Every day life and occasional adventures of Emily Snow and Family

Monday, December 31, 2007

Thomas Words


Even at five, Thomas still has a few words that he says in his own special Thomas way. I actually love these words and haven't done much to encourage him to say them the way that he should. I know that he can say the sounds the right way if he needs to.

One word that he says every morning, that puts a smile on my face or at least in my heart, is "bret-test" as in breakfast. As in, "Mom, can we go downstairs and have bret-test?"

Another word, that will really always be remembered as a Thomas word is "chep-ped" as in ketchup. He actually was saying it the correct way a year or so ago and then he went back to chep-ped. Again, I don't mind.

Until later,

Emily

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Goodbye Lazy Sunday Mornings!

We are a family that attends church regularly. When I say regularly, I mean pretty much every Sunday unless we are on a trip, or one of us is sick. With the turn of the new year, our ward or congregation will go from meeting at 1:30 PM to 9 AM. I actually like 9 AM church once I get there but it's the getting there...or rather getting there on time that is the killer. That means we will have to leave our home by 8:30 AM...it's going to be tough 52 weeks! To save time in the morning, I'll probably bathe the night before. The kids always get their baths at night. Bags will have to be packed the night before. Not only will Sunday mornings be busier, but so will Saturday evenings! "Saturday is a Special Day"....(a Primary song), suddenly popped in my head! But, on the flip-side, it will be the return of my Sunday nap! I love naps. If I could, I would nap every single day of my life. But, since I now have two young children, I'll take one every Sunday instead! Goodbye Lazy Sunday Mornings...but Hello Lazy Sunday Afternoons!

Until later,

Emily

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Time Went by Too Fast!

As Toby's 1st birthday is quickly approaching and I happen to know for a fact that he will be receiving a few new toys, I decided it was time to put away 90% of the "baby" toys this afternoon. Tasks like this tug at my heart strings because I'm not sure if I will ever get these out again to use or if I will find myself a few years from now donating them to Goodwill. (This is exactly the reason why I did not push Thomas out of his crib until he was 3 years, 1 month old! ) And, because of the timing of this Germany move, I have to admit, I do feel that we got cheated out of enjoying much of Toby's infancy. It was like a gray cloud over his first nine months...

But, time has gone, we'll never get it back, so I realize all we can do is try to enjoy both our children more now that life has settled a bit for us. What happened to us is "life" it's not always easy or fun... and sometimes there are gray clouds over the most precious of moments.

Toby is changing every single day...today he climbed three stairs...those parts I ordered for the baby gates have not arrived...he ate pizza for the first time yesterday (OK, it was the crust!) and the look on his face was priceless--you could tell he was looking at Thomas and I and thinking "Yeah, I'm just as big as they are!"

Thomas has shot up like a weed recently. He has already grown out of some of the new pants he got for his birthday a mere two months ago. (A small glimmer of hope that maybe there is still a chance that he'll get my long legs rather than James' not so long legs?) Sometime next month, James, Thomas and I will go to the International School that he will be attending starting in August, to get better acquainted with their system and ultimately registered and enrolled. Life is constantly changing...

Until later,

Emily

One More Thing About Christmas 2007...

It was a white one! It turned pretty cold here about two weeks ago. Slowly, a beautiful frost has been growing everywhere outside. Do you remember growing crystals on charcoal with ammonia? That's what it's been like, a little more grows each day. It reminds me of the ice storms we have in Maryland but these are more like crystals and there was no storm. It is absolutely beautiful.

Until later,

Emily






(Can you tell the difference? These pics were taken with my new camera!)

Friday, December 28, 2007

Christmas Greetings from Toby & Thomas!



Christmas Day 2007













As we approached our first Christmas "away", I wondered what it would be like. Would I get depressed? Would we get bored with the day? Would it be a let-down? But, on the contrary, it was very lovely.

The kids slept in until 9 AM--I nearly died! Well, not really that Toby slept in, I realize he's clueless but I thought we'd hear Thomas' pitter-patter somewhere in the 6 AM hour...we came downstairs and let the kids open their presents. Thomas was delighted that Santa was able to fulfill his Christmas wish for a certain Herbie car (which isn't produced anymore)... and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle with a light blue bandanna that was the featured Happy Meal toy about 9 months ago--all I can say is thank goodness for eBay! Then, we took a break and enjoyed some homemade cinnamon rolls. Then, it was my turn to open my presents. After that, we went back for round two of the cinnamon rolls and round one of breakfast casserole. Finally, we got to James' presents. We spent the rest of the day just hanging out as a family and it was absolutely WONDERFUL!

We got very spoiled by our families this year and we also spoiled one another. Two things I am really excited about are my new digital camera (8.1 megapixels) and our new (black) kitchen table. Which isn't actually here yet because Ikea was out-of-stock, but as soon as they are back in, the new table, along with 8 chairs and a wall cabinet will be arriving at our house!

Until later,

Emily

Thursday, December 27, 2007

One Year Ago Today...

It was exactly one year ago today that I found myself, while vacationing in Utah for the Christmas season, admitted to the hospital for preterm labor. I had over eight weeks to go and was already dilated to a 3+. The hospital that I went to wasn't equipped to take care of that early of a baby, so they called one of the bigger Salt Lake hospitals and told them of my situation and that if I went any further they'd transfer me by ambulance. The doctors gave me a drug to stop the contractions, but that one didn't work, I was having regular contractions, so they tried another one, which made me feel really funny. However, this one worked. They also administered the first of two hormone shots that would develop Toby's lungs. I ended up spending most of that day (Wednesday), that night and most of Thursday in the hospital (I came home Thursday night). I got the second shot for Toby's lungs and was sent home with pills to take any time I felt a contraction or what I felt could be contraction. I hoped to make it another six weeks, but I was confident that I could hang on for at least another month...after all, I had Thomas on his due date...

My hospital stay was sandwiched between Instacare visits for James on Christmas Eve Day for one of those sore throat-aches-n-pain illnesses and one for Thomas on New Year's Eve for an ear infection.

There's just no better way to say it--2006 was a hell of a Christmas holiday!

Until later,

Emily

Toby's First Christmas

Having an older baby or a toddler in the household during Christmas is always interesting. My nicely decorated Christmas tree was quickly "adjusted" by Toby or the fact that Toby liked to touch everything. The precisely placed ribbon had to be adjusted (but was never precisely adjusted) within an hour...ornaments had to be moved. He was constantly in the presents or in the tree or trying to unplug the lights. Darn kid!

