walking with a W A L K E R

It's finally Spring- my favorite time of the year. As I've been following the Iditarod {several times daily} I'm so happy to not be buried in snow. In fact, we didn't lift a shovel all year. One super light snow {shown in the photo below} is about all the snow we received.

Lady and I set out on a walk this morning to enjoy the sun and check out our village. Today is definitely our warmest day yet- a beautiful time to be in Germany.

I like to walk in the woods or on the trails around our village. Today, I decided to walk closer to home- down the streets of our neighborhood.
I would love to have an established routine {story of my life, haha} and get those in our village to know and recognize us.

While they walk all winter regardless of the weather, I've been inside since about October- perhaps even September.

It's no secret- I don't do cold too well.

The day {last month} I took the picture of this lady with her walker it was about five {5} degrees F outside. Ice, cold or snow- they don't let it stop them. They are the real deal here and have earned my upmost respect.

Now, that the temperatures have risen, I think walking in their steps {literally} is perhaps the best way to meet my German neighbors- specifically my elderly German neighbors. I'm taking this approach especially considering I still haven't taken the German class that remains on my to-do list.

Today was a good start.

Our village is so peaceful- especially mid-morning. I received several Guten Morgens from several grandpas- something I now love to hear.

out of the mouth of C O L E M A N

Two years ago, we were tilling up dirt to put in our Kansas garden. Last year, we were still trying to figure out how the phone and garbage systems work over here in Deutschland.

I think we've turned a corner. A huge corner.

Last week one night at dinner, our little blonde boy said something I'm not sure I ever expected to hear.

With a huge smile on his face, our sweet Coleman asked, "Can we live in Germany forever?"

Wow, we've come a long way.

f a s h i n g

I'm a little slow to post these. The real festival was a couple weeks ago.

In Germany, Fashing starts on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Just before the start of Lent, Fashing ends with all of Germany celebrating to ward off the evil spirits of winter and start Spring.

We checked out a local parade the next village over with friends. Much milder and more family friendly than some around the country- it was still quite entertaining.

They close the streets in the village down at noon so they can let the carnival begin.

Ramstein has it as a scheduled day off for the kids. There's no way busses would make it through town.

It's all craziness- these Germans like to throw a party!

As the groups in the parade go by, they throw candy to the kids. Some groups sing and dance. Others chanted whatever they were chanting. Haaaaaaaaaaaaa LOOOOOOOOOOOO. So funny.

Everyone dresses up {not just those in the parade... but everyone on the streets} including the elderly- so much fun. Next year, I might have to get into costume.

Ty and Drake had a good time... their hats fit right in. I've been trying to get anyone to wear them for the last 10 years {since Justin and Ty were little}. Finally, some use!

About an hour into the parade, Caden looked up at me and said, "Is this party almost over?" There were just too many people and way too much noise for my little guy.

Hmmm... maybe he's just a little like his brother {Justin} and his daddy. I thought it was fun.

By the way... the red hair isn't part of any costume... that's your every-day, typical German hairstyle. Doesn't Caden look thrilled?

so many K I D S

Talking to my mom this afternoon, she said I was sounding a little European. I laughed. I guess living here for what, around 500 days now, I guess at the least I should sound a little German.

I was super excited to find a vacation apartment for rent that included sheets and towels.

Crazy, I know. That's just how it is here!

Spring Break is a big thing here.
We are, of course living in Europe with so many destinations SO close.

How can you not get out and travel? Knowing we wouldn't be making the family trip to the Canary Islands {$7000 USD quote} or a nice cruise around Greece {around $1000 USD per person} there are still a zillion options and I refuse to stay home for that entire week in April!

We're ready to go!

The search has been on. With so many destinations high on my list of places to see, I asked Justin where he would like most to go since he is the first to return to the US and will miss out on our European travels.

His response, "Wherever we go, I think it will be fun."
How can a mom wish for any more than that? I'm telling you- boys are kind of wonderful.

So, along with a friend- we've been scouring all of Germany for hotels in an attempt to finalize plans for Spring Break for our two families to spend together.

Europe is crazy and difficult.

