First Crushes

When Easton got in the car after church today, he had news!

He told Ryan about a girl in his class. "Brynna is beautiful! My eyes were like hearts when I sawed her."

By the time I got in the car, Ryan couldn't wait to have me hear about the latest development. He asked Easton to tell me what he'd told daddy. We had some fun stifled laughs and Easton enjoyed retelling it. I was trying to figure out who she was and Easton asked if I knew her so he could call her. Luckily, I have a ward list in the van and found who she was! She's got long wavy blond hair and is the youngest in a large family. She turns six tomorrow which is why Easton realized who she is. She's been in our ward since July, but he said she was new today. In all likelihood, it was just that he saw her for the first time today. She actually goes to his school in the other kindergarten class across the hall. Easton liked that!

A couple minutes later, Easton asked from the back of the van, "How many days will we live in Germany?" To which we said we didn't know. He said, "Let's stay in Germany for a long time so I can kiss her when I am big."

Ryan and I were trying real hard to hold it together!

Then Easton asked again, "Mom, do you know her phone number?"

Ryan asked, "Will you call her?"

Easton: "Yeah."

Ryan: "What will you say to her?"

Easton: "I don't know."

Ryan: "Do you want to marry her . . .

Easton: "Uhh . . ."

Ryan: ". . . or do you just want to kiss her?"

Easton: "Kiss her!"

Oh this is just too much fun! Ryan remembered his first crush was in first grade. I can't remember when mine was but I remember who. He was in all but my 2nd grade classes through elementary school. Good funny cute kid! It was always a love-hate mutual thing we had back and forth as I remember it. My first memories of him are in kindergarten being competitive on the playground and that fateful day I got reprimanded for the first time by my teacher. It was story time and I was trying to explain something silly to him when the teacher told me I now had to go sit in a chair at the back instead of on the rug in front of the teacher with everyone else. I was mortified! So much so, I can remember it so vividly today!

The disaster that keeps on giving . . .

Happy Turkey Day! I have truly been blessed with wonderful family and friends, more creature comforts than I deserve, and some trials along the way that have made me a better person. Some of those trials even keep on giving and today I'm grateful for my Thankgiving blunder seven years ago.

We are spending Thanksgiving with Ryan's brother and his family in Munich. Their oldest five kids still have school today at one of Munich's international schools which leaves my three and their youngest cousin home. The boys have been so excited because their cousins love video games too and there's many little handheld DS machines to keep them happy. Well, they're happy until they can't figure out the game they're playing or want to try the one someone else has. Ah well, life is rough! Not to mention that I made them come outside and play with me for a half hour, no whining aloud!

Speaking of rough, I'm sitting here blogging while the menfolk and Tamsyn are cooking our feast! I think I might get to make the mashed potatoes and offer to clean-up to even out the workload. There's a reason I'm not in the kitchen cooking on this day every year. The story is blog-worthy, blesses me each year, and is one of my life's most embarrassing moments.

Back in August 2002, Ryan and I got married. That November we knew we'd have my brother as well as Ryan's mom and her husband down from New England. Ryan also invited a visiting European professor from the department at GWU where he worked so the gentleman could experience a true American holiday. We lived in an apartment with a tiny kitchen in Crystal City, Virginia (right outside of DC) and I thought it couldn't be too difficult to pull off. I couldn't have been more wrong and I'm so grateful to this day that no one became ill!!!

I'd cooked Thanksgiving with my roommates and helped prep while growing up at home, but this was my first Thanksgiving on my own. All seasoned pros know that planning and timing are what make it a success. I was not prepared! At meal time with guests minutes from arriving, the bird was still cold next to the bone. I can't remember how we tried to remedy this. As I took the stuffing out of the oven in a dish, it was burning my hand so I turned to put the hot dish on the counter but it slipped and fell into the sink. The water faucet was on and thoroughly soaked it! My gravy was lumpy. Good grief! And the fun didn't stop there!

My brother Chris had offered to bring home-made rolls. He's a pretty good cook and baker, but on this day the rolls didn't turn out and were like small round stones to bite into. But my sweet corn from the can was fabulous. And the mashed potatoes were good because it's hard to screw them up. Our European guest brought wine, not knowing we are LDS and don't drink. To this day I'm not sure if that translated to his satisfaction. All I remember about the meal is apologizing profusely and praying we survived the evening! Not many, if any, had seconds. It was not a feast, it was a true disaster! So much for showing off my cooking skills to my mother-in-law and proving I can take care of one of her darling boys! I was so relieved when the abominable dinner was done and cleared! We played some silly games and then we were in for the best part: Dessert!

