. He und She .

Parents and Self-Worth: Helping Children Grow and Develop

2011-07-01T09:53:00.000+02:00

I like to stream BYUTV talks while I workout (simultaneous mental spiritual inspiration seems to double the effect of the workout's endorphin release).

While I usually only share links on my personal blog, this talk is worthy of a regular revisit, and I hope to find it again someday when I'm reading blog archives. I'd recommend it not only to parents, but for anyone looking to live a more deliberate life.

Here.

Dueling pianos

2011-06-27T00:52:00.000+02:00

Happy Anniversary Mommy and Daddy and Jeremy!

The Crete Aquarium

2011-04-15T20:00:00.000+02:00

One of the activities we enjoyed on our vacation to Crete was a trip to the island's aquarium Babies love fishies!

We love to see the temple

2011-02-28T19:46:00.001+01:00

We were able to go to the temple when I went for some work meetings in Frankfurt. It was wonderful to also go to a ward on Sunday and see members I knew from my mission. We thought of Oma and Opa as we took pictures in the same places we have seen pictures of them with their missionaries.

Playing Around

2011-02-26T18:16:00.001+01:00

Download now or watch on posterous

IMG_0002.mov (14009 KB)

Posted via email from Sarah Whittaker

After my first day at Kindergarten at church

2011-02-22T00:15:00.001+01:00

Two languages are taxing, peeps!

Posted via email from Sarah Whittaker

Pickle that!

2011-02-22T00:03:00.001+01:00

Yes, you can find just about anything pickled. We found this pickled watermelon in the Russian section of our local gourmet supermarket (Edeka).

We think this is the best supermarket in Germany - and in our little village!

Posted via email from Sarah Whittaker

Helping

2011-02-03T23:21:00.005+01:00

She believes that teaching children to help when they are young is important. I agree! When you are helping you are truly happy.

Holding vegetables while shopping at Lidl

Being happy sitting in the shopping cart

Helping to push brother in the shopping cart

Vaccuuming (nice form) cleaning her chair (see background)

Hiya!

2010-10-09T02:55:00.002+02:00

The babes rocking the travel bed. In "Euro Green," as I like to think of it.

Literally rocking, BTW. They're both big into rocking. Sometimes I find the bed far from where I left them in it.
(photos courtesy Onkie Justy)

U.S. Whitts @ German Whitts

2010-10-08T12:37:00.001+02:00

Changing of the guards in Berlin with Papa

Onkie rocking Zara. Not a purchase.

Bathtime is more fun with grandmothers!

Papa, Mimi and Onkie J = fantastic guests

In just 10 days, we four had fallen in love with our visitors.

The babes were first class travelers, sleeping in 4 different beds in about 5 days.

Highlights were exploring Copenhagen, Berlin, and discovering Schwerin.

Top notch. More details to come.

IQ Results: brain damaged, then genius.

2010-10-02T19:17:00.002+02:00

Well, this is interesting. I'm in the dark (fantastic way to enjoy a 5 star) hotel taking mini IQ tests on iPhone while babies are sleeping and the fam is exploring Berlin. My first IQ test after nap? 78. This? 146. That's going from a state of mental retardation to MENSA. According to the title, I got 4/5 answers right. Yet looking below at check marks, I got all five right. I'm smarter than they gave me credit for?

So, double genius? From below average to genius? Or...this IQ testing program is probably (!!) not legit, unable to compute the correct number of responses. And not reflecting a legitimate IQ. That understood, why do I still enjoy taking these kind of tests? I think I miss the standardized test days of my youth. Seriously!

Series
Score:4/5 Time:2:39 Min
Your IQ:146 - Genius

Q 1. Level: Difficult
What will come in place of the question mark in the given series?

∆

Explanation: Each symbol in the group shifts one place to the left, the first symbol shifts to the last place. It gives the next group. So, after = > <, the next group should be > < = .

Q 2. Level: Medium
In the given series, which letter will occur at the place of question mark. aa?bbaa?b?ba?bbb

∆ aabb

∆ abab

aaba

∆ baba

Explanation: There are 16 letters in the series. Make groups of 4 letters each. The letters in the first group are in the reverse order in the second group. Similar will be the case with the next two groups.

