama?”

We were living on the West Coast at the time. We’d never been to the South or talked about it. I didn’t even know you knew that word.

“Well… I don’t know,” I said, my arms outstretched.

You never jumped.

You stood there clutching your pink “blankie” with your mouth open, staring somewhere behind me.

Then, you focused your big, blue eyes on mine, continuing, as if to prove you really did know what you were talking about.

“You know, Mom! There’s lots of little flowers and the band is always playing.”

“Oh,” I said, pulling you onto my lap.

You rested your head on my shoulder, and I stroked your silky hair, savoring your snuggle, trying to think of what had prompted this vision.

Some kids have imaginary friends. I guessed you just had an imaginary place. You and your buddy, Zack, imagined having a dinosaur park in his backyard. He’d show up at our door, wearing a safari hat and sunglasses, holding his mother’s garden trowel in one hand and his sand pail in the other, asking, “Can Sophie come dig today?” We’d read books about dinosaurs. When in the world had we ever read to you about Alabama?

When you hopped off my lap to choose a book, you suddenly looked so tall to me, and I could feel that awful surge swelling up from my chest and into my throat. Your cute, little “button” was now poking out beneath your favorite Tee-shirt from Grammy. I hated retiring your clothes thinking that nobody else would ever get to wear them.

***

You wouldn’t let me forget about Alabama. You started asking me questions, not just after nap time, but during bath time, dinner time, story time…

At first, I found it kind of funny.

“Mom, why do we say Allie then bama?”

“I don't know. We could probably find out.”

But you were serious.

“When are we going to go to Alabama?”

“I don't know. What do you want to see?”

“All the sunshine.”

After a couple weeks, it wasn’t funny anymore. This wasn’t just a stage or a phase. It was becoming an obsession. You seemed to be thinking about it or dreaming about it ALL the time. I was beginning to feel like something was supposed to happen, but I didn’t know what. I wanted to be patient, but was becoming irritated. By this time, you started getting mad at me, feeling like I was ignoring your demands. . . I’m afraid I was.

While I was looking over your preschool registration form, you grabbed my face with your hands, looked me in the eyes, and demanded, “M-O-M, when are you going to take me to Alabama?” “Oh, honey, I don’t know when you’ll get to go to Alabama, but you will get to go to preschool!”

I was excited for you to go. You’d have fun and meet new friends, which I knew you needed. You were good about playing by yourself at home. It was all you were used to, but you liked being around other kids, too. I longed for another, for you not to be a lonely only, and so did you, but the doctors told me it was too risky. You’d lovingly pat my belly and ask, “Is there a baby in there yet? When are you going to get a baby in there? Zack’s mommy has a baby in HER tummy. He gets to be the BIG brother. ” How do you explain something to an almost 4 year old that you don’t want to believe yourself? I was beginning to let the thought of adoption make its appearance, but Daddy was pretty focused on getting through grad school, so I decided not to approach him yet.

Alabama continued to make more than just an appearance in your mind.

“I had a bad dream, Mom.”

“Really? What did you dream about?”

“I dreamed that I wanted to go to Alabama, and I didn't get to go.”

I was afraid even if we did take you, which we weren’t planning on any time soon, it would be a letdown.

“Mom, when are we going to go to All-ah-bama?”

“ I don't know.”

“I asked you that like six weeks ago!”

“ Alabama’s very far away. What are we going to do when we get there?”

“Feel the sun on our back on the bench.”

I guess I don’t know who was more frustrated, you or me.

“When are we going to go to Alabama? I've asked you that like 65 times in my life!!”

You were becoming more and more independent, which was definitely bitter sweet. When I did get up the courage to nonchalantly mention adoption to Daddy, he suggested trying Foster Care to test the waters. I knew he’d always wanted more children; he was just afraid of the unknown, like me.