Ryan saved the evening for sure! He figured he'd try his Grandma Dale's apple pie. When in college, he'd asked her if she'd teach him how and she was delighted, even bought him a rolling pin and such! I've never made a pie but absolutely love a good apple pie and Ryan's was TO DIE FOR! I was so surprised and excited he had this up his sleeves and I'd married him! YEAH for me!

The following year, Ryan said he wanted to make Thanksgiving and try to do it like his mom. And so my disaster has been a blessing ever since! Ryan actually enjoys making our feast and I love to eat it! I love all the chatter back and forth between him and his mom each year as they talk up their respective preparations and recipes. This year with two of her sons under one roof, it's been fun to see who does what and I feel even less of a need to hover and help! Now that's something to be thankful for!

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!

Fabulous local date!

Ryan had Veteran's Day off yesterday so I found us a sitter. We rarely go on dates and were long overdue! Our initial plans didn't pan out, but our backup sure did!

We drive by Mineraltherme, a hot spring spa, daily and it tempts us often. It seems there are many hot springs and spas to enjoy in Germany that we keep hearing about. Knowing nothing about this place, we decided to drive over and check it out simply because we could. Oh sweet heaven! For 10 euro each, we had 2 1/2 hours to enjoy the various pools. I think there were six of them, all heated, some inside and some outside. There were no children present and I think we were among the youngest there since it was the middle of the week during the work day. Nice and quiet, just the sound of water and therapeutic water jets. I could really get used to this!

Yesterday was a pretty clear day, but chilly. Being in those warm pools with various types of jets in different sections was pretty darn fabulous. I think our favorite part, however, were the massaging spouts! They had a few spouts here of varying heights and pressures for head, neck and back massages. High pressure water would shoot out and you had to hang on to something to stay your ground to enjoy it. It was wild!

As Ryan was enjoying one of these head/neck massages, he kept splashing this one older couple and this wasn't just trivial little splashes! These were high power dowsings! Ryan was completely oblivious to what was happening and wouldn't have heard me if I'd tried to call his attention. The gentleman moved away quickly as he was hit in the face but his wife tried turning around to avoid the random spurts. Finally she had to move away and I was relieved that she thought it was kinda funny how much Ryan was enjoying himself completely unaware of his surroundings.

Our other favorite was the foot massage jets. Oh, we couldn't get enough of that one!!! Unfortunately, we discovered them late in the game and a water aerobics class began in that same pool after our second round! Drats! I kept telling Ryan that when he can tell I need a break, he needs to send me here. Often! Or preferably for him to get a sitter and join me!

We used the entire 2 1/2 hours making it around to each pool and enjoying what each one had to offer. And since we had all that time, it facilitated all sorts of lengthy fun chats. When we left, we both felt like we'd gotten massages. Now we just needed to get dressed and go fill our bellies before curling up for a happy nap!

Speaking of getting dressed, I really like how they do the changing rooms here! It just makes sense. When we paid our entrance fee, we got an electronic wrist band that got us through the turn stile. The band let us lock up our things in a locker in the unisex changing rooms. When you enter the changing area, you have to go through a changing stall to get to the lockers. You change in a private stall and then the band lets you lock your things up before you proceed to the pool areas.

When we were done with our session, there's separate men's and women's shower and bathrooms. A little too much naked going on! But then ya head back to unlock the locker and grab your stuff to change. The band goes in a slot at the entrance/exit to get you back out through the turn stile. Very efficient!

Then it was time to feed our bellies and boy did we! Ryan craved a steak and I think it must have still been moo-ing. Ewww. After stuffing ourselves too full, we found and followed signs to the Boeblingen Christmas Bazaar. We wandered among the stalls wishing they'd cranked out the Christmas music to create the right vibe. As it was, just a few stalls here and there had a little music playing lightly. Having eaten too much and circled the warm indoor bazaar, I was exhausted when we got home! The kids were all riled up to have their dad, the human jungle gym, home again but I headed to bed early so I could snuggle up with my book. Great day! I think Mineraltherme will be seeing us again soon!

