And than there were 2...

What happens when you have a sick mom and wife? Well, sometimes disaster strikes, sometimes the family turns into nurses and sometimes in the rare occasion the family pulls together to make the Mom feel better! Well, the last senerio is what happen at the beginning of the month! I wasn't feeling so hot, I was exhausted with a terrible cold, and Ethan and Scott set out to buy a Christmas tree!

Now let me explain in my ten years of marriage and tree purchasing I have never bought a tree from a lot! I have always enjoyed the unique American experience of hiking out into the wilderness to find the perfect tree! In Germany however this was not an option! Here every village has multiple stands in which to by your trees and the local hardware store also sells them! So, at our local OBI (think Home Depot) there where Scott and Ethan (two men) checking out which tree was best! They came home with a lovely 7/8 foot tree (really the last 2 feet were just bare pointing top)! The tree was prefect, I sat curled up on the couch snapping photos and enjoying the family moment!

We opened our boxes of ornaments, remembering babies births, wedding days, vacations, and the last 15 Christmas' that Scott and I have shared! Ahhh memories! Christmas carols played softly and the house was glowing...the perfect moment!

WEEK 1: All who come over ohhh and ahh that we have a Christmas tree! Wow, look at you! So lovely! The house looks great!

Week 2: The bottom branches have reached the ground! It is starting to look a little sad! It isn't taking water, hmmm but Christmas is almost here!

This Past Saturday: Ornaments started falling! Branches are now pointing down!

Monday: The tree is a crispy mess! I mean deep fried fire hazard! We are those people!

Yes, that is right our Christmas tree is DEAD! Well, that isn't going to work! I am an outrageous fan of Christmas, of the spirit, and tradition! Plus we have visitors coming...our tree must look its best! Scott called it right away and off he went to buy me a new tree (insert laughter...yes 2 trees people!) So, Monday night he came home with a very earthy, very tall, lively tree!

Here we go undecorated the old, a tangled mess of German lights (not at all like American lights, can't even explain it), ornaments everywhere, tree stuck in stand! Ugh! Than the moment, the new tree is in! Yeah, the house smells of pine. We are all excited, well for 10 minutes! Until I realize that it is already 8pm on a school night, than family Christmas fun turns into hurry grab an ornament! Now, I am yelling, the kids ask to go to bed, and Scott is trying to figure out who to help!

When all is said and done, we have a tree, well two trees, one tossed in the backyard, and one standing in our living room! We can once again grip on to tradition and to Christmas in a new country! But most of all we can laugh at ourselves!

May you season be lively, and filled with memories that make you smile because what else is family and holidays for! Merry Christmas x2!

Say Ahhh....or Ugh! (The Dentist)

Another week in the life of an expat in Germany has begun! Another week filled with lessons beyond my German language work books continues! Lessons of dental hygiene brought to you by the local dental practice.

Yes, a trip for me and the kiddos for our 6 month cleanings! Now, even state side a trip to the dentist was more often than not something I feared! As the mother, it was the shame of "your children should be brushing better;" "How often do you see them flossing?” And for me, maybe a little embarrassment..."maybe a little less coffee!" So, you know before you even go into right, this is gonna suck! Not only will the appointment be filled with shame and embarrassment, but now I get the joys of misunderstanding and lack of knowledge on the "German" way!

Now I will say that we went a couple weeks back for our dental meet and greet! Kind of a customary thing here in Deutschland! Say hello, let them check out your teeth, and then set up the appointment! When we did that we were able to meet both doctors (Zahnarzt), and the one assistant that spoke English! It is a lovely office, but there are some differences!

So, my poor son was the first one to go, and not only did her need the cleaning but also his teeth sealed to prevent any growth of cavities! Ugh! This is a painless procedure, however they wanted his entire mouth dry...so to suctions later and a couple cotton pads shoved in that kids mouth his was ready to go! He did great, he survived all four molars being sealed, a polish (the first time) and a painted on fluoride treatment! When all was said in done they gave my giant 9 year old a sticker, you should have seen his face as a look of "What the.." came across his face! All that for a sticker, can’t even get a new tooth brush!

Now me...cleaning would actually be a poor description of what happens to your mouth! They remove either willingly or by force anything and everything that is/could/or may someday cause damage to your teeth! As I sat in that chair cringing as they excavated all canals and trenches of my teeth, I couldn't help but think that the tooth fairy must be German, man they love themselves some white teeth! After the cleaning, comes the polishing...which is basically sand (no flavor) being scrubbed across your teeth...think sanding wood floors! In the end, I am doing everything wrong I could use a better brush and better floss, and maybe I should pay closer attention to my teeth! In the end I thought, man, my teeth actually hurt (they were in pain for over 18 hours)! Crazy!

And then, saving the best for last.....my darling take crap for no one daughter! Let the dentist have a shot at her! So when the smaller kids go they basically get a lesson on how to brush! My daughter had to eat a purple tablet and move it around her mouth! This highlights the spot they need to brush better. Well, very little showed up, so the assistant than had to make a point to search her mouth to find these spots! When she succeeded it was time to brush! I shamefully removed Abigail's brand new tooth brush from my purse; you see my daughter has bitten this poor thing to its death! The assistant ask me it's age...defeat; I answer 4 weeks, and Abby looks up sparkling because she has just realized she can shame me into the purchase of a new one with...."No mommy, you keep saying it's new but you got everyone else one and not me!" Ugh...the master strikes! The assistant says, oh yes you must get her a new one!

