B R A T W U R S T from our oma

I was taught a great lesson this week. I would like to think I knew how blessed we are.
As a family, we were reminded again of how rich we truly are.

It was Christmas eve, we had eaten dinner and were watching a movie as a family. Everyone was getting along {not always the case}.

The fire was hot. The tree was lit along with candles throughout our living room. Our bellies were full.

Everyone was content just spending time together.

Everyone was excited for Christmas morning.
The doorbell rang. It rang a few times. I assumed it had to be friends with a small child pushing the button over and over and over.

To our surprise, it was our Oma from across the street.

Her hands were full. Her heart was full as well.

She had candy for the boys, bratwurst for Jim and a flowering plant for me. She explained how to spread the bratwurst on bread or crackers. She thanked Jim and Caden over and over for shoveling her walkway after the last snow.

As she handed it to me she this Azelea {wrapped with foil on the bottom to hold the water from running out of the plastic planting pot}, said something I will never forget.

"Chai-LA {how she says Sheila} I don't know what to get you. You have everything."

Her eyes filled with tears and she started to cry.

She is a very lonley lady.
Her health is poor. She has very little.

To her, we do have everything. We are a family.
I couldn't agree more.

the F R I E D H O F

Just as there is a Main Street in every US town, there are specific streets here that you find in every single village.

The Hauptstrasse is the main street through every village. Haupt is literally translated as head. Wald means forest- so that street is up by the woods.

There is usually the Schulstrasse- or the street where the school is located. The big B- looking letter actually makes the sound of "ss". We're lucky enough in our village to have a Marktstrasse- or the street where you'll find our little market. Easy enough, right?

This country isn't complicated, is it?

Well, we live on Friedhofstrasse. The Friedhof is the cemetary, found just up from our house.
My mom really enjoys cemetaries- always has. I won't say I love them and I definitely don't hate them. I just haven't spent much time in them.

Before winter hit, our adopted Oma across the street was just coming back from the Friedhof.

She let me know her parents were buried there.

Of course they were.

Families don't move here like they do in much of the United States. She lives in the same house they did.

Tears fell down her cheeks while talking to me about her parents. In her mixed German and English, sometimes it is hard to understand all of what she's saying. I get the bulk of it.

I asked her if I could go up with her so she could show me around the cemetary. She said once it was Spring, we would go.

While walking this week, I took a little more time to look over the fence {dogs aren't allowed in and I had Ladybug} catching my curiosity.

Some dates are recent. I'm sure others are super old. The names- so German. Duh.

I love these planter/stones that are common here. A built-in pot for planting, or some have a cut-out space for plants and flowers to be planted. They're mini gardens. I've never seen anything like it before.

Then again, I haven't been through that many cemetaries.

How practical. Beautiful. It's that recurring simple-beauty theme that continues to show itself almost daily.

So many already had fresh flowers already planted. Without question- they're spotless, cleaner even than my kitchen floor. Not a spot. How do they do it? I really need to learn.

pure J O Y pure C O L D

I think this is one of the sweetest pictures I've ever taken- I just L O V E  it. Pure joy.

It's actually pure COLD as Jim jumped in the pool for one of the last times this summer with the little guys. I knocked on the door to ask the Frau if they could swim. Again, {as always} she said, "Of course!!! But, it's cold."

Her grandson jumped in, then straight back out saying it was TOO cold. Not for our Alaskan-born boys. Justin was at the lake with friends. Ty had enough heat with football practice, but for Coleman and Caden it was the perfect day for a swim.

I let her know I'd let the little guys know- she said, "No problem. They can swim." After the initial jump in, the cold didn't even phase Coleman- he stayed in for at least two hours the last two days. Caden at least took little breaks to warm up.

Jim was just plain cold! I hear it gets warmer as you stay in. I didn't take chances and laid in the sun on the grass.

This evening, Jim mowed our new yard- I went to the pool with the little guys. It hit in the mid-80's probably and was a beautiful German day. As soon as he finished, he jumped in the pool to cool off and play with the little guys.

