the one where gummies are on the house!

two sports fanatical Harrisons-aren't they darling?!
Ben and, our #1 nephew, Jacob


after a fantastic day at Aquatica Water Park

And now a little break-


my favorite "Robert Plant" impersonator


my stunningly beautiful daughter


love you, buddy!


woohoo!
Aunt Julie's turn at a hole in one


Doodle Bug


Uncle Todd and Aunt Julie


Hi Aunt Tanya


Est and Jack!


Double Prestons!
Double holes in one...double the trouble...double the fun!

As you may, or may not know, our family lives for golf. One would assume, given the seriousness of our families relationship with golf (on both sides mind you) that 18 holes would be a terribly professional affair.
When this family is on vacation the answer would be:
WRONG.
We are crazy mad over putt putt.
We take our putt putt more seriously than most folks take the masters.
We really do.
Let the photos speak for themselves!


Beautiful Ellie Belle

picture vomit part II or "The one where we get to Florida"

Coming up next...

"Aunt Essie!"
"I got a hole in THREE!!"


the first of many "proof" photos!


the photo says it all-there is nothing like a swimming pool and too many Harrisons there to count!


the beginning of the MARATHON Harrison Family Rock Band tour


WHO has a cuter niece?!
Seriously?
I ask you?


Oma Chris and Pres at Julie's birthday dinner Japanese Steakhouse style!

picture vomit part I or "The one where we spent 4 days trying to fly to the States"

safe and sound in JACKSON misissippi, no snap of Dollie, this old old camera of mine decided to die right after this was taken...which meant no fabbo photos of the 16 hour drive we took to get back to Virginia.


now we're watching movies...lying down...on the floor...of a C-17!!


notice Dollie, BEHIND Ben, asleep on the FLOOR of the plane!
Seriously, how cool is that?!


Tired, but thankful to be flying!


The view from my hammock seat, FINALLY on a plane, after waiting to get manifested on ANY flight out for 4 days!!


Team Leader with an OLD Ranger Buddy "Robert" who we saw on his way downrange after 9years! I hadn't seen Robert since our WEDDING!

our class is a very, very, very fine class!

way too cute!
my class (though I don't want to tempt fate) is simply
way
too
cute!

Pres LOVES high school.
yay!
Ben, after whoa serious complaining, met me with a huge smile when I walked through the front door.
double yay!
Dollie...not so psyched about 7th grade...she's in a frump because she isn't in a class with her bestie, Ruthie.
she will deal.

Fido, (Pres' buddy), said:
"the girls at high school were unreal"
they were so good looking-and Pres agreed.
holy mess!
Am I really ready for high school?!

get ready for a major, major photo post.
the computer is running-right now-and I'm going for it!

umarmen und lieben
essie

aacck!

The internet G-ds have given me (literally) 10 short minutes of connectivity-this wil have to be short, as I have NO idea if it will even post! With so much to finally share, it's Murphy's Law at it's finest-clearly!

First Day of School...today.
First Day of High School-
First Day of Seventh Grade-
First Day of Third Grade-
and for Momma...
First Day of First Grade at MES.
Pictures are being taken by Team Leader this morning, as I have to hit the autobahn in about 3 minutes-and makeup is still not on the 40 year old face.

It's a new year-full of potential and promise-ready for the making!
Fingers crossed for our little family, friends and loved ones!

umarmen und lieben
essie

I love you too, Leah

From the friend who takes me on, worts and all, an email from a mutual friend wrapping up our group in 8 sentences...
umarmen und lieben!

True Friendship
1. When you are sad -- I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on mountain dew.
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.
4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick -- Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.
8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy butt.
This is my oath.... I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask; 'because you are my friend'

365 days later

Today our little family celebrated ONE year in Germany!

Go us!!

Team Leader, was in Italy.
I ventured to Strasbourg France with Dollie Doo, Lea, and Rahn.
Ben and Pres stayed at home...in Heidelberg.