And that was it! The dentist! Ahhh or Ugh?

Weihnachtsmarkt

Well, the season of Weihnachtsmarkt is here! This means the season of the Christmas markets! Starting the last full week in November cities large and small begin to construct their local market! It is funny because as an American it reminds me of the anticipation for the day after Thanksgiving sales, but here it just a time significant based on the season of Advent. After construction of these small wooden huts is complete there is the opening of the market, and the beginning of a busy time of year!

Almost every larger city will have its own market (for example Stuttgart) and even the small cities will have a traveling market (Feuerbach). Some cities have a themed market representing a time period (Esslingen), while some have specialty areas, like handmade items (Regensburg).

Regensburg was the first Christmas market we visited. This market sits in the middle of this amazingly quaint town. Nestled between traditional Bavarian buildings you find your vendors, selling Gulhwein and sausage (each city in Bavaria has their own special sausage). Regensburg's market is divided up into 3 separate areas; each area embodies the vendors nicely. The main plaza houses the vendors selling fired glass, wooden toys, and ornaments by the dozens! It is ringed by the larger department stores, and public spaces, and overlooks the Dome. The handmade market is in a plaza surrounded by bookstores, and coffee shops it also has a large open area for the fire sculptures. The final area of the market is filled with food, games, even a puppet show and a lovely place to buy a tree!

Next we visited the rather large Stuttgart market. This market is a tourist hub! At even given moment you can find 3 to 4 countries represented at a stand. This market begins on the main passage in downtown Stuttgart and stretches over the streets to cover almost 1k of vendors. It is amazing. As you weave through the games, trains, and rides on the main passage you than make your way to the first vendors and a temporary ice skating rink! Here the vendors begin with a kid favorite...Dipping candles! You take a white candle and dip it into wax to create a colorful child made creation! Such great fun for only a couple Euros! As the market snakes through the streets you find toys, and advent wreaths; you might see a nativity scene or a smoking man (incense burning clay sculpture). Further into the market comes the smells of food roasted fish, roasted chestnuts, candy, gulhwein, kinder punch, and sausage! When you arrive to the back of the market you find yourself starring at a large advent calendar in the windows of the main building. It is a lovely area filled with magic, Christmas joy, and anticipation for the season!

The next day we visited the Esslingen market, a medieval market. Described as "The medieval stands of the traditionally dressed craftsmen present calligraphy, leathery, silver jeweler, dyer’s trade and a lot more." This market is an experience to say the least! The lively characters in full attire that work each booth, the flags, banners, and music! The amazing craftsmanship of the items, and the one of a kind children’s games make for a fun time! Even the food in Esslingen comes with its own flare; Hemp bread, baked bread on a stick, food cooked in giant kettles, and guhlwein in terracotta cups! The atmosphere of this market is also one of a kind...The town is built around the Neckar river and consist of some of the loveliest half-timbered houses (traditional German style) and narrow streets! When you visit this market you just feel whisked away to some place far away!

On Monday I had the privilege of going with some friends to visit the Ludwigsburg to visit what is called a “Baroque “Christmas market. This market is what I would describe as a midsize market! I would say that it had 150 or so vendors. This market is entirely placed in the towns market square adjacent to the main pedestrian shopping area. The market is flanked by giant metal angels that light up the evening skies. While the market isn’t as large as Stuttgart’s it still has a large variety of ornaments, hats, houses, and wooden art. It also had a couple specialty items like homemade liquor, and lovely garden pieces (great birdhouses).

Having been to a few markets now, I can clearly say I have discovered a few favorites! First, the cups! When you get your Gulhwein, hot coco, or Irish whiskey it comes in the cutest cup. You pay a pfund on your cup usually 2-3 Euros’ so in a sense the vendor is charging you for the cup. So, in many circle you will find people that collect the cups!

Next, I am in love with the food! It is amazing, ample, and affordable! We have tried to share everything so that we can keep eating more and more! Finally, the items that are made locally. You really do have to double check! However, when you find one the craftsmanship, detail is mind blowing! Fabulous wooden sculpture, tiny little carvings, and glass ornaments!

This weekend we are off and ready to explore another market!
Maybe get another cup!

Christmas Wish List

It is that fabulous time of year were everything seems so filled with joy, hope, love, and happiness! That time of year were you enjoying bundling up and heading out into the cold, frosty air to shop! Yes, it is Christmas!

And, what would Christmas be without a Christmas wish list? And, when you 7 and 9 they are truly masterful pieces of art! My children have managed to master the Christmas wish list, and have created multiple lists specific to each person who asked them what they wanted, with zero cross over! Yes, these children are gifted when it comes to getting gifts :)

Abby, has quite the simplistic list this year! She is always so basic, which actually makes it hard to shop for her... (My friends with teenage girls say just wait a few years)! Abby's letter to Santa asked for a sewing kit (thank God, because this is something I am horrible at), a horse farm with horses, and a Go-Go walking puppy (now given we have a dog that loves walks, but the fake one is better).

