"There it is... I said it.."

I was going to sit down this morning and blog about our mini-vacation in Berlin but then I got thinking about my daughter. Yesterday a girlfriend sent me a text, about my daughter and a school interaction that she witnessed.

"The girls were reading, identify words that they don’t know the meaning of or how to spell. Abby identified a word.... (A word the other children knew) Abby looked up and said “Well I don't spell very well, there it is! I said it.""

I got thinking about the power, the liberation, the sheer strength that it takes for people to admit their weakness. I got thinking about the bravery of an 8 year old little girl who was willing to tell her peers who she really was. I am not saying that she showed her soul to her friends, but that she simply did not hide the truth. Hiding the truth has become so much a part of who we are as a society. We build ourselves around the perfect imagine, forgetting who we really our much of the time! Or we are forced to hide the true us at the risk of being bullied, or embarrassed! We become afraid that we don’t fit society's standards and expectations.

I too fall victim to this. I want to be seen as the perfect mother, wife, friend, and daughter. However, in actuality I am human! I yell at my kids, forget birthdays, and have once or twice (most likely more) pissed some people off. I want people to see me as intelligent, when in fact I love TMZ more than NPR. I want to be sophisticated but love jeans and t-shirts! I struggle with an addiction to bread and therefore I have gained weight. I have to learn by the example by daughter sets, when it comes up or I need help, I must admit the truth, not hide from it! What I can state from fact is simply that I am trying, and for me and my daughter that is good enough!

 

“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.”
― Coco Chanel, The Gospel According to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons from the World's Most Elegant Woman

 

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
― Oscar Wilde

 

“You are you. Now, isn't that pleasant?”
― Dr. Seuss

 

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt, This is My Story







Thankful....

Recently I have noticed many of my friends on facebook doing a 30 day challenge to post all the things that they are thankful for, which got me thinking..."What am I thankful for?" I thought that I would challenge my self even more and aim for the 50 things I am thankful for....Here goes nothing!

1. My kids, crazy little buggers but I love them!

2. My husband, he hangs in there and for that I love him.

3. My family, even those who aren't by biology but more by will.

4. My Michigan house, it's still mine so I gotta love it.

5. My German rental house, renting is the best!

6. My BF Anna, my true soul sister.

7. My friends, I am blessed with friendship.

8. My kid’s friends, those who have been with us since St. John's Preschool and the new ones.

9. My kid’s schools, ISS and Hill!

10. My dog, she drives me nuts but she is loyal.

11. Neighbors, here and far your always there for us.

12. Ubahns, the best transportation a city girl could have.

13. Health, although I did just have surgery we couldn't be more blessed with health!

14. Jobs, my husband in this case, so grateful.

15. Books filled with so much imagination and creativity.

16. Nature, love my walks in the woods.

17. Running, can't wait till I can again!

18. Cooking, my favorite past time for sure.

19. iphone, makes connecting with people back home so much easier.

20. My in-laws, you make me smile.

21. TV, a piece of sanity in this crazy world (wait, maybe it's the piece of insanity in a sane world).

22. Twizzlers, don't laugh!

23. My sling box repair man ;)

24. Laughter, when you me it's sometimes the only way to get through life!

25. My 2 partners in crime in Germany!

26. The USA, who knew how much I loved you!

27. Good babysitters, like finding a needle in a hay stack, but once you find one hold on tight!

28. My German tutor, you are so patient with me.

29. Sunny days, even the cold ones are a breath of fresh air!

30. Blogging, getting out my thoughts and saves my family from listening to me hours on end.

31. Doctors, the good ones!

32. Teachers, your amazing don't forget that!

33. Beer gardens, your spring, summer, fall relief is much needed!

34. Shopping!

35. The internet, I love having the world at my fingers 24 hours a day!

36. My Uggs, warm, cozy, and always there when you need them!

37. Germany, the whole experience.

38. Yoga pants; they are the greatest invention now if only the German's would catch on!

39. Movies, always available to escape to another world or place in time.

40. Pizza, to fill in the gaps and there are always gaps.

41. Vacations...tough life huh?

42. Our car, when I am too tired or lazy to walk.

43. My mom's little surprises make all the difference.

44. Holiday's, I love all of them!

45. Social gatherings, whenever I am lonely it's a great way to remind me of how blessed I am.

46. Visitors thanks for stopping by!

47. Music, love listening and love watching my daughter dance.

48. Target, I even love the ad and still read it weekly!

49. Photo's, I can't believe how quickly time passes.

50. Myself, daily living, breathing, and sharing!

I now ask you what are you thankful for.....

The reasons I am in love with fall

Well, I am back feeling great and refreshed after a minor surgery! I am feeling so much better and excited to get back to blogging! Thanks for hanging in there with me while I was gone! I hope you enjoy!

Fall  is my favorite season! I love so many things about fall. When we first moved to Germany I was so tied to the traditional fall things that my family enjoyed I almost all but missed the entire season! This year I am fully ready to embrace fall, and enjoy each day! So as the weather turns colder this week, I thought I would simply share my favorite fall things!

 

My little girl was born the first day of fall....

 

 

I love the cool morning sunrises....

I love the colors...

 

 

I love walks in the woods....

 

While, this is the past I love cold Sunday's on the soccer field.

 

 

I love carving pumpkins...

 

German Traditions of the Lantern Walk

I love baking, and than more baking, and maybe eating too....

 

Halloween is a blast...for everyone:)

Candy...need I say more....

 

 

And of course the start of the christmas season...

 

 

but my  most favorite thing of all is never captured on a camera, it's the nights we are all curled up, candles lit, watching movies as a family!

Happy Herbst

Sassy Kids Take Over The World (my world)!

My house:

Me: Can you please hang your towel?

My Son (10yrs): Uggghhh Sigh Sigh Sigh Uggghhhh, WHY?

Me: So it will be dry the next time you need it!

My Son: Why?

Me: (I have now lost my cool) what do you mean why?

My Son: What?