Until later,

Emily





The Twelve Days of Christmas


This year, "my family" which consists of my mom, dad, brother, sister and brother-in-law sent us the Twelve Days of Christmas". It was really fun to open something for half of this month, and Thomas certainly enjoyed it. After the first morning when he be-bopped into our room at 6 AM because he was so excited to open the first present, I set some ground rules (no present opening until after 8:30 AM and you have to get dressed first!) and then it was much more fun for the whole family!

The first day of Christmas: one board game (Cootie)

The second day of Christmas: two DVD's, (Transformers & The Jungle Book)

The third day of Christmas: three card games

The fourth day of Christmas: three stocking caps

The fifth day of Christmas: five bags of our favorite chocolate candy minis

The sixth day of Christmas: six chap sticks/lip glosses (I got a 3-pack and the boys got one each).

The seventh day of Christmas: pajamas for all of us (two-piece sets for James, Thomas & I, and a one-piece for Toby)

The eighth day of Christmas: matching mittens or gloves to go with the stocking caps from day four. Wrapped individually to make eight.

The ninth day of Christmas: Nine packets of my favorite hot chocolate with peppermint pieces in it.

The tenth day of Christmas: $10 worth of mine and James' favorite sea foam from Alvey's candy, out of Richmond, UT.

The eleventh day of Christmas: Eleven packages of marshmallow snowmen Peeps (Thomas and I love them and we can't buy them here)

The twelfth day of Christmas: the rest of our presents!

I thought they were really thoughtful and creative with the presents and it made our holiday season more memorable! Thanks!

Until later,

Emily

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

A Little Catching Up to Do...

Before I post Christmas pictures or blog about our Christmas...I have some other pictures and stories to tell first. Like I think most people, I am taking today to take it easy and start to recover from Christmas...so, I'll work on those posts and I'll post them later and ultimately, get my blog caught up...but maybe tomorrow or the next day...so please check in again on the Snow family!

Until later (and Happy December 26th, which should be declared a holiday itself--which, by the way, it is in Germany!)

Emily

Sunday, December 23, 2007

An Early Christmas Present!

I received an early Christmas present this year...well, it isn't really a Christmas present but it made me as excited or even more excited than a good Christmas surprise would make me--James was able to successfully hang four wall hangings on the walls! Three of the four of them I would consider heavy too! Everything has to be pre-drilled. Then, there's the funny--only a man would do it that way notable-- when he hung up the decorations, he didn't find it necessary to take off the little stamps from the moving company...the ones that inventory each item. I guess he decided he wasn't going to do it all and left something for me to do. And, I didn't say a word about it either...

Until later,

Emily

Friday, December 21, 2007

Toby's Tooth Trauma




If you recall, Toby got his five teeth practically one right after another all in about 4 or 5 weeks. Naturally, once they "came in" they started "coming down". He has had this uneven smile for a while, though, because tooth #6, the upper tooth next to his front teeth never came in. I started to get worried. Then, last weekend, I could see the white bud just beneath the skin...so I knew it was there but taking it's sweet time. On Tuesday morning, Toby looked normal, but by Tuesday evening, I initially thought he had eaten something red...once I got a closer look...I could see that it was teething trauma. Or a teething blister. I had never seen that before...but apparently, it's not all that unique. All the same, I grabbed my camera and captured the image forever. It was gone the next morning and the tooth is poking out of his gums already.


Until later,


Emily




Christmas Cookies!


I made sugar cookies last night. Thomas helped me roll out and cut the cookies. I baked them all, and then had to shift gears for dinner, which we ate picnic style since the table was being used (I really miss my bar in my kitchen in Maryland!). I frosted a few for James, Thomas and I to sample and then sent Thomas off to bed. I stayed up and frosted the rest of the cookies. I ended up making 11 1/2 dozen. This was only a double batch, I've made triple batches before but I wasn't up for it this time. They've all been handed out except about a dozen.


Until later,


Emily


Thursday, December 20, 2007

No Christmas Cards from the Snow's this Year!

While my intentions were good this year, time flew and Christmas cards did not happen. Truthfully, I was waiting for a great picture of the four of us that I would upload to shutterfly.com and get those cute postcards that are so popular these days. Last Monday, I had decided to use a darling picture of Thomas and Toby that I took recently, and didn't post on the blog and then I realized that by the time they got shipped to me and I sat down and addressed the envelopes and sent them off to the States again, there was no way they would arrive before Christmas! So, I "shelved" the idea of Christmas cards for a while...until yesterday, when I changed the style of the card from Christmas to New Year's and now my order is on it's way! I figure as long as I get my New Year's cards out sometime in January...I'm still being punctual!

Until later,

Emily

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimn...Oops!


Stockings for the Snow Family have always been a strange source of anxiety for me. Our first Christmas, I went out and bought pretty much the cheapest thing out there thinking that I'd get something better later. I really don't care that they were cheap...but they're not very cute.

Once we had Thomas and I started receiving the Pottery Barn Kids catalogs, I knew I wanted their stockings but they always seemed like a splurge to me, especially when it seems like you are already spending a lot of money during the holidays.

Last summer, I even fooled myself into thinking that I could recover the tops of new-with-tags PBK stockings that were being sold at Downeast Outfitters Home for $1 a piece (there were other people's names monogrammed on the top). In fact, my sister-in-law did the same thing...and I bet she's done hers and they are absolutely amazing! But, as the months have gone by and my plate has been full with other things, I realized that I wasn't going to do yet another project!

So, finally, I went ahead and ordered my dream stockings--complete with monogramming, of course! I ordered them on November 21st so we would have them for almost all of December. Three of the four did arrive on December 6th. Poor Toby's was MIA. I waited another eight days before calling Pottery Barn Kids customer service number. Their records showed that it had been shipped...but they went ahead and reordered the stocking but apologized that it probably wouldn't reach me in time for Christmas. I almost cried. The first stocking arrived the next day...go figure!

With four stockings in my possession, I was finally ready to hang them by the fireplace. We have a fireplace over here, which makes the stocking thing even more exciting...in my own opinion! I had considered ordering stocking holders online but thought that I would surely find some over here. I never did. But, I thought that I could hang them up with thumbtacks. Again, our plans have been foiled by the German construction! We can't get anything in these walls! Every nail, pin, hook practically bends when it gets a centimeter away from the walls! (This is a real problem since I still don't have anything hanging on the walls--but James is going to try "one more thing" and then he says I can call Hans to the rescue--the guy that hung all our curtains).

Unfortunately, I will probably have to resort to clear packing tape to hang my stockings with care this year (James already informed me of the pure tackiness!)..so much for being picturesque! But, I know the kids won't care and I'm betting Santa won't either!