Q 3. Level: Medium
1, 2, 6, 24, ?

∆ 96

∆ 72

∆ 48

120

Explanation: Two times the first number is the second number. Three times the second number is the third number. Four times the third number is the fourth number. So, five times the fourth number should be the fifth number, which is 24 x 5 = 120.

Q 4. Level: Easy
Find correct alternative to replace the question mark

∆

Explanation: The symbol '0' moves to the next corner of the letter M in the clockwise direction.

Q 5. Level: Medium
In the given series any three numbers will have similarity, one number will be different.

∆ 77

∆ 69

∆ 61

Explanation: Except 78 all numbers have odd digits at the units place.

This page is generated by A. Challenge, an iPhone/iPod Touch application.

Sent from my iPhone

Splash!

2010-09-25T01:21:00.000+02:00

A little bit of color floods out the gray (skies). The third coat is dry, and I am already scheming for more . . .

Dedicated? [Crazy?]

2010-09-24T11:34:00.001+02:00

Tom Cruise takes home teaching seriously.

Brain Drain never looked so mature

2010-09-19T22:41:00.003+02:00

First time media watching:
Baby Babble, to be exact.
Mini furniture makes children look so grown up!

[Effective? Who can tell.
But...after two views, they're chatting back to the hosts.]
]

Timmendorfer Beach and Aquarium

2010-09-19T22:17:00.006+02:00

This beach is a favorite of native Hamburgers: it has a beautiful seaside promenade dotted with chic boutiques, cafes and gelato stands.

I simply never tire of people watching.

Mister Bug is always up for smiling at babies, even when it's himself.

The girls

The guys

Lady Bug clutching her horsey's mane while bunny watching.

Mister Bug

Lady Bug extends affection via kisses.

They were digging the up close and personal glass wall.
The sharks kept circling.

Fighting back against the gray

2010-09-14T12:29:00.006+02:00

August and September's gray and rain have kept us inside, preventing us from exploring the beautiful nature around us. I read an article saying Hamburg's record heat in June and July was followed by record precipitation in August -- of the "never been recorded so high" variety. Actual documentation of these extremes made me feel better about my personal struggles with the dreary weather.

This sweet song randomly pops up on my "baby play" ipod playlist, and has kept me going on hard days. Not a particular fan of Pocahontas, this version features Judy Kuhn, a striking, vibrant voice. The orchestration is rich and full, with sweeping movement that imitates the river theme.

"What I love most about rivers is you can't step in the same river twice . . . The water's always changing!"

An important reminder to stay focused in the beauty around us now. We'll never be back to this exact spot in our lives, with the opportunities, challenges, growth and people each waiting to be uncovered!

05_Just_Around_The_Riverbend.m4a (4789 KB)

Posted via email

We have since separated their beds

2010-09-07T00:21:00.009+02:00

One morning last week, we flipped on their lights to find this scene.
Context adds meaning.
This is how it happened.
[Click on pictures for clearer view of expressions.]

Cut Henry --
Cute.

Cut Isabella --

Unjust.

Pull out to panoramic view --

Tragic.

Her bed was empty of her blanket, cuddle bunny, and toys.
Fortunately (and unfortunately), on another day, it could have been
his bed that was stark empty.

Meeting Raw Carrots

2010-09-06T23:12:00.004+02:00

Boltenhagen and Wismar

2010-09-04T22:15:00.001+02:00

This past weekend we wanted to go to the beach to celebrate summer. I am in denial summer is leaving us here in Germany and although I really enjoy Germany in fall, I firmly believe it is summer until September 21st! Yes, Germans may think I am crazy when I go to work without a jacket or scarf in the cooler weather we have been having and yes, some Germans may have raised their eyebrows when our family ventured onto the beach to play in the sand and the water when the wind was blowing and there were white caps on the water...nevertheless, we had a wonderful time.