Me: (In my head thinking seriously, this kid doesn't even remember the conversation) JUST PICK UP THE TOWEL!

Yes, at some point over the last year I have lost my children to an infestation of Sassy Alien Monsters (S.A.M.’s)! These new children have forgotten every household rule ever created, and instead have filled their brains with the more important facts of Mine craft creation, or the newest club at school! My kids have become defense attorneys! Always arguing their case, always defending their actions, always believing they are right and I am wrong!

My house:

Me: Sweetie could you please let the dog in?

My daughter: (silence)

Me: Honey, I asked you to let the dog in!

My daughter: I heard you, but I gotta finish this level!

Me: How long is the level?

My daughter: When I beat it!

Me: How long is that?

My daughter: I have never beaten it!

Me: (REALLY) Abby, let the dog in!

My daughter: (Explosion of fake tears) THIS IS SO UNFAIR! (Lets the dog in slams the door)!

 

My house has become more chaotic, because the children simply do not hear me and do not fear me! Even as I type this there is a fight happening, and as I try to assist someone (my daughter) is yelling over me the injustice! I am simply no help, because the S.A.M.'s have all the answers!

My house:

Making Eggs

Me: Can I help you?

Child: No, I know what I am doing.

Me: Are you sure?

Child: (Sassy, eye rolling) Yes

Me: (I go sit down)

Child: MOM, where are you? Ugh sigh! I can't crack the eggs!

 

Yes, at some point these S.A.M.'s have taken over! At some point I have lost control! At some point I have to accept that they are the spitting image of ME! Yikes! I guess it’s time to brush up on my parenting skills and prepare for quite a long invasion!

Planning Vacations

Before we even left the USA for our expat assignment, when begin to dream of the vacations we could take while we lived here! To organize ourselves we made a dream list. The idea of this is that we would hopefully stay focused and spend our money in the right areas! Here is our list: London, Ireland, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Prague, Amsterdam, Spain, Carsecone, Croatia, Istanbul, Dubai, Cologne, Dresden, Normandy, Nice, Italy, and Paris. Now obviously we can't go everywhere in 3 years but we really want to get the most bang for our buck! This is how we plan our European Vacations.

Each school break I like to pick two cities and make them compete for my money! I like to see which city ends up all around cheaper! I begin with the whole car vs. airplane debate! If we can drive it in 12hrs or less, than we do! Driving is always the cheapest solution for a family of 4 or more! If we are flying I start with German Wings, they tend to be the cheapest and easiest (with flights in and out of Stuttgart), and I will also try Ryan Air. Once I have their best price I began to search the major airlines. I pull them each up individually because I find that time and again that Expedia doesn’t offer enough date flexibility. So far I have always found a comparable rate on all major airlines. I have taken the comparable rate on the major airline because there is no hidden cost! On airlines like Ryan Air and German Wings, the extra fees can add up!

The next search I begin is for lodging! For lodging I use one of two paths. First is a hotel search. For a hotel search I go to expedia, type in my location, and my desires (rating, rooms, and breakfast). Than when the list comes up I filter through it finding hotels that match my needs. I than use Google to find the individual hotel sites. I don't use expendia at this point because they have a service fee added to that cheap hotel rate, the hotel site does not. Here I input my information and look for the price that is the best flexible rate. The best flexible rate is one that is a locked price but also fully cancelable till 4pm the day before your stay. This way I have a room, but haven't prepaid. If you like to prepay, than book the best flexible rate and 25 days before your stay book that advance savings rate! Now often times I might book 2 hotels for the same vacation using the best flexible rate. This allows be to book one really nice 4-5 star hotel and one 3-4 star hotel, that way as it gets closer I can choose how much I really want or have to spend.

If I don't want to do hotels stay and think a vacation home/rental would be better than I use that search engine Homeaway. This is a tremendous site that is available for worldwide use! Here is works the same type in where you want to go, and up pops a list that meet your requirements. Now on Homeaway I do like to filter through my results and how I do that is by reviews. I select I would like to see properties with the highest number of reviews. Then I read the reviews. Finally when it comes time to select a unit I type a very standard email off to the owners requesting a quote. If the owner response in a typical time frame than that is another good sign. The only negative with homeaway is the cash deposit upon booking! This can be a bit scary, so make sure you do your research!

Finally car rental...This is a bit harder! Cars are all generally expensive and if you want an automatic it can be more. Plus you really should plan out gas usage and insurance (Ireland, Italy, and France are a must in my book). If we are booking a car I often book in advance and than rebook the cheaper price a week or so before the vacation! I enjoy sixt, and europcar but find their prices to all be similar!

Finally the vacation that works out to be the best price wins, and off we go to enjoy and make memories!

Sites that I love:
http://www.homeaway.com/
http://www.ryanair.com/en
www.germanwings.com/
http://www.expedia.de/
http://www.europcar.co.uk/
http://www.sixt.de/
http://www.novotel.com/gb/home/index.shtml
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/ihg/hotels/us/en/reservation

7 days left

With 7 days of summer left it is officially time for back to school! While the kids get excited for shopping and friends, they are sad to see their summer freedoms fading! While I get excited for a little bit of freedom, and quiet, I also will miss relaxing mornings play games and reading! Plus it's easy to say that my husband is not looking forward to the 3 sleepy and moody people that will take over our house next week! It’s time to say goodbye to sleeping in, to lazy days, to the freibads (community pools) and biergartens( well, almost!

So, what do I (we) have to look forward to this fall? First and for most I am so excited to not be the new family! My kids are so happy that they aren't starting from scratch at ISS.  We aren't nervous for school, which makes life easier. We are happy to helping out at school, making new friends, and meeting teachers.

We are already planning amazing fall and winter vacations! (I will be writing this blog next week) We are so ready to travel more, December marks the half way point in our living in Germany and there is so much still to do! We are ready for fall activities like Volksfest (http://www.cannstatter-volksfest.de/). Yes, we even have the Dirndl now! I am personally anticipating the arrival of fall weather! I love when the nights cool, leaves fall, and sweatshirts go on!