Until later,

Emily

Monday, December 17, 2007

ALWAYS Read Your Labels!

Yesterday, I quickly whipped up a pan of pork enchiladas before flying off to church...James stayed home with the kids because Thomas has had a bad sore throat and cough (he also stayed home from preschool on Friday) and Toby stayed behind because it was my Sunday to teach. Anyways, I thought this would actually work out all right because James could put the enchiladas in the oven right around the time that church got out and we could have dinner earlier. And, everything did go as planned...until we bit into the enchiladas. The last time I made them, I made them with green sauce, so this time I made them with red sauce. I should clarify that I don't make homemade sauce, I use the canned kind. I like spicy hot food and these were pretty spicy. I took a second bite thinking that maybe I just got a heavily doused green Tabasco piece (I generally "pepper" my food with it because I like my food spicier than James), but the second bite seemed even hotter! I dug the can out of the Gelbe sack and wouldn't you know it--I had picked up HOT enchilada sauce! The label for the MEDIUM and the HOT red enchilada sauce looks exactly the same except for the words medium and hot. James added more sour creme to his piece, but he didn't have seconds and I can safely say that we will not be eating the leftovers for tomorrow's dinner. But, I'll eat them for lunch!

Until later,

Emily

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Dear Santa

This is another email that I have received two or three times over the past weeks. I thought it was too cute!



Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor and sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes:

I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.

I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.

If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music, a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals, and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season.

Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely.

It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is calling and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold.

Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always,

MOM

...P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Christmas Fun!

I have received quite a few of these surveys in my email over the past couple of weeks. I thought I'd post mine on the blog:

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both, depends on the package, but if it's for my kids, it has to be wrapped. Neither one will leave the presents alone this year. And, I only started putting them under the tree on Tuesday night. Note to self: next year no presents under the tree until at least December 20!

2. Real tree or artificial? artificial, pre-lit artificial, to be exact. Yeah, I know I'm no fun.

3. When do you put up the tree? When we were in MD but always went to UT for Christmas, I generally put the tree up around Nov 15. I figured it needed to be up for at least a month for it to be worth the hassle. This year, I aimed for the weekend right after Thanksgiving and I got it up a week later, decorated four days after that!

4. When do you take the tree down? ideally right after New Year's. Last year, I had the baby and my mom took it down for me. The rest of my decorations came down sometime in February--yes February!

5. Do you like eggnog? yes

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Becky, my stuffed animal giraffe. I still have her. She is old and tattered.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, I have two but don't love either of them. I hope one day to come across one that I really love, and then I'll buy it!

8. Hardest person to buy for? My brother-in-law, Ryan. Luckily Kate usually makes it easy on me and picks something out that I pay her back for.

9. Easiest person to buy for? the kids definitely. I find it hard to stop.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't think of a really bad present but I'll never forget the Christmas Day when my cousins told me about Santa. I was only eight. I had at least one more year in me...

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? mainly mail, a few emails. This year, looks like neither!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Christmas Vacation

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas ? It really depends on the year. This year, we started in September.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? no

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? cookies

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? clear on the tree. colored outside.

17. Favorite Christmas song? I like pretty much every Christmas song.

18. Travel for Christmas or stay at home? James & I have traveled to UT for every single Christmas since 2000. So, this will be my first Christmas away from home. The only time James has been away was when he was on his mission in Florida.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? yes--but I'm not sure I can spell their names correctly, so you're just going to have to believe me on this one!

20. Open presents Christmas eve or Christmas morning? one (or two) on Christmas Eve, the rest Christmas Morning

21. Most annoying thing about this time of year? never having enough time to do all the things that you had hoped. That and shopping with the masses. Most of my shopping was done online this year and I have to say it has been quite pleasant! Oh--and the "holiday pounds" that try really hard to get on my body! Unfortunately, I bake things that I think are yummy, therefore I sample a lot!

22. What I love most about Christmas? Christmas lights, baking, Christmas music

Thursday, December 13, 2007

A Whole Lotta Laundry...

I was so excited today when I realized that I didn't have to go anywhere. Which meant I could stay home and do some much needed housework. My kitchen is clean, including mopped floors and the main level got a good vacuuming. I even got Toby's room a little bit organized (but I wouldn't say totally) But, most importantly, I got on top of my laundry, I must admit I've been drowning in it for about a month now...since we were all fortunate enough to get sick...

It's not like I haven't done any wash and folding for the entire month, but I was really behind. To give you an idea, I washed, folded and put away 10 loads of laundry today! Sadly, there is another load in the washer and dryer and yet another one to go in the washer in the morning. But I feel oddly triumphant!

Until later,

Emily

Random Thought Thursday...


A great thing about Germany is that not only are there lots of parking spots designated for expecting moms, but they also take that one step further and reserve plenty of parking for moms with little kids! In fact, if I wasn't a mom with little kids, I'd probably be a little bitter about the number of spaces reserved for that reason!

Until later,

Emily

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Weihnachts Pyramide




I know I posted this picture a few days ago...but I found out what this is called: it's a Weihnachts Pyramide.

Weihnachts = Christmas

Until later,

Emily

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Comment Moderation

Please don't be alarmed anyone. I have changed one of the settings to my blog. I have enabled comment moderation. This means that when you leave a comment, it won't immediately appear on my blog. Blogger will "save it" until I can look at it first and then I will post it manually. Mainly I did this so I can know when I have a new comment so I don't have to scroll through all my old posts. Secondarily, it will also be helpful if someone happens to slip up and use our real names! Please use our blog names when posting!

Until later,

Emily

Monday, December 10, 2007

Two "Real" Moments...

First of all, let me clarify that I am talking about the store, Real, which is pronounced Ree-Al. It is the closest thing to Walmart here. In fact, the stores used to be Walmart until Walmart pulled out of Germany about a year ago.

So, anyways, the kids and I had to go to Real last week, we were trying to find multi-colored 220v Christmas lights...we had already made three other stops and this was our last stop, which should have been a quick in-and-out because that's all I was going in for. Then, we'd be on our way home, which is 15 minutes away.

I got the stroller out and put Toby in, and then Thomas informed me that he needed to go potty. I asked him if he could hold it and he said, "no". I don't know why I even bothered to ask...the kid only "goes potty" three times a day (I don't know how he does it), so when he says he has to go...he means it! At this point, I'm just annoyed, because we're so close to being home and sometimes potty stops can be such a pain. Real has bathrooms, I am sure of it...but I was looking for the quick solution. That's when the thought occurred to me, "Hey, this IS Germany!", so I set Thomas up to pee in the parking lot. We were kind of parked in an obscure section and I figured it would rain again sometime that day! I opened one of the car doors and pointed to a spot on the ground and gave him clear instructions, "Don't pee in the car and hurry!" He did great and I thought we were home free when he turns around, buttoning his pants and wouldn't you know it...the driver of one of the few cars near mine comes out of the store. And, apparently, he didn't approve of what I had let my son do. I could tell instantly by his piercing look and body language. That was the last time I made eye contact with him and from that point on, I pretended that I was really involved with Toby and getting my bags organized. He stared us down for a good 45 seconds. It was really uncomfortable...and I probably won't encourage parking lot potty breaks again!