We decided to go somewhere different from where we have been in the past. A friend of ours recommended Boltenhagen, a seaside town in West Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, also formerly East Germany She even said we could find 30 cent ice cream, which would be our 50 cent ice cream in Büchen! Unfortunately, we did not find the ice cream but we did find 1 Euro Fischbrötchen. I had salmon and She had halibut. The Bugs had them too of course - they are such great eaters. We enjoyed playing in the sand, wading in the water, watching people pass by in sweatshirts and scarves...yes, it was a bit nippy even though the sun was shining. There was a small number of people braving the cool, white-capped waters of the Baltic Sea, mostly older people who I thought may think they have nothing to lose. I watched as one man who appeared to be in his eighties stripped down and went out into the waves. I sat for a few minutes watching him, really thinking it might be a death watch but he made it back safely to shore and was even nice enough to offer us his Strandkorb. Unfortunately, we were not able to take him up on his offer because we wanted to have enough time to take the scenic route home through Wismar, a charming Hanseatic city and then to Ratzeburg, a lake town in Schlewig-Holstein.

It was a stunning drive. Wismar is charming and very colorful for a former GDR city. The drive through the countryside on the way to Ratzeburg was breathtaking! We had just had a rainstorm and then the sun came out as we drove over rolling hills, through forests and villages and past plowed fields. Oh, the beauty of late summer! Here are a few pictures from our day out.

This past weekend we wanted to go to the beach to celebrate summer. I am in denial summer is leaving us here in Germany and although I really enjoy Germany in fall, I firmly believe it is summer until September 21st! Yes, Germans may think I am crazy when I go to work without a jacket or scarf in the cooler weather we have been having and yes, some Germans may have raised their eyebrows when our family ventured onto the beach to play in the sand and the water when the wind was blowing and there were white caps on the water...nevertheless, we had a wonderful time.

Baltic Sea

2010-08-27T00:50:00.012+02:00

We're close to many beaches, but this particular stretch is our favorite. Clean and soft, private and cozy, the sand is flat for ages, so the babies are able to walk and play in shallow water for many meters.

This was our first beach day as a family.

It was charming!

Lady Bug is fearless in water, leaving us on the beach to crawl straight into the surf.
She was fascinated with the salt water. Splash, lick, splash, lick. It took some time before we recognized her eager pattern of licking her salty hands.

Mister Bug ferociously enjoyed daddy time.

Lady Bug propelled herself into the deep.

And was a romping explorer.

What is not to love about this little buddy?

Mister Bug proved himself to be a sand lover. I see sand castles in our future.

Mister Bug enjoyed rough and tumbles with He. . .

And Lady Bug her snuggles with She.

And I have the incredible fortune to spend my life with him!

her first read in the big chair

2010-08-17T23:59:00.005+02:00

When I sat Lady Bug down in our rocking chair for her first sitting debut,

she might have been on a high throne, she was so excited.

After some time reading her book (upside down),

she took the matter of exiting into her own hands.

Boy Meet Comb

2010-08-17T23:56:00.004+02:00

There was more than a little excitement in this first date with the comb.

Mister Bug is eager and full of wonder.

Early Summer's Garden

2010-08-08T23:14:00.003+02:00

I've never had my own garden before.

(Potted herbs aside.)

This summer we decided to play around with the bit of earth that we have.

And do some planting.

In surprise [or shock] to us all, our garden has flourished! While the gardens around us have not?!?

Who knew my little secret would make all the difference:

Watering.

I have fallen in love with the fuschia.

I'm keeping the babies away from the fragrant (though poisonous) oleanders.

The greens for our salad are still untested.

The sunflowers are still growing.

But the herbs are heaven.

The experience of fresh peppermint tea, in particular, may not be overstated.

Reinbek

2010-08-06T22:26:00.008+02:00

She went to visit a friend in the hospital. He was able to spend some time finishing work in front of a castle (click for link). It was a beautiful day in Schleswig-Holstein in Sachsenwald (Sachsen Forest).

Kisses are everywhere.