Yes, summer is over. School is starting. We had some great times, but now it's time to make memories as 5th graders and has 3rd graders! It's time to embrace that backpacks, homework, and the joy that comes in each new season! Wish us luck….

What Summer really looks like when your a not so perfect expat mother!

Here is what I wrote 2 months ago as I looked forward to summer vacation...."This summer I know that I wanna do a book club with the kids...8 books in 8 weeks! This summer I want to teach the kids to cook something new each week, think easy pasta, salad, and grilled cheese! I want to teach them every state in the USA and some spelling. Over our 8 weeks off I want to go to the pool at least weekly. I want to have picnics. A whole lot of them. I am hoping for a week of Vacation Bible School, and Soccer camp for the kids. "


Ok, at this point in the blog it is important to admit "I am a mother who is not perfect." SHOCKER, right?  I love reading my, oh so optimistic blog on summer goals, but it's time to face the music and confess to my true summer progress. First off reading, while the kids have been independently reading like crazy, we have only finished 1 of the 8 books we wanted to read to them! I have 4 weeks left and 7 books, time for a new goal...finish 2 more books (I hope)!

Teaching them to cook! We have actively been in the kitchen during break, but sadly the only things my kids have learned to cook are desserts! They have baked cookies, made brownies, and whipped up their very own homemade peanut butter cups. We have not learned main dishes so over the next couple weeks I would love to still teach them one or two. I am thinking that we will learn grilled cheese this week.

The pool! Pools and German weather don't go hand and hand, so this can be a challenge! We have gone twice this summer on the days I viewed as warm enough, but we should really go again and soon! The kids love the pools, and it is such a simple day out! However, I will make no more promises in this category!

Yay for me because we have had multiple picnics. We had a great picnic during Lichter Fest with fresh lemonade, sausages, focaccia, and cheese. We have a ton of walking picnics as we explore the smaller cities, and one or two at home! I would love to plan a Sunday one in our favorite park or at the zoo, but we shall see what summer allows.

Our family has had success with soccer camp and with Vacation Bible School. These were two great weeks that out children loved! Two great weeks were they survived heat (33 Degrees), met new friends, and tried new things (Jell-O, and Curry)!

We have also had many other adventures over the last 5 weeks. We have visited Swabisch Hall, Wurzburg, and Pforzheim. We have been to a festival, attended a concert, played with friends in the park, cut flowers, had friends over, and gone to the library. We have had lazy days curled up watching movies and playing games, and we have had crazy days filled with beer garden fun!

Over the next couple weeks we will vacation with friends in the alb. We will celebrate Ethan's 10th birthday. We will have friends over. We will go back to school shopping and we will prepare the kids for summers end.

I think that at the end of summer the most important thing to remember, the best thing about summer is really the most simplistic....It's the flexibility of summer! So what I'm not perfect, I don't have to be it's summer, I can fly by the seat of my pants. I can follow the kids lead! I can enjoy living in the moment, living simple! My favorite thing about summer is the to do list I just don't have to do ;)

Married life of crazy, out of their minds, in love expats

On Saturday we will celebrate 11 years of marriage. Over the course of those 11 years we have had many crazy adventures together, we have moved several times, we have owned and rented multiple houses and apartments, we had kids, we have purchased cars, and we have traveled. But...moving to Germany was by far the craziest thing we have done in those years.

A couple years back now my husband was on a routine trip in Germany, when I called him about something (details lacking). He stepped away from his dinner and said "You will not believe what I was just asked!" Well...What? "I was just asked to come and do an expat assignment in Germany!" And for some crazy reason that we will never know, without giving it any thought I said "ok, tell them yes!"

Thus begin the preparation, and negations for us to move. (Now here I will be honest) Moving is stressful under the best circumstances. Moving is more stressful the further the move. Moving is most stressful when you’re moving half way across the world. When we moved we decided (dumb us) to send Scott a month early and the kids and I would follow later (more stress). So on June 5, 2011 we packed up our entire home, prepared ourselves for Scott to leave, and we moved in with friends. At this point in my crazy life it was safe to say that I had lost my mind and was living an out of body experience!

On July1, 2011 we arrived here! I was exhausted, hating the language gap, and we had nothing but what was in our suitcases! After a short weekend my husband went back to work, leaving our scared little self’s alone in Germany! I was a mess, than 9 days later our stuff was due to arrive and our moving company went bankrupt. All our stuff was MIA! I was a disaster! Yes, at this point we were 15 days from our 10th wedding anniversary I was a crazy, messy, disaster and my husband was at work! Classic!

Well, things can only get better, right? Actually there are so many humps in living the expat life that it took us awhile. We had to learn how to change not only ourselves but the actual way in which our marriage worked. See, I went from working part-time and having a ton of friends to a stay at home mom, alone...ALL DAY. I went from handling all the household matters to needing my husband to call, because it was either in our contract or because I didn't know what to say! My husband went to work every day, but at this point only understanding 25-40% of what people said! By the time he got home he was to exhausted to do much of anything! Yes, crazy, half asleep, lonely married couple!

Around November the skies began to clear...I started German lessons, and made friends. My husband started running (for exercise) and understanding daily life better. Thus our marriage became easier. By this point we had learned to rely on each other, to listen to each other, and to realize that most days we are the only English speaking person each other knows! See in our case one of the most difficult parts of being a married expat couple is the consent time together, without much quality time together.

Which brings us to today...We aren't the most romantic couple or the most serious couple, but man do we have fun! We by no means are masters at this marriage thing, we don’t proclaim to know it all. We would actually be honest and say that what we do know about marriage we have learned through trial and error. Living here, living has expats can be exhausting on a marriage, but what we have learned has made not only our lives richer, but our love. Our adventures over the last 11 years have brought us here, who knows where they will bring us in the future, but what I do know is that we will do it has only crazy, messy, half asleep yet totally in love people can.

Time keeps on ticking

When things change...