Once inside, I passed this really homely man with a scruffy mustache that I immediately thought, "you need to trim that nasty thing!" about, seconds later, I noticed that he was wearing a light pink house dress and women's shoes. He was a she. She became even uglier once I realized she was a woman... I get that sometimes women have facial hair...especially when you get older, but if this is the case, something needs to be done about it! Laser, wax, chemicals, tweeze even shave. I think it's an image that will stay with me FOREVER!

To top it all off--they didn't have the Christmas lights I was looking for!

Until later,

Emily

Sunday, December 9, 2007

A Moment of Silence...

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, my Aunt Giselle passed away yesterday. She left behind my Uncle Bill, their three kids, Tara, Lisa and Wilo, and three grandchildren. May peace and comfort be with them all at this time.

Until later,

Emily

Thursday, December 6, 2007

It's That Time of Year...














































The time for German Christmas markets! We have been anticipating this time of year and hoping that we would not be disappointed. James and I ignored our "day jobs" yesterday and spent most of the day at two different Christmas markets, one in Wiesbaden and one in Mainz.

There are Christmas decorations galore! Nutcrackers, smokers, ornaments, advent wreaths, knick knacks, jewelry, hats and scarves, table linens, etc, etc. Or as James likes to say, "Girlie stuff". We decided that we liked the Wiesbaden market better because it was more spacious to walk around. And--we are so excited about this--we found a brand-new parking garage nearby! It is "Americanized", with spacious parking and decent-sized elevators! We were practically cheering when we realized how nice it was! At both markets, we tried all kinds of German food and goodies, roasted nuts, crepes, waffles, sweets, I had a cheese sandwich on a hard roll and James had a sausage on a hard roll. I found nothing to write home about (and, yet, here I am!) but he said he'd eat the sausage again. I'd have a crepe again and a waffle is a waffle...the other things, I'll pass on in the future but we'll keep trying to find something to RAVE about...there has to be something!

Our kids were great the entire day. Admittedly, we dropped Thomas off at preschool for three hours and that was kind of nice. There are times when I wish he would still ride in a stroller, and this was one of those times! Toby's at that age where as long as I keep his stroller tray full of Cheerios and such, he could go all day!

As a side note, James and I think our kids are adorable. Of course we do, we are their parents! However, yesterday, our kids were a hit everywhere we went! The Germans loved their big, blue eyes and seemed to think it was really neat that they look so much alike. One gentleman even commented that "you make one kind of child".

We returned to the Wiesbaden Christmas market after picking up Thomas from preschool, mainly to walk around and see the lights. It really was a neat atmosphere! We'll probably continue to visit Christmas markets throughout the month and we'll definitely always remember them when we return to the States and get back to the normal hustle and bustle!

Until later,

Emily

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Toby's Tumble


This is what Toby looked like TWO minutes after taking his first tumble down the stairs!

Last Thursday, he was literally at my heels as I was going downstairs to work on laundry. I was careful to make sure that the door "clicked" behind me because I knew he would follow.

So, I went downstairs, took the laundry out of the dryer and began putting the wet clothes from the washer into the dryer...that's when I heard this little whimper, and I knew he was coming down the stairs. I ran to meet him already 3/4's the way down. He rolled like a ball! He cried for 10 seconds--that's it! I think it scared him more than anything.

The door, we have discovered can "click" but not be exactly shut so now we know it has to click and then you push back on it to be sure. As for the gates for our tiled stairs, they will be up shortly. Luckily, he hasn't figured out how to go up yet (but I caught him trying yesterday). I ordered the kits that I needed to secure my gates to wrought iron this past weekend.

Until later,

Emily

Monday, December 3, 2007

Sunday Shocker!

I woke up this morning still in a state of shock--as did James. You see, we went to church yesterday and were surprised to be pulled in by the Stake President. James got called into the new Elder's Quorum Presidency of our ward. He got called in (to speak with the Stake President), then I was called in to see if I would support him, and 10 minutes later he was called during the Elder's Quorum meeting!

James has done this church job before, it is a busy job. They help with any and many needs of the families in the ward. There will be lots of meetings and lots of service projects (and lots of time away from the family). We find it ironic that one of the big reasons that we moved to Germany was perhaps to have slower pace of life, when in fact, it is turning out busier for all of us. James' job is more demanding and now he has a very demanding church job. This all effects me as well.

James will go to his first Presidency meeting tomorrow night. He is just feeling overwhelmed by the calling (job) right now. He had barely received the calling to be a EQ teacher six weeks ago, and he felt like that was something he could manage...but this is a whole other story. I suggested that he not get too worried until after the first meeting is over--he'll get a good idea of how the EQ President wants things and whether or not he'll be easy to work with and also get a clear idea of the actual "needs" of our ward (unfortunately, I think they're great since we have lots of brethren serving down range.)

Until later,

Emily

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Conversing with Thomas

A couple nights ago, we were having our usual bedtime battle with Thomas. He is very skilled at drawing out the process and James and I get quite frustrated. A new tactic entered my mind: I could pull out the ol' "Santa trick". The one where you say, "Remember, Santa is watching and he's trying to decide if you're naughty or nice." It caught Thomas' interest and he wanted to know what if Santa decided he was naughty. I told him he wouldn't get any presents...he'd get coal in his stocking instead. I asked him if that would be any fun (thinking, yes, now I have him!). Thomas gets this serious look on his face (again, yes, I have him), then his face lit up, his big blue eyes got bigger, and he replied, "Yes, it would be fun to have coal and a train!"

I gave up.

Until later,

Emily

Friday, November 30, 2007

Looney Over Light Bulbs...

It seemed to me like I was changing a lot of light bulbs. Three weeks ago, I started keeping count. I changed three light bulbs on week 1, three on week 2, and this week (week 3) I've already changed SIX light bulbs. I have to buy the majority of my light bulbs "on the economy" and this month I've already spent 31 euro on just light bulbs. It's like they're becoming a monthly expense and a weekly (sometimes daily) job for me. It's getting a little out-of-hand! I know, positively, that I didn't change light bulbs this often in my home in Maryland!