Abby's list for mommy and daddy simply states “I would like a fish, a fish tank, and fish food." Well, great...looks like we are adding a new pet into our life! This is great when you like to travel on Holiday every 4 weeks!

My Ethan! The forever wise and expensive child! Everyone who has kids has one of these...the one who doesn't even see price tags when he ask for a gift! Just love at first site, and usually for the biggest, most expensive thing in the store!

Ethan is all boys when selecting gifts to add for Christmas always starting with Lego’s. Ever since that kids first duplo set, it has been building all Christmas morning! This year is no exception! Ethan's letter to Santa ask for the Lego City Police Station, Pokémon, and Tin Tin books (to my friends in the States, these are great, classic books for boys).

From us Ethan asked for Pokémon, Table Tennis Balls (ok, funny but if you live in Germany you know that table tennis and soccer is a way of life on a school playground), and Lego Black Beards Boat from Pirate of the Caribbean.

Magically, as it can only be in the Christmas season I have located most items! I was able to beg people from Scott's work to bring over gifts. I ordered from amazon.de, and amazon.uk! I have an amazing friend who was willing to make the 40K drive out of the city to Toys R Us so that I could load up! I apparently will be hitting up the local pet store in the next couple weeks as well, to make an informed decision on fish (which should be funny, because it will be in German and I know nothing about fish). Yes, the power of a mother's desire to make wishes come true...well at least while they aren't asking for coach purses and laptops :)

So...I ask the question...What is on your Child's list? What is on Yours?

Getting Excited!

The Holidays are always my favorite time of year! I love the magic and family memories that come during the Holiday season!



This year is so different from anything that I have ever planned; this year’s memories will be shared with school friends, with new friends, and my family! They will not be shared at my church home, or with neighbors, there will not be family Christmas parties, or the warmth of a house on Thanksgiving morning! I think that I am prepared to except the differences that this season will bring. I believe that we all are ready to embrace the new traditions that will come, and enjoy the warmth of the individual moments!



Holidays in Germany are so wrapped in traditions (some of which I have learned, some of which I have no idea about)! We (the Howes family) are very excited about all of these new traditions! The first one was last Friday as we celebrated St. Martin’s day and a Lateran Walk! Basically, the younger children at ISS make a Lateran in art class and then at first sign of dark head into the gardens, or the forest singing a traditional German song and walk under the candle light! It is so lovely! For me this walk signified the first sign of winters approach and the feeling of the holidays nearing!



We Americans all know that Thanksgiving is coming which in the states. Here Thanksgiving is only celebrated by a small group! We have school that day, because it is not a Holiday (no pilgrims and Indians here)! Luckily, the ISS PTA makes a big deal out of Thanksgiving and those that want to can return to school that evening and enjoy a community style meal! Also, I am lucky because our family has been blessed with friends that live only a few hours away, and we will spend the whole weekend after Thanksgiving in Regensburg celebrating Faux-Thanksgiving...they are even saving the DVR of the parades so we can pretend Saturday that we are actually having Thanksgiving!



While we are in Regensburg we will also start a new Christmas tradition...OUR VERY FIRST WIEHNACHSTMARKT! These are the Christmas Markets so famously portrayed throughout the world! There are so many of them, almost every city has them, streets filled with stalls of food, and gifts. Some even have rides and ice skating rinks! They are an amazing site, I have just begun to see the buildings go up and I am overcome with JOY!



Another new tradition coming our way is St. Nicholas Day on December 6. On this day the children wake to find the shoe that they have placed outside filled with a small toy, nuts, candy, and fruit! Kinda fun, a mini Christmas surprise so early in the month! I have heard from the German families that the children have wised up over the years and now place their dad's shoes outside so that more treats will fit inside! I am hoping that my children do not learn of this!





In the spirit of new traditions we also will have things like Christmas programs. Abby will play an Angel from Poland in hers, and Ethan is part of the Choir in his. We have advent activities, the kids made their own calendar this year. We have a new church, with their various programs to enjoy; and of course we will have our very first Christmas in Germany!



So, yes there is a ton of tradition to miss...but really the only option is to embrace the new! To be excited about the abundance of new things to do and discover here! I have always loved the Holidays, I have always loved the warmth of the season, the memories created and shared, and here, in Germany the possibilities are vast!

Welcome and Warm greetings to the season!

PS. My Christmas Cards will still hit the mail Thanksgiving Day! Hehe :)

Herbst Holiday

Last Friday as school ended begin our Herbst(fall) Holiday break! We have 5 days off of school plus the weekends. A lot like the Hill Elementary Year Around school schedule! Due to the fact that we just got back from Paris we decided to lay low and just enjoy some much needed rest! We did however plan a overnight in Munich!
Saturday morning we loaded up the car before the sun had even touched the sky to drop off Fern and make our way into the city of Munich. We left having no plans on what to see only thing we prepared was were we would sleep! Arriving into the city we became confused in a series of one way streets and closed roads(there was a protest against the airport addition). We finally found a parking garage, and poured ourselves out of the car.
We had arrived in one of the most traditional German cities, lovely buildings, amazing shops, and traditional people!

