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
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
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
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
Monday, June 16, 2008
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
Sunday, June 15, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, May 14, 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
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
Thursday, April 24, 2008
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
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
Sunday, April 13, 2008
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!
(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!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
"Blog no. 145" OR "the one where 40 is 39 + 1"
Oh my gosh-
Where to start?
I have no words to describe the last week!
HA! Kidding!
Actually, as I downloaded my photos, I realized I have some serious blogging to catch up on,
blogging that includes photos.
I've been bad, and, that will now change.
Because folks, "40 is 39 + 1".
seriously-
Speaking with 2 days into 40,
40 is cool!
First-all my hugs, and, so much love to Lori, Lana, Leah, Jen, Chris, Tosh, Tommy, Miles, and Simon, Julie, Todd, "Honey Bear," "Ellie Belle," Harrison Family, and my sweet Erika for all the "e-love" a girl could ask for!
Trust me, for those not there...yet...(Froy Lana-heh!)...it's a great birthday, and you totally feel the love! You really do!
But-having my parents with me and MY family-that was fabulous!
Second-Chugging-well drinking really b/c the beer here is WHOA beer and not for playing-a "Muncher Weiss" with family and new friends in the HOFBRAU HAUS was really cool, and so yum delish!
I have a great new appreciation for beer, even though my heart still yearns for a "Lucky" (circa 1985 folks-such memories!) the above mentioned libation was worth the wait.
Third-who knew that I had taken so many snaps up til now?! honestly!
Fourth-my family is amazing.
seriously amazing.
I'm so lucky-I am.
What a wonderful group of people, and, I'll take them over anyone any day of the week...
warts and all.
Fifth-I've had my husband reaffirm the truth in his vow to protect me from all evil...including psycho German bicyclists who refuse to move their bikes away from perfectly good seating on a train ride to Munich (2 + hours away) so that "old people" can sit down...SUCH a funny story! That post will be titled with expletives...
big-well-biggish 4 letter words.
LOTS of biggish 4 letter words.
on the train...
biggish 4 letter words.
Sixth-I can walk my a** off thanks to increased lung capacity courtesy of the Alps.
Seventh-I am a "Carb-o-holic" and Germany is my enabler...
Eighth-I don't care that I love carbs. I love them, and am willing to do the work to get a big butt.
Ninth-I think the movie "Enchanted" is sweet...and the world should be a nicer place. I'm very worried that it isn't...
seriously, I am-I think we're "going to hell in a henbasket" and the nightly news scares the crap out of me.
Tenth-My mom has begun the next 40 years of my life as crazy as the first 40.
She thinks she's developed diabetes today because her crappy glasses broke and she can't see...
(Now I'm in BIG trouble for typing that!!)
heh.
It's okay...I'm 40 and well...I'll say it again, 40 is 39 + 1.
*Thanks Pres!*
umarmen und lieben,
umarmen und lieben,
umarmen und lieben!
essie
pictures will be posted-promise, promise, promise!
Where to start?
I have no words to describe the last week!
HA! Kidding!
Actually, as I downloaded my photos, I realized I have some serious blogging to catch up on,
blogging that includes photos.
I've been bad, and, that will now change.
Because folks, "40 is 39 + 1".
seriously-
Speaking with 2 days into 40,
40 is cool!
First-all my hugs, and, so much love to Lori, Lana, Leah, Jen, Chris, Tosh, Tommy, Miles, and Simon, Julie, Todd, "Honey Bear," "Ellie Belle," Harrison Family, and my sweet Erika for all the "e-love" a girl could ask for!
Trust me, for those not there...yet...(Froy Lana-heh!)...it's a great birthday, and you totally feel the love! You really do!
But-having my parents with me and MY family-that was fabulous!
Second-Chugging-well drinking really b/c the beer here is WHOA beer and not for playing-a "Muncher Weiss" with family and new friends in the HOFBRAU HAUS was really cool, and so yum delish!
I have a great new appreciation for beer, even though my heart still yearns for a "Lucky" (circa 1985 folks-such memories!) the above mentioned libation was worth the wait.
Third-who knew that I had taken so many snaps up til now?! honestly!
Fourth-my family is amazing.
seriously amazing.
I'm so lucky-I am.
What a wonderful group of people, and, I'll take them over anyone any day of the week...
warts and all.
