Schonaich Cemetery

After dropping McKay at German kindergarten, I just had to take a walk to enjoy the sunshine and warmer temps before winter really sets in. I went looking for this old neighborhood in our town that's really cute and apparently has a fun summer festival which we missed this year.

But as I got closer, I'd catch glimpses here and there of the steeple of this church. Turns out this Lutheran church, the Evangelische Kirchengemeinde built in 1840, was across the street with a beautiful cemetery behind it. There's a golden rooster atop the spire.


I find cemeteries fascinating so I was eager to take a look around. Well more accurately, I find cemeteries interesting only during the day since I'm scared of the dark. On my walk home I ran into another mother from the kindergarten who'd confirmed what I'd heard about grave plots in Germany. The individual or family rents plots for a period of time, like 25 or more years. When the rental period is done, someone else can rent the plot and bury their dead there. She said that by that time most of the body is gone. I'm not going to think hard about this right now. What I didn't have time to ask about is that it seems they don't use coffins when being buried then, right? Guess I've got some research to do! The church keeps the records of who is buried where and all their information apparently.

This all piqued my interest because Ryan's mother is half German through her mother. Ryan's grandmother was from a small town north of Munich and met Ryan's grandfather here in Germany when he was doing his University studies. We plan to visit that town and cemetery when my mother-in-law visits.

As a child, I remember a couple cemetery visits our family made to search for headstones of our family. Since my dad is a convert to the church and my mom is a second generation member, there is a lot of family history research to be done! Mom's been digging in like her dad has done and really enjoys it. I've always had a desire to do family history research and know more about where my family comes from and what their lives were like. But Ryan's German roots, his brother moving here, and the close proximity to those roots are just too big a coincidence to ignore.

So we've established my curiosity, eh? As I walked this quiet cemetery, there were always a handful of older people placing items or sprucing up a plot they knew. These plots are immaculate and well cared for by family members, I was very impressed! I think there must have been a recent religious holiday observing the dead because of how fresh most of the decor was. Some of the patrons would look up and smile at me with a "Guten Morgen" and then stop to dote on my Morgan. Then I got a chance to practice my meager introductions.


Thanks to my camera's zoom, I could catch this discreetly. These two women chatted and visited a few different plots and apparently had a lot to say about them. The lady on the right always had her handbag perfectly perched on her arm while her friend was more animated, placed a wreath or took old candels from the plots.


One fresh site caught my eye because she passed away on Morgan's first birthday and her name is of Harry Potter fame. Hedwig Jankel January 3, 1924 - October 15, 2009. Hedwig was apparently popular as a name in the Middle Ages and means war and battle. Hmmmm. . .

I enjoyed looking at the two war memorials in this cemetery. The bigger one is for the first World War while the other one is for wars between 1786-1945. I translated what they have inscribed, but so much is lost in translation although I think I generally got the idea. They both honor those who died, were missing, or were kidnapped. What I found interesting about the third picture here is that the monument refers to the extermination camps on the left and those wandering in uncertainty on the right.

A mother with infant, the Savior, and the fallen soldier. I just loved how these images were portrayed and honored sacrifice.


So what do you want your headstone to look like? Just the facts? A favorite quote, a loving tribute, your image, a hobby? I think this guy loved to motorcycle! Another had an airplane.

Here's the oldest family plot I saw . . .


And now some smaller plots . . . see the woman in the background working on her husband's plot? He passed away in 2005.

These watering cans and spigots below were in various places throughout the cemetery.

It was almost 10am when I finished strolling through the cemetery and the bells were chiming with people heading into the church! I was excited to step in and take a look inside while enjoying the music and service as long as Morgan would allow. The inside was simple and interesting. I'd have to brush up on my art history to tell you want style the murals were in and I didn't feel it appropriate to take pictures at the beginning of their service. The flute and piano ensemble was very nice!

Then a woman scurried in and beckoned that I follow her kindly, but impatiently. I followed her next door where she ushered me into a sparse conference style room where she turned on a television so I could watch and listen to the service live! I wanted to laugh, but just said, "Dankeschoen!" She scurried back to the service and I saw her take her place up in front behind the musicians.

I was curious about the books they used, specifically the Bible. Here's the one they use, published here in Stuttgart in 1987.

The books of the Old Testament. Since we use the King James version, it was cool to see how they organize it here.

Then the Apocrypha and books of the New Testament.

Genesis 1

Fun times today! If my camera weren't dead, I'd also bombard you with pictures of the boys with the sheep recently brought to pasture in the fields below us. They liked the lone black sheep and the lone "white" sheep with a black face and legs. For another time. You're relieved, I know!

Reflexes, Crutches, and Outlets

I just read The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. I had a hard time putting it down. I don't know that I'd recommend it because of the subject matter, but I really liked how it was written. I don't know if I will see the movie soon to be released by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame. Alice Sebold writes this drawing on her own personal tragedy of which she has written a memoir.