First thing we came across was this church tower to climb. We didnt actually read anything or check out how high the climb was before we were in line in the tightest staircase, with traffic going both directions, in the oldest tower I have ever seen. It was so crowded at points it was like a game of twister to even move, left foot stair, duck head, right arm wall, tuck butt! Ugh, what were we thinking...we finally made it to the top of Hell. The view was great, we could even see the protest but all we wanted was down and fast! Que yelling Germans as i cut every line to push my way to the bottom! Fresh Air....

Next stop, view the downtown district! Shopping and People! Tons of people everywhere! We never actaully went into any stores we just walked forever...we even came across some really cool street performers!

By this point in the city tour we were starving! Ready for some hardy Bavrarian food, but no the kids had spotted Hard Rock Cafe and off we went! Lunch of nachos, chicken fingers, and hot dogs! Mini-America in every major city!

After lunch the kids were exhusted...Scott and I began to question how on earth they were gonna make it all day! We decided to make a couple quick stops to pick up a few things and than we found Globetrotter. This amazing outdoor store, think REI but 5x bigger! It was awesome! The kids rock climbed, Abby got her face painted and Scott and I shopped!

After some shopping relaxation, we headed to Olympic Park! Wow, breath taking beauty is an understatement! I was speechless! I love these type of things, the size and scope of such an event is beyound words! We had to go up in the Tv tower.

Than on to the pool and the stadium! Such an amazing public park! After awhile there, the sun had left and it was time to check in at the Hotel! Quick, check in and than grab the ubahn to the Haufbrauhaus! This is an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life! It was so cool! In a gaint building streching over an entire block is a two floor, plus a garden beer pub and restraunt! When you enter it is every man for them self to find a table! The German way is to share a table with whom ever, just grab a seat. This works well until the place is packed, to the gills! We circled that buidling for 20 minutes, finally stalking this poor family from Poland until they finished paying and left! With the music blaring, soccer fans shouting we sat down to enjoy a true Bavarian chicken dinner (Michigan folks-nothing at all like Frankenmuth)! We sat at a table with two older German couples! We were actaully able to have converstaion and learn some information about things to do in the area. Scott and I enjoyed our liters of beer, and the kids enjoyed the iphone app "Dont cut the rope"!

The next morning the sun finally broke the fog and Ethan woke with croup! Nothing better for croup than the moist air so we decided on a day at the Munich zoo. This zoo is more like a stroll through the lush fall landscape than a zoo. We fed the ducks, played at the playground, watched the seals, ate cotton candy( the best I have ever had) and had lunch outside one more time!

 At 3:00pm the kiddos were wiped and it was time to say goodbye to Munich!

On Monday came our first semi lost American holiday! Halloween! What would we do without endless kit kats (Scott and I more than the kids), twix bars, and tooties rolls! Well the solution came as a new friend from school invited us to join her on the local army base for their trick or treat activities! So the kids created their customes...Ethan as Harry Potter (again :)) and Abby a Davison Cheerleader vampirer! We headed out at 4:30 (we changed time on Sunday so it was almost dark)! After checking in on base we walked to where we would start and waited for the clock to strike 5pm! Let the craziness begin! Just like home...kids everywhere, candy by the loads, laughter and smiles! Scott said the whole thing of making the traditions happen here really made him happy! Good news on all fronts!

After trick or treating we did what every good American should do bought Christmas lights...hehe

Tuesday was a german holiday (basically all saints day)! We were planning a big outing but I woke up sick! What else are breaks for right! So we decided to keep it simple and head for a hike at this lake someone told us about! We and half of the population of Stuttgart! The weather couldnt have been better 16 (65F) degrees and bright sun! Abby even wore short sleves and ate ice cream at the biergarten!

Wednesday Ethan woke up sick again! Now with a fever! Ugh...movie day!

So now today! What will the rest of Holiday break bring! Only time will tell! I hope no more sickness! I hope more adventures! I am loving this late fall warm weather! We shall see!

Happy Herbst!

I need a Doctor...

Last week I was finally motivated after an injury to a young lady in Abby's class to find a doctor. We needed pediatricians, GP's for us, dentist, and a vet! Wow! What this actually meant is 2 hours sitting on the phone saying "Sprechen Sie Englisch"...18 calls later we at least had a pediatrician, a Gp, and a dentist! Sorry Fern!

So Monday we made an appointment to visit the peditricain to have him look at Abby's knee. She had been having so pain from walking and I just wanted someone to look it over! We get to the office, off this little ally, 5 flights of stairs up; into this amazing space that screams kids (literally and figuratively). I get to the front desk and crap I get the one nurse/receptionist/office manager/lab tech (yes, one person does all of that) that doesn’t speak much English! We work it out, fill out the paper work and wait. After 10 minutes we are moved into a room unlike anything I have ever seen. The room is at least 16x16 with a desk and chairs, and exam table, toys and books, and the standard sink area!

The doctor joins us quickly and we begin to talk about Abby and her problem. He asks her to climb the table and than before you know it undresses her. She was in shock, she had never been undressed at the doctor...she was nervous! Well, after a minute of discussion we learn that this is the norm, at all doctors! Then there is the standard listen to the heart, take the pulse, and check her muscles. Good News, she is fine! Funny news (and this will only make since if you know a true German) he says "her knees need to be better conditioned for the German lifestyle." Official diagnoses!