Fifth-I've had my husband reaffirm the truth in his vow to protect me from all evil...including psycho German bicyclists who refuse to move their bikes away from perfectly good seating on a train ride to Munich (2 + hours away) so that "old people" can sit down...SUCH a funny story! That post will be titled with expletives...
big-well-biggish 4 letter words.
LOTS of biggish 4 letter words.
on the train...
biggish 4 letter words.
Sixth-I can walk my a** off thanks to increased lung capacity courtesy of the Alps.
Seventh-I am a "Carb-o-holic" and Germany is my enabler...
Eighth-I don't care that I love carbs. I love them, and am willing to do the work to get a big butt.
Ninth-I think the movie "Enchanted" is sweet...and the world should be a nicer place. I'm very worried that it isn't...
seriously, I am-I think we're "going to hell in a henbasket" and the nightly news scares the crap out of me.
Tenth-My mom has begun the next 40 years of my life as crazy as the first 40.
She thinks she's developed diabetes today because her crappy glasses broke and she can't see...
(Now I'm in BIG trouble for typing that!!)
heh.
It's okay...I'm 40 and well...I'll say it again, 40 is 39 + 1.
*Thanks Pres!*
umarmen und lieben,
umarmen und lieben,
umarmen und lieben!
essie
pictures will be posted-promise, promise, promise!
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Quickly!
40th bday tomorrow in...MUNICH!
Hofbrau Haus
HERE
I
COME!!
Having an amazing time in Oberstaufen-totally recommend it over Garmisch, something I never thought I'd say...
have to dash!
umarmen und lieben
essie
Hofbrau Haus
HERE
I
COME!!
Having an amazing time in Oberstaufen-totally recommend it over Garmisch, something I never thought I'd say...
have to dash!
umarmen und lieben
essie
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Love Song
March 27, 1993
I became your wife!
l.a.s.n. BB
*sidebar...more to come, it's been a wild day!*
I became your wife!
l.a.s.n. BB
*sidebar...more to come, it's been a wild day!*
Monday, March 24, 2008
The Adventures in Pooh Corner
I registered Pres for High School today.
My baby boy...
High School...
The place where REALLY big kids
go to school
with seriously younger kids
who think they are big.
In some ways they are-
big.
In other ways-
not so much.
I wanted to leave early this afternoon,
just to be on the safe side.
Pres was giving me stress;
"WHY Mom...WHY do we have to leave so early?!"
When I left school (in a snow storm mind you) today,
I raced home as fast as I dared (in a snow storm mind you),
to get home to him.
He was there.
He was waiting.
He was ( I think) ready and a little bit nervous.
So we took Gaia.
We needed Gaia.
It was a 3 generation registration!
heh.
His closest friends (minus one who goes tomorrow) were there
with their parents
rocking back and forth on their heels.
Murmuring about "Freshman Fridays"
and classes to take.
We agreed on:
Honors English/World History
Biology
Geometry
Spanish I
PE
Guitar I
and computer programming class.
It took 3+ hours.
I didn't cry, although I did gulp a big big gulp when the counselor reviewed the credits necessary for graduation...only 26.
That's the number that will keep my son home, until he is gone, and is a much bigger kid than I'll ever be ready to accept.
Now, sitting at this computer, I am crying.
Now, in the living room, he is playing a vicious game of Uno with his Grandma, little brother and sister.
He laughs.
I cry...
the dichotomy amazes me.
Our safe little world, Pooh Corner, changed tonight.
And...
The Hundred Acre Wood, with this milestone,
became one acre larger.
My baby boy...
High School...
The place where REALLY big kids
go to school
with seriously younger kids
who think they are big.
In some ways they are-
big.
In other ways-
not so much.
I wanted to leave early this afternoon,
just to be on the safe side.
Pres was giving me stress;
"WHY Mom...WHY do we have to leave so early?!"
When I left school (in a snow storm mind you) today,
I raced home as fast as I dared (in a snow storm mind you),
to get home to him.
He was there.
He was waiting.
He was ( I think) ready and a little bit nervous.
So we took Gaia.
We needed Gaia.
It was a 3 generation registration!
heh.
His closest friends (minus one who goes tomorrow) were there
with their parents
rocking back and forth on their heels.
Murmuring about "Freshman Fridays"
and classes to take.
We agreed on:
Honors English/World History
Biology
Geometry
Spanish I
PE
Guitar I
and computer programming class.
It took 3+ hours.
I didn't cry, although I did gulp a big big gulp when the counselor reviewed the credits necessary for graduation...only 26.