How amazing is that?
One family-
Three countries!

I love living here...love it, love it, love it!
umarmen und lieben
essie

ps: Rahn is having a BLAST and has tried 6 different German beers, one French beer, and one fabulous beer from Trappist Monks in Belgium. She's had some brats and kraut, kafe und kutchen, and (if you ask my opinion) is a fantastic Amazing Race groupie and we love her...leading me to this nugget:

I got a job, permanent status, and folks ya'll need to come visit!
xoxox

worth the wait

120 hours in a truck...$800.00
262 pounds of luggage...$0.00 (thanks to Space A)
12 box meals...$41.25
3000+ miles to cover...to have a furry little face literally cry tears of joy...priceless!

We're back in Germany.
I have so much to post, from our trip to the States, to our week in Florida, to our mini-trip in North Carolina, to our return to Virginia, to our drive up to New Jersey where we finally flew out!
Yessiree
Lots and Lots to say.

First I want to say this:

Time wasn't on my side for this trip.
I know that I didn't get to see a quarter of the people I love before I had to leave.
However, I tried.
Time got the better of me...time, no wifi internet, CRAZY
MESS dental emergencies...it all added up.
I know that there is a real possibility that feelings are hurt, and, I'm sorry for that-I really am.
I know that I am, only, one person.
And, I know that I'm not perfect.
I also know that because I am only one person, and I can't make everyone happy-even when I want to-that I might not be able to accomplish everything that I set out to do.
That doesn't make me a bad person, just a person with a very long "to-do" list~

Time wasn't on my side this trip across the pond.
What time doesn't know that I do know...
I'll be back.

umarmen und lieben
essie

well-

back in the country, wifi isn't really an option...
staying in touch over the internet has been rough...
2 root canals, 2 fillings, a Frankenstein tooth and NONE of it done "under" sedation...

soooooo much worse!

I have much to post about our trip across the pond.
More still to say about our first few days back in VA, and then, our reunion in Orlando, and how I've spent almost everything I saved on school clothes, school shoes, school supplies, and GAS.

But for now, it's a quicky post on how a toothache can turn into a checking account nightmare.
AND
that my friends, is it.
seriously.

I have to go find my percaset.
umarmen und lieben!
essie

In limbo...

okay-little travel update for our faithful readers-
we're still in Germany.
We've been trying to get out since Thursday, and, ALMOST actually got on a plane last night...until it was recalled for being overweight.

I can't go into details for opsec reasons, but, folks we really are trying to get back.
We really are.
however...after 3 consecutive wake-up calls at 3:45, the option to go to Hawaii is looking REALLY good-I can't lie!

I'm already dreaming of sandy white beaches...a cocktail with an umbrellla...stuffing my pastey white (and 5 pounds larger) body into last year's bikini...
tempting.
very, very tempting!

Keep fingers and toes crossed for us...we need all that we can get!
umarmen und lieben,
essie

in the mail

yesterday was spent...at the post office.

I sent this minus two other boxes not yet ready for their photo op to the states.

it's all gummie candy folks...lots and lots of gummies.

then, I sent this, out to arkansas, where the cd birthday-scrapbook experiment BEGINS!

inside there is a little of this and some of this

that's all I'm willing to show, because I want arkansas and the states to be surprised when it gets to them. I can't wait to get it back...whenever that happens!

we're off tomorrow to start out journey back to the states for a family/friend trip home...so it might be a while until I blog again...the weather in Germany is beautiful, HOT, and calling me outdoors-

umarmen und lieben, all!
essie

twelve

our baby girl is twelve...
our baby girl is twelve in Germany...
now all three of our Kinder have turned another year older...
in Germany.

Never in my wildest dreams could I ever have imagined that we would live in Europe.
As long as I live, this will have to be an experience that rates seriously high in the lifetime achievement award category for opportunites parents give their children!

