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Better

Well, after a long, rough, very disgusting weekend it looks like we're all doing better. Friday night the boys were sick and by Saturday they were weak but acting like they felt better. By that afternoon I had it and by Sunday morning I was over it, but weak. Danny however caught it during the night and seemed to have it the worst. So by Sunday night I was exhausted from cleaning, disinfecting, and washing, and feeding the family! It's tough being a parent or the only healthy adult in the house :( We decided that Monday would be our get rested up day.... then Micah started acting sick again. So here we are on Tuesday and I believe we're all healthy, just tired and weak. Man--that was a mean stomach bug! I do need to make it to the grocery store and finish up some laundry.

Thankfully our family isn't "sickly". We've been blessed to only get something really bad about once a year. haha. I was talking to my father-in-law over the weekend and I said we should be good for a year now! LOL! Thanks for the prayers and encouragement.

Hope your week is off to a much better start ;)

-krista-

PS-- These are pictures from the Charcoal tablets the Pharmacist told us to give everyone ( I could've saved us money and sent them to the bag of charcoal by the grill if I'd known that they weren't just called "charcoal pills" haha!). They are supposed to help slow down or stop things "down south". Then the pharmacy gave us drops to put in some water and that would keep the 'fro-up' and nausea from happening. Well, the pills were not popular (big surprise!), but the reason why the boys are smiling in the pics are because I got the great idea to roll them in a little syrup... so they slid down just fine, but not after they first attempted to chew them. What troopers!!

Time Change & 'Fro-up'

Tonight we'll be turning our clocks back an hour. We usually "fall back" an hour before the U.S. and we "spring forward" the same day. So after the night we had last night it'll be nice to get an extra hour of sleep--hopefully.

In our 4 1/2 years as parents we haven't seen that much throw-up in one night!!! The boys must've caught a bug because they were both complaining of upset tummy's yesterday and Micah was having bowel problems all day. Danny was bathing them and sent them with their jammies to the living room. I was placing plates with food on them on the table for dinner and the phone between my ear and shoulder talking to my brother-in-law. I could see Micah in the living room. He coughed weird and then IT CAME! I put the plates down, told David we'd call him back, held Micah still while he kept going and then Nate, who was on the other side of the living room not yet dressed in his jammies said, "oh mommy...." and IT CAME! Did you catch that??? AT THE SAME TIME!! haha. Life is funny.

It's amazing how parenthood kicks in during these times. Danny & I have weak stomachs, but managed to keep ourselves composed during the whole ordeal :) I just had to laugh at the whole situation. In the midst of all this Danny was trying to get out the door to football practice. I'm sure you feel like I've shared enough, so I'll say this wasn't the last time we cleaned last night ;) Danny & Nate stayed in the living room with bowls and towels and Micah and I stayed in our room.

This morning everyone woke up feeling much better, but tired. It must've been a 24 hr. bug. We'll take it easy today and hope we've seen the last of it.

Hope your weekend is a different kind of eventful :) haha!

-krista-

Blowing off some dust...

There's something about the Fall weather that gets me in the mood to read. Maybe it's the cooler weather and the coziness of a blanket while sitting in my recliner and enjoying some coffee or hot cocoa. So I've been going thru my bookshelf and I want to go back and re-read some of my favorite books. The first one on the list is: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. It's based on the book of Hosea in the Bible. What an awesome illustration of the way God loves us.... no matter how many times we stray. I've got a few more books by F. Rivers that I really enjoy and then there's Bodie & Brock Thoene in the Zion Covenant, my collection of Robert Frost poetry, and some John Piper books that have peaked my interest from Danny's bookshelves. I've recently read a few Nicholas Sparks books and thought they were good. I don't want to read any of the ones that were turned into movies though. If I've read a book first or seen the movie first the other one, whether it be the book or movie just doesn't seem as good. There are a few parenting books I have read or partially read.... Shepherding A Child's Heart by Ted Tripp is actually one I'm in the middle of and really like. So what are some books that you read and enjoy?

-Krista-

Exchange Rate

Well, most of you probably don't really take notice in how the dollar/euro exchange rate is doing.... but we sure do! In the last month or maybe a little longer it has dropped about .35 cents!! That's A LOT! When Danny & I took our survey trip in 2002 it was practically equal exchange and when we moved here in 2004 it was about $1.21 to 1.00 euro. It was $1.60 to get 1.00 euro-- currently takes $1.26 to get 1.00 euro! Fantastic!

-krista-

Football Pictures

So here are some pictures of Danny's first game. They won 42-10, but it wasn't that much of a challenge they said. The other team had only 3 guys on the sidelines! They also had 3 injuries. You had to feel bad for them. But these are just exhibition games too. The Styrian Bears are a new team and trying to become a recognized team in the league. So they have to host 2 home games and play 2 away games. The season actually begins in the Spring. The Bears have played their 2nd game and lost. But they kinda knew going into it because the team from Vienna was very good. It was a good learning game Danny said. Danny has been able to pray before the games and give a spiritual "talk" too. He's really enjoying the experience. The boys and I are so proud of him for all his hard work. Every time Micah sees football on t.v. (we get the European channel for ESPN) he screams, "Daddy pa fooball" (Danny play football). LOL!