That's the number that will keep my son home, until he is gone, and is a much bigger kid than I'll ever be ready to accept.
Now, sitting at this computer, I am crying.
Now, in the living room, he is playing a vicious game of Uno with his Grandma, little brother and sister.
He laughs.
I cry...
the dichotomy amazes me.
Our safe little world, Pooh Corner, changed tonight.
And...
The Hundred Acre Wood, with this milestone,
became one acre larger.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
whew!
okay-catching up on life at Casa Harrison just might do me in-here goes!
Mom and Dad come on Tuesday for 6 weeks!
Hip
Hip
HOORAY!
We haven't seem them since we left the States last August.
They will be here for 6 wonderful weeks...
They will be here for our 15th anniversary.
They will be here for my 40th birthday.
They will be here for Spring Break in Germany,Austria, and the Alsace (?) region of France...
They will be here for Team Leader's back surgery.
yup.
You read right.
back surgery...serious surgery, but in the hands of a professional and not the burned out military doctors who might not BE trauma surgeons, should be a good thing.
He's having the surgery on the economy (in Heidelberg).
I trust his surgeon, who took the time on Valentine's Day, to walk me through the entire procedure...with pictures. I'm glad that we'll have the support of my parents, physically right here to hand hold, because every little bit helps.
Let's see...other interesting news...
3 friends had babies/became grandparents/or became aunties!
Hugs and Love go out to:
"evansen"
"kameron"
and
"jayden"
ALL BOYS!
What else...
I finished my Switzerland quilt block AND my Poland quilt block.
Yay me!
(Pictures will follow-I swear.)
Next month (b/c we are skipping April due to holidays) we will make France!
Work news...
I rearranged my classroom last Friday-kiddos have NO idea and will walk in tomorrow to the devestation and havoc that only one naughty Leprechaun ("Coughlin McSmiley") can create.
I'm getting ready to wrap their potatoes as soon as I'm finished with this post.
40 issues...
I have all the songs just about ready for my "Lyrical Round" 40th Birthday CD scrapbook collection! (Whoa, mouthful!)
I have the paper, I have the chipboard accents, I have the stickers, I have the mailing box...now I need to put it all together. I don't expect to have it back before the Fall, but the idea of knowing it's out there-
out there being made-
being made by folks who I love
folks who I love and love me back-
I can hardly keep from jumping up and down!
And now, I'm rambling, and I know it!
Happy St Paddy's day-almost-
umarmen und lieben, everyone!
essie
Mom and Dad come on Tuesday for 6 weeks!
Hip
Hip
HOORAY!
We haven't seem them since we left the States last August.
They will be here for 6 wonderful weeks...
They will be here for our 15th anniversary.
They will be here for my 40th birthday.
They will be here for Spring Break in Germany,Austria, and the Alsace (?) region of France...
They will be here for Team Leader's back surgery.
yup.
You read right.
back surgery...serious surgery, but in the hands of a professional and not the burned out military doctors who might not BE trauma surgeons, should be a good thing.
He's having the surgery on the economy (in Heidelberg).
I trust his surgeon, who took the time on Valentine's Day, to walk me through the entire procedure...with pictures. I'm glad that we'll have the support of my parents, physically right here to hand hold, because every little bit helps.
Let's see...other interesting news...
3 friends had babies/became grandparents/or became aunties!
Hugs and Love go out to:
"evansen"
"kameron"
and
"jayden"
ALL BOYS!
What else...
I finished my Switzerland quilt block AND my Poland quilt block.
Yay me!
(Pictures will follow-I swear.)
Next month (b/c we are skipping April due to holidays) we will make France!
Work news...
I rearranged my classroom last Friday-kiddos have NO idea and will walk in tomorrow to the devestation and havoc that only one naughty Leprechaun ("Coughlin McSmiley") can create.
I'm getting ready to wrap their potatoes as soon as I'm finished with this post.
40 issues...
I have all the songs just about ready for my "Lyrical Round" 40th Birthday CD scrapbook collection! (Whoa, mouthful!)
I have the paper, I have the chipboard accents, I have the stickers, I have the mailing box...now I need to put it all together. I don't expect to have it back before the Fall, but the idea of knowing it's out there-
out there being made-
being made by folks who I love
folks who I love and love me back-
I can hardly keep from jumping up and down!
And now, I'm rambling, and I know it!