One day when I stepped out to get the mail, I saw you hunched over the sidewalk. I noticed your back was rounded like a turtle shell with your little head poking out, analyzing your chalk drawing, and it dawned on me that you hadn’t mentioned Alabama for a few days. I hadn’t noticed right at first. It was like when you have a bad headache that slowly goes away and then suddenly you realize, “It’s gone! I feel better!” I let out a sigh of relief, glad that you’d finally moved on. I did feel a slight twang of guilt, fearing that we had let you down, forcing you to finally give in and give up on us.

I tossed the credit card applications into the recycling box, “our mountain,” as you called it, and sat down to flip through my new women’s magazine, a birthday present from Grammy. I could see you through our front window, standing up, now, brushing the chalk dust off your knees.

When I glanced back down at my magazine, I heard myself gasp. Alabama. In bold print, the words, “Huntsville, Alabama, population 171,327” were staring me right in the face. Out of all the family-friendly cities that could have been featured in the whole United States of America, this magazine chose to highlight Alabama this month? Really? What was going on?!

***

Daddy and I started going to the required Foster Care classes. We started buying things like locks for our cupboards to get ready for the inspection.

Then, one day, you started commenting about Alabama again, this time even more thoughtfully.

“Maybe one day when I grow up, maybe my husband will get a job and take me to Alabama. That would make fair.”

Daddy, who was working like mad to finish his dissertation, joked with me one night while we were brushing our teeth, that maybe he should be applying for a teaching position at the University of Alabama. Maybe he was right.

The next day, you and I were holding hands, strolling into the grocery store, when you let go to run to the gumball machines. Glancing at the newsstand, I felt the headline choke me. “University of Alabama Professor Kills 3, Wounds 3.” I felt so confused, so sick to my stomach that I couldn’t think straight. I don’t remember walking back to the car. I remember you chatting up a storm, but can’t remember a thing you said.

Daddy tried to convince me that there was no deep meaning, that it was just The Yellow Effect. “You know, it’s what happens after you buy a yellow car. You start seeing yellow cars everywhere.”

After that incident, your persistent questions and hopeful visions seemed downright eerie.

“Mom, when are you going to take me to Alabama?”

“I don’t know, sweetie. I’m sorry. I’m really, really sorry.”

“After we get to All-a-bama, my dream will come true! I saw a car drivin' down the street, and it was going to Alabama, so I hopped in. Someday my dream will come true...yeah, someday.”

***

After dropping you off at your first day of “real” preschool, I came home to loud silence and a blinking light on the answering machine. It was Ronnie from Family Services letting us know she had someone for us, asking us to call her back. I told myself I should be ecstatic. I should be clicking my heels, jumping for joy. This is what I’d been hoping for, planning for, waiting for. But, I couldn’t help second-guessing myself. Was I ready for this? Is this really what I still wanted? Were you ready for this? What if you were jealous? What if this little child didn’t want us?

***

Traffic was horrible. We could hear snare drums and trumpets, reminding us that we’d forgotten about the Homecoming parade. Daddy was driving, thank goodness, since I was a nervous wreck. You were asking us lots of questions from the backseat, most of which we couldn’t answer.

After signing in and filling out some paperwork, the receptionist suggested we wait outside by the playground, noticing your energy level, I think. When we stepped outside, you took each of us by the hand, pulling us over to the far side by the fence. We sat down on one of the benches, warmed by the sun. Despite the empty slides and the monkey bars in front of us, you sat there quietly and contentedly between us, squeezing each of our hands.

“Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad.”

The office doors swung open and a group of kids burst through, racing to the playground. I searched, wondering who she might be.

You spotted her first.

She was wearing a pink dress with lots of little flowers.

GA

2011-07-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed the amazingly green/forested drive into Chuck and Ro's. This was our first time to this part of the country.

They spoiled us with a fabulous lunch, and goodies for the way.

The girls had lots of fun playing with all the dogs. As with all of our stops, we wished we only had more time!