I can't believe I still haven't gotten a picture of just Danny in his gear. After his game he went to the locker room & changed before I could get a shot of just him.

While Danny was physically exhausted from hitting and being hit by guys, I teased him that it couldn't have been near as tiring as having the boys all day ;) You see, Danny left early to have lunch with the team, give a devotional, suit up, etc. The boys knew what was going so answering the question "Are we going to see Daddy play yet?" or "Mom, we don't want to be late" was funny at first. There was also the Graz annual marathon so many, many main roads were closed for the runners and so the traffic for detours was ridiculous! It took me an hour and 15 min. to get to my destination that was only about 25 min. away. I also had the tickets friends had bought from Danny so I needed to get to the gate ASAP, but got a call on my cell phone while unloading the boys that a few friends were already up there. Oops. A few friends met me by the car and that was nice to help reign in the boys who were beside themselves with excitement. I had cupcakes for everyone we invited in celebration of Micah's birthday and finally got to the game after hugs and kisses on each cheek (Austrian custom). For the next couple of hours I was Mom, hostess, game explainer (yeah, I found that funny too since I still don't know everything about football), food provider, adoring wife, and fan! It was a great afternoon and we had a lot of fun!

About the pictures: Danny is #73. In the first 2 pictures you can see him (same stance in both). In the 3rd, he's in the middle of the field waiting on the kick off return. Then there's me and Juanita. Nate saying 'hi' to Daddy during halftime (I didn't get a great pic so I'm not posting one, but they had a remote control airplane that was very cool.... it was big enough that Nate could've sat in it). The next picture is of the team coming before the crowd and celebrating (Danny's 2nd to last on the far right). Lastly, Micah was given some gifts for his birthday. We have friends that are so caring and thoughtful.

Late Birthdays :(

I've been meaning to mention this and meant to do it the last time I posted because it was the actual day (14th)... but after I posted I got side tract (easy for me). Sooooo....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM AND PAPA! I talked to them both last week, but I've mentioned different family birthdays on here and I guess I got so caught up in Micah's birthday and Danny's first football game that I forgot to post their big day too.

I love you Mom. You're the best and I miss you so much. Thanks for making trips to see us over here and being supportive!

Papa, you're awesome! I love you too and miss you. You're so talented and thank you for all the things you've made me in your shop.

-Krista-

Dad & Mom

Papa & Grama

Micah's 2nd Birthday!

This past weekend was full of activity! We celebrated Micah's 2nd birthday and had a fun family night. Unfortunately, he's learned the term all to well--- "that's mine". I guess when you showcase a birthday and get cards in the mail and then gifts from friends and even a neighbor.... it starts going to your head.... especially if it's a 2 yr. olds head :) Nathan has been VERY patient though and I'm very proud of him. By the time Nathan turned 2 yrs. old I was already 4 months pregnant with Micah. He's such a good big brother. It seemed like we had such a rough start with Micah because he just wasn't being fed enough those first 6 weeks that I thought we'd never get to sleep ever again. I think back sometimes to the day he was born and remember thinking how much I loved him and yet what a little stranger he was too. We had gotten so used to our family of 3 that it seemed weird to have a 4th body in the car or at home. It's funny how things change and how you wonder how you ever lived without them. God has blessed us beyond what we deserve!

Here are a few pics of our family birthday party. I didn't make a big cake because we were also going to Danny first football game and I wanted to give out cupcakes for all the people we invited (there were 20 + people)) to come and watch. Most of them knew it was Micah's birthday as well and brought him gifts! Isn't that just so sweet?!?! Really... again... blessed beyond what we deserve.

Danny or I will give a football update soon with pics. I will go ahead and tell you they WON!!! It was so fun.... but for a Fall day it was RIDICULOUSLY hot so that kinda stunk for us, the fans. Fun though and can't wait till the next home game.

-Krista-

Tuesday

I am sitting here with a major headache! I think it's a bit to do with the weather and an on-coming cold. So this is going to be a bit of a bulletin type of post.

