Welcome to 2009! A year of promise, change, challenges, family and friends. We had an exceptional leave in December enjoying being together as a family. We were able to even get a few days of staying in our PJ's for the entire day. At first I felt guilty about it, thinking that we should be traveling or doing something "exciting". Once I started looking at the calendar for the new year, that feeling very quickly went away. There won't be much down time between now and, oh lets say, July :)
As we get settled back into a routine, I thought I would get back into my blog. I've slacked off a bit as of late. I will also get the photos from our trip, Christmas, etc on here soon. Promise!
We hold you close to our hearts and cherish the memories we've made the past year. Here is to many more memories to come. Cheers!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas
What a wonderful time of year. A time to be with family and friends. A time to remember the true meaning of Christmas as we reflect on the birth of our Saviour Jesus.
We are so thankful that there is no deployment this holiday for us. That, although we won't be with our family this year, we are surrounded by our adopted family. That we are all well, have a roof over our heads and food in our pantry. Thankful for memories of those we love who are no longer with us. Thankful for the daily blessings.
May your Christmas be filled with love and joy. As you take part in the festivities be sure to remember the reason for celebration!
Much love to you all!
We are so thankful that there is no deployment this holiday for us. That, although we won't be with our family this year, we are surrounded by our adopted family. That we are all well, have a roof over our heads and food in our pantry. Thankful for memories of those we love who are no longer with us. Thankful for the daily blessings.
May your Christmas be filled with love and joy. As you take part in the festivities be sure to remember the reason for celebration!
Much love to you all!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
What's Up?
Good question for the Smith Family! We've been traveling and just plain busy when we are here at home. There are some things that never change:)
We just returned from our trip to Italy. More to follow (along with the pics once I put them on the computer) about that adventure. It was wonderful and we were able to do part of it with great friends.
The boys want to get in a couple of days of skiing so they will probably head out this week or next. I don't ski so it's not on my agenda.
Now here we are in the final approach to Christmas. Still no tree up. The attempt to do so yesterday failed so I think that the boys will be working that issue today. All of the presents are here however, wrapped and piled up in the middle of the room.
Each of the boys got an advent calendar this year. One is a Playmobil theme and the other is Lego. They have had a great time opening it each day and finding a new part to the collection.
I've started back into a running routine. Going for a half-marathon in March in Praque and then I will attempt another marathon later in the year. Don't know exactly when yet, trying to figure that one out with the other things scheduled!
That's it in a nutshell and at least bringing everyone up to speed a bit. I'll get back to writing more.......
We just returned from our trip to Italy. More to follow (along with the pics once I put them on the computer) about that adventure. It was wonderful and we were able to do part of it with great friends.
The boys want to get in a couple of days of skiing so they will probably head out this week or next. I don't ski so it's not on my agenda.
Now here we are in the final approach to Christmas. Still no tree up. The attempt to do so yesterday failed so I think that the boys will be working that issue today. All of the presents are here however, wrapped and piled up in the middle of the room.
Each of the boys got an advent calendar this year. One is a Playmobil theme and the other is Lego. They have had a great time opening it each day and finding a new part to the collection.
I've started back into a running routine. Going for a half-marathon in March in Praque and then I will attempt another marathon later in the year. Don't know exactly when yet, trying to figure that one out with the other things scheduled!
That's it in a nutshell and at least bringing everyone up to speed a bit. I'll get back to writing more.......
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Mommy Style
I just took a quiz a friend sent me that is supposed to figure out my 'mommy style'. Here is the answer that I got. Sign off on how accurate you think it is:)
SOCCER MOM: Your kids are busier than a CEO of a Fortune 500 company - BUT they love it!! You have several activities planned during the week and on the weekends. It takes two assistants to manage your family calendar! Due to your busy schedules, you have to pass on the housecleaning, cooking and work at times - but you are never home so no worries :)
I especially like the highlighted (my addition) portion!!!