Than on Friday I also made myself a doctor’s appointment! Really thought that I should get someone on monitoring my Thyroid and all its glory! So off to the doctors I went. After walking by the building 3 times, and down another ally behind the discount clothing store, up 3 flights of stairs...I walked into a traditional German building with the lovely 70's inspired design! Up to desk where the only receptionist/nurse/office manager/lab tech is and check-in! After filling out paper work I am shown into the waiting room. A small room with 8 chairs, a painting of a Bavarian Village, and a loud speaker that shouts out the name of the next patient!

After a 30 minute wait "Frau Howes" is called and I am moving, not really knowing where I am going but at least moving! The nurse (jack of all trades) shows me into another room where there is a doctor. She is an older woman, talking on a cell phone, sitting behind a desk. She greets me and I sit in a chair. I kinda have this feeling like I am in a interview more than at my doctor! Then she speaks, and she speaks lovely English! Relief! I explain to her why I am there the ins and outs of what I need! She asks for some time to read my charts, do some blood work and come back in a week! I agree! She also requests that I get a flu shot! She sends me back to the nurse with 2 slips of paper!

I have no clue what is on these papers other than I need blood work done, and a shot! The nurse reviews them and shows me to yet another room, mean while she answers the wailing telephone, escorts another patient to the doctor, and pulls out a stock of flu vaccines! She is back ready to draw blood; she was amazing after 5 years of this crap to have a nurse find my vein in the first try has never happen..Two tubes blood, one shot (the vaccine it's self was in a glass vial), out the door! Back next Thursday to go over things!

We have 3 weeks until we visit the dentist for the first time, so that could be a whole other blog in and of its self! However, I have to say that even though there are some obvious difference between the American approach to health care and the German approach, I am very pleased with the doctors we have found! I have to also say that when picking the doctors it was so important to me that the children’s doctor speak English and be close to home. Both criteria I was able to fill. For my doctor I have to travel for a bit, but she does speak lovely English! I am hopeful that these doctors will be good fits and monitor health nicely!

But I am still eating an apple a day just in case.....

Ahh the things I miss!

This amazing new lifestyle is full of so many perks...I mean really Paris is 4 hours away, Rome 10 hours! I have a house with the best view I have ever seen. And the school is super! But, I gotta vent on the things that I miss!
1) Target...pure and simple! Every bit of it! The shoes, the clothes, the toys, and the sales! I was just flipping through this weeks ad on the iPad thinking man what I wouldn't do to get my hands on $9 gloves instead I will pay €14! Or Clorox wipes, I would spend my day cleaning every light switch and remote in this house! Heaven!
2) Mexican Food...now some might say are you crazy, I say tacos and marjaritas! I miss Mexican food so much! We have made tacos since we moved here but it is just not the same! Really miss Mexican, I even miss Taco Bell!
3)Halloween! We don't have it, and I miss it! I don't see what is so bad about kids in costume asking for candy! But nothing :( I wish at least we had a party at school, but nothing! Blah a bunch of Halloween Grinches!
4) Chocolate Chips. Yes I actually miss the chips before they become anything! We use to make cookies all the time but they really don't here! I miss chocolate chips in pancakes, in muffins, and in cookies! I have become very skilled at chopping up a chocolate bar to make something's but cookies are just better when chips are inside!
5) Take Out...we have found some but miss Lucky's to go, and Applebee's car side, and a quick stop at Appolos! Yes I am kinda missing convience! Oh, and I so miss fountain Coke's with ice!

Yes, even with all the perks there are just things I miss!
Here are a couple things the kids miss:
1) Cheez-it's
2) Regular Fruit loops (my German Friends will say we have them but they aren't the same)!
3) go-gurt
4) DVD's on the day the come out, not when the next guy at Scott's work bring it!
5) Plain Old Cake :) We only have kuchen ( not like a cake)
That was cheap therapy! Feeling much better!

Ubahn

When we decided that we would take this assignment here in Germany, we all agreed that having the one (company) car would be enough for us and we would make a life on ubahn travel! When we looked for a house we fell in love with a house that was 54 minutes from the school. Not a huge problem just a life style change.

The Ubahn (electric train) is a great way to get around the city. Stops are usually only a 10 minute walk from just about anything, and well if it is further than you just take a bus or the sbahn (longer distance trains). We have learned how to get everywhere via the Ubahn...IKEA, the malls, playgrounds, and the library. We love the Ubahn, and the bonus of it all is that on Friday's we can just about beat any car because of the horrible stau's (traffic jams).

However, all that changed for us this week...there was a two day strike on our Ubahn and bus lines. No lines what so ever would be running all day Monday and all day Tuesday. What were we going to do! I was so worried..How would we get the kids to school, how would I get out in the world, could I find enough to keep me busy! Scary stuff when you stuck in a country with few friends, and no family!

Scott and I decided the easiest thing to do would be for him to take and pick up the kids and I stay closer to home! Yes, this put a lot on Scott to spend the whole day driving but he was ok with until...MONDAY MORNING! Ugh...when Stuttgart became "Stau"gart! The whole city was in grid lock!