After a little bit, the grandma and grandpa came out to visit. It was the first time we've met the Grandpa {Alexandra's father}.

He was excited to chat with Jim about planes and the Air Force in his mix of German and English. Jim caught most of it. More than anything, we LOVED how kind they are and just the fact that they wanted to visit with us.

I am still in absolute amazement {daily} of the wonderful {German} people we are now surrounded by. Truly, good people. I'm grateful this will be our memory of our time here.

The Grandpa let us know it's supposed to be cold this next week, he's going to let the water out of the pool- summer is over. He asked Jim what he does. As soon as he said he works with planes- he wanted to chat- it was ON.

He then went on to pull out his pilot's license {FAA certified from Oklahoma City, OK} and wanted to show Jim everything. He has pictures he's going to get ready to show him next time we visit.

He went into the house then, came back out in his swimming shorts and got in the pool {his pool} with Jim and the boys. While in the pool, the grandma and I sat on the sidelines watching. She said to me while watching Jim swim with the boys all over him, "He is a wonderful father. You have a wonderful unit." Then, she said, "Unit? Is that the word?" I got it and I know. She knew she meant family.

What a nice compliment.

I'm so blessed to have the most amazing husband and father of our boys. I was surprised she could see it already. After our swim, we left and headed in to make dinner. She sent us off with a jar of homemade jam that looks fabulous.

I'm not sure what kind- she didn't know the English translation, I didn't know the German.

It could be anything and I wouldn't care. Her act of kindness is noted with me forever.

the hills are A L I V E

Oh, I love the church bells in our village. It's right down the street from our house. They ring all the time... sometimes for ten or fifteen minutes straight.

I have yet to figure out the pattern or the times, but love listening to the chiming. So calming and beautiful. Definitely one thing I will miss about Europe.

We usually have family movie night on Friday nights. The little boys get to stay up which is the best part for them. I made the rule that I get to pick it if I'm going to watch it with them.  Most of the time that works out.

Tonight, I'm thinking it's one of my all-time favorites: The Sound of Music.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to have resistance {mostly from their daddy}, but I'll try it- it's already rented.

Next week at this time, we plan to be in beautiful Salzburg, Austria with my sister and her husband where they taped The Sound of Music. I'm not sure we can see it all in a day- we better not blink.

With a jam-packed itinerary {with help from so many of my Germany friends} and more than enough to see and do, I can't wait! I'm so ready for a break and some fun and to see my sister.

B L O W your horn area

I have seen two of these signs- both along the bike trail leaving our village. They don't point to any specific space, monument or building. Just in the general direction of the trail.

I still can't figure out what it means. It's the craziest thing.

Any ideas? I probably should just ask a German.

brighter O U T L O O K

Look what showed up in our village tonight- right across the street from us. I think our house {the pot of gold} is where it ends. I'm feeling that lucky and happy, truly. It feels so nice.

It was a day of deals for the Dickey household. I'm so excited, I can't stand it. Little things- nothing big. On the used-items site, Jim found this mini-freezer that we went and picked up this morning. Jim says he's convinced buying nice used things are the way to go.

I've never been too good at garage-sale shopping. I want to, I'm just not patient and have never figured out the art of garage-sale shopping. I'm not good at bargining either.

I'm definitely not against buying used things, it's just sometimes so much work to find exactly what you're looking for.

Here, it's kind of like a garage sale-except it's online and mostly military families coming and going. No sorting through the worn-out stuff to get to the good stuff. Maybe, it's a little more my style.

Especially here with so many military families moving in and our- there is a lot of nice to be found at really discount prices. It's taken a long time for me to hear this from my husband. I might need to get it in writing from a man who LOVES to shop and loves nice {new} and the best of everything.

We scored on a couple other items, I'll have to show once they're assembled and in use. For today- I'm thrilled for more freezer space- I'm thrilled. Again, it's the little things that are making me so happy right now.

Overall, I'd even be tempted to put it out there that this has been once of our best weeks since moving to Germany. Yes, yesterday I was beyond excited to get rid of these kids. Today, I'm still excited for school to start.