2010-08-06T16:19:00.005+02:00

Lady Bug gives them to him, wherein Mister Bug either:
1-bows his forehead to receive them or
2-returns them with precious pecks to her lips.
The only thing I enjoy more than receiving a baby's kiss
is seeing our two babies kissing one another.
It is the purest form of sweetness.

Inventive Artist

2010-07-28T23:16:00.008+02:00

Today I had a devastating "first":

I changed Mister Bug's diaper, then took him to the playloft (our baby-proofed safezone). I then changed Lady Bug's diaper, and returned with her to the playloft...to find him drawing/squealing...in...a...pile...of...poo..(did I not just change that baby, or one who looks exactly like him)?!

Surprise and bewilderment hit me just before the instinct to pull him out of his mess [and glee]. As I turned to grab the wipes, luckily only a step away, I returned to see him pounce back to the pile, and look up with a brown, chunky mouth, a huge smile and busy hands. No diaper off, just blown out and up his side.

Fourteen months = incredibly quick + bright + funny + easily delighted + [active bowels].

The good news is that he apparently doesn't like the taste. Unfortunately, and fortunately, no pictures to post.

Intimate Forest

2010-07-26T11:13:00.002+02:00

Lady Bug meet ladybug

Nature's marvel

Forest Exploring

2010-07-26T10:15:00.002+02:00

There was no better way for us to celebrate Utah's 24th of July
than to go to the forest for reprieve.

Mister and Lady Bug met their first pine cones.
There was mutual glee and wonder.

He spotted wild raspberries.
She was a proud wife.
Babies were ecstatic for berries (as usual).

Forest picnics taste better.

I'm an earthquake survivor.

2010-07-19T09:01:00.006+02:00

I think I just experienced a mild, {teeny, tiny} shifting of the earth.

Here's why: I heard something fall outside my window. Two pictures just fell off the wall. Something else crashes at my neighbors. The rooster is set off.

How does one look into such matters, I wonder?

In any case, "incidences" of Nature are drawn to me. It is, indeed, a verifiable fact.

Pool Party

2010-07-18T03:12:00.000+02:00

He and She continue to discover strategies to beat the intense summer heat.

Apparently, this is a favorable backyard solution: pool party!

beat it up

2010-07-15T00:45:00.003+02:00

[Edit: video added]

Mister and Lady Bug love the "frog" noisemaker we picked up in Portugal. It takes both She and He a fair bit of concentration to operate it, so the surprise was on us when Mister Bug picked it right up.

And he can whirl it in rhythm.

First PBJ

2010-07-14T07:23:00.000+02:00

Innocent Affection

2010-07-12T21:40:00.001+02:00

Mrs. Adams' son Charlie is kind and gentle and 1/2 year older than our little ones.

And he took a fancy to her. This is how it played out ...

[Edit: video added]

The Adams Family (cue music)

2010-07-10T10:45:00.000+02:00

We have guests!

What a delight. A dear friend from college, the beautiful Mrs. Adams (and her two sons), made a stopover on her journey from the Middle East (current home) to Detroit, MI (hometown). It was a delightful weekend -- and over far too quickly.

In the words of Rita Mae Brown: "The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you.”

I'm so glad to have such a best friend that not only assures me we are both sane, but that enjoys getting a little crazy, in a "best-girl-friend" sort of way!

Anniversary

2010-06-28T16:31:00.001+02:00

Schön

She planned a great anniversary for us in Hamburg. We ate on the Elbe River, went on a ferry ride and explored the beautiful city.

Let me see you grill!

2010-06-27T16:45:00.002+02:00

YUMMMM!

Hi everyone - I have a pickle and piece of corn on my forehead.

She sure likes to grill and is a BBQ gourmet!

She loves him!!

2010-06-15T01:59:00.000+02:00

To borrow from Mrs. Browning, I ask, "How do I love thee? I can not count the ways."

Happy Father's Day to the man who stops my heart, holds my hand, and rubs away the pains in my back. There is none like you. You are my heart's treasure.

Portugal - The Algarve

2010-06-10T20:40:00.000+02:00

Lagos

Sisters!