Finding hotels for a family of six- almost impossible. I just laugh looking at them. It's as if we have a ton of kids- most places have their largest room available for 2 kids. Such a different culture.

My friend and I narrowed it down to either Amsterdam or the Black Forest- searching both areas for lodging. I found this hotel in the Black Forest for about $510 for two nights, but that's for only 3 people. Check out the extras:

All children from 4 to 12 years are charged EUR 5 per night per person for extra beds.
One older child or adult is charged EUR 15 per night and person in an extra bed.
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 4.

Crazy... that would be maybe $300+ a night.

So, a popular option for those of us with more than one kid is to rent an apartment. Lots of options and the prices are much lower. I'm almost settled on one, but look at a few of the other options I found:

Here's a response I got from one in Strassbourg, France... {direct quote, no joke}

Thanks for your message; The flat is available for the dates you choose, but it will be a little "just" for so many people ! How old are the children ? There are only 3 sleeping-rooms and a living where it is possible to sleep...Please give me exactly the number of nights you will stay and I make you an offer.
Best regards
D.MT

Nope, we're not going there.

Here's another one closer to Cologne. Nothing fancy, either. I was shocked at their prices- not the base price, but check out all of the extras. They're no joke here.  

Hi Sheila,

 

No problem. House is still available from Easter Sunday (8 April) until 12 April.

And the house has got 5 bedrooms. So no problem to accommodate 5 adults and 5 children.Rental price is 75 Euro for 2 adults together/night and 25 Euro per extra adult/night and 15 Euro/night for every child. So in total for 4 nights it will be 900 Euro. {that's about $1200 USD for 4 nights- $300/night}

 

Please take into account that on top of the rental fee we do charge a fee for bedding, towels and cleaning of 10 Euro per person independent of duration of stay. Of course, the house has to be left in the same condition and "broom clean" (ie. reasonably clean and tidy, as if swept out with a broom), but still the place has to be prepared for the next guests, bed sheets and towels will have to be exchanged etc. That is the reason for charging that fee.

 

We also ask for a deposit of 100 Euro to cover any potential damages and consumption of water, gas and electricity. The remainder will of course be refunded. The cost of the consumption of water, electricity and gas (for heating) can be exactly calculated and checked anytime, thanks to the meters installed. It is 1.6050 Euro per m3 water, 0.2444 Euro per kWh for electricity (power) and 0.06128 Euro per kWh (1m3=9.94465 kWh) for gas.

 

Best regards,

Eckart

As I responded to Herr Eckart and let him know this wouldn't work for us, he wrote back:

 

Thanks for your quick response. I am sorry that it is too expensive for you, but a whole house with 5 bedrooms and a garden in a good location has got its price. I do hope you will find something suitable for your needs.

 

Best regards,

Eckart Bierduempel

 

At least he was nice. Don't get me wrong. $300 a night is fine if you're getting a nice, high-end Hyatt or Hilton hotel.These are just plain, ole' apartments.

 

My search is on...

a S O R E leg

It's been a long week for all of us, but at least there was NO basketball!
Jim had a double dose of school with a course during the days {for work} and a one-week intensive course {University of Oklahoma} at night as he's plugging away at his Master's degree.

With a pre-course writing assignment {12-14 pages long}, class every week night from 6-9:30 and all day Saturday and Sunday from 8-4:30 with quizzes included, then a post-course writing assignment- he's been working!

To make matters worse, the title of this course {that he registered for on his own} is "Democracy and Democracies," a subject that doesn't interest either of us.

We had another one of those deep spouse-to-spouse chats {that we often have} this week about making decisions without the other's input.

This is one of those times, and I think the lesson was learned.

Jim know that if he wants help writing... I have to be interested in the subject matter!

We are in the midst of changing his major from International Relations to Human Relations and I  picked out his next course- Helping Relationships. Sounds much more interesting, don't you agree?

Lady also had a rough week as she had surgery yesterday to remove a mast on her leg. She's fine, but hobbling around a bit.

The little guys can't understand why she had to be shaven and why she has staples in her. I think the little patch of hair they shaved on her front leg for her iv is kinda sweet.