TN

2011-07-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

This is one of my fav. pics. from our trip. It was our 1st time seeing lily pads with blooms in person. Arriving in TN was also our first real experience of heat for the summer, and even there they were having cooler weather (for them).

We cooled off at a fun splash pad that's just part of the regular park. We've also been to one of these in OK, and think they're a great idea!

We went to a children's museum called Discovery Center. It reminded me of going to a children's museum in Indiana with my cousins when I was a kid. I loved how even Robyn was having the time of her life with the kid-size grocery store (she'll post more pics. on her blog).

Here's Macy relaxing on the porch swing. We enjoyed trying the local food at The Catfish House like: hush puppies, fried okra, white beans, slaw, and key lime pie.

Camp Grammy at the Thim's River

2011-07-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

The jukebox dance was a big hit, as usual. Always nice to have a wizard in the family.

Gram took the girls to see Mr. Poppins' Penguins, this year. (Robyn read the book and was dying to go before we left the country. I think they thought it was pretty cute/funny).

So much yummy food...so little time! We can never fit it all in. (In the days we have, or in our tummies, that is!)

Glad the Robins and Rzepkas could join us for part of the time.

Thanks, Em, for keeping the Camp Grammy craft alive. (This year, super cute flower hair clips wound around with cloth. Will be included in Robyn's slideshow on her blog). Thanks, Tom, for the cool T's.

We'll be needing a flag and song for next year.

Of course, thanks to Mom and Tim, for hosting and still wanting us all to come back again!

Fun to see this sign on our way out of IL.

Mark's Graduation Party

2011-07-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

We were so happy to be in town for this celebration! It was great to see the Ruffners. Nothing like aunts, uncles, cousins, some b-ball, bags, and good Chicago food!

Nice Guys

2011-07-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

Myles returned our rental car to Utah for us after our Northwest tour to save us a big hunk 'o $ & the girls and I 3 more days in the car. (FYI: we got four plane tickets for free with bonus miles we got for signing up for one of those credit card promos and making a one $12 purchase. Thought it would be a headache to get the miles, but was very worthwhile)!

Tim let Myles borrow the Sparkle-mo-bile so he could pick up all 7 of us (Em and her boys who flew in from OK) at the airport in Chicago for the second half of our great adventure!

Big Sky Country

2011-07-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

Montana was packed with breathtaking views!

We took a nice, long walk with all the kids (2 double strollers) to see the horses and enjoy the great outdoors. So nice after being in the car.

The porch swings were a big hit, not to mention the excavator! (Robyn will be posting those exciting pics. on her blog).

We also got to see the big Hungry Horse Dam, go on a little hike (until the skeeters ate us), enjoy Lucy's great food, and just being together!

Washington/Idaho

2011-07-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed trying John's aebel skivvers.

The kids had fun playing with these kids...ha, ha.

We were glad we could see Sherill Richarz again, one of our neighbors from when we were first married.

Uncle Roger had quite the "Sunday dinner" for us. It was nice to visit with him. The girls enjoyed playing with the old fashioned toys in the "red room."

John and Shalyn's town had a really cool, big park. We especially loved the retro slide. They just don't make 'em that big or fast anymore!

We enjoyed their cute, little downtown area and...

playing with Pancho.

You Know You Might be Driving in Oregon...

2011-07-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

When you get stuck behind a truck like this or...

find some beautiful rhododendrons like these.

I was so happy to see one of my first best friends and her dad again! We loved getting to meet her great husband and cute kids, too! We ate at fun pizza place, especially for kids, and enjoyed seeing their really cool house they've customized.

We were so glad we could spend time with Brian and Erika, especially since we'll be gone for their Big Day. We tried chicken-n-waffles for the first time (they're very tasty with honey drizzled on top), had a backyard cook-out with S'mores, and played Bocci Ball and Wiffle Ball.

This is one of my favorite pics. from our trip. Pure joy! That park had amazingly tall trees. That's Oregon for you.