So big

It was wonderful to have family time in Portugal with the Clines. There were also a few firsts for the babies: first time on a beach and first time swimming!

Swimming at the resort - our first time!

First time at the beach (Lagos)

Thank you for throwing us a family birthday party!

Happy First Birthday!

2010-05-30T19:56:00.001+02:00

It was a delight to celebrate that special day 12 months ago when our sweet little girl and boy were born. Hats, balloons, presents, singing, candles, cakes and fun! This post has more images than usual - please indulge our delight as we share the magic of this time!

Denmark - Middelfahrt and Odense

2010-05-15T20:10:00.000+02:00

A street in Odense near the market

Hans Christian Andersen's street

Hans and the fam

Middelfahrt on Fyn

The harbor in Middelfahrt

Hafenfest in Hamburg

2010-05-01T18:43:00.001+02:00

We took the opportunity to go to the Hamburger Hafenfest (Harbor Festival) while one of my former work colleagues from Siemens was visiting. It was great to see Claudia and Marcus! We enjoyed seeing the boats and enjoying the festive atmosphere on the Elbe in Hamburg's harbor and Speicherstadt (warehouse district).

Altes Land

2010-05-01T14:05:00.001+02:00

We went to Jork on May Day. It was sunny in the morning and stormy in the afternoon. We loved the beauty of a rainy/sunny day and the opportunity to see the different shades of green and gray. Altes Land is known for its orchards and in the spring, the fruit tree blossoms. Luckily, we happened upon a town festival in Jork.

How tall am I?

2010-04-25T21:40:00.001+02:00

Although we did not capture it, a video journal entry of his first time standing by himself in his crib.

So big!

2010-04-25T21:35:00.001+02:00

How big are you? So big!

photobooth fun

2010-04-14T00:19:00.001+02:00

Bless you!

2010-03-30T22:32:00.001+02:00

First Solids

2010-03-14T22:38:00.001+01:00

Green beans? A success!

Morning feeding

2010-03-14T17:07:00.001+01:00

I love hearing babies in the morning and never like to miss out going to lift them from their bed to bring them in so Mami can feed them.

Can I have your glasses?

2010-03-01T23:12:00.000+01:00

I love to see a little hand reaching for my glasses - neither of them can be deterred.

Little Swallow

2010-01-01T20:54:00.000+01:00

Blessing Day

2009-12-27T22:32:00.000+01:00

First solids

2009-12-27T18:13:00.000+01:00

So we waited until their blessing day to feed them solids - it was a fun day at Opa's and Oma's.

Family picture time

2009-12-26T19:56:00.000+01:00

It was wonderful to be with extended family to have pictures taken at the Capitol.

Christmas Morning at Oma's and Opa's

2009-12-25T22:26:00.000+01:00

We experienced the magic of Christmas morning with the Jaggis, Blewitts, Oma and Opa. It is wonderful to see children on Christmas morning - no matter how old they are.

Christmas at Mimi's and Papa's

2009-12-25T22:17:00.000+01:00

It is amazing to think how year after year I posed in front of this tree and now I am here with my own wife and children.

Our gifts under the tree.

Onkie

2009-12-25T19:52:00.000+01:00

The babies love their Onkie

Chistmas Eve at Oma's and Opa's

2009-12-24T22:10:00.000+01:00

It was wonderful to be with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Meeting Santa

2009-12-23T21:48:00.000+01:00

Mrs. and Mr. Bug meet Santa!

Meeting Gram

2009-12-18T06:23:00.000+01:00

For us it was worth coming home for Christmas in spite of the expense just to give the babies a chance to meet our family. Babies - meet Gram. Gram - meet the babies.

Babies First Flight!

2009-12-16T22:02:00.000+01:00

Looking forward to seeing everybody, waiting for our flight in Hamburg Airport. Little did we know how "adventurous" it would be to fly with babies. We were just grateful for kind fellow passengers who immediately volunteered to help.

Christmasmarket fairyfright

2009-12-13T18:01:00.000+01:00

Hansel and Gretel Nativy scene

Family togetherness

2009-12-13T17:56:00.001+01:00

We never get the four of us together.