Poor baby.

She had the plastic collar thing off in about 10 seconds flat. so we've had to monitor her extra closely to make sure she doesn't lick or mess with her site. Boxers are known for not only their escape tactics and being smart but also for being extremely stubborn. She fits all three.

For now, we'll pamper her a little. She still loves her fireplace.
{As if she's not spoiled a little as it is...}

Up this weekend: relaxing with the boys. Is that possible?

home or G U E S T S ?

Where did he come from?

Caden loves to wear the same color as the basketball team. He knows white is for home games and navy is for away games.

Saturday, for Justin's game he asked the familiar question, "Are we home or guests?" It was a tournament, so of course- I didn't know which really irritates him.

It wasn't until we got to the game that I realized rather than take a risk- he wore both.

Navy shorts and his t-shirt with his whites over the top. As soon as he realized Ramstein was guests, rather than strip off his whites- he had to go to the bathroom to change.

Funny, funny, kid.

T R A C K season is here

It was a long weekend of basketball for ALL of us!

Saturday morning, the little guys had their last game which meant our {Jim, Ty and me} last game of coaching.

Overall, it was successful and I like to think a positive experience all the way around.

Ty and I really enjoyed the coaching aspect of the season with our seven and eight-year old little players.

For Jim, it was a little painful.

He asked me to please not volunteer us for basketball again. Just around the corner, he is going to be assistant coach for Caden's t-ball team.

Our friend is head coach, so it should be fun. I'll be back on the sidelines taking pictures and video. I have no pictures of our basketball season- we were on the court the whole time. Oh, well.

Justin and the Ramstein Royals basketball team had the European Championship tournament in Wiesbaden, Germany- about an hour north of us.

Wiesbaden has an army base {where the tournament was held} and is located next to Mainz, Germany- a beautiful city.

I missed a turn on our way home one night, and we were re-routed by the GPS through downtown Mainz.

Nervous to drive in downtown cities anywhere in Europe- I wasn't thrilled to be navigating my way through this major city on a Friday night.

At a glance, it was an amazing city. We will definitely be returning to see more of Mainz.

With games on Thursday, Friday and the championship game Saturday night it was a LOT of driving- close to 150 miles each day.

Fortunately, this is a beautiful country- even in February.

I still find myself in awe of the churches, vineyards and beautiful villages nestled in the rolling hills. Jim drove Saturday, so I was able to take a couple pictures from the passenger seat.

After a tough tournament and some competitive basketball, the championship game was a let down to say the least. We were extremely disappointed in the playing and coaching.

Ramstein lost, ending up second place in Division 1. Not the way to end a season, but Justin's relieved it's over. By Sunday morning, he had already moved on. He woke up ready for track season and hit the gym to lift weights.

I think we're through the worst of winter, the bulbs are starting to pop. I'm ready to hit the road to get out and see Germany.

It's going to be a full spring and summer!

 Coleman started off watching, but got bored. He spent the second half resting between the bleachers on the floor. We were all exhausted!

t r e a s u r e s

We endulged in delicious food, but also found some treasures along the way.

I don't consider myself very sentimental.

I'm also not a collector of very much. I don't do spoons or magnets or stamps or dolls.

That's not saying I don't like to spend money, I just usually am way too practical and am not drawn to extra things or old things- especially dishes or things I have to find a place to store them.

Until now.

I really like the look of modern and clean mixed with simple, antique pieces with tons of charm.

I especially like the crown on this jar...

I do like pens and paper- that's probably as close as I have to a collection of anything which isn't saying much.

I feel like I have enough to clean up and pick up without extra things everywhere. But, I might be changing- a little.

We found some cool stuff. I could get used to this flea-market style shopping through the dust to find the treasures. I loved it. Everything is old over here- how can I not shop for antiques?

Of course, the questions kept going through my mind... when am I going to be back here?

Will I regret not picking up a few of these things while living in Europe?

I didn't buy much, but a few fun things. I plan to find more- lots more.

At our first stop, we found these slate-ish, light blue serving bowls.