First Stop: Idaho

2011-07-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

We were sad to say goodbye to cousins in Utah, and were glad we had more cousins to look forward to seeing.

I was surprised to see the similarities in these girls' facial features, especially because they're not just first cousins, but second cousins.

I was impressed with how much these girls helped out! What a happy home. We enjoyed a fun, Dutch Oven dinner with the Jacksons and out-of-this-world pizza with the Shelleys. (Robyn will be posting more pics. from our trip on her blog).

The girls loved holding these cute bunnies. It was fun for them to experience a little bit more of what life in the country can be like.

Aunt Renee was nice about letting us play with her chinchillas and giving us some yummy desserts. We were sorry we missed the rest of her family this time.

We were glad to get to see Aunt Korin and a lot of the other Fivecoats. The girls thought all of their dogs were pretty fun. I liked how Alexander called his play dinosaurs "my angel dinosaurs" when he was fighting with them and wanted to pretend they were dead.

Aunt Glenda wanted a picture of us with our Das Buch Mormon. When we first found out we might be moving to Germany, it was Robyn's idea to read The Book of Mormon, a book we'd already been reading as a family every night, in German to help us learn the language. I thought it would be way too hard, and would not last for more than a few days.

At first, we couldn't even pronounce anything, let alone know what it meant. But, with Myles' help and Robyn's desire to stick with it, we have improved our pronunciation and our understanding over the last several months!

The other night when I was reading a chapter book (in English) to the girls at bedtime, I saw the word "was" and almost said "vas." I take this as a good sign!

Road Trip Review

2011-07-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

2 crazy parents
3 giggly girls
22 states
30 days
72 hours of driving
4000 miles
countless memories

As we were making our road trip plans, we did begin to wonder if we really were Cah-ray-zee, but wanting to see as many friends and family as we could before moving, we decided to embark on our longest family trip ever attempted.

Now that it's all said and done, I'm glad we did it.

Driving ended up being much easier than I expected it would be. It actually gave the girls a chance to get a nice, long nap every day. The only stressful/high traffic we got stuck in was the DC area, which wasn't surprising.

No matter how many hours we drove each day, the last 20 minutes seemed to be the hardest. My friend, Katie, gave me a great idea that her mom used with her and her siblings when they were young. I passed out a lemon drop to everyone to see who could make theirs last the longest. The girls also did well with not having to make bathroom stops very often. I think it helped that it was so cool during the first 1/2 of our trip that we didn't need water bottles in the car.

To my surprise, the girls only ended up watching 3 DVDs. They had the most fun taking turns deciding what other activities they wanted to do, such as listen to the radio or a book on CD, play with paper dolls, color/water color, play a certain game, tell a certain kind of story, eat a certain snack... One of Macy's favorite story telling games was to assign everyone a part (like, think of a girl's name, or your favorite food, etc.) and then incorporate them into her story.

We got to see parts of the country we'd never seen before and eat food we never even knew existed. We got to spend time with people we love and miss.

Stay tuned for more details of the Watson's coast to coast tour.

auf Wiedersehen

2011-07-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

If we didn't have so many wonderful friends and family members, it wouldn't have been so hard to say goodbye!!

We are grateful for everyone's love, friendship, and support. We couldn't have done it all without you!

We're off to see the Wizard one last time!

2011-07-08T12:52:00.001-07:00

This year, Macy was a Munchkin. Carly got to be a Jitter Bug (loved the glasses!), tornado, and an Oz Girl.

We were SO happy the performance was right before we moved, so they could do it one last time. I think this was the best so far!

Carly and Macy have both taken dance from Miss Amber since they were 2. We were so blessed to have her right next door. I have memories of them scooting chairs over to the window so they could watch for her and yell "hello" whenever she came out of her house. She has been such a creative, fun dance teacher, sticking to her motto of her Ruby Shoes Studio: Keeping Life Magical. We're sure going to miss Miss Amber and her fam!