Thank you shoe closet!

Meal time conundrum

2009-12-07T19:46:00.000+01:00

Meal time conundrum (Click for video)

Martha Washington

2009-12-03T23:44:00.000+01:00

Martha Washington (click for video)

Can't get enough of baby lips that simply must pucker.

Missing You

2009-11-26T07:39:00.000+01:00

Missing You (click for video)

He is out of town. She made him a video.

Twinsies

2009-11-21T07:36:00.000+01:00

Twinsies

PJs

2009-11-18T22:42:00.000+01:00

PJs (click for video)

Twin Buds

2009-11-18T22:32:00.000+01:00

Buddies

Finding voice

2009-11-04T10:46:00.000+01:00

I think I sing to Isabella and Henry in maybe 40% of my verbal communications. And I suppose roughly half of those are made-up.

I'm not sure why; mothering just comes out of me this way.

I was wondering in the shower this morning if that means the babies will sing to me their tantrums if when?! [finger crossed here] they get to those. At least 40% of the time?

Baby girl kisses

2009-10-23T21:12:00.000+02:00

My favorite delight of late are Miss Bubble's kisses. When I give her kisses, she accepts them. When I say, "Kiss [Miss Bubbles]!" and kiss her, she smiles or laughs with glee. When I say "Kiss Mama!" and put my face to her cheek, she opens her mouth, then smiles at me. She incidentally is also a fan of eskimo and butterfly kisses. Love the sweet kisses, love more that she likes them announced!

Somehow I missed doing this with Mr. Dimples, though he's catching on quickly!

Füssen

2009-09-19T21:50:00.001+02:00

We visited Stadt Füssen
(which translates to City of Feet)

We enjoy having Mimi here.

The city is beautiful, with frescos on many of the village homes and civic structures.

Announcement

2009-05-31T19:47:00.000+02:00

[email sent to family on the day of their birth]

Dear Family,

We wanted to announce to you that our sweet babies were born on Saturday, May 30th. Sarah and babies are doing well. Both babies are in the NICU. Our little girl is breathing well on her own but our little boy has had a bit more difficult time with this. We hope you would be willing to keep them both in your prayers. The doctors expect both of them to be fine, they just need a bit more time with some TLC from the über competent medical personnel to help them get over a few initial hurdles. We are VERY excited and will be sending you another update with additional details and pictures soon.

We love you all!
He, She and babies

Welcome in!

2009-05-29T00:56:00.003+02:00

(Lady Bug, left - Mister Bug, right)

These delightful little dumplings joined our family today.

This first picture of them outside the womb
captures the sweet babies
minutes after their delivery.

Lady Bug
5/30
4.56 am
4 lb 0 oz
17.76 inches

Mister Bug
5/30
4.59 am
6 lb 7 oz
19.3 inches

Strawberries and musli - just before I went into the hospital

2009-05-15T20:19:00.000+02:00

From her office in Starnberg

2009-05-15T20:17:00.000+02:00

Weihnachtsmarkt In Rosenheim

2009-05-15T20:12:00.000+02:00

Thanksgiving turkey ala SMSW

2009-05-15T20:10:00.000+02:00

Spring walk in the neighborhood

2009-04-07T22:22:00.000+02:00

Dusk.

Not going on a trip - just going to the grocery store!

2009-04-02T20:15:00.000+02:00

Skating in Lüneburg - kind of like Classic Skating

2009-02-27T23:07:00.000+01:00

Expert Skypers

2009-02-25T23:09:00.000+01:00

Mr. Wonderful

2009-02-12T14:12:00.000+01:00

He in his Sunday best on the train to church.

She's still got it!

2009-02-12T13:29:00.000+01:00

Mrs. Bavaria was clearly on her trainride home from the meadows, after a day of cross country skiing. With her boots neatly off, she was writing in her calendar when I interrupted her with this photo. She was otherwise very cheery, though clearly suspicious of me here, wondering what I was doing.

Little House on the Prairie.