I immediately thought about my grandma- not sure what she had or why, but I love the color. And, I don't normally like anything blue.

We each picked up a couple. They're not old, or antique or even a one-of-a kind item, but I liked them. Plus, they're from France, right?

For now, it will hold pears and sit on the counter so I can look at it. Kind of simple, super cheap. Fun find.

While I don't have a collection {yet}, I'm really drawn to old glass. I love old blue Mason jars that you can see the bubbles in the glass. Here, they have the antique green thistle and apothecary jars. We found a few and I love them.

The little one was less than $2.The others around $6 each- can't pass that up? I can find that at the bottom of the washer in a week's time.

Up next, I'm on a mission to find big bottles.

I'm in love with these Pottery Barn oversized wine bottles. They're $99 - $279 online. The description online says, "Purchased from a collector who carefully selected them from restaurants throughout Central Europe, these vintage glass bottles were once used to store wine or sunflower oil."

Here, a friend found a really cool one- very similar to these for 15 Euro- just less than $20. What a deal. I'm thinking since we're in Central Europe- I definitely need to bring a few back.

Aren't they just lovely? The search is on.

shrink-wrapped S T E A K

One of the best parts of our day-long shopping outing was the authentic French lunch we enjoyed.
Fabulous little spot we were lucky enough to stumble across.

You hear it all the time to ask the locals where they recommend.

In any foreign country, there's always a language barrier. Boy are we learning this living over here!

In my {super} limited time in France, it feels way more difficult to communicate than in Germany. Of course, I understand knowing a little German helps.

Germans are often not super friendly, but I think the French are even a few steps further in the non-friendly direction.

Some say a lot of the French just refuse to speak English even if they know English perhaps feeling inadequate and refusing to risk looking or sounding stupid.

I wish I could just communicate to all of them that my French is WAY worse {pretty much non-existent} than their English. Merci is about all I know and have been able to retain.

Sometimes, I just don't think I have that language-learning-ability gene. It's tough stuff- especially French.

 Anyhow- we were lucky enough to hit a shop that the worker spoke English. He directed us to this golf-course restaurant just down the street.

Amazing. Amazing. Amazing.

I'm feeling a little tall here!

After getting the server to help us in translating the menu the best he could, we still weren't totally sure what we were in for. I think we each ended up being delighted with our selections.

I ordered:

A cream of mushroom soup- think super thick, super rich, super calorie-filled goodness. Of course, there was bread on the table to go with it.

I especially loved the soup bowl/spoon combo that they served it in. How cool is that to rest your spoon on top of the bowl? Might have to find some of these.

Salmon over a bed of lentils. We understood the salmon. The lentils were a pleasant surprise and were fabulous together.

For dessert, I had an apple torte or strudle or something yummy with a buttery crust.

The presentation, atmosphere and of course company was perfect for our mid-week outing.

Maybe this is why the French take at least two-hour lunch breaks every day and everything closes down. They know how to enjoy their food and their down time.

As we were checking out, two of my friends had left-over steak that they wanted to take home.

It took the server a minute to figure out they wanted a to-go box. That language-barrier thing again.

He took the remainder of their steaks, and brought them back shrink-wrapped, placed on a platter.

How crazy is that? Another first. Lots and lots of firsts over here.

M E T Z and other parts of france

It's been a really full month.
Beautiful and full.

I think I favor February of course- it's my birthday month.

Plus, I think it feels closer to spring and through the bulk of winter. Tulips are just around the corner, right?

Of course, there is lots and lots of love in this month.

Earlier this month, I was invited to go shopping with three friends to France. It is still kinda {really} cool to say, "Yes, we just buzzed over to France today to shop."

We had another France shopping day set up before realizing that it was on a Monday when everything in France is closed down. Oops. The last trip they made, I wasn't able to make it.

So, this time I was excited it worked to go! We had a delightful trip.

It's a wonderful thing to learn from friends here how to do things and do things right. I feel so blessed to be associated with so many dynamic women I'm lucky enough to call friends.

They had our day mapped out with addresses and locations along with the time between stores.