My Birthday

2011-07-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

My B-day this year happened to be the last day of school, plus the weekend we were moving, so it was pretty busy. Friends and fam. helped make it a memorable one with a surprise lunch, thoughtful gifts/treats, watching the kids, and one last hike in the Utah mountains!

Poor Macy wiped out in the parking lot after our hike, just a few feet from the bathroom she was running to. Robyn was so sweet about taking good care of her, a nice B-day present for a mom.

Last Days of School

2011-07-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

Why I Like Spring by Carly

2011-07-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

I will tell you about Spring. I love the birds. I like the flowers too.

So ...

What's your favorit thing in the Spring. Let me gess. Wait, I did not ask you if you wer a boy or a girl. Boys like playing. Girls like red roses. I like both.

Oh. I like playing at the park. Do you like playing at the park?

I love Spring!

Die Puppen

2011-07-08T12:47:00.000-07:00

Aren't these the cutest dolls you've ever seen?!

A couple of friends made these for us as going away presents to take with us on our journey.

It's extra fitting, as the girls' 2 first favorite words they learned in German were "die toilette" and "die puppe," which, of course, sounds like "poop," but means "dolls."

We haven't gotten to use a lot of German yet, but I was proud of Robyn for ordering her drinks on the plane in German. It's odd to want to be polite, but not be able to when I don't know how to say something, so I just have to be quiet.

Guten Morgen?

2011-07-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

Here I am in our apt. in Germany utterly amazed that I slept so deeply our first night here, and that the girls are still sleeping in.

(We forced ourselves and the girls to stay awake until after dinner to help with our time-change transition).

When I woke up to light at 9 o'clock, I asked Myles if it was 9 AM. He said, "yeah," and headed off to the immigration office and then to his 1st day of work.

I took advantage of the quiet time, and kept thinking, "Man, it's going to be a rainy day," because it kept getting darker.

The moment it dawned on me to look at the time on the computer screen, which did in fact say PM, I heard Myles turning the key to our apt. and couldn't help but laugh!

Myles:
I saw beers and wine in people's hands and thought, "What is this, party central?" I guess they are getting ready for Ricky Martin... (He's coming to a stage across the street from our apartment this Saturday along with 100,000 fans.)

The embarrassing thing is how many clues I ignored. I kept thinking:
- This is a strange time zone to have sunrise at 9:00. I'm not used to seeing the moon at this time.
- Why is the foreigners' office closed, and why is the man sitting on the steps telling me it's Wednesday! I'm sure it's Thursday!
- Why are all the shops closed, even though all the bars are open? Oh yeah. On the sign it says the shops don't open until 10:00.
- Why are there so few kids at the school? I thought it was year-round here. Maybe they're closed for the same holiday as the foreigners' office.

When I finally asked a college student who looked tired what time it was.... (but college students ARE tired in the morning!)

At least I don't have to tell my new boss :)

I guess we're "Livin' la vida loca!"

Gute Nacht!

Flying Spaghetti and Meatballs!

2011-07-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

When we told people we were moving to Germany, one of the most common responses we got was, "Wow, that's going to be an adventure!" Little did we realize how BIG of an adventure it was going to be before we'd even landed!

The picture above is of our flight route that one of the girls decided looked like "spaghetti and meatballs."

We took off from NY City's JFK Airport, as scheduled, only to be told an hour our so into our flight that a door had not been properly closed, and we'd be returning. We had to circle around for a few hours first to get rid of enough weight in order to land safely on the runway. When we were greeted by several ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks, some accepted it as normal protocol; others speculated we were being left in the dark about something. I guess we'll never know. I'm just glad we were fine.

After taking quite awhile to fix the problem and refuel, they announced that the crew would be going over time if they took us back. (By this time, we could have landed in Germany). After a few more hours, we got to sleep in a nice hotel and wake up to a great breakfast. The girls started referring to our fellow passengers as "our friends," and shared their toys with a crying toddler. We met the neatest people from Greece, South Africa, Germany, Brazil...