Scott loaded up the kids an extra 20 minutes early Monday morning to head to school because Ethan had a special standardized test ACER. So at 7:15 am they are out the door, and they didn't arrive to school until one hour later, and 15 minutes late for Ethan! Scott was freaking out how could he drive all day getting the kids and work! Emergency phone call...Scott was taking 2 days off, to support me and the kids during the strike! Thank goodness!

So, for the last 2 days we have left early, cut shortcuts down farm roads, and learned a lot about each other while stuck in the family car! This morning was finally back to normal! The kids and husband our gone, my lovely Ubahn is back, and thank God I made lunch plans to get out and enjoy the city!

Vacation In Paris

This past weekend was a holiday weekend here in Germany. We took advantage of the extra time off and headed into Paris, France for 3 nights, 4days! This was our families first over night while living here! I had a ton of nerves, what to pack, will the kids last, the language! The kids had a ton of excitement eating ice cream, the Eiffel Tower, and shopping (I have raised them right, right!).

So Saturday morning we set the alarm clocks for 6am and packed up to go! We carried all of our stuff down to the Ubahn, and made our way to the Bahnhoff (train Station). Our train was due to depart at 8:54am, so we decided to get down there early for coffee, and English mags (only at the train station, and still from the UK).

Four hours later, we arrived in the city of lights! Amazing! I can't believe that we went to Paris in 4 hours! We found a hotel (Novotel) a little bit outside of the main drag, so we hopped on the Metro (the subway) and begin to find our way to the Hotel! Now introduce a bit of shock....we are in Paris in a stinky, hot subway with two kids! Yikes! However, within 10 minutes we are outside enjoying the fresh air and lovely views of the French City!

We decided to drop our bags and hit the city in search of food, and the sites! First stop LUNCH! We found this lovely little cafe and sat down to enjoy a quiche! So yummy! Ethan and Abigail even managed to find a hamburger and fries to share! Than off to explore! I looked at the map and we picked Hotel of the Invalids! Wow, who knew such a lovely museum with war memobbila, the armory and Napoleon’s tomb!

Than more walking! We wanted so badly to make it to the Arc! We walked forever...and ever...and ever! We saw so much of the city, great old churches....lovely markets....

Than we made it to the Arc! Wow 282 stairs later but the view is amazing! You really can see for miles! The kids loved it! They could see how far we just walked! They could see all the places we wanted to go! And the photos! Wow!

We made it! Paris! The heart of the city! The top of the world! Once up there Abigail was exhausted and we still had 9:30pm tickets for the Tower, and dinner to get through! Oh no! So 282 stairs down, with a quick stop at the shop..Time for metro planning. However, Scott had a better idea have a bike driver take us on a mini tour and recommend a place for dinner! Save the legs a bit of pain!

We ate dinner at this oh so very small Italian restraint about 4 city blocks away from the Tower. It was so small that they had to move tables in and out so you could sit down! We enjoyed cocktails (mojitos) and ate great pasta and pizza! Wrapping up the night with Tiramisu and Coffee! Than we headed up to see the lights! A friend had told us to buy our Eiffel tickets online so we were due to head up at 9:30pm! We waited in line and made it to the views on the 2nd floor only to learn that the top floor had huge lines due to some delays! So we decided to enjoy the views, and break dancing (Ahh French Teens) from there! The kids loved it! They especially loved the sparkling lights that go off on the hour! So cool!

especially loved the sparkling lights that go off on the hour! So cool!

Sunday was the day we devoted to the Louvre! It was a free day so we (and 5,000 other people) decided that it would be a good day to check it out! So after an hour wait in the screening line we were in! Ethan wanted to check out the Egyptian Art first.

The kids loved the Museum! They wanted to see everything! They wanted to understand why things were special (the Mona Lisa), they wanted to know why cats were art; they wanted to understand death scenes! It was great! Half way through our day there, the kids did get tired! What saved us from having to leave were the language headsets! The kids were able to listen to stories, and facts about the piece they choose on their individual computer! This gave us an extra 2 hours in the Louvre.

That night we headed to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner! This was a belated birthday request from Abigail! We dined on American food, nachos and margiritas ( not the kids, they had milk shakes)! We listen to music videos and bought chessy t-shirts! Than full on sleepy kids took over and we headed back, had to get some sleep in before our last full day in Paris!

Monday greeted us with our 3rd straight day of good weather! We had highs in the low 80's and nothing but sun! Great weather for city walking, shopping, and Notre Dame! I really wanted to explore the area that my mom and I had explored some 13 years ago on my first visit! I wanted to show the children the simpleness of the Latin Quarter! It was just as I remembered it, with little roads, quite tiny shops, fresh markets, and tons of people!

Fist Stop Notre Dame:

Than shopping in the Latin Quarter and the Champs! Scott wanted me to have the chance to pick out some new things for my birthday! What a great place to do so! Shops filled with amazing clothes, and jewelry! He was such a sweetie and brought me a lovely silver braclet, and even talked me into a new purse ( not a hard task)! After a very busy day of shopping and site seeing we were hungry! We stumbled into this cafe on the corner of the seine river over looking the Eiffel Tower! We ate a great dinner, and enjoyed an even better desert before embarking on a river boat cuirse! So fun! We spent an hour aboard a boat peacefully enjoy the city lights and eachothers company! Abby even did an impromtu dance! It was so neat to see everything glowing !

