Labor Day 2010 In Garmish

There is no more relaxing place in the world for us than Garmish-Partnachkirchen, Germany. Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, it is heaven on Earth!

Our trip here this time was a total last minute idea. How we managed to forget it was going to be a long weekend, I have no idea. But, we booked the hotel the night before. I had to do a bit more digging to find an available room this time, but I think we got extremely lucky! We stayed at the Familotel Leiner in Partnachkichen. It was listed as a family hotel, and I could not agree more. Now, it wasn't what you may think of as a family hotel. It wasn't like staying in a PreSchool! It was still quiet and peaceful. We got lucky (again!) and were given the best room in the hotel! (YES!) It was really an apartment, with a kitchen, living room and three bedrooms.

We spent three days relaxing, walking through the woods and eating incredible food! We cannot wait to go back!!

First Day of School 2010-2011

A Second Grader, and a Fourth Grader..... How did that happen?? Seems like they are growing up faster and faster...

They were both super excited for their first day of school in Wiesbaden. They had packed their bags and prepared all their clothes yesterday. I think Katie may have repacked hers three times... She was a little excited! They were very good about going to bed last night, and woke up very pleasantly this morning. But, they usually do on pancake mornings.

We woke up to a very soggy day. It rained all evening and was still raining and gusting when we walked out the door this morning. It was so cold, the heat came on!! The unpleasant weather didn't make very good first day of school pictures, and a yucky walk up the hill!

The reception at the school was super nice! The principals and staff were all there to greet us at the door and give us directions to our classrooms. The support staff lined the halls all they way up and down the hallways, decked out in their spirit shirts! What a fantastic way to make the best of a situation!!

We found August's classroom first. He has Ms Williams this year. She seems so very nice and organized, her classroom was very well prepared and seemed to be very spacious. He only has 18 classmates this year! Love that!! We think August will make lots of friends this year, a little boy was very nice and said "August, you sit right here!" aaawww!!

Next, we found Katie's class. She is at the very end of a very long hall way,,, seemed like we would never find it!! She has Ms. Ramsey this year, and has 24 classmates. Ms. Ramsey has a great smile and greeted each child with a friendly handshake. I think Katie was a little intimidated by the classroom. She came back out, because she didn't know where to sit. Judging by the stacks of huge books on each desk, she probably didn't WANT to sit at any of them!!

So, now it is just Owen and I at home for now.... And I didn't even get weepy this year! (well, I almost did... Only when I discovered they check IDs at the school gate!! Thankfully, the guard let me in. I won't make that mistake again!!)

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!!