The next day, we stood in lines for several more hours again to repeat the whole process. One of the girls commented, "We've been here before." Yes, it kind of felt like Groundhog Day!

Poor Carly could not fall asleep on our overnight flight, so she was exhausted when we finally landed. The trains after the plane were nice, but very crowded. A saint of a woman gave up her seat so all three girls and I could pile on hers and the one next to hers. On one of the elevators, we heard a voice making an announcement in German. Carly said, "We can't understand that!" I said, "It's German." She said, "We're in Germany?" We'd traveled for so long, it didn't occur to me that she didn't realize that we'd finally arrived.

At the train station, after experiencing our first pay-to-use-the-bathroom experience, we had to try our first crepes! (Banana and chocolate. Ham, cheese and onion).

When we finally made it with all of our luggage to pick up the keys to our apartment, the office was closed. Myles asked someone if they knew why. They said, "Oh, maybe they're out to lunch." A while later, someone else tried to get into the office, but couldn't, and let us use their phone, but nobody answered.

Robyn said, "We look like we're homeless out here," yet nobody walking by made any eye contact. Myles left to see if he could find a different phone number. I said a little prayer that we could get the keys. Not 2 minutes later, a woman that I'd seen walk by earlier stopped and asked me something in German. When I didn't respond, she said, "Oh, you speak English. Are you, by any chance, trying to get into that building?" She said the woman who usually worked there was sick, but she could help me. Then, Myles showed up, and it was all worked out. She was very friendly, and brought water to share, which was exactly what I'd been wanting.

Before Myles could even finish bringing our luggage up to our 4th floor apartment, someone else was over to welcome and help us.

The girls were ecstatic to put their things away in their own dressers and make a list of what we needed at the store.

We have had a wonderful month visiting friends and family from coast to coast (more on that when I get a chance).

Now, it's good to be home.

On the Road

2011-06-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

So far, so good! We've traveled many miles, visited great friends and family, and have seen some beautiful country. We've tried new foods like chicken-n-waffles, finished the Fable Haven Series, and have learned a little more German.

animals by Carly

2011-06-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

We went to the Jackson's house and they had baby bunnies. We got to hold them. When we held them, we would feed them grass, dandelions, & leaves. They loved them.
There was a big black dog. I thought it was a bear at first and Macy thought it was a gorilla at first. The dog licked me with his huge tongue.
My Great Granddad shot this cougar and hung his skin on the wall. When I was 3 I went into the house and I saw it there and I got freaked out and ran to the couch.

Robyn's New Blog

2011-05-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

Robyn wanted me to let everyone know that she's started her own blog, Rockin' Robyn. You can click on the link on the right-hand side of my blog to see it.

Snow-n-Soccer

2011-05-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

We had a couple rain outs this season, and even a snow-out! But, Robyn still had fun meeting new girls and playing on a team again this year. She enjoyed trying out goalie and other positions.

The Bomb-dig-a-ties!

Road Trip #1 (of 3)

2011-05-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

1,762 miles
more kinds of cactus than we could count
lots of fun friends and family
4 hrs of snow
4 days of rain and cold
2 days of sunshine
2 lost teeth
2 great museums
1 rattlesnake and collared lizard sighting
1 javelina encounter
1 generous police officer
1 delicious turkey dinner
1 first best friend reunion
Great German food
Just Dance Parties
Perfectly done BBQ
PJ dessert walk
Knock Your Block Off
Indoor camping
Humming birds...

Celebrating Macy's 5th B-day

2011-05-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

Myles made a cute "pupcake" for Macy. We got to celebrate her B-day at our neighborhood going away party, so it was fun for her to have so many of her friends there. I think she felt pretty special and loved.