Next week, my little sister and her super cool hubby are coming for a visit. Maybe that's why my outlook is so bright. While I really needed them a few months ago, I'll take them now- no complaints!

I think this last month {since we moved, actually} has been a turn-a-round month for our whole family which has really made me think and focus on my attitude. I can't help but wonder if my negative, depressed, struggling attitude is what brought our whole family down in making and adjusting to this move.

In a way, I feel in a why like I'm back. Normally upbeat, this year has been beyond a struggle. The excited, take-on-the-world super happy way my head feels now is how I think I normally feel. I know we havce more struggles ahead- that's life, especially in Germay. But, for now I'll enjoy it.

It's nice to be back.

almost time for S C H O O L

This mama is ready for her kiddos to GO TO SCHOOL. I think more than ever before- it can't come soon enough! I'd stick backpacks on them today if I could kick them out the door. In an attempt to {enjoy} the last couple days of summer we've been swimming, playing, relaxing and sleeping in.

Orientations are done. Now, they just need to GO! I'm pretty sure I won't even cry dropping Caden off. I'm excited.

Today, we met Caden's teacher and saw his classroom. With 15 kindergarten classes at the Elementary School, it's nice to know there are only 17 in his class.

In filling out the sheet about him to give the teacher a intro- we were at a total loss. How in the world do you describe our little guy?

She'll find out sooner or later. We did let her know he'll probably love cleaning the room. Rest time? We'll see how that goes.

This late afternoon, we hit the pool which was cool but not too cool for Coleman and Caden. Jim finished up mowing our new backyard. We envision putting our fire pit out there, badmitton, soccer and lots of fun.

It's a great space- these are the {before} pictures. I'll have to take a new one now that it's mowed. You can't even see the back of it from here- it's a nice, big space. I still can't believe she's letting us call it ours for our time here.

This weekend: down time as a family. I can't wait.

S U M M E R is here

Ok, it really does get hot in Germany.

It actually feels like summer. I love it. This week it is in the high 80's and low 90's with beautiful sunny skies.

The only downside- these houses don't have air conditioning which makes for long, sweaty nights even with fans blowing on high. Knowing it is short lived, I can handle it.

Swimming every day this week has helped, too. The boys are in heaven. Coleman specifically.

I'm even more convinced that I was before- when we moved back to the states and get settled we need a pool. Nothing huge or fancy, but something to swim in.

The base {indoor} pool is nice. Community pools are fun as well. But, in your own backyard? I'm pretty sure nothing can beat it.

coleman is a F I S H

I finally broke down and cried in front of her. Real tears. Tears of joy. I don't think I got the scrunched-up ugly cry face, but tears flowed out that I couldn't stop.

A couple weeks ago, I saw Alexandra outside moving rocks. She had a wheel barrow with a flat tire. I jumped on Ty to get out and help her. Without complaint, he ran out there and helped with her yard project.

As he finished up helping, she let him know that her mom has a pool in her backyard. The boys were invited to swim whenever they would like to. What a nice invitation- I couldn't believe it.

Yesterday morning, we were headed out to shop and ran in to Alexandra's husband in the driveway. After a few minutes of chatting he said, "You know my mother-in-law has a pool. Feel free to send the boys over whenever you would like." Again, I was taken back with how warm and nice they BOTH are. We had a nice warm day yesterday and decided to take them up on it.

Jim and I first walked over there {without boys} to make sure it was ok. They were all in the backyard which made us kind of shy away thinking we'd come back another day. Instead, we walked up to the pool {she was swimming} and asked if it was ok to bring them over.

I think I asked about ten times just to make sure it was ok. She said, "Not a problem. Do not hesitate- yes, they can swim." So, we got Coleman and Caden and headed back to the pool.

Coleman had a blast and didn't come out of the pool the whole time we were over there. Conversation was so nice- she brought out lemonade and ice-cream cones for everyone {special for Caden since he wasn't feeling well}. Yummy Italian ice cream. Then, she asked me a question.