I don't seek out darker themed books, but I'd heard a couple people recently talk about this book. I really enjoyed the character development and process of healing they experience. It has me thinking about how I handle tragedy. I have been rather fortunate in life, but there have been some hard things here and there. What do you do when the trial you face is not something you can freely talk about? Something that makes you feel alienated from all or most of the people around you, even your family?

Looking back at those times, here's what I've realized about myself. First and foremost, I've relied on my faith in a loving Heavenly Father who has a plan for me. It's a reflex I've got and I feel so blessed it's a part of me. I know that all of my experiences in this life are for my ultimate good and my growth. That being said, it doesn't make the trial easy. Relying on His comfort through prayer and sacred music have been my crutches. I wish I was more dutiful in my scripture study, but turning to them has also been therapeutic to hear His voice. My greatest outlet has often been to write, to journal. A place to process my feelings in a safe place and try to understand what is happening and feel empowered by letting some of it go in little pieces at a time. One of Alice's characters sort of did this and that's what got me thinking..

I have always wished I was a creative writer. Assignments in school to write a story were tortuous. Trying to make up a story for my kids feels the same way. But journaling, and now also blogging, have gained greater significance to me as life goes on. Blogging here has been my "creative" outlet these past couple years. Not all that "creative/crafty" in the ways I've always defined it for myself, but I'm coming to appreciate my own way and let go of expectations and comparisons that left me unsatisfied with this space. Ahhhhh, that felt so good!

This book also made me want to cherish the small moments at home and the people within these walls. Love them to pieces, I do! Now I must obey McKay's pleadings to go tickle him on my bed and forsake my household chores a bit longer.

Brag bag

Our mobile Morgan has a new favorite activity. Gathering items for easy transport. This was my favorite of the week. She went and got McKay's boot and filled it with as many letters as she could. Before this was taken, she had walked off with her boot full of loot.

With all the fun stuff we did this week, I was so grateful Ryan let us stay home on Saturday and put our house in order. Even better, he single-handedly tackled our mold issue! One of our bathrooms and two of the bedrooms seem to have ventilation issues. In the bedrooms, the condensation on the window doors is causing mold to grow on the wood floor beneath. Initially, I asked that we split the job and he could pick either the bathroom or the bedroom to do and I'd do the other. When he finished the bathroom and began on the bedroom, I got all teary. I was just so darn grateful I married him! He often goes the extra mile for me and I appreciate it so much!!!

Sorry to bombard ya today, but I felt the need to catch up a little and neglected my other motherly duties this evening to get it done! Thanks again, Ryan, for picking up my slack!

No School = FUN TIMES!

I had my first parent-teacher conference this week for Easton! WHOA! I truly love his teacher, Ms. Senna. She loves her job and is continually striving to learn more, try new things, and she shares it with other future teachers. She's been very attentive to Easton and emails me with questions and observations about him. Easton got a glowing review and is showing great improvement in all the assessment areas such as reading, writing, and drawing. When they begin reading groups after the Christmas break, she said she'll likely be sending him to the first grade class. Tonight, he read my posts aloud as I was typing them up. In church today, he started thumbing through my scriptures and reading random verses and follows along with the hymns. In school, she said he hung back a lot at first only trying a few activity areas in a day. Now she says he really goes through them all routinely and plays well with whomever he is with - girl or boy. I'm just so proud of him!

Because of parent-teacher conferences and Veteran's day, Easton had Wed-Fri off from school. I already blogged me and Ryan's fun date on Veteran's day at the Mineraltherme. YAHOO! On Thursday, I took the kids swimming on my own at the Sindelfingen pool.

I was wondering how I'd do on my own with them now that Morgan is fully mobile on those short wobbly legs and Easton's desire to be in the big pool to practice his laps. Luckily, we had the entire kid pool to ourselves and there were only a handful of older boys in the big pool with Easton. PHEW! We only stayed for an hour and a half because Morgan thoroughly wore herself out - that walkin' fool!

She desperately wanted to keep up with the boys but couldn't quite get the hang water affecting the swing in her saunter! I keep realizing what an independent gal she is. She refuses to accept steadying help from me or anyone! I've often forewarned babysitters that she has to warm up to them on her own before they should attempt to pick her up, but there in the pool I realized what a determined little gal she is!

On Friday, after the parent-teacher conference and a fun long chat with friends who watched Easton while I was at the conference, a friend and I met at Sensapolis to give it a go. Sensapolis is the mother of all indoor playgrounds! In a huge building, probably six or seven stories high, they have a bunch of huge themed playgrounds - a space ship, a castle, a Peter Pan style tree house, a pirate ship and other ones I haven't fully explored. Tons of slides of various sizes and a foam ball area with air popper shooters! The kids were in heaven and I didn't take near enough pictures of its awesomeness! Here's the kids enjoying the science / water area.


My friend has had a number of challenges and trials since her baby was born and was feeling daring. An "I am woman, hear me roar!" sort of urge. She challenged me - said she'd do the cat walk if I would.