5th Happy Birthday, Macy! Letter

2011-05-06T01:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Macy,

When you first came into this world, you gave me a bit of a scare. Luckily, you ended up being "the healthiest baby in the NICU." Every day with you since has been a gift.

You continue to be our early bird, always ready to snuggle or play a game bright and early.

You continue to be a leader and kind to others, of all ages. More than once, I've said, "Let's go! Get your shoes on! It's time to go!" Only to find you making a card for the person we're going to visit.

You've recently learned how to read, to swing on the rope @ Edyn's all by yourself, and are now brave enough to ride your two-wheeler standing up. You're also having fun learning German. I enjoy listening to you sing, "Ich bin ein Kind von Gott."

You love your friends and you love your sisters. You're still your Daddy's Girl. I enjoy having your help in the kitchen.

You make me laugh. You remind me to have fun and that life is good, very, very good.

Happy Birthday, to my sunshine!

love, Mom

Macy 1-5 Years Old

2011-05-06T01:47:00.001-07:00

Your favorite food is still fruit of any kind.

You still have a smile that melts my heart.

Fun with Gram, Grandpa, and Tom

2011-05-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

We were so glad for the time we could spend together back in March. Talk about one fun-packed weekend!

Fun Hair Day

2011-04-30T18:24:00.000-07:00

During General Conference weekend, where we get to listen to our Church leaders on the TV or Internet, the girls had fun doing hair.

Some of you may have heard of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I was surprised when Carly asked me, "Do they practice at all?" I said, "Well, yeah, I think they probably practice a lot." She said, "Then how come they need the words?"

With so much going on in our world today, I appreciate our leaders' hope and optimism.

"Obedience provides protection from spiritual and physical danger...There are angels round about to bear us up...Though the storm clouds will come, the Lord will sustain us" (Elder Russell M. Nelson).

"Fear not. The future is as bright as your faith" (Elder Nelson quoting Pres. Thomas S. Monson).

"God knows us and watches over us, but it's often through others that he answers our prayers" (Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf).

"The only way to see the views is to make the climb. The challenges of labor proceed the miracles of birth...Angels will attend us" (Elder Johnson).

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (St. John 14:27).

Robyn's National Anthem

2011-04-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

Robyn has had the chance to be in a school choir for the first time this year, and has really enjoyed it. She's had fun with friends and singing songs in different languages. She's also had some neat opportunities, like singing the National Anthem with her choir for a semi-professional basketball game.

After singing, they made a tunnel for the players to run through and the mascot to ride his Harley through. It was pretty fun and exciting for everyone. The girls thought the free noise makers were pretty cool, too.

"Grafs" by Carly

2011-04-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

I think this was probably the timed writing assessment that Carly's teacher was referring to when she talked about Carly's "passion for writing" and her "voice," which "is unfortunately not part of the grading at this level yet." I think whoever read her story was blessed with a bit of comic relief.

Grafs by Carly

My favorite cind of animal. Is grafs. Because well I do not know why. Do you like grafs? Well, I do. You shad be caring for them. Grafs are vary, vary tall! Their necs are tall! Their boty is tall to. So I ges they ore tall. So you read that they are tall. Rit? Thay code steap on a egg and smush it. They mady code steap on a ostrig's egg. And smush it. But thay do not have beaks. And Thay do not have eggs. That is a bird! So I got you cler on that.

Do you have any cwechins about grafs? Well I can not tell you in les I meat you! So, les get some thing els cler. They are not like reptils. Thay do no have scals. They live in warm plase. So have I got ever thing cler? No? I have nat. I am going crazy!

I am telling something important grafs eat laves! tha's why they have log necs. and Thay are funny! But...I kone that is haw I feel. But I am not done yet. I have so much more to tell you! And Thay have a lot fo spots! I am telling you Thay do have a lot of spots. Yoooooa! I kone! Thay do!

I love taking adout grafs. I have so much mro to tell you! But I am out of time!

I love grafs!