As a child time passes without much realization. Years are simply marked by Birthday's, school events, and Christmas. As a child the years can slip by without much acknowledgement. A child takes the passing of time by only truly tangible moments. Being an expat is similar.

See, in my opinion being an expat we too mark time in tangible chunks. We mark the time of the current world we live in, however a weird paradox happens and the time in the past "home" location begins to freeze. We see ourselves and the space around us change, but the place we left behind remains as it was in our visit, stay, or picture.

I am not saying that expat's are forgetful people who avoided Birthday's and holidays but rather people who celebrate lacking the tactile, visual knowledge of the passing of time.  We are stuck in a time warp. For example the notion of a death in the family, we miss the sickness, the hurt, the saying our goodbyes, what we have is the last time we saw someone and the news of death. Even on a lighter note, take life. The last time we saw "you," you weren't married and now you’re pregnant with you first child. Time has passed without us noticing.

The same freeze happens in reverse. As expats we hop on a plane and move away, and we begin growing and changing. "Your” life continues, however when we visit or move back the shocking moment occurs when that 8 year old we moved with is now a moody teenager. Or better yet, "we" (not me) had a baby.

Time ticks on a clock but in actuality time passes only as we acknowledge it. Time stands still when we hold it as a memory and not an experience. I write this simply to explain that as expats we miss you, and have not forgotten you, we just may have forgotten things change in our absence.

Das Radio

I have always been a huge fan of music, really all music! This is a good thing, because here in Deutschland the radio stations play a variety of music! It's not you American variety "Now playing hits from the 90's and Today," or your typical "80's Lunch Hour." No, in Germany radio is more of a smorgasbord.

This morning has I got "Jiggy With It," (thank you Will Smith for this timeless piece) I thought it is time to share my love of German radio with the world! Yes, German radio has to all. However, as much as this will disappoint most American's I have yet to hear anything by David Hasselhoff (The Hoff).

Here you can tune in (my favorite is Energy 100.7)to any channel and during any one hour hear Adele, Pink, Linkin Park, Snoop Dog (old school), Time Bendzko (German artist), Elton John, Richard Marx, and Survivor. My personal favorite is the daily parade of Phil Collins hits, who knew the man had so many! There is also the collection of I can't believe they still play that song; Hangin Tough, Blame it on the Rain, and I'm too Sexy.

For an American it almost feels like a daily "This is your life" compellation. Start your morning with a little Boss (Bruce Springsteen, for the younger generation), Wham, and John Mellencamp. Then while cooking you can mix it up with a little bit of Pat Benatar, Phil Collins, and quickly moving into Sarah McLachlan, N' Sync, Maroon 5, Train, and the ever random rap artist (I am out of touch here). And by the evening you have heard a song from just about every year since 1985.

Music is truly an international language that reaches to the far ends of the earth. Music last a life time and affects some people differently. In the case of German radio music is timeless, and enjoyed by generations to come! So if your online (listen on the web) or over sea's and looking for a new experience tune in.

Btw: I also love a couple stations out of the UK, and Australia so if you have some free time check them out!

Traditions

"The concept of tradition, as the notion of holding on to a previous time"

As a child I always loved holiday movies that valued or placed emphasis on tradition! I always wanted to be one of those families (The Brady's, The Cosby's, and The Keaton's)! The ones that had these little or big ways of celebrating moments in life! I was blessed to have fallen in love with a man that loves tradition as much as I do, and to meet friends that have brought new traditions into my (our) lives!

Before we moved we had tons of traditions...First Day of school photo's, Birthday Presents at breakfast, Halloween pumpkin carving, Half Birthday's (taken from my girls), Gingerbread houses, and last day of school ice cream. However, when you move to a foreign location things kind of change and traditions have to become more flexible. Traditions become harder! So, the task becomes to find new ways of fulfilling traditions, and new traditions!

One year ago a bewilder family set off to discover a fireworks festival in the park. Dazed and surprisingly still jet lagged we watched, and enjoyed. Last night we return to the fireworks. Last night was the start of a tradition; we realized how fondly we held that moment a year ago in our memories. We realized how far we had come. We realized how much we enjoyed that time together...We realized that we were creating new traditions (here in Germany) with our kids!

So, I ask what traditions your family celebrates.

Vacation Dreams

Dreams really do come true. 15 years ago I had my first date with my husband of 11 years. On that first date we talked endlessly about our hopes, our dreams, and our goals! We talked about jobs we wanted to have, where we wanted to live, and the vacations we would love to take! 15 years later; to the date we boarded a plane to our dream location Ireland! We had hoped that someday after student loans, babies, and house payments we would wash up on the shores of the Irish coast, but because of this crazy expat assignment it was actually happening!

We arrived in Ireland with preconceived notions of golf courses, endless ocean views, an almost Hamptons like impression! We were pleased to be greeted with the real Ireland, a beautiful mixer of old and new, of funk and class, of peace and tranquility, and the small under tones of the rebellion! Yes, Ireland!  I can now clearly say that Ireland is an amazing country made so by its rich past and its friendly citizens!

We choose to spend the majority of our time in Ireland at a remote cottage just north west of Kilmore Quay. The perfect location to unplug and relax. I say unplug because we actually went a whole week with no internet, only 60% of Irish households have internet.  We had everything there we could possibly need if we just wanted to hang out, however we wanted to explore! When we left we had goals of endless exploration in Ireland but simply put the car rides were killer! Not only were we driving on the other side (wrong side of the road), the roads were filled with tight twist and turns, with farm equipment, and people every so often. Driving was much more of an experience than we plan! So we quickly changed the plan, no drives beyond 2 hours!

Even with that new rule, we still had tons to see and do! Day one we ventured to Kilmore Quay, marketed as a scenic fishing village, is right on! This town had amazing views, old ships, and traditional built houses!

Day Two was a crazy day first we headed to the Rock of Cashel, built in 1100 has the original seat for the kings of Munster; this is site is breath taking. Even though for the last 30 years it has been under continuous refurbishment it is worth the trip! Than as we worked our way back we stopped off in Waterford (home of the famous Waterford crystal). We loved the quaint city streets, and the children friendly Viking museum; however I think my kids would tell you that they loved the Papa John’s Pizza (a taste of America)!