Happy St Paddy's day-almost-
umarmen und lieben, everyone!
essie
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
For Alex
Touched by An Angel by Maya Angelou
We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.
Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.
We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave.
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love which sets us free.
Lana, Doug, Erika, Gabby...our family won't forget her.
We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.
Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.
We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave.
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love which sets us free.
Lana, Doug, Erika, Gabby...our family won't forget her.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Love Letters
Do you write them?
My parents did.
My Grandparents did.
I do.
But, after our phone call this morning
I realized that I maybe
just maybe
I don't.
Team Leader read my blog for the first time in a while last night.
A little background to catch you all up; I've been a raving b**ch lunatic this week,
and
have made my fair share of monumental apologies in response to said
"Dr. Jeckel/Mrs. Hyde" behavior.
The FOUR apologies I've made so far, were directed at him, as
he has been the beneficiary of my freak.
Anyhoo, he said that reading this blog let him into a side of me he feels he doesn't know.
I told him that my family and friends have always said that my writing style mirrors how I talk. Apparently, I don't talk to him the way I talk to all of you...
Hmm...
I told him that we don't write to each other, maybe that's the issue, and that he does "know" this side of me-really he does. I also suggested that we maybe needed to try writing to each other.
I don't think he bought it.
He told me he doesn't like to write letters.
I told him he needed to try.
I've changed monumentally as a person since I met and married him.
I've said 1000 times if I've said it once:
HE is the person who knows how to manage me, and occasionally I'm a b**ch to manage.
He's the face I wake up to-when he isn't saving the world from devastation.
He's the snore that I miss when I'm alone at night.
He is the worst eater ever.
He is a neat freak, not in a bad way-anymore :)
He is a tremendously hard worker-in spite of a seriously broken back-seriously.
He's the guy who encourages me to take time for myself and tunes me out when I complain that I get no time to take for myself.
He's the man who challenges my fantastic European driving sensibilities and always thinks we're going to crash.
He's the father of my children, and yet, he still claims them!
He's my husband.
He's my partner.
He is the love of my life.
THIS letter is the first letter for him.
umarmen und lieben, BB
xoxox
BB
My parents did.
My Grandparents did.
I do.
But, after our phone call this morning
I realized that I maybe
just maybe
I don't.
Team Leader read my blog for the first time in a while last night.
A little background to catch you all up; I've been a raving b**ch lunatic this week,
and
have made my fair share of monumental apologies in response to said
"Dr. Jeckel/Mrs. Hyde" behavior.
The FOUR apologies I've made so far, were directed at him, as
he has been the beneficiary of my freak.
Anyhoo, he said that reading this blog let him into a side of me he feels he doesn't know.
I told him that my family and friends have always said that my writing style mirrors how I talk. Apparently, I don't talk to him the way I talk to all of you...
Hmm...
I told him that we don't write to each other, maybe that's the issue, and that he does "know" this side of me-really he does. I also suggested that we maybe needed to try writing to each other.
I don't think he bought it.
He told me he doesn't like to write letters.
I told him he needed to try.
I've changed monumentally as a person since I met and married him.
I've said 1000 times if I've said it once:
HE is the person who knows how to manage me, and occasionally I'm a b**ch to manage.
He's the face I wake up to-when he isn't saving the world from devastation.
He's the snore that I miss when I'm alone at night.
He is the worst eater ever.
He is a neat freak, not in a bad way-anymore :)
He is a tremendously hard worker-in spite of a seriously broken back-seriously.
He's the guy who encourages me to take time for myself and tunes me out when I complain that I get no time to take for myself.
He's the man who challenges my fantastic European driving sensibilities and always thinks we're going to crash.
He's the father of my children, and yet, he still claims them!
He's my husband.
He's my partner.
He is the love of my life.
THIS letter is the first letter for him.
umarmen und lieben, BB
xoxox
BB
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Am I, or not?
What Esther Means |
 You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. |
This is Team Leader's hidden meaning...
how funny is it that we have the exact same paragraph on travel? Hmm...
| What Anthony Means |
You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. |
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Good Lovin'
On my younger brother's 37th birthday
(Happy Birthday Angus! Your present is coming-we love you!!xox)
my friend became a mother...
for
the
very
first
time!
my friend became an aunt...
for
the
very
first
time!
This family had a day of
VERY
good lovin'
thanks to the arrival of a
teeny tiny little boy,
with a very large name:
"Evansen George Fekete"
Like me,
Little Evansen will have a monogram that reads
'EFG'
How cool!?!