For our first vacation in Germany I would have to say that we did pretty well! We really enjoyed the city! The kids survived the walking and late hours, and Scott and I survived the kids!

Paris is a great city with so much to explore! I can't wait to visit again! Now if only I could catch up on sleep :)

Conversations: out loud or in my head

Now that the kids are in school ( I know I might have mentioned that), there are now these times in the day set aside for travel. Travel to school via car or ubahn and the walks home. When you have your kids with you like that, and you can't talk on your phone, you aren't driving a car, and you don't have any such things as quick stops it can be absolutely hilarious the coversations you might have. We also have so much more devoted family time here in Stuttgart. With things closing early, and all day Sunday. Not to mention the lack of tv. It is so fun to hear my kids, really hear their ideas and their dreams.
On the topic of funny conversations. Abby got her ears pierced back in June. I had been cleaning her ears regularly until one night I asked her to do such. Scott and I hear a call from the bathroom " mommy I can't reach the fluffy muffin tops!" So, the name has stuck! Today Scott called me after drop off and tells me half way through their drive to school, in a interesting part of town Abby calls from the back seat " daddy how do you spell six?" Scott says " S I X" Abby replys "no in Deutsch!" Scott says " S E C H S" and Abby just sits there hmmmm! Can we guess the word on the store Abby saw? Hehe
On the topic of dreams, I just love how they dream so big and also so small( everything counts when your 7 and 9)! So Ethan's new dream is so simple, when he turns 10 ( double digits ) he would like to go to the in door play park and bring his whole class so they can see him ride the 10+ slide! Oh and he is also going to be a pro soccer player for Stuttgart! Abby's dreams are way more complex ( so like her)! She would now like to be a dentist, that owns a Fresh Sub ( kinda like Subway but BETTER), and on weekends work at a pizza parlor ( because her and Lily promised each other)! So fun!
Random conversations...Ethan decided that Scott is the president of out house, I demanded a recount but was denied! Really, don't I scream presidential! Also when watching American Tale I say something like I was 6 when this came out, it was one of my favorites! Ethan looks up and says "Abby that means it's really old!" Wow!
Finally there are daily conversations that clue me in on what my kids are like when I am not around. Abby shares with me her new words in German, and what she likes about her teacher! Ethan talks to me about his struggles making friends, and the new one how weird girls are!
If the daily walks aren't toning my rear, and they are at least toning my ears! It is so fun to gain this time with my kids as they grow!

A week in the life of me...

Monday:

8:30am PTA Already posted about this! Plan ahead because this group will keep you one busy cookie!

10:00 REWE local grocery store by the kid’s school! Also my favorite grocery store ever!

11:30 Home from store, go for a run, walk the dog!

12:30 Shower!

1:15 There is a chimney sweep at my door! I thought this only happen in the movies. I didn't even know we had a chimney! The young man is hilarious practicing his English on me!

1:30 The Post Office, the place where every time the tall, fat worker ask me how long we will be here on vacation! I reply 3 years!

2:00 Time to Ubahn to the school..

2:10 Yeah, running ahead of schedule quick stop downtown for a starbucks.

2:20 Made the next train!

3:00 I have two kids again...and now they will play at the school for 30 minutes

4:30 Home, 2 boys are already ringing the gate!

5:50 Dinner, Scott is travel somewhere that I can't pronounce...so we eat a very American meal of Mac and cheese!

6:30 Homework till bedtime!

8:20 Kids are in bed, my bed but they are in it!

10:20 I am in bed

Tuesday: Let's do it again....

7:05am off to school

8:10am They are safely at the school

9:00 Stop at OBI, thinks Home Depot but then add a pet store and Hobby Lobby to it! Had to pick up a new outdoor extension cord, Scott ran it over mowing the lawn! This is a heavy item to carry 1.5K uphill but we need it! Our yard is looking way to German (aka LONG)

11:00am Home from store, go for a run, walk the dog!

12:30 Mop Floors than Shower!!

2:00 Leave to get kids.

3:00 2 Kids again.

3:30 Stop at dance store on our way home to get Jazz shoes, but poor Abby's feet are to small.

4:30 Home

6:00pm Dinner

8:00 Kids are in Bed!

9:30 so am I, exhausted!

Wednesday:

7:30am Out the door, yeah later day Scott is driving us!

8:30am Meet 5 new moms for a coffee. So, weird to get to know new people! So, funny to listen to them as your mind goes; "is your husband really that amazing?”; "How lovely that you always spend Christmas in Italy!" Mean while there is loud mouth me :)

10:30 Coffee is over, must go shopping!

11:00am Shopping for my little girls 7th birthday! 7years! Wow!

1:00 Home let dog out, and turn around and leave...must not forget early pick up!

2:30 Pick up 2 kids, drop of 1 kid at Jazz. Meet another mom (Ethan made a friend (finally!))! We scheduled a play date, which is funny when you say "no I don't have a car."

3:45 on our way home!

5:00 Home and Homework :(

6:00 Dinner

7:00pm Scott mows the yard, sent 2 kids out to watch my new extension cord!

7:30pm Bath than Bed

8:15 They are in bed!

9:30 still exhausted!