Day Three it rained, and of course this was the day reserved for horseback riding on the beach! As the young Irish lady said to me...”If we didn’t go out in the rain we would never go out!” So we went horseback riding! I loved the small farm that we went to and would highly recommend the The Liosín Centre in Rosslare. We had a blast getting wet and taking the children on their first ride! After that we blasted the heat in the car to dry off and headed to the city of Wexford! A great sea side town with tons of little shops to poke into on a raining day! After a couple hours we were just too cold, we stopped at the store and headed to the cottage for Taco Night in Ireland! We curled up, dried off, played board games, and watched Johnny English! Our cabin was home for those 7 hours!

Day 4 the sun was brilliant! Outside day! All day! We loaded up snacks and drinks and were off to Hook Head light house! The oldest lighthouse in the world! This is Irelands gem, it wasn’t filled with tourist, the tour was awesome, and the views were lovely! After seeing the water we were all ready to play in it, beach time! Duncannon beach was great, not as busy as others closer to the Hotels and we came at low tide so the beach was vast! The kids played, and explored, they even braved the cold water for a sand dune 50 meters out! Than lunch and the heritage ship (great for kids) in New Ross and then more exploring at the JFK arboretum (pack a picnic if you ever go)! Finally a tasty dinner at the Ferrycarrige Hotel!

Day 5 was Kilkenny! A large city outside Dublin and yet such a warm friendly city! The castle is the center point of Kilkenny, as it should be! Here you are able to walk/run the grounds for free, but stay off the grass! The Castle is open for exploration, and is worth the fee! My kids loved the library, and all the books are real, we asked! We also visited Jerpoint Abbey (a great spot for kids with their own treasure hunt to occupy kids), Black Abbey, and the Rothe House (here my kids got to collect duck eggs)! We loved Kilkenny and felt that the city and surrounding area were well worth the trip!

On Day 6 we explored Bray and the small sea life center, before we headed to lunch and tour at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin! This is the number 1 tourist attraction in Ireland, dubbed the Disney for beer lovers! We enjoyed our visit, it was fun, it was tasty, and it even kept the kids attention! I am still not a fan of the beer, but did love my husband’s smile! Exhausted we made the drive to Powerscourt Garden and waterfall! One last stop! This was a very expensive detour, albeit beautiful but costly! The waterfall is the tallest on Ireland and the UK, and is stunning to watch! Finally, a stop at the Avoca fresh market for dinner fixings, and back to the cottage for our last night!

Day 7, we said good bye to Scar Bridge Cottage in tears and headed to Dublin for one last adventure! When we got there the girls jumped out to see Trinity College and shop while the boys head off to Kilmainhan jail! We met up after lunch to shop more, visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral (they also had a hunt for kids, we learned a ton) and enjoyed dinner at the Hard Rock (an expat must)!

15 years ago Ireland was just a dream of a small town girl! Today Ireland is a memory that my family will have forever! If you have ever thought about visiting Ireland I encourage you to grab your raincoat and boots and go! Soak in all the warmth the region has to offer!

One Year Later

At 9am on July 1, 2011 we arrived into the Frankfurt airport tired, scared, and excited; ready to begin our adventure in Germany. Our transition wasn't always a smooth one, the loneliness and language was enough to send us packing but somehow we made it through summer...and then the rest is history!

In 4 days we will celebrate our 1 year anniversary in Germany! I can't believe that we have lived here for a year! What an amazing year it has been, I have created friendships; I am blessed to have a group of 30+ of the most amazing women as my support network! My children are growing accustom to the international school. We have learned 30% of the German language (I truly believe even German's don't have 100% mastered). We have traveled to places I never thought a family from Davison. Michigan would ever see. We have learned more about each other’s strengths and weakness. We have learned more about connections, and bonds with people. And we have learned so much about the world!

One year ago our house was an empty place filled with paper plates and air mattress, today it is filled with toys, kid’s artwork, and end of school papers, old clothes, dirty clothes, and furniture. Today our house has memories of Christmas with friends, new years with family, cold winter nights watching movies, and hot summer days trapped inside! Over the last year our house has become our home!

On Sunday morning we will wake up to celebrate with pancakes, and then do our favorite thing here...Head out on a day long adventure. Where will go? I don't even know, but it doesn't even matter, everyday as an expat is a new adventure!

Runner!

Running...ugh! No really, I have learned to love running! I have learned to enjoy exercise, but this wasn't always the case! Back in high school I managed to fail freshman year gym class on the sheer fact that I refused to run, at all! I use to view running as a God given gift meant for skinny people!

 Things begin to change in the winter of 2007. After a series of medical problems and drama, I was gaining weight (again)! My husband put out the challenge of learning to run, he knew that I would never back down from a challenge...and so my days as a runner begun!

Running for me did not come so naturally, I had spent the last 5 years having babies and basically forgetting to take care of myself, so running was more of an experience than natural. My first time running was in April of 2007, my husband loaded up the kid’s bikes one Sunday after church and we drove to the high school track. After getting the kids going it was my turn...off I went....and stop! Yeah, I only made half a lap 1/8 of a mile. Running was draining. I pushed myself into a walk/run to finish out that 1/4mile, and I was done for the day! My body was not use to all this movement! Running...ugh!

The track and I continue these silly games on and off for nearly a month before I was able to walk/run a mile! However, at this point I wanted more! I had caught the running bug! I loved the feeling I had after I finished; I loved the idea of goals and distance, and achievement! I was ready to run in public on the sidewalks! Yes, I was going to let people see me run (shocking)! The first time I ventured out into the world to run I was amazed on how different it was, with hills, cars, and pavement changes! I made it a half mile out and a half mile back at a hair slower than a snail’s pace! At this point I kept up the running once or twice and week through the summer, fall, and winter; however my times weren't improving and my distances weren’t increasing...it was time for a new goal.

