Back In Germany

Forgive me blogoshere, for it has been nine months since my last post.....

WOW!! How did that Happen!?!? It wasn't that the last year was uneventful... DC was just a culture shock for us. BUT, God is good and returned us to Germany. Apparently, we have unfinished business here. I am eagerly awaiting the "Midnight Editor" to tap me on the shoulder and let me know what my mission is going to be here.

We are really looking forward to life in Wiesbaden. The city is gorgeous! Just in our few walks downtown we are already in LOVE. (Unfortunately, I forgot my camera a few times! oops!) We find ourselves staring out the windows in complete peace. We can feel the pace of our lives slowing and the joy returning to our lives. The children are loving all the greenspaces and playgrounds. Aaron has been finding great pleasure in discovering new running routes. (which I promise to test out SOON!)

Owen goes to the farm

Owen and I went to Miller Farms in Clinton, MD this Friday with our friends from the MOPS group. It was lots of fun. His favorite part by far was riding on the tractor. He did like the animals, but not how loud the goose was. So, not too many pictures of him with the farm animals. He choose a really nice pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. It was a fun day, complete with farm fresh donuts! yum!

Hair Cut

Well, I had been thinking about cutting my hair a bit. It was so long, down to the middle of my back- and I loved it. But, it was getting tired and I needed a change. SO, I was ready to cut it, three inches maybe... So, I asked around to where people had there hair cut here, and I made an appointment at Ollie's in LaPlata.

Then, as the day of my appointment grew closer, God put something on my heart. To cut it short and give the hair away. OUCH! That seems like so much to ask! WHY there are so many emotional issues tied up in hair I will never understand! SO, I agonized over this decision for a while, prayed about it, asked Aaron, posted the idea on Facebook... Prayed some more...

I guess I am leaving out a pretty big part of this story though.... Recently, the niece of one of my best friends was just diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. Jordan is the sweetest girl. I got to know her last summer when she was visiting. Jordan is strong, and sweet and has just SO much LOVE in her heart. That was incredibly apparent even from the short time we got to know her last summer. She is in for a long fight with "Filipe", her cancer enemy. I have been praying for her, along with a whole army of prayer warriors.

But there has to be something more that I can do. But, apparently, GOD already had that all figured out....

Up to the moment I walked into the salon, I wasn't sure if this was something I could do. (here is a little secret... Don't tell! I am not a natural blonde! shh!) Could I even donate my hair? Carla sat down with me, and asked me "so, what are we going to do today?" I told her what I was thinking, and she said "oh, that is no problem. We have two charities we donate to. And one takes colored hair." Locks of Love and The Lombardi Foundation. So, that ends the debate!

So, as I was sitting down to have my hair washed (donated hair has to be cleaned and dried), I started telling them this story and Jordan's story... And you know me.. I start crying!! Just pure tears of joy! Carla made the whole process so much fun, and so easy.

When I got home, I looked up the Lombardi Foundation (what a great story!), and you will NEVER believe who they donate hair to - The American Cancer Societies Wigs for Young Adult Girls!

GOD has a plan. His wisdom is infinite! His hands are in all that we do. This story just has to many "coincidences" otherwise. Choose to believe what you wish..

Even up until the moment

Ballet Arts Academy

Katie's First Day at the Ballet Arts Academy

Katie began her ballet lesson's at the Ballet Arts Academy today. It seems like a really nice school. It is located in the Old Waldorf School. It is a really nice facility. They study the Vaganova Technique, a Russian style. This is new for Katie, but many of the positions are the same. She is in the Level One class, and takes lessons twice a week for an hour each time.

Her teacher, Oscar said to be prepared for the first class to be hard, and it was. They did a lot of stretching, even before I left, so knew that she would be challenged. When I picked her up, Oscar told me she did really well. In fact, surprised at how well she did!! Quite a compliment!! (she was a little sore the next day..)

She is really excited to go back again on Thursday. She likes her classmates and teacher very much. She is also VERY excited about her chance to preform in the Nutcracker!!

Skating Practice

While Katie was at her dance lesson I took August to get in a little time at the rink.

He was a little unsteady at first, but after a few slips he did pretty well. He was making little goals for himself, get to the second part of the wall, make it to the red circle and did pretty well. (I was pretty proud of him for coming up with this all on his own! Baby steps!!) Then, I challenged him to make it all the way across. And he almost made it! He got just to the door of the home box, and slipped! Next time! We are so proud of him for doing so well after just one lesson and one practice!

Next stop, Olympics!!

Skating Lessons

August had his first skating lesson! He had a really fun time and likes his teacher Siegfried, or Miss Sig. They practiced taking a few steps and getting up. He was so excited to be the first one in his class to be able to stand up on his own. (a pretty important thing to learn, in my humble opinion!)

The program they have here is pretty nice. He takes his lessons at the Capital Clubhouse, right here in Waldorf. It is a new facility and looks like it has everything a boy needs to get started on a hockey career. Part of the lesson package is a pass to come and practice, so guess what Mama gets to do this week... It is a good thing he can get up on his own (maybe he can teach me!)

He likes his classmates too. There are just 3 in his class, nice and small. He has 2 other girls in his class. He is having FUN! And that is the most important thing!!

Back to School

Well, it was bound to happen... Summer vacation came to an end...

Today, was back to school day. Katie and August were so excited about it! They have young, fresh teachers who will have just as much energy as they do!! Another great thing about new teachers is they aren't afraid to try new things! They are just so cute and sweet!!

They start school at 9:20, pretty late. SO, they had lots of time to get ready, there certainly was no last minute rush to get out the door. Hopefully, that remains throughout the year. Unfortunetly, it gave Katie extra time to worry a little! But we said a little prayer, and headed out the door.

As much as they wanted to ride the school bus, I wanted to drive them to school. I find great comfort in dropping them off with their teachers the first day back. August was ready to break free, gave me a hug at the end of his hallway and told me, "this is good, Mom". Sorry son, I am taking you the whole way there! It was nice to see his teacher again, take a picture and send him on his way for the "first day in the first grade".

Katie was a completely different story. She was walking so slow to her class. It was kinda funny... She gave things a good looking over, and then greeted her teacher, and then sheepishly took her seat.

I didn't even cry this year!! Guess, we are all growing up!!

They got to take the bus home to their relief, and had the best time! I cannot help but wonder when this love of the bus will end. (probably about the same time I am no longer available to chauffer!)

I got a full report over brownie sundaes, and it sounds like it is going to be a great year!! They made friends, liked PE and art, August skinned his knee and they both brought home piles of forms for me to fill out... Guess I better get started with MY homework!!