I promised to update, and update I will, but first thing this birthday morning...how about a little Doodle-Bug love?!

Umarmen und lieben!
essie
ps-Rahn, you gave us ALL the momma of bday giftness when I opened your email to read that YOU ARE COMING TO GERMANY IN AUGUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Girl, YOU ROCK, and the festivities are being planned as I type!
pps-*e* you crack me up! J-rod TOTALLY needs to be kicking the ball, and wiping hair out of his eyes, here with us! Tell Mr. Nestle to get his act together and "move that Colin" to DE!

And now...some unapproved by the subject, snaps of our girlie in Deutschland

Dollie and Sky trying on the groovy '80's style DISCO stretch pants that are COMING BACK in style over here...


















Sky, Dollie, and Ruthie right before we went into the park at Tripsdrill


















Ben, Dollie, Ruthie, and Klein Ruthie















Lea and Dollie New Year's 2007



















Pres, Dollie, and Ben on Ben's Bday. (She will HATE this one bc her hair is wet...whoops!)

















Ruthie, Dollie, and Lea

the ides of June

And one day, I wake up, to realize that
school is over-
I'm the mother of a HIGH SCHOOLER-
I don't have to wake up at 5:30 if I don't want to-
I've managed to "stress away" the last 3 weeks.

not good...

Side bar:
TODAY is my baby brother's birthday!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUNCAN
We hope you celebrated SOMEHOW-SOMEWAY-SOMEWHERE with mom, dad, and angus.
Birthdays are for celebrating DA, and your lot in life is to be part of a family that adores you.
So, deal.
(Your gift should be there tomorrow!)

Soccer ended for the boylies.

Ben had a great season and I made this for his team "Optimous Lime"

not exactly claiming to be Julia Child, BUT, I did manage to dye the cupcake batter a putrid lime green to match the kids team color!



go, ME!



Preston had an amazing season; his first soccer season since 1st grade, thanks to years and years of football. We're waiting on his end of year team party, he's ready to turn in the purple jersey, but it was phenominal feeling, watching him attack the ball!

Preston ALSO had his 8th grade formal.
Note to self: "Self, it's time to get your son a SUIT...and possibly a haircut."



Dollie took up HULA-and hold your breath-SHE'S AWESOME.
(that's her, 2nd from the right)


We're not too sure we're 100% psyched about the serious hip and booty shaking that she has mastered, but, we're proud of her for trying something SO out of her comfort zone and finding out that she's good at it!




Last week I got this in the mail





all the scrappy love a girl could ask for, and then more.

*e* managed to send me WAAAY too much fantastic paper and scraping goodness, making me love her even more than I normally do, and while the kinder and I went through everything, I found a baggie with 5 purple plastic wrist thingys...one for each of us
A memory of Alex.
I read the band, and, smiled.
Erika and Gabby-you have done your sister and her memory proud.
Preston and, his wonder-twin Kevin, and Dollie listened as I told Kevin her story and then all put on a bracelet...which they have yet to take off.
"Eat 2 Live 2 Run 4 Alex"

Erika, huge hugs and SO much love, what you sent has made all the difference in my birthday cd experiment (coming to you first, so get ready!) AND Dollie has been bitten by the scrapping bug and is taking everything that I can't hide first-seriously!

Folks, there is more to add, but the bed is calling me-
I'm terribly aware of how neglectful I've been to this poor blog 'o mine...
tomorrow part II, I promise, with even more pictures!

umarmen und lieben!
essie

www.BROKEN

So...our internet has decided that working isn't all it's cracked up to be.
yup.
we are without internet service...AGAIN!

I'm in the library, sneaking some email time, instead of taking care of "Casa H."
(trust me...though sneaking right now, I'm a better person at home for it!)
I'm going to try and keep up with emails, but can't promise a quick turn around,
SO
don't think I'm ignoring you.