Until later,

Emily

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Look What I Did...Again




I got my hair cut again, about 10 days ago. I had Martina take another 2 1/2 inches off. The back is super-short. The front is shorter than I would like, I wish she would have only taken 1 1/2 inches off the front. But, it's a great haircut, and it will grow!

I asked Thomas to take some pictures of me this morning. I felt like my 5-year old was taking mugshots of me, but it was between him, the baby or the cat!

Until later,

Emily

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Birthday Wishes!

Happy Birthday to my sister, Kate. She was born on Thanksgiving Day, 27 years ago. With the eight hour time difference, it is sometimes tricky to get a hold of each other. I left two messages, but she's not home from work yet (she teaches college classes to students attending high school). I'm proud of everything that she has done and the person that she has become, I'm proud to call her my sister. She does a lot for our family. And, I hope she has a great birthday!

Until later,

Emily

Monday, November 26, 2007

Update on Me

I am feeling better but am still pretty weak. James offered to take a "Family Friendly" day (sick day because someone in your family is sick or has to go to the doctor)and I think he was secretly hoping that I would think the offer was kind enough and then say, "No, I'll be fine, you can go to work". But, you know what? I didn't! I took him up on the offer.

James has taken Thomas to preschool and left me with Toby. Which is fine. He is pretty fussy--he's still never totally recovered from last week. He's lost some weight, which is no surprise because he barely eats, but you can see it in his face and thighs.

While the Snow household has been dealing with sickness this weekend, James has gotten a lot organized and unpacked and set up the TV and the stereo system (we had a "make-do" set up before). It made me wonder why I can't get things done like that but then I look around and see that there are toys everywhere, no laundry has been done, no cooking etc. But, I am glad that he has gotten so much done!

Fussy Toby needs some attention....

Until later,

Emily

Sunday, November 25, 2007

It WAS All a Matter of Time...

1:22 AM

The exact moment when the vicious stomach flu from hell hit me. I was almost positive last night when I went to bed that it was coming on.

I was sick through most of the night but fortunately, since it's a weekend, James has been able to take care of the kids and let me sleep. The aches and pains that followed last night's episode, are almost worse.

Until later,

Emily

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Our Saturday Situation

We had hoped to hit a Christmas market this morning. Leaving right after breakfast. The weather today was also cooperative, the sun was out, it was bright and shiny for the first time in what seems like two weeks at least.

But, it was not meant to be, Thomas got hit with the stomach flu late last night and was sick throughout the night. He's been camped out on the couch all day today watching The Polar Express (I think he watched it 5 or 6 times).

Toby is still not himself. He's hardly eating at all. I, personally, feel like a walking time-bomb just waiting to get sick. With 3 of the 4 of us already afflicted, I feel like it is only a matter of time. James feels fine now but it wasn't until Thanksgiving when he felt well again.

Until later,

Emily

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Thanksgiving Day

What time will you be eating Thanksgiving Dinner today? Is it more of a lunch or a dinner? We are aiming for 2:00 PM. I think it will all depend on the turkey (being cooked in a crockpot). All I have to do today is make the jello part of the jello salad, and make the mashed potatoes. And keep the food moving in and out of the spacious oven... I have two more crockpots that I think I will be partitioning off to keep food warm. James has to make the filling for the lemon and banana cream pies. I already made the pumpkin cheesecakes(one for us, one for the family we are taking dinner to) last night.

This is our menu:

Turkey
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Stuffing
Sweet potato casserole
Green bean casserole
Lime-jello pretzel salad
Rolls
Pies
Cranberry sauce (right out of the can)
Olives (again, right out of the can)

Until later--and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Emily

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Three More Reasons to Be Thankful This Thanksgiving

If you are cooking a dish or two this Thanksgiving, or especially if you are cooking "the whole thing", like I am, here are three more reasons you should be thankful that you have your kitchen--not mine!

Let me be clear about this, though: my kitchen is not outdated, this is the "German way".

Additional Reason #1

My stove. It is barely big enough to fit a 9x13 pan. I had to go out and buy muffin tins that would only hold six because the more common one dozen ones do not fit! And, you can only cook one item at a time. It has two racks, but if you try to cook two things at once, the top item will burn on the outside and stay raw or doughy on the inside and the bottom item will hardly cook at all. Despite having a Fahrenheit thermometer, I find that almost nothing turns out the way I am used to. The temperature also fluctuates so much that I try to check the thermometer every 10 minutes.

Additional Reason #2

For whatever reason, German homes do not have garbage disposals...but they have nifty little buckets built right into one of the doors underneath your kitchen sink. I take this waste out every couple days or until it gets stinky, whichever comes first! I think it's disgusting.


Additional Reason #3:


And finally, with a big meal like Thanksgiving to cook, of course there's going to be never-ending-dishes. So, you should be very thankful that you do not have a sink like mine. It's barely one step up from a camper or motor home sink. I'm not kidding either. It measures 15" x 14" and is a whopping 5" deep. Oh, and only one sink basin because why would we want to wash and rinse at the same time? (But, yes, I have a dishwasher and it seems "normal" to me.)



Update on Toby

Toby threw up for about 13 hours yesterday....I lost track of how many times he actually vomited, but it was well over a dozen. Poor baby! I was up with him twice last night and on the third wakening, I nudged James and had him get up with him (he's taken today off to help with Thanksgiving preparation--something he had planned on doing weeks ago). But, throughout the night, we gave him Pedialite which he was able to keep down. So, last night, even though he was up three times, it was more for a drink and comfort at least not vomit control! This morning, he had a wet diaper so I know he's not dehydrated. He had one jar of baby food this morning and so far has kept it down. He's already down for his morning nap. I suspect he'll sleep quite a bit today as long as he doesn't get sick again.

We're going to work on Thanksgiving prep and then load the family up to go to preschool. Thomas' preschool is feeding all the kids and the parents that can join in, their own Thanksgiving dinner right at 1:00. After our Thanksgiving celebration with the kiddies, James, Toby and I will run a few errands to kill time.

Stay tuned, though, I'll be posting some pictures of my inadequate kitchen that I'm working in this year for Thanksgiving! I believe when you see one thing in particular, you will be VERY thankful!

Until later,

Emily

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Toby's Terrible Tuesday

Toby has the stomach flu now. I have spent the whole day cleaning him up, cleaning carpets and washing blankets and such when I'm not holding Toby, trying to console him. He can't keep anything down. Let's hope tonight is better.