She said, "Sheila. Would you like another garden?" I think I had a confused look on my face. I wasn't sure what she was saying. I know garden is what they call their yards- but was she just going to pull one out of no where?"

She then said, "Come. Let me show you." We walked back just a little bit to a back section of her mom's yard. She asked if we would like to use the space. 

There is an area you can see was once set up for a garden. Trees and lots of space with fence around. It's a little overgrown with grass and a little bumpy but, it's a yard.

This is the point I lost it. I said something to the fact that we could have a garden next summer and work in the dirt. She said, "You can do whatever you want to. Barbeque, garden, play. Whatever." I looked at her and said in response, "You are too nice to us. You have no idea."

"Sheila, Sheila, Sheila... oh, no," she said as she put her arm around me. I probably shocked her- I'm sure she thought I was so silly looking at this weedy, grassy empty lot of land. It's true. I'm so grateful we found them this early into our time here in Germany. 

As we left the pool, she said we needed to come back today and swim more since it was supposed to be warm again. She especially liked swimming with Coleman and said to him, "Coleman- you are a fish."

What a difference one person can make on your life- for good or bad.

I feel so blessed right now that we have her.

its a little D O O R

We're surrounded. Luckily, it's not a bad thing. Our house is right off the street- connected to a huge garage with three different bays.

Connected to our house is the first section that they keep all their mowers and yard stuff in.

Even with our oversized single garage and huge basement, Alexandra told Jim he could keep his mower/weedwacker or even the big bikes in if we needed the room.

Directly behind our house is Alexandra's brother's house. Their driveway goes along the side of our house. On one side of his house is Alexandra's house and to the other side is their mother's house.

All three are beautiful homes with gated driveways and immaculately landscaped yards. No chicken coops around here.

We have a little terrace behind our bedroom with a big wall. So, behind that wall is the brother. In spite of beind so close to their house, it actually feels quite private. Super close to the kitchen- if I have my way, we {Jim} grill out every weekend.
Slowly, we're making our way through the boxes- settling a little more each day.

Here's a look at the little guys' bedroom. The view from their window is directly into the brothers yard. Not a bad view.

Here's a look at their room put together. A valance up, quilts on their beds. It should stay nice and clean since their toy room is hidden through this small door.

The best thing about it- the doors are so almost soundproof, when they're playing in there I can't hear a thing.

It's great.

Yes, it's a little door- I have to duck going in and yes, I've already hit my head more than once.

Today, it's more work on the office in the loft.
Eventually, we'll have an organized house.

so many C A N S

A week after moving in {after she returned from a trip to their vacation home in Italy}, I had the chance to spend some time with Alexandra, our new landlord. The more I am around her, the more I like her.

Everytime I walk away from her I say to myself and anyone around me, "She is just so nice. I can't believe how nice she is." Yes, I say the same thing every single time. Over and over.

Getting our utilities set up was one of the most stressful things related to our relocation. I now understand why my friend didn't quite understand what I was talking about or why I was so frustrated for weeks on end.
Alexandra did it all for us. She set up the Electric/Gas appointment and let me know what day they were coming to sign the contract. It's the same company for both utilities- how easy is that? We're paying our estimated water straight to her with our rent so no worries or another direct deposit to set up.

Garbage. It's been one of the most difficult things until this last month. Look at all these garbage cans. and they're all ours.

Five cans total and three of them are gigantic.

I almost can't believe it. After moving in, we had more than we ever had in our other house. I was happy with that. They have a BIO collection in this village which is wonderful.
The glass recycle bins are at the end of our street as well which is super convenient. This experience has made me understand that it's not that difficult- with a little help from a German-speaking landlord kind enough to take care of you.

Last week, Alexandra let me know she called the garbage company and they would be bringing larger cans for us. I was in shock. She made the call for us. Over garbage- so silly. They not only brought a new larger black can {for our yucky garbage}, we now have two. The smaller is the size of our old one.

They also brought a new small BIO can to go with our super large BIO can we already have. Check out this super huge blue paper can as well.