I'm just lost in space.
umarmen und lieben!
essie

tapping out!

famous for sarcasm, I'm using a new phrase (courtesy of WWE) to cover the stress of school, work (which I always previously THOUGHT OF as play), Mommy-ing, Wife-ing, Daughter-ing, Friend-ing and my lame-ass attempts to cover all those crazy bases.

Leah-I SWEAR I didn't forget your birthday, I had the mother of all migraines on Saturday...if my head hadn't been pounding, you TOTALLY would have been on my mind!

Lori-Evan's gift is somewhere...when I find it, I'm adding Ansley's just to be on the safe side!

*e* hope things got to you in good order, and,that you loved them, AND, that Coley's teachers have pulled their heads out of their asses, and, he's getting services.

Rahn-totally come in August!! I might be poor as s**t, but we will STILL manage to have a fantastic time. Luftansa is doing a special, we can get you to England for 69euro...around 120 bucks round trip, and Luftansa is a good airline! We can call it our REAL Amazing Race!! How cool would that be?!!can you read the sign?! No, I didn't make the concert, but next year...I'm there!

Louise-I'm glad to hear that you are safe, sound, having whoa lits of fun with neighbor, and making the most of being YOUNG! I owe you a serious email, I know it, you'll get one!

Jacob, Aunt Essie hopes you loved your bday box! And Ellie Belle, and Jack, we hope you had a veritable candy feast with the extras in the box for you! Chris, you got a Polish Shopping Basket-direct from Poland-all the Oma's here have them, and actually they are seriously handy! I have 2 or 3 myself!

Jules, I LOVE this picture of us, and it makes me excited for July!

Mom and Dad-I love you....

BIG sigh from the girl who not only is tapping out, but is counting out!!
Make that counting down-school's out June 13th!

umarmen und lieben
essie
the living proof of me turning 40-with Team Leader on the train to Munich, 10 April 2008

it's May?

seriously.

this is the quickie post...written waaaay too late on a school night, because after all my email madness following Team Leader's surgery, I've gotten pretty swamped managing our life...

and that's the understatement of the century!

He's okay-neither of us knew what to expect, and, while he's nowhere near his super-de-duper chipper self, he's doing alright. No one likes to feel down and out, and, for those who know TL well-he's a difficult guy to "keep down!"

With 2 of our 3 Harrisons playing soccer, me starting my second Masters Degree in Special Ed, school winding it's way into JUNE and summer, not having ANY job security for me, and our new D.O.G. (for real, a new dog)I'm a little bit bonkers right now.

For me to even admit it-HUGE-and now I'm off to sleep. It's a short night when you're waking up for middle of the night meds!

SOME DAY I'll post pictures-if you want to see amazing snaps of Germany, hit my link for the prickril's adventures in Germany, he's an amazing photographer and their family lives about 10 minutes from us.
umarmen und lieben!
essie

Calm after the storm...

Team Leader is out of the hospital.
Mom and Dad are safely back in the States.
I am trying to figure out how work is going to fit into this crazy busy life I've inherited...
and
if I have enough sick days to cover the time I've taken off dealing with all the madness!

*sigh*

And...while I'd LOVE to post photos from vacation, family nights, and the hospital...BLOGGER is being stinky, and, won't let me.

*bigger sigh*

umarmen und lieben
essie

finally!

Okay-so I'm going to begin with these photos...I have many more to post, but I actually have work to do before it's midnight and I am freaking out because I'll only have 5 hours before I have to wake up for SCHOOL!
(Um...yes. I do suffer from Sunday Night School Anxiety...last time I checked, wasn't I the teacher?!!)


Waaaayy up high at the Kaufhof with Gaia and GrandpaDad

Look at Me...Look at Gaia...We're in the Olive Store Window!
Mr. Ben, and his hair!


the revolving toilet...brought to you by Gaia!

the starter flakes...beginning the foot of snow...seen and felt outside our flat...that we woke up to...on the first day of our week in Oberstaufen...PRICELESS!