Until later,

Emily

Monday, November 19, 2007

Conversing with Thomas

Last week, after I had folded a couple loads of laundry, Thomas happened to look down at one of the laundry baskets and noticed some folded socks, as if it were the first time in his life that he had noticed folded socks and the conversation went something like this:

Thomas: Mom, who folds all those socks--one inside a-NOTH-er?

Emily: "Well, I do Thomas."

Thomas: (with eyes opened wide)"Wow, I can't believe you do all that work!"


(Glad to know that my son now thinks I live a purposeful and productive life--I can't wait until he finds out that I also refill the salt and pepper shakers occasionally).


Until later,

Emily

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Update on James

James is still not feeling well, but has spent less time in the bathroom this evening. He was able to eat some yogurt and is now asleep on the couch. Before he went to sleep he was complaining that our house is cold...it's 76 degrees and holding, so I conclude that he has a fever.

Toby has gone to bed already, which is pretty early for Toby, so I hope he is OK. Thomas and I will be going to bed within the hour. I am exhausted but he is building a train track at the moment.

Thomas' talk went well in Primary today and so did my lesson in Relief Society. I won't have to teach again for another month, so at least for this week and probably next week I won't worry too much about my lesson.

I didn't get any Thanksgiving food prepared today, as I had hoped. I know I could do some tonight (it's still pretty early) but I am beat!

Until later,

Emily

2:40 AM

The exact minute when James' violent stomach flu began. He has thrown up every hour since and now he's sick coming out both ends. Of course he won't drink or eat anything that I have given him...he's one of those pathetic sick people.

I went to the couch at about 5 AM only to have Thomas join me at 6 AM because he heard his dad being violently sick and was scared. I got him settled by about 6:40 AM only to have Toby wake at 6:50 AM! With very little sleep, today will certainly seem like a LONG day!

James and I were both on schedule to teach this afternoon. I'm going to have to put a call in at 9 AM to let someone know that James won't be coming to church today. I have also been queasy all night but so far, nothing has come of it. Thomas is also talking in Primary.

Until later,

Emily

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Holiday Food Shopping

This afternoon, I headed to the commissary to start my Thanksgiving/Holiday season food shopping. I was there along with everyone else with commissary privileges, it seems. You know it's bad when you have to circle the parking lot three times before you can get a parking space! I was in there for over an hour and stopped once the cart was too heavy to push anymore ($215.00 worth). It was crazy there and I was very glad that I left James and the boys at home! I'm going back on Monday to get the things that I didn't get today. Like pie ingredients, because James and I haven't discussed what kind of pies will be made this year...

As far as our Thanksgiving plans go, we are going to have it at our house, for the four of us and I'm going to send all the side dishes (I'll make double) to the family that helped us out so much when we first arrived here. I would have them over, but the wife is going to have her thyroid removed on Tuesday. Truth be told, I suspect that they won't be home on Thursday. But, they can heat up the side dishes on Thursday night or on Friday. The husband it taking care of their turkey.

I will start preparing Sunday night and do a dish or two every day until Thursday. If all goes as planned, I will only have to throw dishes in the oven on Thursday and worry about the pies and rolls on Thursday, which is enough--especially since both of these are crucial to James!

Until later.

Emily

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Random Thought Thursday...

The Other Car

I have had numerous inquiries about our other new car. More specifically, pictures have been requested! If you live in MD, VA, PA, or you are my mom, then you have most likely already seen the car (technically categorized as a"crossover"). But for those of you who don't already know, we bought a 2007 Kia Rondo in April, a car we selected for a few reasons, it's bigger than our old one to meet the needs of our newly expanded family and also able to fit a guest or a friend for Thomas, if needed (it has a third row seat that folds down, so it can fit 7 (although I say 6 because car seats seem to take up so much room) yet small enough to drive around in Europe. We have been very pleased with this car and it is perfect for this area.

As a side note, this car is sold in Germany as the Kia Carens and it comes in "Mystic Violet" (which is as purple as you are probably picturing!). Darn! If only I had waited until we came to Germany! :)

Here are a few pictures:





Until later,

Emily

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

A Wacky Obsession

As I am sitting up tonight, waiting for cough medicine to start working, (I've got one of those annoying coughs that feels like you have the tiniest piece of popcorn in your throat) I decided to post.

I have accepted that I have a wacky obsession, one that has taken up lots and lots of my time lately. I am referring to the heat in our house. As you may recall, I had a plumber look at it and he showed me how to adjust it. Since his visit, things have been better but still not optimal. I have spent many evenings, taking out the owner's manual and looking up words in the dictionary in my attempt to figure out the radiant heating. While the main floor has been much better, the upstairs has been entirely too cool especially since we are below freezing at night.

Today, I had planned on dropping Thomas off at preschool and then going to the Four Seasons shop on the base to buy three space heaters, one for each bedroom. This morning, as I was putting away laundry and such, going up and down the stairs 100 times a day like usual, I glanced up and thought about what might be behind the metal door in the middle of the wall. I turned the knob, lifted the door out of the wall, and what did I find? Six valves, one for each room upstairs! And, each valve is labeled in English! It was like I had won the lottery! I immediately turned the main valve and started to get some heat going upstairs! The upstairs is the most comfortable temperature it has been. I was thinking today that it's too bad the main floor doesn't also have a valve control area like the upstairs. And, wouldn't you know it, I discovered it in our house tonight. I have turned that down a couple of notches. I'd like to get the downstairs down to 70 F and not by accident. Right now, it's 76 F--a little too hot in my book.

And so, sadly, I look forward to waking up in the morning and checking my digital thermometers and seeing if I made any progress with my radiant heating adjusting. Sadder (is that a word?) still, is the fact that I have that same anticipation that a child has on Christmas Eve--the "I can't wait" feeling. I told you it's a wacky obsession!

Until later,

Emily

Monday, November 12, 2007

Happy Birthday Grandma Kay!

Today is my Grandma Kay's birthday. She will be 94 today! She has the best birthday ever: 11/12/13! How cool is that?

I have a birthday card in the mail for her, but I'm sure it didn't make it to her since I sent it out last Wednesday. But, the card I selected said exactly the way that I feel about her:


A Grandmothers Love Means So Much.

"Everything she does reflects
her feelings for her family,

The treasures in her life
she's proudest of--

Everything she shares
brings so much happiness

to living...

Everything she touches
turns to love."


Grandmother, you have been
and always will be
the heart and soul
of a very special family,
a family that admires you,
appreciates you, and loves you.

Life brings many changes,
but nothing will ever undo
the wonderful legacy of your love
that goes on and on for us.

Happy Birthday & Many More!