In the summer of 2008 I trained for my first race! Putting the goal to not worry about time and run my first 5k! I trained the whole summer and on a rainy August morning I ran in the Crim Festival of Races 5k run and I finished! My husband was so proud of me, and I felt like I had finally kicked out that "woe is me” spirit from high school...I was officially a runner! I continued to push myself to run more and has the fall of 2008 came my kids were both in school and I had time to run! I learned to run in snow, ice, rain, in Michigan heat, with kids, and even while on vacation! 2008 quickly turned to 2009 and I was rockin the 5k's. My time wasn't fabulous but I was running and now at least 3 times a week!

Another stopping point came again in the winter of 2010. Running was fun, and good exercise but I liked goals! So, like a crazy lady I signed up for a 10mile race in August (Michigan's hottest month) and a half-marathon in October! What, who does that? I begin running all the time 3 or 4 days a week. Adding distance, working on sprints. By the time of my 10 mile race in August I was pleased, I had successfully trained to 9 miles, I was ready! The race went great and I was so excited for my half marathon! I begin to build more miles and 2 weeks before the race successfully ran 12 miles! I was now one of those crazy runners! The day of the half marathon, the weather was cool and prefect to run! I rocked out those 13.1 miles in 2:18! I was thrilled!

After my race that enthusiasm stayed and I continued to run, keeping up with at least 15-20miles a week!

However, as are move to Germany drew closer my running became more and more a thing of the past! By June 2011 I was running maybe 1 time a week for 30 minutes (shameful)! In July of 2011 we arrived in Stuttgart, Germany! Before we made the move we decided that I wouldn't have a car while we lived here, but I had never really thought about how all that walking would affect my running! I was so exhausted in July, I couldn't even think about running...That is until all the bread from the bakery caught up with me! Running...ugh

August 2011 was the month of the running is a must! Than in September my kids started school, and I had free time...thus beginning a new season in running for me...hills! Stuttgart, Germany is filled with hills, the entire city center sits nestled in the valley of the surrounding hills the same hills that I run. I had to learn to run all over again, because now I was having to battle the uphill climb! I would love to write here that after time the hills became easier, but the answer is clearly no, I still hate the hills!

In January 2012 fresh off some New Year’s resolutions I set the goal to run the Stuttgart half marathon on June 17, 2012! Training began! I fought the hills, the rain, and the cold! I explored some amazing nooks and carnies, and I learned to run in Europe! I added distance slowly in the winter months, just trying to make sure I was running 3 times a week and that I wasn't hurting myself. Than in April I kicked it into high gear! I built my big run up to 10 miles and 2 smaller ones at 3 and 5miles. By May I was ready having already ran a 12mile, 6mile, and 3 mile week I felt great!

Yesterday was the day of my first race in almost 2 years; it was also the day of my first race in Germany! I was a nervous lady! The race was very similar to the states, minus the fact that all my race markers were in Kilometers and not miles. The course was good, not as flat as I would have liked but still nice! There were a ton of people running and great support from the crowd! I did ok yesterday. I was slow and had pain in my ankle but I finished! I accomplished yet another running goal! But, most importantly I was proud of myself! I was proud that in the last year despite it all (the move, the schedule, the physical abilities, the changes) I had finished a half marathon!

For me running is not about time, not about distance, it is about showing myself that I am not that little girl in freshman year gym class afraid to run in front of people embarrassed that I am slow, embarrassed that it somehow makes me less than them. I run because its empowering, I run because it's freeing, and I run because I CAN!

A few helpful hints for those traveling to Germany!

Since December we have had 4 sets of visitors welcomed in our home. We have had the variations of people, and backgrounds.  All being Americans but some older, some families, and some young! We have welcomed all of them with open arms and excitement to show them our life her in Germany! Before their arrival we prepare for adventures, organize food, and figured out airport pick up!

However, even with all this planning there are always things I forget! Things that I have no choice but to embrace and the things that I don’t even see anymore, things that make are visitors say “Oh, really!”

First off personal space: Simply put there is none. If you are waiting in line or riding an escalator someone will be right on top of you. This isn’t meant to bother you it is simply a way to convey they are next, or they are in a pole position to move when it is time! I have grown to embrace it, because otherwise you will never get anywhere!

Grass or the mini rainforest: German’s famously do not cut the grass, or at least as much! Grass can grow taller than me before someone will cut it! The reason why being simply, it’s natural and better for the grass. If you cut it, it takes labor and machines that can harm the environment, also they don’t use fertilizers so it keeps in green! My son has enjoyed this, because it is a great game of weeding with a Nerf sword!

The Sunday Rule: Everything is closed… everything except some restaurants, tourist attractions, gas stations, and maybe if you’re lucky the neighborhood bakery for 5hrs. People from the states have such a hard time with this rule, we miss Sunday Target shopping!

Quiet, Silence, Peaceful: Germany is such a quiet place.  Unless you’re in a city center the people are very quiet. Most days you can’t hear any noise! No cars, radios, children, or machines! On Sunday’s the noise is restricted even further. There use to even be so called quiet hours, during lunch, evenings, and all day on Sundays. This is something that only semi exists or that is now only semi followed, depends who you ask!

Dirndls, lederhosen, beer steins: People do wear the traditional dress for special events, weddings, and parties! It is not joke.  And Bier actually comes in a stein.

The Escalator: This is a simple rule but always the hardest for visitors to remember….Standing (not wanting to run up) stay to the right! Those in a hurry on the left! This works for up, down, ramps, and moving walk ways!

Walking, biking, and generally being outside: When you visit Germany or really any European city you will be outside, you will be walking. Think of it as a daily exercise routine of 1-5 miles of site seeing! Some of the best views of Europe are at the top of buildings (few have elevators) or the top of mountains. Be prepared to walk!

And Finally ICE: We don’t have it! Freezer space is limited here, mine is the size of a shoe box. Good luck finding an ice filled drink!