Being a scaredy cat of heights but having done that fun zip line in New Hampshire a few years ago, I thought it could be fun with trepidation. When Dawn finally told me it was my turn, I just climbed up there without letting myself really think about it. It wasn't until I was all harnessed up and climbing over the side that fear set in! WHY in the world did I ever agree to this?! I have literally no core strength I realized. It was terrifying, thrilling, and I am quite proud I did it! Especially as a mom sat up there after her daughter finished it before me and was practically crying to her daughter that she wouldn't, couldn't try it because it was too terrifying. The best part? Oh, it's a toss up between finishing or being at the beginning and seeing my kids hollering up at me with my friend's son yelling, "You're gonna DIE!" Thanks, Jared! The course was at least six stories up! [Pictures are of Dawn braving the course - You Go Girl!]

A woman we met in the beginning had told us of her husband giving it a try and coming down sweating profusely from how hard it was whereas her 8 year old daughter let go and pitter-pattered like Peter Pan in the harness breezing through the course. I'm so glad she'd told us this because when I reached the half way point on the cargo net, I did the Peter Pan. I didn't want us to run out of time and for Dawn to miss the opportunity of her crazy dare! Aren't I a good friend?!

When Dawn began, she couldn't stop grinning. By the time she hit the cargo net, an intense look of concentration took over. The grin was back as she slid down the slide from the top at the end. I could hear her squealing with laughter all the way down. Ahh, it's so fun to be a kid again! I wonder if I can talk Ryan into the necessity of season passes to get us through the dullness of a long winter?! I can't wait to take Ryan here with the kids!

Yup! Halloween happened here!

With Ryan in Munich returning his nephews and helping his brother run errands setting up house, I had Morgan and McKay to myself on Halloween day. McKay had been so excited to be Dash of the Incredibles for the day, so I dressed him up for the entire day, including the painted on mask. Then we headed to base to do our grocery shopping. Best idea ever! Loads of shoppers got a good kick out of our little Dash and he loved the attention!

Ryan and Easton made it back home in time for us to head to base for some Halloween trick-or-treating. First, our super heros needed some quick fuel for the evening's escapades. Yes, even super heros need to eat!

While the heros ate, I got Morgan ready. I completely forgot the easy way to do whiskers with eye liner! And it's been so long since I've actually worn eye liner that I didn't even know if I had some. My attempt with the Q-tip didn't pan out, but it was fun to try it out on her!

Trick-or-treating on base was fun! Since a lot of the housing is apartment style, the residents often hold their own little parties inside and out. Some brave the cold out front together handing out their candies and BBQ-ing. It was fun to run into friends and see the single family homes of the upper ranks (I'm still not familiar with military hierarchy terminology). Easton and McKay were thrilled with every piece of candy they received and were happy with about 20 pieces so we were able to cut it short and sweet.

Oh how I love the rolls and cheeks on this little gal!!! She's not too thrilled with me at this moment, but I do get regular coo's and smiles when there's less audience.

We ran into McKay's kindergarten buddy Evan. His family recently moved to our little town.

When we were driving back in our neighborhood, we saw a few groups of German kids out trick-or-treating. We took the kids to a couple of our neighbors and called it a night!

One neighbor was handing out Christmas candy - see that Santa sucker?! I got a kick out of that! The only problem (and blessing) with cutting the trick-or-treating short is the lack of chocolate I was looking forward to swiping! Oh well, I don't really need it anyhow.

Cousins have arrived!

Ryan's brother, Eric, has recently moved to Munich with his wife and six kids! Who'd a thunk we'd have family living two hours away while here in Germany?! We're quite excited!

Ryan was able to go meet them at the airport with their 21 bags. It was a group effort to get everyone and the luggage to their hotel that evening. Ryan brought two of our nephews back with him and Easton and McKay were so excited to see them! Everyone slept well the first night but the time difference caught up with the boys the next night and they couldn't sleep. It was an adventure and we had fun having them here!

Ryan was once again the resident jungle gym and roughed everyone up which they all thoroughly loved! They played a rowdy version of Fly Up with a nerf football that had everyone laughing their heads off! Well, except maybe Morgan. It was rather loud and crazy for her taste! But she and Rand hit it off and he was really sweet with her.

[Morgan watching the boys rough-housing with Ryan.]

We'll go spend Thanksgiving with them at their house. Thank heavens they've got a guest room, even if it's BYOB (bring your own bed)! They are living very spartan until their house goods arrive some time in December we all hope!

Their relocation has really made me and Ryan reflect on our own almost a year ago. They've truly had to jump in with both feet much faster than I did! I had the luxury of hiding away in a hotel with my little crew until I was brave enough to emerge in spurts. They moved into an empty house two days after arrival and had to track down some necessities like a washer/dryer. Four days after arrival, Tamsyn was navigating the bus and train system to get the kids to their international school! Imagine their trek to church that first Sunday with half the family taking the train because not everyone would fit in the small car at their disposal! What an adjustment for the kids starting at a new school and Eric at a new job! WOWZER! They don't have the convenience Ryan and I do of our Little America on bases and the job and move happened pretty quickly - well, more of a hurry up, wait for what seemed like forever, and then JUMP RIGHT NOW! I'm so proud of them! Let the fun begin!