Snow stories by Carly

2011-04-26T14:12:00.001-07:00

My Snowman by Carly

I made a snowman big and tall. We ran into the park. We ice skated. We sled and sled Whoooooooh! We play link tag. We have a big big big big snowball fight. We sip ice cold chocolate. We have brownies. We are all tired out. We take turns pulling each other on the sled. We are finly home. I kiss my snowman good night. I go in my home.

I get my P.J. on. I look out the window. I loved my time with my snowman.

What I do in the Winter by Carly

We say we want to go in the snow! We will have to put on are socs. Then we put on are SnowPants. Then we will put on are gluvs and we will put on are boots. We will put on are coats. We will go out side. We will have a snowball fit. W have fun! We take all are gear off. We have hot cocoa! We are warm now. We go to are beds. they are warm I love the winter.

The Gift that keeps on Giving

2011-04-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

After Carly Noel was born, I came home from the hospital to a fun sign on the door, a clean house, and a beautiful Christmas cactus, thanks to Myles' mom and sister. It's been so much fun to have a plant as old as Carly, watching both of them bloom and grow.

As we're getting ready to leave the country, I mentioned to Carly that it would be nice to give her plant to someone while it was so pretty. She came up with one of our elderly neighbors and was really sweet about gladly sharing it with her.

Grandma's Great!

2011-04-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

We taught Myles' grandma a brand-new game, and she beat us all!
This almost 92-year-old amazing woman is as sharp as a tack and one of the hardest workers I know. We love her help, her smiles, and her fun Australian accent. We're thankful for the time we could live by her, and that our girls could get to know their Great Grandma!

The Sweetest Blessing

2011-04-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

How's that for a newborn smile?!

A Double Feature

2011-04-19T21:31:00.000-07:00

This was the biggest double rainbow I'd ever seen--a good reminder that beauty follows the storms.

Sometimes...

2011-04-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Macy is as sweet and calm as can be.

Other times, she's crazy and fun!

My Family by Carly

2011-04-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

I would like you to meet my family. I will tell you their names. My mom's name is Christie. My dad's name is Myles. My sister's name is Robyn. My other sister's name is Macy. We like to play together. We like to play games together too. We like to swim together too. We love to sled. We play Mathue Marck Luke and Jon. You slap your nees 2 times. And clap your hands 1. You put your hands back and do it agen.

We run and run. It is fun fun fun!!!

We love songs. We like playing the pianoe. We sing a ton and go to the store. We play sockher. We have family home evening. And we will have a treet. We read a book or two. And we go brush our teeth. We say goodnite and get our P.J. on. We hug and kiss. We go to our room slip into bed. Our mom says sweet jreems. We go to sleep. We dreem about going to school!

We wake up and eat breckfix. We go to school. And write! We go to reses. We go to lunch. We go to PE. And we go to the Mouzick room. We play with our friends.

My dad pix me up from school. We drive home. We eat diner and play a game. I brush my teeth. I get my P.J. on. And get into bed. I dreme about school! I wake up and get drest. And I eat brixfast. And I clime into the car. And it goes over and over again.

I love my family.

Carly's story was so long that I told her we could preserve it this way, by taking a pic. and typing it out. I love that she loves to write. (What can I say? I'm biased. I remember writing my first "real" story, "The Pet I Want" in first grade, just like her). At parent teacher conferences, her teacher said it's a shame they don't give points for "voice" because she already has a great one.

More Fun at Preschool

2011-04-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

I got to read to Macy's preschool class, and this was her first book of choice, We're All in the Same Boat by Zachary Shapiro. It's a cute story with fun vocabulary. We also read The Napping House by Audrey and Don Wood, and Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey.

Myles made stomp rockets with Macy's class, and the kids had a "blast!" It's as simple as a few PVC pipes and a 2 liter bottle. Cheap fun that lasts for hours. Myles says, "The pictures of the kids with the stomp rockets prove that they had almost as much fun as I did."