Hopefully writing a few of these things down makes it easier for the next wave of visitors! However, I am sure my list will only grow! For my fellow expats did I miss anything? Because simply put…It’s Europe and anything goe

New Job Description

I have been a stay at home mom now for 10 years! I have had on and off again jobs, but basically a stay at home mom! I haven't really traveled alone, but once when my kids were 2 and 4. Scott and I have only ever had two weekends away! So, really I have been at home raising kids for 10 years!

This has been an amazing journey of watching firsts, helping when needed, hugging when sad, and teaching when possible.

However, over the last 11 months that we have been here in German, things have begun to change! Not change with my desire to be a stay at home mom, not with the way people view me, not with my husband, but more in the ways in which the children need me! My son turned 9 last year, and instantly it hit Scott and I that he has crossed the half way point...in 9years he will be on his way to University! CRAZY....It wasn't like on this day; my son was like see ya...but slowly over time things changed!

Over the last year we have collectively gone from playing with toys, and dress up to reading and projects. My daughter has already given up on American girl dolls, and now spends most of her time writing stories, songs, listen to music! My son has a passion for electronics and all things nature, even going so far to declare he would like a laptop and a Swiss army knife! They want more things of their own, walks to the store to buy candy, friends over all the time, in their rooms with the door shut, and of course cell phones (not happening as of yet)! Over the last year I went from the one always entertaining them to the one having to find my own entertainment, a nice change but weird.

This brings me to the point! In the German education system class trips are a rite of passage. Starting in third grade the children at ISS (International School of Stuttgart) take an overnight class trip! My son's trip departed almost 4 hours ago off to the Switzerland, German border for two nights and three days of fun, and education! I have been prepping myself for this since the day we signed up, not because I am scared or nervous, but simply because this is so new for me. Like I said I have gone a total of 10 years and only missed 8 days of my kid’s lives!

Two months ago the teacher began to prepare us for this trip, asking for volunteers to go with the class. Scott and I asked our son and he quickly said no way! So, what else can you do but carry on, knowing that he is excited for independence! Over the weekend, we packed our son, told him how loved he was, and prepared him for this journey. Than today I take him to school, because it is traditional to do the wave off as the bus pulls away! As I head into the school with my kids, by son turns around and says "ok, bye Mom." WHAT...hold the phone you don't need me? Ahhh, Ugh....Independence!

And off he went....

I know that my job as stay at home Mom, as helper, hugger, friend, and teacher isn't ending but more so changing! I now just have a new job description!

And off I go...

Summer

Over the last couple days the realization that summer is coming has hit me hard! The kids have been staying up later, out playing till 10pm, and even needed sunscreen! Yes, summer is coming. The flowers are in full bloom and the weather is amazing, and yet it didn't hit me till today how excited I am for summer. You see today was student lead conferences at ISS ( The International School of Stuttgart), so the kids got to sleep in and eat lunch with me. This gets me so jazzed for the long days of summer. I am ready to sleep in, and make pancakes at 11am, I am ready for swimming, and painting on the patio!  I  want this summer to be amazing. I want to enjoy my children, even their not so fun moments. Last summer I was so scared, couldn't speak the language, had no friends, but this summer I feel prepared! I have made friends to laugh and enjoy summer with. I speak some German, and man I can get anywhere in this city:) Now comes the challenge of channeling our excitement into a summer plan.  This summer I know that I wanna do a book club with the kids...8 books in 8 weeks!  This summer I want to teach the kids to cook something new each week, think easy pasta, salad, and grilled cheese! I want to teach them every state in the USA and some spelling. Over our 8 weeks off I want to go to the pool at least weekly. I want to have picnic's. A whole lot of them. I am hoping for a week of Vacation Bible School, and Soccer camp for the kids. But, what else should I aim for......What are you doing this summer? Do you have any goals?

Ahhh TV: and it's life lessons!

Where you find yourself in 10 years...

When you graduate high school, college there is always that question..."Where do you see yourself in 10 years?" This question was one I hadn't really thought of until I watched a recent DVRed episode of CBS's "How I Met Your Mother." In this particular episode Barney, Marshall, and Ted make a pack dating back to college in which every 3 years they will watch the Star Wars Trilogy together. They begin in their college dorm room in 2000, making predictions of what their lives will be like in 3 yrs! Each year they come to the realization that life has moved forward but they aren’t at all where they planned to be! Marshall expected to be a lawyer with a huge family, Ted a famous architect, and Barney is just Barney! As the years go by the pattern continues and life happens the ups and the downs! The realization comes at the end (2012) that Barney is ready to stop dating random women and settle down with one, Marshall is happy with direction of his life and Ted well for his story we jump 3 yrs into the future to see him holding his baby girl!

This all had me in tears! As my husband looked at me oddly for crying through a half-hour sitcom, I blubbered out "it reminds me of us.." I remember the New Years Eve 1999 sitting on the floor of my first apartment with my boyfriend (my husband)! Dreaming of what the year 2000 would bring or if there would even be a year with Y2K! I had dreams of graduation; I was excited to live on my own...miss independent! But, over the next three years I got married, had my first son, and was now a full time mom, student, and a  nanny for a family of 8! Nope far from independent, not at all like I planned.

Now facing 2003, I was excited to FINALLY graduate college! I did do that (with honors and a 16 month old), but also moved to Southern Illinois , got pregnant, moved again (back to Michigan), and made the choice to be a stay at home mom for the next decade at least! Yes, these three years were ones of critical choices in the direction of my adult years. I had departed from my goals of independence and career; and had chosen a new path filled with play dates and dress up.

By the time 2006 rolled around I had two toddlers. We were knee deep in parenting! Our lives were kids; kids ruled everything! I never thought things would change! But, these three years my kids went to school! My babies became school aged, I got a part time job, and my husband changed career paths. We even took on a foreign exchange student, something that completely changed us! Nothing I had planned nothing I had dreamed of, but life!