One day after working on some house stuff with her she said, "I really hope you enjoy living here." She has no idea. Not a clue.

the B E FO R E look upstairs

Since I obviously don't have our upstairs put together {yet}, here's what the before looks like. I hope to have a burst of energy and drive to finish up this whole move-and-get-settled thing any day now. It's so easy to start out strong, then fizzle. Why do I have to do that? It's so irritating.

This is the loft area that is now our office. Look at all that light. It gets warm up there, too but the windows open all the way up which is nice. Already, I love sitting up there when it is raining which has been about every other day this month. The beating of the rain on the upper windows is so calming.

Here's a look back across the upstairs. The boys bathroom is at the end. Coleman and Caden's bedroom is next door. Justin 's room is next and Ty's is closest to the computer. Yes, I do think that's how he picked his bedroom. It was all a question of proximity. Router. Wireless Internet speed. Games. Need I say more? Oh, my sweet Ty.

At this end is the bonus {slanted} room that is now an overflow office {junk} room and spare bed set up for Justin to sleep in once company comes and he gives up his bedroom.

Have I mentioned how much we LOVE living next to base since most of everything in our life right how happens on base? I love that Jim gets off work at 5:00 and can be home by 5:05. Love it. I know it's crazy, but it feels like so much more time together.

B E A U T I F U L gladiolus

Look what we picked! A few months ago, we found beautiful tulips in this you-pick field.

This time, we were able to walk to the field as the sunflowers and gladiolus are in bloom.
Again, the small field is beautiful with every color available.

With stems as tall as Caden, it was fun to just walk around looking at the full, vibrant blooms.

You simply walk down the rows, pick the flowers you want, then put your money in the coin slot to pay for them.

Just a quick fifteen-minute walk from our house, Coleman and Caden rode their bikes while Lady and I walked.
We made it home with five of them and delivered two to Oma across the street who was delighted.

As it feels like summer is slowly slipping away, it was a bonus to feel the sunshine on my face- made for a great afternoon.

testing out the T R A I L S

Lately, the weekends just seem to go by way too fast. It was a nice weekend around here, just not nearly long enough.

As mentioned in my previous post, we finally took a break from unpacking and cleaning to get out and enjoy the trails in our new village.

Saturday, we went on a four-mile trek. Sunday, we ventured out for two miles. Coleman and Caden rode their bikes both days. Ty joined us on Sunday which was great.

Jim was kind enough to jog & walk with me since I'm still a wanna-be runner who moves slower than anyone in this entire world. Entire world, no joke.

After a two-month break from running with my friend, I was feeling the aches {again}. It was nice to get moving again and especially to take in a little fresh air. As red as my face gets, you would have thought I was sprinting. Aah... the joy of getting back in shape. There's a special bonding that I feel when we work out together and I love it. We just need to do it more.

The little boys loved it, too. Of course, Lady was in heaven. We took periodic breaks, said Morgen and Halo to several grandpa and grandmas and enjoyed the calm and beauty around us.

Here's a little of Mackenbach and the sights in our neighborhood.

A little corner grocery store

There are two bakeries around the corner from us. The first weekend we were here, we took off to do errands. With no breakfast food in the house, we left Ty some Euro to run get something at the Bakery so he wouldn't starve. He said he started talking to the lady in German and she politely said in return, "You can just say it in English." Kind of funny.

There are a lot of Americans in our village being so close to the base. I'm sure she's used to Americans. He said the pasteries were yummy.

A little restaurant just down the street. We'll have to try it out.

Love, love, love the horses. Across from this field is a field with about 15 of them. Beautiful.

We found this little guy in a field of wheat. A couple others were close by.

We take this bridge to leave our village and into the wooded area across the street. The bike trails within our village and going out are endless. You can probably take a different route every day of the year and still have options. We did go on the same trails we mistook for a street just a few months ago. We're learning.

 I also LOVE, love, love the amazing wildflowers here. I think that might be what reminds me most of Alaska. The colors are amazing. Here are a couple. I was running too fast {haha} to get pictures of them all.

Mission Accomplished: two exhausted little guys back home again

Maybe we should have started with a shorter ride and worked up to four miles. They were both pooped!