2009-02-12T13:20:00.000+01:00

He thought this picture of she as Laura Ingalls was particularly funny.
Almost as funny as she finds imagining he, at a tender age, sitting close to the TV shedding uncontrollable tears with Mary and Laura. Turns out she doesn't even like the show, though her faux fur-trimmed hat and prairie skirt might earn her character privileges.

Grocery store thugs

2009-02-12T13:09:00.000+01:00

Thanks Gram for the warm hats!

We visited a brand new, upscale grocery store in our neighborhood. We felt a little casual in dress, and when walking back to the train we laughed about how we must appear: two bundled bodies trudging through the snow in the darkness back to the train with a lot of grocery bags in tow.
Like "all of our belongings in the bags" a lot.
We are a delightful, far cry away from homeless -- who cares if we don't yet have a car!

The very tidy soda section.

Fall Glory

2008-11-07T00:42:00.002+01:00

Mother Nature sets off her colorful fireworks in Fall before the earth enters hibernation.
My daily walking trail is no exception.

Cultivated parks

and walking paths

added to secret forest trails

with Isar River overviews

are the main reason

we chose to live just outside of the city.

The train that doesn't turn back

2008-10-26T04:27:00.000+01:00

This is the spot where She told He life would never be the same. What a beautiful overview of the Swiss hills we shared as we pondered our new focus.

Swiss Watch

2008-10-26T00:23:00.000+02:00

Friend to great chocolate
(Swiss cow, 10/2008)

Dinner in the fish/meat slaughter district

2008-10-20T13:46:00.000+02:00

He had truffel linguini

She had pizza with the house italian meat and ricc-

Riding the train home, we better understood the European ego.

2008-10-16T05:06:00.000+02:00

"EUROPE SAVES THE WORLD!"

His long hair and how she feels about it

2008-09-28T02:29:00.000+02:00

Which "Incredibles" character does he resemble?

This smile is either fake or caught off-guard.

His Royal Hotness

2008-09-16T00:37:00.000+02:00

Long and curly.

How my Euro children will dress

2008-09-02T18:40:00.000+02:00

Salzburg window display.
Galoshes are divine.

Meet (the new) Prince Charming (of the world)

2008-08-30T18:06:00.003+02:00

As reported in our papers today.
Headline: Dream Against Reality

Um, is that a halo? Seriously.
Maybe we should be asking if we're dreaming.

Earliest picture of us together

2008-07-20T16:58:00.000+02:00

On a date watching the Buzz.
July 2007

Kaiserin Elisabeth Hotel

2008-07-19T14:59:00.000+02:00

Sissy is historically beloved. This estate was one of her Bavarian retreats.
He booked it as a surprise, unaware of Sissy's relationship.
She happens to be delightfully charmed by this princess and her legacy.
Even the 4 km walk in the rain to/from the train station was enchanted!

Cousins

2008-07-18T00:47:00.000+02:00

There's more than a little resemblance here.

Distant cousins, united in Germany.

The Hunt

2008-07-14T17:17:00.002+02:00

Positively painful and exhilarating all at once.
Our first apartment? Estate agent to arrange all unpleasantries? Guided tours of favorites?

No light fixtures?

No kitchen cabinets/sink/appliances?

Crazy 70s/80s tile in OTHER rooms (not just bath)?

Beautiful garden views?

Long halls adjoining rooms, with no flow between rooms?

Repeatedly seeing these features gave insight into Bavaria's standard of living costs: one of the highest in Europe.

Simplicity

2008-07-07T15:10:00.002+02:00

Living out of a suitcase. 2 meals a day.
Crazy to finish our work each day so we can be together.
Simply blessed.
Heavenly Father is kind and good and we are grateful for His plan for each of us.
We have learned something of His timing and His wisdom.

Do you have a name, friend from the future?

2008-07-07T08:24:00.000+02:00

The month before we married and moved to Germany, He flew to Bavaria to scout and prepare his employment and our homestead.
Incidentally, He took a picture of this in Kaufhof (department store) to set household expectations for me of what was to come after we married and I moved to Germany.

Used to be when I was a little girl, life was so simple.

A lot has changed.