These last three years were more planning for the future than any other years in my life! These were the years we had to grow up establishing 401k plans, college saving plans, make a will! These were also the years in which we started to realize that life is short; we have marked millstones 10 years of marriage, 15 together, Ethan passing half his childhood, and our baby losing teeth! Some of these events have been foundations shaping the kind of people we are...changing us yet again! These were the years of crazy life choices,(hello…moving to German)! These last 12 years have passed in the blink of an eye! I have gone from a poor college student to a mother of two. I have gone from dreaming of independence to loving deep relationships. I have grown!

Yes, we never know what truths, adventures, stories our lives will tell! So, When ask where do you see yourself in 3 years, 5 years, or 10 years...I don’t know because all I truly know is where and who I am now! It’s fun to think ahead, but it’s way better to live it J

Simply Roma

Roma, my new love!

After a week in Italy I believe it is safe to say that I am in love! We crossed through the Swiss Alps (rain, clouds, and snow) on Good Friday into blue skies and abundant sunshine! Over Lake Como and into Milano! Yes, vacation!

First Night, crashing in a not so lovely hotel in Milano! Hotel giant minus... but the city, oh the city! The people, the streets, the sites, and let me say it again the people! The Italian people are a large part of what made our trip so much fun! And the food...so much pizza and gelato it hurts! Scott would say so much wine:)

Milano was our "let’s be tourist" city, we only had 8 hours to be awake and running around, so we caught the double Decker bus and went stop to stop! We saw Milano shine, Good Friday is an amazing day to be in a historical rich Catholic country! We saw the Dome, went to the fortress, and even spun on the Bulls Balls (look it up)!

Saturday we decided to stop by Pisa on our way to Rome! It is still one of the funniest things an expat says "Stop By Pisa" hehe! Yep, we saw it, yep it leans...really that’s all I got! It is a funny city with tons of junk for sale, and ok food but, the tower leans!

Onward and Outward! Off to Roma, the city that stole my heart! We arrived late in the afternoon Saturday full of nervous energy. We had no idea what to expect, what our house would be like, and what the week would hold! Thank goodness instantly all our fears were put to rest! The place was perfect, the neighborhood amazing, and we weren't too far away from the historical center!

Giuseppe (our apartment manager, of course) was a great host candy on the counter, prescco in the fridge, and a tour for Monday night planned! Yes, vacation was off to a good start!

We awoke Easter morning nice and early due to the children's excitement, to parting clouds and sunshine! The kids were so excited to find their bunny baskets waiting for them; we were so excited to have more sun! We made our traditional Easter breakfast, and relaxed and enjoyed the morning until it was time to head to St. Peter's Basilica for Easter service and to hear the Pope's blessing! While we are not Catholic, this was one of my favorite moments! I loved seeing the Pope, and hearing him blesses the cheering crowd in some 60 languages!

After the service we headed into town to find lunch! Tourist trap...we let our stomachs get the best of us and stopped at the first place we saw, Big Mistake! So, we paid for bread and over priced food, and 8 Euro cokes! Ugh...lesson learned a mistake that will not be repeated! Than we wondered through Rome, we saw the Pantheon, and climbed the Victor Emmanuel Monument. Finally we ended our night in a quaint  eateries  http://www.osteriadiagrippa.it/index.php!

Monday begin with a early call to hit the road! Off to Pompeii, Ethan (my 9 year old) had to discover the ruins of Pompeii! After an interesting driving and parking experience we found our way into the crowded streets of a rediscovered city! I have always had a curiosity for the story of Pompeii and the way the Volcano trapped its people, making this moment one of my personal favorites! I had such little understanding of how big the ancient city of Pompeii was/is. I also had such a limited knowledge of the wealth of some in the village. The structures were remarkable, and the talent is unbelievable!

Tuesday was the day of ruins...by that I mean Roman Ruins! I can never describe how impressive these structures are, I simply do not have the vocabulary to capture the beauty that they possess! Hopefully my pictures do them some justice! We walked through the ruins for a couple hours before taking a lunch break and heading to the coliseum!



The Coliseum is an amazing building often used to capture the beauty of the Roman sky line and it does! Then you hear that within the first 100 days 5,000 men and animals were killed there for entertainment! We purchased the audio guide for the kids here, and that allowed us to move freely around the building for over an hour. We enjoyed the view, read the postings, and relaxed while the children had story time in an amazing theater!

Wednesday we went back to the Vatican, but this time for the Museum tour. I had read that the Vatican is home to the world’s longest cue's and you should book your tickets ahead! Luckily I did, because it is! Yikes, the lines went on forever but luckily we walked straight in, but still had to wait in line 30 minutes to get the children's tour on audio guide (well worth every penny, tour told with humor and secret tips)! We loved the museum so much art in the churches collection, I had no idea! The children love the large collection of Egyptian art, I loved the painted ceilings, and Scott loved the history! Towards the end of the museum is the famed Sistine Chapel! Hmmm, what can I say amazing but not what I expected! I think I had my expectations to high! But then St. Peter's Basilica...my expectations were too low, that place is HUGE! It is amazing; it is everything the Pope's church should be! The small staircase leads you below the church in the tombs of past Pope's is an amazing getaway from the heavy crowds above!

Thursday and Friday ended up being our wonder Rome days with trips to the Spanish steps, the Villa Borghese, shopping, and a family bike ride!

After 7 days in Italy the last thing ahead of us was the 10.5 hour car trip home!

Our vacation in Italy was simply amazing, was simply breathtaking, was simply relaxing, was simply yummy, and was simply Roma!

Than dinner Thursday night was at a local place http://www.voy.it/, if you’re ever in Rome it is just a couple blocks from the famed Bridge for Lovers. Our dinner there was the best meal we had in Italy, the best service, and there was even a live Jazz band after 9pm!

Friday, as vacation started to wrap up the rain came rolling in...But we still had one more place to visit Scala Sancta. We braved the rain to see the steps that Jesus Christ stood on during the passion, on his way to trial. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scala_Sancta

After 7 days in Italy the last thing ahead of us was the 10.5 hour car trip home!

Our vacation in Italy was simply amazing, was simply breathtaking, was simply relaxing, was simply yummy, and was simply Roma!