It worked to get the kids off to school, hit the road and we were home pretty close to when the kids were home.

How beautiful is this place?

And to think it's the middle of winter and still beautiful.

I took all of these photos while on the go while driving through the cities in search of our flea-market shops.

Just another day of shopping, but not really. 

he S I G N E D

It was a proud day for us. Justin finally signed his National Letter of Intent and accepted his scholarship to go to school and play football at Highland. 

Full tuition and books is pretty exciting. It's official. Whew.

His football coach set it up so Justin and his friend and teammate Jaap could sign together.
Jaap was offered a fabulous scholarship to compete on the track team at Concordia University in Nebraska.

It was pretty special for both of our families to to be there while our {shy} boys had their moment in the spotlight.

It was pretty cool to have several guys from the football team, girlfriends, coaches, the principal and other friends there to watch and congratulate the boys.

Our little Coleman missed out as he was busy on a German field trip eating schnitzel for lunch.

Caden was thrilled to be pulled out of school for his big brother's special day. He was especially shy up in front of the gathering. Imagine that- a little like his brother.

His football coach said Jaap and Justin are his first players to actually sign before going to college.

He's had several students play in college- but this is the first signing for his football players.

We're SO proud.

Life is SO exciting.

no more B R A C E S

It wasn't a snow day, but instead a two-hour delay for students and civilians working on base. Active-duty personnel still had to report on time.

Does that make any sense? Not to me.

Guess there is a lot about the military {government in general} that doesn't makes sense to me. I should just let it go...

Anyhow, the clinic was open, so Ty made his early-morning appointment with the orthodontist this week.

They're off.

He's THRILLED.... worth every dime of the thousands we spent on his braces to see him smile and SO happy!

It's been almost three years that he's had them on. Once we moved to Germany, we were able to be seen on base and no longer had to pay.

Up until that point, it wasn't cheap. In the end- so worth it. I'm just grateful we were able to do it. Now, he's excited to floss. We'll see how long that lasts... Check out these before pictures.... then the after shot- quite a transformation!

we're F R E E Z I N G

Three weeks ago, I noticed these sweet bulbs coming up out of the ground.

Knowing it was early, I didn't think too much except Spring had to be around the corner.

We hadn't had much of a winter, just lots and lots of rain and lots and lots of grey.

Boy, were we in for a surprise! Our winter has arrived. Three weeks ago, it snowed less than an inch and has stayed on the ground with freezing temperatures every since.  Freezing! Hovering around zero, it's been horrible!

It started snowing again this afternoon- three of the boys are praying for a snow day or at the least a delayed start. Ty on the other hand is hoping the snow will stop since he's scheduled to get his braces off at 7:00 am tomorrow.

We'll see what happens.

he's going to be a S C O T T I E

Wednesday was National Signing Day for college athletes.

After receiving several really great scholarship offers from schools in Kansas and Illinois, Justin finally knows where he's going.

He's not the only one relieved by the decision- we're pretty happy as well.

After one more phone call with the coach Wednesday night, he gave his verbal committment to Highland Community College in Highland, Kansas.

He's going to be a Scottie.

While on the phone with Justin, the recruiting coach told him he just made his day. He then called over to the head coach to get on the phone.

Justin heard him say, "Hey, the kid from Germany wants to sign with us."

They were both pretty excited.

Initially, he was most impressed with two of the private four-year schools in Kansas. He liked the coaches and the strong academics. Highland wasn't high on his list for the fact that it's out in the middle of no where. Not really, it's only forty-five minutes from Kansas City.

For Justin, he really wants to play the highest level of football he can play which made it even harder for him to make his decision. As a loyal kid, he knew if he signed with any of them, he'd give them his whole four years.

They're a new coaching staff rebuilding a program. They let it be known they're going to do things right.

“Highland is committed to winning,” said Held. “We will run a first class program where student-athletes can come and have a jumping board, both academically and athletically, to find the four-year environment that fits them.”

We're even more excited two of Justin's friends from Mulvane have signed to play football there as well. It's nice to know he'll have other moms close to watch him. He should get his papers this week and is going to sign sometime at school.