Our jokester

Easton has just begun to love telling jokes. There's some bee jokes written on the side of the Honey Nut Cheerios box right now and he was in stitches laughing over them yesterday. But this morning as he was getting ready for school and Ryan was eating breakfast, Easton blurted out the following:

Easton: Dad, there's a lost human in our backyard!

Ryan, looking outside: There is, eh? Where?

Easton: Made ya see! [followed by raucous laughter over his joke]

Ryan, chuckling: It's "made ya look" not "made ya see", funny boy!

All morning long Easton was saying odd things to catch our attention. I think it's time for a real joke book before his material gets old very fast!

The secret of his power

As I gave McKay his clothes to get dressed this morning, he hollered, "Yeah! This shirt gives me power!!! It's got super powers!" It was a simple navy sweatshirt that had been a freebie hand-me-down for Easton and now is McKay's. Ahh, to be young and in love with whatever clothing Mom throws your way!

Lichterfest

McKay's kindergarten hosted a Lichterfest / St. Martin's Day party on Friday evening. It was so nice to go to one of these with Ryan so we could keep up with the kids! With the room lit only by candles and some strings of lights everywhere, the class sat in a circle and sang songs about St. Martin. It was very cute!

The teachers handed out light sticks before the singing began which the kids loved! This is how McKay spent the majority of the songs, waving his light stick in rhythm with the music while sucking his thumb.

Frau Bachmann leads and accompanies most songs on her guitar which is very fun!

Madelien's mom accompanied a song with her super accordian. Madelien is the little girl who had a crush on Easton and followed him around. She's to the right of the blond bob and you can't see her well, but she's a real cutie.

My favorite song was about the wintry weather. They gave each kid a scarf to wave and throw around like the wind. A few times, the song has them lay on the grown and then pop up and throw their scarf up high. A real hit!

Here's McKay with the lantern he made in class. They painted on architectural paper that looks like wax paper without the wax. I love that stuff because they make fun window decor with it at the school! Gotta find some of that!

And more open flames. Fire hazard is not used as an excuse in these parts! There were even some little lit flower pots that Morgan almost burnt herself on because they were ground level. Good thing there were other more observant parents in the room who caught her before I saw her make her way to the open flames!

These fishing rod looking sticks have a light on the end that dangles a little bulb inside the lantern with a switch on the handle. It reminded Ryan and I of that big ugly scary fish in "Finding Nemo" that dangles a little light to attract its meal. I'd bought Easton a lantern when I got the sticks, but don't remember where I put it. Luckily, McKay was just happy to have his lil' dangling light on and let Easton carry the lantern on his stick. The lantern on Easton's stick still has the live candle lighting it.

This week on November 11, our town will have a lantern procession led by a man on horseback with a band accompanying the children and families singing. It reminds me of what we saw in Muerren, Switzerland for Swiss National Day, minus the man on horseback leading the procession. Neat tradition!

The kindergarten sent all of us home with our lit lanterns after a buffet of finger foods. I always wonder what to take to these things, but I made our favorite spicy taco bean dip with tortilla chips. I had a heck of a time trying to explain it to a couple other moms until the word "taco" came out of my mouth and then there were some "aha!" moments. My friend Heike brought a seven layer bean dip that was also a hit with discerning folks. [Ha-Ha-Ha!] I didn't get much to eat because I was chatting. I had fun talking to my English speaking friends, but felt bad I didn't branch out more since so many of the other parents do in fact speak English really well.

Walking home from the bus . . .

Here's my crew all bundled up and protected from the elements while waiting for Easton's bus to arrive. We saw our first snowflakes falling fast to the ground among the drizzling rain!

As I pulled up the rain guard, my little cowboy was bushed!

Guess all the stories, tickles and wrestling after lunch worked their magic!

My happy kindergartner with his mug of hot chocolate. Hat hair can be so cute! McKay went right down for his nap from the stroller and after Morgan finished munching on a sandwich quarter of McKay's, she has now joined him in dream land. What a great rainy day!

Oh yes, and I enjoyed the following BYU Kennedy Center for International Studies lecture about religious diplomacy while doing my chores. As I find myself talking to friends of other faiths and aching to know the real them without opening a can of worms, I'm grateful for the tools this lecture provides.