-Yesterday was sooo very busy. Took Nate to school. Danny to Dr. for check-up. I went to my Bible study group and we worked out. Picked up Danny. Picked up Nate from school. Grabbed some lunch. Took both boys to the Dr. for regular check ups. Both had to have shots. Ran errands all afternoon. We were gone for about 10 hrs.!!!
-Today I didn't have to teach English because Nate's Kindergarten was having a farmer's market. I didn't go, so no pic. Sorry. I had 3 girlfriends over for lunch-most of the afternoon. One of the ladies is studying the Bible with me and has taken it upon herself to find a meeting place in her community for Danny to preach. Cool, huh?!? I love watching God work. Danny left for football practice and I got the boys fed, bathed, and in bed. Boys are a bit cranky (I think due to shots yesterday) tonight.
-Here are pics we got this past weekend. Zach (my bro) and Jill are doing such a great job with Anna who is 11 weeks old now. Isn't she pretty?!?!
-Last picture is of David (Danny's bro) and Britney. They have purchased their tickets and will be coming next month!!!! Woo-hoo! It's going to be a great Thanksgiving with them here and a fun 30th birthday for me!!!
-I need to hit the sack... Gute Nacht!

Wedding Doves

I'm writing this as a follow-up to a post that Krista wrote on September 11. In that post she mentioned that I was doing a favor for my landlord and that I would write more on the subject later. Well, after being reminded several times, later is finally here.

About a month ago, our landlords, the Pauritsches, were doing some work around our house (trimming the shrubs and pruning the fruit trees) and, as is usually the case, Krista and I helped them. They are a very nice family and we have enjoyed getting to know them over the past four years. As a hobby, Mr. Pauritsch raises homing pigeons and doves. He used to enter them in competitions, but now he just releases them at weddings.

The favor he asked of me had to do with one of the weddings he had scheduled. Actually, he had booked three ceremonies on the same day. That created a conflict for him, in that he could not attend all three. To further complicate things, his friend who usually helps him in such situations was not able to be of assistance due to medical problems. So jokingly (at least that is how I was taking it), he asked me if I thought I could do it. I told him I probably could. (The most difficult part is reading a poem before the wedding party and guest).

He was more serious than I thought. A day or two later he brought me the poem and asked me to read it aloud. I did so and apparently impressed him. (I guess, he didn't think my German was that good before I read it). Before I knew it I had agreed to help him out with one of the three weddings. So, I learned the poem and my landlord took me to where the wedding would be about a week in advance so I would know how to get there on my own.

The next weekend, Nathan and I went to the wedding. All in all everything went pretty well. The only hitch was that the wedding was about an hour late in getting started so we had to wait around for quite a while. When it was my time to shine, I read the poem and then handed both the bride and groom a dove to hold so they could pose for pictures. After the pics, I released the doves (which, as homing pigeons do, flew straight home).

I guess my landlord was satisfied with my performance, because he has already asked me to help him next summer, when the "wedding season" roles around again. I actually enjoyed doing it and will probably help him out when I am available. Nate really enjoyed it, too, so I'm sure I will have a little helper to go with me again. Have a great one!

Danny

Are you ready for some Football!?!?

So I've been wanting to tell you about this new adventure we're on right now, but have held off till we knew for sure. A few weeks ago Danny was doing some research and found that there is another American football team here in Graz. If you recall he went to the Austrian Bowl this summer, which the Graz Giants won. The Giants are really good (not NFL good, but good for here). Danny's been praying for some new ministry opportunities and came across the Styrian Bears, which will play in the lowest division of the Austrian Football League. He emailed them to get more info about the team. He's been brainstorming ideas and so he wanted to meet some of the guys. They told him that tryouts were just 2 days ago (this all happened in September, so not literally 2 days ago). We talked about it and he thought it might be kinda fun to play if he made it. But wasn't expecting to because it's been awhile since he was actively playing sports (though he rides his bike and tries to eat well here). So Danny goes on a Friday night and he tries out. They were impressed and asked on the spot if he could play pending, of course, league approval. He had a physical done and had to prove that he wasn't a college or professional player in the past (because if he had been, he would have only been eligible to play for a top level team like the Giants). By the second practice he was sore... but he's doing great now. Their first game was supposed to be this Saturday in Hungary but it was canceled so next weekend is the first game (it is an exhibition game) here in Graz. Nate is especially excited to see his Daddy play.

This is wonderful on so many levels. Danny's circle of friends just grew by about 30 guys... not to mention their friends and families. Also, he has been asked to pray and give a motivational, spiritual talk before each game. He is somewhat the unofficial team chaplain (if they actually had sports chaplains here). He already has a nick name-- 'The Rev.' haha! I love it. Next, I believe this is a great outlet for Danny. It gives him a release like I have with being a mom and having play dates for the boys with my girlfriends and their kids.

He practices on Tuesday and Friday nights. I'll admit those evenings are kinda rough on me. He has to leave right as I'm cooking or if I'm really good with timing as I'm feeding the boys dinner. Then I bathe them and wrestle them into bed. I know, I'm spoiled that I have a hubby who is very helpful with the boys and their routine. But I'm so glad he's been able to do this. It's totally a God thing.

Here's the boys trying on his practice uniform. So hopefully I'll have pics next week of his first game. Keep him in your prayers that he'll be a light to these guys and that he doesn't get hurt ;) haha!

-Krista-