Love, James, Emily, Thomas & Toby

Slow Day Sunday

Yesterday, James had to work. Actually, it was a travel & work day but it was more travel than anything. He left the house at 6 AM and got home at 6 PM. From here until the New Year is supposed to be "slow" meaning no travel. There is one week in December that I'm not holding my breath on, though...

So, that meant the boys and I spent Sunday together. It would almost seem like a regular day except that we didn't go anywhere except for church. We leave for church at 1 PM and get home around 5 PM. I really don't like this time slot. I was happy to find out yesterday that with the turn of the New Year we will switch to 9:30 for a year. Starting that early will have it's own challenges but it will be better than 1:30.

James got home just in time for us to eat leftovers from the day before. We hung out with our kids for a while, Toby was wasted because he won't sleep at church, therefore he didn't get an afternoon nap. We had them both in bed by 8:30 PM and then James and I just vegged out in the living room for a while. I was exhausted and went to bed by 10 PM. I don't often go to bed that early, so you know I was tired!

Until later,

Emily

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Happy Birthday James!

Today is James' 39th birthday. This weekend, James is actually preparing for an upcoming business trip, so we are staying local for his birthday, and keeping it low-key. Since we have been less-then-inpressed by German cuisine, I am making him a yummy dinner instead.

On the menu:

Beef Pot Roast
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Yorkshire Puddings
Broccoli

and the birthday cake (homemade by me):

Buttery white cake with a raspberry filling and white chocolate cream cheese frosting. I hope it tastes as good as it looks! (see picture below)

Happy Birthday James!--We love you!

Until later,

Emily


Friday, November 9, 2007

First Snow!

We got our first snow today. It wasn't even in the weather forcast. I was driving home from grocery shopping this afternoon at about 4:30 PM as it was almost dark and raining hard when the hard rain turned to slush and then to snow all within two minutes. I don't know if it will stick around tomorrow or not. Thomas wanted to go out and play in it but I was a mean mom and told him it was too dark outside and I have no idea where his snow clothes are (truth be told I'm not sure they will fit--when I do find them).

The other excitement of our evening is that we have no water. At first, I was worried that my tampering with the heat downstairs might have blown up something but then my friend that lives around the corner called to see if we had water. After some more phone calls, we have found out that at least half the town is out. I am very interested to see how fast this will be fixed. Hopefully, we'll have water by tomorrow morning. We have enough bottled and gallon water to get us through for quite a while, but we certainly can't bathe or shower in it!

I'll keep you posted on our water situation!

Until later,

Emily

UPDATE: Our water came back on tonight!

A Little Bit Depressed...

10 Day Forecast for the Wiesbaden, Germany area


Today, Nov 09, Rain, 41°/39°

Sat, Nov 10, Rain, 43°/42°

Sun, Nov 11, Rain, 48°/39°

Mon, Nov 12, Partly Cloudy, 44°/39°

Tue, Nov 13, Light Rain, 44°/39°

Wed, Nov 14, Rain, 46°/38°

Thu, Nov 15, Light Rain, 42°/38°

Fri , Nov 16, Rain / Snow, 42°/37°

Sat, Nov 17, Rain, 42°/37°

Sun, Nov 18, Mostly Cloudy, 43°/37°


Until later,

Emily

Three Months Ago...

Three months ago tomorrow, we arrived in Germany. In some ways, I can’t believe it’s already been three months, in other ways, it’s been a long three months!

James came home (late) from work last night and announced that, “Well, I think I can do this job”. I commented that three months must be the magic number…it was last week that I thought to myself that I can “do this” also.

James’ job is very demanding, much more so than we were expecting. The traveling part we were aware of. It was “the rest” that has been a surprise. Like, the fact that when he returns from a trip it is expected of him to go in on the weekend and work which stinks because usually he leaves the weekend before. Or, that he’ll be working late often, especially when he’s recently been on a trip or is gearing up to go on one soon. And, of course, sometimes he has to work late just to catch up. Getting a lot of time off at once is tricky because there are so few people that do what he does. Our hopes of touring Europe have been diminished to “maybe we’ll get to see some of Germany”. But, maybe that will change as well.

We are very thankful that we have base privileges. Our commissary, the grocery store, is quite nice, it's like a decent-sized Giant or Smith's. The PX (similar to a Kmart) has quite a bit. I recently tried to purchase something cute and unique “on the economy” for a good friend that just had a baby, only to decide that their clothes are UGLY and went back to the PX! Our PX has a good selection of drugstore makeup as well as department store makeup (such as Clinique). They also have a limited selection of Victoria Secret and Bath & Body Works lotions and scented products!

We’re thankful that we can buy our gas on base and get the US price. We do not know how the Germans afford their gas, it’s almost double what we pay!

The nicest surprise that I have found is how friendly the Americans are on the bases. Everyone smiles and seems to be looking out for one another even if we are strangers. Like the other night, I was there and discovered that I had left my diaper bag on the ground outside of my car, instead of hanging it on my stroller. We were heading out of the food court, to retrieve it, when a woman approached me and asked me if I had a brown and blue diaper bag and if so I had left it outside. I got out there and another man was guarding it. And, you get and give those “this is hard living over here” glances all of the time. We’re all going through it. And, I have to remind myself that a lot of these people will do it over and over again or that their spouse is currently “down range”.

The German people that I have come in contact have been very friendly. Some of my American friends have not had the same experience… but my experience with them has been great. In fact, I have found that they go “above and beyond” what they need to. An example I can give is the plumber that came over yesterday morning. He was here 20 minutes and I thought that was the end of it. Five hours later, I heard a knock on my door only to find the plumber again with a bunch of bathroom gear in his arms. He then told me that “when I was in your bathroom, I noticed some other things that needed to be fixed”. So now I have a new toilet seat and new hoses for the shower heads in the tub and shower. These were things that I thought were “fine” but obviously not up to his standard. So, he called the woman that had arranged the original visit, she called the landlord, and they got it all worked out before I even knew it was an issue.

Until later,

Emily

Sit Toby, Sit!


I have been increasingly concerned with the fact that Toby has been unable sit up. I have practiced with him with absolutely no progress made. I became very nervous when he started crawling. How can a baby crawl and not be able to sit up? That's not how it's supposed to happen!

Yesterday, it was like some kind of imaginary button was switched on Toby. He sits! He's great at it! Just like that!

Until later,

Emily

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Random Thought Thursday...

The Weak Dollar This Week

As of Tuesday, the US dollar will buy you .6729 euro. Or another way of looking at it, it takes approximately $1.33 in dollars to equal $1 in euros.

Until later,

Emily

Heat Relief!

