G L A S S blowing

It's going to take me a month to post pictures from our three-day Black Forest trip at the rate I'm going.

Jim's been gone again, so I've stepped into the single-mom role with a little more on my plate than usual.

He's traveled more since moving to Germany with this job than he has his entire career.

His time away still pales in comparison to many, many others serving in the military and I know this.

On trips in the past, I used to cry every night just looking at my single toothbrush next to the sink as he was away.

I do much better now. Still missing him immensely- shedding fewer tears. My heart overflows with gratitude to be so in love with that hunk of a man I'm luck enough to call mine. 

Last week, it was three days in London followed by a night at home and off again to a quick conference in Oklahoma.

We'll be happy to have him home.

Back to our quick Spring Break trip with the Harness family.

We left Strassbourg headed in the direction of our ranch house with a stop at the Dorotheenhutte Museum- a glass-blowing workshop and museum.

Turns out- it was pretty cool. It was a cold day, so being inside was perfect- especially with that smokin' hot fire going.

The glass-blowing worker would splash water on his arms before going over to the stove to heat the glass. Can't imagine how hot he gets. His forearms definitely get a work out.

We watched the guy making a few vases, then let the boys get up and work with him. The boys were able to pick the colors and actually blow the glass a little with him.

He did most of the work {obviously} but they had a hand in it and are extremely proud of their masterpieces!

Both vases turned out beautiful. The experience was worth it. I'm surprised we made it home with both still intact- they couldn't keep their hands off of them {big and little guys, for the record}.

Not sure what this little guy is going to do when his brother heads off to college in a couple months...

Justin and Caden made a blue, black and white one. Coleman and Ty chose red and white. It was a great time had by all.

Of course, there were lots of wood carvings, half-timbered houses and trees as the winding roads are as  picturesque and scenic as you see in the books. It is a beautiful, beautiful land.