(Initials, and birthdays, we're all about the sharing in this neighborhood!)
With his birth, this family got their wish, and not a moment too soon!
Little Evansen,
may you dream big dreams
may you have your hearts desire
may you wish on stars
may you cherish each day
may you always feel the devotion that welcomed you home...
Gabby, good job, sweetie-good job!
umarmen und lieben
essie
(Happy Birthday Angus! Your present is coming-we love you!!xox)
my friend became a mother...
for
the
very
first
time!
my friend became an aunt...
for
the
very
first
time!
This family had a day of
VERY
good lovin'
thanks to the arrival of a
teeny tiny little boy,
with a very large name:
"Evansen George Fekete"
Like me,
Little Evansen will have a monogram that reads
'EFG'
How cool!?!
(Initials, and birthdays, we're all about the sharing in this neighborhood!)
With his birth, this family got their wish, and not a moment too soon!
Little Evansen,
may you dream big dreams
may you have your hearts desire
may you wish on stars
may you cherish each day
may you always feel the devotion that welcomed you home...
Gabby, good job, sweetie-good job!
umarmen und lieben
essie
Monday, February 18, 2008
For the Fek Family
All our thoughts, prayers, hopes, dreams, and wishes are with you today!
We are SO ready to welcome our newest "neighbor" to the 'hood!
xoxox
umarmen und lieben
E,T,P,D,and B
We are SO ready to welcome our newest "neighbor" to the 'hood!
xoxox
umarmen und lieben
E,T,P,D,and B
Monday, February 04, 2008
Don't read this post if you didn't watch the Superbowl!
The NY Giants won the superbowl in the last 40 seconds of the game-good for them!
Not so good, for the NE Patriots, who didn't...win, that is.
I only root for the Redskins, as many of you already know, so this superbowl (like many prior) really wasn't that important to me. I know that one day my guys will make it to the big time again, and then the entire sporting world will know what I already know; that sometimes it takes all the heart in the world to prove your might, and that if you continue to believe, anything is possible.
Even a superbowl win by the Washington Redskins!
I guess I'm an optimist...worked for Boston Red Sox fans, right?!
Went to the second block of the month for my Eurotrippen Quilt (*kudos to B for always making me smile when I read her blog, and say the name of my quilt).
Had a BLAST but have an entire section of the block yet to finish-this one was an ass kicker, so snaps will go up when it's done...hopefully on Thursday
Had a meeting in Heidelberg today, so no teaching of the kinders, and b/c I'm becoming more OCD by the minute made a late night trip to my classroom last night JUST to make sure all was in order for their first day without "Mrs. H." I haven't heard screams yet, and the school day ended over 2 hours ago so I'm thinking it's okay to go back tomorrow.
Got to wear my new puma purple suede boots today-they rocked, and I love them!Probably so not the fashion ideal for many folks, but they work for me, and at 60euro from 120euro, I thought it was a bargain "must have."
not much more to say...just felt the need to blog...
umarmen und lieben all!
essie
Not so good, for the NE Patriots, who didn't...win, that is.
I only root for the Redskins, as many of you already know, so this superbowl (like many prior) really wasn't that important to me. I know that one day my guys will make it to the big time again, and then the entire sporting world will know what I already know; that sometimes it takes all the heart in the world to prove your might, and that if you continue to believe, anything is possible.
Even a superbowl win by the Washington Redskins!
I guess I'm an optimist...worked for Boston Red Sox fans, right?!
Went to the second block of the month for my Eurotrippen Quilt (*kudos to B for always making me smile when I read her blog, and say the name of my quilt).
Had a BLAST but have an entire section of the block yet to finish-this one was an ass kicker, so snaps will go up when it's done...hopefully on Thursday
Had a meeting in Heidelberg today, so no teaching of the kinders, and b/c I'm becoming more OCD by the minute made a late night trip to my classroom last night JUST to make sure all was in order for their first day without "Mrs. H." I haven't heard screams yet, and the school day ended over 2 hours ago so I'm thinking it's okay to go back tomorrow.
Got to wear my new puma purple suede boots today-they rocked, and I love them!Probably so not the fashion ideal for many folks, but they work for me, and at 60euro from 120euro, I thought it was a bargain "must have."
not much more to say...just felt the need to blog...
umarmen und lieben all!
essie
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