While it has turned quite cold outside, and we bundle up in coats and scarfs, scurrying off to the car my house has remained hot! When you have the windows opened and the fans going and it is that cold outside, you know you have a problem.

Downstairs, on the furnace, the owner's manual is taped. Which is great, but it's all in German. This morning, I had a plumber come to fix a problem with our one and only tub. You know, the one that I use daily and the kids use every other day, at least. It turned out not to be a big problem (he fixed it in 5 min) but it was the kind of a problem that you need a special plumber tool for! Anyhow, the plumber was also nice enough to take a look at the furnace. He adjusted it, and told me how to adjust it further but the biggest problem was the clock was set wrong. You see, the thermostat I have in the dining room has a day and a night setting. When I did on occasion, want it warmer, it didn't seem to work and then I'd completely turn it off, and it would seem to get hotter. I guess day and night don't quite work out when your clock is completely wrong! Radiant heating takes almost a day to totally adjust, so it will probably be tomorrow until I can tell a big difference. But, I am hoping this is the solution! It does leave me wondering--how did the previous tenants live with it this way?

Until later,

Emily

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Neighborhood Gossip

I figured out this afternoon that the neighbors are gossiping about my backyard. News travels fast about what I have out there...and how I add to it every morning. It's all good, though! Actually, I'm talking about my feline neighbors because now, four cats are better than one! That's right, I've added another cat!

Thomas was outside playing this afternoon when I heard him tapping at the back door. I went to the back door to see what he needed when he showed me the kitty. Because Thomas was no more then two feet away, I knew she was tame. I went out, scooped her up and she was, indeed, very friendly. She reminds me of my mom's Porter and my friend, mlk's Sam. (She's kind of tabby with white paws). Except that she is a petite tiny thing and is a girl. The name that immediately came to me as I scooped her up is Sabrina. So, now we have Tailer, Gypsy, Jasmine and Sabrina.

One thing is for sure, I'm going out tomorrow to buy cheaper cat food for those outdoor cats. I can't feed four cats Iams!

Until later,

Emily

Monday, November 5, 2007

The Spit Report...

Spit happens. More specifically, spit-up happens. And, unfortunately, it happened to both of my children. Thomas' spit-up issues were abundent but all but resolved by the time he was six months old. Toby, well, Toby has been another story. Compared to Toby, Thomas's issues were mild.

I put Toby on Enfamil AR formula which is a thicker formula which I then thickened some more with rice cereal. He was on Zantac three times a day. I propped him for 30 minutes after each feeding. He slept propped up. It all helped, but it did not solve. Sometimes, I would go through six bibs, three outfits and I don't know how many burp towels (but I can tell you that I have over 40 of them in my house) in a given day! Doctors have never been concerned because he hasn't seemed bothered by it and obviously managed to gain weight. I was told "he'll eventually grow out of it". As the months have gone by, I have wondered "When?"...

Well, I am happy to report that 9 months seemed to be Toby's magic number! While he still occasionally spits up, it's usually just a tiny bit, he no longer has to wear bibs and I'm not doing near as much laundry. He's on regular formula and I've quit the Zantac. Hallelueah!

Until later,

Emily

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Progress Report

I am happy to report that the main floor of our house is almost entirely unpacked! (I know you all are probably saying, "it's about time!") I spent a couple hours Friday night cleaning and straightening up the living room, dining room, and kitchen, pretending (as I had for a while) that the large boxes that lined the perimeter of our living room and dining room did not exist...I went to bed happy that we could start the weekend off with at least a clean main area. James got up Saturday morning and I figured it was OK if I slept in an hour since I had cleaned the night before. Unbeknownst to me, James had other plans... to my horror, when I came down the stairs James had emptied--I don't know how many boxes! There wasn't an inch of space unoccupied...the table and all of the chairs, the kitchen counters, he had even thrown a box of coats and jackets on the living room floor, oh, I don't know exactly why...but I was not happy in the least! At this point, I was feeling so angry and overwhelmed at the same time, I just wanted to flee for the day...but I had no where to go so I had to face the mess that was before me.

After the argument that of course he knew would be a result of his actions, James went outside to start trimming the tall shrubs behind and to the side of our house. These needed to be trimmed since the day we moved here. The landlord should have had it done before we moved in. This past week, I went as far as getting a quote to have the work done. Which we would pay for, not the landlord. I realize that we have been busy and that James has been out of town and very busy at work but I am getting fed up and embarassed by how it looks. So, he went out to trim the overgrown shrubs only to come in about twenty minutes later...the trimmer battery was dead. Let me clarify--he didn't charge it beforehand (and he knew he was going to trim on Saturday). And, it's not the type of trimmer that you can plug into an extension cord and keep going. So much for getting that done this weekend! Even if James wanted to do it today (Sunday) he couldn't because Germans do not do noisy work on Sundays, including trimming trees or mowing lawns. It is dark here by 5 PM but James says he'll try to do it a little at a time this week and try to go to work earlier and come home earlier this week and it not he'll do it next Saturday. I really hope so.

But, like I said, the main floor of the house is unpacked. Even though he has frustrated me with his tactics (Saturday is not the first time that he has done this), I do have to credit James with moving it along. We don't have a single decoration on the wall yet and everything is still in a disaray, but it is better. Upstairs, Thomas' room is unpacked and then there are a few boxes in the other rooms but much progress has been made. When the movers brought our things, we could barely turn around in most of the rooms, there were so many boxes! Seriously. This past week, I was even able to go through Thomas' and Toby's rooms and put away their outgrown clothing. All the the 5T stuff is boxed away as well as all of the 6-9 and 6-12 stuff. The basement is still very scary but the basement is only for storage and laundry so I'm not that concerned about it. One day we might have an office again, but since we have a laptop now it's not all that pressing. We found the printer, we plug the laptop into it when we need to.

This week, we are going to call the moving company and have them come and get the boxes and packing paper that we have in the backyard. Due to the recycling laws here, it is very hard to get rid of mass amounts of cardboard and paper so I am glad that they gave us the option of a "one time" pickup. We'll have to deal with the rest on our own but that's OK.

Until later,

Emily

Snapshot Sunday






Here is a picture of our front door (to give you a little better idea of our new surroundings) and a picture of the Halloween sugar cookies that I made on Thursday night. I only made a half batch which is really a full batch because my normal "batch" is actually a double batch. I bet that sounds confusing. If so, back up, read it again and you'll probably understand! Regardless, it felt good to take time to do something like this that I enjoy. I took most of them to a Halloween party hosted by my neighbor across the street on Friday. She couldn't have it on Wednesday because she had a conflict. My cookies were a hit by kids and moms alike!


Until later,

Emily