Thursday:

7:30am off they go, while I am off to walk the dog!

8:00am Mop the basement!

8:30 Time for me to go but can't find Fern...only look my nasty little dog is INSIDE my neighbors house! UGH!

9:30 At ISS (the school) to help the preschool classes for school picture day! The photographer is AMAZING!

11:00 I get to leave early, off to REWE again. Out of milk and bread (Scott accidently ate moldy bread this morning)!

12:00 Home and walk the dog!

1:30 Blogging...

I feel like such a busy bee again! I am kinda glad, finally out there in the world meeting people but also like I must maintain balance before it goes crazy. I have got a couple good things going for me tonight we invited a family to dinner, a trip to the army base on Friday, coffee on Monday, shopping on Tuesday, a new book group Wednesday, and plans to see a movie Sunday. I am excited to meet friends and establish a life here in Stuttgart!

This is me; this is my crazy German life!

International School

Almost 2 weeks now, my kids have been attending school at a private, international school for nearly two weeks. We have been making the commute to school for 9 days now, we have woke up early, and done homework until late for 9 days now. During those past days I have learned quite a bit about school in Germany, and about private international school. First the funniest thing about ISS (International School of Stuttgart) is that we don't actually meet the kids teachers until next Thursday evening. We have no idea what they are teaching, how the room is set up, or even what kids are in the class. It is just so funny! We actually went the first 3 days without a newsletter, or a note home to explain the daily procedures. Finally we are getting schedule for specials, and notes about the homework.
Another big difference is snacks, and lunches. Each is so much work. Germans don't have connivence food so making lunches can me quite a challenge. First though there are snacks, which are actually mini lunches often consisting of crackers and yogurt, or sausages and brezel. Then there are lunches...fresh fruit, meats with bread or grilled sausages, yogurts, and a bottle filled with juice or water. If they want to buy lunch it is brought in from an outside company. It is even served on plates! I will say my favorite part of lunch is it is now 30 minutes to eat, 30 minutes to play. Love that!
Homework, is called a home learning log here. What there reasoning is in calling it a home learning log is that it is a whole family activity. One meant to dive further into the subject using the resources of the home and of the parents. I also love that when the log comes home every Friday we get a week to complete the two task. This allows for family peace when it comes to homework time. We do also have reading homework, which focuses on reading retention. Ethan's homework this week was awesome filled questions, that really got him thinking.
Uniforms...we don't have daily uniforms but we have these lovely gym uniforms that they wear on gym days. They are like running pants and shorts and t-shirts. However, the shirt is white! They have to wear these lovely white shirts all day. Well, I have already soaked both of Abigail's shirts in baking soda over night!
School pictures are this week and I can't believe how they go down here. The school has hired a man from the UK, that has done photos for many schools all around Europe, and the Middle East. Each child has a mini photo session with 15 shots taken per child, and additional 15 per family unit. The photo's will also be in various poses. It cracks me up, a photo session for school pictures!
And than today I got the chance to learn about the PTA. The PTA is an amazing group at this school. They are basically in charge of social activities for the children (3yrs-12th grade), and the parents. They are also a team mate in the school with the board of directors. So today after hearing all about the school and PTA I was able to sign up for such activities as a charity Christmas ball, and Thanksgiving Fest, and a multicultural dinner. I also got to sign up for a moms night cooking lesson, and a city tour.
The school is a very different place. It is unlike any school that I ever taught in, went too, or sent my kids too. It is so neat to see something new and different, and as of now the kids are adjusting to those differences.

And Than There Was 1, oh and a dog...

Self Discovery...Leave your self alone in a foreign country and find out what you are truly made of!

Well, it is official the kids are back in school and I am a self proclaimed "House Frau!" I am now alone a majority of the days. As it is right now Scott is taking the children to school at 7:30 and I don't see them again until 3:00. On the days they have music or circus after school I won't see them until 4:30! Yep, it's just me all day long, nope excuse me; it's me and the dog! All day! So after 3 loads of laundry, mopping, vacuuming, scrubbing toilets, weeding the yard, running, grocery shopping, and making beds what else is there to do! Well to be honest it is time to discover what I like to do! I know longer work, I know longer have that many social obligations (still gotta meet friends), and so it is all about me! Here is what I have learned in a few short days!

1) Apparently I am a crier, who knew!

2) I actually enjoy noise, just not from kids (or the dog)!

3) The 10 or so books that I have bought in the past year have pages with words on them meant to be read!

4) Walking the dog seemed like it would be a majestic task, it is really a pain in the butt.

5) I love to cook! It's just I make too much for one family to eat; I need neighbors like in Davison to give it too...

6) I keep putting off German lessons, why? Most likely the fact that I hate school!

7) I use to spend too much time on the phone...I miss it!

8) TV was way too much a part of my life; I haven't watched anything in English since last Monday.

9) I still love running, but hate these German hills! Really hate them!

10) I wanna learn how to be still, I am always running around doing something!

11) I am more out there than I thought, meeting new people every day, now if I could just remember their names :(

12) Finally, I don't like exploring without someone to share it with! Hmmm, need to work on this one.

Well it's out there! Like an open book! Something for me to reflect on in the next few months! Hopefully I will continue to see changes in growth in myself while on this crazy journey!