SOCCER MOM: Your kids are busier than a CEO of a Fortune 500 company - BUT they love it!! You have several activities planned during the week and on the weekends. It takes two assistants to manage your family calendar! Due to your busy schedules, you have to pass on the housecleaning, cooking and work at times - but you are never home so no worries :)
I especially like the highlighted (my addition) portion!!!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
And Then It Was Over
We've just returned from a weekend away at a soccer tournament. B's team was selected, for the first time in a large number of years, to be the team that represented our area. (Because no one knows exactly how many years, we've taken to saying large or great. It isn't really an exaggeration and it makes it sound super awesome!)
The team did wonderfully! They won 2 out of 3 games. Even with that spectacular performance, due to the way the tournament pool was set-up, they didn't make it to the finals. And that successfully puts an official end to our soccer season. Whatever will we do without 5 days of practices and games between the two boys? Perhaps not live in the car quite so much? :)
The tournament was a revelation to hubby. One, he was able to see B play for the first time in 3 seasons. Second, that I scream, holler and generally cause a ruckus when we are playing. Normally, that may be pretty usual for any soccer mom (there, I said it!) but not so typical for me. Only a few short years ago I would get after hubby for hollering. Now I think I embarrass him. How the tides have turned!
The team did wonderfully! They won 2 out of 3 games. Even with that spectacular performance, due to the way the tournament pool was set-up, they didn't make it to the finals. And that successfully puts an official end to our soccer season. Whatever will we do without 5 days of practices and games between the two boys? Perhaps not live in the car quite so much? :)
The tournament was a revelation to hubby. One, he was able to see B play for the first time in 3 seasons. Second, that I scream, holler and generally cause a ruckus when we are playing. Normally, that may be pretty usual for any soccer mom (there, I said it!) but not so typical for me. Only a few short years ago I would get after hubby for hollering. Now I think I embarrass him. How the tides have turned!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Bulk Trash
There is a phenomenon that happens twice a year here in Germany. You are allowed to put your large "bulk" items, that you no longer want in your home, out on the curb for pick-up. Americans lovingly refer to it as "junking" time. One mans junk is another mans treasure....right? And so begins the other part of the phenomenon when people drive around hoping to find their treasure on the roadside.
For the first time ever, we are participating in the unloading portion of the junking. Now sits on the curb our sofa, an old chair/pull-out bed (that has, for the last 3 years been Christo's anyway) and a little table that we have had since we were married but no longer find a place for in our home. It's actually a bit embarrassing. I feel a little redneck having my furniture sitting outside. Let the night fall come quickly and the trash man come early!
There are no new pieces in my future apparently. When hubby stated that we were putting these select choices out, I had visions of furniture shopping in my head. That was put to a quick halt with the statement "You know, we still are not planning on replacing anything until we get back to the states."
Hmmm, if you plan on coming for a visit, make sure you make a bee-line for the love seat or recliner. Otherwise, you will be sitting at the dining room table!
For the first time ever, we are participating in the unloading portion of the junking. Now sits on the curb our sofa, an old chair/pull-out bed (that has, for the last 3 years been Christo's anyway) and a little table that we have had since we were married but no longer find a place for in our home. It's actually a bit embarrassing. I feel a little redneck having my furniture sitting outside. Let the night fall come quickly and the trash man come early!
There are no new pieces in my future apparently. When hubby stated that we were putting these select choices out, I had visions of furniture shopping in my head. That was put to a quick halt with the statement "You know, we still are not planning on replacing anything until we get back to the states."
Hmmm, if you plan on coming for a visit, make sure you make a bee-line for the love seat or recliner. Otherwise, you will be sitting at the dining room table!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Settling In
10 days ago, our world finally came back together. Better Half and Dad came home from the 15 month RLBT. Hooray! Not only is he home but all of the other heroes, whom we love as well, are now home too.
We are adjusting to a two adult household again! I'm actually cooking again! The brain seems to be functioning at a normal level again! Things are good. We've been laying low...for the most part...participating in the typical Smith household day-to-day.
We are adjusting to a two adult household again! I'm actually cooking again! The brain seems to be functioning at a normal level again! Things are good. We've been laying low...for the most part...participating in the typical Smith household day-to-day.
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